Category: Justice

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport – Truck dashcams capture some hair-raising impatient driving

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

National road freight association Transporting New Zealand has shared dashcam footage from members showing some hair-raising near-misses, and says that impatient driving is endangering lives.

Transporting New Zealand has been calling for members to submit footage of dangerous driving, highlighting the need for all road users to observe safe speeds, pass and merge safely, and observe appropriate following distances.

Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says the footage shows just how dangerous impatient and reckless driving can be.

“Truck drivers spend more time on the roads than almost anyone else. Transporting New Zealand is consistently hearing concerns from our road freight members about incidents of impatient and unsafe driving they’re seeing while going about their work.

“The roads are the workplace for truck drivers, and that’s a workplace where a moment’s impatience or inattention can shatter lives forever.”

He says the maximum speed limit for heavy vehicles is 90 km/h, even on sections of road with 110 km/h speed limits, requiring patience from all road users when overtaking and merging.

“Please be patient and wait until there’s a passing lane or a clear section of road before overtaking.

“Think about how far you have to go to get clear of a truck and possibly a trailer. The combined length of both can be up to 23 metres – that’s a significant distance to cover and you need a safety gap at the other side.”

Transporting New Zealand has shared three videos where disaster was narrowly avoided.

Kalasih says that impatient or reckless driving is never worth the risk.

“It’s not worth risking your life or anybody else’s for the sake of saving a few minutes. That’s how horrible wrecks happen.”

Videos

In Not the Foggiest there’s a van, a plan, and no visibility. You can almost hear the paint squeak as the over-taking vehicle ducks in. Submitted by a freight operator in Taupo.

https://youtu.be/5SYKXCkBvrY

The next video was recorded near Waipawa in the Hawke’s Bay. A stock truck is carrying a load of bulls and has to swing wide to get into a driveway. Just as one of the team mentions what a tricky spot it is with some people trying to pass on the outside, a vehicle decides it will try a different approach. Some dialogue has been redacted.

https://youtu.be/9cDEQZWq98I

This next merging incident took place about 10 minutes outside of Rotorua.

https://youtu.be/T_JPm4WMFBU

Reporting dangerous driving

– If you believe someone’s driving is dangerous enough to be life-threatening, call the Police on 111.

– You can call -555 from a mobile phone to report road incidents which are urgent but not life-threatening.

About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.

Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: New NZ TV series Happiness gives us an engaging musical peak behind the amateur theatre curtain

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Camp, Senior Lecturer, School of Music, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

Warner Bros Discovery

The last few decades have seen many attempts to make musical TV shows.

Some of them applied the aesthetics of musicals (where people spontaneously sing and dance) to the television form, such as the recent cult series Schmigadoon! (2021–23) and the less successful medieval-set Galavant (2015–16).

Others have foregrounded music by being backstage musicals, or “backstagers”, about the creation of musicals. Glee (2009–15), about the American high school show choir scene, was the most successful of these. It led to imitators like Smash (2013–14), about a Marilyn Monroe musical; 2018’s Rise, a major flop about a high school producing Spring Awakening; and, my favourite, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (2019–23), a meta-fictional take on the Disney musical canon.

Backstagers have usually been more successful and also easier to produce than true through-and-through musicals for television, as they place their stories in settings that allow for the more or less “natural” presence of song and dance as part of the shows being staged. This acts as a bridge for audience members who might baulk at the singing and dancing fantasies inherent to the musical genre.

With their new show Happiness, Kip Chapman and Luke Di Somma have created a welcome New Zealand answer to this style of musical TV show.

Creating a musical

Charlie (Harry McNaughton) has returned from New York to his hometown of Tauranga, having been dismissed from helming a Broadway revival of Cats.

In a desperate attempt to demonstrate competency for a renewal of his visa – and to please his mum Gaye (Rebecca Gibney) – he decides to help out the local amateur musical theatre society Pizzaz (“the finest large-scale yet boutique classical musical theatre company in Tauranga”) with their latest production, an original musical called The Trojan Horse, based on the Iliad.

The first number in the first episode is an airport flash mob set to Backstreet’s Back, which Charlie’s mum has arranged to welcome her son home. While the nod to the Backstreet Boys is fun, it would have been more effective to start the show with an original musical number. As many writers of musicals have argued, one has to set up the “rules” of a musical in the first ten minutes, otherwise there is a risk of confusing the audience.

This number hints that Happiness might be a jukebox musical, but thankfully that is not the case. On the contrary, it has a whole set of new songs.

Happiness takes an affectionate look at community musical theatre.
Warner Bros Discovery

The score that Luke Di Somma has written for the show-within-the-show is a convincing pastiche of standard musical theatre styles. There is lots of Les Misérables high drama, Chicago showbiz razzle-dazzle, and Dear Evan Hansen pop balladry.

The songs carefully tread the line between portraying the well-meaning amateurishness of The Trojan Horse and being clever and competent enough in themselves to retain the audience’s interest.

This collection of stylistic nods, at least among the songs heard in the first two episodes I was able to preview, is typical of musical theatre writing as it is currently done. Di Somma has nicely balanced his own personal style (on display in earlier works like That Bloody Woman and The Unruly Tourists) with the needs of Happiness’s pastiche to create a score that wouldn’t be out of place on any musical stage.

An affectionate take

Happiness takes an affectionate look at community musical theatre, with details like the mismatched teacups and homemade lamingtons available during rehearsal breaks, the amusingly stuffed prop and costume store, and the mix of ages and experiences in the cast.

Backstagers are good fodder for TV as they can involve a wide variety of eccentric characters among the show’s cast and crew. The first episode does a good job of introducing them all. The usual backstage tropes are all there, like the young ingenue overshadowed by the haughty star and the put-upon music director (Marshayla Christie) trying to get her voice heard by the out-of-touch stage director (Peter Hambleton).

Happiness brings a specific New Zealand spin to the backstage musical.
Warner Bros Discovery

This all makes Happiness fairly predictable, but it is also well observed and always engaging. A specific New Zealand spin comes with details such as the look of the the barn-like space that houses Pizazz, the Number Eight Wire attitude shown by the crew (they have $167 to make the Trojan Horse prop), and poking a bit of fun at the Kiwi accent. In one scene, Charlie suggests that local star Jacqui (Jessie Lawrence) as Helen of Troy might try it without the “Classical” English accent – which only ends up strengthening her Kiwi vowels.

I hope that Warner Discovery, which produces the show, will distribute it abroad. Happiness paints New Zealand musical theatre talent in a positive light and shows what the locals can do, while also being very entertaining in its own right. It is a welcome addition to the “let’s put on a show” backstager genre.

Happiness is available on Three and ThreeNow from tomorrow.

Gregory Camp 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. New NZ TV series Happiness gives us an engaging musical peak behind the amateur theatre curtain – https://theconversation.com/new-nz-tv-series-happiness-gives-us-an-engaging-musical-peak-behind-the-amateur-theatre-curtain-253025

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Newly-revised NPC deputy law highlighted at study session

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, speaks at a launching ceremony for this year’s first term of study sessions for NPC deputies in Beijing, capital of China, April 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Senior Chinese legislator Li Hongzhong on Tuesday called for sound understanding and implementation of the newly-revised Law on Deputies to the National People’s Congress and to the Local People’s Congresses at Various Levels.
Li, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), made the remarks at a launching ceremony for this year’s first term of study sessions for NPC deputies.
Li urged people’s congresses deputies to fulfill their duties with a focus on the overall work of the Party and the country, promote the high-quality development of people’s congresses work, and foster closer ties with the people.

MIL OSI China News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Bank Fraud Ringleader, “Scamdaddy,” Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Utah Credit Unions

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Defendant helped run a multi-state bank fraud ring that stole nearly half a million dollars from Utah-based credit unions

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Matthew Acquah, 24, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced today to 36 months’ imprisonment, a term of three years’ supervised release, and ordered by the court to pay $452,000 in restitution for his role defrauding Utah-based credit unions out of nearly half a million dollars.

The sentence, imposed by Chief District Judge Robert J. Shelby, comes after Acquah pleaded guilty in January 2025 to counts of bank fraud, bank fraud conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents and statements made at Acquah’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, Acquah admitted that he used fraudulent identification documents to open lines of credit on behalf of unwitting victims and then take out unauthorized cash advances. He also admitted helping plan and execute numerous bank fraud sprees in Utah involving out-of-state coconspirators. According to prosecutors, Acquah was referred to as “Scamdaddy” or “Playboy Prince” by his coconspirators. Acquah arranged airfare for coconspirators, booked hotel rooms, facilitated vehicles and drivers, trained new recruits, and performed other management functions for the bank fraud ring.

Between December 2023 and June 2024, Acquah admitted that his fraud ring managed to obtain over $450,000 in fraud proceeds from credit unions in Utah. According to documents filed with the court, Acquah used his share to fund a lavish lifestyle, including an apartment in downtown Los Angeles and a vehicle. He was arrested with over $100,804 in U.S. currency split between his apartment and an offsite storage unit, which will be used to repay victims.

The case was investigated jointly by Homeland Security Investigations and the Taylorsville City Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Tanner Zumwalt of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Senior Chinese legislator urges sound implementation of newly-revised NPC deputy law

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, speaks at a launching ceremony for this year’s first term of study sessions for NPC deputies in Beijing, capital of China, April 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Senior Chinese legislator Li Hongzhong on Tuesday called for sound understanding and implementation of the newly-revised Law on Deputies to the National People’s Congress and to the Local People’s Congresses at Various Levels.
Li, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), made the remarks at a launching ceremony for this year’s first term of study sessions for NPC deputies.
Li urged people’s congresses deputies to fulfill their duties with a focus on the overall work of the Party and the country, promote the high-quality development of people’s congresses work, and foster closer ties with the people.

MIL OSI China News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Schatz Leads Resolution Celebrating International Transgender Day Of Visibility

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led a group of 20 senators in introducing a resolution to celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility and recognize the achievements and courage of the transgender community around the world.
“International Transgender Day of Visibility is about celebrating the transgender community around the world – their achievements, their courage, and their right to live freely and openly,” said Senator Schatz. “It’s also about raising awareness of the discrimination trans people continue to face, especially under the Trump administration. While the progress we’ve made on trans rights is under threat, we won’t stop fighting until there’s full acceptance and equality for all.”
Schatz’s resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).
The resolution is supported by Advocates for Trans Equality, Advocates for Human Rights, American Federation of Teachers, AIDS United, Amnesty International USA, CA LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network, CenterLink: The Community of LGBTQ Centers, Equality California, GLSEN, Human Rights Campaign, Interfaith Alliance, Just Detention International, Kentucky Youth Law Project, Inc., LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin, Maryland Communities United, Movement Advancement Project, National LGBTQI+ Bar Association, National LGBTQI+ Cancer Network, National Black Justice Coalition, North Shore Alliance of GLBTQ+ Youth, PFLAG National, People Power United, Point of Pride, Popular Connection Action Fund, Popular Democracy, Positive Women’s Network-USA, Pride at Work – Hawai‘i, Silver State Equality, Transathlete, and Trevor Project.
A similar resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) and co-led by U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Mark Takano (D-Calif.).
The full text of Schatz’s resolution is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Roseneath deaths referred to Coroner

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attribute to Detective Inspector Haley Ryan:

Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the deaths of two people at a residential property on Palliser Road, Roseneath, Wellington.

About 10.25pm on Monday, a concerned family member asked Police to carry out a welfare check on the occupants of the Palliser Road home. The officers who responded saw a need to force entry to the address, where they found two people deceased.

Based on the results of a scene examination and other enquiries, we will be referring the case to the Coroner.

Post-mortems were completed today, and Police will continue to have a presence in the area as we work to understand the reasoning behind this tragic incident.

We would like to hear from anyone who may have information that can help our enquiries, and anyone with residential CCTV that captures traffic movements in the Roseneath area, particularly on Palliser Road and surrounding streets, is asked to contact us.

Please update us online now or call 105, and reference the file number 250401/2474 or “Operation Palliser”.

Police are continuing to provide support to next of kin.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigate damage at Stanley penguin viewing platform

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police investigate damage at Stanley penguin viewing platform

Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 12:26 pm.

Police are investigating after a series of incidents where damage was caused at the Godfreys Beach Penguin Viewing Platform at Stanley.
Between Tuesday 18 March and Saturday 22 March, several LED strip lights and guide lights were damaged or removed from the platform off Harrison Terrace.
The marine-grade lighting had been fitted over information boards, and around the platform.
Police are also investigating similar incidents of damage at the platform in recent months.
Anyone with information about these incidents should contact Smithton Police on 131 444 and quote Offence Report 770206.

MIL OSI News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Second person charged in relation to murder at Glenorchy

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Second person charged in relation to murder at Glenorchy

Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 12:32 pm.

Police have charged a second person with murder following an incident at Dickson Street, Glenorchy, on 11 March, which resulted in the death of a 19-year-old man.
The 15-year-old youth was arrested last night.
They have been detained to appear before the Youth Justice Court today.

MIL OSI News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Police working with City of Hobart and local businesses to reduce retail crime

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police working with City of Hobart and local businesses to reduce retail crime

Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 12:38 pm.

More than 100 people attended a retail crime and safety forum in Hobart this morning to discuss strategies for making stores and shopping precincts safer.
Inspector John Toohey said the event, organised by Tasmania Police and City of Hobart, brought together community leaders, police and retailers.
“Today’s forum highlights the importance of working together to reduce crime,” he said.
“By collaborating, we can create better strategies to target retail crime and make our environment safer for everyone.”
“There are simple things retailers can do to prevent crime, from ensuring the store layout allows visibility to installing high-quality CCTV and other security measures.”
“Properly training staff, engaging closely with customers and restricting access to key areas is also key.”
“If a crime does occur, it’s important the matter is reported to police in a timely manner so our officers can respond effectively and hold offenders to account.”
“We want our local businesses, and communities more broadly, to be able to thrive without worrying about crime.”
“It’s crucial that both the public and employees feel safe not only in public spaces but also in their workplaces.”
City of Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the council is dedicated to creating a safe and vibrant retail environment in Hobart.
“Today’s discussions have reinforced the need for ongoing collaboration between the council, law enforcement, and retailers to address the challenges we face,” she said.
Retailer Warren Lucas said retail crime not only affects businesses’ bottom line, but also the safety and wellbeing of staff and customers.
“Forums like this are essential for sharing knowledge and developing practical solutions to these issues.”
The forum provided a space for meaningful conversations and idea-sharing, paving the way for stronger partnerships and better strategies to fight retail crime.

MIL OSI News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Police seize 12 kilograms of cannabis during separate searches

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police seize 12 kilograms of cannabis during separate searches

Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 12:13 pm.

Two people have been charged after police seized more than 12 kilograms of cannabis during three separate searches at George Town.
George Town Police conducted the searches between 28 March and 31 March.
A 50-year-old George Town man was arrested following one search, and has been charged with multiple drug-related offences, including trafficking in a controlled substance.
A 51-year-old George Town was searched twice within three days, and allegedly found in possession of large quantities of cannabis on both occasions.
He has been charged with multiple drug related offences including possess a controlled plant product, possess a controlled drug and trafficking in a controlled substance.
Both men, who are not linked, will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date.
Anyone with information about illicit substances is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

MIL OSI News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Armed Drug Dealer From Oahu Sentenced to 170 Months in Federal Prison

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson announced that Ryan “Junior” Guzman, 40, of Honolulu, Hawaii, was sentenced today in federal court by Chief U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson to 170 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine.

As part of his prior guilty plea, Guzman admitted that on March 13, 2023, he distributed one pound of methamphetamine to a third party in the Magic Island parking lot in downtown Honolulu. He also admitted that in June 2024, he possessed a privately made firearm, known as a “ghost gun,” loaded with 15 hollow point rounds. Guzman further admitted he possessed that firearm in connection with his methamphetamine trafficking.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Honolulu Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne A. Myers prosecuted the case.

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

MIL Security OSI –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Two separate crashes causing delays in Napier

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are advising motorists in Napier to expect significant delays, as emergency services respond to two separate crashes in Napier.

The first crash involved a vehicle and a pedestrian on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, at the intersection with Prebensen Drive in Poraiti at 1:05pm.

One person has been seriously injured.

The southbound lane of the expressway is currently blocked.

The second crash, involving a truck and a car was reported just after 1:30pm on Taradale Road, near Maadi Road in Pirimai.

One person is being treated with minor to moderate injuries.

The southbound lanes on Taradale Road are currently blocked.

Motorists are advised to avoid the impacted areas and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Police officer charged

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police officer charged

Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 11:59 am.

A 28-year-old Constable from Southern District is due to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on 8 August 2025, having today been served with a summons to appear on two charges of common assault.
The offences are alleged to have been committed in Hobart on 19 November 2024.
The officer was on duty at the time of the incident. He has been placed on non-operational duties.
It is not appropriate to make any further comment given the matter is now before the court.

MIL OSI News –

April 2, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: 2022 Completed matters

Source:

Below are the consultation matters registered in 2022 that have been completed.

If you require further information about the matters listed below, email consult@ato.gov.au.

[202230] Sharing Economy Reporting Regime

[202229] Military super invalidity benefit streamlined objection process

[202228] Next 5,000 comprehensive risk review process

[202227] Super health checks

[202226] Improve small business tax performance

[202225] Tax liability of legal personal representative of a deceased person

[202224] User research – Retirement villages

[202223] Capital gains tax record keeping tools and calculators

[202222] Superannuation guarantee charge letter

[202221] FBT record keeping

[202220] Lodgment deferrals in Online services for agents

[202219] Working from home deductions from 2022–23 tax year

[202218] User testing – Tax Time 2022 communications for individual taxpayers

[202217] MBR program companies release

[202216] 2022 Review of the Taxpayers’ Charter

[202214] Enterprise Client Register

[202213] Advance pricing arrangements program review

[202212] Automatic Exchange of Information guide and toolkit for Reporting Financial Institutions

[202211] Deduction for entering into a conservation covenant

[202210] eInvoicing communications

[202209] Undisputed tax debt data reporting

[202207] User testing – Online services for foreign investors

[202206] GST offsetting between unrelated entities

[202205] Corporate Collective Investment Vehicle

[202204] Self-assessed income tax exempt not-for-profits

[202203] Build-to-rent

[202201] 2022 Digital Services Gateway APIs

[202230] Sharing Economy Reporting Regime
Consultation purpose	To seek feedback regarding implementation of the new Sharing Economy Reporting Regime including: public advice and guidance reporting requirements (data and lodgment).
Description	Schedule 2 of the Treasury Laws Amendment (2022 Measures No. 2) Act 2022External Link requires operators of electronic distribution platforms (EDPs) to report information to the ATO on transactions relating to supplies made through the platform. This measure implements a recommendation of the report of the Black Economy Taskforce. Under the measure, EDP operators will be required to report transactions that occur on or after: 1 July 2023 if it relates to a supply of taxi services or short-term accommodation, and 1 July 2024 for all other reportable transactions.
Who we consulted	Operators of EDPs in the taxi, ride sharing and short-term accommodation industries Professional associations Technical and peak industry bodies Tax professional associations
Outcome of consultation	Feedback from consultation provided valuable insights in the development of the Implementation Guide, XML Schema, Legislative Instruments and Explanatory Statement to support Tranche 1 industries with the implementation of the Sharing Economy Reporting Regime.
Consultation lead	Vanessa Kelly, Small Business vanessa.kelly2@ato.gov.au Phone 02 4223 2851

[202229] Military super invalidity benefit streamlined objection process
Consultation purpose	To test tone and clarity of messaging in a proposed letter to military veterans impacted by changes to the tax and superannuation treatment of specific invalidity benefit payments.
Description	Due to the Full Federal Court decision in Commissioner of Taxation v Douglas [2020] FCAFC 220 (the Douglas decision), the tax and superannuation treatment of specific invalidity benefit payments has changed. Those affected by the Douglas decision can request remediation to previous year tax assessments through the objection process.
Who we consulted	Tax agents who have military veteran clients who are impacted by the Douglas decision Veteran advocacy groups
Outcome of consultation	Consultation provided valuable feedback that has improved the clarity of the letter. Feedback will also contribute to some key changes to website content.
Consultation lead	Simon Dann, Objections and Review simon.dann@ato.gov.au Phone 07 3149 5754

[202228] Next 5,000 comprehensive risk review process
Consultation purpose	To seek feedback on the proposed process for Next 5,000 comprehensive risk reviews that are planned to commence in early 2023.
Description	As part of the Next 5,000 program, the ATO will be commencing comprehensive risk reviews in early 2023. These reviews will be a new type of engagement using a risk based approach undertaken by the program, and will complement our existing streamlined assurance reviews.
Who we consulted	Tax professionals who engage with the Next 5,000 program
Outcome of consultation	Feedback was considered and incorporated into the process for the Next 5,000 comprehensive risk reviews.
Consultation lead	Ashleigh Larner, Private Wealth ashleigh.larner@ato.gov.au Phone 08 9268 0901

[202227] Super health checks
Consultation purpose	To explore tax agent views on: the level of awareness individual clients have in their superannuation appetite to undertake a super health check with individual clients, including during preparation of income tax returns tools and resources the ATO could provide to assist with super health check conversations.
Description	Research shows that up to 70% of individuals do not regularly manage their super or check that it’s in order. The ATO would like individuals to have greater awareness about their basic super entitlements and take more ownership and interest in their super earlier and is exploring how we might encourage this.
Who we consulted	Tax agents with individual clients
Outcome of consultation	Feedback indicated that individuals’ awareness of superannuation could be improved and that tax time interactions would be a good time for a super health check, which tax agents would undertake with their clients if provided with the necessary support from the ATO. Insights will inform our work on this strategy in the future.
Consultation lead	Tara Rischmueller, Superannuation and Employer Obligations tara.rischmueller@ato.gov.au Phone 08 8208 2935

[202226] Improve small business tax performance
Consultation purpose	To: co-design a roadmap to digitalise the tax experience for small business in ways that improve small business tax performance and provide value back to small business explore concepts to streamline the tax experience.
Description	Improve small business tax performance and participation by collaborating with partners to build a digital first tax ecosystem, enabling seamless tax reporting from business source systems, is one of the key focus areas in the ATO corporate plan 2022-23. The aim is to develop concepts that will: improve small business tax performance create productivity savings for small businesses deliver economy wide value from increased permission-based standardised data sharing increase participation in and integrity of the tax ecosystem.
Who we consulted
Outcome of consultation	Consultation provided valuable feedback which: contributed to development of the draft Roadmap to Tax Admin 3.0 for small business will be considered in the identification of concepts to streamline the tax experience has enhanced ATO’s understanding of the need to ensure changes to technology and the role of people and business processes are integrated, to collectively improve small business tax performance for successful digitalisation of tax administration.
Consultation lead	Andrew Watson, Small Business andrew.watson@ato.gov.au Phone 08 8208 1826

[202224] User research – Retirement villages
Consultation purpose	To understand the retirement village life-cycle (including income tax, GST and commercial aspects) to identify: if existing advice and guidance supports taxpayers to meet their obligations opportunities to improve the operation of the tax system.
Description	The retirement village industry has materially evolved over the last few years with significant expansion in the sector. The ATO is seeking to understand the impacts.
Who we consulted	Representatives of industry associations who are connected with or have expert knowledge of retirement villages Tax and legal professionals
Outcome of consultation	Feedback provided has informed the ATO’s understanding of the retirement village life cycle. These insights will be taken into account in informing potential future engagement with the industry and its advisers.
Consultation lead	Rosie Cicchitti, Private Wealth rosie.cicchitti@ato.gov.au Phone 07 3213 8073

[202225] Tax liability of legal personal representative of a deceased person
Consultation purpose	To seek feedback on the practical application of Practical Compliance Guideline PCG 2018/4 Income tax – liability of a legal personal representative of a deceased person.
Description	The Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman published the Death and Taxes: An Investigation into ATO systems and processes for dealing with deceased estatesExternal Link report on 7 July 2020. Part (b) of recommendation 10 in the report recommended that the ATO conduct a post-implementation review of the PCG, in consultation with external stakeholders, to assess its effectiveness in providing sufficient certainty for legal personal representatives to finalise an estate.
Who we consulted	Tax and law professional associations Tax practitioners Public trustees
Outcome of consultation	Feedback received is being considered for incorporation into the updated Practical Compliance Guideline
Consultation lead	Danijela Jablanovic, Individuals and Intermediaries danijela.jablanovic@ato.gov.au Phone 07 3213 5864

[202223] Capital gains tax record keeping tools and calculators
Consultation purpose	To understand the capital gains tax (CGT) tools and calculators user experience to identify opportunities for improvement.
Description	The ATO has multiple CGT tools and calculators to support taxpayers in determining their CGT for lodgment of their tax returns. The ATO is undertaking research to: understand current issues, irritants, experiences and behaviours to optimise future CGT tool solutions identify opportunities to expand the use of ATO held CGT data to improve the taxpayer experience and compliance in reporting and calculation of CGT gains and losses.
Who we consulted	Individual taxpayers Tax practitioner representatives
Outcome of consultation	Consultation provided valuable feedback which will be considered in the development of enhancements to CGT tools and calculators.
Consultation lead	Dejan Markov, Enterprise Strategy and Design dejan.markov@ato.gov.au Phone 08 8208 3608

[202222] Superannuation guarantee charge letter
Consultation purpose	To test tone and clarity of messaging in a proposed superannuation guarantee charge letter to businesses and tax practitioners.
Description	If employers do not pay an employee’s minimum superannuation amount on time and to the right fund, they must pay the superannuation guarantee charge to the ATO. The ATO engages with employers who are not meeting their superannuation guarantee obligations and/or their tax practitioners.
Who we consulted	Small to medium business employers Tax practitioners
Outcome of consultation	Feedback provided will be incorporated into the superannuation guarantee charge letter in future communication to clients.
Consultation lead	Kate Haymes, Enterprise Strategy and Design kate.haymes@ato.gov.au Phone 07 3119 9866

[202221] FBT record keeping
Consultation purpose	To seek feedback on proposed Legislative Instruments and Explanatory Statements for the implementation of the FBT reduced record keeping budget measure, as published with the Fringe benefits tax – record keeping exposure draft legislationExternal Link consultation on treasury.gov.au
Description	The Fringe Benefits Tax — reducing the compliance burden of record keeping measure was announced the in the 2021–22 Budget. The measure will provide the Commissioner of Taxation with the power to allow employers to rely on existing corporate records as an alternative to existing requirements. This will reduce compliance costs for employers, while maintaining the integrity of the FBT system. For consultation on the associated legislation, see Fringe benefits tax – record keeping exposure draft legislationExternal Link on treasury.gov.au
Who we consulted
Outcome of consultation	Feedback will be considered in finalisation of the legislative instruments and explanatory statements.
Consultation lead	Philip Borrell, Superannuation and Employer Obligations philip.borrell@ato.gov.au Phone 02 6058 7881

[202220] Lodgment deferrals in Online services for agents
Consultation purpose	To co-design the lodgment deferral process in Online services for agents and test the functionality prior to implementation.
Description	The ATO is expanding Online services for agents services to include lodgment deferrals. The intent is to: streamline the lodgment deferral request process decrease request processing timeframes provide visibility of the progress of requests.
Who we consulted	Tax practitioner representatives Digital service providers Members of
Outcome of consultation	Consultation provided valuable feedback which contributed to the design and build of the service and support material.
Consultation lead	Felix Manero, Individuals and Intermediaries OSfALodgmentDeferrals@ato.gov.au Phone 07 3213 3552

[202219] Working from home deductions from 2022–23 tax year
Consultation purpose	To seek insights to inform guidance that will assist taxpayers in the calculation of their working from home deductions for 2022–23 and future income years.
Description	The temporary shortcut method was introduced to assist taxpayers to work out their working from home deductions between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2022. With the cessation of the shortcut method, the ATO is refreshing the fixed rate method for calculating work from home deductions.
Who we consulted
Outcome of consultation	Feedback was considered for incorporation into Draft Practical Compliance Guideline PCG 2022/D4 Claiming a deduction for additional running expenses incurred while working from home – ATO compliance approach which was published for public consultation on 2 November 2022.
Consultation lead	Lloyd Williams, Individuals and Intermediaries lloyd.williams@ato.gov.au Phone 02 6216 1030

[202218] User testing – Tax Time 2022 communications for individual taxpayers
Consultation purpose	To test the tone and clarity of Tax Time 2022 communications for individual taxpayers.
Description	Tax time communications provide taxpayers with guidance to help get it right when preparing their tax return. The ATO is user testing the communications for individual taxpayers to identify opportunities for refinement to improve the user experience.
Who we consulted	Individual taxpayers
Outcome of consultation	Feedback provided is being incorporated into future tax time communications to individual taxpayers.
Consultation lead	Kate Haymes, Enterprise Strategy and Design kate.haymes@ato.gov.au Phone 07 3119 9866

[202217] MBR program companies release
Consultation purpose	To test the design and functionality of the proposed design of the Modernising Business Registers (MBR) program companies release to identify opportunities for refinement to improve the user experience prior to implementation.
Description	The companies release is part of the modernisation of business registers program, a component of the package of reforms to address illegal phoenixingExternal Link that was announced by government in September 2017 and received Royal Assent on 22 June 2020. The companies release will provide over 3 million companies with a more streamlined way to register, view and maintain company details using ABRS online. Consultation will be through a series of phases covering the ABRS website, company registrations, maintenance, and search.
Who we consulted	Community who may use ABRS Directors and intending directors Company officeholders Company administrators and intermediaries Tax practitioners Business representatives Government agencies Modernising Business Registers Business Advisory Group Modernising Business Registers Design Working Group
Outcome of consultation	Consultation is discontinued. The Hon Stephen Jones MP, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, has announced the cessation of the Modernising Business Registers (MBR) program. The decision follows the Independent Review of the MBR program which was completed in July 2023.
Consultation lead	Jonathan Solomon, MBR Program mbrengagement@ato.gov.au Phone 07 3213 3183

[202216] 2022 Review of the Taxpayers’ Charter
Consultation purpose	To seek feedback on the Taxpayers’ Charter.
Description	The ATO is committed to undertaking a regular review of the Taxpayers’ Charter to ensure it remains contemporary and: meets community expectations about how the ATO engages with taxpayers in its administration of the tax, super and registry systems accurately reflects what our clients can expect from the ATO when dealing with us assists staff in their interactions with our clients fulfils its purpose of advising the public of their rights when dealing with the ATO. The Charter should continue to support the ATO’s aim to build taxpayer confidence in the Australian tax and superannuation systems by helping people understand their rights and obligations, improving ease of compliance and access to benefits, and managing non-compliance with the law. The Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman made a series of recommendations on the Charter in its 2020–21 Investigation into the effectiveness of ATO communications of taxpayers’ rights to complain, review and appeal.
Who we consulted	Taxpayers Industry associations Professional associations, including those representing business sectors tax and bookkeeping professionals culturally and linguistically diverse audiences Members of the
Outcome of consultation	A high volume of feedback, mainly from accounting, legal, and diverse audiences, identified opportunities to improve the Charter. All feedback will be considered for incorporation into an update of the Charter.
Consultation lead	Chris Cook, ATO Corporate chris.cook@ato.gov.au Phone 02 6216 6355

[202214] Enterprise Client Register
Consultation purpose	To seek insights into agents’ experience and understanding of their role in the integrity of the Enterprise Client Register.
Description	The Enterprise Client Register is the key source of client information used in every client interaction across the ATO. The ATO will: explore differing agent business models and any impact on updating client contact details seek to understand the intermediary experience with client contact details identify opportunities to improve the user experience.
Who we consulted	Tax agents BAS agents
Outcome of consultation	Consultation provided valuable insights into the Enterprise Client Register user experience and identified opportunities for improvement.
Consultation lead	Tina Markov, Client Account Services tina.markov@ato.gov.au Phone 08 8208 1428

[202213] Advance pricing arrangements program review
Consultation purpose	To seek feedback on the advance pricing arrangement (APA) program.
Description	We will be undertaking a review of the APA Program in 2022, with a primary focus on: whether the APA product continues provide the right service for all taxpayers assuring transfer pricing risk in the most efficient manner possible.
Who we consulted	Taxpayers Tax advisory firms Tax industry associations Other APA program participants
Outcome of consultation	Feedback provided valuable insights which will be used to guide further improvement of the APA Program.
Consultation lead	Tien Phan, Assistant Commissioner, Public Groups and International tien.phan@ato.gov.au Phone 03 8632 5283

[202212] Automatic Exchange of Information guide and toolkit for Reporting Financial Institutions
Consultation purpose	To seek input and insights on a proposed Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) self-review guide and toolkit for Reporting Financial Institutions.
Description	The guide will assist and support Reporting Financial Institutions to self-review their internal control framework to ensure they meet AEOI compliance obligations, which cover Common Reporting Standard and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act obligations. It will include practical guidance for self-review of core elements: AEOI governance due diligence reporting systems data testing.
Who we consulted	Tax practitioners Financial institutions
Outcome of consultation	Feedback received was considered and incorporated into the AEOI Self-review guide and toolkit.
Consultation lead	Jaydon Beatty, Public Groups and International jaydon.beatty@ato.gov.au Phone 02 6216 4158

[202211] Deduction for entering into a conservation covenant
Consultation purpose	To seek feedback on: the ATO’s preliminary position regarding deductibility, under Division 31, when a conservation covenant is entered into to satisfy environmental approvals for a mining project whether public advice and guidance is required and the type of guidance.
Description	Division 31 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 provides for a deduction for the decrease in the market value of land when a perpetual conservation covenant over your land is entered into provided certain conditions are satisfied. Deductions for the decrease in the market value of the land must be based on a valuation obtained from the ATO. Valuation requests from taxpayers, in the energy and resources sector, have raised questions about whether taxpayers entering a conservation covenant, to meet environmental approval conditions for mining projects, receive material benefits which would disqualify them from receiving a deduction.
Who we consulted	Energy and Resources Working Group
Outcome of consultation	Feedback will be used to guide our communication strategy relating to valuation requests for conservation covenants from Energy and Resources Working Group members.
Consultation lead	John Churchill, Office of the Chief Tax Counsel john.churchill2@ato.gov.au Phone 03 6221 0258

[202210] eInvoicing communications
Consultation purpose	To seek insights from eInvoicing users and their intermediaries to inform future messaging and engagement activities related to raising awareness and driving adoption of eInvoicing across Australia.
Description	The ATO is leading activities to raise awareness and drive adoption of eInvoicing in Australia. This includes working with businesses, intermediaries, service providers, and all levels of government to understand their current invoicing processes and support them in adopting eInvoicing to realise the economic benefits of eInvoicing. The ATO will: seek to understand the current invoicing process for all stakeholders establish current knowledge and awareness levels develop supporting materials for various segments and validate their effectiveness.
Who we consulted	Small to medium enterprise businesses Tax professionals Digital service providers
Outcome of consultation	Feedback provided will be used to shape the ATO’s eInvoicing awareness activities and messaging with intermediaries and small businesses. Insights will also be communicated to accounting software providers to improve future user experiences.
Consultation lead	Patrick Brophy, Enterprise Solutions and Technology patrick.brophy@ato.gov.au Phone 02 6216 1940

[202207] User testing – Online services for foreign investors
Consultation purpose	To seek insights to inform the design and build of Online services for foreign investors (formerly known as the Foreign Ownership of Australian Assets Register).
Description	The ATO is developing Online services for foreign investors which will replace and expand upon the existing Foreign Ownership of Water Entitlements Register and Foreign Ownership of Agricultural Land Register. This supports reforms to Australia’s Foreign Investment Framework. Consultation will consider: navigation functionality – including but not limited to payments, registration, and maintenance of registration usability.
Who we consulted	Foreign persons, or their representative, who apply to acquire or register ownership of foreign assets on their own behalf or for entities Solicitors and conveyancers registering for clients
Outcome of consultation	Consultation provided valuable input into the design and build of Online services for foreign investors, as well as shaping the information that will be included in web content and communications.
Consultation lead	Rebecca Northey, Public Groups and International rebecca.northey@ato.gov.au Phone 02 4923 1900

[202206] GST offsetting between unrelated entities
Consultation purpose	To seek feedback on paragraph 5 of the Law Administration Practice Statement PS LA 2011/21 Offsetting of refunds and credits against taxation and other debts to provide greater clarity to support ATO staff decision-making and to support taxpayers in self-assessing whether requesting such an offset is appropriate.
Description	Paragraph 5 of PS LA 2011/21 provides guidance to ATO staff where a taxpayer requests to have their refund or credit offset against the tax debt of another entity. The current guidance does not provide assistance in determining the circumstances in which the criteria would be satisfied for the Commissioner to agree to perform such an offset. For instance, in practice we think it would be rare that paying the refund in this manner would be an efficient, effective, economical and ethical use of public resources for which the Commissioner is responsible.
Who we consulted	Tax advisory firms
Outcome of consultation	Feedback provided valuable insights and suggestions for potential improvements to our guidance.
Consultation lead	Renae Carter, Small Business renae.carter@ato.gov.au Phone 02 9374 2942

[202205] Corporate Collective Investment Vehicle
Consultation purpose	To identify, prioritise, and address administrative and interpretative issues that require support to implement the new Corporate Collective Investment Vehicle (CCIV) measure.
Description	In the 2021–22 federal Budget, the Australian Government announced that it will progress the tax and regulatory framework for the CCIV with a commencement date of 1 July 2022. The new legislation aligns the tax framework for the CCIV regime with the tax regime for attribution managed investment trusts (AMITs). CCIVs will be required to meet similar eligibility criteria as managed investment trusts (MITs). This includes being widely held and engaging primarily in passive investment activities. CCIVs that are not eligible for AMIT tax treatment will be subject to the ordinary trust taxation rules in Division 6 or trading trust rules in Division 6C, as applicable, of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936. As a CCIV is a new corporate entity, deemed to be a trust for tax purposes, there are a range of administrative considerations and tax interaction issues to resolve to ensure implementation by 1 July 2022; for example, registration, eligibility, distributions, reporting.
Who we consulted	Advisers with significant managed fund experience Representatives from industry associations, including Financial Services Council Property Council of Australia Law Council of Australia Australian Custodial Services Association
Outcome of consultation	Consultation: facilitated identification of operational and administrative issues and provided valuable feedback which contributed to the design and build of the tax administrative framework and support material for the CCIV regime provided valuable insights on interpretive issues which will be further considered in the development of public advice and guidance.
Consultation lead	Blake Sly, Public Groups and International blake.sly@ato.gov.au Phone 02 4923 1814

[202204] Self-assessed income tax exempt not-for-profits
Consultation purpose	To understand the impacts that the government announced reform will have on self-assessing income tax exempt not-for-profits (NFPs) and co-design the lodgment process.
Description	Currently NFPs who self-assess their own eligibility for income tax exemption are not required to report their eligibility to the ATO. In the May 2021–22 Budget, the Australian Government announced reforms to the administration of NFP entities that self-assess as income tax exempt. From 1 July 2023, non-charitable NFPs with an active ABN will be required to lodge an annual self-review return to access income tax exemption, submitting the information they ordinarily use to self-assess their eligibility for income tax exemption. The ATO will explore: how NFPs currently self-assess income tax exempt eligibility impacts of the changes on NFPs expectations for implementation support and guidance NFPs will need through the change. The ATO will consult the sector to: user-test and iteratively refine the new annual self-review return co-develop practical support and refresh public guidance validate the ATO’s administrative approach.
Who we consulted	Members of the Tax Practitioner Stewardship Group
Outcome of consultation	The consultation objectives to understand sector impacts and co-design the lodgment process have been successfully achieved. As a direct result of insights and co-design feedback the following enhancements to the taxpayer experience have been implemented: streamlining the NFP self-review return from over 20 questions to 5 core questions to determine eligibility for an income tax exemption introducing tailored and guided logic and help text to make the return easier to complete providing an alternative self-help phone lodgment service for NFPs having trouble accessing the digital return in Online services additional time to lodge through to 31 March 2025 transitional support for taxable NFPs, including concessional due date to lodge and pay income tax return remission of general interest charge and penalties flexible payment plans support to reconstruct tax records focusing on lodgment of the 2023–24 income year and onwards, noting we may take compliance action if we identify deliberate past tax evasion or fraud introducing a new non-lodgment advice form for taxable NFPs to meet their income tax return reporting obligations providing an NFP governance checklist to assist NFPs in meeting their broader tax and super obligations. Lodgment data and feedback from the NFP sector have validated that the return is straightforward and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. However, the sector continues to experience challenges updating their Australian business number details and setting up myID and Relationship Authorisation Manager to access the digital return. The next phase of consultation will focus on supporting the digital onboarding of the sector and lodgment education and support.
Consultation lead	Jennifer Moltisanti, Small Business jennifer.moltisanti@ato.gov.au Phone 03 9285 1711

[202203] Build-to-rent
Consultation purpose	To explore the emerging models of Build-to-rent developments in Australia to understand the opportunities to support the industry with their tax obligations.
Description	Build-to-rent is forecast to take off over the next 5 years. We are seeing growing interest from industry and government with incentives and concessions for Build-to-rent developments increasing.
Who we consulted	Members of the State Government representatives
Outcome of consultation	Consultation provided valuable insights into the Build-to-Rent industry, highlighting the complexity and improving ATO’s understanding of the various Build-to-Rent models and associated tax issues.
Consultation lead	Peter Chester, Private Wealth peter.chester@ato.gov.au Phone 07 3213 5957

[202201] 2022 Digital Services Gateway APIs
Consultation purpose	To co-design Digital Services Gateway (DSG) features and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).
Description	The DSG was implemented in 2021 to enable lightweight APIs to support digital service providers deliver tax and superannuation services.
Who we consulted	Digital service providers
Outcome of consultation	Digital service providers shared valuable insights which contributed to the development of DSG APIs.
Consultation lead	Sonia Lark, Digital Partnership Office, Enterprise Solutions and Technology sonia.lark@ato.gov.au Phone 02 4725 7460

MIL OSI News –

April 2, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: Business
Source:

Following the introduction of the public CBC reporting regime in Australia, the ATO is committed to ensuring clear and effective guidance on its administration.

One key component of this regime is the exemption process, which allows certain entities to apply for full or partial exemptions from public reporting requirements under specific circumstances.

To support the fair and transparent administration of exemptions, we are developing a draft Practice Statement (PSLA) to outline the criteria, evidence requirements, and decision-making framework. The PSLA will outline the Commissioner of Taxation’s approach to proposed public CBC reporting exemptions in the Treasury Laws Amendment (Responsible Buy Now Pay Later and Other Measures) Bill 2024. The guidance will include:
- the process for submitting applications
- information that should be provided with applications
- considerations relevant to the exercise of the discretion sought.
This initiative builds on feedback received during the consultation process for the drafting of the public CBC reporting and aims to provide clarity and certainty to affected multinational entities (MNEs).

MIL OSI News –
April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Man arrested by Operation Eclipse

Source: New South Wales – News

Operation Eclipse members arrested a man on Monday for numerous offences relating to the illicit tobacco trade.

Between August 2024 and 31 March 2025, police have conducted searches of 20 business addresses, commercial storage facilities, a transit facility and residential addresses in the Riverland, Whyalla and across the metropolitan area.

In addition to these searches, officers also conducted two vehicle stops.

These incidents have resulted in seizures in excess of $2.5 million in illicit tobacco products and $391,000 cash. Searches of some premises were supported by Consumer and Business Services.

Operation Eclipse members within Serious and Organised Crime Branch have undertaken significant investigations which resulted in the arrest of a 28-year-old man from Direk on Monday 31 March.

The man has been charged with three counts of possess prescribed tobacco for the purpose of sale and eight counts of sell tobacco by retail without a licence. He was bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on 28 May.

Operation Eclipse commander, Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby, said the cash seizures demonstrates the significant amount of money being generated from the illicit tobacco market.

“SAPOL will continue to have a whole of organisation response to disrupt organised crime syndicates driving the illicit tobacco trade in South Australia to suppress serious criminal activity and ensure community safety”.

“I remind those involved in the illicit tobacco trade that SAPOL will pursue criminal charges when sufficient evidence exists and that includes those that are supporting or enabling that criminal activity”.

Anyone with any information on criminal activities surrounding the sale of illicit tobacco is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestopperssa.com.au/ You can remain anonymous.

MIL OSI News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Whitehorse — Yukon RCMP Traffic Services investigate collision at intersection

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On April 1, 2025 at approximately 11:00 am, a collision occurred at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Main Street in Whitehorse.

The collision involved a Whitehorse RCMP SUV and cyclist. Emergency Medical Services attended and the cyclist was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Yukon RCMP Traffic Services responded to the collision, and are conducting the investigation. While investigators currently have video footage of the collision, they do encourage anyone who witnessed the collision to contact them at 867-667-5555.

MIL Security OSI –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: At Senate Hearing, Senator Murray Highlights Devastating Cuts to VA Workforce, and Presses Nominees on Willingness to Comply with the Law

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

ICYMI: Senator Murray, VA Researchers, Employees, Contractors in WA State Slam Trump & Elon’s Plans to Decimate VA With Further Mass Layoffs, Harm Services Veterans Rely On

ICYMI: Murray Statement on Trump & Elon Plans to Decimate the VA, Firing 80,000 Employees and Putting Veterans’ Care in Grave Danger

*** VIDEO of Senator Murray’s Remarks and Questioning HERE***

Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing to consider pending nominations, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, questioned Lieutenant Colonel James Baehr, nominee to be the General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Captain Richard Topping, nominee to be Chief Financial Officer at VA. Senator Murray pressed the nominees on the Trump administration’s plans to fire over 80,000 VA employees, and how those cuts will harm veterans’ earned benefits and services. Senator Murray also underscored her concern with how this administration is picking and choosing which laws to follow instead of reviewing compliance with every law Congress passed to ensure care for veterans.

Senator Murray began by emphasizing the sacred oath we make to our veterans, that we will take care of them when they return home, and questioning Mr. Baehr on the impact of mass firing tens of thousands of employees at VA. “I, and many of us, are very concerned about Trump’s plan now to fire over 80,000 VA employees and how that would seriously disrupt veterans being able to access not just their obviously, education benefits, but their disability benefits, their home loan benefits, all that they’ve earned.”

“Do you support those widespread cuts to VA’s workforce?,” Murray asked Mr. Baehr.

Mr. Baehr dodged the question, saying: “I’m not at the VA and have no role in any of those choices or decisions. As an individual who uses VA myself, of course I want to ensure we have the best services and benefits—I also as a veteran want to see the VA improve and I think this entire committee does as well. So, I would review the law, and I would advise the Secretary on following a legal path and pursuing his vision for putting the veteran at the center of all that we do, if confirmed.”

Senator Murray followed up, “Do you think that firing 80,000 people will make it more or less difficult for veterans to get access?”

“I have not looked at the situation myself,” Mr. Baher replied, dodging again. “And I don’t know—I have just read the public reporting on it. I understand there is some exempt positions. The Secretary said that he is focused on care for veterans and making sure veterans don’t lose care or benefits. So, I don’t know where those opportunities for efficiency, or not, exist in this system. My role, if confirmed, would be to ensure that everything we do is lawful and compliant with Title V, Title 38, and other rules and regulations.”

Senator Murray continued, asking Mr. Topping and Mr. Baehr on the ability of DOGE and the Trump administration to pick and choose which laws to follow: “I would just remind all of us that this is a people organization and if we fire 80,000 people, it’s going to be really challenging and difficult—if not impossible—for our veterans to get the care and benefits that they’ve earned… This Committee has worked to pass a lot of really important pieces of legislation that require vital changes at the VA. That includes the Caregivers Program that passed when I was chair of the Committee, as well as the Deborah Sampson Act and of course the PACT Act, which just passed recently. During Secretary Collins’ nomination hearing, he testified that he agreed with providing vital health care and benefits to veterans, and that we have to get it right.”

“However, I just have to say—I have really serious concerns that this administration now is picking and choosing which laws to follow, which means not living up to the promises we have made our veterans and really ignoring the intent of Congress. For example, we know that VA is doing a review to determine whether it is fully compliant with the MISSION Act, but not reviewing compliance with any other piece of legislation. Mr. Topping let me just start with you, is the PACT Act less important that the MISSION Act?”

Mr. Topping responded, “Senator, I think all the legislation passed by this Congress is important.”

“Should VA pick and choose which laws to follow?” Senator Murray pressed.

Mr. Topping replied, “Senator, I think like any organization with limited resources, time, and capabilities, there is always a prioritization, none is more or less important. But I think what the Secretary said he’s doing is—he’s focused on maximizing efficiency, redeploying those resources so they’re front-facing and essential of veterans, and ensuring that the veteran remains at the center of everything that we do. I am not there, I am not exactly sure how the prioritization works, but I understand what the Secretary has articulated his goals to be.”

Senator Murray turned the same question to Mr. Baehr, to which he replied: “I believe that the VA should follow all the laws, and if confirmed I would advise the Secretary on how he can fulfill his role in the best course of action with all the laws and regulations that are passed by Congress.”

“I just have a few seconds left and I just want to ask you, Mr. Baehr, do you think it’s legal for DOGE to have access to veterans’ personal information?” Senator Murray followed up.

Mr. Baehr responded, “Senator, again, I am not at VA, and I am not familiar with what is going on. I’m just operating with what I have read in the public news. And there are… significant protections for veterans’ information. All three veterans before you, our information is in VA, so we are certainly sympathetic. I don’t want anyone looking at my podiatry records or other…”

“Personal, financial, health, all of that,” Senator Murray interjected. “So, if the Department is given directives by DOGE, or by the White House, that you believe are illegal, will you follow those directives?”

“I will always pursue the Constitution and follow the laws. I don’t believe I will be given illegal directives, but I will always follow the law,” Mr. Baehr replied.

Senator Murray was the first woman to join the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the first woman to chair the Committee—as the daughter of a World War II veteran, supporting veterans and their families has always been an important priority for her. Senator Murray has been a leading voice in the Seante speaking out forcefully against President Trump and Elon Musk’s mass firing of VA employees and VA researchers across the country and Elon Musk and DOGE’s infiltration of the VA, including accessing veterans’ sensitive personal information. In recent weeks, Senator Murray and her colleagues sent letters to VA Secretary Doug Collins demanding that the VA swiftly reverse moves to cut VA researchers, as well as multiple letters pressing Secretary Collins to sever Elon Musk and DOGE’s access to any VA or other government system with information about veterans, and protect veterans, their families, and VA staff from unprecedented access to sensitive information. Senator Murray grilled Trump’s nominee for VA Deputy Secretary, Dr. Paul Lawrence, on the mass firings of VA employees and VA researchers, and voted against Doug Collins’s nomination to be VA Secretary in early February, sounding the alarm over reports of DOGE at the VA and making clear that the Trump administration’s lawlessness was putting our national security and our veterans at risk.

A fact sheet outlining how Trump and Musk are endangering Veterans’ care is HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Slidell Man Guilty Of Machine Gun Possession

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on March 27, 2025, CUONG QUOC TRAN (“TRAN”), age 39, of Slidell, La, pleaded guilty to possession of a machine gun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o). Sentencing is set for July 17, 2025.

According to documents filed in court, on January 5, 2022, the Coast Guard Cutter Tiger Shark intercepted a fishing vessel named the “Lucky Jean” approximately four nautical miles south of Southwest Pass within the Eastern District of Louisiana. During the safety search, Coast Guard personnel found multiple rifles capable of fully automatic fire. The captain of the vessel, TRAN, was subsequently interviewed by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. TRAN admitted to possessing seven weapons found on the vessel which he had converted into weapons capable of being fully automatic, in other words, a machine gun. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives subsequently tested the weapons, and found them to be fully automatic.

TRAN faces up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, a period of up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit.

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

MIL Security OSI –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Brewery burglary: Offenders don’t get to sample goods

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police have canned the plans of a group of offenders who allegedly broke into a Helensville brewery.

On Sunday at about 1.30am a group of six people have allegedly smashed their way into the complex on Mill Road and took a number of items, including electronic goods.

The group had also unsuccessfully attempted to break into a Kumeū liquor shop, causing significant damage in their wake.

Waitematā North Area Community Manager, Senior Sergeant Brett Henshaw, says a number of Police enquiries led them to a property in Avondale.

“On Monday, officers executed a search warrant at a Blockhouse Bay property where a number of the stolen items were located.

“A large number of people were present at the address and subsequently three people were taken into custody.”

Senior Sergeant Henshaw says the victims were incredibly thankful after Police returned most of the stolen goods.

“Our staff worked quickly to bring this matter to a resolution.

“We recognise the impact this type of offending has on our local businesses and we are committed to holding offenders accountable.

“Police have no tolerance for this brazen behaviour in our community and we encourage anyone who sees anything suspicious to report it to us immediately.”

Three people, aged 13, 15 and 16, have been referred to Youth Aid Services.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Minneapolis Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of Firearms

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

MINNEAPOLIS – Norman Wesley Parker of Minneapolis pleaded guilty to illegal possession of firearms as a felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

According to court documents, on March 10, 2023, Minneapolis Police Department officers attempted to stop a vehicle in which Norman Wesley Parker, 37, was a passenger. The driver fled from police and ultimately crashed the vehicle. Officers discovered Parker in possession of a loaded .40 caliber Smith and Wesson SD40VE semi-automatic pistol at the scene of the crash.

Because Parker has multiple prior felony convictions for domestic assault, aggravated robbery, substance and firearm offenses, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.

In his plea agreement, Parker also admitted to possessing a Keltec Model PMR-30 .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol as well as a Glock 21 .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol in 2024.

Parker pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to one count of illegal possession of a firearm as a felon before Judge Michael J. Davis. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Minneapolis Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Steinkamp is prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking in Southwest Missouri

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

Springfield, Mo. – A Phoenix, Ariz. man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine in southwest Missouri.

Joseph A. Gilbert, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 240 months in federal prison without parole. The Court also ordered Gilbert to forfeit to the government $616,756 which represents the proceeds of Gilbert’s drug trafficking.

On Nov. 19, 2024, Gilbert pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Gilbert admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Barry, Stone, Polk, Lawrence, Green, Jasper, and Newton Counties from Nov. 1, 2020, to April 28, 2022. According to court documents, Gilbert served as a source of methamphetamine supply for the drug trafficking organization. During the conspiracy Gilbert distributed more than 220 pounds of methamphetamine from Arizona into southwest Missouri.

On April 23, 2022, MSHP attempted a traffic stop of a red Chevrolet Captiva Gilbert was driving on eastbound Interstate 44. Gilbert fled from the scene and led law enforcement on high-speed pursuit on the interstate to southbound Missouri Hwy 43 near Seneca, Mo. During the pursuit, Gilbert failed to stop at red lights, overtook traffic at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, and swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid a tire deflation device. Later that day, Gilbert was located in Ottawa County, Okla. in possession of methamphetamine and approximately 100 M-30 pills (containing fentanyl).

Gilbert is among 18 defendants in this case who have pleaded guilty. Gilbert is the seventh defendant to be sentenced.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, the Barry County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Stone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, COMET (the Combined Ozark Multi-Jurisdictional Enforcement Team), the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Ottawa County, Ok., Sheriff’s Department, the Bolivar, Mo., Police Department, the Cassville, Mo., Police Department, the Kimberling City, Mo., Police Department, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

MIL Security OSI –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Man arrested over indecent behaviour in Findon

Source: New South Wales – News

A man has been arrested after an investigation into reports of indecent behaviour in the western suburbs.

It will be alleged that just before 11am on Friday 14 March, a man entered a store on Grange Road at Findon and approached a female staff member, before he behaved in an indecent manner.

The woman was not injured.

After further investigations, a suspect was identified and arrested about 7.30pm on Tuesday 1 April in Findon.

The 43-year-old man of no fixed address was charged with indecent behaviour. He did not apply for bail and will appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court today (Wednesday 2 April).

Investigations are continuing regarding the man’s involvement in other similar incidents in the area.

Anyone who may have witnessed such incidents is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

MIL OSI News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Markey Joins Resolution Celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

Washington (March 31, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) joined Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and a group of 19 Senators in introducing a resolution to celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility and recognize the achievements and courage of the transgender community around the world.

“Trans Day of Visibility is a call to recommit to the fight for trans and nonbinary people’s right to exist. In the face of a systemic campaign to dehumanize, silence, and suppress trans and nonbinary people, I will continue fighting not just for a future free from discrimination and harassment but for joy, equity, and opportunity. Trans rights are human rights,” said Senator Markey.

The resolution is cosponsored by Senators John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).

The resolution is supported by Advocates for Trans Equality, Advocates for Human Rights, American Federation of Teachers, AIDS United, Amnesty International USA, CA LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network, CenterLink: The Community of LGBTQ Centers, Equality California, GLSEN, Human Rights Campaign, Interfaith Alliance, Just Detention International, Kentucky Youth Law Project, Inc., LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin, Maryland Communities United, Movement Advancement Project, National LGBTQI+ Bar Association, National LGBTQI+ Cancer Network, National Black Justice Coalition, North Shore Alliance of GLBTQ+ Youth, PFLAG National, People Power United, Point of Pride, Popular Connection Action Fund, Popular Democracy, Positive Women’s Network-USA, Pride at Work – Hawai‘i, Silver State Equality, Transathlete, and Trevor Project.

A similar resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) and co-led by U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Mark Takano (D-Calif.).

The full text of the resolution is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Markey, Cruz Secure 60 Cosponsors for Bipartisan Legislation to Protect AM Radio

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

Washington (April 1, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today celebrated their AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act securing a filibuster-proof 60 cosponsors in the Senate. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation would direct federal regulators to require automakers to include AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles at no additional charge.

“With the addition of a 60th cosponsor, our AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act hit a key milestone, demonstrating the broad, bipartisan support for this commonsense bill. From emergency response to sports, entertainment, and news, AM radio is a lifeline for tens of millions of Americans. We are proud to fight for this legislation and ensure that AM radio can continue to play an important role in our constituents’ lives.”

Senate cosponsors of the AM Radio in Every Vehicle Act include Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jim Justice (R-W.V.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Dave McCormick (R-Penn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

In May 2023, Senators Markey and Cruz led their colleagues in introducing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act and reintroduced the legislation in January 2025. The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act passed through the Senate Commerce Committee in February 2025.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Repeat sex offender sentenced for failing to register as a sex offender in Alaska

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced today to three and a half years in prison and will serve 10 years on supervised release for failing to register as a sex offender in Alaska after moving to the state in 2021.

According to court documents, in 1995, Norman Otto, 61, was convicted of sexually abusing a 13-year-old and sentenced by a court in Nebraska to three years in prison. He was released from custody on May 15, 1997. Just over a year after his release, Otto sexually abused another 13-year-old. He was sentenced to 15-20 years in prison and was released in August 2008.

In 2020, Nebraska law enforcement began investigating Otto again after receiving information that Otto began abusing yet another minor victim shortly after his 2008 release. In April 2021, however, Otto disappeared from Nebraska and his whereabouts were unknown.

Law enforcement discovered Otto was residing in Alaska and he was arrested in January 2024. During the three years he absconded, Otto never registered as a sex offender in Alaska or any other state. Otto never disclosed his prior child sexual abuse convictions to the owner of a hostel where Otto lived. Otto spent time with young teenagers, including the hostel owner’s minor child, claiming he was a math tutor.

On May 23, 2024, Otto pleaded guilty to one count of failing to register as a sex offender. In handing down the sentence, the Court commented that, “people in communities need to be aware of the predators among us,” and that this sentence should deter other sex offenders from evading their registration requirements. Upon his release from custody, Otto must comply with court-ordered conditions of supervised release aimed at preventing his unsupervised contact with children.

“Mr. Otto is a recidivist sex offender who preyed on innocent victims for many, many years by using deceit and grooming behavior to get close to children,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska. “This is a significant sentence under the statute for the crime at hand, and I want to thank the investigators and prosecutors who brought this case to justice. Although child predators might think the Last Frontier is a place to vanish, they are wrong. Law enforcement will find them, and we will prosecute.”

“The U.S. Marshals Service will continue to enforce the requirements of the Sex Offender Registry as one of our primary tools to help ensure the safety of our community from sex offenders in Alaska. We are committed to enhancing the protection of the public from sex offenders, abductors, and sexual predators,” said U.S. Marshal Rob Heun.

The Sex Offender Task Force, comprised of the U.S. Marshals Service, Anchorage Police Department and Department of Public Safety-Sex Offender Registry investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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MIL Security OSI –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Met detectives thank victim-survivors who have come forward following conviction of serial rapist Zhenhao Zou
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

23 women have made reports to the Metropolitan Police Service following their appeal to trace potential victim-survivors of convicted rapist Zhenhao Zou. Detectives believe there are still more women yet to be identified and are renewing their appeal, in the hope that further victim-survivors come forward and access specialist support.

Zou – a Chinese PHD student who had been living in London – was convicted of raping ten women in March 2025 following an extensive and complex Met investigation. The jury unanimously found him guilty of these rape charges after hearing evidence that he had committed crimes across two continents – both in the UK and in China.

While detectives identified two of the women Zou was convicted of raping, eight remained unidentified throughout the investigation and subsequent trial.

Following the conclusion of court proceedings, investigators also revealed that they had evidence to suggest that there may be more than 50 other victim-survivors who had not yet been traced.

Since the Met’s appeal, 23 women have already made reports and investigators believe there could yet be further victims and survivors of Zou.

Some of these women currently live in the UK, while others are living in China and other parts of the world. These reports highlight the scale of the international investigation and complexities faced by officers in their pursuit for justice.

Multiple people have also come forward to share key information and assist with enquires, who officers are treating as potential witnesses.

Commander Kevin Southworth, who leads public protection at the Metropolitan Police, said: “This is a significant step in our ongoing investigation and I’d like to thank the women who have bravely come forward since our appeal. Our priority remains to offer them the best possible support throughout this immensely difficult time.

“I would also like thank Londoners and the wider public who have shared our appeal and helped us raise awareness of this case – helping to reach further women and witnesses who we believe will be crucial to the next phase of our investigation.

“As part of our work to make London safer, officers and staff at the Met are continuing their efforts to tackle violence against women and girls and put victim-survivors at the heart of our response.”

Specialist officers from the Met have spoken with all of the women who have come forward and enquiries continue into any potential crimes which have not yet been through the criminal justice process.

Dedicated officers are liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service as they build a file of evidence to submit for further consideration by prosecutors. This will follow Zou’s sentencing, which is scheduled to take place in June 2025.

As part of this update, the investigation team is once again appealing for further victim-survivors to come forward where they will receive specialist support. Beyond the women who have come forward, officers believe that there are still more victim-survivors to be traced.

Officers want to reassure any potential victim-survivors that any reports will be fully investigated and dealt with the utmost sensitivity, care and compassion.

How to contact the police and independent support agencies:

Reports relating to Zhenhao Zou can be made online via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP): https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25X38-PO1. The MIPP is also available in Simplified Chinese (https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25X38-PO2 ).

If you wish to speak to Met detectives or make a report relating to Zou, you can also contact police via email on survivors@met.police.uk

You can also make a report to police by calling 101 from within the UK, quoting reference 2904/04FEB25.

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

Zhenhao Zou (20/02/97), of Churchyard Row, Elephant and Castle, London, was found guilty of a total of 28 offences on Wednesday, 25 March following a trial at Inner London Crown Court. The offences are broken down as follows:
- 11 counts of rape,
- Three counts of voyeurism,
- Ten counts of possession of an extreme pornographic image,
- One count of false imprisonment,
- Three counts of committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence (relating to the drug Butanediol).
MIL Security OSI –
April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK to tackle Western Balkan migrant transit routes and serious organised crime with closer ties in the region
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

UK to tackle Western Balkan migrant transit routes and serious organised crime with closer ties in the region

Foreign Secretary David Lammy travels to Kosovo and Serbia to strengthen cooperation on tackling irregular migration and serious organised crime
New cooperation agreement with Serbia to smash the gangs at the heart of irregular migration crisis and secure UK borders ahead of hosting major Western Balkans diplomatic summit this Autumn

UK-supplied tech used in Kosovo to stop illicit goods and vulnerable people from reaching British shores and break the model of the criminal gangs

UK and European security also top of agenda with a visit to British troops part of NATO’s Peacekeeping mission at a time of increased volatility

Britain is taking the fight directly to people smugglers and criminal gangs who have turned the Western Balkans into a major transit route for irregular migration and serious organised crime, the Foreign Secretary will tell partners on a visit to the region this week.

With almost 22,000 people recorded using the Western Balkans to transit into Europe last year, the Foreign Secretary will meet with counterparts to strengthen UK-Serbian cooperation by signing an Organised Immigration Crime agreement, first agreed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the European Political Community. This will mean both countries can share information more quickly and directly to combat and disrupt organised immigration crime. David Lammy will also hear directly from female survivors of human trafficking.

This forms part of the government’s approach to tackle the problem at every step of the people smuggling journey, working with neighbouring countries to combine resources and share intelligence and tactics.

Ahead of the Berlin Process Summit, a diplomatic meeting to deliver on the government’s plan for change through closer security ties and greater migration cooperation, David Lammy will see UK technology being used to detect drugs and weapons concealed in vehicles – alongside drones and cameras used to track popular smuggling routes and prevent people dangerously and illegally crossing borders.

The Foreign Secretary’s visit is the latest step to drive further action upstream and builds on the announcement of the world’s first sanction regime to target Organised Immigration Crime.

It comes after the Prime Minister and Home Secretary hosted the Organised Immigration Crime Summit in London this week as part of the toughest-ever international crackdown on people smuggling gangs and to deliver on working people’s priorities for secure borders. The Summit announced £30 million of funding to tackle supply chains, illicit finances and trafficking routes and an additional £3 million to enable the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to increase its capacity to prosecute organised international smugglers.

The Summit also saw the Prime Minister announce that more than 24,000 people with no right to be here in the UK have been removed since July – the highest rate of returns for eight years as the government begins to restore order to the immigration system.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Criminal gangs have long exploited instability in the Western Balkans, parts of which have become a major transit route for irregular migration and serious organised crime. They are risking lives for profit and becoming increasingly violent in their determination to make as much money as possible.

This diabolical, lawless trade of smuggling vulnerable people is completely unacceptable and we are determined to end it as we secure the UK’s borders under our Plan for Change.

With the world becoming more dangerous and unpredictable, the Western Balkans is of critical importance to the UK and Europe’s collective security, and the UK remains committed to building resilience and stability in the region.

Across the region, external actors – including Russia – seek to exploit this fragility by fanning ethnic tensions, destabilising democracies and threatening the hard-won peace and stability.

UK expertise is set to strengthen the resilience of institutions against Russian and other malign influence – countering the threats of cyber-attacks, disinformation and interference in elections to stand up for freedom and democracy. On the visit, the Foreign Secretary will sign an agreement between the UK and Serbia which underlines the shared goal of a free, open, peaceful and secure cyberspace and countering malicious cyber actors.

The UK has a longstanding role and an important legacy in promoting security in the region including in Kosovo, where it has maintained a presence through NATO’s KFOR mission since 1999. The Foreign Secretary will meet with British troops on the ground who serve in KFOR, NATO’s largest overseas mission, which contributes to maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo.

The UK will host a meeting of Western Balkans leaders at the Berlin Process Summit in London in Autumn 2025 to support stability, security and economic co-operation, tackle gender inequality and violence against women and girls, and focus work to combat irregular migration transiting the region.

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Published 2 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash: Old North Road, Waimauku

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are responding to a serious crash on Old North Road in Waimauku this morning.

A two-vehicle crash was reported at 6.28am.

Initial indications are that people have sustained injuries. A further update will be provided.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified and are deploying to the scene.

Motorists travelling on Old North Road are being diverted at the intersections with Deacon and Waikoukou Valley roads.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 2, 2025

Category: Justice

Creating a musical

An affectionate take

UK to tackle Western Balkan migrant transit routes and serious organised crime with closer ties in the region

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

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