NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Publication of financial reports: Federal Office of Justice imposes disciplinary fine on VARTA AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The disciplinary fine order related to a breach of section 325 of the German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB). VARTA AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT failed to submit its consolidated accounting documents for the financial year 2023 for the purpose of disclosure to the operator of the German Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger) in electronic form. The legal basis for the sanction is section 335 of the HGB.

    The company lodged an appeal against the Federal Office of Justice’s decision to impose a disciplinary fine.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Man remains in custody in connection with arson attacks

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man arrested in connection with a series of arson attacks remains in police custody.

    The 21-year-old was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday, 13 May on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

    He was arrested at an address in Sydenham.

    The man was taken to a London police station, where he currently remains in police custody.

    The arrest relates to three incidents.

    On Monday, 12 May at 01:35hrs, police were alerted by the London Fire Brigade to reports of a fire at a residential address in NW5.

    Officers attended the scene. Damage was caused to the property’s entrance, nobody was hurt.

    As a precaution and due to the property having previous connections with a high-profile public figure, officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command are leading the investigation into this fire. Enquiries are ongoing to establish what caused it.

    The investigation team are also considering two other incidents – a vehicle fire in NW5 on Thursday, 8 May and a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on Sunday, 11 May – and are investigating whether they may be linked to the fire in NW5 on 12 May.

    All three fires are being treated as suspicious at this time, and enquiries remain ongoing.

    Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “We are working at pace and continue to explore various lines of enquiry to establish the cause of the fires, and any potential motivation for these. A key line of enquiry is whether the fires are linked due to the two premises and the vehicle all having previous links to the same high-profile public figure.

    “We recognise that this investigation may cause concern to other public figures – particularly MPs. The protection of MPs is something we take extremely seriously across the whole of policing and I would encourage any MP who is concerned about their own safety to get in touch with their dedicated local Operation Bridger officer, who can provide further advice and support.

    “In the meantime, our investigation remains ongoing and we will continue to work closely with local officers in the areas affected. Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in those areas over the coming days, but if anyone has concerns, then please speak with a local officer, or call us.”

    Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May.

    We would ask the public to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that doesn’t look or feel right, then to report it to police – either by calling police, in confidence, on 0800 789 321 or via www.gov.uk/ACT

    In an emergency, always dial 999.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Harbour Grace — Man arrested by RCMP East District General Investigation Section following internal fraud investigation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Following an investigation that began in April 2023, charges have been laid by RCMP NL’s East District General Investigation Section (GIS) against 53-year-old Craig Williams.

    In April 2023, Independent Fish Harvesters Ltd. contacted the RCMP about possible internal fraud. Williams, who was the company’s office manager and accountant, was suspected as being involved.

    As part of the investigation, RCMP GIS engaged the Forensic Accounting Management Group (FMAG) and a forensic financial audit was completed. The investigation discovered internal fraud in excess of $125,000.00.

    Williams was arrested on March 12, 2025, and is charged with the following criminal offences:

    • Fraud over $5,000.00 – four counts
    • Theft over $5,000.00

    Williams is set to attend court in Harbour Grace on July 2, 2025.

    RCMP East District GIS thanks Independent Fish Harvesters Ltd. and FAMG for their cooperation and assistance provided during the police investigation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lansdowne Station — Update: Missing children investigation and search in Pictou County

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Pictou County District RCMP, with the assistance of the Northeast Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit, continue to investigate the disappearance of Lilly and Jack Sullivan.

    “We’re exploring all avenues in this missing persons investigation,” says Staff Sergeant Curtis MacKinnon, Pictou County District RCMP. “We have officers from multiple disciplines dedicated to finding Lilly and Jack, including highly trained RCMP major crime and forensic investigators.”

    To date, more than 180 tips have been received from the public, and are being followed up on. Officers have so far identified 35 people for formal interviews as part of the investigation, including community members and those closest to the children. And on May 8 and 9, the RCMP’s Underwater Recovery Team (URT) scoured bodies of water around Lansdowne Station; URT’s two-day operation didn’t uncover any evidence.

    “We continue to work day and night on this file,” says S/Sgt. MacKinnon. “Like all Nova Scotians, we want answers, and we want to know what happened to these children.”

    On May 2, at approximately 10 a.m., Pictou County District RCMP received a report that Lilly and Jack were missing. They were believed to have wandered away from their home on Gairloch Rd. A multi-agency search and missing persons investigation began immediately.

    The search, which was scaled back to specific areas on May 7, has covered 5.5 square kilometres of heavily wooded, rural terrain in the Gairloch Rd. area. It has involved up to 160 trained volunteer searchers and many others, and tens of thousands of search hours. Efforts to locate Lilly and Jack also included two vulnerable missing persons alerts.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Lilly and Jack is asked to contact Pictou County District RCMP at 902-485-4333. To remain anonymous, contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    Our thoughts continue to be with the children’s loved ones and the community at this difficult time.

    Note to media: As this is an active, ongoing investigation, information will be released as it becomes available.

    File #: 2025-583775

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Met officer jailed over inappropriate relationship

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A former Met constable has been jailed for misconduct in public office following an inappropriate relationship with a teenage girl while he was a serving officer.

    Che Homersham was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, 13 May following an investigation by the Met’s Anti-Corruption and Abuse Command, as directed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

    Former PC Homersham’s offending came to light after he was arrested over a separate matter in August 2023.

    An examination of his phone found evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old girl he had met while attending a domestic incident involving the teenager in December 2018.

    The investigation found he had pursued her over several weeks, sending intimate messages and touching her inappropriately when they met.

    He was arrested in December 2023.

    Chief Superintendent Sara Leach, who leads policing in north west London, said:

    “Former PC Homersham’s conduct in making inappropriate contact with a victim of crime was completely unprofessional and unacceptable.

    “Any woman or girl should feel safe with a male police officer, but Homersham’s actions have clearly undermined that trust the public have in us. It is right he has faced criminal charges, and is no longer a part of the Metropolitan Police Service.”

    Homersham, who was attached to the North West policing team, resigned from the Met in January 2024.

    A misconduct hearing was held in June 2024 which found that had he still been serving, he would have been dismissed without notice. The hearing found Homersham had breached professional standards of behaviour in respect of discreditable conduct, honesty and integrity and authority, respect and courtesy.

    Homersham was added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

    Anyone with any information about a police officer or member of staff who works for the Met and is corrupt, or abusing their position and power, can call the Anti-Corruption and Abuse Hotline, run by independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 085 0000 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-org.uk.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Honors Law Enforcement for Police Week

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring American Samoa’s police, and law enforcement officers everywhere, in recognition of National Police Week (May 11-17), and National Peace Officers Memorial Day (observed May 15th every year).

    This year, Congresswoman Amata is cosponsoring two Resolutions expressing support for professional law enforcement officers and honoring their vital role in the safety of communities, that are being introduced during Police Week. In 2019, she cosponsored the House bill authorizing the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Commemorative Coin (final passage in Consolidated Appropriations, Public Law 116-94, signed by President Trump). In April of this year, Congress passed the yearly Resolution for special use of the U.S. Capitol grounds for this year’s 44th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service, and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition.

    “My heartfelt thank you to all of our law enforcement officers as we observe this National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day. In a time of crisis, we look to you. That fact means you deserves our strong support, including the best in training and preparation activities, and high quality equipment and facilities. When there is a need, our officers rush toward it, including the possibility of danger. As a free and law-abiding society, we depend on honorable, dedicated officers that protect and serve. May God bless our police, law enforcement and peace officers daily, and especially keep them safe in times of crisis.” 

    “We also specially think of Peace Officers Memorial Day, which commemorates those who gave their lives in the line of duty. We respect, honor, and remember their sacrifice, and pray for their families and memories.” 

    HISTORY: In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and Congress that year established National Police Week. The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum holds an annual Candlelight Vigil, which is May 13th this year, for fallen officers. The Memorial, dedicated in 1991, currently has the names of more than 24,000 officers carved into the walls, with names added yearly, as part of National Police Week. In April, 10,000 daffodils bloom at the Memorial site. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Disrupting criminal finances in Africa: INTERPOL’s Silver Notice

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    NAIROBI, Kenya – Law enforcement and financial crime experts from across Africa have gathered for a workshop dedicated to promoting and implementing the INTERPOL Silver Notice and Diffusion.

    Organized crime in Africa, as in other regions, thrives on illicit financial flows and the laundered proceeds of crimes such as scams, illegal logging, terrorism and corruption. These crimes are increasingly supported by complex financial structures that span borders.

    Launched in January 2025, the INTERPOL Silver Notice allows participating countries to request information related to criminal assets — such as real estate, vehicles, financial accounts, or businesses — with links to individuals suspected or charged of various offences including fraud, drug trafficking and migrant smuggling. The mechanism supports cross-border intelligence exchange and can lay the groundwork for subsequent requests for asset seizure or confiscation under national legal frameworks.

    The Silver Notice, currently in pilot across 51 countries, is one of several tools—alongside the I-GRIP stop-payment mechanism—empowering agencies to move swiftly against illicit finances and fraud.

    The four-day event (13-16 May) brings together 85 participants from 12 pilot African countries including representatives from INTERPOL National Central Bureaus, financial intelligence units, prosecutors’ offices, judicial authorities and asset recovery focal points. This regional session follows similar workshops held in the Americas and Europe earlier this year.

    Mohamed I. Amin, Director of Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations, said:

    “The Silver Notice is more than a tool, it is a symbol of global solidarity against crime. By targeting illicit wealth, we strike at the heart of criminal enterprises and uphold justice. Let us commit to leveraging this mechanism, ensuring that crime never pays, anywhere, at any time.”

    Theos Badege, Director pro tempore of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Corruption Centre said:

    “Money is the thread that runs through almost every form of organized crime. For some, it’s the motive; for others, the means. To dismantle criminal networks, we must follow the money—identify it, trace it, and disrupt the financial systems that enable these operations to survive and expand.”

    INTERPOL Silver Notice/ Diffusion Pilot: Regional Workshop for Africa

    IFCACC Director: Theos Badege, Director pro tempore of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Corruption Centre

    Alena Kern, Head of Development Cooperation of the German Embassy

    DCI Director: Mohamed I. Amin, Director of Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations

    Building capacity for maximum impact

    Throughout the workshop, participants will explore how to leverage INTERPOL’s full range of capabilities—including its Notices, databases, expert networks, and operational support tools—to conduct financial investigations and disrupt criminal economies. Sessions also focus on emerging technologies, such as the use of cryptocurrencies and blockchain in laundering illicit funds.

    Interactive table-top exercises and case-based discussions are designed to encourage regional exchange, identify common challenges and stimulate the practical use of Silver Notices in ongoing cases.

    The workshop was supported by German Development Cooperation through the GIZ Global Program Combatting Illicit Financial Flows and the GIZ Program on Strengthening Good Governance in Kenya, as well as the EU-joint action SecFin Africa.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lebanese National Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Running a Ponzi Scheme

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    Note: See the factual proffer here.

    MIAMI – On May 8, 2025, Henry Abdo, 48, of Lebanon, was sentenced to 168 months in prison and ordered to pay a $300,000 fine and $375,479 in restitution by United States District Court Judge William P. Dimitrouleas.

    Abdo pled guilty in federal court to orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that solicited over $6 million from investors under false pretenses. According to court records, Abdo’s company, Titanium Capital LLC, purported to operate a foreign exchange platform that guaranteed fixed returns for investors. In reality, Titanium Capital had no such platform, and Abdo used investor funds to pay off earlier investors and finance his personal lifestyle.

    Beginning in July 2014, Abdo falsely claimed that Titanium Capital was a “zero-risk” investment fund that generated profits from fees on foreign currency transactions. Abdo further deceived investors by claiming Titanium Capital was part of a multibillion-dollar holding company, had developed proprietary software, and was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. None of these claims were true.

    Court documents indicate that Abdo solicited investments through in-person meetings, emails, video conferences, and phone calls. Abdo directed potential investors to websites and promotional materials that falsely depicted Titanium Capital as a legitimate enterprise. In truth, Titanium operated as a classic Ponzi scheme, using funds from new investors to pay earlier investors while diverting large sums of money for Abdo’s personal use, including international travel and other expenses.

    In addition to fraudulent investment claims, court records reveal that Abdo attempted to bolster his credibility by falsely associating himself with various charitable and educational organizations. Abdo also falsely claimed that Titanium Capital’s profits were donated to assist the blind and handicapped.

    After soliciting millions from over 200 investors, Abdo’s scheme unraveled. Many victims were financially devastated. Several victims reported losing retirement accounts and personal savings that they had relied on for basic living expenses, such as food and medication.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement. 

    FBI Miami’s Palm Beach Resident Agency investigated the case. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Bailyn and Justin Chapman in West Palm Beach, Florida, prosecuted it.  

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-80209.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six Defendants Sentenced for Their Roles in Drug Trafficking Organization

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    ATLANTA – Six members of a drug trafficking organization have been sentenced for their roles in distributing deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine throughout the metro-Atlanta area.

    “These defendants distributed substantial amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine with no regard for the grave public safety risk,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “Our Office will continue to closely coordinate with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to prosecute drug traffickers and prevent dangerous narcotics from poisoning our communities.”

    “These drug traffickers endangered countless lives by distributing large quantities of deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine,” Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division commented on the case. “DEA will continue to aggressively pursue the criminals that contribute to the drug crisis.”

    “This case highlights the critical role Homeland Security Investigations plays in dismantling transnational drug trafficking organizations operating in our communities,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “The defendants in this case were responsible for introducing massive quantities of deadly narcotics into the metro-Atlanta area—methamphetamine that was trafficked across borders, chemically altered, and distributed without regard for the devastating impact on public health and safety. Through the combined efforts of HSI and our federal, state, and local partners, we’ve disrupted a dangerous supply chain and brought key members of this organization to justice.”

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges, and other information presented in court: In 2022, federal special agents discovered that a drug trafficking organization (DTO) was distributing drugs obtained from a Mexico-based supplier throughout metro-Atlanta. These drugs included methamphetamine which arrived from Mexico in liquid form and was converted to crystal methamphetamine.

    During an early phase of the investigation, defendant Erik Rosales-Lopez was arrested in December 2022 at a residence used to process liquid methamphetamine that had been mixed with paint. Rosales Lopez had distributed methamphetamine on three previous occasions, including to an undercover agent. During a search of his residence, investigators seized 11 kilograms of finished crystal methamphetamine. 

    In April 2023, agents surveilled defendants Brayan Garcia-Picasso and Bryan Pacheco-Carranza as they left a residence believed to be used as a methamphetamine lab. Local law enforcement then conducted a traffic stop of their vehicle. Police officers seized approximately 16 kilograms of methamphetamine during a search of the vehicle. Agents later searched the residence as well and, while doing so, confirmed that the location was a methamphetamine lab. The agents found approximately six kilograms of methamphetamine and methamphetamine conversion equipment on the premises.

    Following the arrests of Garcia-Picasso and Pacheco-Carranza, agents continued to investigate the DTO. In June 2023, defendant Alex Chamorro-Valencia was arrested after a search of a vehicle he was driving was found to contain nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine. Investigators also searched the residence from which he was seen departing and discovered a second methamphetamine lab used by the DTO. Agents recovered 15 gallons of liquid methamphetamine and 135 kilograms of finished crystal methamphetamine in the residence. Defendant Hedgarciney Gameno-Cortez was encountered in the residence and arrested.  

    The following defendants were convicted and sentenced:

    • Juventino Rodriguez was sentenced earlier today by U.S. District Judge Victoria M. Calvert to 54 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Rodriguez was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl after he pled guilty on December 19, 2024.
    • Garcia-Picasso was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown to 12-and-a-half years in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Garcia-Picasso was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine after he pled guilty on November 7, 2023.
    • Pacheco-Carranza was sentenced by Judge Brown to six years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Pacheco-Carranza was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine after he pled guilty on January 18, 2024.
    • Chamorro-Valencia was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross to eight years in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Chamorro-Valencia was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine after he pled guilty on October 16, 2023.
    • Hedgarciney Gameno-Cortez was sentenced by Judge Ross to eight years in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Gameno-Cortez was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine after he pled guilty on February 28, 2024.
    • Erik Josue Rosales-Lopez was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg to seven years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Rosales-Lopez was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after he pled guilty on July 31, 2023.

    The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, with valuable assistance from the Clayton County Police Department, Henry County Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, DeKalb County Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, and Cobb County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren E. Renaud and Sandra E. Strippoli, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Howard, prosecuted the case. 

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. The specific mission of the David G. Wilhelm Atlanta OCDETF Strike Force (Atlanta Strike Force) is to eliminate transnational organized crime syndicates and major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations in the Atlanta metropolitan area and the Northern District of Georgia. To accomplish this mission, the Atlanta Strike Force will target these organizations’ leaders, focusing on targets designated as Consolidated Priority Organization Targets, Regional Priority Organization Targets, and their associates.  The Atlanta Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI, USMS, USPIS, and IRS, as well as numerous state and local agencies; and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Albany Man Charged with Threatening Public Officials

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

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A New Albany man has been charged with federal crimes related to sending at least 65 threatening letters and electronic communications to approximately 34 victims, including public officials, a local TV station and law enforcement. Many of the letters included a white powder and one letter included a bullet etched with the victim’s last name.

    “Perpetrators who violate federal law by sending such serious threats in the mail or online will not remain anonymous. Actual or threatened political violence in any form must be condemned,” said Acting United States Attorney Kelly A. Norris. “We will work with our law enforcement partners to identify these bad actors and prosecute them.”

    “Targeting public officials with threatening messages and substances is a serious federal crime that won’t go unpunished,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. “FBI agents have worked closely with our local, state, and federal partners to investigate these incidents and arrest the suspected offender.”

    Ronald Lidderdale, 39, appeared in federal court in Columbus this afternoon. He is charged with making interstate communications with a threat to kidnap or injure, mailing threatening communications, false information and hoaxes, and cyberstalking.

    According to charging documents, Lidderdale allegedly sent the threatening communications to publicly elected officials holding statewide office in Ohio, elected officials holding office in the federal government, and individuals involved in Ohio politics.

    It is alleged that Lidderdale sent at least 49 letters containing suspicious white powders, which at times the sender claimed to be Ricin. To date, 29 victims received the white powder letters.

    One letter contained a 9mm bullet with the last name of the public official etched on it.

    For example, between July and early August 2024, it is alleged that Lidderdale sent a dozen threatening letters via the mail in five different mailings. The return labels on the letters contained mailing information for individuals who were either currently or previously employed by the targeted public official.

    In the letters, Lidderdale allegedly threatened violence against the letter recipients, including language like, “I will kill you for your ignorant loyalty to your pedophilic party” and “I will kill you for the good of The People. Your death will come when you least expect it.”

    Last week, Lidderdale allegedly sent letters to eight victims containing a hitlist of eight individuals he said he would kill in the month of May.

    Court documents allege that Lidderdale sent a letter to a local TV station and emails to federal and local law enforcement outlining his plans.

    It is further alleged that Lidderdale sent threatening emails to public officials stating, “Each [victim] will receive the gift of their names etched onto a single bullet. Their skull is the target the bullet is the gift.”

    On May 8, Lidderdale allegedly told FBI agents that he had sent the letters and emails with the intent to incite fear, including the fear of bodily injury, and to make threats with the goal of changing behavior.

    Mailing threatening communications carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Making interstate communications with a threat to kidnap or injure, conveying false information and hoaxes, and cyberstalking are all federal crimes punishable by up to five years in prison.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); as well as the U.S. Capitol Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol and several Ohio police departments; announced the charges filed today. Deputy Criminal Chief Brian J. Martinez and Assistant United States Attorneys Damoun Delaviz and Jessica W. Knight, National Security Division Counterterrorism Section Trial Attorney James Donnelly and Trial Attorney Aaron L. Jennen of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are representing the United States in this case.

    A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Montgomery County, Ohio, Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Elderly Victims of Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars

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

    CINCINNATI – Ronald Scott Daley, 53, of Miamisburg, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to wire fraud and tax evasion related to a scheme to defraud clients, including elderly victims. 

    According to his plea agreement, which includes a recommended sentence of up to 60 months in prison, Daley was employed by a life insurance brokerage firm and advised several elderly clients with respect to life insurance and annuity products.

    From at least 2012 until 2020, Daley fraudulently convinced client victims to withdraw certain assets from the insurance brokerage firm and to deposit the funds into their own personal accounts. Daley then influenced the victims to make payments to a bank account for an entity that Daley controlled.

    For example, Daley defrauded three victims of more than $707,000 in total.

    Furthermore, Daley failed to file and pay taxes on the fraudulent income.

    As part of his conviction, he will repay the approximately $707,000 in restitution.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigations; announced the guilty plea entered on May 5 before U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy S. Mangan is representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Carolina Sex Offender Indicted for Attempting to Entice 11-Year-Old Child to Engage in Sexual Activity

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Geoffrey Lee Dudding (39, Concord, NC) with attempting to entice an 11-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Dudding faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Dudding is a registered child sex offender who was twice previously convicted in North Carolina – once of indecent liberty with a minor (2007) and of solicitation of a child by computer to commit an unlawful sex act (2024). 

    According to court documents, on January 13, 2025, an FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an undercover operation to identify individuals seeking to make online contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. Posing as the parent of an 11-year-old child, the UC posted several short messages in a public chatroom on an online social messaging platform (app). An individual using the name “metalh34d321,” who was subsequently identified as Dudding, contacted the UC by private text message on the app and expressed interest in the UC’s “daughter.” Dudding told the UC, “Let me know if ya ever down to let me do her.” Despite being advised several times that the “child” was 11 years old and lived in Florida, Dudding stated that he wanted to meet the “child” to “[h]ave a good time and sex.” Dudding described sexual acts that he wanted to perform on the “child” and sent the UC an explicit video of himself to show to the “child.”

    Dudding and the UC also communicated by cellphone text messaging. They discussed plans for Dudding to travel to Jacksonville so that he could engage in sexual activity with the “child.” Dudding told the UC that he would book a hotel room in Jacksonville.

    On May 8, 2025, Dudding was arrested by FBI agents in Concord, North Carolina. He was detained and will be transported by the United States Marshals Service to Jacksonville for prosecution in this case. 

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cabarrus County (North Carolina) Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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 child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gainesville Man Sentenced to Over 10 Years for Receipt of Child Pornography

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Stephen Christopher Young, 58, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to 121 months imprisonment for receipt/attempted receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

    “Crimes against children are unacceptable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Spaven. “Those who seek to view and maintain child pornography facilitate the abuse of children by those who produce and profit from this illegal content. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure that we aggressively prosecute these offenders.”

    In March 2024, investigators executed a federal search warrant at Young’s residence and discovered Young had been exchanging child pornography with others using various applications intended to avoid detection by using end-to-end encryption.

    Young’s prison sentence will be followed by a lifetime of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $20,500 in restitution. Young will also be required to register as a sex offender and be subject to all sex offender conditions.

    “It’s crucial to prioritize the protection of children from sexual abuse,” said Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott.

    The case was investigated by Internet Crime Against Children Task Force Gainesville Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith Steer and Adam Hapner prosecuted the case.

    “This case is another example of the FBI’s relentless commitment to protecting children by removing predators from our community,” said Jason Carley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville. “Let this be a lesson to others who prey on vulnerable kids; the FBI and our partners will never stop working to identify, pursue, and hold child predators accountable.”

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Legalization of illegal income becomes more complicated – Russia restricts transfers without opening an account

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Mainfin Bank –

    How will the transfer limit work?

    Amendments to Federal Law No. 115 will come into effect in Russia on May 30 – the previously adopted document proposes the introduction of the following restrictions:

    the limit for sending funds without opening an account, including through various money transfer systems, will be 100 thousand rubles; a similar limit will apply to wallets and accounts with simplified identification; for transfers in foreign currency, a limit equivalent to the specified amount will also be set.

    There are currently no such limits for transferring funds – if a client wants to send an amount over 15 thousand rubles, he only needs to provide passport details. With smaller amounts, the situation is even more anonymous – identification is not required for sending.

    Why is a new limit being introduced for transfers?

    The authors of the bill, which provides for a limit on transfers without identification or opening a bank account, are confident that the measure will help in the fight against money laundering and the sponsorship of terrorist activities. It will now be more difficult for criminals to send large sums – they will have to make many small transactions, which can also attract attention from jar.

    “Transfers without identification are rarely used by bona fide clients due to high fees – sending funds often requires paying 3-5%, while transactions between accounts are much more profitable,” the lawyer noted.

    Russians were reminded of the possibility of sending money from one account to another or from cards to the card – restrictions will not apply to such transactions. Moreover, the commission for interbank transfers is on average up to 1%, and you can send funds via the SBP free of charge (with a commission of 0.5% when exceeding the limits).

    15:00 05/13/2025

    Source:

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //Mainfin.ru/novosti/ Legalization-nezakonnaya-renewal-is sunk-in-Russia-restore-translates-bez-open-account-accounts

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lunenburg County — Police arrest two people from Lunenburg County for drug trafficking

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The South Shore Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit has arrested two people from Lunenburg County for drug trafficking in Lunenburg and Queens Counties.

    On May 8, police conducted a targeted traffic stop in Hebbville as part of an investigation into drug trafficking in Lunenburg and Queens Counties. Officers safely arrested a 30-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, both of Lunenburg County. A short time later, police executed a search warrant at a home on Charles Boliver Rd. in Conquerall Mills. Officers seized a quantity of cocaine, hydromorphone, cash, ammunition and mobile devices during a search of the vehicle and home.

    The woman and man were released on conditions by police to face drug trafficking charges. They are scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on August 20.

    The investigation, which is ongoing, is being led by the South Shore Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit with assistance of the Criminal Intelligence Service of Nova Scotia, Lunenburg District RCMP and the Bridgewater Police Service.

    Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

    Note: The South Shore Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit is made up of members of the Lunenburg District RCMP and Bridgewater Police Service.

    File # 2025-503339

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oklahoma Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Children

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    An Oklahoma man was sentenced yesterday to 30 years in prison for producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

    According to court documents, Landon Joe Black, 25, of Stilwell, was sentenced for producing CSAM featuring two child victims that he shared on the “dark web.” Black would pose as a young girl on the internet to establish relationships with children and would then direct them to create CSAM. He would then share images of his victims along with their ages, as well as other CSAM images, on the dark web. He would refer to some of his victims as “baits.” Documents found on Black’s computers included a draft how-to guide for other offenders. Black also collected detailed information about one child, including information about their family, school, and daily movements. The pictures Black produced and shared continue to circulate, causing significant ongoing harm to his victims.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Pippin for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case, with substantial assistance from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Marek.

    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 epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Phillips 66 Issues Statement Following Glass Lewis and ISS Reports

    Source: Phillips

    Disagrees with ISS’ and Glass Lewis’ Recommendations which Failed to Address Critical Issues Reiterates The Strength Of Phillips 66’s Highly Qualified Board And Nominees

    HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) today announced that it strongly disagrees with the recommendations issued by Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) and Glass Lewis & Co. (“Glass Lewis”).
    “We disagree with the recommendations issued by ISS and Glass Lewis,” said the Phillips 66 Independent Directors. “We remain committed to engaging with and listening to our shareholders on the issues in this campaign.”
    The Company notes the following issues and omissions in the reports’ analyses that remain critical factors for shareholders to consider:
    Elliott’s break-up thesis not examined: The reports did not opine on the merits of Elliott’s thesis to break up Phillips 66, which is the primary objective of Elliott’s campaign. In fact, ISS stated clearly that its report “is not an endorsement of a Midstream and/or Chemicals separation.” Supporting Elliott’s directors implicitly supports this risky path and overrides the judgment of Phillips 66’s highly qualified Board. Our Board continually evaluates the portfolio to maximize shareholder value and currently believes that the integrated model is the best path to shareholder value creation. As we always have, we remain committed to regularly and aggressively assessing these options going forward.
    Concerning assessment of director independence: By recommending against Robert Pease, the reports establish a concerning precedent on evaluating director independence.
    The reports suggest a director selected and vetted by a shareholder can be determined to lack independence after one month on the board and one vote. The single vote was for a combined CEO and Chair, a policy that is in place at 44% of S&P 500 companies.1
    This analysis disregards the fact that Mr. Pease’s vote represented his professional judgment as a 30-year corporate leader and ignores the fact that Mr. Pease was carefully evaluated for his qualifications and independence by Elliott. It also fails to apply any scrutiny to Elliott’s self-interested lack of support for its recently supported director.

    Reliance on board analysis from five years ago: ISS acknowledged that Phillips 66 has refreshed its Board substantially since July 2020. Yet, it still claimed that a lack of Board refreshment prior to the COVID-19 pandemic reflects a need for change now.
    Concerning governance overlooked: ISS and Glass Lewis disregarded Elliott’s ongoing efforts to acquire CITGO. The reports also overlook the fact that this pursuit took place concurrently with discussions of a second director appointment. Notably, neither report mentions anything about Elliott’s misleading disclosures and the overlapping relationships of its director nominees. These are unresolved issues that are highly relevant to shareholder considerations.
    Phillips 66 reiterates its commitment to ongoing transformation and governance refreshment. The Company reminds shareholders of key facts including:
    Consistent refreshment: Phillips 66 has added five new independent directors in the past four years to equip the Board with fresh perspectives and independent viewpoints. In its report, ISS acknowledged the Company’s board refreshment efforts, noting “Beginning in July 2020, the pace of board refreshment accelerated rapidly. The board appointed Julie Bushman early that month, Lisa Davis in October 2020, Denise Singleton and Doug Terreson in July 2021, and Greg Hayes in July 2022. Mark Lashier also joined in July 2022 in connection with his succession as CEO. Accompanying these appointments, Ferguson departed in August 2020, and McGraw and Tschinkel departed in March 2021.”
    Strong governance practices: The Board is firmly committed to declassification that would require all directors to stand election each year. The last attempt to do so received approval from 73% of outstanding shares.
    In its report, ISS supported Phillips 66’s declassification proposal, arguing, “The proposed declassification, assuming it can clear the supermajority hurdle, would enhance board accountability to shareholders, and the resubmission of this proposal to a vote after it failed in prior years demonstrates a commitment to shareholders’ interests on the part of management.”

    Early days in transformation strategy: ISS recognizes that Phillips 66 has improved its operating results since Mark Lashier stepped in as CEO on July 1, 2022 and achieved a total shareholder return above that of key competitors. ISS noted, “Since the appointment of Lashier as CEO through May 8, 2025, PSX has outperformed VLO by 20.9 percentage points.” Phillips 66 has made it clear that it is working to improve operations but is not satisfied with its results. In under three years, the Company has made progress on corporate cost takeout, refining performance, asset divestitures and more. These are facts recognized by the reports. These actions reflect a commitment to improvement that is continuing and will lead to further performance improvement and ultimately increased shareholder value.
    Relevant director skills: Phillips 66’s Board composition is closely aligned with the Company’s strategy and the issues raised in this campaign. Of the continuing Directors and nominees, six have refining experience, five have chemicals experience and five have midstream experience. The majority has experience in business transformations, several have expertise in finance and a number are experts in supply chains.2 Notably, the Company’s Directors and nominees have overseen more than $300 billion in “breakup or major divestiture transactions.3
    Phillips 66 encourages shareholders to reach their own informed conclusions.
    Elliott is seeking rapid, irreversible change in pursuit of a short-term thesis that would introduce significant risks to Phillips 66 shareholders. Do not let Elliott’s short-term and misinformed thesis disrupt your consistent and compelling returns.
    Phillips 66 recommends that shareholders use the WHITE proxy card to vote:
    ‘FOR’ only its four nominees using the WHITE proxy card;
    ‘FOR’ management’s proposal to approve the declassification of the Board of Directors, in line with the recommendations from ISS & Glass Lewis;
    ‘AGAINST’ Elliott’s proposal requiring annual director resignations, which implementing would violate Delaware law and put your Board at significant legal and reputational risk.
    The Board strongly recommends that shareholders safeguard their investment in Phillips 66 by casting their vote as soon as possible, regardless of plans to attend the Annual Meeting virtually on May 21, 2025.
    Shareholders may receive materials from Elliott Management that say “Gold proxy card” or “Gold voting instructions” or similar language. Phillips 66 recommends that shareholders DISCARD any Gold voting materials they may receive from Elliott. Shareholders may cancel out any vote made using a Gold proxy card by voting again TODAY using the Company’s WHITE proxy card. Only the latest-dated vote will count.
    About Phillips 66
    Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.
    Forward-Looking Statements
    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws relating to Phillips 66’s operations, strategy and performance. Words such as “anticipated,” “committed,” “estimated,” “expected,” “planned,” “scheduled,” “targeted,” “believe,” “continue,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “efforts,” “strategies” and similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes generally indicate forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements included in this news release are based on management’s expectations, estimates and projections as of the date they are made. These statements are not guarantees of future events or performance, and you should not unduly rely on them as they involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include: changes in governmental policies or laws that relate to our operations, including regulations that seek to limit or restrict refining, marketing and midstream operations or regulate profits, pricing, or taxation of our products or feedstocks, or other regulations that restrict feedstock imports or product exports; our ability to timely obtain or maintain permits necessary for projects; fluctuations in NGL, crude oil, refined petroleum, renewable fuels and natural gas prices, and refining, marketing and petrochemical margins; the effects of any widespread public health crisis and its negative impact on commercial activity and demand for refined petroleum or renewable fuels products; changes to worldwide government policies relating to renewable fuels and greenhouse gas emissions that adversely affect programs including the renewable fuel standards program, low carbon fuel standards and tax credits for renewable fuels; potential liability from pending or future litigation; liability for remedial actions, including removal and reclamation obligations under existing or future environmental regulations; unexpected changes in costs for constructing, modifying or operating our facilities; our ability to successfully complete, or any material delay in the completion of, any asset disposition, acquisition, shutdown or conversion that we have announced or may pursue, including receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals or permits related thereto; unexpected difficulties in manufacturing, refining or transporting our products; the level and success of drilling and production volumes around our midstream assets; risks and uncertainties with respect to the actions of actual or potential competitive suppliers and transporters of refined petroleum products, renewable fuels or specialty products; lack of, or disruptions in, adequate and reliable transportation for our products; failure to complete construction of capital projects on time or within budget; our ability to comply with governmental regulations or make capital expenditures to maintain compliance with laws; limited access to capital or significantly higher cost of capital related to illiquidity or uncertainty in the domestic or international financial markets, which may also impact our ability to repurchase shares and declare and pay dividends; potential disruption of our operations due to accidents, weather events, including as a result of climate change, acts of terrorism or cyberattacks; general domestic and international economic and political developments, including armed hostilities (such as the Russia-Ukraine war), expropriation of assets, and other diplomatic developments; international monetary conditions and exchange controls; changes in estimates or projections used to assess fair value of intangible assets, goodwill and property and equipment and/or strategic decisions with respect to our asset portfolio that cause impairment charges; investments required, or reduced demand for products, as a result of environmental rules and regulations; changes in tax, environmental and other laws and regulations (including alternative energy mandates); political and societal concerns about climate change that could result in changes to our business or increase expenditures, including litigation-related expenses; the operation, financing and distribution decisions of equity affiliates we do not control; and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting Phillips 66’s businesses generally as set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Phillips 66 is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
    Additional Information
    On April 8, 2025, Phillips 66 filed a definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A (the “Proxy Statement”) and accompanying WHITE proxy card with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2025 Annual Meeting”) and its solicitation of proxies for Phillips 66’s director nominees and for other matters to be voted on. This communication is not a substitute for the Proxy Statement or any other document that Phillips 66 has filed or may file with the SEC in connection with any solicitation by Phillips 66. PHILLIPS 66 SHAREHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (AND ANY AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ACCOMPANYING WHITE PROXY CARD AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT SOLICITATION MATERIALS FILED WITH THE SEC AS THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Shareholders may obtain copies of the Proxy Statement, any amendments or supplements to the Proxy Statement and other documents (including the WHITE proxy card) filed by Phillips 66 with the SEC without charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed by Phillips 66 with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge at Phillips 66’s investor relations website at https://investor.phillips66.com or upon written request sent to Phillips 66, 2331 CityWest Boulevard, Houston, TX 77042, Attention: Investor Relations.
    Certain Information Regarding Participants
    Phillips 66, its directors, its director nominees and certain of its executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in connection with the solicitation of proxies from Phillips 66 shareholders in connection with the matters to be considered at the 2025 Annual Meeting. Information regarding the names of such persons and their respective interests in Phillips 66, by securities holdings or otherwise, is available in the Proxy Statement, which was filed with the SEC on April 8, 2025, including in the sections captioned “Beneficial Ownership of Phillips 66 Securities” and “Appendix C: Supplemental Information Regarding Participants in the Solicitation.” To the extent that Phillips 66’s directors and executive officers who may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation have acquired or disposed of securities holdings since the applicable “as of” date disclosed in the Proxy Statement, such transactions have been or will be reflected on Statements of Changes in Ownership of Securities on Form 4 or Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 3 filed with the SEC. These documents are or will be available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
    1. Matthew Tonello, “2023 Disclosure Practices on Board Leadership and Structure,” Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance, May 12, 2025, https://corpgov.law.harvard.edu/2024/01/18/2023-disclosure-practices-on-board-leadership-and-structure/.2. Source: Company filings, public filings.3. Source: Deal Point Data, Reuters, FactSet, Financial Times, RBC Capital Markets.

    Source: Phillips 66

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Erick Tsang to visit Hungary, Egypt

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang will conclude his Beijing visit tomorrow and depart for Hungary and Egypt from May 15 to 20 to attend the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Economic & Trade Cooperation Exchange Conferences.

    The conferences are jointly organised by the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, to promote the development opportunities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

    While in Beijing, Mr Tsang led the Hong Kong SAR Government delegation to meet Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Hua Chunying and leaders of various bureaus to deepen their understanding of the country’s foreign policies and the latest developments of the international situation.

    Mr Tsang thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its staunch and continuous support for the Hong Kong SAR Government.

    He hoped it would continue to provide support and guidance to the Hong Kong SAR Government in handling the city’s external affairs, to support Hong Kong in intensifying international interaction and co-operation, and to showcase the successful implementation of “one country, two systems” to the world.

    Mr Tsang also met the Hong Kong Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and the Committee on Liaison with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan & Overseas Chinese of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and toured the China Foreign Affairs University.

    Before leaving Beijing tomorrow, he will visit the Museum of Early Revolutionary Activities of the Communist Party of China in Beijing, meet Hong Kong students in Beijing, and call on the Office of the Hong Kong SAR Government in Beijing to receive briefings on its work.

    Mr Tsang will leave for Budapest, Hungary, in the early hours of May 15 to attend the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area – Europe (Hungary) Economic & Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference the next day.

    The conference aims to promote the enormous business opportunities brought about by the GBA to the Hungarian business community and how Hong Kong can play its important function as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the two places.

    During his stay in Hungary, Mr Tsang will meet local political and business representatives to learn about the latest developments in the region and explore ways to further strengthen co-operation between Hungary and Hong Kong, with a view to opening up new opportunities for enterprises of both places.

    He will depart for Cairo, Egypt, on May 17 for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area – Africa (Egypt) Economic & Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference on May 19 to promote the GBA’s latest developments and the development potential as well as Hong Kong’s unique advantages under “one country, two systems”.

    During his stay, he will exchange views with representatives of the local political and business circles to understand the local development trends and promote interface between the industries of Hong Kong and Egypt.

    Mr Tsang will leave Egypt on the evening of May 19, returning to Hong Kong on May 20. During his absence, Under Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Clement Woo will be Acting Secretary.

    Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Maisie Chan and Director-General of Investment Promotion Alpha Lau will join the visits.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Neag School’s Adam McCready Wins Teaching Award

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Neag School of Education faculty member Adam McCready has been named the 2025 Dr. Perry A. Zirkel Distinguished Teaching Award recipient. McCready teaches in the Neag School’s Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) master’s program. His scholarly work examines the college student experience to identify and challenge oppressive educational structures. His research includes studies on students’ experiences in historically white college social fraternities; college men and masculinities; and the impact of social media on student attitudes and behavior.

    The Zirkel Distinguished Teaching Award is awarded annually to a full-time faculty member in the Neag School. Alumnus Perry A. Zirkel ’68 MA, ’72 Ph.D., ’76 JD is a university professor emeritus of education and law at Lehigh University, where he formerly was dean of the College of Education and more recently held the Iacocca Chair in Education for its five-year term. He has a Ph.D. in educational administration and a JD from the University of Connecticut, and a Master of Laws degree from Yale University.

    “To me, the Zirkel Distinguished Teaching Award indicates that my colleagues, students (particularly, those in the Higher Education and Student Affairs master’s program), and other members of the Neag School community value my teaching philosophy and practices,” McCready says. “Teaching is at the core of my identity as a faculty member, and I view learning as a community effort that honors and respects students’ identities, lived experiences, and contexts. Therefore, receiving this award also indicates that I have made progress toward valuing students’ humanity, and fostering community that aids learning and growth.”

    To me, the Zirkel Distinguished Teaching Award indicates that my colleagues, students … and other members of the Neag School community value my teaching philosophy and practices. &#8212 Adam McCready

    “Dr. McCready incorporates flexibility in his teaching, especially when it comes to centering learners’ needs in his courses,” wrote nominators H. Kenny Nienhusser and Milagros Castillo-Montoya, associate professors in the HESA program. “He always wants to find ways to better meet students’ learning needs by asking them for feedback – formally and informally – and making adjustments during and after the course.”

    Nienhusser and Castillo-Montoya also highlighted McCready’s commitment to inclusive pedagogy.

    “At the core of Dr. McCready’s teaching is addressing issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in the higher education setting,” they wrote. “As a white, cisgendered, heterosexual, able-bodied man, he has thoughtfully reflected on how his privileged identities may surface in his teaching. To address this, he has dedicated time to reflecting on and deconstructing how to include material in his courses that focus on minoritized college students, teach subject matter that centers on minoritized students’ strengths, and engage in conversations in the classroom about issues of race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, among other important topics in preparing future HESA professionals.”

    “Dr. McCready exemplifies rigor in his course instruction while fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all his students,” wrote nominator Laura Burton, professor and head of the Department of Educational Leadership.

    “The mission of the Neag School of Education is, ‘to improve educational and social systems to be more effective, equitable, and just for all,’ ” McCready says. “Although outstanding teaching is important to student learning and development across UConn, it is vital to mission of our School. In short, it is crucial that Neag School faculty members embody the outstanding teaching that we hope our students will provide to their students. The Zirkel Teaching Award helps our faculty community strive for this mission.”

    Since joining the HESA program, McCready has taught diverse core courses that blend academic scholarship with professional practice. His commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in course content and how he engages students in reflective dialogue and creates space for marginalized voices.

    McCready’s research has been published in Psychology of Men & Masculinities, Research in Higher Education Innovative Higher Education, Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development, and the Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice. McCready serves as the editor for the Journal of Sorority and Fraternity Life Research and Practice, and previously served as the vice chair for scholarship and research for the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Coalition on Men and Masculinities.

    In spring 2022, McCready introduced an innovative “ungrading” philosophy, focusing on feedback and reflection rather than numerical scores. This approach has strengthened student learning while influencing fellow faculty members to rethink their evaluation methods. Known for his flexibility, McCready proactively seeks student feedback and adjusts his courses to meet learners’ evolving needs.

    His thoughtful course preparation, commitment to student success, and emphasis on inclusivity have earned him high evaluation scores and praise from students and colleagues. McCready has nearly 20 years of higher education experience, including the past six years at the Neag School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from The George Washington University, a master’s in college student personnel from Bowling State University, and a Ph.D. in higher education from Boston College.

    Neag School alumni, current students, and faculty were invited to nominate a faculty member for the annual Zirkel Distinguished Teaching Award, and a committee selected the recipient. Previous awardees include Saran Stewart in 2024, Danielle Filipiak  in 2023, Tamika LaSalle in 2022, Milagros Castillo-Montoya in 2020, Jennie Weiner in 2019, and D. Betsy McCoach as the inaugural recipient in 2018.

    McCready received the award during the Neag School’s year-end meeting on May 2. His name will be added to the award plaque on display in the Neag School Dean’s Office.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Patrick Spencer MP charged by the Metropolitan Police Service

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man following an investigation by detectives.

    The Met has issued a charge and requisition to Patrick Spencer, 36 (08.05.1988) from Suffolk, in connection with an investigation into two sexual assaults, which reportedly occurred at Groucho Club in August 2023.

    The charges relate to two separate women.

    On 13 March 2025, a man attended a voluntary interview at a London police station.

    Patrick Spencer has since been charged with two counts of sexual assault and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 16 June.

    We urge responsible reporting in line with guidance from the Attorney General’s Office. Editors, publishers, and social media users should take legal advice to ensure they are in a position to fully comply with the obligations to which they are subject under the common law and Contempt of Court Act 1981.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man sentenced to 19 years following rape in Clapham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A 28-year-old man has been jailed for rape and sexual offences following a lengthy investigation by the Met Police.

    Gabriel Hay (02.01.1997) of Gauden Road, SW4 was sentenced to 19 years in prison on Tuesday, 13 May at Inner London Crown Court.

    Hay was found guilty of rape, attempted rape and two counts of sexual assault on Monday, 10 March at the same court. The charges relate to multiple incidents which took place between 2016 and 2023.

    In April 2023, Hay met a woman while working at a bar in Clapham. It was here that Hay recommended she and a friend go on drinking at another location – he would join them there. When Hay arrived at the end of his shift, he plied her with alcohol. As a result of this she became unsteady on her feet and he led her out of the bar to his address – a house he shared with his mother – where he raped her.

    It was this report of rape that enabled detectives to re-open previously reported incidents that did not initially hold sufficient evidence and bring charges against Hay.

    These incidents were a sexual assault in April 2014 in which Hay groped a woman in her 20s at a party in Clapham. He later attempted to rape her at his house in July 2016. Hay also touched another woman without consent in the back of a taxi in south London in 2018.

    Detective Sergeant Damian Jones, who let the Met’s investigation, said:

    “While nothing can remedy Hay’s horrific crimes, I hope this sentence brings closure to the three women – who have shown such resilience over the last few years – especially during the trial. It is because of them that we secured a conviction.

    “This investigation has taken a dangerous individual off our streets. Our officers will continue to tackle violence against women and girls and put victim-survivors at the centre of our work. If you would like to come forward and make a report relating to Hay, you can contact police via 101 quoting 2532/21APR23.”

    If you live in England or Wales and have been affected by this case and would like to seek independent support from specialist agencies, please contact the charity Rape Crisis via their 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line or call them on 0808 500 2222. Specially trained staff are there to listen, answer questions and offer support.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Clarenville — Clarenville RCMP tickets off-road vehicle operator not wearing a helmet; RCMP NL reminds operators of Off-Road Vehicles Act

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 32-year-old man was ticketed by Clarenville RCMP for not wearing a helmet while operating a side-by-side all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on May 10, 2025.

    Shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, police stopped the ATV which was traveling on the shoulder of the Trans-Canada Highway near Clarenville. In addition to not wearing a helmet, the driver was unable to provide proof of insurance. He was ticketed for the violations.

    With the expected increased use of off-road vehicles heading into the Victoria Day Weekend and continuing over the summer, RCMP NL reminds operators of the province’s Off-Road Vehicles Act. Off-road vehicles include dirt bikes, quads, side-by-sides and snowmobiles.

    All occupants of off-road vehicles are required to wear helmets, as well as seat belts where available. Children who are required to use a child seat restraint system, such as a booster seat, under the Highway Traffic Act are required to follow that same legislation as a passenger of an off-road vehicle.

    It is illegal to operate an ATV on a roadway, except to cross from one side to the other, and the operator must have registration, insurance, a driver’s licence and not less than one hundred and fifty metres of visibility to do so. To access a trail, an ATV can be operated on the shoulder of a roadway for a maximum distance of 1 kilometre and at a maximum speed of 20 kilometres an hour, all while yielding to motor vehicle traffic.

    More information about the Off-Road Vehicles Act and Highway Traffic Act can be found here:

    https://www.assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/statutes/o05-1.htm

    https://www.assembly.nl.ca/legislation/sr/statutes/h03.htm

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the First Review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF)

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    May 13, 2025

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • The economy has been resilient, with economic growth reaching 6.5 percent in 2024, and projected to remain above 5 percent in 2025.
    • The escalation of the armed conflict in the eastern part of the country has placed significant strain on the budget, in addition to its severe humanitarian and social impact.
    • Credible revenue-enhancing measures, streamlining of non-priority spending, and accelerated reforms are critical to preserving the objectives of the ECF-supported program, which has been recalibrated to adapt to the new realities following the intensification of the conflict.

    Washington, DC: A staff team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by Calixte Ahokpossi, IMF Mission Chief for the DRC, visited Kinshasa from April 30 to May 13, to hold discussions on the first review of the DRC’s economic and financial program supported by the IMF under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF).

    At the end of the discussions, Mr. Ahokpossi issued the following statement:

    “The DRC authorities and the IMF team have reached a staff-level agreement on the first review of the DRC’s three-year economic and financial program supported by the IMF under the ECF, subject to approval by IMF management and the Executive Board. Consideration by the IMF Executive Board is tentatively scheduled for end-June 2025.

    “Since the last quarter of 2024, the DRC has faced an escalation of the armed conflict in its eastern part. The intensification of hostilities has claimed thousands of lives and caused severe humanitarian, social, and economic harm, particularly in the occupied provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.

    “Economic activity remained resilient, with robust GDP growth of 6.5 percent in 2024. Growth is projected to remain above 5 percent in 2025, driven by continued dynamism in the extractive sector. External stability has strengthened, underpinned by ongoing international reserves accumulation and a narrowing current account deficit—though still below the recommended adequacy level for import coverage. The resulting exchange rate stability observed since mid-2024, coupled with appropriately tight monetary policy, has helped ease inflationary pressures. Year-on-year inflation has returned to single-digit levels in April 2025, for the first time since July 2022.

    “On the fiscal side, the conflict escalation has placed significant strain on public finances. Spending overruns—driven by sharp increases in exceptional security spending, public investment, and transfers to provinces and public entities—were only partially offset by strong revenue collection. As a result, the domestic fiscal deficit exceeded its programmed ceiling at end-2024. For 2025, the closure of revenue collection offices in the occupied eastern regions, combined with the exemption of basic food products from VAT and customs duties to ease the cost of living, have led to a revenue shortfall. Budgetary strains have also intensified, as exceptional security spending remained elevated through end-April of 2025, and salaries for military and police were doubled since March to bolster troops’ morale.

    “The government has reaffirmed its commitment to the objectives of ECF-supported program, which has been recalibrated to reflect the new realities following the intensification of the conflict. This will help safeguard fiscal sustainability while enabling adequate fiscal space for pressing security and humanitarian needs without crowding out priority social and investment spending, especially in light of the suspension of a significant share of external humanitarian assistance. Offsetting revenue-enhancing measures and streamlining of non-priority spending—including a reduction in operating expenses of the government—have been identified and incorporated, along with expected additional concessional financing from the World Bank, into a draft 2025 supplementary budget Law to be submitted to Parliament. Additional concessional financing from development partners would be welcome.

    “Progress on the structural reform agenda is encouraging. Reforms focused on modernizing public financial management are advancing: the legal framework was strengthened to induce stricter adherence to the expenditure chain, though its implementation needs to be tightened. The authorities are making progress in meeting key milestones to operationalize the Treasury, gradually decentralizing spending authorization to line ministries, establishing a treasury single account, and transitioning to a resource-based fiscal framework aimed at shielding public spending from the volatility of extractive revenues. In addition, domestic revenue-enhancing efforts should be stepped up, including by expediting the roll-out of the standardized VAT billing system, adopting an action plan to increase domestic revenue mobilization, streamlining inefficient tax exemptions, curbing tax evasion through tighter oversight of mineral exports, and further intensifying the fight against customs fraud at the borders. Stronger spending efficiency, including through better public investment management and stricter control of payroll abuses, remains critical, along with measures in the area of governance and transparency—including in the extractive sector— to combat corruption, and improve the business environment.

    “Finally, the IMF staff urged the authorities to continue laying the groundwork for the timely implementation of the reform measures (RM) underpinning the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF)–supported program. These RMs, coming due starting at the next review, are expected to help strengthen the DRC’s resilience to climate shocks while consolidating its role as a “solution country” in the global transition to a low-carbon economy.

    “The IMF staff would like to express its gratitude to the authorities, senior officials, technical staff, and various stakeholders—including representatives of the civil society, the private sector, and development partners—for their hospitality, continued support, and constructive discussions.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Tatiana Mossot

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/13/pr25140-democratic-republic-of-congo-imf-reaches-sla-with-drc-on-the-1st-review-under-ecf

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Free energy saving advice for renters

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Free home energy visits provide advice to renters on how they can save money on their energy bills.

    With winter approaching, it’s the perfect time to make your home more comfortable without increasing your energy bills.

    Canberra renters can book a free in-home energy visit through the ACT Government’s Renters’ Home Energy Program. For a limited time, these visits also include free energy-saving materials, such as a heated throw rug, to enhance your home’s energy efficiency and comfort.

    During these visits, a home energy expert identifies where energy is being used and provides simple solutions to help renters save on their bills.

    The program is a free and easy way to:

    • save on energy bills
    • get tips on the quickest, cheapest and best ways to reduce energy use
    • make rental homes more comfortable without using more gas or electricity
    • find out ways to reduce your impact on the environment.

    Home energy experts, like Jeff Knowles, have extensive experience conducting home energy visits in the ACT for renters. They offer valuable advice on energy use and simple steps to save money.

    “Canberra is different from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne as our summers are quite hot, our autumns and springs are lovely, then we have intense cold throughout the winter,” Jeff said.

    “With such a range of temperatures, it’s tough to build a building in Canberra that works well all year round.

    “The rising cost of living pressures are pushing people into greater and greater energy efficiency,” said Jeff.

    “The Renters’ Home Energy Program aims to assist people by educating them about the properties they live in and the energy they use. Following some simple steps, renters could save around $200 each quarter off their gas and electricity bills.”

    Energy saving tips:

    • Understand what your home is made from, which direction it faces, and identify where heat or cool air can escape. A free home energy visit or the home energy web tool can help you identify these problems and their solutions.
    • Check your insulation. All residential rental properties in the ACT must meet a minimum energy efficiency standard for ceiling insulation. Find out more about your rights as a renter.
    • Prevent draughts by sealing doors and windows. Door draught stoppers and seal strips are good options.
    • Use a plug-in power meter to monitor how much electricity your home appliances are using. Meters can point out inefficient appliances in your home such as electric element heaters.
    • When operating your washing machine, use cold wash cycles so that you’re not using gas or electricity to heat water.
    • Use a thermometer to monitor your fridge temperature. Most rental properties have their fridges running much colder than they need to be, which uses more electricity.

    Find out more about the Renters’ Home Energy Program.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • Blood Money: Pakistan’s Shadow Economy and the Trade that Fuels Terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A Hidden Artery that Predates 9/11

    Islamabad has long claimed that terrorist finance seeped in from Afghanistan only after the Twin Towers fell. Yet the sluice gates were prised open a decade earlier. In 1991, then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said he received a “blueprint” from Army Chief General Aslam Beg and ISI Director-General Asad Durrani: fund covert wars by selling heroin overseas, according to NATO’s study Narco-Insecurity, Inc. Sharif maintains he rejected the proposal; the generals deny it; but the episode revealed a mindset in which narcotics were deemed an acceptable coin of statecraft—ten years before 9/11 and far from any Afghan battlefield.

    The prime minister might have disowned the scheme, yet his party was deeply enmeshed in the narcotics trade. Sharif later admitted to The Washington Post in 1994 that ISI-backed drug profits financed covert operations. Through the ISI, the Pakistan Army set up narcotics routes to bankroll terror campaigns in Jammu & Kashmir and Afghanistan.

    Narco-Politics: Heroin as Statecraft

    Until the Taliban imposed a ban in August 2022, Afghanistan produced about 80 per cent of the world’s opium, and the cheapest road to blue water runs through Pakistan’s south-western badlands. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime research on the “southern route” names Iran and Pakistan as key springboards for Afghan heroin bound for the Gulf and Europe, generating windfalls well into the billions. By cautious estimates, smuggling through Pakistan alone spins off more than a billion US dollars of largely untaxed cash each year. Militants who guard convoys or refine opium into export-grade heroin take their cut; so do civilians and men in uniform who provide protection.

    Moreover, a United Nations report notes that despite the Taliban edict, opium cultivation in 2024 still rose by 19 per cent over the 2023 figure.

    Counterfeit Nation: A War Printed Across the Border

    If heroin yields a harvest within Pakistan, counterfeit rupees sow chaos next door. In May 2019 Nepalese police seized INR 76.7 million in near-perfect Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from Kathmandu trafficker Yunus Ansari and three Pakistani couriers. Investigators traced the notes to Karachi presses reportedly run by Dawood Ibrahim’s crime syndicate under ISI protection.

    The objective, officials say, is two-fold: finance jihadist allies such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, and erode confidence in India’s currency—a variety of “economic jihad” achievable with little more than a printing plate and diplomatic deniability. The ISI funnels FICN through Nepal and Bangladesh via illicit networks that span their borders with India. In February 2015 a Pakistani diplomat was withdrawn from the High Commission in Dhaka after it was proved he was an ISI operative engaged in terror financing and FICN circulation.

    Extortion City: Karachi’s Cash Cow

    Drugs and forged money form the overture; raw fear provides the steady bass line. Bank robberies in Karachi once netted the Pakistani Taliban and allied outfits more than US $800,000 after commanders in the tribal belt ordered urban cells to abandon foreign donations and fund themselves through crime, reports the ‘Combating Terrorism Centre at West Point’ in its analysis, The Pakistani Taliban’s Karachi Network. The raids were the visible crest of a broader wave of “bhatta parchis”—monthly protection money squeezed from transporters, timber merchants and even school principals. Karachi’s takings underwrote bombs that shredded markets in Peshawar and ambushes that bled police in Khyber. The pattern never vanished; it migrated. In March 2025 the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan sent letters to sugar-mill owners in Dera Ismail Khan: pay us, not the government, or watch your factories burn.

    Hawala: The Invisible Artery

    Moving cash is effortless when the state prefers the informal. Terrorist groups draw billions of rupees through hawala, cash couriers and black-market currency dealers; narcotics, kidnapping and extortion are core revenue streams. Hawala’s genius lies in its invisibility: one telephone call links a donor in Dubai to a broker in Lahore, and rupees materialise—unrecorded, untaxed, unseen. The same networks move political kick-backs and corporate tax evasion, ensuring institutional silence so long as every stakeholder’s share arrives on time.

    Balochistan and Other Wild Frontiers

    Farther west, a smuggler’s paradise of desert tracks and deep-water coves bankrolls both sides of Balochistan’s low-burn insurgency. The Baloch Liberation Army, analysts say, enjoys “well-funded support mechanism”: levies on coal trucks, tolls on diesel convoys and a system to keep the rebellion alive. Every barrel of fuel taxed on the Makran coast, every tonne of chromite shifted from a lawless quarry — deposits fresh ammunition in the rebels’ accounts—and justifies larger counter-insurgency budgets for the security establishment run by the Pakistani generals. Conflict has become profitable to the state here as well.

    Who Holds the Purse-Strings?

    Official spokesmen of the country blame “rogue elements” or “hostile foreign agencies” for terror finance. Yet evidence places Pakistan’s power elite at every collection point. From the 1991 heroin blueprint to the Jamaat-ud-Dawa and Lashkar-e-Taiba donation buckets in Lahore’s mosques and Jaish-e-Mohammed’s seminary in Bahawalpur, terrorism has long been treated as a strategic hedge, not an existential threat. Only when the guns turned inward did the establishment discover the lexicon of compliance.

    Under international pressure, the Financial Action Task Force removed Pakistan from its grey list in October 2022. Television viewers saw frozen accounts, a few celebrity militants behind bars and choreographed press conferences about hawala raids. Yet these gestures were skin-deep. The deeper arteries still pulse: the Pahalgam terror attack traced back to Pakistan is a reminder, and the world community should move to grey-list Islamabad again.

    Turning Off the Tap—or Pretending To

    Pakistan’s terror economy is no single pipe to be welded shut; it is an underground river fed by narcotics, fake currency, extortion, smuggling and the state’s own cynical bargains. The generals who toyed with heroin, the politicians who wink at hawala donors and the bureaucrats who auction customs posts have all drunk from its waters. Could it end? With an economy edging towards default and a state apparatus that still wields covert terror as policy, the prospect appears bleak. Only an uncompromising audit of power can stem the blood money coursing through Pakistan’s shadow state—yet such scrutiny remains a distant chord in a pseudo-civilian order orchestrated by the army and its ISI handlers.

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Court security to be strengthened following shooting incident

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Tuesday, May 13, 2025

    Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has called for an immediate strengthening of security in all courts following a second shooting incident at a court over the past two months.

    The latest incident occurred at the Melmoth Court in KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in the fatal shooting of an accused.

    “Preliminary reports indicate that an accused person in custody allegedly gained access to a court orderly’s firearm. In a swift and decisive response, a second court orderly acted with commendable presence of mind and discharged his service weapon, fatally wounding the accused before any further harm could occur. The individual was declared deceased at the scene.

    “While the full details of the incident, including the identity of the deceased and the exact sequence of events are still under investigation, the Ministry is encouraged by the professionalism displayed by court officials in a high-pressure situation. Their actions undoubtedly prevented a potentially greater tragedy,” the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said.

    Police and internal department investigations are underway.

    “Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has called for an urgent briefing and has emphasised the need for an immediate strengthening of security protocols in all court precincts. 

    “The department is working closely with law enforcement to ensure enhanced safety measures are urgently implemented to safeguard all court users.

    “Despite the distressing incident, court operations at Melmoth were not disrupted, and the regional court continued to serve the public as scheduled. This reflects the resilience and commitment of the justice system and its officials to uphold the rule of law,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Police Ministry grateful for support shown to families of fallen Constables

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Ministry of Police has extended its gratitude to communities, the Free State provincial government and the people of South Africa at large, for the support shown to the families of three Constables who died in a car crash, three weeks ago.

    The police constables were accorded official funerals held last Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

    The bodies of constables Keamogetswe Buys, Boipelo Senoge and Cebekhulu Linda were found in the Hennops river, near the N1 highway in Centurion in Pretoria.

    “The tragic loss of these brave officers has deeply affected the nation, and the dignity with which their lives were honoured is a testament to the unity and collective respect shown in times of mourning,” the Police Ministry said in a statement. 

    READ I Missing police constables found dead in Gauteng

    The Ministry said it remains committed to supporting the families during this difficult time and ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

    “The Ministry further wishes to express concern over the continued stubbornness and brutality of criminal elements, particularly in the KwaZulu-Natal province. These criminals have brazenly posted on social media and boasted about their criminal nature, making mention that they recruit others into this life of crime. 

    “The Inanda community, in recent months, has come under sustained attack from organised groups intent on terrorising residents and undermining public safety. Despite these threats, the SAPS in KZN has demonstrated commendable resolve in confronting these criminals,” the Ministry said.

    The SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, informed the Ministry of an incident which took place yesterday in Hammersdale, where police were confronted and shot at by five suspects and in Inanda, where three suspects shot at police. 

    In both instances, police responded with lethal fire to protect themselves while dealing criminality a blow. 

    Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said: “The recent developments are a direct result of relentless, intelligence-driven police work and strong community cooperation. Their actions are a clear message to those who think they can operate above the law, we will not allow our communities to be terrorised by criminals.”

    He said it was clear that criminals are determined to pose a threat to communities and declare themselves enemies to all.

    “…We will intensify our fight against them. In the past, we have made strong statements that anyone who attempts to attack police, is actually attacking the state and will face dire consequences. 

    “Our officers acted with bravery and precision in the face of imminent danger; we commend their courage and professionalism. A total of six illegal firearms have now been removed from society. 

    “Community members continue to play a crucial role in assisting police operations, and for that, we express our sincere thanks. The community-policing partnerships remain vital. We urge our communities to continue standing with law enforcement against criminality,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Confession of Usindiso building fire accused ‘admissable’, court declares

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The High Court, sitting in Palm Ridge, has ruled that the confession made by the man accused of starting the deadly Usindiso building fire, is admissible as evidence.

    The fire, allegedly started by 30-year-old Lawrance Mdlalose, killed at least 76 people living in the building situated in the Johannesburg CBD.

    Mdlalose is facing 76 counts of murder, one count of arson and 12 counts of attempted murder in the case.

    “Following the incident, a commission of inquiry, led by former Justice Sisi Khampepe, was established in September 2023 to probe, amongst others, the circumstances that led to the deaths at the building . 

    “Mdlalose gave testimony on 23 January 2024, allegedly implicating himself as the one who started the fire, resulting in an order by Justice Khampepe that he be taken to a Magistrate to reduce his confession in writing,” the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said.

    The prosecutorial body said the court found that Mdlalose’s statement was made “freely and voluntarily, and in sound and sober senses without any undue influence”.

    “Despite the defence’s argument that the accused’s confession was made under duress and when he was high on drugs, State Advocates Thamsanqa Mpekana and Percy Monareng submitted that the statement given to the Magistrate was made voluntarily and in sound and sober senses, an unequivocal admission of guilt. 

    “They asserted that all legal requirements had been satisfied and, therefore, the statement should be admitted as evidence,” the NPA said.

    The case continues in the court today. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Media to record court proceedings in Ndlovu murder case

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The National Press Club (NPC) and the African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) have welcomed the court order permitting media houses to record proceedings of the case involving kidnapped journalist Sibusiso ‘Aserie’ Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli.

    The order was granted by the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

    Last week, the police discovered two bodies believed to be that of Ndlovu and Mdhluli. The couple had been missing since 18 February 2025.

    Their discovery was the result of a lengthy and thorough investigation by a multi-disciplinary team of law enforcement agencies. These efforts led to the arrest of four suspects, who are currently in police custody.

    In total, seven suspects have been arrested for the alleged murder of Ndlovu and Mdhluli.

    READ I Police commend community involvement in arrest of suspects in Ndlovu murder case

    The NPC and AMCF brought a formal application before court on behalf of several media houses after media houses were barred from recording the proceedings or taking photographs of the accused persons without a formal application.

    The represented media houses include:
    – Sunday Times
    – Kaya FM
    – News24
    – SABC
    – Newzroom Afrika
    – eNCA
    – Sowetan
    – Eyewitness News (EWN)

    The two organisations said they understand that not every South African can physically attend court proceedings, and that the order will ensure that citizens can stay informed about crucial developments in the case through the eyes of the media.

    Acting Chairperson of the National Press Club, Antoinette Slabbert, said: “The National Press Club and wider media fraternity has since the disappearance of our brother and colleague Aseri Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli consistently applied pressure to ensure they are brought home.” 

    “Unfortunately, it was not the outcome we hoped for. However, we will not let up now; we will make sure that justice is served for the couple. Today’s order enables us to take our audiences with us as we follow the court proceedings to ensure that those who did these terrible things to the couple account for their evil deeds,” Slabbert said.

    Chairperson of the AMFC, Elijah Mhlanga, said: “We welcome the court’s decision to grant permission for the media to broadcast proceedings in this important case that involves one of our own. This ruling not only upholds the principles of transparency and public access to justice but also allows the community to stay informed about matters of great public interest. 

    “Such coverage fosters an environment where justice is not only done but is also seen to be done. The court order reinforces the democratic principle that justice should be accessible to all. We will continue supporting the families until we see justice served.”

    As the matter returns to court on 19 May 2025, the AMCF and NPC will continue to monitor the proceedings and support the families. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Police Ministry condemns rape of 18-year-old in KZN

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Tuesday, May 13, 2025

    The Police Ministry has condemned the incident in which an 18-year-old woman was allegedly raped earlier this month by a 54-year-old Inkosi of the KwaBhidla area in KwaZulu-Natal.

    Reports indicate that the suspect gave the young woman a lift from eGqumeni, only to allegedly refuse to drop her off at her stop. He instead drove her to an isolated bushy area, where he allegedly raped her.

    Following his first appearance in the Hlanganani Magistrate’s Court last Friday, the suspect was remanded in custody until Monday, 12 May, when he was expected to make a formal bail application.

    “This vile act allegedly committed by someone who holds a position of leadership and authority is a betrayal of the moral, ethical and societal responsibilities bestowed upon traditional leaders. It flies in the face of the values we seek to uphold in a just, safe, and respectful society,” said Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. 

    “We commend the South African Police Service for acting swiftly and professionally in response to this incident. 

    “We trust and will ensure that the justice system treats the victim with dignity, that her voice is heard, and that this matter is pursued with the urgency and weight it deserves. No individual, regardless of their title, position, or social standing, should ever be allowed to act with impunity, especially in matters as grave as gender-based violence,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –