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Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens propose long overdue Council Tax revaluation to make wealthy pay more

    Source: Scottish Greens

    22 Apr 2025 Housing

    The wealthy should pay more to fund local services.

    More in Housing

    Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer has lodged proposals for Scotland’s first Council Tax revaluation in over 30 years.

    The current Council Tax system is based on property values from 1991. As a result, most people are now in the wrong band.

    Many of those living in smaller and less valuable homes currently pay more than they should. Conversely, the richest people living in the largest properties often pay far less than they would if accurate property values were used.

    The Scottish Greens are confident that the proposal, which is being made as an amendment to the upcoming Housing (Scotland) Bill, would not only make the system fairer, it could also raise vital funds for local services like schools and social care.

    If the amendment is passed, a revaluation exercise would be completed by 1st April 2029. Measures have been included to support those on low and fixed incomes.

    Mr Greer said:

    “The Council Tax is based on property values from before I was even born and as a result, it is now completely broken. We wouldn’t tolerate most people paying the wrong rate of income tax, but that is exactly what has been allowed to happen here after 34 years.

    “The wealthiest people in the most valuable houses are getting off with an absolute steal. They pay far less than they should, whilst far too many ordinary households pay much more.

    “It may sound dry, but the Council Tax is crucial to funding schools, social care, bin collections and other local services. It should never have been allowed to become this completely broken.”

    Mr Greer added:

    “This system was a quick and dirty replacement for Thatcher’s hated Poll Tax. Everyone has agreed for years that it must be replaced completely. Despite this, the Scottish Government has lacked the courage to actually make that change.

    “The Scottish Greens have made some important changes recently, including doubling Council Tax for second homes to help tackle the housing crisis. However, we know that total reform is urgently needed. That can’t happen without ditching the 1991 property valuations and bringing the system into this century.

    “Those with the broadest shoulders and in the biggest houses should be paying more than those less privileged to fund the local services we all rely on.”

    Council Tax reform is championed by the Tax Justice Scotland network, whose members include Oxfam, the Scottish Trade Unions Congress, the Church of Scotland and the Scottish Women’s Convention.

    The Institute for Fiscal Studies described Scotland’s Council Tax as ‘ripe for reform’ in a report published earlier this year.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The rise of Brazil’s fuel mafias and their gas station money laundering machines

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Robert Muggah, Richard von Weizsäcker Fellow na Bosch Academy e Co-fundador, Instituto Igarapé

    Brazil’s federal police recently pulled back the curtain on a criminal web that had infiltrated the country’s fuel distribution chains. What looked like ordinary gas stations were, in fact, outposts of a vast laundering machine, washing dirty money with diesel and ethanol. According to Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski, more than 1,000 service stations across the country were overseen by organised crime syndicates.

    The plot thickened when Rio de Janeiro’s state police launched raids against the so-called “fuel mafia”, dismantling a racket that sold millions of liters of adulterated fuel. In the process, they revealed a network of ghost companies churning out fake invoices.

    Crime moves into the fuel sector

    Across Brazil organised crime is diversifying beyond narcotics, arms trafficking into the biofuel and fossil fuel sectors. Criminal factions with names such as the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), Comando Vermelho (CV), and militia groups made-up of retired and active duty police are expanding into fuel theft, smuggling, tax evasion, and money laundering. The pivot by Brazil’s criminal underworld underscores their adaptability in exploiting legitimate markets.

    Fuel theft is hardly new to Brazil. The country’s top fuel distributors – Ale, BR, Ipiranga, and Raizen – have warned of criminal infiltration. But the costs of these illegal activities are significant. According to ICL, an industry group, illegal profits generated by gas stations amounted to $23 billion reais($3.89 billion) in 2021.

    A 2022 study by the Brazilian Public Security Forum (FBSP) revealed that criminal organisations generated approximately 146.8 billion reais (around $25.4 billion) from sectors including fuel, gold, cigarettes, and beverages far surpassing the revenues from cocaine trafficking.

    Meanwhile, a 2024 assessment found that the costs of cargo-theft, fuel-related robberies and fraud generated annual losses of $29 billion reais. Vibra Energia estimated that roughly 13 billion liters of fuel were being traded through “irregular” means a year.

    Fake gas stations, adulterated fuel, and tax fraud

    Organised criminal groups employ multiple strategies to exploit the fuel sector. The most common involves the use of “pirate” gas stations — outlets that flout safety standards and sell adulterated and stolen fuel. Police have exposed hundreds of gas stations linked to individuals indicted or convicted for fuel-related offenses since 2015. In 2019, for example, BR purged its retail network of 730 stations nationwide suspected of involvement in “irregularities”.

    By 2023, the PCC reportedly extended its influence to five ethanol plants and approximately 1,100 of São Paulo’s 9,000 gas stations. And in 2024, police claimed that as many as 30 gas stations in Rio de Janeiro were under PCC control. Meanwhile, the National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) reported that violations related to the use of methanol — a toxic substance commonly used to adulterate fuels—increased by over 73 percent compared to the previous year.

    Fraud and tax evasion are also common in the fuel sector. In Brazil, fuel taxes on ethanol vary from state to state. These discrepancies create incentives for enterprising criminals to purchase fuel from low-tax jurisdictions and resell in high-tax states to station owners who charge higher tax and pocket the difference.

    A 2019 study by FGV estimated that fuel-related tax evasion generated 7.2 billion reais ($1.3 billion), with major rewards for petrol station owners that laundered funds. There are also schemes that involve tax fraud in fuel production and illegal diesel imports. One prominent case involved Copape, a company that sold fuel below market price by evading import taxes and manipulating its product. The company was later shut down amid allegations of ties to the PCC.

    Another common strategy involves outright theft by installing clandestine taps and siphoning fuel from pipelines. This practice often leads to significant economic losses and poses environmental hazards and public safety risks. The process usually involves precise “insider” knowledge of pipeline networks. In 2019, for example, Petrobras identified over 261 such incidents in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo alone.

    The direct targeting of personnel and infrastructure has also occurred. In 2019, for example, more than 40 people were arrested in Rio de Janeiro in 2019 suspected of extorting and murdering Petrobras contactors. The group was described as highly organised with separate divisions for intimidating targets, tapping pipelines, transporting stolen fuel, and monitoring police movements. Stolen fuel can be sold on to asphalt companies, underground gas owners, and others.

    The entrenchment of organised crime in biofuels such as sugar and palm oil has resulted in confrontations with state authorities. In August 2024, 59,000 hectares of São Paulo’s sugarcane plantations were ravaged by fires resulting in losses of over 1 billion reais. Authorities suspect that the PCC orchestrated arson attacks as retaliation against government measures targeting their involvement in the adulterated fuel trade.

    And in February 2025, police in Rio de Janeiro revealed that operators of an illegal gambling (jogo do bicho) network were financing the criminal extraction of oil from underground pipelines. Proceeds were used to acquire equipment, rent fuel transport vehicles, and pay off personnel. In Rio, and elsewhere in Brazil, such activities undermine the rule of law, distort markets, and erode public trust.

    Technology-enabled solutions to disrupt fuel theft

    Preventing and disrupting infiltration of organised crime into the fuel sectors is challenging. Legal proceedings are often protracted. Efforts by fuel distributors to terminate franchise agreements with non-compliant operators are often stymied by prolonged court battles. The sophistication of Brazil’s criminal organisations also complicates enforcement efforts including their blending of illicit activities with legitimate business.

    At a minimum, federal and state authorities need to track gas stations and pipelines that are implicated in crime. Advanced tracking technologies that improve transparency in the fuel supply chain. And these solutions need to be bolstered by intelligence sharing across jurisdictions. One promising response comes from Brazil’s National Institute of Metrology (Inmetro) which has expanded its inspections of fuel pumps and product quality.

    Companies like Petrobras have ramped up their security measures to protect pipelines, refineries, transportation systems, and petrol stations. Advanced surveillance systems, including drones and sensor-based technology, are now being used by its subsidiary, TransPetro, to monitor pipeline integrity.

    Specialised response teams have also been established to detect and contain illegal taps. Petrobras and Transpetro have also increased collaboration with federal and state security forces to target organised crime cells involved in fuel theft and trafficking.

    In especially high-risk areas, particularly near major refineries such as Duque de Caxias in Rio de Janeiro, joint operations with law enforcement have resulted in arrests and the seizure of illegal equipment used to tap pipelines.

    Petrobras has invested in internal compliance, audit mechanisms, and fuel traceability systems to track product movement and prevent insider threats and diversion to illicit markets. The company has also partnered with regulatory agencies like the (National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels, or ANP) to tighten oversight over gas stations and transport companies suspected of facilitating the resale of adulterated or stolen fuel.

    Legislation and regulation is also needed to increase penalties for criminality in the fuel sector. Legal reforms, including a new bill approved in April 2025 targets companies that systematically evade taxes. Another bill is being explored that would mandate real-time electronic reporting of fuel sales and storage to ANP in order to increase traceability.

    A new Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry focusing on the relationship between organised crime and fuel is also about to be launched. Federal police, together with the financial intelligence unit (COAF) and tax authorities are also preparing a broad investigation into related activities.

    Addressing the infiltration of organised crime into Brazil’s biofuel and fossil fuel sectors requires more than enforcement — it demands a coordinated national strategy backed by industry cooperation. Enforced compliance, empowered regulators, transparent supply chains, and worker protections are essential. Without urgent and sustained action, organised crime will continue siphoning off Brazil’s future, weakening one of its most vital sectors.

    *Katherine Aguirre, senior researcher at Igarape Institute, contributed to this article

    Dr. Robert Muggah is the co-founder of the Igarapé Institute, an independent “think and do tank” that develops research, solutions and partnerships to address global public, digital and climate security challenges. Dr. Muggah is also a principal of the SecDev Group, and an advisor to the United Nations, the IMF and the World Bank. An advisor to AI start-ups and a climate tech venture firms, Dr. Muggah has experience developing new technologies and testing AI systems for security and governance.

    – ref. The rise of Brazil’s fuel mafias and their gas station money laundering machines – https://theconversation.com/the-rise-of-brazils-fuel-mafias-and-their-gas-station-money-laundering-machines-254422

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plans for potential LFC victory parade

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Plans are in place for a victory parade if Liverpool Football Club wins the UEFA Champions League Final on Saturday.

     If Jurgen Klopp’s team triumph, the City of Liverpool will formally invite the club to hold a victory parade on Sunday 2 June.

     The date has been requested by Liverpool Football Club.

    Due to the major logistical challenges needed to arrange a parade of this scale, the announcement is being made in advance so residents and businesses in the city can prepare.

    The Champions League parade would take place when Liverpool is staging two major events – River Festival Liverpool and the Bordeaux Wine Festival – which are already expected to attract tens of thousands of people to the waterfront.

    It would start at 4pm, and would see the Liverpool FC team parade their newly acquired trophy on an open top bus, along Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage Waterfront.

    The route starts at Allerton Maze and will travel north bound on Queens Drive towards the Fiveways roundabout and Rocket flyover. From there it will journey along:

    • Queens Drive
    • Mill Bank
    • West Derby Road
    • Islington
    • Leeds Street
    • The Strand
    • Route finishes at Blundell Street

    The River Festival Liverpool event would start earlier than advertised on Sunday to accommodate a parade – around 10.30am.

    Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “Anyone who is a football fan can’t help to have been impressed by Liverpool’s performance this season – whatever their allegiance. The twists and turns have kept us all gripped and as a result it is going right down to the wire. We can’t wait until the result to plan for a parade because it is a complex logistical challenge with many partners involved and simply can’t be organised overnight.

    “Whichever team you support, there is no doubting the positive impact sporting success for each of our clubs has on the city, not just economically but also in terms of a feel-good factor. It rightly generates huge pride and attracts massive international attention. If the Reds win, they will receive a well-deserved heroes’ welcome and we will put on a show to make the city proud.

    “Even though the Champions League parade would potentially take place on an already busy day in the city, we are working closely with LFC, Merseyside Police, and our travel partners to ensure that all events taking place on June 2 run smoothly and safely so everyone can enjoy our city, and everything it has to offer.”

    The parade is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of people, so the city council is issuing key advice for fans:

    • Use the full length of the route. The open top bus won’t be stopping so take advantage of the full length of the route from Queens Drive all the way to The Strand.
    • Decide which part of the route you want to wait at and arrive in plenty of time.
    • Be patient – it is impossible to predict how long it will take the team bus to travel along the route.
    • Due to the number of people coming in to and out of the city, there will be significant demands on public transport, with queuing likely.

    Motorists are advised that the city centre is expected to be extremely busy, and with this in mind they should plan their journeys in and out of the city carefully.

    As crowd volumes increase, it is expected that there will periodic closures of the Queensway Tunnel, as the parade passes close by, and an extended closure of the dock branch exit.

    Superintendent Paul White, said: “In the event of the parades taking place there will be a large number of police officers on the streets throughout the city, who will be providing a reassuring presence and making sure fans can enjoy the parades in safety.

    “The parade route has been planned to give residents the opportunity to celebrate Liverpool’s success. Road closures will be put in place by Liverpool City Council in order to allow the parades to take place. This will ultimately cause some disruption to local traffic and public transport routes. Despite this, the intention is to keep disruption to a minimum so fans, locals and visitors can enjoy the events and explore Liverpool safely and freely.

    “Those intending to go tare advised to use public transport and to check timetables. Motorists are advised to check road closures and available parking prior to the events.”It is expected there will be significant disruption around the parade route travel advice is available at www.merseytravel.gov.uk  to help spectators, workers and residents plan their journeys in advance.

    Key points include:

    • Consider walking, cycling or use public transport wherever possible.
    • Be prepared for some changes to services, particularly for bus due to delays and diversions.
    • Allow time for and plan your journey. The transport network is expected to be very busy before and after the parade.
    • Check timetables – be prepared for some changes to services, particularly bus for which some diversions will be in place.
    • The Mersey Ferries are a good cross river option, with regular services running between Seacombe and Liverpool – check www.merseyferries.co.uk for journey times on the day of travel.
    • Passengers travelling on the Wirral line before, during and after the parade should get on and off at Liverpool Central, and Northern Line passengers should use Moorfields. These stations are best set up to manage significant numbers of people.

    Wayne Menzies Merseytravel’s Head of Rail and Chair of the Major Events Transport Board, said: “Liverpool will be extremely busy and through the sheer volume of people and the need for road closures, there will be disruption to the transport network. Both parade-goers and people needing to get home from work need to be aware of that and plan ahead, also keeping an eye on the latest travel information.

    “We have been working closely with Liverpool FC, transport operators, Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police and other partners to ensure that we are doing all we can to help people get to the parade and home again safely.”

    ‘Live’ travel updates and alerts will be available from Merseytravel at www.merseytravel.gov.uk, or via the journey planner app, and on Twitter @Merseytravel, #LFCparade

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash: Mamaku

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can confirm one person has died following a crash on State Highway 5, Mamaku.

    The single vehicle crash was reported at about 3:50pm.

    The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

    State Highway 5 remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit conduct a scene examination.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 5, Mamaku closed following crash

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    State Highway 5 is closed just north of Mamaku following a crash.

    The single vehicle crash between Galaxy Road and Barker Road was reported at about 3:50pm.

    Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

    State Highway 5 is expected to remain closed for some time.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area, and expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Two men before the courts on unlawful hunting charges

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Two people are before the courts after Police executed two search warrants at addresses in Te Karaka, in relation to unlawful hunting in the region.

    The warrants were executed on Thursday 17 April, resulting in Police locating and seizing a firearm, ammunition, and a large amount of cannabis.

    Two men, aged 32 and 40, are due to appear in the Gisborne District Court tomorrow (23 April), facing charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, unlawful hunting and cultivating cannabis.

    Poaching and unlawful hunting continues to be an ongoing issue across the wider district, not only for personal safety reasons but also for the flow on effect from the damage caused to the forestry and farmers properties.
    These two arrests are a pleasing result, and Police will continue to work hard to hold offenders to account.

    Police urge anybody who has been a victim of poaching to make a report to Police via 105.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Delays following crash on SH1, Dome Forest

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Emergency services are responding to reports of a two vehicle crash on State Highway 1 in Dome Forest.

    The crash, near Sheepworld Farm Park, was reported to Police just before 2.30pm.

    Early indications suggest there are no serious injuries.

    Both north and southbound lanes are blocked

    Diversions are in place and motorists are advised to expect delays.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 27 Members or Associates of Tren de Aragua Charged with Racketeering, Narcotics, Sex Trafficking, Robbery and Firearms offenses

    Source: US State of California

    Note: A copy of the Anti-Tren indictment can be found here.

    Today, two superseding indictments were unsealed charging 27 individuals currently or formerly associated with the designated foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua (TdA) with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, robbery, and firearms offenses. The first superseding indictment (the “TdA Indictment”) charges six alleged members of TdA. The second superseding indictment (the “Anti-Tren Indictment”) charges 19 alleged members of “Anti-Tren,” a splinter faction comprised of former TdA members, along with two additional associates of Anti-Tren. Of the 27 defendants, 21 are in federal custody, including 16 who were already in federal criminal, immigration, or state custody and five who were arrested last night and today in operations in New York and other jurisdictions.

    “As alleged, Tren de Aragua is not just a street gang – it is a highly structured terrorist organization that has destroyed American families with brutal violence, engaged in human trafficking, and spread deadly drugs through our communities,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Today’s indictments and arrests span three states and will devastate TdA’s infrastructure as we work to completely dismantle and purge this organization from our country.”

    “Today, we have filed charges against 27 alleged members, former members, and associates of Tren de Aragua, for committing murders and shootings, forcing young women trafficked from Venezuela into commercial sex work, robbing and extorting small businesses, and selling ‘tusi,’ a pink powdery drug that has become their calling card,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky for the Southern District of New York.  “Today’s Indictments make clear that this Office will work tirelessly to keep the law-abiding residents of New York City safe, and hold accountable those who bring violence to our streets.”“Tren de Aragua is one of the most dangerous gangs in the country, and the NYPD has taken significant action to shut down their operations in New York City,” said New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch.  “For the first time ever, TdA is being named and charged as the criminal enterprise that it is. This isn’t just street crime—it’s organized racketeering, and this gang has shown zero regard for the safety of New Yorkers. As alleged in the indictment, these defendants wreaked havoc in our communities, trafficking women for sexual exploitation, flooding our streets with drugs, and committing violent crimes with illegal guns.  Thanks to the dedicated members of the NYPD and the important work of our federal partners, their time is up.”

    According to the allegations contained in the Indictments:[1]

    The TdA Indictment

    TdA is a criminal organization that operated throughout New York City, including the boroughs of the Bronx and Queens, as well as internationally in Venezuela, Peru, and elsewhere. The purposes of TdA included:

    • Preserving and protecting the power and territory of TdA and its members and associates through acts involving murder, assault, robbery, other acts of violence, and threats of violence, including acts of violence and threats of violence directed at former members and associates of TdA who associated with a splinter organization known as Anti-Tren.
    • Enriching the members and associates of TdA through, among other things:
      • The unlawful smuggling of individuals, including young women from Venezuela, into Peru and the United States;
      • The sex trafficking of young women (whom members and associates of TdA often refer to as “multadas”) who had been unlawfully smuggled into Peru and the United States;
      • The trafficking of controlled substances, including a mixed substance called “tusi” that contains ketamine; and
      • Armed robberies.
    • Keeping victims and potential victims in fear of TdA and its members and associates through threats and acts of violence.
    • Promoting and enhancing TdA and the reputation and activities of its members and associates.
    • Providing assistance to members and associates of TdA who committed crimes for and on behalf of TdA, such as lodging and interstate transportation for members and associates of TdA to flee prosecution.
    • Protecting TdA and its members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities through acts of intimidation, threats, and violence against potential witnesses to crimes committed by members of TdA.

    Members and associates of TdA transported “multadas” from Venezuela into Peru and the United States in exchange for debts that the “multadas” would pay back to TdA by engaging in commercial sex work. Members of TdA enforced compliance among “multadas” by, among other things:

    • Threatening to kill “multadas” and their families,
    • Assaulting “multadas,”
    • Shooting or killing “multadas,” and
    • Tracking down and kidnapping “multadas” who tried to flee.

    Members of TdA also committed and conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit, acts of violence, including acts involving murder and assault, to protect and expand TdA’s criminal operations; resolve disputes within TdA; to retaliate against rival organizations, including Anti-Tren; and to maintain control over sex trafficking victims. TdA members and associates also trafficked controlled substances, committed robberies, and obtained, possessed, trafficked, and used firearms and ammunition.

    The TdA Indictment charges Jarwin Valero-Calderon, also known as “La Fama,” 29; Samuel Gonzalez Castro, also known as “Klei” and “Kley, ” 28; Eferson Morillo-Gomez, also known as “Jefferson” and “Efe Trebol,” 20; Brayan Oliveros-Chero, 28; Sandro Oliveros-Chero, 25; and Armando Jose Perez Gonzalez, also known as “Biblia,” 30, (the “TdA Defendants”) with conspiring to participate in the TdA racketeering enterprise. Various of the TdA defendants are also charged with participating in offenses relating to drug trafficking, carjacking, robbery, and extortion, as well as firearms offenses. This case is assigned U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote for the Southern District of New York.

    If convicted of racketeering conspiracy, Valero-Calderon, Gonzalez Castro, Morillo-Gomez, Brayan Oliveros-Chero, Sandro Oliveros-Chero, and Perez Gonzalez face up to life in prison. If convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy, Valero-Calderon, Brayan Oliveros-Chero, Sandro Oliveros-Chero, and Perez Gonzalez face up to 20 years in prison. If convicted of carjacking conspiracy, Valero-Calderon, Gonzalez Castro, and Morillo-Gomez face up to five years in prison. If convicted of carjacking, Valero-Calderon, Gonzalez Castro, and Morillo-Gomez face up to 15 years in prison. If convicted of Hobbs Act robbery, Valero-Calderon, Gonzalez Castro, and Morillo-Gomez face up to 20 years in prison. If convicted of firearm use, carrying, and possession, Valero-Calderon, Gonzalez Castro, and Morillo-Gomez face up to life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison. If convicted of attempted Hobbs Act extortion, Valero-Calderon, Gonzalez Castro, and Morillo-Gomez face up to 20 years in prison. If convicted of firearm use, carrying, and possession – conspiracy, Valero-Calderon, Gonzalez Castro, Morillo-Gomez, Brayan Oliveros-Chero, and Sandro Oliveros-Chero face up to 20 years in prison. If convicted of possession of ammunition by an illegal alien, Brayan Oliveros-Chero faces up to 15 years in prison. If convicted of possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien, Sandro Oliveros-Chero faces up to 15 years in prison. If convicted of firearm use, carrying, and possession, Perez Gonzalez faces up to life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. If convicted of possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien, Perez Gonzalez faces up to 15 years in prison.

    The Anti-Tren Indictment

    Anti-Tren is a criminal organization almost exclusively comprised of former members and associates of TdA. Anti-Tren operated throughout New York City, including the boroughs of the Bronx and Queens, and in New Jersey, and elsewhere. Like TdA, the purposes of Anti-Tren included:

    • Preserving and protecting the power and territory of Anti-Tren and its members and associates through acts involving murder, assault, other acts of violence, and threats of violence, including acts of violence and threats of violence directed at members and associates of TdA.
    • Enriching the members and associates of Anti-Tren through, among other things:
      • The unlawful smuggling of individuals, including women and girls from Venezuela, into the United States;
      • The sex trafficking of “multadas” who had been unlawfully smuggled into the United States;
      • The trafficking of controlled substances, including “tusi”; and
      • Armed robberies.
    • Keeping victims and potential victims in fear of Anti-Tren and its members and associates through threats and acts of violence.
    • Promoting and enhancing Anti-Tren and the reputation and activities of its members and associates.
    • Providing assistance to members and associates of Anti-Tren who committed crimes for and on behalf of Anti-Tren, such as lodging and interstate transportation for members and associates of Anti-Tren to flee prosecution, or bail money for members or associates of Anti-Tren who are detained.
    • Protecting Anti-Tren and its members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities through acts of intimidation, threats, and violence against potential witnesses to crimes committed by members of Anti-Tren.

    Like TdA, Anti-Tren engaged in human smuggling and sex trafficking of “multadas,” into the United States in exchange for debts that the “multadas” would pay back by engaging in commercial sex work. And like TdA, members of Anti-Tren enforced compliance among “multadas” by, among other things:

    • Threatening to kill “multadas” and their families,
    • Assaulting “multadas,”
    • Shooting or killing “multadas,” and
    • Tracking down and kidnapping “multadas” who tried to flee.

    Members of Anti-Tren also committed and conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit, acts of violence, including acts involving murder and assault, to protect and to expand Anti-Tren’s criminal operations, resolve disputes within Anti-Tren, to retaliate against rival organizations, including Tren de Aragua, and to maintain control over sex trafficking victims. Anti-Tren members and associates also trafficked controlled substances, committed robberies, and obtained, possessed, trafficked, and used firearms and ammunition.

    The Anti-Tren Indictment charges Reinaldo Rafael Gonzales-Valdez, also known as “Mariguana” and “Marijuana,” 41; Jose Manuel Guerrero-Zarate, also known as “Mantequilla,” 29; Jose David Valencia-De La Rosa, 27; Johan Carlos Mujica-Urpin, also known as “Sobrino,” 27; Luis Jose Velasquez-Hurtado, also known as “Chito,” 30; Stefano Said Pachon-Romero, 21; Guillermo Freites Velazquez, 26; Jesus David Barrios Garcia, also known as “Morocho,” 27; Giovanny Valentin Blanco Luciano, also known as “Cachorrito,” 20; Anderson Jesus Duran Berroteran, also known as “Cachorro, ” 22; Roiman Noe Bello Ferrer, 37; Luis Miguel Rodriguez-Tapia, 25; Mario Andres Pereda, also known as “Cara de Hombre,” 44; Anderson Smith Zambrano-Pacheco, 26; Yeferson Alejandro Prieto Galviz, also known as “Flaco T” and“Flacote,” 24; Jhonkennedy Bravo-Castro, also known as  “Negrito,” 27; Yender Maykier Mata, 36; Kellen Alejandro Jaspe Bustamante, 20; and Luis Andres Bello-Chacon, also known as  “Care de Peo,” 31 (the “Anti-Tren Defendants”) with conspiring to participate in an Anti-Tren racketeering enterprise. Various of the Anti-Tren Defendants, along with co-defendants Wilfredo Jose Avendaño Carrizalez and Carlos Gabriel Santos Mogollon, are also charged with participating in offenses relating to sex trafficking, conspiracy to import and harbor aliens, drug trafficking, obstruction of justice, and firearms offenses. This case is assigned U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil of the Southern District of New York.

    If convicted of racketeering conspiracy, Gonzales-Valdez, Guerrero-Zarate, Valencia-De La Rosa, Mujica-Urpin, Velasquez-Hurtado, Pachon-Romero, Freites Velazquez, Barrios Garcia, Blanco Luciano, Duran Berroteran, Bello Ferrer, Rodriguez-Tapia, Pereda, Zambrano-Pacheco, Prieto Galviz, Bravo-Castro, Maykier Mata, Jaspe Bustamante, and Bello-Chacon face up to life in prison. If convicted of sex trafficking conspiracy, Gonzales-Valdez, Guerrero-Zarate, Valencia-De La Rosa, Mujica-Urpin, Velasquez-Hurtado, Pachon-Romero, Freites Velazquez, Barrios Garcia, Duran Berroteran, Rodriguez-Tapia, Pereda, Zambrano-Pacheco, and Bravo-Castro face up to life in prison. If convicted of alien importation and harboring for immoral purpose – conspiracy, Gonzales-Valdez, Guerrero-Zarate, Valencia-De La Rosa, Mujica-Urpin, Velasquez-Hurtado, Pachon-Romero, Freites Velazquez, Barrios Garcia, Duran Berroteran, Rodriguez-Tapia, Pereda, Zambrano-Pacheco, and Bravo-Castro face up to five years in prison. If convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy, Gonzales-Valdez, Guerrero-Zarate, Mujica-Urpin, Freites Velazquez, Barrios Garcia, Blanco Luciano, Duran Berroteran, Prieto Galviz, Maykier Mata, Jaspe Bustamante, and Bello-Chacon face up to 20 years in prison. If convicted of firearm use, carrying, and possession, Gonzales-Valdez, Guerrero-Zarate, Mujica-Urpin, Freites Velazquez, Barrios Garcia, Blanco Luciano, Zambrano-Pacheco, Prieto Galviz, Maykier Mata, Jaspe Bustamante, and Bello-Chacon face up to life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. If convicted of obstruction of justice, Velasquez-Hurtado faces up to 20 years in prison. If convicted of unlicensed dealing of firearms, Pachon-Romero faces up to five years in prison. If convicted of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a fugitive from justice and illegal alien, Zambrano-Pacheco, faces up to 15 years in prison. If convicted of possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien, Bravo-Castro, Avendaño Carrizalez and Santos Mogollonface up to 15 years in prison.

    The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

    Attorney General Bondi and Acting U.S. Attorney Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI and NYPD. They also thanked the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office in Colorado; the Aurora Police Department in Aurora, Colorado; the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS); the HSI National Gang Unit and New York Human Intelligence Division; ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations New York; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and the New York City Crime Analysis Center at the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.

    This case received significant support from Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), which was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and now expanded to target Tren de Aragua, and is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including the Southern District of New York; the Eastern District of New York; the District of New Jersey; the Northern District of Ohio; the District of Utah; the District of Massachusetts; the Eastern District of Texas; the Southern District of Florida; the Eastern District of Virginia; the Southern District of California; the District of Nevada; the District of Alaska; the Southern District of Texas; and the District of Columbia, as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division.  Additionally, the FBI; DEA; HSI; ATF; USMS; and the Federal Bureau of Prisons have been essential law enforcement partners with JTFV.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Justice Department to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). In February 2025, Tren de Aragua was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jun Xiang, Kathryn Wheelock, and Timothy Ly of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit are in charge of the prosecution.

    The charges contained in the superseding indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    [1] The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Caitlin Johnstone: The Pope has died, and the Palestinian people have lost an important advocate

    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. –

    COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone

    Pope Francis has died after using his Easter Sunday address to call for peace in Gaza. I don’t know who the cardinals will pick to replace him, but I do know with absolute certainty that there are transnational intelligence operations in the works to make sure they select a more reliable supporter of Israel.

    They’ve probably been working on it since his health started failing.

    Anyone who’s been reading me for a while knows my attitude toward Roman Catholicism can be described as openly hostile because of my family history with the Church’s sexual abuses under Cardinal Pell, but as far as popes go this one was decent.

    Francis had been an influential critic of Israel’s mass atrocities in Gaza, calling for investigation of genocide allegations and denouncing the bombing of hospitals and the murder of humanitarian workers and civilians. He’d been personally calling the only Catholic parish in Gaza by phone every night during the Israeli onslaught, even as his health deteriorated.

    In other words, he was a PR problem for Israel.

    I hope another compassionate human being is announced as the next leader of the Church, but there are definitely forces pushing for a different outcome right now. There is no shortage of terrible men who could be chosen for the position.

    ❖

    ❖

    Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesman Omer Dostri told Israel’s Channel 12 News on Saturday that a deal with Hamas to release all hostages was a non-starter for the Israeli government, because it would require a commitment to lasting peace.

    “At the moment, there can’t be one deal since Hamas isn’t saying: ‘Come get your hostages and that’s that,’ it’s demanding an end to the war,” Dostri said in the interview.

    This comes as Hamas offers to return all hostages, stop digging tunnels, and put away its weapons in exchange for a permanent ceasefire. This is what Israel is dismissing as unacceptable.


    The Pope has died           Video/audio: Caitlin Johnstone

    The Gaza holocaust was never about freeing the hostages. This has been clear ever since Israel began aggressively bombing the place where the hostages are living, and it’s gotten clearer and clearer ever since. Last month Netanyahu made it clear that Israel intends to carry out Trump’s ethnic cleansing plans for the enclave even if Hamas fully surrenders.

    When Washington’s podium people say the “war” in Gaza can end if Hamas releases the hostages and lays down their arms, they are lying. They are lying to ensure that the genocide continues.

    When Israel apologists say “Release the hostages!” in response to criticisms of Israeli atrocities, they are lying. They know this has never had anything to do with hostages. They are lying to help Israel commit more atrocities.

    It was never about the hostages. It was never about Hamas. What it’s really about was obvious from day one: purging Palestinians from Palestinian land. That’s all this has ever been.

    ❖

    After executing 15 medical workers in Gaza and getting caught lying about it, the IDF has investigated itself and attributed the massacre to “professional failures” and “operational misunderstandings”, finding no evidence of any violation of its code of ethics.

    It’s crazy to think about how much investigative journalism went into exposing this atrocity only to have Israel go “Yeah turns out we did an oopsie, no further action required, thank you to our allies for the latest shipment of bombs.”

    ❖

    The death toll from Trump’s terrorist attack on a Yemen fuel port is now up to 80, with 150 wounded. Again, the US has not even tried to claim this was a military target. They said they targeted this critical civilian infrastructure to hurt the economic interests of the Houthis.

    Those who are truly anti-war don’t support Trump. Those who support Trump aren’t truly anti-war.

    I still get people telling me I need to be nicer to Trump supporters because they’re potential allies in resisting war, which to me is just so silly. What are they even talking about? Trump supporters, per definition, currently support the one person who is most singularly responsible for the horrific acts of war we are seeing in the middle east right now. Telling me they’re my allies is exactly as absurd as telling me Biden supporters were my allies last year would have been, except nobody was ever dumb enough to try to make that argument.

    If you still support Trump in April 2025 after seeing all his monstrous behavior in Gaza and Yemen, then we are on completely opposite sides. You might think you’re on the same side as me because you oppose war in theory, but when the rubber meets the road it turns out you’ll go along with any acts of mass military slaughter no matter how evil so long as they are done by a Republican. We are not allies, we are enemies. You side with the most egregious warmonger in the world right now, and I want your side to fail.

    ❖

    People say “It’s the Muslims!” or “It’s the Jews!”

    No, it’s the Americans. The US-centralised empire is responsible for most of our world’s problems.

    It says so much about the strength of the imperial propaganda machine that this isn’t more obvious to more people.

    Caitlin Johnstone is an Australian independent journalist and poet. Her articles include The UN Torture Report On Assange Is An Indictment Of Our Entire Society. She publishes a website and Caitlin’s Newsletter. This article is republished with permission.

    This article was first published on Café Pacific.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 22, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 22, 2025.

    How will a new pope be chosen? An expert explains the conclave
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darius von Guttner Sporzynski, Historian, Australian Catholic University Following the death of Pope Francis, we’ll soon be seeing a new leader in the Vatican. The conclave – a strictly confidential gathering of Roman Catholic cardinals – is due to meet in a matter of weeks to elect

    Haka in the House: what will Te Pāti Māori’s protest mean for tikanga in parliament?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dominic O’Sullivan, Professor of Political Science, Charles Sturt University and Adjunct Professor Stout Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington and Auckland University of Technology., Charles Sturt University Te Pāti Māori’s Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke lead a haka with Eru Kapa-Kingi outside parliament, November 19, 2024. Getty

    Pope Francis has died, aged 88. These were his greatest reforms – and controversies
    ANALYSIS: By Joel Hodge, Australian Catholic University and Antonia Pizzey, Australian Catholic University Pope Francis has died on Easter Monday, aged 88, the Vatican announced. The head of the Catholic Church had recently survived being hospitalised with double pneumonia. Cardinal Kevin Farrell’s announcement began: “Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the

    Fossil fuel companies ‘poisoned the well’ of public debate with climate disinformation. Here’s how Australia can break free
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Naomi Oreskes, Professor of the History of Science, Harvard University President Donald Trump has issued an executive order that would block state laws seeking to tackle greenhouse gas emissions – the latest salvo in his administration’s campaign to roll back United States’ climate action. Under Trump, the

    Is a corporation a slave? Many philosophers think so
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Duncan Ian Wallace, Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Monash University f11photo/Shutterstock If you’ve ever heard the term “wage slave”, you’ll know many modern workers – perhaps even you – sometimes feel enslaved to the organisation at which they work. But here’s a different way of thinking about it:

    Rates will never be enough – councils need the power to raise money in other ways
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Guy C. Charlton, Adjunct Associate Professor at Auckland University of Technology and Associate Professor, University of New England Getty Images You might have recently received voting papers for your local body elections. Going by our historically low participation rates, many of those envelopes will remain unopened. This

    Early voting opens in the federal election – but it brings some problems for voters and parties
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Zareh Ghazarian, Senior Lecturer in Politics, School of Social Sciences, Monash University More than 18 million Australians are enrolled to vote at the federal election on May 3. A fair proportion of them – perhaps as many as half – will take advantage of early voting, which

    ‘I’m a failure’: how schema therapy tackles the deep-rooted beliefs that affect our mental health
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Houlihan, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, University of the Sunshine Coast Jorm Sangsorn/Shutterstock If you ever find yourself stuck in repeated cycles of negative emotion, you’re not alone. More than 40% of Australians will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. Many are linked to

    Parents delay sending kids to school for social reasons and physical size. It’s not about academic advantage
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Penny Van Bergen, Associate Professor in the Psychology of Education, Macquarie University If you have a child born at the start of the year, you may be faced with a tricky and stressful decision. Do you send them to school “early”, in the year they turn five?

    Since its very conception, Star Wars has been political. Now Andor will take on Trump 2.0
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Golding, Professor and Chair of the Department of Media and Communication, Swinburne University of Technology Lucasfilm Ltd™ Premiering today, the second and final season of Star Wars streaming show Andor seems destined to be one of the pop culture defining moments of the second Trump presidency.

    Election Diary: Albanese government stays mum over whatever Russia may have said to Indonesia
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The imbroglio over the reported Russian request to Indonesia to base planes in Papua initially tripped Peter Dutton, and now is dogging Anthony Albanese. After the respected military site Janes said a request had been made, the Australian government quickly

    How the next pope will be elected – what goes on at the conclave
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mathew Schmalz, Professor of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross Cardinals attend Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, before they enter the conclave to decide who the next pope will be, on March 12, 2013, in Vatican City. Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Image With the death of

    Twinkling star reveals the shocking secrets of turbulent plasma in our cosmic neighbourhood
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Reardon, Postdoctoral Researcher, Pulsar Timing and Gravitational Waves, Swinburne University of Technology Artist’s impression of a pulsar bow shock scattering a radio beam. Carl Knox/Swinburne/OzGrav With the most powerful radio telescope in the southern hemisphere, we have observed a twinkling star and discovered an abundance of

    Pope Francis has died, aged 88. These were his greatest reforms – and controversies
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joel Hodge, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, Australian Catholic University Pope Francis has died on Easter Monday, aged 88, the Vatican announced. The head of the Catholic Church had recently survived being hospitalised with a serious bout of double pneumonia. Cardinal Kevin Farrell’s announcement began:

    Pope Francis tried to change the Catholic Church for women, with mixed success
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tracy McEwan, School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences, University of Newcastle Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. On Easter Sunday, he used his message and blessing to appeal for peace in Middle East and

    ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 21, 2025
    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 21, 2025.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sanctions imposed on US individuals

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China has decided to impose sanctions on some United States lawmakers, government officials and heads of NGOs for their egregious actions on issues related to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

    The move is in response to Washington’s abuse of illegal and unilateral sanctions on officials representing the central government in Hong Kong and officials of the SAR government, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a regular news conference in Beijing.

    On March 31, the US Department of State announced its sanctions against six Chinese officials for allegedly “undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy”. The sanctions block any transactions on property, funds or deals within the US made by these individuals.

    “The US’ unilateral sanctions gravely interfere in China’s internal affairs, including Hong Kong affairs, and violate the principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations. China strongly condemns this despicable move,” Guo said.

    According to the spokesman, China’s decision was made in accordance with the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, which was passed in 2021 to counter foreign sanctions. It gives China legal support and guarantee to counter discriminatory measures by a foreign country in accordance with the law.

    Guo reminded the US that Hong Kong is China’s Hong Kong, and Hong Kong affairs are purely China’s internal affairs, which “brook no US interference”.

    “Any wrong action taken by the US on Hong Kong-related issues will be met with a resolute response and reciprocal countermeasures by China,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information after assault incident, Poukawa

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are currently investigating an assault that occurred during a Council-sanctioned cycling race in Poukawa at the weekend and are seeking information from the public.

    At around 2:45pm on Saturday 19 April, the occupants of a black Ford Ranger ute were seen throwing bottles from their vehicle towards participants of the cycle race on Munity Road.

    A young person was hit by a bottle and fell off their bike, fortunately the injuries sustained were not serious.

    The vehicle then drove towards Middle Road and continued travelling south. The vehicle had large off-road tyres and a roll bar on the back.

    If anyone has information in relation to the vehicle involved, or the incident itself, please contact Police on 105, either over the phone or online.

    Please reference file number 250419/9446.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: St Johns homicide: Police seek witnesses in a white ute

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are continuing to follow several lines of enquiry in the homicide investigation launched in St Johns during Easter Weekend.

    Detectives have been working over recent days to piece together the violent events that unfolded on the night of 19 April.

    Police have had several members of the public come forward with information.

    Today, Police are appealing for witnesses in a vehicle to come forward in the investigation.

    Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin says Police are seeking the driver of a white Toyota ute who may have been cut off by a vehicle carrying the offenders.

    It has been established that prior to the fatal attack, the dark coloured SUV turned around further down St Johns Road at around 9.51pm.

    “While doing so, a member of the public has had to bring their vehicle to an abrupt stop,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says.

    “This vehicle was a white Toyota ute with a black sports bar attached on the back, heading in a westerly direction towards the Meadowbank Shops from College Road.

    “I would like to stress that the occupants of this white ute are witnesses, and they are not involved in the homicide.”

    Police urge those occupants to come forward.

    “I’m confident that someone will remember being cut off while they drove along St Johns Road,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says.

    “I urge any occupants of that vehicle to contact us as you may have crucial information to our investigation.”

    •  Investigation continues:

    Meanwhile, Police are still piecing together the victim’s movements throughout Saturday.

    Police can confirm the victim had purchased items from a nearby supermarket at around 9.40pm.

    He then walked on foot to the bus shelter on St Johns Road, about 400 metres away, before the assault occurred just before 10pm.

    Detective Inspector Baldwin says: “The victim was subjected to a senseless attack, leaving him with multiple head injuries.

    “No one should be subjected to the appalling level of violence that the victim suffered on Saturday night.

    “As yet, the weapon used in the assault has not been located.”

    Detective Inspector Baldwin says Police are keeping an open mind about why the attack occurred.

    “We have had a number of people contact us in recent days with information, and the investigation team are working through this with some urgency.

    “I acknowledge them for coming forward, and I continue to ask anyone with additional information to get in touch.”

    • The victim:

    Police are not yet in a position to formally release the victim’s name.

    “We are still working through the formal identification process with the Coroner’s Office and are speaking to his family who live overseas,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says.

    “The family are still in the process of notifying loved ones of what has occurred.

    “It’s the news no one should have to receive, so out of respect for them I won’t be releasing further information today.”

    • Police seeking sightings of vehicle of interest:

    Police would still like any information on a black SUV that was at the scene and left at speed following the fatal attack.

    “This vehicle came to a stop near the bus shelter, with at least two offenders exiting the vehicle,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says.

    “There is possibly a third offender and or other occupants may have been driving this vehicle at the time, and this is forming part of the investigation.”

    The vehicle fled the scene at speed towards College Road.

    Anyone who saw this vehicle around the St Johns area on Saturday night is asked to contact Police.

    Please contact Police online or call 105 using the reference number 250419/9858.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Minister condemns mining protest

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Protesters camping at a West Coast mining site should be condemned for their selfish and dangerous actions that put themselves and others at risk, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.
    “I cannot fathom the mentality of these blow-ins from other parts of the country to think that they have a right to speak for the hundreds of people who derive their living from mining.
    “They turn up, reportedly with an eight-month-old child in tow, to protest what is a legitimate industry going about its lawful business. In the process they are putting themselves in danger and sapping the resources of Police and other agencies.
    “I’m not sure if they have realised New Zealand is probably the only country transitioning from renewables to coal as Kiwis face down an economic downturn and rising power prices at the onset of winter.
    “This lack of awareness and consideration for others is mind-boggling. New Zealand is relying on a stockpile of 1.2 million tonnes of coal to keep the lights on this winter. Where do these activists think it comes from if not from mines?”
    “Mining brings in millions of dollars in royalties, and in wages and spending on infrastructure, plant and supplies. It is an industry with a proud history on the West Coast. It is incredibly insulting to the people of the West Cost who rely on this industry for a few protesters from outside the region to fossil-fuel their way, presumably, to the West Coast to vilify those people.
    “And to the stragglers who plan on protesting outside the office of Bathurst Resources in Wellington today, shame on you. Don’t think for a minute you are striking at the heart of the company. All you are doing is intimidating the people who work in the building and preventing them from going to work to put food on the tables of their families.
    “Businesses have a legal right, under a law passed by the New Zealand Parliament, to apply for fast-track approval. I’m confident in its robustness to ensure guard rails are in place for projects to ensure they comply with our environmental and conservation laws. These protesters should too,” Mr Jones says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Step into Canberra’s time machine

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Cover art: Lake Burley Griffin tourist brochure from ArchivesACT

    In Brief:

    • The ArchivesACT Reading Room has moved to a new location.
    • This story outlines some of the records that have been discovered at ArchivesACT.
    • It details how to visit or book an appointment at the Reading Room.

    “Experience the elegant charm of the old Lanyon Homestead.”

    “Try an English counter lunch and a Guinness in Tudor surrounds at the George Harcourt Inn.”

    “Go dancing at Juliana’s disco at the Lakeside International.”

    Can you guess where these phrases might have been published?

    The first two could easily be from a VisitCanberra Instagram post. The third might be a giveaway – especially if you were of nightclubbing age in the ‘80s.

    These recommendations are straight from a 1982 Canberra Tourist Bureau brochure. It was called Canberra: for Romantics. It serves as a window back in time to what our city was like in the early ‘80s.

    Tips from other brochures in the series include:

    • booking a stay at Gowrie Hostel
    • trying a grill-your-own steakhouse, like the Stockade
    • dining at Emma’s at “the Civic” or “the Kingston”.

    The brochures are the November 2024 find of the month from ArchivesACT. It’s just one example of the many pieces of Canberra’s history you’ll find within their records.

    What is the Reading Room?

    The ArchivesACT Reading Room is like Canberra’s very own time machine. It is open to the public and holds most ACT Government records that are more than 20 years old.

    The records offer more than just a moment of nostalgia. These are some of the community members who’ve recently used the Reading Room:

    • a group of Spence locals organising a party to celebrate the suburbs 50th birthday
    • a researcher looking into the history of Wyabalena Grove in Cook
    • a curator from ACT Historic Places investigating the history of Mugga Way.

    What sort of records can I find?

    ArchivesACT are a great source of information if you’ve ever wanted to find out more about:

    • the history of your home, street, or suburb
    • historic events or festivals
    • the background of a Canberra organisation
    • information about the development or history of a cultural institution.

    How can I visit the Reading Room?

    The Reading Room has recently moved to Building 6, 9 Sandford Street Mitchell. You can organise a visit by contacting Archives ACT or visiting on one of their ‘Walk In’ service days. These are on Mondays and Thursdays from 9am to 3pm.

    Find out more or book an appointment.

    Read more about these brochures and explore previous Find of the Month.

    Read more like this:

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


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rockford Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearm

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    ROCKFORD — A federal judge has sentenced a Rockford man to eight years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm.

    CHARLES JACKSON, 26, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a charge of illegal possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.  U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston imposed the sentence during a hearing on Friday in federal court in Rockford. 

    Jackson admitted in a plea agreement that in May 2022, while fleeing from the Rockford Police Department, he possessed a modified handgun loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition, including one in the chamber. As a previously convicted felon, Jackson was prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm. 

    The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodora Anderson.

    Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Statement regarding Jason Doig

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Statement from Commissioner of Police, Grant Stevens:

    The death of Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig has had a profound impact on his family, the community and every member of South Australia Police.

    This is particularly so amongst his colleagues in the South-East of the state where his loss is still deeply felt. Jason was a valued friend and colleague to many. He was also a respected member of the local community.

    Jason’s death has also tragically highlighted the dangers frontline police face serving the community each day.

    Police officers start their shift not knowing what their day will entail or what possible dangers they may face, but they confront each tasking knowing that danger is ever present.

    While police are highly trained for all operational situations, unfortunately, more and more taskings now involve mental illness and have the potential to escalate, just like the incident that claimed Jason’s life.

    This fact is not lost on every police officer involved in serving their community.

    Jason’s family has been kept apprised of the discussions between the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Martin Hinton KC and counsel for the man charged with Jason’s murder and the attempted murder of Sergeant Michael Hutchinson. They were advised last month of the decision taken by the DPP and his reasons that the accused’s mental state was such that he was mentally incompetent at the time of the incident.

    While the Supreme Court will now decide his custodial future, it is important to that note the offender has taken responsibility for his actions and admitted he committed the violent acts he was charged with.

    South Australia Police appreciate the significant consideration this matter has been subject to.

    Regardless of the outcome of this tragedy, it will be of little solace to Jason’s family, friends and colleagues who still mourn his senseless loss.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Charles Upham Drive, Rangiora

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can confirm one person has died following a serious crash this morning.

    At around 7am, Police were notified of the single vehicle crash on Charles Upham Drive in Rangiora.

    Despite efforts by emergency services, one person died at the scene.

    A scene examination has been completed and the road has reopened.

    While enquiries into the crash are ongoing, initial indications suggest this is a suspected medical event and the death will be referred to the Coroner.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police seeking information after alleged assault

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Gareth Barnes:

    Police are seeking information from the public after an alleged assault in Wairarapa late last week.

    The incident occurred in the Upper Plain Rd/Upper Waingawa Rd area on Thursday 17 April around 6pm.

    Fortunately, there were no serious injuries, but Police are working to establish what happened. We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time, specifically the driver of a ute which stopped and may have observed the events that unfolded.

    We urge anyone with information to contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

    Please use the reference number: 250417/4922

    You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 27 Members Or Associates Of Tren De Aragua Charged With Racketeering, Narcotics, Sex Trafficking, Robbery And Firearms Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Pamela Bondi, the Attorney General of the United States; Kristi Noem, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”); Todd M. Lyons, the Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and Jessica S. Tisch, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today two Superseding Indictments charging 27 individuals currently or formerly associated with the designated foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua (“TdA”) with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, robbery, and firearms offenses.  The first Superseding Indictment (the “TdA Indictment”) charges six alleged members of TdA.  The second Superseding Indictment (the “Anti-Tren Indictment”) charges 19 alleged members of “Anti-Tren,” a splinter faction comprised of former TdA members, along with two additional associates of Anti-Tren.  Of the 27 defendants, 21 are in federal custody, including 16 who were already in federal criminal, immigration, or state custody and five who were arrested last night and today in operations in New York and other jurisdictions.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Today, we have filed charges against 27 alleged members, former members, and associates of Tren de Aragua, for committing murders and shootings, forcing young women trafficked from Venezuela into commercial sex work, robbing and extorting small businesses, and selling ‘tusi,’ a pink powdery drug that has become their calling card.  Today’s Indictments make clear that this Office will work tirelessly to keep the law-abiding residents of New York City safe, and hold accountable those who bring violence to our streets.”

    Attorney General Pam Bondi said: “As alleged, Tren de Aragua is not just a street gang – it is a highly structured terrorist organization that has destroyed American families with brutal violence, engaged in human trafficking, and spread deadly drugs through our communities.  Today’s indictments and arrests span three states and will devastate TdA’s infrastructure as we work to completely dismantle and purge this organization from our country.” 

    NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said: “Tren de Aragua is one of the most dangerous gangs in the country, and the NYPD has taken significant action to shut down their operations in New York City.  For the first time ever, TdA is being named and charged as the criminal enterprise that it is.  This isn’t just street crime—it’s organized racketeering, and this gang has shown zero regard for the safety of New Yorkers.  As alleged in the indictment, these defendants wreaked havoc in our communities, trafficking women for sexual exploitation, flooding our streets with drugs, and committing violent crimes with illegal guns.  Thanks to the dedicated members of the NYPD and the important work of our federal partners, their time is up.”

    According to the allegations contained in the Indictments:[1]

    The TdA Indictment

    TdA is a criminal organization that operated throughout New York City, including the boroughs of the Bronx and Queens, as well as internationally in Venezuela, Peru, and elsewhere.  The purposes of TdA included:

    • Preserving and protecting the power and territory of TdA and its members and associates through acts involving murder, assault, robbery, other acts of violence, and threats of violence, including acts of violence and threats of violence directed at former members and associates of TdA who associated with a splinter organization known as Anti-Tren.
    • Enriching the members and associates of TdA through, among other things:
      • The unlawful smuggling of individuals, including young women from Venezuela, into Peru and the U.S.;
      • The sex trafficking of young women (whom members and associates of TdA often refer to as “multadas”) who had been unlawfully smuggled into Peru and the U.S.;
      • The trafficking of controlled substances, including a mixed substance called “tusi” that contains ketamine; and
      • Armed robberies.
    • Keeping victims and potential victims in fear of TdA and its members and associates through threats and acts of violence.
    • Promoting and enhancing TdA and the reputation and activities of its members and associates.
    • Providing assistance to members and associates of TdA who committed crimes for and on behalf of TdA, such as lodging and interstate transportation for members and associates of TdA to flee prosecution.
    • Protecting TdA and its members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities through acts of intimidation, threats, and violence against potential witnesses to crimes committed by members of TdA.

    Members and associates of TdA transported “multadas” from Venezuela into Peru and the U.S. in exchange for debts that the “multadas” would pay back to TdA by engaging in commercial sex work.  Members of TdA enforced compliance among “multadas” by, among other things:

    • Threatening to kill “multadas” and their families,
    • Assaulting “multadas,”
    • Shooting or killing “multadas,” and
    • Tracking down and kidnapping “multadas” who tried to flee.

    Members of TdA also committed and conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit, acts of violence, including acts involving murder and assault, to protect and expand TdA’s criminal operations; resolve disputes within TdA; to retaliate against rival organizations, including Anti-Tren; and to maintain control over sex trafficking victims.  TdA members and associates also trafficked controlled substances, committed robberies, and obtained, possessed, trafficked, and used firearms and ammunition.

    The TdA Indictment charges JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON, a/k/a “La Fama”; SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley”; EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol”; BRAYAN OLIVEROS-CHERO; SANDRO OLIVEROS-CHERO; and ARMANDO JOSE PEREZ GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Biblia” (the “TdA Defendants”) with conspiring to participate in the TdA racketeering enterprise.  Various of the TdA Defendants are also charged with participating in offenses relating to drug trafficking, carjacking, robbery, and extortion, as well as firearms offenses.  This case is assigned U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote.

    The Anti-Tren Indictment

    Anti-Tren is a criminal organization almost exclusively comprised of former members and associates of TdA.  Anti-Tren operated throughout New York City, including the boroughs of the Bronx and Queens, and in New Jersey, and elsewhere.  Like TdA, the purposes of Anti-Tren included:

    • Preserving and protecting the power and territory of Anti-Tren and its members and associates through acts involving murder, assault, other acts of violence, and threats of violence, including acts of violence and threats of violence directed at members and associates of TdA.
    • Enriching the members and associates of Anti-Tren through, among other things:
      • The unlawful smuggling of individuals, including women and girls from Venezuela, into the U.S.;
      • The sex trafficking of “multadas” who had been unlawfully smuggled into the U.S.;
      • The trafficking of controlled substances, including “tusi”; and
      • Armed robberies.
    • Keeping victims and potential victims in fear of Anti-Tren and its members and associates through threats and acts of violence.
    • Promoting and enhancing Anti-Tren and the reputation and activities of its members and associates.
    • Providing assistance to members and associates of Anti-Tren who committed crimes for and on behalf of Anti-Tren, such as lodging and interstate transportation for members and associates of Anti-Tren to flee prosecution, or bail money for members or associates of Anti-Tren who are detained.
    • Protecting Anti-Tren and its members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities through acts of intimidation, threats, and violence against potential witnesses to crimes committed by members of Anti-Tren.

    Like TdA,  Anti-Tren engaged in human smuggling and sex trafficking of “multadas,” into the U.S. in exchange for debts that the “multadas” would pay back by engaging in commercial sex work. And like TdA, members of Anti-Tren enforced compliance among “multadas” by, among other things:

    • Threatening to kill “multadas” and their families,
    • Assaulting “multadas,”
    • Shooting or killing “multadas,” and
    • Tracking down and kidnapping “multadas” who tried to flee.

    Members of Anti-Tren also committed and conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit, acts of violence, including acts involving murder and assault, to protect and to expand Anti-Tren’s criminal operations, resolve disputes within Anti-Tren, to retaliate against rival organizations, including Tren de Aragua, and to maintain control over sex trafficking victims.  Anti-Tren members and associates also trafficked controlled substances, committed robberies, and obtained, possessed, trafficked, and used firearms and ammunition.

    The Anti-Tren Indictment charges REINALDO RAFAEL GONZALES-VALDEZ, a/k/a “Mariguana,” a/k/a “Marijuana”; JOSE MANUEL GUERRERO-ZARATE, a/k/a “Mantequilla”; JOSE DAVID VALENCIA-DE LA ROSA; JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN, a/k/a “Sobrino”; LUIS JOSE VELASQUEZ-HURTADO, a/k/a “Chito”; STEFANO SAID PACHON-ROMERO; GUILLERMO FREITES VELAZQUEZ; JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA, a/k/a “Morocho”; GIOVANNY VALENTIN BLANCO LUCIANO, a/k/a “Cachorrito”; ANDERSON JESUS DURAN BERROTERAN, a/k/a “Cachorro”; ROIMAN NOE BELLO FERRER; LUIS MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ-TAPIA; MARIO ANDRES PEREDA, a/k/a “Cara de Hombre”; ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO; YEFERSON ALEJANDRO PRIETO GALVIZ, a/k/a “Flaco T,” a/k/a “Flacote”; JHONKENNEDY BRAVO-CASTRO, a/k/a “Negrito”; YENDER MAYKIER MATA; KELLEN ALEJANDRO JASPE BUSTAMANTE; and LUIS ANDRES BELLO-CHACON, a/k/a “Care de Peo” (the “Anti-Tren Defendants”) with conspiring to participate in an Anti-Tren racketeering enterprise.  Various of the Anti-Tren Defendants, along with co-defendants WILFREDO JOSE AVENDAÑO CARRIZALEZ and CARLOS GABRIEL SANTOS MOGOLLON, are also charged with participating in offenses relating to sex trafficking, conspiracy to import and harbor aliens, drug trafficking, obstruction of justice, and firearms offenses.  This case is assigned U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil.

    *                *                *

    A chart containing the names, ages, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants is set forth below.

    The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) and NYPD.  He also thanked the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office in Colorado; the Aurora Police Department in Aurora, Colorado; the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force of the U.S. Marshals Service (“USMS”); the Homeland Security Investigations National Gang Unit and New York Human Intelligence Division; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s New York Enforcement and Removal Operations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”); and the New York City Crime Analysis Center at the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.

    This case received significant support from Joint Task Force Vulcan (“JTFV”), which was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and now expanded to target Tren de Aragua, and is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including the Southern District of New York; the Eastern District of New York; the District of New Jersey; the Northern District of Ohio; the District of Utah; the District of Massachusetts; the Eastern District of Texas; the Southern District of Florida; the Eastern District of Virginia; the Southern District of California; the District of Nevada; the District of Alaska; the Southern District of Texas; and the District of Columbia, as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division.  Additionally, the FBI; DEA; HSI; ATF; USMS; and the Federal Bureau of Prisons have been essential law enforcement partners with JTFV.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Justice Department to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). In February 2025, Tren de Aragua was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jun Xiang, Kathryn Wheelock, and Timothy Ly are in charge of the prosecution.

    The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The Tren de Aragua Indictment

    COUNT

    CHARGE

    DEFENDANTS

    MAX. PENALTIES

    1

    Racketeering

    conspiracy

    18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)

    JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON,

         a/k/a “La Fama,” 29;

    SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO,

         a/k/a “Klei,” 

         a/k/a “Kley,” 28;

    EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ,

         a/k/a “Jefferson,” 

         a/k/a “Efe Trebol,” 20;

    BRAYAN OLIVEROS-CHERO, 28;

    SANDRO OLIVEROS-CHERO, 25; and

    ARMANDO JOSE PEREZ GONZALEZ,

               a/k/a “Biblia,” 30

    		 Life in prison

    2

    Drug trafficking conspiracy

    21 U.S.C. §  846

    JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON,

         a/k/a “La Fama,”

    BRAYAN OLIVEROS-CHERO,

    SANDRO OLIVEROS-CHERO, and

    ARMANDO JOSE PEREZ GONZALEZ,

               a/k/a “Biblia”

    		 20 years in prison

    3

    Carjacking conspiracy

    18 U.S.C. § 371

    JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON,

         a/k/a “La Fama,”

    SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO,

         a/k/a “Klei,” 

         a/k/a “Kley,” and

    EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ,

         a/k/a “Jefferson,” 

         a/k/a “Efe Trebol”

    		 5 years in prison

    4

    Carjacking

    18 U.S.C. § 2119

    JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON,

         a/k/a “La Fama,”

    SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO,

         a/k/a “Klei,” 

         a/k/a “Kley,” and

    EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ,

         a/k/a “Jefferson,” 

         a/k/a “Efe Trebol”

    		 15 years in prison

    5

    Hobbs Act robbery

    18 U.S.C. §§  1951 and 2

    JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON,

         a/k/a “La Fama,”

    SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO,

         a/k/a “Klei,” 

         a/k/a “Kley,” and

    EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ,

         a/k/a “Jefferson,” 

         a/k/a “Efe Trebol”

    		 20 years in prison

    6

    Firearm use, carrying, and possession

    18 U.S.C. §§  924(c)(1)(A)(i) and (ii), and 2

    JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON,

         a/k/a “La Fama,”

    SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO,

         a/k/a “Klei,” 

         a/k/a “Kley,” and

    EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ,

         a/k/a “Jefferson,” 

         a/k/a “Efe Trebol”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years in prison

    7

    Attempted Hobbs Act extortion

    18 U.S.C. §§  1951 and 2

    JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON,

         a/k/a “La Fama,”

    SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO,

         a/k/a “Klei,” 

         a/k/a “Kley,” and

    EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ,

         a/k/a “Jefferson,” 

         a/k/a “Efe Trebol”

    		 20 years in prison

    8

    Firearm use, carrying, and possession – conspiracy

    18 U.S.C. §  924(o)

    JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON,

         a/k/a “La Fama,”

    SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO,

         a/k/a “Klei,” 

         a/k/a “Kley,” and

    EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ,

         a/k/a “Jefferson,” 

         a/k/a “Efe Trebol”

    		 20 years in prison

    9

    Firearm use, carrying, and possession – conspiracy

    18 U.S.C. §  924(o)

    BRAYAN OLIVEROS-CHERO, and

    SANDRO OLIVEROS-CHERO

    		 20 years in prison

    10

    Firearm use, carrying, and possession

    18 U.S.C. §  924(c)(1)(A)(i) and 2

    BRAYAN OLIVEROS-CHERO, and

    SANDRO OLIVEROS-CHERO

    		 20 years in prison

    11

    Possession of ammunition by an illegal alien

    18 U.S.C. §§  922(g)(5) and 2

    		 BRAYAN OLIVEROS-CHERO 15 years in prison

    12

    Possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien

    18 U.S.C. §§  922(g)(5) and 2

    		 SANDRO OLIVEROS-CHERO 15 years in prison

    13

    Firearm use, carrying, and possession

    18 U.S.C. §§  924(c)(1)(A)(i) and 2

    ARMANDO JOSE PEREZ GONZALEZ,

               a/k/a “Biblia,”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison

    14

    Possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien

    18 U.S.C. §§  922(g)(5) and 2

    ARMANDO JOSE PEREZ GONZALEZ,

               a/k/a “Biblia,”

    		 15 years in prison

    The Anti-Tren Indictment

    COUNT

    CHARGE

    DEFENDANTS

    MAX. PENALTIES

    1

    Racketeering

    conspiracy

    18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)

    REINALDO RAFAEL GONZALES-VALDEZ, 

         a/k/a “Mariguana,” 

         a/k/a “Marijuana,” 41;

    JOSE MANUEL GUERRERO-ZARATE,

         a/k/a “Mantequilla,” 29;

    JOSE DAVID VALENCIA-DE LA ROSA, 27;

    JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN,

          a/k/a “Sobrino,” 27;

    LUIS JOSE VELASQUEZ-HURTADO,

         a/k/a “Chito,” 30;

    STEFANO SAID PACHON-ROMERO, 21;

    GUILLERMO ENRIQUE FREITES-VELAZQUEZ, 26;

    JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA,

         a/k/a “Morocho,” 27;

    GIOVANNY VALENTIN BLANCO LUCIANO,

         a/k/a “Cachorrito,” 20;

    ANDERSON JESUS DURAN BERROTERAN,

         a/k/a “Cachorro,” 22;

    ROIMAN NOE BELLO FERRER, 37;

    LUIS MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ-TAPIA, 25;

    MARIO ANDRES PEREDA,

         a/k/a “Cara de Hombre,” 44;

    ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO, 26;

    YEFERSON ALEJANDRO PRIETO GALVIZ,

         a/k/a “Flaco T,” 

         a/k/a “Flacote,” 24;

    JHONKENNEDY BRAVO-CASTRO,

         a/k/a “Negrito,” 27;

    YENDER MAYKIER MATA, 36;

    KELLEN ALEJANDRO JASPE BUSTAMANTE, 20; and

    LUIS ANDRES BELLO-CHACON,

        a/k/a “Care de Peo,” 31

    		 Life in prison

    2

    Sex trafficking conspiracy

    18 U.S.C. § 1594(c)

    REINALDO RAFAEL GONZALES-VALDEZ, 

          a/k/a “Mariguana,” a/k/a “Marijuana,”

    JOSE MANUEL GUERRERO-ZARATE, 

          a/k/a “Mantequilla,”  

    JOSE DAVID VALENCIA-DE LA ROSA,

    JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN, 

          a/k/a “Sobrino,”

    LUIS JOSE VELASQUEZ-HURTADO,

          a/k/a “Chito,”

    STEFANO SAID PACHON-ROMERO, GUILLERMO FREITES VELAZQUEZ,

    JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA, 

          a/k/a “Morocho,”

    ANDERSON JESUS DURAN BERROTERAN,        a/k/a “Cachorro,”

    LUIS MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ-TAPIA,

    MARIO ANDRES PEREDA, 

          a/k/a “Cara de Hombre,”

    ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO, and

    JHONKENNEDY BRAVO-CASTRO,

          a/k/a “Negrito”

    		 Life in prison

    3

    Alien importation and harboring for immoral purpose – conspiracy

    18 U.S.C. § 371

    REINALDO RAFAEL GONZALES-VALDEZ, 

          a/k/a “Mariguana,” a/k/a “Marijuana,”

    JOSE MANUEL GUERRERO-ZARATE, 

          a/k/a “Mantequilla,” JOSE DAVID VALENCIA-DE LA ROSA,

    JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN, 

          a/k/a “Sobrino,”

    LUIS JOSE VELASQUEZ-HURTADO,

          a/k/a “Chito,”

    STEFANO SAID PACHON-ROMERO, GUILLERMO FREITES VELAZQUEZ,

    JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA, 

          a/k/a “Morocho,”

    ANDERSON JESUS DURAN BERROTERAN,        a/k/a “Cachorro,”

    LUIS MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ-TAPIA,

    MARIO ANDRES PEREDA, 

          a/k/a “Cara de Hombre,”

    ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO, and

    JHONKENNEDY BRAVO-CASTRO,

          a/k/a “Negrito”

    		 5 years in prison

    4

    Drug trafficking conspiracy

    21 U.S.C. §  846

    REINALDO RAFAEL GONZALES-VALDEZ,

          a/k/a “Mariguana,” a/k/a “Marijuana,”

    JOSE MANUEL GUERRERO-ZARATE, 

          a/k/a “Mantequilla,”  

    JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN, 

          a/k/a “Sobrino,”

    GUILLERMO FREITES VELAZQUEZ,

    JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA, 

          a/k/a “Morocho,”

    GIOVANNY VALENTIN BLANCO LUCIANO, 

          a/k/a “Cachorrito,”  

    ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO,

    YEFERSON ALEJANDRO PRIETO GALVIZ,        a/k/a “Flaco T,” a/k/a “Flacote,”

    YENDER MAYKIER MATA,

    KELLEN ALEJANDRO JASPE BUSTAMANTE, and

    LUIS ANDRES BELLO-CHACON, 

          a/k/a “Care de Peo”

    		 20 years in prison

    5

    Firearm use, carrying, and possession

    18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and 2

    REINALDO RAFAEL GONZALES-VALDEZ,

          a/k/a “Mariguana,” a/k/a “Marijuana,”

    JOSE MANUEL GUERRERO-ZARATE, 

          a/k/a “Mantequilla,”  

    JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN, 

          a/k/a “Sobrino,”

    GUILLERMO FREITES VELAZQUEZ,

    JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA, 

          a/k/a “Morocho,”

    GIOVANNY VALENTIN BLANCO LUCIANO, 

          a/k/a “Cachorrito,”  

    ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO,

    YEFERSON ALEJANDRO PRIETO GALVIZ,        a/k/a “Flaco T,” a/k/a “Flacote,”

    YENDER MAYKIER MATA,

    KELLEN ALEJANDRO JASPE BUSTAMANTE, and

    LUIS ANDRES BELLO-CHACON, 

               a/k/a “Care de Peo”

    Life in prison

    Mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison

    6

    Obstruction of justice

    18 U.S.C. §§ 1512(c) and 2

    LUIS JOSE VELASQUEZ-HURTADO,

          a/k/a “Chito,”

    		 20 years in prison

    7

    Unlicensed dealing of firearms

    18 U.S.C. §§   922(a)(1)(A) and 2

    		 STEFANO PACHON-ROMERO 5 years in prison

    8

    Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a fugitive from justice and illegal alien

    18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(2) and (5), and 2

    		 ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO 15 years in prison

    9

    Possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien

    18 U.S.C. §§  922(g)(5) and 2

    JHONKENNEDY BRAVO-CASTRO,

               a/k/a “Negrito,”

    		 15 years in prison

    10

    Possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien

    18 U.S.C. §§  922(g)(5) and 2

    WILFREDO JOSE AVENDAÑO CARRIZALEZ, 26; and

    CARLOS GABRIEL SANTOS MOGOLLON, 31

    		 15 years in prison

    [1] The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Suspected Murderer Wanted in Mexico Arrested in Spokane

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Spokane, WA – On April 18, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Jesus Salas-Rubio was arrested near the 1000 block of E Mission Ave in Spokane, Washington. Salas-Rubio was wanted on an outstanding federal arrest warrant in connection to a homicide in Mexico.

    The U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF) made the arrest without incident in coordination with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit, the Spokane Police Department, and the Washington State Department of Corrections. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs coordinated with the Eastern District of Washington United States Attorney’s Office to issue a warrant and for the U.S. Marshals to execute an arrest warrant on April 16, 2025.

    Salas-Rubio was booked into the Spokane County Jail for his federal warrant. Mexican authorities have been notified that he is currently in custody.

    Salas-Rubio has a documented history of violence, including prior offenses involving shootings, assaults, and being a felon in possession of firearms.

    “The U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force prioritizes working with the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and our global law enforcement partners to pursue justice for victims, no matter where the crime occurred. This arrest also reflects the continued collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies in identifying, locating, and apprehending the most dangerous fugitives,” said U.S. Marshal Craig Thayer.

    The Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force is a U.S. Marshals-led partnership comprising federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. The task force’s primary mission is to locate, arrest and return to the justice system the most violent and egregious federal and state fugitives.

    Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police monitoring gang movements, Wellington region

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Please attribute to Inspector Wade Jennings, Hutt Valley Area Commander

    Police are monitoring gang movements through the Wellington region for a funeral today.

    Motorists can expect to see a large number of gang members add associates travelling around the wider Wellington region.

    Police will have a visible presence as vehicles travel from Moera towards Foxton at around 11am.

    We remind those travelling on our roads to not act in a way that puts anybody’s safety at risk.

    Any unlawful behaviour where Police cannot take action at the time will be investigated and followed up with enforcement action.

    If you have concerns for your safety, or witness illegal behaviour happening now, please call 111 immediately.

    To report or send in any video footage of anyone causing concern, we encourage you to make a 105 report, either online or over the phone.

    Information can also be anonymously provided via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police urge public to prepare following two land rescues in the Kaimai Ranges

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Sergeant Anna Plowman:

    Police are urging the public to prepare for the worst before heading outdoors this long holiday period following two land rescues in the Kaimai Ranges.

    The first call for help came around 3.30pm on Friday 18 April, when Police were notified of two people having not returned from their hike.

    The pair were located at around 7pm near a river that had flooded and blocked their exit.

    Police kept in contact with the pair overnight before Search and Rescue, and Swift Water Rescue teams assisted them in getting back home safe the next day.

    On Monday 21 April at around 6.45pm, Police were called to an area near Rataroa Stream where a hiker got stuck while walking a four hour hike. The person was located around two hours later.

    Although we are pleased to have provided a swift response in both these incidents and help the three people return home safe, these incidents are a reminder to the public to prepare for any situation that may arise.

    New Zealand’s environment and weather can be unpredictable, and with the recent wet weather, our rivers and streams are flooded, fast flowing, and high. It will take a few days for the rivers to return back to normal levels once the rain has completely stopped.

    Your safety is your responsibility in the outdoors, by preparing for the worst-case scenario, you can enjoy your trip knowing you will be okay if anything goes wrong.

    Even the most experienced people can get caught up in situations where they need assistance, and any day trip has the potential to turn into an overnight situation.

    If you are going outdoors, no matter if it is hiking, hunting, or climbing, please follow the five simple steps of the Land Safety Code,

    1. Choose the right trip for you. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it. It is important to choose a trip that suits everyone in your group. When you are looking at options, make sure to think about everyone’s fitness levels and experience in the outdoors.
    2. Understand the weather. New Zealand weather can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed. Weather can make or break a trip. It is one of the most important things to consider when going into the outdoors.
    3. Park warm clothes and extra food. Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out. Any trip, even if it is short and easy, need preparation. Packing the right things can make trips safer and more enjoyable.
    4. Share your plans and take ways to get help. Telling a trusted person about your trip details and taking a personal locator beacon can save your life. We all want our trips to go as planned – but sometimes they don’t. If you get hurt or lost on your trip, how would you get help?
    5. Take care of yourself and each other. East, drink, and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together. The best way to enjoy your experience in the outdoors and make it home safely is to look out for one another.

    Distress beacons can be hired for as little as $10 from many Department of Conservation Visitor Centres, and outdoor tramping and hunting stores.

    If you have purchased a beacon, make sure to register it at www.beacons.org.nz.

    For more information on outdoor safety, helpful free resources and videos, head to Know Before You Go – AdventureSmart – NZ Search & Rescue Council | AdventureSmart.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Missing person located, Christchurch

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can confirm the 50-year-old woman reported missing from the Addington area on 16 April has been located safe and well.

    We would like to thank the members of the public who provided information that assisted in locating her.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Media advisory: St Johns homicide

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Media are advised that Police will hold a stand-up this afternoon regarding the ongoing homicide investigation in St Johns.

    Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin will speak to media at the scene on St Johns Road, at 1.30pm.

    We ask those media interested in attending to RSVP to media@police.govt.nz so we know who to expect.

    We will advise if there are any changes to timings.

    If you have issues, you can contact 021 191 3315.

    ENDS

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road Closed, Charles Upham Drive, Rangiora

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Charles Upham Drive is closed following a serious crash this morning in Rangiora.

    Police received a report of a single vehicle crash near Oxford Road at around 7am.

    Initial indications suggest there are serious injuries.

    The Serious Crash Unit have been advised.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – PSNA appeals to government to initiate international call for a “no-fly” zone over Gaza

    Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

     

    The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa has this morning written to the Foreign Minister Winston Peters requesting New Zealand initiate the call for an internationally enforced “no-fly” zone over Gaza.

     

    PSNA Co-Chair John Minto says this would be a small but practicable step to blunt Israel’s continuing genocidal attacks on Palestinians.

     

    “Gaza is recognised under international law, and by the New Zealand government, as part of the illegally Occupied Palestinian Territory. As such, Israel’s intrusion into Gaza airspace is illegal, and is elevated to a war crime when its aircraft attack Palestinian civilians there to further what the International Court of Justice has described as a “plausible genocide”.

     

    John Minto says the United Nations has repeatedly said there are no safe places in Gaza for Palestinian civilians, where even so-called “safe zones” are systematically attacked as Israel terrorises the population to flee from the territory.

     

    “Suggestions for a no-fly zone have been made in the past but there has never been a better time for a concerted international effort to enforce such a zone over Gaza”.

     

    “In the week leading up to Anzac Day there is no better time for New Zealand to stand up and be counted.

     

    “New Zealanders from past conflicts, including in that very region in 1917 and 1918, have died in vain if today’s politicians refuse to speak out to end the death and destruction in Gaza.” 

     

     

    John Minto

    Maher Nazzal

    National Co-Chairs

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Haka in the House: what will Te Pāti Māori’s protest mean for tikanga in parliament?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dominic O’Sullivan, Professor of Political Science, Charles Sturt University and Adjunct Professor Stout Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington and Auckland University of Technology., Charles Sturt University

    Te Pāti Māori’s Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke lead a haka with Eru Kapa-Kingi outside parliament, November 19, 2024. Getty Images

    Time is apparently running out for the three Te Pāti Māori MPs whose haka in parliament during the Treaty Principles Bill debate last year attracted huge international attention.

    Parliament’s Privileges Committee has summoned the MPs to appear on Wednesday (April 23). But given their previous resistance to fronting up, it seems unlikely they will.

    The committee is investigating whether the haka broke parliament’s rules. The MPs say they don’t think they’ll get a fair hearing because the committee won’t allow legal representation or evidence from an expert in tikanga Maori.

    According to Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngawera-Packer, this “is a display of power designed to silence us”.

    But the case is about more than possible breaches of parliamentary protocol and standing orders. It also asks serious questions about our liberal democracy in general.

    Everybody needs to express themselves freely and without fear. So, when MPs leave their seats and come close to their opponents, does it cross a line? That was certainly the ruling last year when Green MP Julie Anne Genter was censured for crossing the floor and confronting another MP.

    Perhaps there is still good reason for New Zealand following the British parliamentary tradition of the government and opposition benches being two and a half sword lengths apart.

    But it has already been established that haka are allowed in parliament. The real questions are how, when, why and according to which rules or tikanga?

    The problem with ‘partnership’

    According to the political philosopher Nancy Fraser, democracy should support every citizen to participate in public life equally:

    [Justice] requires social arrangements that permit all members to participate in social interaction on a par with one another. So that means they must be able to participate as peers in all the major forms of social interaction.

    If parliament and the democratic system belong equally to everyone, then everyone should be able to say this ideal matches their experience. In other words, people have one voice of equal value, not just one vote.

    This is why the appropriate use of haka in parliament needs to be worked out. At one level it is about people being able to express their ideas in ways that make sense to them and the people they represent.

    At a deeper level, the issue revolves around who actually “owns” parliament. Everyone? Or everyone except Māori people and their representatives? Does everyone have a voice of equal value?

    Part of the problem is the notion of “partnership” between Māori and the Crown proposed by the Court of Appeal in 1987. Well intentioned as it might have been, this also created an “us and them” way of thinking.

    In this sense, the Crown and its institutions are seen as separate or foreign to Māori – as belonging to other people. If that’s the case, parliament can’t then belong to everybody or reflect everybody’s customs and ways of being.

    But if parliament belongs to everyone and sovereignty is not simply the oppressive authority of a distant king, but rather the shared property of every citizen, then the haka belongs as a distinctive form of political expression. It becomes part of the tikanga of the parliament.

    Tikanga Māori in practice

    However, tikanga is not simply about how parliamentary procedure deals with haka, waiata or the Māori language itself.

    As an authority on tikanga, Hirini Moko Mead, put it, the concept is

    a set of beliefs and practices associated with procedures to be followed in conducting the affairs of a group or an individual. These procedures, as established by precedents through time, are held to be ritually, are validated by usually more than one generation and are always subject to what a group or an individual is able to do.

    Like parliamentary standing orders, tikanga is procedural and grounded in broader principles of justice and ethics.

    Legal scholars Māmari Stephens and Carwyn Jones describe how tikanga prioritises relationships, collective obligations and inclusive decision-making. The Māori concept of wānganga or “active discussion”, Jones has written, is a framework for robust debate to enhance mutual understanding, but which doesn’t necessarily require consensus.

    Tikanga Māori and deliberative democracy

    The idea that political decisions should be based on reasoning, listening and serious reflection is known as deliberative democracy. It’s basically the opposite of outright majority rule based on “having the numbers”, which sometimes happens without any debate at all.

    Political theorists Selen Ercan and John Dryzek define deliberative democracy as being about

    putting communication at the heart of politics, recognising the need for reflective justification of positions, stressing the pursuit of reciprocal understanding across those who have different frameworks or ideologies.

    If that is true, then shouting across the parliamentary debating chamber doesn’t help. Nor does using the haka to intimidate.

    But using it to make a fair and reasonable point, to which others may respond, is essential to a parliament that is genuinely a “house of representatives”. Tikanga Māori and deliberative democratic processes offer complementary ways of working out what this could mean in practice.

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

    – ref. Haka in the House: what will Te Pāti Māori’s protest mean for tikanga in parliament? – https://theconversation.com/haka-in-the-house-what-will-te-pati-maoris-protest-mean-for-tikanga-in-parliament-254772

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Wisconsin Couple for Forced Labor

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    An indictment was unsealed today in Madison, Wisconsin charging a Wisconsin man with seven counts of forced labor, conspiracy to commit forced labor, and seven counts of alien harboring for private financial gain; the indictment further charged the man’s wife with seven counts of forced labor and conspiracy to commit forced labor.

    According to the indictment, between September 2015 and March 2018, Luis Abreu, 50, and his wife, Cybell Abreu, 50, used threats of serious harm and abuse of the law and legal process to coerce seven minor males and young men to perform labor and services. The indictment further alleges that Luis Abreu harbored the seven boys and young men, who he knew or recklessly disregarded to be unlawfully present in the United States.

    The defendants made their initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Western District of Wisconsin on April 21. The charge of forced labor carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of alien harboring carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when done for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea for the Western District of Wisconsin, and Homeland Security Investigations Resident Agent in Charge Eric Rice of the HSI Milwaukee Office made the announcement.

    The HSI Milwaukee Office of the Resident Agent in Charge conducted the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger for the Western District of Wisconsin and Trial Attorney Slava Kuperstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.

    If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Paul S. Atkins Sworn In as SEC Chairman

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Paul S. Atkins was sworn into office today as the 34th Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Chairman Atkins was nominated by President Donald J. Trump on January 20, 2025, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on April 9, 2025.

    “I am honored by the trust and confidence President Trump and the Senate have placed in me to lead the SEC,” said Chairman Atkins. “As I return to the SEC, I am pleased to join with my fellow Commissioners and the agency’s dedicated professionals to advance its mission to facilitate capital formation; maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets; and protect investors. Together we will work to ensure that the U.S. is the best and most secure place in the world to invest and do business.” 

    Prior to returning to the SEC, Chairman Atkins was most recently chief executive of Patomak Global Partners, a company he founded in 2009. Chairman Atkins helped lead efforts to develop best practices for the digital asset sector. He served as an independent director and non-executive chairman of the board of BATS Global Markets, Inc. from 2012 to 2015. 

    Chairman Atkins was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as a Commissioner of the SEC from 2002 to 2008. During his tenure, he advocated for transparency, consistency, and the use of cost-benefit analysis at the agency. Chairman Atkins also represented the SEC at meetings of the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets and the U.S.-EU Transatlantic Economic Council. From 2009 to 2010, he was appointed a member of the Congressional Oversight Panel for the Troubled Asset Relief Program. 

    Before serving as an SEC Commissioner, Chairman Atkins was as a consultant on securities and investment management industry matters, especially regarding issues of strategy, regulatory compliance, risk management, new product development, and organizational control. 

    From 1990 to 1994, Chairman Atkins served on the staff of two chairmen of the SEC, Richard C. Breeden and Arthur Levitt, ultimately as chief of staff and counselor, respectively.

    Chairman Atkins began his career as a lawyer in New York, focusing on a wide range of corporate transactions for U.S. and foreign clients, including public and private securities offerings and mergers and acquisitions. He was resident for 2½ years in his firm’s Paris office and admitted as conseil juridique in France.

    A member of the New York and Florida bars, Chairman Atkins received his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law in 1983 and his A.B., Phi Beta Kappa, from Wofford College in 1980.

    Originally from Lillington, North Carolina, Chairman Atkins grew up in Tampa, Florida. He and his wife Sarah have three sons.

    MIL OSI USA News –