NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI USA: Atlanta Attorney Sentenced in Syndicated Conservation Easement Tax Scheme

    Source: US State of California

    A Georgia attorney was sentenced today to 16 months in prison for obstructing the IRS in connection with his participation in the promotion of abusive syndicated conservation easement tax shelters.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Vi Bui was an attorney and partner at Sinnott & Co., an Atlanta-based company. Beginning at least in 2012 and continuing through at least May 2020, Bui participated in a scheme to defraud the IRS by organizing, marketing, implementing, and selling illegal syndicated conservation easement tax shelters created and organized by co-conspirators Jack Fisher, James Sinnott, and others. Fisher and Sinnott were convicted at trial for their involvement in the scheme, and in January 2024, they were sentenced to 25 and 23 years in prison, respectively.

    The scheme entailed the creation of partnerships that purchased land and land-owning companies and then donated conservation easements over that land or the land itself. Appraisers generated fraudulent and inflated appraisals of the conservation easements. The partnerships then claimed a charitable contribution tax deduction based on the inflated value of the conservation easement, resulting in a fraudulent tax deduction flowing to the wealthy clients who purchased units in the partnership. Many of these clients joined the tax shelters after the donation of the interest in land and after the end of the relevant tax year. Bui knew that in order to make it appear that the participants had timely purchased their units in the tax shelters, Fisher, Sinnott, and others backdated and instructed others to backdate documents, including subscription agreements, checks, and other documents.

    Bui anticipated that the syndicated conservation easement transactions would be audited. In order to deceive the IRS, Bui and others took steps to make the partnerships appear as legitimate real estate development companies. They created and disseminated lengthy documents disguising the true nature of the transaction, instituted sham “votes” for what to do with the land that the partnership owned despite knowing that outcome was predetermined, and falsified paperwork such as appraisals and subscription agreements.

    In one instance, when investigators conducted an undercover operation in 2018, Bui, believing that the IRS was auditing an individual’s tax returns, prepared false documents related to a 2014 syndicated conservation easement tax shelter with the intent to make it appear that the documents were executed before the purported donation of the conservation easement in 2014 and before the 2014 tax returns had been filed.

    Bui earned substantial income for his role in the illegal scheme. He also used the fraudulent tax shelters to evade his own taxes, filing false personal tax returns from 2013 through 2018 that claimed false tax deductions from the illegal syndicated conservation easement tax shelters.

    In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Timothy C. Batten Sr. for the Northern District of Georgia ordered Bui to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $8,250,244 in total restitution to the IRS.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia made the announcement. They also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina for their assistance in the investigation of this matter.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.

    Senior Litigation Counsel Richard M. Rolwing, and Trial Attorneys Parker Tobin, Jessica Kraft, and Nicholas Schilling of the Tax Division prosecuted the case, with support from Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal for the Northern District of Georgia. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Richmond Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Child Pornography

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Richmond, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving child pornography, after having a prior state conviction for possession of child pornography.

    Derek Shain, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 25 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Shain to serve supervised release for Life following his incarceration.

    On January 16, 2025, Shain pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography, after having a prior state conviction for possession of child pornography. According to court documents, Shain communicated with a 15-year-old minor female on a social media platform.  He requested and received an image of child pornography from the minor female.  A background investigation of Shain confirmed that Shain was a registered sex offender at the time of this offense. Shain also has prior state convictions for attempted child molestation in the first degree and age misrepresentation with intent to solicit a minor.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sugar Creek, Missouri Police Department.

    Project Safe Childhood

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Canadian Man Illegally In The United States Pleads Guilty To Conspiracy To Smuggle Handguns Into Canada

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Durante King-Mclean, age 26, of Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to a single count of a multi-count indictment charging him with conspiring with others to illegally traffic in firearms.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the charges stem from a September 2, 2023, traffic stop by the Pennsylvania State Police in Franklin County of a rental vehicle operated by King-Mclean who was the only occupant of the vehicle. During the stop King-Mclean fled on foot and was apprehended after a brief foot chase. A subsequent search of the rental vehicle led to the recovery of 65 handguns in the vehicle’s trunk that were all individually concealed in socks. Of the 65 handguns that were recovered, two were fully automatic, 11 were stolen, and one had an obliterated serial number. King-Mclean had been in communication with his co-conspirators from April of 2023 until his arrest on September 2, 2023, and had been staying at an Airbnb in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, until he rented the vehicle at the end of August 2023 and headed north towards Canada with the illegally purchased handguns. Sometime after his arrest and incarceration on September 2, 2023, King-Mclean was charged by Canadian authorities for his alleged participation in the April 17, 2023, heist of approximately $22.5 million dollars in gold bars and foreign currency from the Air Canada cargo terminal at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. It was shortly after this heist that King-Mclean illegally entered the United States where he remained until his arrest on September 2, 2023, as he was headed back to Canada with the 65 handguns.

    “King-Mclean’s international firearms trafficking scheme had 65 guns destined for the hands of violent criminals and other prohibited people who threaten their communities,” said Eric J. DeGree, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Philadelphia Field Division. “ATF’s highest priority is reducing violent gun crime, and thanks to our cooperative efforts, this action kept dozens of crime guns off the street — preventing them from being used in any number of killings and other crimes.”

    “This guilty plea highlights the serious consequences of international arms trafficking and the dangers it poses to public safety. By illegally moving firearms across borders, criminal networks fuel violence and threaten communities,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Edward V. Owens. “HSI remains dedicated to working with our domestic and international partners to disrupt these illicit operations and ensure that those who engage in trafficking are held accountable.”

    King-Mclean faces a potential sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000.00 fine, and a three-year term of supervised release.

    The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Harrisburg Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    This prosecution is also part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.

    All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Springfield Man Pleaded Guilty to Burglary of a United States Post Office and Theft of Mail Matter

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to burglarizing a local post office building and stealing mail from this facility.

    Zachary M. Walker, 38, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie Epps, Jr., to a federal information charging him with one count of burglary of a post office building and one count of theft of mail matter.

    Walker, a former United States Postal Service employee, used his knowledge of building security to gain unauthorized access to a local post office, stealing mail matter and selling those items over the internet.

    According to the plea agreement, Walker was observed on secretly installed video cameras within a local post office building.  Walker was able to burglarize the post office because he had previously worked at that facility and knew the authorization codes that allowed him to circumvent building security.  While in the United States Post Office building, Walker would examine letters and mail matter, stealing those items that he could easily sell.

    Under federal statutes, Walker is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Springfield, Missouri, Police Department

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Father and Son Sentenced for Role in International Market Manipulation Scheme Related to New Jersey Deli

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CAMDEN, N.J. – A father and son were sentenced on May 13, 2025, for their roles in orchestrating a large-scale market manipulation scheme related to two publicly traded companies, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Peter Coker, Sr., 82, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Peter Coker, Jr., 56, formerly of Hong Kong, China, had pleaded guilty, on December 19, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn to securities fraud and conspiracy to commit securities fraud. Coker, Sr. was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, including six months’ home detention, and fines totaling $500,000. Coker, Jr. was sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, and fines totaling $250,000.

    James Patten, 65, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina also previously pleaded guilty to the same charges and is awaiting sentencing.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    From 2014 through September 2022, Peter Coker Sr., Peter Coker Jr., and Patten conspired to enrich themselves through a scheme to manipulate securities prices via a pattern of coordinated trading, which injected inaccurate information into the marketplace, creating false impressions of supply and demand for these securities.

    As part of the securities fraud scheme, the defendants targeted two publicly traded companies—Hometown International Inc. and E-Waste Corp.—which both traded on the OTC Link Alternative Trading System, also known as the OTC Marketplace. The OTC Marketplace is an alternative trading system that contains three tiers of markets, which are largely based on the quality and quantity of the listed companies’ information and disclosures.

    Coker Sr., Coker Jr., and Patten took steps to gain control of both entities’ management and stock with the ultimate intention of entering reverse mergers, a transaction through which an existing public company merges with a private operating company. A successful reverse merger would allow the defendants to sell shares of each entity at a significant profit.

    In or around 2014, two New Jersey residents began the process of opening a local deli in Paulsboro, New Jersey. One of the individuals discussed his interest in opening the deli with Patten, a long-time friend, who suggested the creation of Hometown International, an umbrella corporation, under which the deli would operate as a wholly owned subsidiary. Unbeknownst to the deli owners, after Hometown International was formed, Patten and his associates began positioning Hometown International as a vehicle for a reverse merger that would yield substantial profit to them.

    Around October 2019, Hometown International began selling shares on the OTC Marketplace. Patten, Coker Sr., and Coker Jr. furthered their scheme by gaining control of Hometown International’s management and its shares from the deli owners. Coker Sr., Coker Jr., and Patten took similar actions to gain control of E-Waste Corporation’s stock and management. The defendants also arranged for the transfer of millions of shares of stock to a number of nominee entities, including entities controlled by Coker Jr., in an effort to mask their control of the shares.

    In addition, the defendants transferred shares to family members, friends, and associates and gained control over their trading accounts by obtaining their log-in information to conceal the defendants’ involvement. The defendants then used those accounts to commit a number of coordinated trading events, often referred to as match and wash trades, to trade in Hometown International and E-Waste Corp.’s stock on both sides of the transaction.

    These tactics artificially inflated the price of Hometown International and E-Waste’s stock by giving the false impression that there was a genuine market interest in the stock. Their scheme had the ultimate impact of artificially inflating Hometown International’s stock by approximately 939 percent and E-Waste’s stock by approximately 19,900 percent.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, and special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan in Newark, with the investigation. He also thanked special agents from FBI Charlotte, FBI Los Angeles, FBI San Francisco, FBI Denver, and FBI Knoxville, for their assistance.

    The government is represented by Lauren E. Repole, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Webman of the Economic Crimes Unit. 

                                                                           ###

    Defense counsel:

    Peter Coker, Sr.: John Azzarello, Esq. (Morristown, New Jersey), William McGovern, Esq. (New York, New York)

    Peter Coker, Jr.: Zach Intrater and Marc Agnifilo (New York, New York)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Honors Vermont Law Enforcement During National Police Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and 78 bipartisan senators this week in welcoming the Senate’s unanimous passage of their resolution designating May 12 through 17 as National Police Week. During National Police Week, Americans pay special tribute to the service and sacrifice of courageous officers and their families, especially our nation’s fallen heroes. 
    Every year, for more than six decades, Congress has passed a resolution in honor of law enforcement officers. The National Police Week resolution reiterates the Senate’s unwavering support for law enforcement officers across the United States.   
    “National Police Week is a time to reflect on the service of the men and women in Vermont—and across the country—who put their lives on the line to protect our communities. We are thankful everyday for Vermont’s law enforcement. We also honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in passing this bipartisan resolution, which renews our commitment to providing law enforcement officers and personnel with the resources needed to uphold their oath to serve our communities with valor and respect.” 
    “Law enforcement officers in Iowa and across the nation work tirelessly to protect and serve our communities. This week, and every week, we should give our thanks to the brave men and women in blue, who have sacrificed so much to ensure our safety,” said Senator Grassley. “As always, I’m proud to back the blue and will continue my efforts in Congress to protect and support our courageous officers.”  
    “Every day, our country’s law enforcement officers put their lives at risk to keep us safe. Officers and their families make great sacrifices in the name of service, including the tragic cases of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. We’re grateful for their heroism, and we must make sure that officers serving with dignity and integrity have the support and resources they need to do their jobs,” said Senator Durbin. 
    Senators Welch, Grassley and Durbin are joined by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Christopher Coons (D-Del.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Thomas Tillis (R-N.C.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Margaret Hassan (D-N.H.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.).   
    Read and download the full text of the resolution. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Maryland Man Previously Arrested for Coercing 18-Year-Old to Travel Interstate for Commercial Sex Charged in Superseding Indictment with Massachusetts Man for Conspiring to Sex Traffic Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendants, one of whom is 19-years-old, allegedly conspired to sex traffic a minor victim

    BOSTON – A superseding indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Boston charging two men with conspiring to engage in the sex trafficking of a minor victim.

    On April 16, 2025, David Kaufman, 44, was arrested on an indictment charging him with one count of knowingly persuading, inducing, enticing and coercing an individual to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution and aiding and abetting.

    The superseding indictment adds Darren Zaldivar, 19, of Ludlow, Mass., charging him with transporting an individual with intent the individual engage in prostitution. Both defendants are also charged with conspiring to engage in sex trafficking of a minor. The superseding indictment also adds the charge of sex trafficking of a minor against Kaufman.

    Zaldivar will appear in federal court in Boston later today. Kaufman remains detained in federal custody.

    According to the detention brief previously filed, Kaufman had allegedly been victimizing minor males and young adults ranging in ages from 14–20 by paying the minors for Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and coercing and enticing some of them to travel to his penthouse condominium at the Four Seasons in Baltimore, and elsewhere, to engage in sex acts with him, which he video recorded. Zaldivar is alleged to have conspired with Kaufman in the sex trafficking of a minor victim in 2024. Zaldivar is also alleged to have transported the minor victim with the intent that the victim engage in commercial sex.

    According to court filings, Kaufman coerced an 18-year-old victim to travel from Massachusetts on two occasions to visit his penthouse condominium at the Four Seasons in Baltimore, paying for the plane tickets. While there, Kaufman allegedly provided the victim with alcohol and drugs, including cocaine, until the victim was intoxicated. It is alleged that Kaufman would then persuade the victim to engage in sex acts, which Kaufman videotaped so that he could watch them later in order to get pleasure for himself. In exchange for the sex acts, it is alleged that Kaufman paid the victim with cash, electronic money transfers and gifts. For example, after he engaged in sex acts in February 2024, Kaufman allegedly bought the victim a Louis Vuitton bag.

    If you have information or questions about this investigation, or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking or child exploitation, please contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.

    The charge of coercing a person to travel for purposes of prostitution provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of sex trafficking a minor provides for a sentence of up to life, up to life and no less than five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.The charge of transporting an individual with intent the individual engage in prostitution provides for up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.The charge of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor provides for a sentence of up to life, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Maryland; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and the Baltimore Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torey B. Cummings and Craig E. Estes of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit are prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Fentanyl, Firearm, and Unemployment Insurance Fraud Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Greenbelt, Maryland – Today, Vincent Ford, 22, of Baltimore, Maryland, pled guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and oxycodone; possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon; and wire fraud, in connection with fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 unemployment insurance (UI) benefits.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the plea with Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG); and Chief Malik Aziz, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).

    According to the guilty plea, on February 17, 2023, PGPD officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with heavily tinted windows.  During the traffic stop, officers detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The driver acknowledged there was marijuana in the car. 

    Ford was the passenger in the vehicle and officers noticed that he was wearing an unzipped gray satchel.  After searching the vehicle, officers found a loaded Taurus G3C semi-automatic firearm under the passenger seat where Ford had been sitting. It was loaded with 13 rounds of 9mm ammunition in the magazine and one round of 9mm ammunition in the chamber ready to be fired.  The firearm was previously reported stolen from a vehicle in Baltimore County.

    Law enforcement also searched Ford’s satchel and person, recovering 46 30mg blue pills that contained fentanyl, a 20mg white pill that contained oxycodone, three 15mg green pills that contained oxycodone, and more than $1,000 in cash.

    Ford admitted to possessing the fentanyl and oxycodone pills with the intent to distribute them.  He also acknowledged that he possessed the loaded Taurus firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking. Due to a previous felony conviction, Ford is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

    Additionally, a subsequent investigation revealed that Ford also engaged in COVID-19 UI fraud.  According to the plea, between at least June 13, 2020, and November 19, 2020, Ford participated in a scheme to defraud the Maryland Department of Labor of at least $17,000 in UI benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several federal programs expanded UI eligibility and increased UI benefits to provide emergency assistance to struggling Americans.  Ford fraudulently took advantage of that program and filed at least six false UI claims, using stolen identities of real persons.  Two of the fraudulent claims resulted in the disbursement of $17,000 in funds in the names of two of the identity theft victims.  He obtained $2,580 of that amount from a bank card in the name of one of the victims.

    Ford faces a maximum sentence of 15 years for the felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition charge; a maximum of 20 years for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and oxycodone; and a maximum of 20 years for wire fraud in connection with his fraudulent COVID-19 unemployment insurance scheme.  Judge Deborah L. Boardman scheduled sentencing for Monday, November 3, at 2 p.m.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud.  The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts.  For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF, DOL-OIG, and PGPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick D. Kibbe and Nicholas F. Potter who are prosecuting the case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Foreign Nationals Plead Guilty to Illegal Entry into the United States

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on May 9, 2025, Adrian Santos-Miranda, 31, and Yanela Guerra-Matamoros, 36, citizens of Cuba, pleaded guilty to a criminal complaint charging them with illegally entering the United States at a time or place other than designated for entering the country by immigration authorities.

    According to court records, on May 8, 2025, at approximately 3:40 p.m., U.S. Border Patrol received an image of two individuals, later identified as the defendants, walking south from the Canadian Border in the area of Mud Creek, approximately two miles east of the village of North Troy, VT. Border Patrol agents responded to the area, followed foot signs through the woods and mud, and at approximately 7:00 p.m., located the two defendants, who fled further into the woods when approached. The agents apprehended the two defendants, who appeared to be the same individuals in the image they had received. The agents then conducted an immigration inspection. Neither defendant was able to provide Border Patrol with the necessary documents that would allow them to stay or remain in the U.S. legally. Both defendants were placed under arrest. Border Patrol conducted further record checks, which identified the defendants as citizens of Cuba with no current legal status in the United States.

    Santos-Miranda and Guerra-Matamoros had their initial court appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on May 9, 2025, where they pleaded guilty and received a time-served sentence. Santos-Miranda and Guerra-Matamoros had faced up to 6 months’ imprisonment.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Gilman. Santos-Miranda is represented by Mark D. Oettinger, Esq. and Guerra-Matamoros is represented by Jason J. Sawyer, Esq.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Decades of neglect: Migrant farm worker housing needs national regulatory standards

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By C. Susana Caxaj, Associate Professor, Nursing, Western University

    Housing for migrant workers in Western Canada. Many workers live in poorly maintained housing and face surveillance and harassment from employers. (Elise Hjalmarson/RAMA Okanagan)

    In today’s political climate, temporary migrants in Canada are being scapegoated for everything from rising grocery bills to the affordable housing crisis. Yet migrant workers, particularly farm workers, face a hidden housing crisis that needs urgent attention.

    Much of Canada’s ability to produce food hinges on hiring migrant agricultural workers from countries like Mexico, Guatemala, Jamaica and elsewhere. Yet, housing for migrant agricultural workers in Canada is often overcrowded, dangerous and undignified.

    Amid government inaction, our group of 29 researchers, clinicians and advocates with the Coalition for National Housing Standards for Migrant Agricultural Workers (CoNaMi), have developed a proposal for national housing standards. This work is backed by clinical experience, hundreds of interviews and surveys and migrant agricultural workers’ own advocacy.

    Inadequate housing

    When two of us — Anelyse and Susana — interviewed 151 migrants in Ontario and British Columbia as part of our research, workers described conditions of isolation, crowding, inadequate ventilation, poor maintenance and close proximity to hazards such as agrochemicals.

    Both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers struggled to access health care, groceries and social services. In addition, their phone and internet access was often unreliable.

    Some workers reported employer-imposed restrictions on leaving the property, and bans on visitors. These living conditions pose serious risks to workers.

    Similarly to research led by the Centre for Climate Justice in British Columbia, we also encountered several workers who endured significant hardships as a result of extreme weather events.

    Consistent with recent research in Nova Scotia, we found that a lack of meaningful union representation, precarious status and low wages created coercive conditions in which workers felt forced to accept poor living conditions.

    Marginalization and exploitation

    As migrant workers typically live on the farms where they work, the lines between work and home can be blurred. This living arrangement often contributes to isolation and surveillance by employers. It may also enable harassment and abuse.

    Furthermore, migrants are geographically separated from their families for months or years at a time. Research that Adam has conducted in Atlantic Canada and Ontario, Jill in Québec and Susana in Ontario and British Columbia, outlines how poor housing conditions not only threaten workers’ health and well-being, but also contribute to their marginalization and exploitation.

    Workers often describe feeling demeaned and controlled, and they wonder why Canada, a country so willing to accept their labour, is so reluctant to accept their common humanity.

    In 2024, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery has described Canada’s temporary foreign worker program, accessed by migrant agricultural workers to come to Canada, as “a breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery,” a statement echoed by international human rights watchdog Amnesty International.

    Yet the federal government has failed to meaningfully improve housing conditions or establish clear, enforceable and mandatory standards. This inaction persists despite years of reviews, consultations and recommendations.

    In fact, a study commissioned by the federal government to review the possibility of a national housing standard for migrant agricultural workers in 2018 called for greater consistency in housing quality assessments.

    Academic experts have long called for a national housing standard, as well as proactive and unannounced housing inspections. Other professional and labour organizations have identified the need for greater inter-jurisdictional co-ordination and attention to issues of safety, pandemic preparedness, privacy and dignity.

    Furthermore, safeguarding housing quality requires policy changes that provide meaningful status and adequate collective bargaining representation to migrant workers, as these conditions underlie their vulnerability in housing.

    In the 2020 Auditor General of Canada report, the need for national minimum accommodation requirements for migrant agricultural workers was identified. However, housing remains a key concern for these workers who have not yet benefited from such proposed recommendations.

    National housing standard

    A national housing standard for migrant agricultural workers is a crucial step towards protecting their rights and mitigating their vulnerability. These standards must include:

    1. Appropriate and enforced housing standards: Ensure robust and proactive enforcement of housing standard. Living quarters must be well-constructed, safe and dignified.

    2. Privacy, security, access and freedom: Guarantee workers’ rights to privacy, movement, access to health and social services and freedom from surveillance. Workers must have access to transportation and be able to enjoy rest, leisure and a social life.

    3. Dignified living conditions: Safeguard basic rights to comfort, storage and personal care by prescribing minimum standards and ratios for private bedrooms, common areas, laundry and cooking facilities. Workers should have private bedrooms and reliable internet access.

    4. Health and safety in housing: Protect workers from the spread of illness, extreme weather events and other hazards through proper air conditioning, ventilation and reduced occupancy ratios for bathrooms and kitchens.

    5. Co-ordinated government leadership: Prevent different jurisdictions passing the buck by mandating co-ordination, data-sharing and training among federal, provincial and municipal governments. For example, inspectors should be trauma-informed and armed with strategies to mitigate implicit bias and to anticipate barriers this group faces because of their precarious status. The federal government must lead with adequate funding and policy reform to address barriers that prevent workers from advocating for decent housing.

    The evidence is clear. Canadian governments must raise the bar from the floor, and create national standards for migrant agricultural workers’ housing.

    C. Susana Caxaj has received Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada to carry out this research. Previously, her work has been funded by the Canadian Institute of Health Research, Vancouver Foundation and Western University. She is a co-founder and member of the Migrant Worker Health Expert Working Group.

    Anelyse Weiler receives funding from SSHRC and the Hari Sharma Foundation. She is a board member with the B.C. Employment Standards Coalition and is involved with the Worker Solidarity Network.

    J. Adam Perry receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    Jill Hanley receives funding from SSHRC and CIHR for her research on farmworkers. She is affiliated with the Immigrant Workers Centre and the SHERPA University Institute.

    – ref. Decades of neglect: Migrant farm worker housing needs national regulatory standards – https://theconversation.com/decades-of-neglect-migrant-farm-worker-housing-needs-national-regulatory-standards-255709

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Glad You Asked: Higher Level Review

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    In this episode, Deputy Secretary, Dr. Paul Lawrence breaks down higher-level review. If you believe VA made a mistake deciding your claim, a second, more experienced VA reviewer will take a fresh look.

    To learn more, go to https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/higher-level-review/.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGWSBQ1m7S4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Honoring The Fallen – Police Week 2025 | CBP

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) participates at the 31st Annual Blue Mass held in Washington D.C. at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Law enforcement and first responders gather to remember the contributions of those who have served and the brave men and women who have died in the line-of-duty.

    Instagram ➤ https://instagram.com/CBPgov
    Facebook ➤ https://facebook.com/CBPgov
    Twitter ➤ https://twitter.com/CBP
    Official Website ➤ https://www.cbp.gov

    #cbp
    #policeweek
    #memorial
    #lawenforcement

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSfbsh8WqM0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons recaps major recent achievements and his duty to the fallen

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons recaps major recent achievements going into National Police Week and discusses his sacred duty to ensure those who’ve given their lives in the line of duty are never forgotten.

    Visit our virtual Hall of Heroes: https://www.ice.gov/topics/eow

    #ice #police #lawenforcement #shortvideo

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XQmLyv86No

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins Colleagues to Applaud Passage of Resolution Recognizing National Police Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and 79 of their Senate colleagues in welcoming the Senate’s unanimous passage of a resolution designating May 12 through 17 as National Police Week.
    This resolution is an annual tradition going back more than 60 years and reiterates the unwavering support for law enforcement officers across the nation who keep our communities safe, our borders secure, and drugs and criminals off our streets. 
    “My dad was the chief of police in my hometown, and I grew up watching him put his life on the line every day to protect our community,” said Senator Marshall. “Law enforcement officers in the state of Kansas – and across the United States – work tirelessly every day to protect our country and uphold the rule of law. America’s law enforcement officers deserve the highest level of recognition. I am proud to support this resolution alongside my Senate colleagues and see its unanimous passage.”
    “Law enforcement officers in Iowa and across the nation work tirelessly to protect and serve our communities. This week, and every week, we should give our thanks to the brave men and women in blue, who have sacrificed so much to ensure our safety,” said Senator Grassley. “As always, I’m proud to back the blue and will continue my efforts in Congress to protect and support our courageous officers.” 
    The resolution:
    Recognizes the need to ensure that law enforcement officers have the equipment, training, and resources that are necessary in order to protect the health and safety of the officers while the officers protect the public.
    Acknowledges that police officers and other law enforcement personnel, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, should be remembered and honored.
    Expresses condolences and solemn appreciation to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
    Encourages the people of the United States to observe National Police Week by honoring law enforcement personnel and promoting awareness of the essential mission that law enforcement personnel undertake in service to their communities and the United States.
    Read the full resolution here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins The Daily Signal to Discuss Justice for Angel Families Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington, – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Tony Kinnett with The Daily Signal yesterday to discuss the Justice for Angel Families Act, legislation that would amend the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) to expand financial coverage for Angel Families – the immediate relatives of victims killed by illegal aliens, including in drunk driving accidents. This legislation would allow federal funds to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs, easing the financial burden on grieving families.
    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview with Tony Kinnett
    Highlights from the interview include:
    On why we need to support Angel Families:
    Senator Marshall: “You know, for every Laken Riley, there’s dozens of other people that have been murdered by violent, illegal criminal aliens. A lot of them, again, is the DUI issue as well.
    “Those loved ones are often left with… funeral bills, with large hospital bills, as well. And this just helps a little bit of a bridge for that family. And to your point, to take responsibility that we didn’t keep our families safe.”
    On what’s next for immigration reform:
    Senator Marshall: “I think that the emphasis, to me, right now is ‘Promises made, promises kept.’ If President Trump was in this conversation today, right now, he would say, and he has looked at me more than once, said, ‘Roger, I campaigned – No. 1 – more than anything else, more than the economy, was securing the border and making your family safe.’
    “Now, we need legislation, and I have confidence in President Donald Trump. Maybe in the third or fourth year we could go back and fix our broken immigration system. But in the meantime, part of this big, ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ is $50 billion to finish the wall. And then beyond that there’s another $50 billion for raises for our Border Patrol and bonuses… as well.”
    On codifying President Donald Trump’s executive orders:
    Senator Marshall: “We rescinded… major orders, regulatory orders of Joe Biden, rolling back regulations, helping set American energy free, help setting American business free as well.
    “So, that’s one thing that we have done. Rescission packages are the other opportunity…. What the Department of Government Efficiency work has done here, to turn that into law, it takes a rescission package. The White House has to initiate it. It only takes 50 votes as well. And then beyond that, let’s see.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: $190M Raised: Canada’s Top 20 Moonshot Ventures™ of 2025 Unveiled After Closed-Door NACO Showcase

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Canada’s most promising early-stage companies officially unveiled today following a closed-door showcase at the NACO Summit, with ventures spanning AI, cleantech, healthtech, and space.

    OTTAWA, Ontario, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The National Angel Capital Organization (NACO) today unveiled Canada’s Top 20 Moonshot Ventures™ of 2025—emerging companies led by bold entrepreneurs building transformative solutions across sectors.

    These ventures were selected through a rigorous, member-driven process. NACO invited its 100 member organizations—Canada’s leading angel groups, incubators, accelerators and early-stage venture capital funds—to each nominate one high-potential company. From this curated pool, 23 ventures were selected by NACO’s investment committee to take the Moonshots Stage™ at a closed-door NACO showcase held at the National Arts Centre during NACO Summit 2025. The audience featured top-tier angel investors, venture capitalists, and senior corporate leaders.

    “Ontario’s future depends on entrepreneurs, risk takers, and the investors who believe in them” said Premier Doug Ford, “That’s what makes events like this so important. As we face global economic uncertainty, Ontario’s innovators are leading the way, building new companies and creating jobs.”

    Collectively, the selected Moonshots companies have raised over $190 million to date. They represent the future of Canadian innovation—driving breakthroughs in AI, cleantech, healthtech, space, deeptech, consumer products, and more. Founders hailed from across the country, with companies based in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia. The 2025 Moonshots cohort includes founders from diverse backgrounds, sectors, and regions—reflecting the inclusive strength and geographic breadth of Canada’s innovation economy.

    “These founders represent the bold ideas, entrepreneurial drive, and global ambition within Canada’s innovation economy,” said Claudio Rojas, CEO of NACO. “The Moonshots Venture Showcase is designed to elevate the country’s most promising ventures by connecting them with the capital and networks they need to scale. We are proud to spotlight these exceptional companies as they take bold steps toward transformative growth and impact.”

    Top 20 Moonshots Stage™ Ventures of 2025

    Organized by sector and listed alphabetically

    AI & Next Gen Computing

    • Dreamwell AI — Co-Founder and CEO Kazzy Khazaal (Nominated by Panache Ventures)
    • Inner Logic — Co-Founder and CEO Bryce Tully (Nominated by Maple Leaf Angels)

    AI & Bioelectronics

    • Panaxium — Founder and CEO Brad Schmidt (Nominated by Brampton Angels / Altitude Accelerator)

    Cleantech

    • BluWave-ai — Founder and CEO Devashish Paul (Nominated by Capital Angel Network)
    • Evercloak — Co-Founder and CEO Evelyn Allen (Nominated by Capital Angel Network)

    Cleantech & Trade

    • PemPem — Founder and CEO Joann de Zegher (Nominated by Anges Quebec)

    Consumer Packaged Goods & Retail

    • The Little Cacao Co. — Founder and CEO Suzie Yorke (Nominated by Maple Leaf Angels)

    Enterprise, Software, & Deeptech

    • Cinareo — Co-Founder and CEO Karen Elliott (Nominated by SheBoot)
    • Depix AI — Founder and CEO Philip Lunn (Nominated by TandemLaunch)
    • H2 Analytics — Founder and CEO Hugo Hodgett (Nominated by Invest Ottawa)

    Healthtech & Biotech

    • Arbutus Medical — Founder and CEO Lawrence Buchan (Nominated by ThresholdImpact)
    • Hyivy Health — Founder and CEO Rachel Bartholomew (Nominated by Women’s Equity Lab)
    • JVP Labs — Founder and CEO Paul Weber (Nominated by Golden Triangle Angel Network)
    • mDetect — Founder and CDO Dr. Irsa Wiginton (Nominated by KNDL, Kingston Economic Development Corporation)
    • MedInclude — Founder and CEO Seun Adetunji (Nominated by Communitech)
    • Sparrow Bio — Founder and VP Rachel Collier (Nominated by The Firehood)
    • Zilia — Founder and CEO Dr. Patrick Sauvageau (Nominated by Anges Quebec)

    Insurtech, Femtech, & AI

    • Flora Fertility — Co-Founder and CEO Laura McDonald (Nominated by Highline Beta)

    Robotics, IoT, and Hardware

    • Solace Power — Founder, COO and CFO Colin Ryan

    Space, Mining, and Oceans

    • Mission Control Space Services — Founder and CEO Ewan Reid (Nominated by GreenSky President’s Club)
    • Open Ocean Robotics — Founder and CEO Julie Angus (Nominated by Spring Activator)

    Supply Chain / Inventory Management

    • Moselle — Founder and CEO Lakhveer Jajj (Nominated by Highline Beta, Angel One Investor Network)

    Travel & Media

    • The Hotel Communication Network — Founder and CEO Kevin Bidner (Nominated by Keiretsu Forum Canada)

    About the Nominating Organizations

    Canada’s Top 20 Moonshots Ventures™ of 2025 are shaped by the insight and leadership of NACO’s national member network. These organizations—spanning angel groups, accelerators, incubators, and innovation hubs—play a vital role in identifying Canada’s most promising early-stage ventures.

    Each year, members are invited to nominate one high-potential Seed or Series A company they believe is ready for scale. This peer-driven process creates a national filter rooted in trust, experience, and proximity to innovation on the ground. The result is a curated group of ventures with strong traction, compelling leadership, and global ambition—brought together to engage with the country’s most sophisticated investors at the Moonshots Venture Showcase.

    About the Moonshots Stage™

    Launched in 2022, the Moonshots Stage™ is Canada’s premier platform for investment-ready Seed and Series A ventures. Unlike traditional pitch events, this showcase puts storytelling front and center—each founder delivers a personal, TED-style presentation designed to spark connection and catalyze opportunity with one of the most curated investor audiences in the country.

    Selected companies join the Moonshots Alumni Network™, a national peer community of ventures recognized for innovation, ambition, and global potential. It is a key pillar of NACO Summit, Canada’s most exclusive gathering of early-stage investors and innovation leaders.

    Learn more at nacosummit.com

    Media Contact:

    media@nacocanada.com / www.nacocanada.com

    About National Angel Capital Organization (NACO)

    Established in 2002, NACO is Canada’s professional association representing over 4,000 angel investors, serving as the national umbrella for more than 100 member organizations—including angel groups, venture funds, incubators, and accelerators. Collectively, NACO members have invested more than CAD $1.8 billion into over 2,000 Canadian ventures.

    Angel investors are individuals and funds deploying capital at the earliest stages of growth. They include limited partners (LPs) investing in venture funds, family offices backing pre-seed and seed-stage ventures, and individuals investing directly or through angel groups.

    High-growth companies backed by angel investment that went on to achieve significant global scale include Slack (British Columbia), Verafin (Newfoundland and Labrador), Wealthsimple (Ontario), Hopper (Québec), and Jobber and Neo Financial (Alberta). Recent standouts include CoLab (NL) and 7shifts (Saskatchewan). These successes illustrate how angel investment drives Canada’s pipeline of innovative ventures, fueling future global success stories.

    Learn more at nacocanada.com

    For media inquiries, contact:
    Claudio Rojas, CEO, National Angel Capital Organization
    Email: media@nacocanada.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/05dbaabe-343b-48f0-981f-6280c5881a57

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A law change will expand who we remember on Anzac Day – the New Zealand Wars should be included too

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato

    The New Zealand Wars memorial in new Plymouth. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    Anzac Day has come and gone again. But – lest we forget – war and its consequences are not confined to single days in the calendar. Nor do we only remember those who fought at Gallipoli more than a century ago.

    This gradual expansion of the scope and meaning of April 25 is now about to grow further, with the Anzac Day Amendment Bill currently before parliament. Its goal is to make the commemoration “broader and more inclusive than it currently is”.

    Remembrance will soon include “other conflicts and persons who have served New Zealand in time of war or in warlike conflicts in the past and in the future that are not currently covered”.

    New Zealand personnel who served in United Nations missions, and who fought or died in training, will be recognised, as will civilians who served in war or warlike conflicts. Without doubt, it is an excellent initiative.

    The question is, does it go far enough? The obvious omission, if the new law is intended to be “broader” and include past wars, is the conflict that helped shape (and still shapes) the country we are today: the New Zealand Wars.

    Of course, including this pivotal period from 1843 to 1872 plays into the politics of today, given the land confiscations and other injustices the New Zealand Wars also represent. The question is whether their inclusion can avoid becoming a culture war in the process.

    How Anzac Day has grown

    The case for explicitly including the New Zealand Wars is strong. It is thought about 500 British and colonial troops, 250 of their Māori allies (sometimes known as kūpapa), and 2,000 Māori fighting against the Crown died in these conflicts.

    It was also during these wars that Australian and New Zealand military cooperation (the earliest form of Anzacs, in a sense) actually began. Around 2,500 Australian men enlisted for irregular New Zealand militia units, many encouraged by the offer of land grants in return for serving.

    Furthermore, Anzac Day has gradually grown over time to include wars and military conflicts beyond the tragedy in Turkey, first observed in 1916 when the government gazetted a half-day holiday (later made into a full public holiday in 1921) .

    The government again changed the law governing Anzac Day in 1949 to include World War II and the 11,500 New Zealand citizens who died in it. Significantly, it also added the South African/Boer War (which killed 59 New Zealanders), setting a precedent for bringing pre-first world war events into the frame.

    In 1966, Anzac Day’s scope grew again to recognise those “who at any time have given their lives for New Zealand and the British Empire or Commonwealth of Nations”. This allowed commemorations to cover the Cold War period, during which New Zealanders were killed in the Malayan Emergency (15), Korea (38) and Vietnam (37).

    Remembering without prejudice

    The counterargument to including the New Zealand Wars in an expanded Anzac Day might be that we already have a dedicated day of observance: Te Pūtake o te Riri on October 28, the date the Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand (precursor to the Treaty of Waitangi) was signed in 1835.

    First observed in 2018, the commemorations take place in different locations each year. And perhaps one day, young New Zealanders will talk about the events at Rangiriri, Gate Pā, Matawhero and Ngātapa in the same way they now talk about Gallipoli, Passchendaele, Crete and Monte Cassino.

    But the problem is that a two-tier system seems to have been created. Te Pūtake o te Riri was not made an official holiday and has struggled for wider recognition. While there is some public funding available, it is not on the scale of Anzac Day.

    Te Pūtake o te Riri can and will continue to evolve, and it’s focus on the causes and injustices of these conflicts should not be diminished.

    But an expanded and more inclusive Anzac Day, which recognises those who fought and died, would add another layer of meaning to a date long enshrined in the national calendar, similar to the way National Memorial Day in the United States encompasses their Civil War.

    We are now at a point in history when the injustices of the early colonial government have at least been acknowledged through the Treaty settlement process. It would make sense for the New Zealand Wars to be folded into the Anzac Day Amendment Bill.

    The words “lest we forget” should also apply to those who fell in the nation’s third most costly military conflict. That way we can remember all of the fallen, without prejudice.

    Public submissions on the Anzac Day Amendment Bill close on Thursday May 22.

    Alexander Gillespie does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. A law change will expand who we remember on Anzac Day – the New Zealand Wars should be included too – https://theconversation.com/a-law-change-will-expand-who-we-remember-on-anzac-day-the-new-zealand-wars-should-be-included-too-256682

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Ukraine: Establishment of the special tribunal for the crime of aggression must ensure victims-centered justice

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Amnesty International, the International Commission of Jurists (the ICJ) and the undersigned organizations are encouraged by steps taken towards the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, although regrettably final details on the mechanism’s legal framework, including its Statute, have not been made public. In this regard, the organizations call on the Council of Europe to urgently publish the draft Statute of the Tribunal to ensure the transparent and inclusive participation of civil society, especially victims and survivors, as the Tribunal is established and, certainly, in its proceedings.

    The initiative to establish a Special Tribunal has been precipitated by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, and the creation of the Special Tribunal is a significant step towards holding those responsible, up to the highest levels, for the crime of aggression. In its annual meeting held on 14 May in Luxembourg, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe invited the Organisation’s Secretary General to lead the process for the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, to be created on the basis of an agreement between the Council of Europe and Ukraine.

    “The Tribunal is an important breakthrough for the international justice community and especially for the millions of Ukrainians who have been harmed by the Russian aggression”, said Oleksandra Matviichuk, FIDH Vice-President and Head of the Center for Civil Liberties. “For the court to be truly effective however, it must not become a remote and hollow entity that does not engage with the Ukrainian victims or give them access to proceedings.”

    Until the draft Statute of the Tribunal is published, it is not possible to specifically comment on its contents. However, based on a recent explainer published by the Council of Europe regarding the proposed Tribunal, a number of observations can be made.

    As a key preliminary observation, the organizations expect the Tribunal to be able to investigate and prosecute senior government and military leaders responsible for the crime of aggression, up to and including heads of state. In this regard, the organizations deeply regret the availability of “personal immunities”, which, according to the Council of Europe explainer, will be granted to the members of the Troika (Head of State, Head of Government and Minister for Foreign Affairs). The organizations firmly oppose the reported availability of personal immunities within the Tribunal’s legal framework. Immunity has no bearing on a person’s potential individual responsibility and the mechanism cannot allow such immunities to lead to impunity by enabling those who likely bear the most responsibility for the crime of aggression to escape prosecution. The organizations call on all stakeholders, in particular the Council of Europe and Ukraine to urgently amend the draft Statute for the Tribunal to remove the availability of personal immunities, which are not recognized by international criminal tribunals and for which there is a growing body of law and practice excluding them.

    Veronika Velch, Director of Amnesty International Ukraine said: “The creation of the Special Tribunal is a step towards addressing some of the far too many accountability gaps confronting the delivery of justice for Ukrainians. It should ensure that the crime of aggression is thoroughly investigated. However, immunity goes hand in hand with impunity. In Amnesty International’s view, pursuing accountability at the highest level of Russia’s and other states’ political and military leadership must be a paramount objective of the Tribunal. Consequently, any immunity provisions which are currently in the Tribunal’s draft legal framework must be urgently removed or risk compromising future justice for victims of aggression. The Tribunal must not shy away from seeking indictments against all those who ordered, planned and implemented the crime of aggression against the people of Ukraine, including those most responsible.”

    The possibility of holding trials in absentia (without the presence of the accused) also marks a regressive development from previously established international criminal tribunals. Although the Special Tribunal’s draft Statute is reported to ensure that an accused person has the right to request the reopening of proceedings if they had not previously waived their right to appear or accepted the initial judgment, the Tribunal will need to ensure any trials held in absentia respect the fair trial rights of the accused, including by effective representation by counsel even where they do not appear. In particular, trials in absentia may affect perceptions of objectivity and impartiality of trials where an accused person is not present to defend themselves. For these reasons, such trials should be avoided by the Tribunal. 

    We also emphasise the importance, and perception, of impartiality and independence in all investigations, prosecutions and adjudications, in line with international law and applicable European Convention on Human Rights’ standards.

    “The Tribunal has to ensure complete compliance with international standards to maintain credibility,” said Kate Vigneswaran, Director of the Global Accountability Initiative at the ICJ. “Cases of aggression should normally be investigated and adjudicated by the ICC, and Rome Statute States Parties should ratify the Kampala amendment on the crime of aggression to ensure the Court’s capacity to do so.”

    FIDH, Amnesty International, the ICJ and the undersigned organizations call on the international community, especially on all Council of Europe member and observer States, members of the Core Group, and international organizations, to pursue all avenues to investigate and prosecute the crime of aggression in Ukraine. To this end, cooperation by all stakeholders will be critical for effective investigations.

    The organizations also underline that effective cooperation must be established between the Tribunal, the Council of Europe’s Register of Damage and the Claims Commission once established, as well as with the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). The organizations also call on States to ratify the Ljubljana-The Hague Convention on International Cooperation in the Investigation and Prosecution of the Crime of Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, War Crimes and other International Crimes as a basis of cooperation with the Tribunal, as well as international cooperation between states.

    The Special Tribunal should be able in legal and capacity terms to investigate and prosecute the crime of aggression against Ukraine. However, while the Tribunal is an important step, at the present juncture the need for comprehensive accountability for the crime of aggression requires the United Nations and the international community to continue to work towards a global and international justice response for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and other countries. Such an international mechanism should also exclude, if established under the auspices of the United Nations, the possibility of any immunity for those alleged to have committed the crime of aggression.

    Victims of Russia’s aggression deserve justice now – peace must be accompanied by justice. All victims must be heard, and their rights to truth, justice and reparations must be central to all discussions and actions taken as the establishment of the Special Tribunal moves forward.

    Background

    Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which resulted in widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, the ICC has issued arrest warrants for six Russian officials, including Vladimir Putin, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, the ICC currently lacks jurisdiction to prosecute the crime of aggression in Ukraine.

    The agreement establishing the Special Tribunal is expected to be signed by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe following the decision of the Committee of Ministers adopted on 14 May 2025. Ukraine officially requested the Council of Europe to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression on 14 May 2025.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton to Lutnick: Chinese Networking Equipment Risks National Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
     
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353May 14, 2025
    Cotton to Lutnick: Chinese Networking Equipment Risks National Security
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick urging the department to prohibit TP-Link equipment sales. This state-sponsored networking equipment company has deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party and poses a clear present danger to American national security.
    Additional signers of the bicameral letter are Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), James Risch (R-Idaho), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Rick Scott (R-Florida), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama). In the House, the letter was led by Congressman Riley Moore (West Virginia-02) and the signatories are Congressmen Gus Bilirakis (Florida-12), Abraham Hamadeh (Arizona-08), and John Rose (Tennessee-06).
    In part, Senator Cotton wrote: 
    “TP-Link’s pricing practices have triggered a Department of Justice criminal antitrust probe. TP-Link’s predatory pricing, coupled with its circumvention of tariffs, imminently threatens U.S. competition in a market critical to our national security. TP-Link has rapidly captured nearly 60 percent of the U.S. retail router and Wi-Fi system market while expanding the CCP’s cyber arsenal. The CCP uses SOHO equipment for ongoing espionage and targeting of critical infrastructure to pre-position itself for destructive attacks on Americans and communication channels with our allies.  
    For these reasons, Commerce should immediately prohibit future sales of TP-Link SOHO networking equipment in the United States. Each day we fail to act, the CCP wins while American competitors suffer, and American security remains at risk.”Full text of the letter may be found here and below. 
    The Honorable Howard LutnickSecretaryDepartment of Commerce1401 Constitution Avenue, NWWashington, D.C. 20230
    Dear Secretary Lutnick,
    We write in support of the Commerce Department’s investigation of TP-Link, a state-sponsored networking equipment company, and urge you to take swift action to prohibit further sales of TP-Link networking products in the United States. TP-Link’s deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), use of predatory pricing to eliminate trusted U.S. alternatives, and role in embedding foreign surveillance and destructive capabilities into our networks render it a clear and present danger.
    Chinese state actors have exploited TP-Link small and home office (SOHO) networking devices — including Wi-Fi routers, cellular gateways, and mobile hotspots — to wage cyber-attacks in the United States. CCP agents commonly exploit SOHO routers because those systems have ideal bandwidth and computing power for sustained cyber activities but lack additional layers of security common in enterprise networks. TP-Link is also subject to China’s National Security Law, giving the CCP access to U.S. systems before American authorities know a vulnerability exists. In fact, TP-Link is the only router company that refuses to engage in industry efforts to remediate Chinese state-sponsored botnets. 
    TP-Link’s pricing practices have triggered a Department of Justice criminal antitrust probe. TP-Link’s predatory pricing, coupled with its circumvention of tariffs, imminently threatens U.S. competition in a market critical to our national security. TP-Link has rapidly captured nearly 60 percent of the U.S. retail router and Wi-Fi system market while expanding the CCP’s cyber arsenal. The CCP uses SOHO equipment for ongoing espionage and targeting of critical infrastructure to pre-position itself for destructive attacks on Americans and communication channels with our allies.  
    For these reasons, Commerce should immediately prohibit future sales of TP-Link SOHO networking equipment in the United States. Each day we fail to act, the CCP wins while American competitors suffer, and American security remains at risk.
    We thank you for your ongoing work to secure and safeguard America’s Information and Communications Technology and Services supply chain. This work is critical to our national security, and we commend President Trump’s Executive Order 13873 to allow the Commerce Department to prohibit transactions in our country that pose unacceptable risk to American national security.     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Honors Arkansas Law Enforcement Amid National Police Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
    WASHINGTON––The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution backed by Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Dick Durbin (D-IL) and 78 of their colleagues designating May 11-17 as National Police Week. The National Police Week resolution reiterates the Senate’s unwavering support for law enforcement officers across the United States.
    “Arkansans are eternally grateful to the men and women in blue who willingly put their lives on the line to protect us and our loved ones. We must always display our deep admiration and appreciation to these heroes who run towards danger to keep us safe and uphold law and order. I am proud to stand with my colleagues and show our support for law enforcement officers across our country,” Boozman said.
    “Law enforcement officers in Iowa and across the nation work tirelessly to protect and serve our communities. This week, and every week, we should give our thanks to the brave men and women in blue, who have sacrificed so much to ensure our safety. As always, I’m proud to back the blue and will continue my efforts in Congress to protect and support our courageous officers,” Grassley said. 
    “Every day, our country’s law enforcement officers put their lives at risk to keep us safe. Officers and their families make great sacrifices in the name of service, including the tragic cases of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. We’re grateful for their heroism, and we must make sure that officers serving with dignity and integrity have the support and resources they need to do their jobs,” Durbin said.
    Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Angus King (I-ME), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Kennedy (R-LA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tim Scott (R-SC), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jim Risch (R-ID), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Rand Paul (R-KY), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Katie Britt (R-AL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jim Banks (R-IN), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ted Budd (R-NC), Gary Peters (D-MI), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Mark Warner (D-VA), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Steve Daines (R-MT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mike Lee (R-UT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Jon Husted (R-OH), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Todd Young (R-IN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) joined Boozman, Grassley and Durbin as cosponsors of the resolution.
    The resolution names the 234 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty during 2024, including Stone County Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Smith. Boozman and Cotton paid tribute to the fallen lawman on the Senate floor in January 2024.
    Earlier this year, Boozman joined nearly a dozen colleagues in introducing the Thin Blue Line Act to increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement. The measure is supported by multiple law enforcement groups including the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Sheriffs’ Association and Fraternal Order of Police.
    Read the full resolution here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor — Flag Order — Gov. Green Lowers Flags In Observance Of Peace Officers Memorial Day

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor — Flag Order — Gov. Green Lowers Flags In Observance Of Peace Officers Memorial Day

    Posted on May 14, 2025 in Flag Orders, Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI 
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 
     
    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA 


    GOVERNOR GREEN LOWERS FLAGS IN OBSERVANCE OF PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    May 14, 2025

    HONOLULU – At the direction of the President of the United States, Governor Josh Green, M.D., has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawaiʻi state flag be flown at half-staff at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol and at all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawaiʻi National Guard in the state of Hawaiʻi, effective from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, May 15. The Governor is taking this action to recognize “Peace Officers Memorial Day” and the week in which it falls, “Police Week.”

    This action aims to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty while serving and protecting others.

    “Today we remember the fallen heroes who gave everything to protect our communities,” said Governor Green. “Their sacrifice reflects an unmatched dedication to keeping us safe and their bravery will always be honored. We are forever thankful for their service, as well as for all of the law enforcement officers who continue to keep us safe.”

    ###


    Media Contacts:  
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Office: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected] 

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ADL Report: Congressman Brad Sherman Named Top Target of Antisemitic Hate in the House of Representatives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following a report released by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) identifying him as the most targeted Member of the House of Representatives for antisemitic abuse, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) issued the following statement:

    “The findings in the ADL’s report are disturbing but not surprising. Antisemitism is on the rise, and it’s hitting closer to home than ever. When hate is left unchecked online, it doesn’t stay online—it seeps into our communities, our institutions, and even our government. So unfortunately, it’s no surprise that this uptick in online hate coincides with the rise in offline antisemitism – which has reached record-breaking levels since Hamas’s massacre of 1,200 innocent Israelis, Americans, and others on October 7th, 2023. 

    This wave of hate has continued to impact constituents in and near my district: two Jewish men were shot in an attempted murder while leaving religious services in Pico-Robertson[1]; a Jewish couple was assaulted outside of their synagogue in Beverly Hills[2]; the infamous antisemitic riot outside of the Adas Torah synagogue on Pico Boulevard, wherein an anti-Israel mob tried to prevent worshippers from entering the synagogue and assaulted a number of Jewish community members.[3] And just outside my district in Thousand Oaks, a 69 year old Jewish man, Paul Kessler, was brutally assaulted and killed by a anti-Israel protester.

    I will not be intimidated. I will not be silenced. I’ve spent my career standing up to extremism and antisemitism, and defending the right of all marginalized groups – including American Jews – to live in peace. That commitment only deepens in the face of these attacks.”

    In a report that was released on May 8, Anti-Defamation League researchers said they collected and analyzed antisemitic comments directed at 30 Jewish members of Congress with Facebook accounts. 

    The report concluded that among these 30 Jewish members of Congress, the most frequently targeted Senators were Bernie Sanders (D-VT) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), while Congressman Brad Sherman stood as the most frequently targeted in the House of Representatives. 

    To read the ADL’s full report, click here.

    ###

    [1] U.S. DOJ: Former California Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Attempting to Murder Two Jewish Men Leaving Los Angeles Synagogues Last Year
    https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/former-california-man-sentenced-35-years-prison-attempting-murder-two-jewish-men-leaving-los

    [2] ‘Despicable act of hate’: Suspect arrested after antisemitic assault in Beverly Hills

    https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-12-10/arrest-made-in-the-antisemitic-assault-of-an-elderly-man-in-beverly-hills

    [3] JPost: Lawsuit hits protest groups, funder over Pico-Robertson synagogue riots

    https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-812203

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The Commission’s position on potential money laundering by some Commission staff and their associates – E-002798/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission takes allegations of money laundering or any other financial misconduct seriously. It has a zero-tolerance policy for fraud and corruption and is committed to ensuring the highest standards of integrity among its staff. As regards measures against money laundering, the Commission refers to the applicable EU and national legislation in this area, to which staff of EU institutions are also subject. Inside the institution, the Commission already relies on a comprehensive framework of compliance and awareness raising mechanisms on ethics and fraud prevention, while continuously strengthening its procedures and internal controls. In case of violations of staff obligations, disciplinary measures may be applied.

    2. At this stage and pending possible further information from the Belgian judicial authorities, the allegations about the former European Commissioner for Justice do not concern the EU budget or the management of EU funds. Thus, based on the information available to the Commission so far, there is no need to revise the rules and procedures regarding the prevention and the fight against fraud currently in place, as they are solid and comprehensive.

    3. The Commission did not receive such information. However, the Commission can confirm that any information, tip-offs, or notices received, be it from internal or external sources, are systematically assessed and, where necessary, referred to the competent investigative authorities (such as the European Anti-Fraud Office, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and the national authorities) for examination.

    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate passes Kennedy-backed National Police Week resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) and 78 bipartisan senators in introducing a resolution to designate the week of May 11 through May 17, 2025, as National Police Week. The Senate unanimously adopted the resolution.
    “One of the toughest jobs in the world is being a police officer, especially when so many officers don’t get the recognition they deserve. I can’t thank Louisiana’s law enforcement community enough for the good work they do to keep our communities strong, safe and free, and I am proud of the Senate for honoring our heroes,” said Kennedy. 
    “Law enforcement officers in Iowa and across the nation work tirelessly to protect and serve our communities. This week, and every week, we should give our thanks to the brave men and women in blue, who have sacrificed so much to ensure our safety. As always, I’m proud to back the blue and will continue my efforts in Congress to protect and support our courageous officers,” said Grassley.
    “Every day, our country’s law enforcement officers put their lives at risk to keep us safe. Officers and their families make great sacrifices in the name of service, including the tragic cases of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. We’re grateful for their heroism, and we must make sure that officers serving with dignity and integrity have the support and resources they need to do their jobs,” said Durbin.
    The resolution:
    Designates the week of May 11 through May 17, 2025, as “National Police Week.”
    Honors the 234 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in 2024 and the 18 officers reportedly killed in the line of duty so far in 2025.
    Expresses unwavering support for law enforcement officers across the U.S. in the pursuit of preserving safe and secure communities.
    Recognizes the need to ensure that law enforcement officers have the equipment, training and resources they need to protect the health and safety of the officers while they protect the public. 
    Encourages the American people to observe National Police Week by honoring law enforcement personnel and promoting awareness of the essential mission they undertake in service to their communities and the U.S.
    Background: 
    In Aug. 2023, the Senate passed the Kennedy-backed Recruit and Retain Act to address the nation-wide shortage of law enforcement officers, increase recruitment and address workforce challenges.
    In Feb. 2024, Kennedy helped introduce the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act to establish a grant program at the Department of Justice to help state, tribal and local law enforcement agencies solve more crimes and improve clearance rates for homicides and firearm related violent crimes.
    In Jan. 2025, Kennedy joined Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and colleagues in introducing the Thin Blue Line Act to make the targeting, killing or attempted killing of a law enforcement officer, firefighter or other first responder an aggravating factor when determining whether capital punishment is appropriate.
    In Feb. 2025, Kennedy reintroduced the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Reform Act to expand the concealed-carry rights of qualified law enforcement officers.
    Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Thomas Tillis (R-N.C.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Margaret Hassan (D-N.H.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) joined Kennedy, Grassley and Durbin in introducing the resolution.
    Full text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Atlanta Attorney Sentenced in Syndicated Conservation Easement Tax Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A Georgia attorney was sentenced today to 16 months in prison for obstructing the IRS in connection with his participation in the promotion of abusive syndicated conservation easement tax shelters.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Vi Bui was an attorney and partner at Sinnott & Co., an Atlanta-based company. Beginning at least in 2012 and continuing through at least May 2020, Bui participated in a scheme to defraud the IRS by organizing, marketing, implementing, and selling illegal syndicated conservation easement tax shelters created and organized by co-conspirators Jack Fisher, James Sinnott, and others. Fisher and Sinnott were convicted at trial for their involvement in the scheme, and in January 2024, they were sentenced to 25 and 23 years in prison, respectively.

    The scheme entailed the creation of partnerships that purchased land and land-owning companies and then donated conservation easements over that land or the land itself. Appraisers generated fraudulent and inflated appraisals of the conservation easements. The partnerships then claimed a charitable contribution tax deduction based on the inflated value of the conservation easement, resulting in a fraudulent tax deduction flowing to the wealthy clients who purchased units in the partnership. Many of these clients joined the tax shelters after the donation of the interest in land and after the end of the relevant tax year. Bui knew that in order to make it appear that the participants had timely purchased their units in the tax shelters, Fisher, Sinnott, and others backdated and instructed others to backdate documents, including subscription agreements, checks, and other documents.

    Bui anticipated that the syndicated conservation easement transactions would be audited. In order to deceive the IRS, Bui and others took steps to make the partnerships appear as legitimate real estate development companies. They created and disseminated lengthy documents disguising the true nature of the transaction, instituted sham “votes” for what to do with the land that the partnership owned despite knowing that outcome was predetermined, and falsified paperwork such as appraisals and subscription agreements.

    In one instance, when investigators conducted an undercover operation in 2018, Bui, believing that the IRS was auditing an individual’s tax returns, prepared false documents related to a 2014 syndicated conservation easement tax shelter with the intent to make it appear that the documents were executed before the purported donation of the conservation easement in 2014 and before the 2014 tax returns had been filed.

    Bui earned substantial income for his role in the illegal scheme. He also used the fraudulent tax shelters to evade his own taxes, filing false personal tax returns from 2013 through 2018 that claimed false tax deductions from the illegal syndicated conservation easement tax shelters.

    In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Timothy C. Batten Sr. for the Northern District of Georgia ordered Bui to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $8,250,244 in total restitution to the IRS.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia made the announcement. They also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina for their assistance in the investigation of this matter.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.

    Senior Litigation Counsel Richard M. Rolwing, and Trial Attorneys Parker Tobin, Jessica Kraft, and Nicholas Schilling of the Tax Division prosecuted the case, with support from Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal for the Northern District of Georgia. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran National Guilty of Re-Entry of Removed Alien

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – EDGARDO AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ (“AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ”) , age 29, a native of Honduras, pled guilty on May 13, 2025, to an indictment charging him  with re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.  His sentencing is set for June 17, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long.

    According to court documents, AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ re-entered the United States after being previously deported on June 8, 2018.  On December 22, 2024,  AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ, was booked into the Orleans Justice Center after being arrested for several state charges.  Thereafter, on March 5, 2023, The Pacific Enforcement Response Center issued a detainer for AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ, after he was arrested in Jefferson Parish on municipal and traffic attachments.  Enforcement and Removal Operations New Orleans picked up AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ, on March 7, 2025, after his release from local custody and turned him over to immigration authorities.

    EDGARDO AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Lashes Out at Administration’s Decision to Cut Critical Research Budgets

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resource (ENR) Committee, pressed Connor Prochaska, nominee to serve as the Director of Advanced Research Projects Agency within the Department of Energy, and Dr. Ned Mamula to serve as the Director of U.S. Geological Survey within the Department of the Interior, on extreme budget cuts impacting critical research programs at both departments. During his exchange with Prochaska, Senator King repeatedly asked him to justify drastic budget cuts to the Advanced Research Project Agency for Energy (ARPA-E) after he touted the value of its work, and grilled him on the Trump Administration’s attacks on renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
    “One of the sages of New England, Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ‘what you do speak so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.’ I have never been at a hearing where what’s being done is at such variance with what is being said. Mr. Prochaska, you waxed eloquent about the talented and dedicated staff of ARPA-E and all the great work that they’ve done. Their budget’s being cut by 57%. How do you justify all this nice talk about what you’re going to do when your agency’s being cut more than in half? You can talk until you’re blue in the face, but what speaks here is 57% cut. Tell me. And you went through your entire testimony, all of your answers to your questions, until you got to Senator Cortez-Masto, and never once mentioned renewables, the fastest growing, cheapest source of electricity in the United States today. And let me read from the budget document, ‘green new scam technologies are not supported.’ That’s in the ARPA-E budget document, green new scam technology are not supported. That means no renewables, right? You’ve got an order from the President of the United States, no renewables. Is that correct,” began Senator King.
    “That is not correct,” said Prochaska.
    “So what? What does he mean? Green, new scam technologies. He’s talking about solar and wind. Everybody knows that,” replied Senator King.
    “Senator, I can’t opine on what the definition of that language is. I can commit to, if confirmed, that the ARPA-E and the portfolio that we investigate and we look into will include all technologies,” Prochaska responded.
    “So, it was just a coincidence that when you listed the technologies, the nearest you got to renewables was a mention of geothermal. You never mentioned solar and wind, and you use the code word reliable, which is a new code word for we don’t like solar and wind because they’re intermittent, but as you indicated in your answer to Senator Cortez-Masto, when you have batteries with solar and wind, it’s base load. Is that correct,” asked Senator King.
    “Senator, it very well could be. It depends on the situation. But the portfolio that we will investigate will include all technologies and reliable is important to the energy that we need for the future, to fund some of the some of the emerging technologies that we’ve talked about,” Prochaska replied.
    “I appreciate what you’re saying here. What I’m going to watch is what you do. Understood, budgets are policy, and this budget, the policy of this budget, is a drastic cut, a drastic cut, more than half in the in ARPA-E, I think, one of the most important agencies the United States government. It’s where fracking started. The shale revolution started with research funds for the Department of Energy, and we’re talking about a more than half cut. So, I’m going to watch what you do and not what you say,” concluded Senator King.
    Later in the hearing, Senator King raised his concerns to Dr. Mamula about the Trump Administration’s attempts to downsize the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) biology and hydrology research, including the stream gauge program which provides data on river and stream flow that is critical to ensure adequate water supply and safety. During the exchange, Dr. Mamula refused to provide satisfactory answers about his familiarity with the Administration’s slashes to the USGS’ budget.
    “Now, Mr. Mamula, you talked about the importance of data and science and all of those kinds of things. And yet, there have been reports in the last few weeks that biological research in the in the USGS is being cut entirely, and 25 water science centers, which are stream gages measuring storms. I get the feeling this is like, if we don’t measure anything on climate change, it will go away. Is that what’s going on here,” asked Senator King.
    “I don’t think so, Senator, thanks for the question. Let’s discuss it. Again, I’m not at the survey, but I want to take a look, if confirmed, I want to go out and look at each and every single program, its budget and cuts proposed,” replied Dr. Mamula.
    “Somebody has already done that and cut your budget 37% before you even walk in the door. Assuming Congress agrees, which I hope they won’t,” said Senator King.
    “Yeah, I don’t know about that either, but I’m not familiar. But the program, the contents of the program that has a cut associated with it, I’m not familiar. I don’t know what’s in, what’s being cut,” responded Dr. Mamula.
    “I thought you’re pretty familiar with USGS,” questioned Senator King.
    “I am, but I don’t know what —,” said Dr. Mamula.
    “Do you believe it’s appropriate to cut all of their biological research programs,” pressed Senator King.
    “Well, I have to see what they’re talking about, if they’re talking about,” replied Dr. Mamula.
    “All means all as I understand it,” finished Senator King.
    As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King has advocated for climate solutions that deliver on the clean energy potential of the historic Inflation Reduction Act. He has repeatedly emphasized the importance of permitting reform to deliver carefully considered, timely approvals of sorely-needed clean energy projects. Senator King has also been one of the Senate’s most vocal advocates for improving energy storage technologies and development and worked to include significant storage investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Earlier this year, Senator King reiterated the importance of an “all of the above” energy policy strategy during an ENR hearing considering the nominations of Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. In a recent ENR hearing, he received agreement from two nominees to prioritize renewable energy storage technology.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Leads Letter Backing President Trump’s Call for Full Dismantlement of Iran’s Nuclear Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) led a letter to President Donald Trump regarding the administration’s ongoing negotiations with Iran. The letter calls on the Trump administration to secure a deal that results in the full dismantlement of the Iranian nuclear program, including permanently ending the regime’s capacity to enrich uranium. The letter was signed by 52 Senate Republicans. The letter states:
    “We write to express our strong support for your efforts to secure a deal with Iran that dismantles its nuclear program, and to reinforce the explicit warnings that you and officials in your administration have issued that the regime must permanently give up any capacity for enrichment.
    “We cannot afford another agreement that enables Iran to play for time, as the JCPOA did. The Iranian regime should know that the administration has Congressional backing to ensure their ability to enrich uranium is permanently eliminated,” the letter continues. “As always we stand ready to provide you and your administration whatever resources you need to advance American national security interests.”
    The letter was also signed by Senators Ted Cruz (TX), Tom Cotton (AR), Leader John Thune (SD), Jim Risch (ID), Mike Crapo (ID), Jim Justice (WV), Steve Daines (MT), John Curtis (UT), John Cornyn (TX), Kevin Cramer (ND), Chuck Grassley (IA), Dave McCormick (PA), James Lankford (OK), Tim Scott (SC), Susan Collins (ME), Markwayne Mullin (OK), Tim Sheehy (MT), Rick Scott (FL), Cynthia Lummis (WY), Jim Banks (IN), John Hoeven (ND), John Boozman (AR), Jon Husted (OH), John Barrasso (WY), Roger Wicker (MS), Thom Tillis (NC), Shelly Moore Capito (WV), Mike Lee (UT), Katie Britt (AL), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Ashley Moody (FL), Ted Budd (NC), Mitch McConnell (KY), Dan Sullivan (AK), Joni Ernst (IA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (MS), Mike Rounds (SD), Deb Fischer (NE), Bill Cassidy (LA), Todd Young (IN), John Kennedy (LA), Tommy Tuberville (AL), Bernie Moreno (OH), Jerry Moran (KS), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Bill Hagerty (TN), Eric Schmitt (MO), Roger Marshall (KS), Josh Hawley (MO), Ron Johnson (WI), and Lindsey Graham (SC).
    Read the full letter here or below:
    Dear Mr. Trump:
    We write to express our strong support for your efforts to secure a deal with Iran that dismantles its nuclear program, and to reinforce the explicit warnings that you and officials in your administration have issued that the regime must permanently give up any capacity for enrichment.
    During your first term you withdrew the United States from the deeply broken Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and imposed maximum pressure on the regime. As you said then, a fatal flaw of the deal was that it “allowed Iran to continue enriching uranium and, over time, reach the brink of a nuclear breakout.”  The JCPOA allowed Iran to sell oil, provided waivers allowing third countries to help Iran build out its nuclear program, and included the termination of United Nations sanctions on the regime. Despite critics claiming your withdrawal from the deal would allow Iran to advance its nuclear ambitions, the Iranian regime remained deterred from making substantial nuclear progress throughout your term because of your maximum pressure campaign.
    Tragically, the Biden administration systematically undid that pressure, functionally re-implementing the nuclear deal. They immediately rescinded your decision to reimpose U.N. sanctions, allowed Iran to sell oil at JCPOA-levels, and even re-issued waivers allowing Iran to build out its nuclear program. As you predicted, those policies indeed allowed Iran to reach the brink of nuclear breakout, which is where they are today. The Biden administration made those concessions without any reciprocal concessions from Iran, and Iran even ceased providing international inspectors access to significant parts of its nuclear program in the early days of the Biden administration.
    The scope and breadth of Iran’s nuclear buildout have made it impossible to verify any new deal that allows Iran to continue enriching uranium. In its most recent report, published on February 26, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that because of Iran’s activities over the last four years, “the Agency has lost continuity of knowledge in relation to the production and current inventory of centrifuges, rotors and bellows, heavy water and UOC, which it will not be possible to restore.”
    You and your administration have therefore correctly drawn a redline against any deal that allows Iran to retain any enrichment capability. Your National Security Presidential Memorandum on Iran stated that “Iran’s nuclear program, including its enrichment- and reprocessing-related capabilities and nuclear-capable missiles, poses an existential danger to the United States and the entire civilized world,” and you recently said that only “full dismantlement” of those capabilities would be acceptable. Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff has made it clear in that context of negotiation that for any final arrangement to work, “Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program.” 
    We cannot afford another agreement that enables Iran to play for time, as the JCPOA did. The Iranian regime should know that the administration has Congressional backing to ensure their ability to enrich uranium is permanently eliminated. 
    As always we stand ready to provide you and your administration whatever resources you need to advance American national security interests.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ferryland — Two men arrested after fleeing from Ferryland RCMP and crashing in St. John’s

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Following the report of a break and enter in progress in Bay Bulls, two men — 44-year-old Grant Payne and 42-year-old Matthew Payne, both of Grand Falls-Windsor — were arrested after fleeing from police and crashing a vehicle in St. John’s.

    Shortly before 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Ferryland RCMP responded to a report of a break and enter in progress at a commercial property in Bay Bulls. The suspect vehicle, a Ford F150, was located by police after it fled the scene of the crime. Ferryland RCMP attempted a traffic stop, however the vehicle continued to drive in a dangerous manner and failed to stop for police. The vehicle was last seen heading east on the Trans-Canada Highway. Information about the vehicle, its last known location and its involvement in a crime was shared with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC).

    Information received confirmed that the suspect vehicle crashed on Pitts Memorial Highway and that the two occupants fled on foot. RCMP and RNC officers conducted a foot chase and located the two men, Grant and Matthew Payne, who were arrested without further incident.

    The pair attend court today, each charged with the following criminal offences:

    • Break and enter
    • Flight from police
    • Dangerous operation
    • Breach of a release order

    Matthew Payne is charged with an additional count for breach of a release order.

    The investigation is continuing.

    Working together, RCMP and RNC police officers are dedicated to the protection of pubic safety and enforcement of the law in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 5 Defendants Federally Charged in Los Angeles, Orange Counties as Part of Nationwide Crackdown on Child Sexual Abuse Offenders

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Attorney General Pamela Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel recently announced an unprecedented national initiative to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities. The FBI launched a coordinated effort with all field offices in a sweeping action to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.

    Since the end of April, the FBI arrested 205 subjects across the country and rescued 115 children during Operation Restore Justice. These subjects are accused of various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. They include school leaders and registered sex offenders, among others. 

    In the Central District of California, a seven-county jurisdiction that includes Los Angeles and Orange counties, five defendants were charged with federal crimes as follows:

    • Andrew Castillon, 47, of El Monte, was arrested May 1 on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possession of child pornography. A federal magistrate judge ordered him released on $5,000 bond. Castillon’s arraignment is scheduled for May 27 in United States District Court in Los Angeles. Assistant United States Attorney Thi H. Ho of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.
    • Jose Olvera, 34, of North Hollywood, was arrested May 1 on a federal indictment charging him with two counts of distribution of child pornography and five counts of possession of child pornography. He pleaded not guilty to all charges at his arraignment and a June 23 trial was scheduled in this case. A federal magistrate judge ordered him jailed without bond. Assistant United States Attorney Mikaela W. Gilbert-Lurie of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.
    • Steven Martin Nuss, 66, of San Juan Capistrano, was arrested May 9 on a two-count federal grand jury indictment charging him with distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. He pleaded not guilty to both charges and a federal magistrate judge ordered him jailed without bond. He is scheduled to go to trial on July 1. Assistant United States Attorney Melissa S. Rabbani of the Orange County Office is prosecuting this case.
    • David Eugene Parker, 55, of La Palma, was arrested April 30 on federal grand jury indictment charging him with two counts of possession of child pornography. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and a federal magistrate judge ordered him released on $100,000 bond. A June 24 trial date is scheduled in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren E. Border of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.
    • Gregory Cole Jr., 30, of Lancaster, was arrested April 30 in Arizona after he failed to appear at his trial earlier last month in which a jury found him guilty in absentia of one count of production of child pornography, one count of enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity, and one count of receipt of child pornography. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 23, at which time he will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison. Assistant United States Attorney Derek R. Flores of the Violent and Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.

    Two additional individuals were arrested in Los Angeles for sexual exploitation of a child and charges of coercion and enticement, respectively; however, those cases are being prosecuted in separate districts.

    “Sexual predators who target children leave emotional scars that can last a lifetime,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “Along with our law enforcement partners, we seek to bring a measure of solace to victims and put criminals on notice that they risk lengthy prison sentences and severe penalties for harming children.”

    “The amount of child predators arrested during Operation Restore Justice should shock the conscience of any law-abiding citizen and parents or guardians, in particular,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.  “Each day, our agents are tackling criminal allegations involving children, whether it be online dangers such as ‘sextortion,’ emerging nihilist extremist networks such as ‘764,’ or children being groomed by someone close to them. We urge caretakers of all children to educate themselves about these constant threats targeting the most vulnerable members of our society.”

    As the nation marked National Child Abuse Prevention month in April, the timing of this effort was a culmination of countless hours by hundreds of FBI agents. It further underscores the FBI’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Bureau works relentlessly to investigate these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prevention and community education.

    The FBI takes a proactive approach to identify unknown individuals involved in the sexual exploitation of children and the production of child sexual abuse material. We do that through our Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces (CEHTTFs) located in each field office. This allows the FBI to combine resources with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The FBI also partners with the nonprofit National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24-hour hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org. 

    In 2004, the FBI created the Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) to identify individuals involved in the sexual abuse of children and the production of child sexual abuse material. The program is a collaborative effort between the FBI and the NMCEC.

    The FBI also offers resources for parents and caregivers to stay engaged with their children’s online and offline activities. The FBI’s Safe Online Surfing (SOS) program teaches students in grades 3 to 8 how to navigate the web safely.

    The FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through our tiplines at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office. 

    Other online resources:

    • Electronic Press Kit:

    MIL Security OSI –