NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI Security: Recidivist Receives 7 Years in Prison for Firearms Possession and Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Raleigh, N.C. – A Goldsboro man was sentenced Thursday to 5 years in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Arraqib Hardy, 33, pled guilty to the charge on December 16, 2024.   Hardy received an additional 2 years in federal prison for committing this offense while on federal supervised release for the offenses of possessing a stolen firearm (aiding and abetting) and discharging a firearm in a school zone (aiding and abetting). Hardy received a total sentence of 7 years.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, Goldsboro Police officers were conducting surveillance on a convenience store parking lot due to possible drug activity on June 15, 2023.  Officers observed Hardy engage in what appeared to be hand-to-hand drug transactions and arrested him.  Police located a bag with a loaded 9mm handgun, marijuana, fentanyl, and $365 on Hardy.  

    According to law enforcement, Hardy was a member of the United Blood Nation gang.  Hardy had prior convictions in 2013 for discharging a weapon into an occupied or moving vehicle. 

    This investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Goldsboro Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:23-CR-00120.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jacksonville Felon Sentenced To Federal Prison For Unlawful Possession Of A Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Jonathan Scott Thompson (45, Jacksonville) to 33 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Thompson to forfeit his interest in the firearm that he possessed. Thompson pleaded guilty on December 20, 2024.

    According to court documents, on March 15, 2024, officers from the Jacksonville Beach Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance after a witness called 911 to report that Thompson was dragging a woman and throwing her to the ground. The victim and Thompson then argued inside a vehicle at the scene, and at some point, Thompson threw her down into the car and located a Glock semi-automatic pistol. The victim saw the firearm in his hands. Officers arrived at the scene and recovered the loaded firearm inside the vehicle. At the time, Thompson had multiple prior felony convictions, including armed burglary and burglary of a conveyance. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Beach Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lasry.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader of Fentanyl Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Drug trafficking organization operated in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island

    BOSTON – A Providence, R.I. man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for leading a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

    Estarlin Ortiz-Alcantara, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In December 2023, Ortiz-Alcantara pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Ortiz-Alcantara was charged in July 2022 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2022.

    Between approximately February 2021 and July 2022, Ortiz-Alcantara managed a DTO that distributed fentanyl in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. As part of his DTO’s operations, Ortiz-Alcantara controlled a stash house in Fall River to store, process and distribute fentanyl and employ numerous individuals who assisted with mixing, packaging and distributing fentanyl. During a search of Ortiz-Alcantara’s stash house in July 2022, more than 12 kilograms of fentanyl, as well as items consistent with running a fentanyl business, including blenders, a hydraulic press and baggies were seized.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira; and Fairhaven Police Chief Michael J. Myers made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Homeland Security Investigations; Bristol County Sherriff’s Office; and the Fall River, Taunton, Attleboro, Scituate, Yarmouth, Providence (R.I.) and West Warwick (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

    This effort 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 –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Project to reduce drug-related crime gather at East London event

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A scheme aimed at reducing drug-related deaths and offending convened police and partners at a professional networking event to showcase the results achieved so far and plan for the future.

    Project ADDER (Addiction, Diversion, Disruption, Enforcement and Recovery) is a government programme set up in 2021 to address the issues of drug addiction and stop the supply of illicit drugs in the hardest-hit local authority areas across England and Wales.

    The North East ADDER expo, which was hosted on Wednesday, 19March at West Ham United Football Club’s London Stadium, highlighted the work being done by all the organisations involved. Since 2024, Project ADDER has expanded across London where there is a dedicated ADDER team serving every borough.

    The project also aims to also reduce the prevalence of drug use as well as disrupt high-harm criminals and networks involved in middle market drug/firearms supply and importation.

    Since February 2024, the North East Project ADDER team have achieved the following:

    • Drug dogs deployments – 12 operations at transport hubs across Newham and Waltham Forest, where 37 arrests were made for offences including possession of offensive weapons, theft and possession of Class A drugs.
    • 22 Community Protection Warnings and 12 Community Protection Notice (CPN) issued with drugs awareness session included.
    • More than 50 operations, supported by Project ADDER, to tackle drug use and supply. This has included the dismantling of a number of county drug lines, drugs and weapons have been seized and anumber of vulnerable persons including several children safeguarded as a result.
    • A total of 579 searches for drugs have taken place and signposting to support services offered.

    This event included speeches from Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward, physician and academic Professor Dame Carol Black, who was previously appointed by the Government to lead a review examining the harm that drugs cause while also looking at prevention, treatment and recovery strategy.

    The event was also important for the Met to listen to the lived experiences of drug support workers and former service users with thought provoking dialogue on what all agencies and communities need to do in the area.

    A key way in which Project ADDER has disrupted the drugs trade is by educating the public, specifically young people within our communities about the dangers of drug use and addiction.

    The Met has hosted more than 100 drug awareness sessions across faith venues and schools as well as police stations, reaching thousands of students, members of the community, and police officers.

    Chief Inspector Farhan Asghar, who polices the local area, said: “Project ADDER teams are dedicated to tackling substance misuse and linked offending.

    “There is no one-size fits all approach in solving this issue. Whether it be law enforcement operations in drug hotspots, community/school drug awareness inputs or collaborative initiatives with partners like Change Grow Live (CGL), we will continue to adapt and develop ways in which we support those experiencing substance misuse, improving referrals into drug treatment while also targeting drug offenders to make our streets safer.”

    The Project ADDER team will continue their work in the future and plays a key part in the New Met for London plan of delivering more trust, less crime and higher standards of policing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Filipino activists praise arrest of ex-president Duterte as first step to end impunity

    Asia Pacific Report

    Dozens of Filipinos and supporters in Aotearoa New Zealand came together in a Black Friday vigil and Rally for Justice in the heart of two cities tonight — Auckland and Christchurch.

    They celebrated the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC) earlier this month to face trial for alleged crimes against humanity over a wave of extrajudicial killings during his six-year presidency in a so-called “war on drugs”.

    Estimates of the killings have ranged between 6250 (official police figure) and up to 30,000 (human rights groups) — including 32 in a single day — during his 2016-2022 term and critics have described the bloodbath as a war against the poor.

    But speakers warned tonight this was only the first step to end the culture of impunity in the Philippines.

    Current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, son of the late dictator, and his adminstration were also condemned by the protesters.

    Introducing the rally with the theme “Convict Duterte! End Impunity!” in Freyberg Square in the heart of downtown Auckland, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan’s Eugene Velasco said: “We demand justice for the thousands killed in the bloody and fraudulent war on drugs under the US-Duterte regime.”

    She said they sought to:

    • expose the human rights violations against the Filipino people;
    • call for Duterte’s accountability; and
    • to hold Marcos responsible for continuing this reign of terror against the masses.

    Flown to The Hague
    The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Duterte on March 11. He was immediately arrested on an aircraft at Manila International Airport and flown by charter aircraft to The Hague where he is now detained awaiting trial.

    “We welcome this development because his arrest is the result of tireless resistance — not only from human rights defenders but, most importantly, from the families of those who fell victim to Duterte’s extrajudicial killings,” Velasco said.

    Filipina activist Eugene Velasco . . . families of victims fought for justice “even in the face of relentless threats and violence from the police and military”. Image: APR

    “These families fought for justice despite the complete lack of support from the Marcos administration.”

    Velasco said their their courage and resilience had pushed this case forward — “even in the face of relentless threats and violence from the police and military”.

    “‘Shoot them dead!’—this was Duterte’s direct order to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). His death squads carried out these brutal killings with impunity,” Velasco said.

    Mock corpses in the Philippines rally in Freyberg Square tonight. Image: APR

    But Duterte was not the only one who must be held accountable, she added.

    “We demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those who orchestrated and enabled the state-sponsored executions, led by figures like Senator Bato Dela Rosa and Lieutenant-Colonel Jovie Espenido, that led to over 30,000 deaths, the militarisation of 47,587 schools, churches, and public institutions — especially in rural areas — the abductions and killings of human rights defenders, and the continued existence of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or NTF-ELCAC.”

    A masked young speaker tells of many victims of extrajudicial killings at tonight’s Duterte rally in Freyberg Square. Image: APR

    Fake news, red-tagging
    Velasco accused this agency of having “used the Filipino people’s taxes to fuel human rights abuses” through the spread of fake news and red-tagging against activists, peasants, trade unionists, and people’s lawyers.

    “The fight does not end here,” she said.

    “The Filipino people, together with all justice and peace-loving people of Aotearoa New Zealand, will not stop until justice is fully served — not just for the victims, but for all who continue to suffer under the Duterte-Marcos regime, which remains under the grip of US imperialist interests.

    “As Filipinos overseas, we must unite in demanding justice, stand in solidarity with the victims of extrajudicial killings, and continue the struggle for accountability.”

    Several speakers gave harrowing testimony about the fate of named victims as their photographs and histories were remembered.

    Speakers from local political groups, including Green Party MP Francisco Hernandez, and retired prominent trade unionist and activist Robert Reid, also participated.

    Reid referenced the ICC arrest issued last November against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, wanted for war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza genocide, saying he hoped that he too would end up in The Hague.

    Mock corpses surrounded by candles displayed signs — which had been a hallmark of the drug war killings — declaring “Jail Duterte”, “Justice for all victims of human rights” and “Convict Sara Duterte now!” Duterte’s daughter, Sara Duterte is currently Vice-President and is facing impeachment proceedings.

    The “convict Duterte” rally and vigil in Freyberg Square tonight. Image: APR

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Rivers are increasingly being given legal rights. Now they need people who will defend these rights in court

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Oluwabusayo Wuraola, Lecturer in Law, Anglia Ruskin University

    The River Ouse near Lewes in Sussex, England. Melanie Hobson / shutterstock

    A district council in England has passed a motion to grant its local river the rights to flow freely, to be free from pollution and to enjoy its native biodiversity. The move by Lewes District Council in East Sussex to recognise the fundamental rights of the River Ouse is the first of its kind in the UK.

    The Ouse (not to be confused with larger rivers of the same name in Yorkshire and East Anglia) flows southwards for 35 miles into the English Channel and suffers from the usual problems afflicting many rivers in the UK: chemical pollution, sewage dumping and so on.

    As a legal academic who researches exactly these sorts of rights, I was excited to see the news from Lewes (even if the council’s motions ultimately can’t overrule national laws). But simply granting a river some rights isn’t enough. We now need to think about who will actually defend these rights.

    This may mean appointing someone to represent the rights of the river. Who these representatives are, and how they think about nature and conservation, can be as important as the granting of these rights in the first place.

    Appointing representatives who care about their own personal and property interests would be a grave mistake, as would appointing anyone who prioritises the rights of humans to a healthy environment over a more intrinsic right of nature (remember: the idea is that the River Ouse has rights in itself and shouldn’t need to demonstrate its worth to humans).

    As further rivers, lakes, forests and more are granted rights like the Ouse, we’ll need to train up an army of people willing to represent the rights of nature.

    Natural entities should have legal rights

    The law professor Christopher Stone pioneered the rights of nature concept back in the 1970s. He argued that natural entities, like rivers or forests, should have legal rights and that a “guardian” or representative should be appointed to defend those rights in court when they are threatened.

    Some legal systems have adopted this model. For example, in New Zealand, the Whanganui River was granted legal personhood, and two “human faces” were appointed to act and speak on its behalf. Their duties are outlined in a 2017 act, which specifies that these representatives must have the skills, knowledge and experience needed to effectively advocate for the river’s rights.

    The Whanganui River was awarded legal personhood in 2017 due to its spiritual importance for local Māori people.
    Ron Kolet / shutterstock

    But even as rights of nature are being considered in many countries, there is still little consideration of who will represent these rights effectively. For instance, back in 2008 Ecuador became the first country to grant the rights of nature in its constitution. However the constitution states that “all persons” are representatives of the rights of nature. This is simply impractical: we can’t expect every citizen to truly care about the rights of nature.

    Efforts to apply the rights of nature in Ecuador have often failed. Legal challenges can become highly politicised and there is little legal infrastructure beyond general constitutional principles.

    For example, in a case brought after road builders had dumped material into the Vilcabamba River, plaintiffs claimed to represent nature in court. However, they were not genuinely advocating for the river’s rights – their main concern was protecting their downstream property.

    An ecocentric perspective

    Ultimately, defending the rights of nature in court will be a struggle if the nature in question – the river, forest or lake – is not represented by someone with an ecocentric perspective. That means prioritising the intrinsic value of nature itself, rather than focusing on how it can serve human interests.

    To protect it from mining and deforestation, Los Cedros cloud forest was awarded the same rights as people.
    Andreas Kay / flickr, CC BY-NC-SA

    Ecocentric advocates have proved to be the most effective defenders of the rights of nature in many court cases. For example, in lawsuits involving Ecuador’s Los Cedros cloud forest and its marine ecosystems, ecocentric arguments helped secure stronger legal protections and even inspired the courts to grant further rights of nature.

    One of the most common legal frameworks involves appointing “all persons”, “a person”, or “a resident” as representatives or protectors. For instance, Uganda’s National Environment Act 2019 states that anyone has the right to bring an action before a court “for any infringement of rights of nature”.

    Similarly, the city of Toledo, Ohio, tried to introduce the Lake Erie bill of rights which stated that the city or any resident could act on behalf of the lake’s ecosystem. (The bill was declared unconstitutional by a federal court in 2020 and did not become the law).

    Lake Erie lies between Canada and the US. It is surrounded by heavy industry and has had periods of intense pollution.
    Ted Auch, FracTracker Alliance / flickr, CC BY-NC-SA

    Having such broad representation can make these legal protections less effective. This is what Stone, the law professor, envisioned back in the 70s: representatives should be trained to view nature as having intrinsic value – the very reason it is granted rights – and to protect it on that basis.

    There are some promising examples. Guardians were appointed to protect the Magpie River in Canada, for instance, after it was granted legal personhood in 2022. Their responsibilities include participating – on behalf of the river itself – in any consultations on projects that might affect the river.

    When the River Atrato in Colombia was also granted legal rights, the court required the formation of a commission (with representatives from the state and local communities) to train and oversee the work of the guardians.

    Moves to give rights to nature are promising. But from Colombia to Canada to Sussex, we’ll need a whole army of nature protectors to actually enforce those rights.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Oluwabusayo Wuraola is a knowledge expert member of the United Nations Harmony with Nature Programme.

    – ref. Rivers are increasingly being given legal rights. Now they need people who will defend these rights in court – https://theconversation.com/rivers-are-increasingly-being-given-legal-rights-now-they-need-people-who-will-defend-these-rights-in-court-251736

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Banning face coverings, expanding facial recognition – how the UK government and police are eroding protest rights

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Daragh Murray, Senior Lecturer in International Human Rights Law at Queen Mary University of London, Queen Mary University of London

    Adam Rhodes UK/Shutterstock

    It’s a dangerous time for protest rights in the UK. The government has introduced a bill that would make it a criminal offence to conceal your identity at a protest.

    The crime and policing bill establishes an offence if a person conceals their identity within a specifically designated area. That is, an area where the police believe that a protest is taking place, or is likely to take place, and that involves, or might involve, the “commission of offences” (people breaking the law).

    These powers are preemptive and vague – how is the “likelihood” of a protest or offences determined? What specific “offences” does the bill refer to? What safeguards exist? Ultimately, the bill does not appear to place any real limits on the degree of discretion extended to the police.

    The passage of this bill would have significant implications for the right to anonymity in public places. It is unparalleled among liberal democratic states, bringing UK practice into line with Russia, Hungary and China.

    Under existing public order law, police already have the power to direct people to remove face coverings. The police justify these new powers on the basis that “individuals may follow the initial direction of the police officer to remove their face covering, but … move … and redeploy the face covering shortly afterwards.”

    The bill continues the previous government’s attempts to erode the right to protest. It’s clear that the motivation for these laws is not concern for public safety, but a desire to significantly extend surveillance powers.



    Read more:
    Policing bill is now law: how your right to protest has changed

    Facial recognition

    Why is a ban on face coverings being introduced now? No significant new challenges to the policing of protest have emerged in recent decades. The difference now, however, is that facial recognition has recently become a viable policing technology.

    As our forthcoming book details, facial recognition technology has rapidly transformed police surveillance capabilities, with profound effects on human rights, the formation of suspicion and on interactions between police and citizens.

    Retrospective facial recognition (the use of facial recognition on recorded materials) is now used by every police force in the UK, and has been, in some cases, for more than a decade. This expansion occurred under the radar and without public debate. Its extent was only revealed through investigative journalism.

    Live facial recognition, which involves real-time identity checks, is also expanding. South Wales Police recently deployed this technology across Cardiff’s pedestrian areas. And London’s Metropolitan Police are planning to install the first permanent live facial recognition cameras in the capital.

    Being identified by police was once only a possibility, now it is a near certainty. The only rules currently governing the police’s use of facial recognition are developed by police forces themselves.

    London’s Met police have used live facial recognition at specific events and protests.
    Andy Soloman/Shutterstock

    In recognition of the dangers posed by such surveillance, we were recently involved in developing, with the UN, a model protocol for law enforcement. It sets out practical guidance that all states should follow when policing protest, making clear that efforts to preserve one’s anonymity should not be treated as suspicious.

    It explicitly prohibits the use of remote biometric technology, like facial recognition or retina scanning, to identify protesters during peaceful demonstrations – something we argue is inconsistent with police’s obligation to facilitate peaceful protest. This protocol was unanimously adopted by the 47 member states of the UN Human Rights Council.

    Why the right to anonymity matters

    The right to privacy, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are central to the health of a democratic society. This includes the ability to participate anonymously in protests.

    But these rights are not absolute. This means that they can be limited – including in the interests of public safety or the prevention of crime and disorder – if doing so can be considered “necessary in a democratic society”. Given the importance of protest to democratic life, the threshold is high.

    The purpose of protest is to disrupt. The fights for women’s right to vote, trade union recognition and racial equality are all examples where a degree of disruption and disorder has been an intrinsic part of political change. Human rights law requires that public authorities show a certain degree of tolerance in this regard.

    To this end, human rights case law recognises that, no matter how shocking or “unacceptable”, any restrictions on freedom of expression and of assembly – other than in cases of incitement to violence, hate speech, or the rejection of democratic principles – risk undermining democracy itself.

    There is strong research evidence that surveillance of protesters cultivates chilling effects, whereby individuals change their otherwise normal behaviour due to the fear of surveillance. As we explain, this generates compound human rights harms that may fundamentally undermine the ability of citizens to challenge the status quo.

    With this proposed law, the UK is moving out of line with other democratic states and closer into step with Russia and China. Without changes, this bill risks transforming protests into surveillance opportunities.

    Daragh Murray receives funding from UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, Grant Number: MR/T042133/2.

    Pete Fussey 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. Banning face coverings, expanding facial recognition – how the UK government and police are eroding protest rights – https://theconversation.com/banning-face-coverings-expanding-facial-recognition-how-the-uk-government-and-police-are-eroding-protest-rights-252976

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Starkville Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Violating Federal Firearms Laws

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

    Greenville, MS – A Starkville man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for violation of federal firearms laws.

    According to court documents, Antonio Johnson, 49, pled guilty to possession of one or more firearms by a previously convicted felon as well as possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Johnson today to 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Johnson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following sentencing.

    “The public has every right to expect repeat offenders to receive significant sentences, and this defendant will now have 10 years in a federal prison to reconsider his actions,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “AUSA Robert Mims and our partners at the FBI, ATF and Starkville Police Department worked seamlessly to bring justice to an individual who earned every day of this sentence.”

    “Protecting the safety of our communities is one of the cornerstones of what ATF seeks to accomplish every day,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “To convicted felons and others making our streets unsafe with gun violence and drugs – law enforcement is here. No matter how long it takes, we will investigate, arrest, prosecute and ensure you are held accountable for your actions.”

    “Mr. Johnson’s sentencing demonstrates a steadfast commitment of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to protect the public from those individuals who illegally possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes,” stated FBI Jackson Field Office Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff. “Criminals possessing and using firearms in the commission of any crime are threats to our communities, for those who seek to threaten and intimidate Mississippians through these egregious crimes will be aggressively pursued by the FBI and brought to justice.  We will continue our collective efforts through the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, to reduce violent crime and gun violence in our communities across Mississippi.”

    “Strong convictions matter; they have a lasting impact and require hard work,” said Chief Mark Ballard of the Starkville Police Department. “Our community is safer as a result of these agencies’ efforts. On behalf of the Starkville Police Department, we are very thankful for our working relationship with FBI Jackson, the ATF New Orleans, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi.”

    This case was investigated by the FBI, the Starkville Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Mims 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 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 –

  • MIL-OSI Security: TWO ZACHARY MEN SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR THEFT OF TWELVE FIREARMS

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

     Acting United States Attorney April M. Leon announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Keyshawn Newman, age 24, of Zachary, Louisiana, to 39 months in federal prison and Ransom Parker, age 27, of Zachary, Louisiana, to 70 months in federal prison following their convictions for theft of firearms from a business licensed to engage in the business of dealing in firearms. The Court further sentenced both men to serve three years of supervised release following their terms of imprisonment.

    According to admissions made as part of their guilty pleas, on June 19, 2023, the owner of Thompson Creek Sporting Goods observed four individuals wearing masks and hoodie-type sweatshirts via live-feed surveillance footage from a camera mounted on the outside rear of his business. The owner contacted the Jackson Police Department, who responded to the store. Prior to police arrival, the owner received an alarm notification indicating that the front door had been breached.

    The first responding officer arrived shortly after the alarm notification and observed four suspects run from the business carrying firearms. The suspects were observed running in different directions and were dropping firearms as they ran. As more police officers arrived in the area, they set up a perimeter and began searching the area for the suspects. Twelve firearms were taken from the store’s inventory. A total of ten firearms were located on the ground at various locations in the directions that the suspects fled.

    On-scene investigators were notified that a maintenance worker at East Mental Hospital located a suspicious male inside the powerhouse station of the facility, which was approximately six miles from the store. Officers located the individual and identified him as Newman. Newman ultimately admitted to being involved with the burglary.

    Parker was subsequently identified by two co-defendants as being involved in the burglary and was the driver of the vehicle used. Parker ultimately admitted to participating in the burglary and driving the vehicle.

    The twelve firearms recovered were identified as a CMMG, model MK4, 4.6×30 caliber pistol; Armalite, model M-15, 5.56 caliber rifle; Arsenal, model SAM-5, 5.56 caliber rifle; Diamondback, model DB-15, 5.56 caliber rifle; Diamondback, model DB-15, 5.56 caliber rifle; Hi-Point, model 1095, 10mm caliber rifle; Radom, model Sporter, 7.62×39 caliber rifle; Riley Defense, model RAK74, 5.45×39 caliber rifle; Rock Island Armory, model VR80, 12-gauge shotgun; Ruger, model LC Carbine, 5.7×28 caliber rifle; Ruger, model AR556, 300 Blackout caliber rifle; and a Diamondback, model DB-15, 5.56 caliber rifle.

    This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Jackson Police Department, and East Feliciana Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eli J. Abad. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man who glorifed Lee Rigby murder recalled to prison after Met Counter Terrorism investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command have ensured that a registered terrorist offender who glorified the murder of Lee Rigby has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years’ in prison after he breached his notification requirements.

    Royal Barnes 34 (28.08.90) was convicted in March 2014 of inciting terrorism overseas and three counts of transmitting a terrorist publication following the murder of Lee Rigby, a British soldier, in Woolwich.

    Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Monitoring those convicted of terrorism-related crimes is a key part of our work to ensure that they are not posing any further risk to the public.

    “Terrorism offenders are subject to strict notification requirements once they have completed their sentences, and we are proactive in making sure they are sticking to these. As this case shows we will not hesitate to take action should we identify any breaches and it should also send a message that there are serious consequences for those who do so.”

    Barnes was sentenced to five years and four months in jail in 2014 after he produced videos, posted on Youtube, showing footage of the scene and calling for British-based Muslims to fight the government.

    He was released from prison in September 2016, but recalled in June 2017 for breaching his licence when he was found in possession of an iPhone which he hadn’t notified officers about. He was then released again in May 2019 and was subject to a number of ‘Part 4’ notification requirements.

    On 26 October 2023 he was arrested for breaches of these notification requirements relating to use of a vehicle, mobile phone and email account. He was also found to have been involved in fraudulent activity related to possession of bank cards.

    He pleaded guilty to these offences on 25 October last year and was sentenced on 28 March, at the Old Bailey, to three-and-a-half years in prison for the two breaches and a further 12 months, to be served consecutively, for the fraud offence.

    He must serve at least two thirds of his sentence in custody before being referred to a parole board.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-left”>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

    Section 1.  Purpose.  As the Federal capital city, Washington, D.C., is the only city that belongs to all Americans and that all Americans can claim as theirs.  As the capital city of the greatest Nation in the history of the world, it should showcase beautiful, clean, and safe public spaces. 
    America’s capital must be a place in which residents, commuters, and tourists feel safe at all hours, including on public transit.  Its highways, boulevards, and parks should be clean, well-kept, and pleasant.  Its monuments, museums, and buildings should reflect and inspire awe and appreciation for our Nation’s strength, greatness, and heritage.  Our citizens deserve nothing less.

    Sec. 2.  Policy.  It is the policy of the United States to make the District of Columbia safe, beautiful, and prosperous by preventing crime, punishing criminals, preserving order, protecting our revered American monuments, and promoting beautification and the preservation of our history and heritage. 

    Sec. 3.  Making the District of Columbia Safe by Fighting Crime.  (a)  My Administration shall work closely with local officials to share information, develop joint priorities, and maximize resources to make the District of Columbia safe.  Such coordination shall occur through the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force (Task Force), which is hereby established by this order.  The Task Force shall be chaired by the Assistant to the President and Homeland Security Advisor or his designee, and shall otherwise include representatives from the following departments, agencies, or components, selected as such department, agency, or component determines:
     (i)     the Department of the Interior;
    (ii)    the Department of Transportation;
    (iii)   the Department of Homeland Security;
    (iv)    the Federal Bureau of Investigation;
    (v)     the United States Marshals Service;
    (vi)    the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives;
    (vii)   the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia;
    (viii)  the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland; and
    (ix)    the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
    The Chairman of the Task Force may also select other departments, agencies, or components to participate as he deems necessary.  Representatives of such other departments, agencies, or components shall be selected as such department, agency, or component determines.
    (b)  The Task Force may, to the extent permitted by law, request operational assistance from and coordinate with the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPD), Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, United States Park Police, Amtrak Police, and other Federal and local officials as appropriate. 
    (c)  The Task Force shall coordinate to ensure effective Federal participation in the following tasks:
    (i)     directing maximum enforcement of Federal immigration law and redirecting available Federal, State, or local law enforcement resources to apprehend and deport illegal aliens in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area;
    (ii)    monitoring the District of Columbia’s sanctuary-city status and compliance with the enforcement of Federal immigration law;
    (iii)   providing assistance to facilitate the prompt and complete accreditation of the District of Columbia’s forensic crime laboratory;
    (iv)    in collaboration with its leadership and union, providing MPD with assistance to facilitate the recruitment, retention, and capabilities of its police officers and to facilitate work with Federal personnel, resources, and expertise to reduce crime; 
    (v)     collaborating with appropriate local government entities to provide assistance to increase the speed and lower the cost of processing concealed carry license requests in the District of Columbia;
    (vi)    reviewing and, as appropriate, revising Federal prosecutorial policies on seeking pretrial detention of criminal defendants to ensure that individuals who pose a genuine threat to public safety are detained to the maximum extent permitted by law;
    (vii)   collaborating with appropriate local government entities to provide assistance to end fare evasion and other crime within the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority system; and
    (viii)  deploying a more robust Federal law enforcement presence and coordinating with local law enforcement to facilitate the deployment of a more robust local law enforcement presence as appropriate in areas in or about the District of Columbia, including in such areas as the National Mall and Memorial Parks, museums, monuments, Lafayette Park, Union Station, Rock Creek Park, Anacostia Park, the George Washington Memorial Parkway, the Suitland Parkway, and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, and ensuring that all applicable quality of life, nuisance, and public-safety laws are strictly enforced, such as those prohibiting assault, battery, larceny, graffiti and other vandalism, unpermitted disturbances and demonstrations, noise, trespassing, public intoxication, drug possession, sale, and use, and traffic violations, including as prescribed by Executive Order 13933 of June 26, 2020 (Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues and Combating Recent Criminal Violence), which was reinstated by Executive Order 14189 of January 29, 2025 (Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday).
    (d) The Task Force shall report to me as necessary through the Assistant to the President and Homeland Security Advisor regarding safety in the District of Columbia, and the tasks set forth in subsection (c) of this section.  As part of this reporting, the Attorney General, in consultation with the Task Force, shall assess whether public-safety circumstances in the District of Columbia require additional executive action. 

    Sec. 4.  Making the District of Columbia Beautiful.  (a)  The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Transportation, the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, the Administrator of General Services, the National Capital Planning Commission, and the heads of such other executive departments or agencies and local officials as the Secretary of the Interior deems appropriate, shall develop and implement a program to beautify and make safe and prosperous the District of Columbia.
    (b)  The program under subsection (a) of this section shall include, at a minimum, the following elements as appropriate and consistent with applicable law:
    (i)    a coordinated beautification plan for Federal and local facilities, monuments, land, parks, and roadways in and around the District of Columbia;
    (ii)   restoration of Federal public monuments, memorials, statues, markers, or similar properties that have been damaged or defaced, or inappropriately removed or changed, in recent years;
    (iii)  removal of graffiti from commonly visited areas, with local assistance;
    (iv)   proposals to ensure Federal buildings or lands adequately uplift and beautify public spaces and generate in the citizenry pride in and respect for our Nation;
    (v)    a coordinated Federal and local approach to ensure the cleanliness of public spaces, sidewalks, parks, highways, roads, and transit systems in and around the District of Columbia; and
    (vi)   the encouragement of private-sector participation in coordinated beautification and clean-up efforts in the District of Columbia. 
    c)  The Secretary of the Interior shall immediately issue a directive to the National Park Service requiring prompt removal and cleanup of all homeless or vagrant encampments and graffiti on Federal land within the District of Columbia subject to the National Park Service’s jurisdiction, to the maximum extent permitted by law.

    Sec. 5.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
     

      
                                   DONALD J. TRUMP
     
     
     
     
    THE WHITE HOUSE,
        March 27, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Universal City Man Will Spend 60 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Children

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN ANTONIO – A Universal City man was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 720 months in prison for three charges related to sexual exploitation of children.

    According to court documents, Christopher Lee Castano, 44, accessed and transferred child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to and from external devices using his employer’s computer system while at a facility in San Antonio. The employer contacted the FBI in August 2022, after having discovered that Castano possessed files with names associated with child pornography on four removable devices since January 2022. On Aug. 3, 2022, an employee observed the files as Castano connected the external devices to the employer’s computers.

    A federal search warrant led to the search of Castano’s work area and his devices, and an investigation revealed CSAM produced by Castano between 2015 and 2018 when the female child victim in the images was 11-14 years old. FBI personnel also located multiple CSAM images and videos depicting another minor female produced around 2016 when that victim was between the ages of five and 26 months old. A graphic CSAM video of Castano’s was produced using his cell phone on July 21, 2018, depicting the second child victim when she was just over two years old.

    Castano has remained in federal custody since his arrest on Aug. 10, 2022. He was indicted for 13-counts on Sept. 7, 2022 and pleaded guilty to three counts on Oct. 12, 2023.

    In addition to his 60-year prison sentence, Castano was also ordered to pay restitution to two child victims in the amount of $50,000 each and another $5,000 each to five additional victims who were identified through the investigation.

    “Unless he lives well into his hundreds, this child predator is rightfully going to serve what is essentially a life sentence for the heinous crimes he has committed against at least half a dozen children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “I thank Castano’s employer for reporting his actions to our partners at the FBI, who helped us achieve this just sentence. While this does not erase what the child victims endured, we hope that they find some solace in the fact that Castano is no longer a threat to anyone.”

    “Castano heinously abused some of the most vulnerable among us. This sentence properly reflects the seriousness of his crimes and will hopefully provide some semblance of justice for his victims. The FBI is committed to protecting our children and relentlessly pursuing those who would cause them harm,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp for the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office. “We want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their partnership and dedication to this important mission.”

    The FBI investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson 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 www.justice.gov/psc.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: BRADFORD COUNTY – Lt. Gov. Austin Davisto Highlight 2025-26 Proposed Budget Investments in Safer Communities

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    March 28, 2025 – Towanda, PA

    ADVISORY – BRADFORD COUNTY – Lt. Gov. Austin Davis
    to Highlight 2025-26 Proposed Budget Investments in Safer Communities

    Lt. Gov. Austin Davis will discuss the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer Friday, March 28, at 11 a.m. at Supporting Area Families Everyday (SAFE), 861 Golden Mile Rd., Towanda.

    The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. SAFE is receiving more than $125,000 to expand its Supervised Visitation and Parent Education Program.

    The proposed 2025-26 budget includes a $10 million increase for the VIP program, as well as $10 million more for the Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time initiative, which provides funding for afterschool programs that help keep kids safe and give them enrichment opportunities.

    WHO:
    Lt. Gov. Austin Davis
    state Rep. Tina Pickett
    Bradford County Commissioner Zachary Gates
    Towanda Mayor Garrett Miller
    Representatives from SAFE and the Abuse and Rape Crisis Center

    WHAT:
    News conference to discuss how the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s proposed state budget will help make Pennsylvania communities safer

    WHEN:
    Friday, March 28, 11 a.m.

    WHERE:
    Supporting Area Families Every day
    61 Golden Mile Rd., Towanda

    RSVP:
    Members of the news media who are interested in attending must RSVP to Kirstin Alvanitakis at kirstinalv@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Call to fight GBVF

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Urgent action is required to turn the tide against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said.

    “We cannot allow our communities to live in fear. Ending GBVF requires all of us—leaders, police, traditional authorities, and citizens, to act together with urgency, conviction, and compassion,” Ntuli said.

    This as he led a Crime Prevention Imbizo at Inkosi Mzondeni Civic Centre, in Mtubatuba on Thursday.

    He called on the community of KwaMsane and the broader uMkhanyakude District to take a united stand against crime, particularly the devastating scourge of GBVF.

    The Imbizo served as a platform for the Premier to engage directly with mayors, including law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders (Amakhosi), and community members on government-led strategies to address crime.

    These include increased policing visibility, community-based safety initiatives, support services for survivors, and stronger partnerships between government and civil society.

    The engagement aligns with the 7th Administration’s broader commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and dignified communities throughout KwaZulu-Natal. 

    It also reinforces a provincial call to action: “no more silence, no more tolerance, and no more inaction in the face of violence and crime.”

    The event started with a symbolic Peace Walk against GBVF at the Inkosi Mtubatuba Local Municipality and ended at Mtuba Police Station.

    Among the participants at the walk included local leaders, civil society organisations, youth, and ordinary community members, wo also sent a strong message that GBVF has no place in KwaZulu-Natal. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Department confirms rescue of 23 South Africans from Myanmar

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has confirmed that 23 South Africans – who were part of a group of 7 000 people from various countries – have been rescued from Myanmar.

    “Our citizens returned to South Africa a few hours ago, assisted by DIRCO and the Border Management Authority. DIRCO facilitated the repatriation of the South African nationals and provided financial assistance,” the department said in a statement issued on Thursday afternoon. 

    Before leaving South Africa last year, these men and women were lured by an employment agency to Thailand under the pretences of lucrative jobs that were advertised on various social media platforms. 

    “These adverts promised the victims good salaries, free accommodation, comprehensive travel expenses, and other lucrative benefits. Once in Thailand, they were transported to Myanmar against their will.” 

    The victims were held captive for more than four months in a cybercrime compound in Myanmar, which borders Thailand. 

    “They were subjected to brutal treatment, including intimidation, physical torture, and forced labour. They were also compelled to engage in illicit activities, including online scams that targeted individuals worldwide.”

    In addition, DIRCO said, they were under 24-hour armed security and a ransom of about R50 000 was demanded for their release. 

    “They were forced to work for 16 hours a day and were frequently beaten or tortured if they refused, and they survived on spoiled food and contaminated water without access to medical treatment.”

    The department explained that the repatriation of the South African victims was part of the bilateral cooperation agreement to combat human trafficking and other forms of transnational organised crime signed by Thailand and South Africa in 2023. 

    “The government is grateful for the assistance provided by Thai authorities in facilitating the repatriation of the victims.”

    Victim support

    The Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) have since conducted an initial screening of the victims to verify their identity and family information.

    Following the screening interviews, the DPCI will transport the victims to health facilities to undergo health screenings. 

    Temporary accommodation will be provided for those from outside Gauteng, enabling them to reunite with their families and relatives, while those who live in the province will be transported home by DPCI. 

    Investigation

    According to the department, the DPCI will investigate the matter and follow up appointments will be scheduled at a later stage with the victims to gather comprehensive statements, as their emotional and physical wellbeing must be taken into consideration.

    “The DPCI will continue to work with all the relevant government departments to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the victims, as well as the successful arrest and conviction of traffickers in South Africa.” 

    The department said the South African government strongly condemns any acts of trafficking and has introduced relevant legislation to deal harshly with this heinous crime. 

    The government has urged citizens to exercise extreme caution when considering employment opportunities abroad. 

    “If the promise of employment is too good to be true, you must exercise caution and be suspicious.”

    All countries with embassies and liaison offices in South Africa are listed on the DIRCO website www.dirco.gov.za .

    Travellers are also advised to register on the DIRCO Travel Smart app, a digital platform that provides support and information to South African citizens travelling or residing in foreign countries.

    However, those who suspect that their loved one or someone else is a victim of human trafficking can report the matter to the SAPS Crime Stop hotline on 08000 10111, the nearest police station, the DSD, or a designated child protection organisation.

    “Your safety and well-being are in your hands. Stay vigilant and protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these malicious schemes. Let us all work together to stop trafficking in persons,” the department said. 

    Use the following helplines to report suspected incidents of human trafficking:

    • Childline – 116

    • Film and Publication Board – 0800 148 148

    • GBV Command Centre – 0800 428 428

    • National Human Trafficking Hotline – 0800 222 777. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police Commend Quick Action of 12-year-old Rural Resident

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force would like to commend the efforts of those involved in an emergency response to a motorcycle crash in Herbert yesterday afternoon.

    Twelve-year-old Beau in particular stood out when he provided police with a quad bike to gain access to the swampy area in the bushland of Herbert.

    Police were able to utilise Beau’s local knowledge of the area to quickly locate the victim.

    Members provided first aid in waist deep water while other members stood guard on crocodile watch.

    Care Flight deployed to the area and the male was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment.

    Acting Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley said, “Emergency response runs in Beau’s family, as his mother is a Senior St John Ambulance Officer and was on duty at the time of the incident, working in the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre.

    “He was calm and cool under pressure and sprang into action immediately.

    “Thank you, Beau, we hope to work alongside you one day in an official capacity.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Structure fire – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    NT Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) are responding to a structure fire in Alice Springs this morning.

    NTFRS received a report of an industrial building on fire on George Crescent at approximately 6.10am.

    Crews immediately attended the scene, finding the building fully engulfed in flames.

    NTFRS crews worked quickly to contain the fire to the main structure, which has sustained extensive damage.

    There have been no reported injuries at this stage.

    The fire is still burning, and NTFRS crews will remain on scene to bring it under control.

    NT Police and St John also attended the scene.

    Due to the response, Larapinta Drive westbound from the Stuart Highway was closed, and drivers should follow local traffic directions.  

    NTFRS will investigate the cause of the fire.

    Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Stephen Hunter, said members of the public should avoid the area.

    “If you live or are working in the vicinity of the fire, please stay inside with your windows and doors closed where possible and avoid any outdoor activities.”

    Media contact

    Elle Conway
    (08) 8985 8837

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Developing International Education: Dmitry Bryukhanov Becomes Head of the ESU Secretariat

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On March 26, 2025, the 10th meeting of the Coordination Council of the scientific and educational consortium “Eurasian Network University” (ENU) was held in a mixed format, in which the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev and the vice-rector Dmitry Bryukhanov took part.

    The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, the State University of Management, the National Research University “MPEI”, the Moscow State Technological University “STANKIN”, the Almaty Technological University, the Kyrgyz State Technical University named after I. Razzakov, the Kyrgyz University of Economics, the University under the Interparliamentary Assembly of the Eurasian Economic Community, the Higher School of Economics, the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, the Moscow State Law Academy named after O.E. Kutafin and others.

    Chairman of the Coordination Council of the Eurasian Network University, Rector of the National Research University “MPEI” Nikolay Rogalev delivered a welcoming speech, familiarizing the participants with the agenda of the meeting. The main topics for discussion were issues of interaction between the Eurasian Network University and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

    Alexey Poyda, Head of the Department of Bilateral Cooperation with Near Abroad Countries, the CIS and the Union State of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Education and Science, spoke about the key tasks of the ESU, including the training of qualified personnel and the development of educational programs for additional professional education. Particular attention was also paid to candidates from member states and observer states of the Eurasian Economic Union who are taking part in the ESU Olympiad.

    Representative of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation O.V. Prosvirina reported on the six main main directions of development of the EAEU, laid down in the declaration on the further development of economic processes within the Eurasian Economic Union. During the meeting, issues of providing the common market with key goods and resources, energy security, the formation of a common space for cooperation and collaboration in the field of technological development, as well as the training of qualified specialists in these industries were discussed.

    The issues of creating a Eurasian Rating Agency and concluding free trade agreements with other countries were also discussed.

    At the initiative of the universities participating in the ESU, a decision was made on the need to amend the regulations on the ESU Secretariat and return to the previous version of the Regulation, which provided for the division of powers between the chairman of the Coordination Council and the head of the ESU Secretariat.

    At the end of the meeting, an open vote was held, following which it was decided to: return to the original version of the Regulation on the ESU Secretariat, appoint the Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Dmitry Bryukhanov to the position of head of the ESU Secretariat, approve the list of joint programs of additional professional education for foreign specialists in Russian, approve the work plan of the ESU scientific and educational consortium for 2025, include the Kyzylorda University “Bolashak” in the ESU.

    The next meeting of the Coordination Council will be held on May 15-16 at the Volgograd State Technical University.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/28/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nearly 60,000 drink and drug tests conducted in seasonal crackdown

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    Double number of drivers arrested than previous years

    • 8,648 arrests made for drink and drug driving offences 
    • Positive results for drink driving remain below 10% 
    • Breath tests following a collision show nearly 15% motorists testing positive for alcohol, at its highest since 2019 
    • Drug wipes result in positive test results of over 42% 

    Police officers proactively undertook 58,675 roadside tests for drink and/or drugs on drivers across the UK over the festive period in 2024 (1 Dec 2024 – 1 Jan 2025) as part of the nationally coordinated Operation Limit crackdown which sees 45 police forces across England, Wales and Northern Ireland working together.  

    Intelligence and hotspot-led, roadside breath tests for alcohol saw nearly 10% of drivers testing positive (9.7%) with drug wipes resulting in 42.2% positive tests.  

    Shockingly, 2,782 drivers were arrested for both drink and drug driving offences, almost double the number from previous years’ national operations. While many tests during Op Limit are proactive stops, tests following a collision showed 14.5% motorists testing positive for alcohol, the highest in these circumstances since 2019. Unfortunately this trend aligns with data from the Department for Transport (DfT) which also shows a rise in alcohol-related collisions.  

    The figures prompt warnings from senior officers about the risks of driving under the influence, a ‘selfish and reckless’ decision that costs too many lives each year.  

    Men continue to be disproportionately represented, making up 85% of the offences for driving under the influence of drink or drugs and 79% of offenders were 25 years of age or older.  

    Chief Superintendent Marc Clothier is National Police Chiefs’ Council Operational Lead for Operation Limit. He said: 

    “In 2023, 19.6% of fatal collisions were assigned at least one drink or drugs related factor. That’s pretty much 20% of road deaths caused by drink or drugs, with a significant number occurring in December – two facts which are completely unacceptable and which make Op Limit so important.  

    “Now in its third year of running as a national operation, the Christmas drink and drug driving crackdown brings together all police forces in a positive coordinated effort to tackle this driving behaviour. 

    “The statistics of positive results and the demographics of offenders remain consistent and what is encouraging is to see the dedication and innovation which policing puts into this operation across the country. Many forces collaborate on a regional level, working cross border and strengthening their resources as a result.  

    “In addition, we are seeing the numbers of collisions in December specifically as a result of drink or drug driving reduce each year, remaining consistently at the levels experienced during Covid when far less drivers were on the roads. While there will be many factors impacting this fall, we can certainly draw a link between policing’s increased focus and enforcement activity to tackle drink and drug driving over this time of year.   

    “The decision to get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs is reckless and selfish and it will not be tolerated. Not only do you risk your own life but you seriously endanger everyone else on the road and the tragic impact of your decision will be felt by individuals, families, friends and whole communities.” 

    Collisions in December where drink and drug driving is a factor 

    Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) lead for drink and drug driving, Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham, Joy Allen said:   

    “With responsibility for supporting victims, PCCs see and deal with the devastating impact of drink and drug driving. 

    “The Operation Limit results show that more intensive enforcement works. We want to see more resource invested in roads policing and the appropriate use of tougher penalties for drink and drug driving, including immediate bans and full cost recovery of the costs from offenders, to act as a greater deterrent and protect the public.” 

    Key statistics not included in report 
    • A total of 8,203 drivers were caught drink or drug driving during the period of enforcement activity, with 60% (4,940) drink drive offences detected and 40% (3,263) drug drive offences detected. A total of 74,456 vehicles were stopped during this campaign with 50,948 breath tests administered, resulting in 4,940 drivers testing positive, failed or refused to provide. 
    • A total of 7,112 breath tests were administered following a collision, with 1,030 drivers committing a drink drive offence following a collision. 14.5% motorists tested positive for alcohol following a collision. This percentage is the highest it has been since 2019. 
    Contextual data  

    Drug driving: 

    • In 2022, most drivers with detected drugs had illegal substances in their system (127), followed by query drugs (61) and prescribed drugs (27). Query drugs refer to substances that may have been administered medically after a collision but also have potential for abuse.  
    • Illegal drugs were primarily found in deceased drivers aged 20 to 39, while medicinal drugs were more common in those aged 30 and older.  
    • Among drivers aged 70 and above, medicinal drugs were detected more often than illegal drugs, though the overall numbers in this group were small.  
    • The five most frequently detected substances were cocaine, benzoylecgonine (a cocaine metabolite), cannabis, morphine, and ketamine, highlighting cocaine and cannabis as the most common illegal drugs in road fatalities.  
    • From 2014 to 2022, approximately two-thirds of casualties in drug-impaired collisions were fatalities. Of these, 91% were drivers with drugs detected in their system, indicating that most fatalities were drug-impaired drivers themselves. The majority of other casualties were passengers of the impaired driver. 

    Drink driving 

    • The central estimate of fatalities for 2022 is the highest level since 2009, and an increase compared to the previous year.  
    • The central estimate of the number of deaths in collisions with at least one driver over the alcohol limit for 2022 is 300. This represents about 18% of all deaths in reported road collisions in 2022.  
    • Overall, an estimated 6,800 people were killed or injured when at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit. This represents an increase of 1% from 6,740 in 2021. 
    • DfT collisions data where drink/drugs were reported as a key factor:  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: First year of Georgia’s ‘foreign agent’ law shows how autocracies are replicating Russian model − and speeding up the time frame

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Anastasiya Zavyalova, Associate Professor of Strategic Management, Rice University

    Demonstrators protest the foreign influence law in front of the Georgian Parliament building on May 28, 2024. Nicolo Vincenzo Malvestuto/Getty Images

    Autocracy is on the move worldwide and becoming more resilient.

    One of the driving forces behind this phenomenon is something scholars call “authoritarian learning,” a process by which autocratic leaders study each other and adapt tactics based on what appears to work, and how to proceed when they encounter resistance.

    Take Georgia. The ruling Georgian Dream party has steered the Caucasus nation from a path toward democracy back to autocracy – and it has done so by learning from Russia. In particular, it adopted a “foreign agent” law in May 2024 – legislation that came straight from Vladimir Putin’s playbook.

    Sold to the public as increasing transparency, the legislation has been utilized to persecute Georgia’s opposition and arrest dissidents with impunity.

    As researchers examining the structure and effects of autocratic regimes, we view Georgia’s first year of its foreign agent law as an example of how politicians are not only learning the tactics of Russian authoritarianism but improving on them in a shorter time frame.

    Bouncing from Europe to Russia

    Georgia’s current ruling party came to power after then-President Mikheil Saakashvili enacted a major series of reforms in the 2000s. Saakashvili, who was jailed in 2021 under highly contested charges, inherited a Georgia seen as a failing and corrupt state tethered to Russia.

    The reform-minded politicians of Saakashvili’s government set the country on a pro-Western path. But after Russia’s invasion of Georgia in 2008, a socially conservative coalition under the banner Georgian Dream won the parliamentary elections in 2012.

    Georgian Dream was buoyed by the fortune of billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, a Russian citizen until 2011. The party capitalized on the public’s fatigue after a decade of Saakashvili’s necessary but intense reforms. The new coalition married a promise for continuing the pro-Western reforms, but with a more traditional, conservative approach to social issues.

    This appeal to traditional Georgian values won support in rural communities and carried the coalition to an absolute majority in Parliament in 2016. Since then, Georgian Dream has adopted pro-Russian rhetoric, accusing a “global war party” of running the West. Increasing attacks on the European Union, in particular, have been a part of a broader strategy to bring Georgia back into Russia’s orbit.

    The Georgian Dream progression in power has mirrored that of Putin in Russia. In 2012, Putin signed a “foreign agents” law that originally targeted NGOs receiving foreign funding and alleged to be engaged in political activity.

    The Kremlin equated this law to the 1938 Foreign Agents Registration Act, or FARA, in the United States, and justified it as a means to increase transparency around foreign involvement in Russia’s internal affairs.

    Unlike FARA, however, Russia’s version of the law neither required establishing a connection between foreign funding and political activity nor provided a clear definition of political activity.

    This vagueness allowed for a wide range of NGOs deemed undesirable by the Kremlin to be labeled as “foreign agents.” The result was the suppression of NGO activities through financial, administrative and legal burdens that led to their liquidation or departure from the country.

    Over the years, this law has reduced Russian civil society’s ability to independently voice and address issues that its population faces.

    Yearlong slide into autocracy

    Georgian Dream passed a very similar foreign agent law on May 28, 2024, after overcoming a presidential veto. It forced NGOs receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register with the Ministry of Justice as “serving the interests of a foreign power.”

    Activists opposing the law have been physically assaulted, and the law has been utilized against what the ruling party has described as “LGBT propaganda.”

    The law fits a wider political landscape in which the ruling party has moved to restrict freedom of the press, prosecuted political opponents and postponed Georgia’s European Union candidate status despite the overwhelming majority of Georgians being pro-EU.

    Protestors take part in a pro-European rally in Warsaw, Poland, on April 30, 2024.
    Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Improving on Russian authoritarians

    Three critical factors played a role in allowing for the foreign agent law in Russia to expand its reach: the power imbalance between the Russian government and NGOs, limited action by international authorities, and delayed media attention to the issue.

    At the time the law was passed, civil society inside Russia itself was split. Some foresaw the dangers of the law and engaged in collective action to oppose it, while others chose to wait and see.

    As it happened, the law and the accompanying repressive apparatus spread to a broader range of targets. In 2015, Putin signed a law that designated an “undesirable” status to foreign organizations “on national security grounds”; in 2017, an amendment expanded the targets of the law from NGOs to mass media outlets; and at the end of 2019, the law allowed the classification of individuals and unregistered public associations – that is, groups of individuals – as mass media acting as foreign agents. By July 2022, the foreign funding criterion was excluded and a status of a foreign agent could be designated to anyone whom the Russian authorities deemed to be “under foreign influence.”

    Russia’s experience highlights the process of early stages of authoritarian consolidation, when state power quashes independent sources of power, and political groups and citizens either rally around the government or go silent. The foreign agent law in Russia was passed only after the protests that accompanied the 2012 elections, which returned Putin to the presidency for the third term.

    In Georgia, the ruling government borrowed from Russia’s lead – after backing down from its first attempt to pass a foreign agent law in the face of massive protests, it pushed it through before the elections.

    The law was then used to raid NGOs sympathetic to the opposition days before the October 2024 parliamentary election. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said before the elections that in the event of Georgian Dream’s victory, it would look to outlaw the pro-Western opposition, naming them “criminal political forces.”

    In the wake of President Donald Trump’s suspension of USAID assistance in February 2025, Georgian Dream has seized the opportunity to expand its war on civil society, echoing Russian, Chinese and American far-right conspiracy rhetoric that foreign-funded NGOs were fomenting revolution. To combat such phantoms, Georgian Dream has passed new legislation that criminalizes assembly and protest.

    A springboard for repression

    The foreign agent law has been a springboard for repressive activities in both Russia and Georgia, but while it took Russia a decade to effectively use the law to crush any opposition, Georgian Dream is working on an expedited timetable.

    Although the EU has suspended direct assistance and closed off visa-free travel for Georgian officials as a result of the law, Trump’s turn toward pro-Russian policies has made it more difficult to obtain Western consensus in dislodging the Georgian government from its authoritarian drift.

    Georgia’s experience, following the Russian playbook, illustrates how authoritarians are learning from each other, utilizing the rule of law itself against democracy.

    Christopher A. Hartwell has received funding from the Institute for Humane Studies and the Swiss National Science Foundation.

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

    – ref. First year of Georgia’s ‘foreign agent’ law shows how autocracies are replicating Russian model − and speeding up the time frame – https://theconversation.com/first-year-of-georgias-foreign-agent-law-shows-how-autocracies-are-replicating-russian-model-and-speeding-up-the-time-frame-250878

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New 1,500-place prison opens as government grips crisis

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New 1,500-place prison opens as government grips crisis

    “Public safety must never be put at risk again by the failure to have enough prison places”, Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood said as she opened a new nearly 1,500-place prison in Yorkshire.

    • Major milestone in plan for 14,000 more prison places nationwide by 2031 

    • New prison designed to cut crime and get offenders into work 

    • Part of government’s Plan for Change to create safer streets 

    HMP Millsike is the first of four new jails to be built as part of the Plan for Change to create 14,000 extra prison places by 2031. This extra capacity will help put more violent offenders behind bars, make streets safer and ensure the country never runs out of cells again. 

    Last summer, the government inherited a prisons system days away from collapse which would have left police unable to take dangerous criminals off the streets. 

    Ms Mahmood said the opening marked another milestone in her work to get a grip of the prisons crisis that has dominated her first nine months in post. 

    As a Category C prison, HMP Millsike has been designed with a clear aim – cutting crime. It includes 24 workshops and training facilities aimed at getting offenders into work on release and away from crime for good so fewer people become victims in the future. 

    Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood, said: 

    This Government is fixing the broken prison system we inherited, delivering the cells needed to take the most dangerous criminals off our streets. 

    HMP Millsike sets the standard for the jails of the future, with cutting crime built into its very fabric. It is a huge step in our plan to add 14,000 extra prison places by 2031. 

    But building jails only takes us so far in ending this crisis, which is why we’re also reviewing sentencing so we can always lock up dangerous offenders and make our streets safer.

    The prison is the size of 39 football pitches and comes fitted top-to-bottom with security technology to combat the drugs, drones and phones that have plagued prisons in recent years and risked the safety of frontline officers.  

    This includes reinforced barless windows to deter drone activity, hundreds of CCTV cameras, and X-ray body scanners to spot and stop contraband entering the prison. 

    The prison will be operated by Mitie Care and Custody and will have education and workplace training provider PeoplePlus on site to give offenders the tools they need to find work on release and stay on the straight and narrow. 

    The construction of the prison alone generated nearly 800 jobs and around 600 will be created now it is in full operation, providing an economic boost to Yorkshire. 

    With the country still using many of its Victorian prisons, HMP Millsike has been built to also stand the test of time. Its use of modern materials and fittings will keep running and repairs costs to a minimum for taxpayers. 

    Russell Trent, Managing Director, Mitie Care & Custody said: 

    We are a proud partner to the MoJ, focused on building safer communities. 

    As a resettlement prison, our focus is on rehabilitation and restoration centred on future orientation to break the cycle of reoffending. We want our prisoners to leave HMP Millsike qualified, employable and equipped for life in the outside world. Everything from the building design to the technology, education and training opportunities has been engineered to create an environment where people leave ready to integrate and contribute to society. 

    Stuart Togwell, group managing director at Kier Construction said:  

    Using our significant experience in the justice sector, Kier has delivered a state-of-the-art, carbon-efficient facility designed to support rehabilitation, which has also provided new jobs, economic investment and skills development for the surrounding communities.  

    HMP Millsike supports the government’s commitment to increasing prison capacity and reducing reoffending, and joins our growing portfolio of prison redevelopment and build projects awarded in recent years.

    Its opening is a major milestone in the government’s 10-year prison capacity strategy published in December. This plan includes 6,400 places through new houseblocks and 6,500 places via new prisons. One thousand rapid deployment cells will be rolled out across the estate while more than 1,000 existing cells will be refurbished.   

    The government started the 700-place expansion at HMP Highpoint in Suffolk earlier this month, and a new houseblock providing nearly 460 places at HMP Rye Hill in Northamptonshire recently received its first prisoners. 

    It follows a £2.3 billion investment to deliver these prison builds, with a further £500 million going towards vital building maintenance across prisons and the probation service. The strategy will work alongside the Independent Sentencing Review to ensure the most serious offenders can always be sent to prison to protect the public.

    Background information 

    • Situated on land next to the existing HMP Full Sutton, HMP Millsike has been named after Millsike Beck, a local stream that runs adjacent to the new jail, firmly embedding the prison into its local community. 
    • The MoJ has produced a short documentary, Building a Prison: Inside HMP Millsike, which offers an exclusive look at the final stages of building the new prison. The documentary is available to watch on MoJ’s YouTube Channel.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road closed after serious crash, Horsham Downs

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    One person is in a critical condition after a serious crash at Horsham Downs.

    The single-vehicle crash happened shortly before 7:20pm on Bankier Road.

    One occupant of the vehicle is in a critical condition and has been taken to Waikato Hospital.

    A second occupant has minor injuries.

    Bankier Road is closed with diversions at Boyd Road and Horsham Downs Road while the Serious Crash Unit attends the scene.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE launches guide on virtual assets for law enforcement at INTERPOL Summit

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE launches guide on virtual assets for law enforcement at INTERPOL Summit

    Vera Strobachova-Budway, Head of OCEEA’s Economic Governance Unit, presenting an OSCE guide on n virtual assets for law enforcement at the INTERPOL Virtual Assets Summit in Lyon, France, 28 March 2025. (OSCE) Photo details

    The OSCE has presented a new resource on virtual assets, Decoding Crypto Crime: A Guide for Law Enforcement , at the Interpol Virtual Assets Summit in Lyon, France, on 27 March. The guide will support law enforcement officers, prosecutors, tax and forensic specialists and other key stakeholders in navigating the complex world of virtual assets.
    Developed in collaboration with a team of experts, the guide was reviewed by the INTERPOL Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC) and European Cybercrime Centre (EC3). It provides clear and actionable insights on a wide range of topics, including an introduction to virtual assets, common types of crypto crime and scams, investigation techniques leveraging blockchain analytic tools, good practices in assisting victims and raising public awareness, and the role international co-operation plays in combating crypto crime.
    “The guide is written in simple, easy-to-understand language and aims to bridge the knowledge gap between law enforcement and the rapidly evolving world of virtual assets,” said Vera Strobachova-Budway, Senior Economic Officer and Head of the Economic Governance Unit at the OSCE. “It is a valuable resource for anyone involved in the investigation, prosecution, or prevention of crypto crime and those who want to better understand it.”
    The development of the guide on decoding crypto crime is part of the extrabudgetary project “Innovative policy solutions to mitigate money-laundering risks of virtual assets”. The initiative is implemented by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities and is financially supported by Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lord Chancellor letter to the Sentencing Council: 20 March 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Lord Chancellor letter to the Sentencing Council: 20 March 2025

    The Lord Chancellor wrote to the Sentencing Council to reiterate the government’s opposition to the ‘differential treatment’ introduced by new sentencing guidelines.

    Applies to England and Wales

    Documents

    Lord Chancellor letter to the Sentencing Council: 20 March 2025

    PDF, 154 KB, 3 pages

    Details

    In this letter, to Sentencing Council Chair Rt Hon Lord Justice William Davis, the Lord Chancellor acknowledges the Council’s plans to publish new Imposition of Community and Custodial Sentence Guidelines.

    The letter reiterates the government’s objections to the guidelines, specifically that it introduces ‘differential treatment’ in court on the basis of race or ethnicity – and notes the risk this would have on public confidence in the justice system.

    The Lord Chancellor also raises concerns about the fact the current government was not consulted on the introduction of the guidelines, and sets out her position that matters of policy should be decided by Parliament and Ministers.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 March 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor launches ambitious new London policing plan for 2025-2029

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Sadiq’s new Police and Crime Plan will help revitalise neighbourhood policing teams with City Hall working with Government to help put more officers in the heart of communities over the next four years
    • The Plan re-commits to being tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime, and places partnership working with the Met Police, Government, Transport for London, London Councils and other agencies at the heart of work to tackle Londoners’ priorities
    • Detailed plan has been developed in consultation with more than 4,000 Londoners and key partners including police, local councils, justice agencies and voluntary groups

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today launched his new London Police and Crime Plan1 which will focus on revitalising high-visibility policing in our neighbourhoods and high streets to deal with local priorities and make London safer for everyone. 
     
    The detailed plan for 2025-2029 sets out Sadiq’s priorities to build on crime reductions already achieved in the capital2 and is focused on working with Government throughout the four-year period of the plan to strengthen neighbourhood policing in London so that more officers are in the heart of communities to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour. 
     
    Comparing statistics for the financial year before the Mayor’s previous Police and Crime Plan and the 12 months from January-December 2024, violence with injury in the Met Police area fell by 11%, domestic homicide by 28%, non-domestic homicide by 8%, teen homicide by 43%, lethal barrel discharges by 25% and the number of people under 25 admitted to hospital due to assault with a sharp object by 13%. 
     
    Latest ONS figures show the rate of violence in London is lower than the rest of England and Wales. Last year there were fewer homicides of people under-25 than any year since 2003 and the number of teenage homicides in London in 2024 was also at its lowest total since 2012.
     
    The plan comes as the Mayor has welcomed the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, announced at the end of last year, to have 13,000 additional neighbourhood policing officers, Police Community Support Officers and special constables in dedicated neighbourhood policing roles nationally to help tackle and prevent crime in high streets and town centres.
     
    As Mayor, Sadiq has gone above and beyond to ensure the capital’s police have the resources to continue tackling crime locally. Directly funding 1,300 extra police officers, backing the Met with a record £1.16bn in City Hall funding in this year’s budget alone.
     
    The Mayor’s new plan has been developed following consultation with more than 4,000 Londoners, the Met Police and other key partners including local authorities, and voluntary groups. The key priorities are: reducing violence and criminal exploitation; building safer, more confident communities; supporting and overseeing reform of the Met Police; and improving the criminal justice system and supporting victims.
     
    The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) will bring partners and agencies together to help address community concerns and bear down effectively on crime and anti-social behaviour. This will include looking at ways to improve best practice in the sharing of data, cross-boundary working and developing critical partnership skills.
     
    Neighbourhood policing remains the bedrock of community confidence and safety in London. Against the backdrop of 14 years of Government austerity and its continued impact on the Met, record investment from City Hall3 is empowering the Met to deliver its new Met for London plan, which prioritises local high-visibility policing and taking officers out of back-office roles to deliver on the issues that matter most to Londoners including tackling robbery, theft and anti-social behaviour.
     
    The Mayor is clear that one violent crime is one too many and his new plan will build on reductions already achieved to further drive down serious violence in line with the Government’s national mission to halve knife crime in a decade. Sadiq has always been clear that the police alone cannot reduce violence and the plan is focused on enhanced and effective working with partners including the Met Police, Government, Transport for London, London Councils and other agencies. 
     
    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Nothing is more important to me than keeping Londoners safe and I’m determined to do all I can to tackle violence and crime in our city. My new Police and Crime Plan is about putting communities first and over the next four years we will work with the Government and the Met to improve visible neighbourhood policing and strengthen partnership working to deal with the violence, crime and anti-social behaviour issues that matter to Londoners.

    “This plan is about tackling the issues that matter most for our city and it has been created in consultation with thousands of Londoners, partners and local organisations. I want to thank everyone who took the time to give their views – and all of those who continue to work day-in, day-out to make our city safer.  

    “My new plan will build on crime reductions already achieved in the capital where we have seen fewer young people being injured with knives and the number of teenage homicides in London in 2024 being at its lowest total since 2012. But clearly there is still much more work to do. At City Hall we are fully focused on that, and I will continue to do everything in my power to make London a safer city for all.”
     
    The Mayor’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) will continue to tackle the complex causes of violence through prevention and early intervention, building on 400,000 diversionary activities and opportunities for young Londoners through youth work and access to youth clubs, and interventions to tackle school exclusions. 

    His VRU will oversee the Government’s Young Futures Prevention Partnerships in London, which aim to provide support for young people at risk of crime.
     
    The plan also highlights the continued commitment of the Mayor and the Met Commissioner to crack down on mobile phone robberies – a key driver of violence in London. Over the next four years, the Met will continue to take tough enforcement action against robbery offenders and City Hall will continue to work in partnership with the Government, leading mobile phone companies, manufacturers and the tech industry to design out the theft of their products. 
     
    The Mayor has committed to publishing a refreshed strategy to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), building on the pioneering work done in London over the last eight years to tackle the perpetrators of these crimes, support victims and survivors and educate young men and boys about the dangers posed by misogynistic attitudes and behaviours – backed with £233 million investment from the Mayor. 
     
    Sadiq has been clear that police reform is a critical part of his Mayoralty, and he will not be satisfied until Londoners have the police service they deserve – one that is trusted, puts communities first, is representative of London and delivers the highest possible service to every community in our city. Important steps forward have been made, including the Met coming out of HMICFRS special measures earlier this year. The plan sets out how Sadiq will continue to support and oversee the work of the Met to embed reform and deliver more trust, less crime and higher standards.
     
    Victims of crime will remain at the heart of everything City Hall does, and the plan sets out how the Mayor will continue to invest in innovative, high-quality services for victims through the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). The plan also sets out how London’s Independent Victim’s Commissioner, Claire Waxman OBE, will continue her vital work to champion the rights of victims of crime and press for improvements in the services they receive at every stage of their journey. 
     
    Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, said: “It has been so valuable to hear from so many Londoners, partner organisations and community groups as we’ve developed this plan who contribute daily to keeping London safe. I’m grateful to everyone who has helped us to shape the strategy we publish today so that we can continue delivering for Londoners.
     
    “After years of chronic underfunding by the previous Government and huge cuts to policing, the Mayor and I are determined to drive this plan forward and working with partners is at the heart of my approach to build on the progress that has already been made to reduce serious violence in the capital.
     
    “Strong partnerships make communities safer, and that’s why this plan focuses so much on strengthening joint working between police, Government, local authorities, justice agencies and key partner organisations like TfL and the NHS. I look forward to working with all of our partners to make London a safer city for all.”

    London’s Independent Victims’ Commissioner, Claire Waxman OBE, said: “I’m glad to see a focus within this new Police and Crime Plan on investing in high-quality services to support victims of crime. It’s critical victims and bereaved families remain at the heart of the Mayor’s work at City Hall.

    “Our Criminal Justice System is in crisis and in need of serious reform following years of underfunding by the previous government. That’s why, in my role, I’m determined to continue standing up for victims’ rights, ensuring that their voices are heard, and work closely with the Government to lobby for adequate funding and improved policies to support victims.

    “I look forward to continuing to collaborate with MOPAC to better understand the specific points within the system where victims are being failed. Underpinned by MOPAC research, my London Rape Reviews and Stalking Review have respectively helped to shape national policy and I am keen to build on their successes. Through this work, I hope to effect changes that will improve victims’ experiences and keep them at the heart of all decision and policy making.”

    Siwan Hayward, TfL’s Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement, said: “The safety and security of our customers and staff is our top priority. We are committed to working alongside the Mayor, police and other partners to ensure that everyone travelling in London can do so safely. We welcome this new plan which will see visible local policing in communities supporting the transport network across the capital.  It is vital we continue to work closely with our partners to ensure that our transport network remains a welcoming environment to work and travel.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigating structure fire in New Norfolk

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police investigating structure fire in New Norfolk

    Friday, 28 March 2025 – 5:06 pm.

    Police are investigating a deliberately lit fire which damaged a residence in New Norfolk last night.
    Emergency Services were called to a home in Back River Road about 9.58pm on Thursday evening (27 March), where a residence was on fire.
    All residents had safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.
    Tasmania Fire Service crews extinguished the fire and determined it was deliberately lit.
    Anyone with information in relation to the fire or suspicious activity in the area around the time, is asked to contact Bridgewater CIB on 131 444 or provide information through Crime Stoppers Tasmania (this can be done anonymously) at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000 – quote OR770687.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Federal Election a decade-defining opportunity for change: Greenpeace

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    SYDNEY, 28 MARCH 2025 – As Australians prepare to go to the polls on May 3, Greenpeace Australia Pacific has called on all parties to deliver policies that will address the climate and nature crisis, and deliver a safe and prosperous future.

    “We are calling on politicians to secure a better future for Australians by delivering credible solutions to the cost of living crisis, and the dire situation facing our climate and environment,” David Ritter, CEO, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said. 

    “As climate disasters cost Australians billions of dollars, heatwaves push temperatures to deadly highs with increasing frequency, and volatile gas prices wreak havoc on energy bills, it is clear that fossil fuels are harming our cost of living, health, and safety. 

    “Australia is also in an ecological crisis, with one of the world’s highest rates of extinction and deforestation, and devastating bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef. A healthy environment is at the foundation of our society—everything else depends on it. The loss of our natural heritage is not only a source of grief for nature-loving Australians, but a threat to our stability as a country. 

    “As all parties on the campaign trail pledge to address the cost of living crisis and deliver a better Australia for future generations, the credible policies will be the ones that protect nature and accelerate the transition towards cleaner, safer renewable energy,” said Mr Ritter. 

    Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s election asks include: 

    • A rapid transition to clean, affordable renewable energy and a faster phase out of coal, oil, and gas 
    • Laws that effectively protect nature, and provide independent oversight to make sure that development doesn’t go too far and destroy our precious, irreplaceable places. 
    • Enshrining greater protection for our oceans against threats like fishing, pollution, oil drilling and much more.

    Mr Ritter added: “Greenpeace is determined to ensure a safe and secure energy future for all. We’re alarmed by the Coalition’s plans to ‘approve a bucket load of gas’ and fast-track gas developments without due process. These would be a disaster for our climate, and precious places like Scott Reef. 

    “Peter Dutton’s nuclear energy plans are dangerous, expensive ploys that only prolong the use of coal and gas in our energy system, and bring the risk of a nuclear waste accident or meltdown into our communities. 

    “We are halfway through a critical decade for action on climate change, and urgent action is needed to protect our precious, life-sustaining environment. Australians deserve, and demand, elected leaders who will steer us towards a safe, thriving future for generations to come.”

    —ENDS—

    For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Vai Shah on 0452 290 082 or [email protected].

    Greenpeace Australia Pacific is a global independent campaigning organisation that uses peaceful protest and creative confrontation to expose environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: “Greedy, dangerous and desperate”: deep sea mining frontrunner turns back on Pacific for mining approval

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    SYDNEY, Friday 28 March 2025 — Greenpeace has slammed deep sea mining frontrunner The Metals Company (TMC) as ‘greedy, dangerous and desperate’ after it announced plans to bypass procedure at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) by applying for a mining licence under the US mining code, effectively turning its back on its Pacific sponsoring states.

    The announcement rocked the ISA in its penultimate day, with TMC due to have its mining application agenda item heard early Saturday (AEST). TMC’s decision to use the United States’ Deep Sea Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA) encourages an undermining of – and could be in breach of – international law[1].

    Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said the move was a “kick in the guts” for the Pacific and threatens multilateralism.

    “TMC is showing its true colours – greedy, dangerous and desperate. It’s crystal clear that TMC has never cared about economic prosperity or jobs for the people of Nauru, Kiribati or Tonga, nor did it ever care about addressing the climate crisis. TMC has only ever cared about one thing: filling its own pockets with money made at the expense of our Pacific lifeblood – the ocean. The Pacific is not a commodity; the deep sea mining industry is pushing to exploit Pacific resources and communities for profit – it can’t keep happening.

    “This move risks leaving Nauru, Kiribati and Tonga high and dry, and is an insult to multilateralism. TMC has been trying to pressure the international community to meet its demands at the ISA, pressuring and manipulating Pacific governments with the promise of a brighter, greener future. Now the facade has crumbled, and TMC leaves behind a trail of broken promises.

    “Deep sea mining is in trouble. TMC may be taking the first chance it gets to turn its back on Nauru, and is taking any avenue to push through their desperate and dying agenda, in this case, even if it could breach international law. Desperation breeds deceit, and TMC has never been more desperate.”

    Currently, 32 countries have backed a moratorium or precautionary pause on deep sea mining, including Tuvalu, Palau, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, Vanuatu and Samoa. Australia has not.

    Gounden added: “This isn’t the end of the road. What TMC has proven is that where there are cracks, there is crawlspace, and it has highlighted the need for a moratorium or precautionary pause.

    “The decision on the future of the ocean must be a process that centres the rights and voices of Pacific communities as the traditional custodians, not neocolonialist corporations. We are most effective when we work together, and the Pacific Ocean is calling for us to stand united now.”

    The ISA will meet for its final day today, where it is still expected to discuss what governments could do if TMC still puts in an application to the ISA without any rules in place.

    Leaders will have a crucial chance to show their support for ocean protection by supporting a moratorium on deep sea mining at the UN Ocean Conference, which will be held in Nice, France, just a few weeks before the ISA July Assembly. 

    —ENDS—

    For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Kimberley Bernard on +61 407 581 404 or [email protected]

    Photos available in the Greenpeace Media Library

    Notes to Editor

    [1] The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 has 170 parties, which are the vast majority of all States. It is known as the constitution for the oceans. After the United States and others had various issues with the concluded convention and concluded a further Agreement (Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982) which is known as the 1994 Agreement which was specifically about deep-sea mining – Part XI of UNCLOS. The United States has signed the 1994 Agreement, and most countries agree that UNCLOS is customary international law, so the US is still bound by UNCLOS and particularly Part XI. UNCLOS has numerous crucial parts, addressing maritime boundaries, the freedom of navigation, management of fisheries, pollution, environmental protection and marine scientific research as well as deep-sea mining.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Scott Peters’ Statement on President Trump’s Self-Dealing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Scott Peters released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s troubling self-dealing:

    “While President Trump and Elon Musk get richer, Americans will suffer from their cuts to health care, food assistance, national parks, and so much more,” said Rep. Peters. “I will continue to hold the Trump Administration accountable for any attempt to enrich themselves or give special treatment to allies not available to ordinary Americans.”

    See below for how President Trump is using the Presidency to benefit himself and his allies at the expense of the American people.

    Last week, you saw President Trump shoot a car commercial at the White House to benefit Elon Musk, his top donor and a current government employee. “Coincidentally,” Elon donated $100M to the President on the same day.

    Trump touts Musk’s cars from the White House, Musk promises $100 million contribution to Trump – on the very same day.

    President Trump continues to send the message to politicians that he will forgive corruption as serious as fraud and bribery in exchange for loyalty.

    It Pays to Be a Friend of Donald Trump

    While Americans are concerned about high prices from tariffs, loss of government services, and attacks on veterans, the people who have the President’s ear are paying $5 million for a dinner.

    People Are Paying Millions to Dine With Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago

    $TRUMP coin is a perfect vessel for this corruption. You can get away with committing fraud if you have tens of millions to invest in the President’s meme coin. Remember when Jimmy Carter had to sell his peanut farm before taking office…

    A crypto mogul who invested millions into Trump coins is getting a reprieve on civil fraud charges

    Binance founder Changpeng Zhao is learning from Justin Sun’s example. If he is willing and able to enrich the president’s family, he may be in line for a pardon from Trump.

    Trump Family Has Held Deal Talks With Binance

    President Trump is sending a clear message that he is more than willing to fire any government official who tries to prevent his corruption.

    Justice Dept. Official Says She Was Fired After Opposing Restoring Mel Gibson’s Gun Rights

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brownley Hosts Press Conference Condemning Republicans’ Harmful Medicaid Cuts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

    Oxnard, CA – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) joined local healthcare leaders at the Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc.’s Karen R. Burham Health Center in Oxnard to denounce the Republican proposal for the largest Medicaid cuts in history – jeopardizing care for millions, including over 200,000 Ventura County residents.

    “Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are pushing through the largest Medicaid cut in history – nearly $1 trillion – to fund tax breaks for the wealthiest individuals in America,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “This egregious – and outright wrong – proposal rips health care away from tens of millions of people and raises costs for millions more, as emergency room visits will skyrocket, and uncompensated care will force providers to shift costs.

    “This tax scheme will dismantle Medicaid – as we know it – for the 80 million Americans who rely on it. Medicaid is more than just health insurance. It is a lifeline for over 200,000 people in Ventura County and the Conejo Valley, including 80,000 children and 24,000 seniors. These individuals are now at risk of losing access to the care they depend on.

    “We cannot – and we will not – stand by while Republicans in the House, Senate, and White House destroy a program that millions rely on to live with dignity,” Brownley continued. “Medicaid is a cornerstone of our commitment to providing healthcare to those who need it most. Every American deserves access to timely, affordable, high-quality care. That is why I will never stop fighting to protect Medicaid — for our children, for our seniors, and for everyone who depends on it.”

    “Community health centers serve over 32,000,000 patients across the nation. Yet, we represent only 1% of the healthcare cost and we see about 10% of Americans across the nation. We are the nation’s largest primary care clinic system,” said Dr. Gagan Pawar, CEO of Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. “For many of our patients, it is the only means to receive lifesaving care. The expansion of Medi-Cal to more low-income individuals was a monumental step forward, and it is critical that we continue to expand and protect access to this essential program.”

    “Lawmakers want to dismantle the country’s healthcare safety net by defunding Planned Parenthood and making steep cuts to Medicaid, a program that many Planned Parenthood Health Center patients rely on. These cuts threaten life-saving access to care everywhere throughout our community,” said Jenna Tosh, CEO of Planned Parenthood California Central Coast. “80% of our patients come to us with Medicaid. Make no mistake. People’s lives are on the line with these cuts.”

    Congresswoman Brownley’s prepared remarks can be found here.

    Photos from today’s press conference can be found here.

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    Issues: 119th Congress, Healthcare

    MIL OSI USA News –