NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Hungary: Pride ban is full-frontal attack on LGBTI people and must not be signed into law 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Reacting to the passing of a bill that will ban Pride marches in Hungary and allow authorities to impose fines on organizers and participants as well as use facial recognition software to identify attendees, Dávid Vig, Director of Amnesty International Hungary, said: 

    “This law is a full-frontal attack on the LGBTI community and a blatant violation of Hungary’s obligations to prohibit discrimination and guarantee freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.  

    “On the eve of the 30th anniversary of Budapest Pride in June, this harmful ban turns the clock back three decades, further undermining the hard-won rights of LGBTI people in Hungary. It is unfortunately just the latest in a line of discriminatory measures taken by the authorities that targets and stigmatizes LGBTI individuals and groups. 

    On the eve of the 30th anniversary of Budapest Pride, this harmful ban turns the clock back three decades

    “The spurious justification for the passing of this law – that events and assemblies would be ‘harmful to children’ – is based on harmful stereotypes and deeply entrenched discrimination, homophobia and transphobia. The Hungarian president must not sign this bill into law and authorities must instead ensure that LGBTI people are able to freely express their identities as well as organize and participate in public events.” 

    Background 

    The bill modifies the Act on the Right of Assembly making it a crime to hold and an offence to attend events that violate Hungary’s Propaganda Law legislation, which prohibits the “depiction or promotion” of homosexuality to under-18s. 

    A fine of up to 200,000 HUF (500 EUR) may be applied for people who attend the pride if banned. 

    The new law was submitted in the Hungarian Parliament on 17 March and rushed through in an expedited procedure today, without consultation. The law is due to enter into force on 15 April. 

    The right to freedom of peaceful assembly has increasingly come under attack across Europe, with state authorities stigmatizing, impeding, deterring, punishing and cracking down on people organizing and participating in peaceful protests. In a recent report, Amnesty International documented restrictions to the right to protest in 21 countries, including Hungary. Hungary is among the countries flouting its international and regional human rights obligations to respect, protect and facilitate peaceful assemblies, to remove obstacles and to avoid unwarranted interferences with the right to exercise the right of peaceful assembly. See https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/eur01/8199/2024/en/

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Georgia: Authorities freeze accounts of organizations supporting protesters, to “kill the peaceful protests”

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Reacting to the freezing of bank accounts belonging to five Georgian NGOs that provide financial and legal assistance to detained protesters, Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Deputy Director, said:

    “The Georgian authorities’ decision to freeze the accounts of civil society organizations who have been providing crucial financial support to arbitrarily detained protesters, helping them with payments of fines and legal representation, is yet another blatant attack by the Georgian authorities on human rights. This measure seeks to further undermine the rights to peaceful assembly and association and violates Georgia’s international human rights obligations.”

    “The Georgian authorities must immediately end their relentless crackdown against civil society and peaceful protest. The arbitrary asset freezes must be lifted without delay.”

    The Georgian authorities’ decision to freeze the accounts of civil society organizations who have been providing crucial financial support to arbitrarily detained protesters, helping them with payments of fines and legal representation, is yet another blatant attack by the Georgian authorities on human rights

    Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Deputy Director

    Background

    On 17 March, three Georgian NGOs – Nanuka’s Fund, managed by journalist Nanuka Zhorzholiani, Prosperity Georgia, run by former prime minister and businessman Nika Gilauri, and the NGO Human Rights House Tbilisi – announced that they had been informed by their banks that the Tbilisi City Court had issued an urgent injunction to freeze their accounts. Two other NGOs, Fund for Each Other 24/7 and Shame Movement, have also had their assets frozen.

    The frozen funds have been providing financial assistance to individuals fined for participating in the ongoing anti-government protests or dismissed from their jobs due to their civic activism. Local activists have warned that this latest assault could effectively “kill the entire protest movement.”

    Nanuka Zhorzholiani of Nanuka’s Fund was the first to report the assets freeze, with the other four NGOs later confirming similar measures being taken against them. None were notified of any concerns of financial irregularities prior to the freezing. The Prosecutor’s Office later issued a statement saying the funds had been seized as part of an investigation into “sabotage’’. The prosecution statement claimed the funds bore responsibility for alleged violence and property damage linked to ongoing protests, though no official evidence or further details have been provided.

    The government of the ruling Georgian Dream party has recently intensified its crackdown on civil society and all dissent by weaponizing the country’s criminal justice system and introducing a series of unduly restrictive legislative amendments targeting free expression and public assemblies.

    Changes to the “Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations” have drastically increased fines, extended so-called administrative detention for violations of the law from 15 to 60 days, and banned actions like covering one’s face.

    Additional legislative measures have targeted civil society organizations and independent media, including restrictions on foreign funding, expanded state control over grants, and introduced new offences such as insult of officials.

    These amendments, coupled with the expansion of law enforcement agencies’ powers, have severely undermined the right to peaceful assembly, and placed a huge financial and legal burden on protesters.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Peru: Amendment of the APCI law paves the way for impunity

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Lima, 13 March 2025

    Amnesty International expresses its objection and concern for the recent approval of the ruling amending Law 27692, a law that established the Peruvian Agency for International Cooperation (APCI), as it threatens Peru’s civic space and unduly restricts the rights of association, freedom of expression and access to justice. 

    On the grounds of seeking to strengthen the work of the APCI, the law undermines civic space, which is essential for citizen engagement, accountability of authorities and justice, as it increases undue control over the work of civil society organizations and leaves the door open to arbitrary restrictions, discretionality and censorship. It is important to note that civil society organizations already have to provide accountability and are subject to regular monitoring and oversight procedures. Amnesty International recognizes the importance of these procedures but questions the discretionary nature that they could have under the provisions of the recently approved norm.  

    “Any work carried out by civil society organizations using international development funds will have to be approved in advance by the state, leaving decisions at the discretion of the authorities. This could even lead to organizations who are critical of the authorities being removed from the APCI register,” said Marina Navarro, Executive Director of Amnesty International Peru.  

    Any work carried out by civil society organizations using international development funds will have to be approved in advance by the state, leaving decisions at the discretion of the authorities. This could even lead to organizations who are critical of the authorities being removed from the APCI register

    -Marina Navarro, Executive Director of Amnesty International Peru

    Among other issues, this law could threaten access to justice. By classifying as a “very serious” offence the use of development funds to “advise, support or finance, in any form or modality, administrative, judicial or other actions in national or international instances against the Peruvian state”, the right of Peruvians and the entire population to access justice is jeopardized.  

    “This law hinders access to justice for victims of various human rights violations in Peru – such as state repression, environmental pollution or violence against women – who in the past have been able to access justice with the support of civil society organizations. The law fuels impunity for authorities who violate human rights”, stated Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International.    

    This law hinders access to justice for victims of various human rights violations in Peru – such as state repression, environmental pollution or violence against women – who in the past have been able to access justice with the support of civil society organizations. The law fuels impunity for authorities who violate human rights

    -Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International    

    The organization warns that this norm could have a negative impact on the accountability and transparency of the state and pave the way for impunity. 

    We therefore urge the Executive not to approve and observe this norm, on the grounds that it violates human rights. We also urge them to respect the international human rights treaties to which Peru is a party, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the American Convention on Human Rights, which guarantee the right to freedom of association and expression, as well as the right to participate in public affairs. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Various measures have been taken by the government to strengthen cyber security in the financial sector

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Various measures have been taken by the government to strengthen  cyber security in the financial sector

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) based tool ‘MuleHunter’ for identification of money mule has been launched by RBI

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 4:55PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government has been constantly engaging with the financial sector regulators and other concerned stakeholders to strengthen the cyber security. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (l4C) as an attached office to provide a framework and eco-system for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to deal with cybercrimes in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. The MHA has also launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting portal(https://cybercrime.gov.in) to enable the public to report all types of cyber crimes. Cyber crime incidents reported on this portal are routed automatically to the respective State/UT LEAs for further handling as per the provisions of law. The ‘Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System’ has been launched for immediate reporting of financial frauds and to stop siphoning off fund by the fraudsters. So far, an amount of Rs. 4386 Crore (approx..) has been saved involving 13.36 lakh complaints. Further suspect registry of identifiers of cyber criminals has been launched by MHA in collaboration with Banks/Financial institutions.

    In order to reinforce the security of digital transactions, various initiatives have been taken by the Government, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) from time to time. RBI has issued Master Directions on Digital Payment Security Controls in February, 2021 to combat web and mobile app threats. These guidelines mandate the banks to implement a common minimum standards of security controls for various payment channels like internet, mobile banking, card payment etc. RBI has also launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based tool ‘MuleHunter’ for identification of money mule and advised the banks and financial institutions for its uses.

    Similarly, NPCI has also implemented device binding between customer mobile number and the device, two factor authentication through PIN, daily transaction limit, limits and curbs on use cases etc to secure UPI transactions. NPCI also provides a fraud monitoring solution to all the banks to generate alerts and decline transactions by using AI/ML based models. RBI and Banks have also been taking up awareness campaigns through short SMS, radio campaign, publicity on prevention of ‘cyber-crime’ etc.

    This information was given by Minister of State For Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha  today.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey Joins Padilla, Durbin in Push to Save Task Force Combating Threats to Election Officials

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Senators to Attorney General: “In this challenging environment for election officials, it is essential to our democracy that they can continue to rely on [DOJ] to uphold the law”
    Washington (March 18, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) yesterday joined Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, and Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with 28 Democratic Senators in urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to continue the essential work of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Election Threats Task Force, which directs the Department’s efforts to protect election officials from rising threats and acts of violence.
    The Senators’ letter comes as the Trump administration has significantly rolled back the federal government’s capacity to fight against foreign and domestic election security threats. On Attorney General Bondi’s first day in office, she disbanded the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Foreign Influence Task Force, hindering efforts to address secret influence campaigns waged by China, Russia, and other foreign adversaries. Additionally, the administration has fired or put on leave dozens of officials responsible for combating foreign election interference at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and has reportedly frozen all of CISA’s ongoing election security work. The Administration has also defunded CISA’s nationwide program to train local officials and monitor threats through the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center.
    “Given the recent disturbing personnel and policy decisions at the Department and the lack of transparency about the future of the Task Force, we request an immediate update on the status and activities of the Task Force, as well as what resources will be provided to ensure its important work continues so that election officials of both parties can safely administer our elections,” wrote the Senators.
    “Recent surveys have found that one in three election officials reported facing threats, harassment, and abuse. Similarly, 48 percent of local election officials know of someone who has left their job because of fear for their safety—a troubling loss of institutional knowledge needed for the smooth running of elections. Election workers continue to fear for their safety, so it is critical that the work of the Task Force continues to deter and counter these threats. In this challenging environment for election officials, it is essential to our democracy that they can continue to rely on the Department to uphold the law,” continued the Senators.
    The letter was also signed by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
    Full text of the letter is available HERE:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ICGS Saksham makes port call at Antsiranana, Madagascar

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 5:02PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel Saksham made a port call at Antsiranana, Madagascar on March 18, 2025 as part of its overseas deployment to friendly countries in the Indian Ocean Region. During the visit, ICGS Saksham’s crew will engage with the Madagascar Coast Guard in joint training sessions and knowledge exchange programs focused on Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement. The schedule includes cross-deck training, cultural engagements and friendly sporting events, further strengthening the camaraderie between the two maritime forces. 

    ICG personnel will also conduct specialised training on Marine MPR, focusing on handling oil spills, chemical spills and marine pollution incidents to enhance Madagascar’s preparedness for environmental emergencies. Additionally, 10 NCC cadets and 10 Assam Rifles personnel onboard the ship will participate in beach clean-up drives and awareness programs in collaboration with local youth organisations as part of the ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan’, reinforcing the importance of marine conservation. 

    ICGS Saksham’s visit to Madagascar aligns with India’s broader maritime vision, ‘SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region’, emphasising regional stability, security, and sustainability. The deployment reflects India’s proactive engagement with Indian Ocean nations, highlights its shipbuilding capabilities under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, and fosters stronger diplomatic & security ties.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Respect for and protection of Serbian Orthodox religious sites and the Serbian minority in Kosovo in connection with the provision of EU funding – E-002519/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission addresses fundamental and minority rights through the regular policy dialogue with Kosovo[1] and its annual enlargement reports. In its 2024 report[2], the Commission calls on Kosovo to safeguard existing mechanisms protecting the rights of non-majority communities and to improve their implementation.

    The EU in Kosovo is in regular contact with the Serbian Orthodox Church a nd co-chairs the Implementation and Monitoring Council, which serves as a platform to solve disputes between the government of Kosovo and the Serbian Orthodox Church.

    With the 2023 Agreement on the path to normalisation[3], Kosovo and Serbia agreed to formalise the status of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo and afford a strong level of protection to the Serbian religious and cultural heritage sites. The EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue continues to work with both Kosovo and Serbia on the implementation of their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement.

    Since 2014, the Instruments for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II[4] and IPA III[5]) provided EUR 125.5 million for supporting the rule of law and fundamental rights, including over EUR 7.5 million for various projects benefitting Christian organisations and the Orthodox community in Kosovo. This includes EU assistance of EUR 5.6 million under Inter-community Dialogue through inclusive Cultural Heritage Preservation Initiative[6] aiming to reconstruct cultural heritage sites.

    EU assistance in Kosovo is implemented based on the formal procedures and the strict rules applicable to EU funding.

    • [1] * This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244/1999 and the International Court of Justice Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
    • [2] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/c790738e-4cf6-4a43-a8a9-43c1b6f01e10_en?filename=Kosovo%20Report%202024.pdf
    • [3] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/belgrade-pristina-dialogue-agreement-path-normalisation-between-kosovo-and-serbia_en
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32014R0231
    • [5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32021R1529
    • [6] This programme funded by the EU and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme covers three contracts: https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/migration/ks/CulturalHeritage_booklet_ENG_web.pdf, https://www.undp.org/kosovo/projects/inter-community-dialogue-through-inclusive-cultural-heritage-preservation and https://www.undp.org/kosovo/projects/cultural-heritage-driver-intercommunity-dialogue-and-social-cohesion
    Last updated: 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Educational activities to promote awareness of the rule of law among EU citizens – E-002811/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Promoting a culture of the rule of law is a priority for the Commission. The best guarantee for the respect of EU common values is a robust political and legal culture supporting the rule of law in every Member State.

    While respecting the competence of Member States to organise their education systems, the Commission supports the implementation of the 2018 Council Recommendation on promoting common values[1].

    This collaboration involves policymakers, civil society and social partners in the working group on Equality and Values in Education and Training[2].

    Building on the 2023 Council conclusions on citizenship education[3], the Commission is exploring guidelines for democratic citizenship education and a competence framework tailored for the EU context.

    The Erasmus+ programme[4] promotes common values through initiatives like the Jean Monnet actions, Erasmus+ Teacher Academies and the European School Education Platform.

    The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme[5] supports civil society organisations at all levels in the EU empowering them to enhance democratic processes and protect and promote fundamental values, such as the rule of law.

    In September 2024, the Commission launched a communication campaign for the general public explaining in accessible terms why the rule of law matters in everyday life[6].

    The campaign will also be hosted on the EU Learning Corner[7], which offers a range of educational materials related to fundamental values.

    The Commission will explore how to further develop such activities. The annual Rule of Law Report also refers to good practices for promoting a rule of law culture at national and EU level such as the discussion on promoting a rule of law culture through education held in the Education Council in May 2024[8].

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=oj:JOC_2018_195_R_0001
    • [2] https://education.ec.europa.eu/about-eea/working-groups
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:C_202301339
    • [4] https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/
    • [5] https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/citizens-equality-rights-and-values-programme/citizens-equality-rights-and-values-programme-overview_en
    • [6] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/upholding-rule-law/rule-law/what-rule-law_en
    • [7] https://learning-corner.learning.europa.eu/index_en
    • [8] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/27db4143-58b4-4b61-a021-a215940e19d0_en?filename=1_1_58120_communication_rol_en.pdf

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cherokee County man arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material* chargesRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Timothy Jared Vise, 45, of Cowpens, S.C., on six charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office made the arrest. Investigators with the Attorney General’s Office, also a member of the state’s ICAC Task Force, assisted with the investigation.

     

    Investigators state Vise possessed files of child sexual abuse material.

     

    Vise was arrested on March 13, 2025. He is charged with six counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, third degree (§16-15-410), a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment on each count.

     

    This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

     

    Attorney General Wilson stressed all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

     

     

     

    * Child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, is a more accurate reflection of the material involved in these heinous and abusive crimes. “Pornography” can imply the child was a consenting participant.  Globally, the term child pornography is being replaced by CSAM for this reason.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Consumer awareness is key to a sustainable and secure digital experience: Shri Pralhad Joshi

    Source: Government of India

    Consumer awareness is key to a sustainable and secure digital experience: Shri Pralhad Joshi

    Department of Consumer Affairs and Meta Strengthen Partnership to Enhance Consumer Protection

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 7:24PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Ministry for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi along with Mr. Joel Kaplan, Chief Global Affairs Officer, Meta announced a new collaboration ‘Be an Empowered Consumer’ to empower consumers through digital literacy initiatives under the government’s flagship consumer awareness campaign ‘Jago Grahak Jago’.

    Speaking at the launch of the partnership, Shri Joshi said, “We are pleased to partner with Meta on this crucial initiative to equip citizens with the knowledge and tools that will enable them to navigate the digital landscape and protect themselves online.”

    “Consumer awareness is key to a sustainable and secure digital experience and the campaign will strengthen consumer protection measures and reinforce our commitment to empowering Indian consumers,” he added.

    Shri Joshi emphasised that with the collaboration, the efforts of Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, towards consumer protection will reach to the remote areas of the country.

    The joint campaign ‘Be an Empowered Consumer’ seeks to educate Indians on recognizing online threats and promoting healthy online habits, including the use of strong passwords, verification of online information, and reporting suspicious activity. This was discussed in a meeting before the launch.  

    During the meeting, the Union Minister was also apprised about a joint project commissioned with IIT Bombay by the chair established by the Department at the National Law School of India University Bangalore, and supported by Meta.  The project explores the feasibility of leveraging Llama 2, Meta’s openly available large language model, in creating a citizen-centric chatbot: GrahakNyay. The chatbot will enhance access to consumer rights information, a robust grievance redressal tool that will help individuals file complaints and resolve queries more efficiently. The chatbot is now ready for a closed group beta testing and will be officially launched and integrated into DoCA’s website once its testing is complete.

    Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, present while addressing the event, said that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding and safeguarding consumer rights. To make this commitment effective, it is important that consumers are aware of online threats and are able to perceive the unethical business practices, she said. Also, having right to have their grievances heard and addressed is essential for fostering accountability, transparency, and fairness. The chatbox will make it possible through the process of seamless complaint filing and resolution of queries, she stated.

    Mr. Joel Kaplan, Chief Global Affairs Officer, Meta during the event said, “With technology progressing so quickly, it can be hard for people to stay up to date with the best ways to keep themselves safe online, which is why we’re pleased to work with the Department of Consumer Affairs and contribute to India’s digital consumer protection efforts. At Meta we think AI can help people protect themselves and be informed online consumers. By making AI more accessible, we hope to improve consumer awareness, streamline redressal processes, and equip people with the knowledge they need to make informed choices online.”

    The above initiatives are steps in direction of Department’s efforts towards consumer protection and empowerment through enactment of progressive legislations and launching of technology driven programmes. With evolution of technology consumer has been rendered vulnerable to new forms of unfair trade and unethical business practices such as misleading advertisements, Tele-marketing, direct selling, e-commerce etc., thereby, requiring appropriate and swift executive interventions to prevent consumer detriment.

    To address the myriad and constantly emerging vulnerabilities of the consumers and to promote, protect and enforce the rights of the consumers, an executive agency, Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has been established under section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Section 18 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 empowers CCPA to protect, promote and enforce the rights of consumers as a class, prevent unfair trade practices, ensure no false or misleading advertisement is made and ensure that no person takes part in the publication of any advertisement which is false or misleading.  Additionally, under section 18 (2) (j) and (l), CCPA can issue safety notices to alert consumers against dangerous or unsafe goods or services and issue necessary guidelines to prevent unfair trade practices and protect consumers’ interest respectively. As per section 19 of the Act, CCPA may, on receiving information or complaint or directions from central government or of its own motion, conduct or cause to be conducted a preliminary inquiry as to whether there exists a prima facie case of violation of consumer rights or unfair trade practice or any false or misleading advertisement and if satisfied, it shall cause investigation to be made by the Director-General. Under section 20 and 21, CCPA has power to impose penalties up to 50 lakh rupees against such practices.

    In this direction, CCPA has passed appropriate orders in the past against companies and online platforms, in addition to issuing advisories against illegal sale and facilitation of wireless jammers, sale of drugs without prescription, sale of car seat belt alarm stopper etc. Further, Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 and Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022 were notified to make e-commerce platforms more transparent and accountable to consumers. The Department also published booklet on “Endorsements know-hows for celebrities, influencers and virtual influencers on social media platforms”. In addition to these, time and again, CCPA has issued guidelines to strengthen the legislative framework against unethical business practices in the form of Guidelines on Prevention of Dark Pattern 2023, Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing, 2024 and Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Misleading Advertisement in Coaching Sector 2024.

    Now, this two-pronged approach – leveraging AI for consumer grievance redressal through GrahakNyay chatbox and enhancing digital literacy through ‘Be an Empowered Consumer’ campaign, marks a significant step in strengthening consumer rights in India.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Berkeley County man arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material* chargesRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of John Joseph Techman, 31, of Moncks Corner, S.C., on five charges connected to the sexual exploitation of a minor. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Attorney General’s Office made the arrest. Investigators with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Secret Service, all also members of the state’s ICAC Task Force, assisted with this investigation.

     

    Investigators state Techman distributed files of child sexual abuse material.

     

    Techman was arrested on March 12, 2025. He is charged with five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, second degree (§16-15-405), a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment on each count.

     

    The case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

     

    Attorney General Wilson stressed all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

     

     

     

    * Child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, is a more accurate reflection of the material involved in these heinous and abusive crimes. “Pornography” can imply the child was a consenting participant.  Globally, the term child pornography is being replaced by CSAM for this reason.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Committee for Safeguarding National Security of HKSAR launches 10th National Security Education Day thematic exhibition (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Committee for Safeguarding National Security of HKSAR launches 10th National Security Education Day thematic exhibition  
    The Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address that a thematic exhibition will be held at the National Security Exhibition Gallery to dovetail with the 10th National Security Education Day. With full support from the Department of Justice, the Education Bureau, the Security Bureau, the Civil Service Bureau, and the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the opening ceremony of the 10th National Security Education Day thematic exhibition was launched today (March 18) at the Hong Kong Museum of History, marking the beginning of a series of activities on national security education. The exhibition will be open to all Hong Kong citizens from tomorrow (March 19) onwards.
     
    As stipulated by the National Security Law of the People’s Republic of China, passed by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in 2015, the 15th of April each year is designated as National Security Education Day. At the national level, various provinces, municipalities and regions have leveraged this special occasion as an opportunity to advance national security education under the guidance of a holistic approach to national security.
     
    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has always been committed to promoting national security education. Over the years, under the leadership of the Central Government and with the support of various offices of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong, as well as the joint efforts of all sectors of society, diverse creative promotional activities have been held with widespread participation, thereby fostering a positive atmosphere where all Hong Kong citizens join hands to build the Great Wall of national security.
     
    Since the launch of the National Security Exhibition Gallery in August last year, the Education Bureau has been inviting school sponsoring bodies and schools to organise student visits. As of the first term of the current school year, over 43 000 students from about 120 primary and secondary schools have visited the gallery, and the visits have deepened their understanding of national security through display panels, a 3D theatre, interactive games, and animations.
     
    The 15th of April this year marks the 10th National Security Education Day. The thematic exhibition adopts the national theme of “The 10th anniversary of National Security Education Day: advancing towards more in-depth and effective implementation”, reflecting on the development of promoting national security education in the country and the HKSAR over the years.
     
    Officiating at the opening ceremony of the thematic exhibition, the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said, “The Education Bureau has consistently been supporting schools in enhancing national education and fostering students’ sense of patriotism and awareness of national security through diverse measures, using approaches such as ‘organic integration’ and ‘natural connection’ to enhance their sense of national identity.
     
    “National security is the cornerstone of peace and stability in the country. We will continue to work hand in hand with all sectors of society to promote national security education, with a view to strengthening the public’s awareness and sense of responsibility in safeguarding national security on their own accord, and creating a positive atmosphere of patriotism and love for Hong Kong.”
     
    The HKSAR Government will continue its unwavering efforts to widen and deepen the promotion of national security education. By fostering the active participation and collective efforts of all sectors of society, especially the community and young people, we will continue to break new ground in national security work and write new chapters in the journey towards achieving national prosperity and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
    Issued at HKT 21:01

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Oral question – Decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union on EU-Kingdom of Morocco trade agreements – O-000009/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for oral answer  O-000009/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 142
    João Oliveira (The Left), Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE), Estrella Galán (The Left), Andreas Schieder (S&D), Giorgos Georgiou (The Left), Jaume Asens Llodrà (Verts/ALE), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE), Danilo Della Valle (The Left), Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez (Renew), Hanna Gedin (The Left), Vladimir Prebilič (Verts/ALE), Ruth Firmenich (NI), Maria Zacharia (NI), Lynn Boylan (The Left), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left), Kostas Papadakis (NI), Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI), Pernando Barrena Arza (The Left), Per Clausen (The Left), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Carolina Morace (The Left), Gaetano Pedulla’ (The Left), Valentina Palmisano (The Left), Mario Furore (The Left), Pasquale Tridico (The Left), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Irene Montero (The Left), Isabel Serra Sánchez (The Left), Kathleen Funchion (The Left), Fabio De Masi (NI), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Ilaria Salis (The Left), Catarina Vieira (Verts/ALE), Özlem Demirel (The Left), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Friedrich Pürner (NI)

    On 4 October 2024, the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) concerning cases [C-778/21P and C-798/21P] and [C-779/21P and C-799/21P] was released. It dismissed appeals brought by the Commission and the Council of the European Union against the judgments of the General Court of September 2021 (respectively, EU:T:2021:640 and EU:T:2021:639) concerning the trade agreements between the EU and the Kingdom of Morocco. Those judgments had declared the respective trade agreements null and void.

    The judgment reiterates that the Polisario Front is ‘a privileged interlocutor in the process conducted under the auspices of the United Nations with a view to determining the future status of Western Sahara, the decisions of which are binding on all EU Member States and institutions’.

    It also states that the agreements in question do not mean that the EU recognises ‘the claims of the Kingdom of Morocco concerning sovereignty over the territory of Western Sahara’ and that the application of an agreement between the EU and the Kingdom of Morocco concerning the territory of Western Sahara must receive the consent of its people and its legitimate representatives, otherwise their right to self-determination would be violated.

    The conclusion of agreements with Morocco, ignoring the CJEU’s preliminary rulings, has caused damage to the Sahrawi people by granting access to resources unlawfully exploited thus far by Morocco, for which they must be compensated.

    In the light of these decisions:

    • 1.What steps has the Commission taken to comply with the CJEU decision?
    • 2.Will it start negotiations with the Polisario Front, the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people, to compensate for the ensuing damage and on the future trade framework for those territories?
    • 3.What steps will it take, in compliance with the provisions of countless UN resolutions, to uphold the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination?

    Submitted: 13.3.2025

    Lapses: 14.6.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Oral question – Decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union on EU-Kingdom of Morocco trade agreements – O-000008/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for oral answer  O-000008/2025
    to the Council
    Rule 142
    João Oliveira (The Left), Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE), Estrella Galán (The Left), Andreas Schieder (S&D), Giorgos Georgiou (The Left), Jaume Asens Llodrà (Verts/ALE), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE), Danilo Della Valle (The Left), Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez (Renew), Hanna Gedin (The Left), Vladimir Prebilič (Verts/ALE), Maria Zacharia (NI), Lynn Boylan (The Left), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left), Kostas Papadakis (NI), Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI), Pernando Barrena Arza (The Left), Per Clausen (The Left), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Friedrich Pürner (NI), Carolina Morace (The Left), Gaetano Pedulla’ (The Left), Valentina Palmisano (The Left), Mario Furore (The Left), Pasquale Tridico (The Left), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Irene Montero (The Left), Isabel Serra Sánchez (The Left), Kathleen Funchion (The Left), Fabio De Masi (NI), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Ilaria Salis (The Left), Catarina Vieira (Verts/ALE), Özlem Demirel (The Left), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Ruth Firmenich (NI)

    On 4 October 2024, the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) concerning cases [C-778/21P and C-798/21P] and [C-779/21P and C-799/21P] was released. It dismissed appeals brought by the Commission and the Council of the European Union against the judgments of the General Court of September 2021 (respectively, EU:T:2021:640 and EU:T:2021:639) concerning the trade agreements between the EU and the Kingdom of Morocco. Those judgments had declared the respective trade agreements null and void.

    The judgment reiterates that the Polisario Front is ‘a privileged interlocutor in the process conducted under the auspices of the United Nations with a view to determining the future status of Western Sahara, the decisions of which are binding on all EU Member States and institutions’.

    It also states that the agreements in question do not mean that the EU recognises ‘the claims of the Kingdom of Morocco concerning sovereignty over the territory of Western Sahara’ and that the application of an agreement between the EU and the Kingdom of Morocco concerning the territory of Western Sahara must receive the consent of its people and its legitimate representatives, otherwise their right to self-determination would be violated.

    The conclusion of agreements with Morocco, ignoring the CJEU’s preliminary rulings, has caused damage to the Sahrawi people by granting access to resources unlawfully exploited thus far by Morocco, for which they must be compensated.

    In the light of these decisions:

    • 1.What steps has the Council taken to comply with the CJEU decision?
    • 2.Will it start negotiations with the Polisario Front, the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people, to compensate for the ensuing damage and on the future trade framework for those territories?
    • 3.What steps will it take, in compliance with the provisions of countless UN resolutions, to uphold the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination?

    Submitted: 13.3.2025

    Lapses: 14.6.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Violation of European legislation due to discrimination in maternity leave for substitute teachers in Greece – E-001020/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001020/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Elena Kountoura (The Left)

    In Greece, there is a serious issue of discrimination regarding maternity leave for substitute teachers, who are only entitled to 119 days of parental leave[1]. Because of this, many women are forced to return to work early or even resign[2], with multiple negative consequences for their family as well as for their financial and professional situation. The Greek Government’s refusal to equalise maternity leave for this category of workers raises a serious problem, both for the protection of women’s rights and for the country’s compliance with European law.

    Taking into account: a) the Commission’s letter of formal notice to Greece for the incorrect transposition of Directive 1999/70/EC[3] into national law, setting a two-month deadline for Greece to eliminate discrimination between workers, b) Article 5(1) of Directive (EU) 2019/1158 on work-life balance, which stipulates that every worker is individually entitled to four months of parental leave[4], c) the deadline for equalising leave for substitute and permanent staff by the end of September 2024[5], d) the fact that substitute teachers are not entitled to leave in the event of threatened miscarriage, and e) the fact that the Greek Government has ignored all of the above:

    • 1.What actions does the Commission intend to take to ensure the protection of female workers and the country’s full compliance with European law?
    • 2.How does the Commission intend to support Member States in protecting gender equality in the workplace?

    Submitted: 10.3.2025

    • [1] In contrast to the nine months provided for permanent teachers, see Article 142 of Law 3655/2008, as amended by Article 43 of Law 4997/2022 (https://www.kepea.gr/uplds/file/2022/n4997%202022.pdf) and Article 33 of Law 4808/2021 (https://www.minedu.gov.gr/publications/docs2021/adeies_anaplirotwn_ekpaideutikwn.pdf).
    • [2] It is noted that resignation is accompanied by a two-year exclusion from recruitment competitions, https://www.minedu.gov.gr/publications/docs2018/N4589FEK13.pdf.
    • [3] The directive prohibits discrimination against workers with fixed-term contracts.
    • [4] Member States shall put in place the necessary measures to ensure that each worker is individually entitled to four months of parental leave to be taken before the child reaches a certain age, up to the age of eight, to be determined by the Member State or by collective agreements, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EL/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02019L1158-20190712.
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/el/inf_24_3228.
    Last updated: 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NEW YORK MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MULTIPLE CHILD SEX OFFENSES

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CAMDEN, N.J. – A New York man was sentenced to life in prison on charges stemming from his travel to have sex with a 13-year old New Jersey minor, his coercion and enticement of a minor, and his production and possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced.

    Zachary Williams, 37 of New York, New York, was previously convicted of two counts of interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, production of and possession of child pornography, and coercion and enticement of a minor, following a 13-day trial before U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn.

    According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:

    In or about September 2020, Williams met the minor via Snapchat. He lied about his age, telling her that he was 17-years old, when in actuality, he was 33-years old. Williams asked the minor for nude photographs of herself and, after receiving them, began to “sextort” the minor by threatening to send the nude photographs to the minor’s friends and family. He ultimately convinced the minor to meet him at a hotel in Atlantic County, New Jersey, and agreed to allow her to delete the nude photographs from his phone. On October 2, 2020, Williams traveled to a hotel in Atlantic County and, two days later, engaged in sexual intercourse with the minor in his hotel room. Afterward, despite his earlier promises, Williams continued to send messages to the minor threatening to expose the minor’s nude photographs.

    Law enforcement officers arrested Williams in March 2021 in a sting operation through which they lured him to the same Atlantic County hotel by posing as the minor victim. Williams’ phone contained numerous images of child pornography, which have led to the identification of additional child victims in both the Eastern District of New York and the District of Connecticut where additional charges remain pending against Williams.

    In addition to the life sentence on the coercion and enticement charge, the Court sentenced Williams to 30 years’ imprisonment on each of the two counts of interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, and the count of manufacturing child pornography, and 20 years’ on the possession of child pornography count, all to run concurrent to the life sentence. 

    “Zachary Williams is a callous sexual predator whose crimes against children were especially cruel,” said U.S. Attorney John Giordano.  “First and foremost, the Court’s imposed sentence will forever protect our children from further abuse by Williams.  My office, and our law enforcement partners, are steadfast in our commitment to protecting our nation’s young people.”

    “A 13-year-old by any normal definition is a child. Children can’t fend for themselves, needing adults to provide food, shelter and security. Williams, and other sexual deviants, prey on helpless children for reasons most of us can’t fathom. However, it is easy to see why monsters view an innocent and defenseless child as an easy and appealing target,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly.  “At FBI Newark, alongside our law enforcement partners, we are relentless in our mission to track down and remove these dangerous predators from our communities—because every child deserves to grow up safe and free from harm.”

    U.S. Attorney Giordano credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly; officers from the Galloway Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Richard D. Barber,  and also recognizes the efforts of the Atlantic City Police Department, under the direction of Chief James A. Sarkos and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William Reynolds with the investigation leading to today’s conviction.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Diana Vondra Carrig and Patrick C. Askin of the Criminal Division, Camden.

                                                                                                                ###

    Defense counsel:

    Mark W. Catanzaro, Esq. (Mt. Holly, NJ)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of Violent Gang Sentenced to Over Eight Years in Prison for Racketeering Involving Drugs and Firearms Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Boston area man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in Cameron Street, a violent Boston gang.

    Jose Afonseca, 32, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 100 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. In October 2024, Afonseca pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and dealing in firearms without a license.

    According to court documents, Afonseca was identified as member of Cameron Street, a violent gang based largely in the Dorchester section of Boston that uses violence and threats of violence to preserve, protect, and expand its territory, promote a climate of fear, and enhance its reputation. During the investigation, Afonseca worked with other Cameron Street members to distribute hundreds of grams of cocaine and cocaine base, more commonly referred to as “crack” cocaine, from a stash house in Somerville. Afonseca was also recorded discussing his ability to acquire illegal firearms and was recorded selling two firearms and over 30 rounds of ammunition to a cooperating witness.

    On Aril 15, 2022, 398 grams of cocaine, along with packaging materials, two hydraulic presses, a digital scale, a cell phone, and $14,986 in U.S. currency were seized during a search of a stash house.

    This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. 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.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; Suffolk, Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Canton, Quincy, Randolph, Somerville, Brockton, Malden, Stoughton, Rehoboth and Pawtucket (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

    The remaining defendants named in the indictment are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Haven Gang Member Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Murders, Additional Shootings

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TYJON PRESTON, also known as “TJ,” 22, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 264 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his involvement in a violent New Haven street gang, including two murders and additional shootings.

    Today’s announcement was made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, the ATF, FBI, DEA and New Haven Police Department, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, have been investigating a gang war between members and associates of the Exit 8 street gang and rival gangs in the Hill section and other areas of the city.  The Exit 8 gang is named after the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven.  Recently, younger members of Exit 8 are identifying themselves with the word “Honcho,” which is derived from the street name of an Exit 8 member who was murdered on Quinnipiac Avenue in February 2020.

    The investigation revealed that Preston and other members of the Exit 8 gang engaged in drug trafficking, used and shared firearms, and, since June 2018, have committed at least three murders and 16 attempted murders.  Exit 8 members and associates also stole vehicles, at times from outside of the state, and used those stolen vehicles when committing acts of violence.  Gang members also promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their narcotics distribution and acts of violence through text messaging and the use of social media applications and websites including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.

    On April 24, 2024, Preston pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, and specifically admitted that on April 27, 2021, he and other Exit 8 members attempted to kill a rival gang member and shot him in the leg; on May 19, 2021, he and other Exit 8 members conspired to kill rival gang members, and shot and killed an associate of a rival gang; on May 20, 2021, he and other Exit 8 members shot and attempted to kill rival gang members; and on July 5, 2021, he and another Exit 8 member shot and killed a 22-year-old woman after she made a rap song containing derogatory comments about Exit 8.

    Preston has been detained since September 9, 2021.

    This investigation has been conducted by the ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven Police Department, the Hamden Police Department, and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis.

    This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

    PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

    Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities.  Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.

    OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Being Felon in Possession of Ammunition

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on March 12, 2025, WILLIE SYLVESTER (“SYLVESTER”), age 29, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, after previously pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), by Chief U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown.  Following his imprisonment, SYLVESTER will be placed in supervised release for 3 years.  SYLVESTER was also ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

    According to filed court documents, between April and September of 2020, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives (JPSO) investigated SYLVESTER for an April 2020 shooting.  In so doing, JPSO observed SYLVESTER post several social media messages with weapons. SYLVESTER also acknowledged, in a separate message, that he fired a gun during the April 2020 shooting, before sustaining a gunshot wound to his own hand.

    Federal law prohibits convicted felons, such as SYLVESTER, from possessing ammunition.  On May 1, 2013, SYLVESTER was convicted of simple robbery, a felony offense, in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court and, on November 6, 2014, SYLVESTER was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm and controlled dangerous substances, and possession of a stolen firearm, all felony offenses in the 24th Judicial District Court of the State of Louisiana.

    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.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran National Indicted for Re-entry of Deported Alien

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ActingUnited States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that NELSON ALEXANDER OCHOA-VEGA (“OCHOA-VEGA”), age 32, a native of Honduras, was indicted on March 13, 2025, in a recently unsealed indictment, for reentry of removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

    According to court documents, OCHOA-VEGA, an illegal alien, was found in Jefferson Parish on or around March 10, 2025.  He had previously been deported to Honduras on November 6, 2019.

    If convicted, OCHOA-VEGAfaces a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

    U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

    U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rhode Island Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Kilos of Cocaine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE – A Rhode Island man who provided kilos of cocaine that made its way to mid-level distributors and street-level drug dealers in Rhode Island and Massachusetts has been sentenced to five years in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    Jonathan Masa-Gonzalez, 29, is among more than a dozen individuals charged in federal court in September 2021 during a multi-agency Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation into a wide-ranging street-level drug trafficking conspiracy. Many of the individuals charged had previously been convicted of violent crimes such as firearm, robbery, assault, and domestic violence charges.

    According to court documents and information presented to the court, Masa-Gonzalez was responsible for brokering the sale of multiple kilograms of cocaine to a leader of the conspiracy.

    Masa-Gonzalez pleaded guilty on June 5, 2024, to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possesses with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 60 months of incarceration to be followed by four years of federal supervise release.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey A. Erickson.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, 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.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The matter was investigated by the FBI Rhode Island Safe Street Task Force, DEA, and the Providence Police Department’s Narcotics Bureau.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor announces confirmation of Keith E. Sonderling as Deputy Secretary

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced Keith E. Sonderling as the 38th Deputy Secretary of Labor.

    Sonderling returns to the department, where he served as Acting and Deputy Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division. He most recently served as the Commissioner of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity from 2020-2024. 

    During his first stint at the Department of Labor from 2017-2020, the Wage and Hour Division set records for enforcement collections and educational outreach events. Sonderling also oversaw the development and publication of large-scale deregulatory rules and authored numerous Opinion Letters, Field Assistance Bulletins, and All-Agency Memorandums. In addition, Sonderling was instrumental in developing the division’s first comprehensive self-audit program, which collected more than $7 million for nearly 11,000 workers.

    “Keith’s institutional knowledge and policy expertise will continue to be invaluable in our fight to put the American Worker First,” Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said. “I’m thrilled to have him on the team and look forward to working alongside him to renew the American Dream.”

    “Returning to the U.S. Department of Labor, where I began my career in government, is truly an honor,” said Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling. “In my new role, I am committed to helping Secretary Chavez-DeRemer in advancing President Trump’s labor agenda and most importantly putting American Workers first!” 

    Before entering government service, Sonderling was a partner at Gunster, one of Florida’s oldest and largest law firms. There, he counseled employers and litigated labor and employment disputes. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor at Nova Southeastern University. He has also been a Professional Lecturer in the Law at the George Washington University Law School, teaching employment discrimination.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wagoner County Resident Sentenced for Two Counts of Second-Degree Murder

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

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Nicholas Lapez Scarborough, age 32, of Redbird, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 405 months in prison for two counts of Second Degree Murder in Indian Country.

    The charges arose from an investigation by the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    On May 6, 2024, Scarborough pleaded guilty to two counts of Murder in Indian Country—Second Degree.  According to investigators, on October 24, 2023, Scarborough intentionally stabbed two individuals with a steak knife.  One victim died after completing an emergency call for help.  A second victim died two weeks later from injuries sustained in the attack.  The crimes occurred in Wagoner County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.  Scarborough will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Robinson represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Washington State Resident Sentenced for Receiving Child Sexual Exploitation Material

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

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Christopher Dean Robinson-Holm, age 26, of Lynnwood, Washington, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for one count of Receipt of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.  This term of imprisonment will be followed by 10 years of supervised release.

    The charge arose from an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.

    On August 26, 2024, Robinson-Holm pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, in June 2022, Robinson-Holm knowingly received a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  The subject of that image resided in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

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

    We encourage anyone who suspects or has information regarding child sexual exploitation, trafficking of minors, sextortion, child pornography, or any other means of child exploitation to immediately contact law enforcement.  You can file a report through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-843-5678 or online at www.cybertipline.com, through the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or through Homeland Security Investigations at 1-877-4-HSI TIP.

    The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.  Robinson-Holm will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Caila M. Cleary represented the United States.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Tulsa Resident Pleads Guilty to Robbery

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

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Wilmer Medardo Guerrero, age 24, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Robbery in Indian Country.

    The Indictment alleged that on December 18, 2020, Guerrero took and attempted to take items of value from the person and presence of another by force, violence, and intimidation.

    The crime occurred in Pontotoc County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ada Police Department, and the District 22 Task Force.

    The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.  Guerrero will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael E. Robinson and T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Long Island Business Owner Charged with Orchestrating $22 Million Health Care Fraud, Kickback and Money Laundering Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Took Advantage of Elderly Immigrants from the Former Soviet Union to Solicit Bribes from Health Care Providers and Defraud Medicare of Millions of Dollars

    Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging Oleg Beretsky with conspiring to commit health care fraud, violating the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, conspiring to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and money laundering conspiracy.  Beretsky was arrested this morning in Naples, Florida.  He will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York,  Naomi Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York), and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), announced the arrest and charges.

    “As alleged, elderly individuals trusted the defendant to help them with their health care decisions.  Rather than look out for the interests of some of the most vulnerable members of our community, he sold access to those who trusted him to the highest bidder,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “The defendant compounded his crimes by encouraging doctors and health care providers who became part of his scheme to cheat Medicare by billing for work that was not needed or never performed. My Office is committed to protecting both patients and taxpayers from this terrible form of greed.”

    Mr. Durham expressed his appreciation to HSI’s Fort Myers, Florida, office and the New York City Police Department for their assistance on the case.

    “Violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute can divert much-needed federal health care program funds and corrupt the medical decision-making process,” stated HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Gruchacz.  “HHS-OIG works diligently with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations that owners and other providers engage in fraud schemes that prioritize greed over the provision of appropriate health care services to patients.”

    “The defendant and his co-conspirators are accused of pocketing more than $12 million while exploiting the unknowing, innocent public, including victims from immigrant communities,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Alfonso.  “As alleged, he took advantage of people with whom he had forged relationships — only to manipulate them into using certain doctors and services for his lucrative benefit.  HSI New York’s El Dorado Task Force is unmatched in its ability to draw from the strengths and equities of all partners involved, with one unified goal being the safety and security of Americans. I commend our partners, including HHS-OIG, IRS-CI, NYPD and HSI’s Fort Meyer’s personnel, for placing the wellbeing of the public above all else.”

    “Millions of dollars were stolen from the American benefits system, and Oleg Beretsky is charged with the crime.  He’s accused of taking advantage of a vulnerable population and funneling stolen Medicare money into his and his co-conspirators’ pockets. IRS-CI is charged with securing trust in the American financial system and actively investigates anyone looking to make a quick buck by stealing from the American public,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Chavis.

    As alleged in court filings, from January 2017 to April 2024, Beretsky and co-conspirators engaged in a health care fraud, kickback and money laundering scheme.  Beretsky was the owner of Obest, Inc., a company in Plainview, New York, that purported to provide health care professionals with billing, consulting and support services.  In reality, Obest’s principal business consisted of referring elderly Medicare patients to doctors and other health care professionals in exchange for kickbacks and bribes.  Many of these patients were immigrants from the former Soviet Union, who Beretsky identified through an employee of a nonprofit social service agency that provided housing and other services to senior citizens in Brooklyn and Queens. Beretsky cultivated relationships with many of these patients, which he used to gain control over decisions regarding their health care providers.  Beretsky then used that control to ensure that only doctors and other providers—including social workers, pain specialists and diagnostic companies—who were willing to pay him would have access to the patients.  On at least one occasion, Beretsky threatened a patient who wanted to continue seeing a provider who had stopped paying illegal kickbacks to the defendant.

    The fee charged by Beretsky was typically based either on how many patients Beretsky referred to the provider or how much Medicare reimbursed the provider for services purportedly rendered to the patients.  To generate more fees for himself and his co-conspirators, Beretsky often encouraged or directed providers to bill Medicare for patients who did not need the services those providers rendered, and in some cases, services that were not rendered at all.  In total, doctors and providers who participated in Beretsky’s scheme billed more than $22 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare.  Of that more than $22 million, Medicare paid more than $12.4 million in claims, which was distributed to Beretsky and his co-conspirators.  To hide the illegal source of funds Beretsky received from the conspiracy, Beretsky frequently directed co-conspirators to pay his relatives in cash and transferred money to multiple accounts held in the names of his family members.

    The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charges, Beretsky faces up to up to 20 years in prison on the money laundering conspiracy count; up to 10 years each on the health care fraud conspiracy and kickback counts; and up to five years on the kickback conspiracy count.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section.  Assistant United States  Attorney Joshua B. Dugan is in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Liam McNett and Timothy Migliaro.

    The Defendant:

    OLEG BERETSKY
    Age:  67
    Naples, Florida

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-91 (RPK)

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Undercover operation sends drug dealing sex offender to prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 27-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been sentenced for possession with intent to distribute over 11 grams of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Sunny Ray Garcia pleaded guilty Nov. 21, 2024.

    U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Gonzalez to serve 60 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence of Garcia’s extensive criminal history that includes convictions for aggravated sexual assault of a child, burglary and possession of a controlled substance.

    In January 2023, authorities had identified Garcia as a target involved in drug distribution. On Jan. 25, they conducted an operation and purchased drugs from Garcia. The narcotics were later tested and confirmed to be methamphetamine. 

    When authorities arrested Garcia in February 2023, they also discovered a stolen firearm in his vehicle.

    Garcia will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Izaak Bruce prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal alien indicted in multi-year smuggling conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A 26-year-old Mexican national illegally residing in Laredo has been charged with conspiracy to smuggle and harbor illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Originally charged by criminal complaint, Giovana Lozano Hernandez is expected to appear for her arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.

    The charges allege she was an alien smuggler in an ongoing conspiracy. Law enforcement took her into custody Feb. 19.

    Hernandez allegedly used multiple cellular devices to facilitate the smuggling conspiracy. One such failed event allegedly occurred Oct. 28, 2024. Authorities identified numerous digital images of paper ledgers and illegal aliens in relation to that event on the devices, according to the charges. There were also numerous voice messages allegedly exchanged between Hernandez and coconspirators detailing the human smuggling activity including numerous illegal aliens who had already been transported and housed for whom there needed to be financial accountability. Law enforcement also found video messages depicting the transportation of illegal aliens, according to the allegations.

    If convicted, Hernandez faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 maximum possible fine on each of the two counts in the indictment.  

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Border Patrol and Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Scott Bowling is prosecuting the case.

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

    An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Principals of Aerospace Start-Up Charged with Fraud and Tax Crimes

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    An indictment was unsealed today charging five former principals of Theia Group Inc., a Washington, D.C.-based aerospace start-up company, with conspiracy and fraud.

    According to the indictment, Erlend Olson, John Gallagher, Stephen Buscher, Joseph Fargnoli, and Jamil Swati held various executive positions at the company, including chief executive officer, executive vice president, chief financial officer, chief technology officer, and head of strategic investment, respectively. They allegedly perpetrated a multi-year scheme to defraud investors and lenders out of $250 million, and Olson evaded more than $3.9 million in personal federal income taxes.

    According to the indictment, Theia planned to launch 112 satellites starting in 2022 at a cost of $10 billion to $15 billion. Theia’s principals allegedly originally planned to raise the requisite funds from various nation-states by promising perpetual data and analytics for an upfront payment of $2 billion. However, from Theia’s founding in 2015 through its placement into receivership in 2021, Theia was allegedly unsuccessful in obtaining any funding except for approximately $250 million in loans and investments received from institutional and individual investors and lenders. To secure the funding, Olson, Gallagher, Buscher, Fargnoli, and Swati’s fraud scheme allegedly included making materially false statements about revenue from non-existent government contracts, providing multiple false financial statements, including a fake $6 billion escrow account statement, and making false representations about Theia’s technical capabilities.

    The indictment further alleges that the IRS assessed over a million dollars in taxes, penalties, and interest against Olson for tax years 2009 through 2011, which Olson acknowledged in 2018. Instead of paying the outstanding debt to the IRS, which he acknowledged he owed, Olson allegedly directed his compensation from Theia to a nominee entity. Olson then allegedly used the nominee entity to pay personal expenses such as a private jet membership, $64,500 annual rent payments for his home, a new Land Rover, personal debts, and a pair of condominiums in Las Vegas. Olson now allegedly owes $1.6 million to the IRS related to those years. In addition, Olson allegedly also used the nominee entity to conceal his income from the IRS for 2018 through 2020.

    Olson, Gallagher, Buscher, Fargnoli, and Swati are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud for the overall scheme, and additionally charged with multiple wire or mail fraud counts arising from their various misrepresentations to investors. Olson is also charged with four counts of attempted tax evasion.

    If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiracy and for each wire fraud or mail fraud count. Olson would face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each tax evasion count. Each would also face a period of supervised release, restitution, monetary penalties, and forfeiture. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Interim U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the FDIC Office of Inspector General are investigating the case.

    Senior Litigation Counsel Nanette Davis and Trial Attorney Alexis Hughes of the Tax Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca Ross and Joshua Gold for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Indicted for Violation of the Federal Controlled Substances Act

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that EDDIE MARTINEZ (“MARTINEZ”), age 44, of Texas, was indicted on March 13, 2025 for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).

    According to the filed indictment, MARTINEZ allegedly possessed with intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.  If convicted, MARTINEZ faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and up to a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

    The defendant also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

    The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit. 

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