NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI Security: Transnational Criminal Organization That Dispatched Thousands of Kilograms of Cocaine From the Venezuela/Colombia Border Dismantled

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

    Tampa, FL – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the dismantlement of a transnational criminal organization (TCO) that operated out of La Guajira, a peninsula on the Venezuelan/Colombian border. From there, the organization dispatched thousands of kilograms of cocaine intended for the United States and Europe.

    Socrates Barros-Fince Transnational Criminal Organization

    Name

    Age

    Sentence Imposed
    Socrates Gabriel Barros-Fince, a/k/a “Chunchun,” “Chun,” “Indio,” “El Loco,” “Tawara,” “Chupo”

    45

    		 17 years, 6 months
    Cristian Camilo Cordoba-Cuesta, a/k/a “Cris,” “El Primo”

    37

    		 14 years
    Jorge Leonardo Diaz-Ramos, a/k/a “40,” “Numerito”

    35

    		 7 years, 3 months
    Santander Barros-Pulido, a/k/a “Pollo,” “Tio,” “Divino”

    57

    		 15 years, 8 months
    Nefer Alfonso Hinojosa-Larrada, a/k/a “El Negrito,” “Divino”

    45

    15 years, 8 months

     

    According to the plea agreements, the above-named individuals were part of a transnational criminal organization that dispatched cocaine-laden vessels to the Dominican Republic and Spain. From the Venezuela/Colombia border, the organization planned smuggling trips and recruited crewmembers for that purpose. It was foreseeable to the conspirators that some of the cocaine was intended for the United States.

    The investigation resulted in several seizures totaling over 6,700 kilograms associated with the organization that were prosecuted in the United States and abroad, to include:

    • Seizure of about 932 kilograms of cocaine near the Dominican Republic on August 15, 2016;
    • Interdiction of a go-fast vessel in the Caribbean Sea on November 9-10, 2016, smuggling about 700 kilograms of cocaine and prosecuted in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico;
    • Interdiction of a go-fast vessel in the Caribbean Sea on October 4, 2018, smuggling over 450 kilograms of cocaine and prosecuted in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida;
    • Interdiction of the M/V KARAR carrying about 4,000 kilograms of cocaine off the coast of Galicia, Spain on April 25, 2020, resulting in the arrests of 15 crewmembers and a dozen Spanish organized crime members.

    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.

    This prosecution is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Panama Express Strike Force Initiative, whose mission is to disrupt and dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations involved in large scale drug trafficking, money laundering, and related activities. The OCDETF Panama Express Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from the Coast Guard Investigative Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. The Colombian National Police, Spanish National Police, and Spanish Coast Guard provided critical investigative support. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of the Judicial Attaché in Bogotá assisted in the extradition of these defendants. The prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Wainwright Soldier Arrested on Multiple Child Pornography Charges

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

    Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division is seeking additional information.

    FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A Soldier stationed at Fort Wainwright was arrested yesterday evening on the military base after a criminal complaint was filed in federal court charging him with production and possession of child pornography.

    According to court documents, on Sept. 11, 2024, the Fort Eustis Resident Unit of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (DACID) received a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) cybertip reporting that five images of alleged child sexual abuse material (CSAM) were uploaded to an online platform. Fort Eustis DACID reviewed the images and determined they depicted CSAM of prepubescent female children.

    A subsequent investigation resulted in law enforcement executing search warrants in October 2024 for the residence of David Andres Mayoral, 20, Mayoral’s electronic devices and his account on the previously mentioned online platform.

    A review and forensic examination of Mayoral’s accounts and electronic devices allegedly revealed over 2,500 images and over 680 videos of suspected CSAM that Mayoral possessed and communicated across four messaging applications.

    The complaint also alleges Mayoral engaged in sexually explicit conversations with minor victims, where he requested and directed the victims to take sexually explicit photos and send them to him.

    Mayoral is charged with three counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. If convicted, Mayoral faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Michele Starostka of the DACID Western Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.

    The DACID and FBI Anchorage Field Office are investigating the case.  If anyone has information concerning Mayoral’s alleged actions or may have encountered an individual using the name “David Mayoral” or “ghoulishclown” online, please contact DACID at (907)353-6212 or anonymously at www.cid.army.mil/Submit-a-Tip/.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carly Vosacek and Jennifer Ivers are prosecuting the case.

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

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Fullstory Has Successful Second Half: Sees Sustained Enterprise Customer Growth, Launches Innovation Solutions with Google, and Becomes First In Industry Certified In Responsible AI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fullstory, a leading behavioral data company, today announced several milestones the company reached in the second half of its fiscal year, including customer growth in key market segments, co-developed partner solutions, and certification for responsible AI.

    Following a strong first half, Fullstory’s momentum carried through the remainder of its year, and the company continues to see an increasing appetite for digital behavioral data. Its recent research findings highlighted the significant opportunity for enterprises to improve customer experiences and anticipate buyer needs through AI-driven personalization, a task that hinges on nuanced customer behavioral insights made available only through this unique data source.

    Customer and Partner Momentum
    Fullstory continues to see noteworthy growth in its enterprise customer base. Large accounts have been its fastest-growing customer segment for the past six consecutive quarters, with sustained double-digit growth for the past 14 consecutive quarters. In the second half of its fiscal year, Fullstory added several large and well-respected organizations to its customer portfolio, including: one of the largest crowdfunding platforms; a top 10 airline; one of the largest cruise lines; a Fortune 100 technology company; a high-end fashion house; a prominent online retail styling service; a Fortune 500 bank; a luxury women’s retailer; and one of the largest online gaming and sports betting companies in North America.

    Its inaugural customer awards, announced in January 2025, included winners across industries. The winners were Autodesk—Customer Experience Champion; Chipotle—Analytics In Action; LTK—AI Innovator; NOBULL—Fastest Time To Value; Patagonia—Data-Driven Innovator; PepsiCo—Cross-Platform Creator; and Pizza Hut—Digital Transformation Leader.

    Fullstory also continued to deepen its relationship with key partners across the ecosystem, activating its digital behavioral data in unique ways to deliver value to customers. In the fall of 2024, Fullstory and Google launched a number of Innovation Solutions that address specific mission-critical use cases across industries:

    Fullstory, alongside NVIDIA and Palo Alto Networks, will present additional top-of-mind use cases, like monetizing AI agents, at Google Cloud Next in April 2025.

    Leadership Appointments
    In addition to the appointments of President Jason Wolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Claire Fang in the first half of its year, Fullstory added notable roles, including:

    • Chief Customer Officer: Adam Spisak, who has nearly two decades of experience and a depth of knowledge in customer success, was appointed Chief Customer Officer.
    • Chief Revenue Officer: Phil Simpson, a longtime Fullstory employee and former Salesforce sales executive, was appointed Chief Revenue Officer.

    Industry Recognition
    Fullstory continued to lead and innovate by being the first in the digital behavioral data analytics space to receive ISO/IEC 42001, the accredited certification for responsible AI.

    “We are honored to be not only the first in our industry but also amongst some of the largest and most trusted companies in the world to receive ISO/IEC 42001 certification,” said Mark Stanislav, vice president of security engineering & governance, risk, and compliance at Fullstory. “The power of AI must be matched with responsible, early security diligence to allow exciting new solutions to meet the expectations that customers should place on their vendors.”

    To learn more about Fullstory, visit www.fullstory.com.  

    About Fullstory
    Fullstory is on a mission to help technology leaders make better, more informed decisions by injecting behavioral data into their analytics stack. The company’s patented technology unlocks the power of quality behavioral data at scale by transforming every digital visit into actionable data and insights. With Fullstory, enterprises can get closer to their customers’ true sentiments and intentions to predict what they want, create personalized experiences, and drive conversion, loyalty, and revenue. Fullstory is headquartered in Atlanta, USA, with regional teams across North America, EMEA, and APAC. For more information, visit www.fullstory.com.

    Fullstory Media Relations
    Alexandra King
    Director of Communications
    pr@fullstory.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Pivotal Appoints Marjorie Dickman to its Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALO ALTO, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pivotal, the market leader in light electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, today announced the appointment of Marjorie Dickman to its board of directors. A global government affairs and geopolitical expert, Ms. Dickman is consistently recognized among the nation’s top public policy executives and top women in technology. For decades, she has led corporate strategies that navigate complex regulatory landscapes in the U.S. and abroad – creating opportunities, managing risk and growing market share.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Marjorie to Pivotal’s Board of Directors. Her wisdom of U.S. and global government affairs and her deep business acumen in the emerging tech and transportation sectors are invaluable to our growth,” said Ken Karklin, Chief Executive Officer, Pivotal. “This is an exciting time for Pivotal. Our aircraft offer a new way to experience flight, and our aero architecture is ready for public safety and defense use cases.”

    “I am excited to join the board and delighted that my extensive experience in tech and transportation innovation aligns with Pivotal’s mission,” said Marjorie Dickman. “I am especially pleased that my regulatory expertise in navigating global market access and competition can be an asset for Pivotal’s growth in the eVTOL market.”

    About Marjorie Dickman
    Ms. Dickman is a highly seasoned government affairs expert and attorney, based in Washington, D.C.

    She built her career leading government engagement and communication strategies for multinational technology companies – with a focus on rapidly evolving sectors like AI, automated and connected vehicles, cybersecurity, data privacy, Internet of Things (transport, energy, manufacturing), and secure communications for defense and first responders. Her track record of success building trusted government relationships, influencing public policy, and navigating regulatory and legal frameworks has earned numerous accolades. Examples include “Tech Titan” Policy Influencer, Global HERoes Role Model, and Most Powerful Women in Tech.

    As BlackBerry’s first Chief Government Affairs and Public Policy Officer and direct report to the CEO/Executive Chairman, Ms. Dickman opened the company’s Washington, D.C. office in 2020. She built BlackBerry’s Global Government Affairs and Public Policy organization from the ground up, including the company’s Government Relations and Technical Standards teams operating in the U.S., Canada, EMEA, the UK, LATAM, and APJ.

    Prior to BlackBerry, Ms. Dickman led a highly successful 16-year career at Intel Corporation – most recently launching and leading global government affairs for two of Intel’s most ‘disruptive’ businesses: Automated Driving and the Internet of Things – where she managed teams across the U.S., EMEA, China and Japan. Prior to Intel, she practiced law at a prominent Washington firm, specializing in telecom regulation and M&A.

    Ms. Dickman has been appointed to the Boards of the Eno Center for Transportation, Consumer Technology Association (CES), U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Technology Engagement Center and Cybersecurity Leadership Council, No. Virginia Technology Council, and George Mason University’s College of Engineering and Computing. She is an honors graduate of Georgetown University Law Center (J.D.) and Duke University (A.B., Public Policy).

    About Pivotal
    Pivotal designs, develops, and manufactures light eVTOL aircraft. An industry pioneer, Pivotal is renowned for the BlackFly, the first light eVTOL to be commercially available and delivered to customers in the United States. In October 2023, Pivotal introduced its next generation production aircraft, the Helix, and in January 2024 began sales of the Helix. The company’s distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable technology platform have been under continuous improvement for well over a decade, and today, Pivotal has the most mature technology in the light eVTOL category. Efficient, compact, and simple, Pivotal vehicles are designed for a wide range of consumer, public safety, and defense applications. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA. For videos and more information, visit https://pivotal.aero.

    Media Contact:
    Heidi Groshelle
    press@pivotal.aero

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7fd7ffc9-f2e7-429c-b5b0-55ff0a50da3d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coventry food business sentenced for filthy conditions

    Source: City of Coventry

    A Coventry food business operator has been given a 12-month conditional discharge after pleading guilty to food hygiene offences.

    Mrs Liang Zheng, the former Food Business Operator of Chef Wang, 4 Torrington Avenue, Coventry pleaded guilty to 3 hygiene offences at Coventry Magistrates Court on 12 March 2025.  

    Mrs Zheng was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs of £3,377.58 as well as a victim surcharge of £26.

    Food & Safety Officers visited the business to undertake an unannounced food hygiene inspection on 7 June 2023. During this visit, filthy conditions were found throughout the kitchen. The standard of cleaning was well below standard – both day to day cleaning such as touch points, as well as deeper cleaning.

    Officers found:

    • Wash hand basins were not in use, either being obstructed or not provided with soap and hygienic hand drying facilities.
    • Dirty and deteriorated cloths were in use for cleaning.
    • Staff not wearing clean protective clothing.
    • Flies throughout the food preparation and handling areas.

    Officers worked with the food business to ensure conditions were improved and it was safe to operate.

    On 27 July 2023 following a paid for request for a re-rating revisit, a rating of 3 (hygiene standards are generally satisfactory) was achieved.

    When questioned about the poor conditions found in June 2023, Mrs Zheng did not appear to understand the gravity of the situation and did not think the conditions found by officers were poor, thus demonstrating that Mrs Zheng’s baseline cleaning standards do not match those of food hygiene law.

    Mrs Zheng pleaded guilty to three offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations in respect of the following identified issues:

    •         Failure to keep the premises clean.

    •         Failure to protect food from contamination.

    •         Failure to implement and maintain a permanent procedure or procedures based on the HACCP (Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points) principles.

    The business has been subject to several inspections since the poor conditions were found in 2023.

    In June 2024, an unannounced food hygiene inspection led to a rating of 1 (major improvement is necessary) being issued and following payment for a rating revisit, a further unannounced inspection was carried out in August 2024 which resulted in a food hygiene rating of 4 (hygiene standards are good).

    Councillor Khan, Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities said:

    “It is vital that people running food businesses in Coventry are running clean and safe establishments all of the time to ensure the safety of the food they sell to customers.”

    “This is a reminder to all Food Business Operators to ensure they have a clean kitchen with suitably trained staff undertaking regular and thorough cleaning every day to prevent a problem like this occurring and putting customers at a risk to their health”

    Davina Blackburn, Strategic Lead for Regulation and Communities in the city, said:

    “We take a staged approach to enforcement and prosecution is a matter of last resort. Wherever possible officers will always try to work with businesses offering advice and guidance but will take the necessary actions if they feel there is a risk to health.”

    We would encourage all residents to report unsatisfactory food hygiene conditions found in food businesses in Coventry to ehcommercial@coventry.gov.uk or call 08085834333.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bessie Margolin, Labor Lawyer

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    Bessie Margolin was not born to privilege; she was left at the Jewish Orphans Home of New Orleans at four. She was fortunate to have a foundational education at the Newman School. She was admitted to Tulane Law School, the only woman in her class, and graduated with a liberal arts degree and a law degree, with honors, in 1930. The strong recommendations that she had from Tulane got her admitted to Yale Law School, where she worked as a research assistant and earned the Sterling Fellowship, the first woman to be awarded that honor. She graduated from Yale with a J.S.D. in May 1933. She immediately began working as a researcher for the Inter-American Commission of Women, mainly writing and conducting her research at the Library of Congress during that summer. (Trestman, 38.)

    Her first permanent post-degree position was at the new agency, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), at a time when women formed only 2% of the legal profession. (Trestman, 41.) While at the TVA, where again she was the first female lawyer, she worked on several key cases, including a few that challenged the TVA’s existence, such as Ashwander v. Tennessee Valley

    KF26 .L3 1963e United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Labor and Public Welfare. Equal Pay Act of 1963.
  • Earl Warren papers, box 832, Remarks, Dinner Marking Retirement of Bessie Margolin, Washington Hilton Hotel, January 28, 1972.
  • JK671.C52  Civil Service Journal.
  • KF3306 2016 The Employment Law Sourcebook / Eleanor L. Grossman, J.D., and Robert B. McKinney, J.D., of the staff of the National Legal Research Group, Inc., editors.

Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Case Concludes with Nine Defendants Sentenced to a Total of Over 79 Years in Federal Prison

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

    ALEXANDRIA, La. – Nine defendants involved in an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) operation have all been sentenced for their involvement in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. This investigation in the Avoyelles Parish area resulted in a total sentence of over 79 years in federal prison for these defendants who conspired together in this drug trafficking organization. United States District Judge Dee D. Drell sentenced the nine defendants as follows:

    Darrell Joseph Sampson, Jr., 39, of Marksville, Louisiana, has been sentenced to 113 months (9 years, 5 months) in prison, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    Christopher Glynn Bradford, 46, of Marksville, was sentenced to 50 months (4 years, 2 months) in prison, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    Travis Demond Carroll, 34, of Baton Rouge, was sentenced to 180 months (15 years) in prison, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    Kelly Johnson, Jr., 32, of Lake Charles, was sentenced to 90 months (7 years, 6 months) in prison, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    Troy Wayne Dominick, 42, of Mansura, was sentenced to 80 months (6 years, 8 months) in prison, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    Arthor Francisco, 37, of Moreauville, was sentenced to 160 months (13 years, 4 months) in prison, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    Desmond Dewayne Jordan, 46, of Alexandria, was sentenced to 225 months (18 years, 9 months) in prison, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    Joseph Patrick Murray, III, 27, of Cottonport, was sentenced to 37 months (3 years, 1 month) in prison, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    Tremayne Lee Lavalais, 34, of Bunkie, was sentenced to 20 months (1 year, 8 months) in prison, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    Each defendant will serve a term of supervised release following their release from prison.

    The FBI Central Louisiana Gang Task Force began an investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine in the Avoyelles Parish area. During their investigation, agents conducted surveillance of the defendants and observed them conducting drug transactions. Law enforcement agents received authorization to conduct wiretaps on phones which the defendants were using to conduct their drug trafficking business. Between January and September of 2023, numerous communications between the defendants wherein they discussed their narcotics trafficking were intercepted by law enforcement. This organization sourced the methamphetamine from the Houston, Texas area and distributed it throughout central and south Louisiana. 

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Louisiana State Police, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John W. Nickel and LaDonte A. Murphy.

    The investigation and conviction of these defendants is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: 6 killed in aircraft crash off Roatan Island

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Honduran National Police officers and rescue teams from the Honduran government work in rescue operations after a small plane crashed into the sea, on Roatan island, Honduras, on March 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    At least six people were killed after a small plane lost control and crashed on Monday evening upon taking off from Roatan Island in northern Honduras, said Octavio Pineda, minister of Infrastructure and Transportation of Honduras.

    The plane carried 18 people, including 15 passengers and three crew members, said the official.

    The aircraft lost power upon takeoff and fell into the sea some 1 km from the side of the airstrip, Miroslava Cerpas, the presidential commissioner of the National 911 Emergency System of Honduras told Xinhua.

    The aircraft of the Lanhsa company was carrying out a local flight from the Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport in Roatan to the city of La Ceiba.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Registration for the qualifying round of the International Financial Security Olympiad is open

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    The Olympiad is organized by Rosfinmonitoring jointly with the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Education of Russia, as well as universities of the International Network Institute in the field of AML/CFT, including the Higher School of Economics. This year, HSE experts took methodological part in developing the tasks of the invitational round. Schoolchildren and students who registered for the selection round before March 30 are allowed to participate.

    International Financial Security Olympiad — is an intellectual competition that is held annually on the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. Its main objectives include popularizing financial security as a norm of life, minimizing the risks of involving young people in illegal activities and forming a new type of thinking: from the financial security of an individual to the financial security of the state and the commonwealth of states. Over the four years of its existence, the Olympiad has already united over 6 million people from 36 countries!

    The Olympiad is held for students in grades 8–10 in the unified profile “financial security” based on such school subjects as mathematics, computer science and social studies, and for students (1–3 years of bachelor’s degree, 1–4 years of specialist degree and 1st year of master’s degree) — in separate areas of training:

    jurisprudence;

    Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Mathematics and Computer Science, Fundamental Computer Science and Information Technology, Computer Science and Computer Engineering, Applied Computer Science, Information Security, Business Computer Science;

    economics, finance and credit, economic security;

    international relations, foreign regional studies.

    The International Financial Security Olympiad is held in several stages. The first of them is an invitational one, which allows you to get acquainted with the format of the tasks, study additional materials and prepare for the new cycle. The second stage is a qualifying one. It is organized in the form of two rounds – from March 31 to April 4 and from April 9 to 15 – in an online format using the Sodruzhestvo platform. You can start completing the tasks only after registration, which must be completed before March 30.

    The third important stage is the qualification stage, which is scheduled for the period from August 1 to September 3.

    The final will take place from September 28 to October 3 at the Siberian Federal University (Russia, Krasnoyarsk).

    Winners and prize winners of the Olympiad will receive advantages when entering a university and offers for practical training and internships with the possibility of further employment from Rosfinmonitoring, the Bank of Russia, PAO Promsvyazbank, MUMCFM, leading financial organizations and partners. Schoolchildren who show high results will be able to enroll in a bachelor’s/specialist’s degree at the Higher School of Economics without entrance examinations or get 100 points for the entrance examination. The benefits apply to the programs of the National Research University Higher School of Economics in Moscow.Information security“, “Computer security” And “Jurisprudence: Digital Lawyer“, as well as to the relevant programs in Nizhny Novgorod And Perm.

    “We invite students not only to test themselves by participating in the Olympiad, but also to delve into the issues of financial security in more detail! For this purpose, in 2025 we are launching a minor”Financial Security and Computer Investigations”. You will be able to obtain the necessary knowledge base and form a framework of important legal, financial and digital competencies, and upon completion – an official document confirming the additional qualification received. Thanks to this, new career opportunities in this field will open up for you,” comments Alexander Chepovsky, Director of Strategic Work with Applicants.

    The micro-qualification obtained by the minor is “specialist (expert) in the field of financial and information security”. It will allow you to be a sought-after employee in the corporate sector, government agencies, budgetary organizations and non-profit organizations.

    Minor Selection Campaign will take place in the near future: March 20 and 21 – the first wave, March 25 – the second.

    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 USA: ICE Boston arrests illegal Guatemalan alien charged with sex crimes against Massachusetts minor

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BRIGHTON, Mass. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended Sostenes Perez-Lopez, 59, an illegal Guatemalan alien charged with two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child in Brighton, Feb. 18.

    “Sostenes Perez-Lopez stands accused of some horrific crimes against a child in Massachusetts,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “We will not tolerate the victimization of our residents at the hands of alien offenders. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize the safety of our public by arresting and removing illegally present lawbreakers.”

    Perez illegally entered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location and without being inspected by a U.S. immigration official.

    ICE lodged an immigration detainer against Perez with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, Nashua Street Jail Nov. 28, 2024, following Perez’ apprehension for indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.

    The Boston Municipal Court, Brighton Division, arraigned Perez Nov. 29, 2024, on two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. Following his arraignment, the court ordered Perez committed to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department in lieu of posting bail in the amount of $8,000.

    The Boston Municipal Court ignored the ICE detainer and released Perez on bail Dec. 12, 2024. The court fitted Perez with GPS to include special conditions pending the outcome of his case.

    ICE served Perez with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge following his arrest and he remains in ICE custody.

    Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged following serious assault in Bromley

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man will appear in court following a serious assault in Bromley.

    Demiesh Williams, 29 (10.06.1995) of Fir Tree Gardens, Croydon was charged with grievous bodily harm with intent on Tuesday, 18 March.

    He is due to appear before Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 18 March.

    The incident took place on Sunday, 16 March.

    Police were called to Upper Elmers End Road, Bromley at 20:24hrs following reports of an assault on a man in his 40s.

    The man was taken to hospital where he remains in a life-threatening condition.

    A 29-year-old man was arrested on Sunday, 16 March and subsequently charged as above.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: The DNA of organised crime is changing – and so is the threat to Europe

    Source: Europol

    A changing DNA: how organised crime is mutatingJust as DNA shapes the blueprint of life, the blueprint of organised crime is being rewritten. No longer bound by traditional structures, organised crime has adapted to a world shaped by global instability, digitalisation and emerging technologies.The EU-SOCTA identifies three defining characteristics of today’s serious and organised crime landscape:1. Crime is increasingly destabilisingSerious…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Washington Man Arrested on Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges

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

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Salt Lake City Division, Missoula Resident Agency, and the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Montana, announced the arrest of Tyreece Dunbar of Seattle, Washington, pursuant to a federal complaint. Dunbar was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of Body Armor by a Violent Felon.

    Dunbar was initially arrested on March 15, 2025, in Missoula, Montana, on an outstanding warrant out of Washington state, without incident.

    According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, investigators received information alleging that Dunbar was distributing large amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Missoula area.

    Dunbar had his initial appearance today, March 17, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Missoula.

    This investigation was conducted by the FBI Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force (MRVCTF) with assistance from the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office. The FBI MRVCTF consists of agents from the FBI and investigators with the Missoula Police Department, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, the Kalispell Police Department, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Customs Border Protection, Border Patrol, and Montana Probation and Parole.

    A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at later criminal proceedings.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by the HREU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision concerning restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol

    Source: Council of the European Union

    Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/397 of 24 February 2025 concerning restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Bureau members from the OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration meet with Representatives of States parties

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

    Headline: Bureau members from the OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration meet with Representatives of States parties

    The Bureau of the OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration at its meetings in Vienna, on 10 and 11 March 2025 (OSCE Congress Centre, Hofburg). From left to right: Prof. Verica Trstenjak, Justice Mats Melin, Prof. Christian Tomuschat, Anne Ramberg, Prof. Vasilka Sancin, Vice-President Erkki Kourula, and President Emmanuel Decaux (OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration) Photo details

    President of the OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration (CCA) Emmanuel Decaux, Vice-President Erkki Kourula, Justice Mats Melin as well as Professors Christian Tomuschat, Vasilka Sancin, Verica Trstenjak, and Anne Ramberg held an information meeting with Representatives of States parties to the Convention on 10 March in Vienna.
    The purpose of the meeting was for members of the Bureau of the Court to provide first-hand information to representatives of States Parties to the Stockholm Convention. The meeting addressed the timely institutional topic of the election of the next President and other members of the Bureau in September this year. The meeting also provided an opportunity for participants to become acquainted with the specific features of each of the procedures provided for under the Convention on Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE.
    Ambassador Anna Olsson Vrang opened the meeting with a welcome on behalf of the Depositary State of the 1992 Stockholm Convention. In his opening remarks, President Decaux noted the dual nature of the Court, created “within the OSCE”, as its name suggests, but with a life of its own as a multilateral treaty with 34 States parties today. He recalled that the preamble to the Convention referred to OSCE commitments and principles. Its procedures were consequently open to other participating States on a voluntary basis, at any time, he underscored.
    “We have endeavoured to raise the profile of the Court within the OSCE and to make it part of the Chairmanship-in-Office’s toolbox. We must therefore insist on the complementarity of institutions and mechanisms within the OSCE,” President Decaux concluded.
    With regard to the specific features of conciliation, Professor Tomuschat, former President of the Court and member of the Bureau, spoke of its flexibility and the straightforward process for setting up of a conciliation commission.
    “The parties enjoy almost complete freedom as to the choice of the members of any such Commission. There is no predetermined bench like in the case of the permanent international tribunals operating on the European level,” he said.
    Professor Sancin, member of the Bureau, talked about the function of an arbitral tribunal, the outcome of which is legally binding on the parties. The meeting concluded with an overview of the various stages of the election procedure for the President of the Court and the members of the Bureau that will be launched in September this year. It was presented by the Registry of the Court by Christa Allot, who emphasized that the conciliators and arbitrators eligible to vote were acting in their individual capacity.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government announces Race Equality Engagement Group to break down barriers to racial equality

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government announces Race Equality Engagement Group to break down barriers to racial equality

    The views of ethnic minority people are being placed at the heart of government decision making following the establishment of the Race Equality Engagement Group (REEG).

    • New Race Equality Engagement Group (REEG) to help government’s plans to seize opportunities and remove barriers to racial equality
    • Group to be chaired by Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon OBE, who will lead partnerships with communities, stakeholders, and delivery partners
    • The REEG will aim to better understand the lived experience of ethnic minority people and ensure their views are represented in government decision making

    Chaired by Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon OBE, the group will work with equalities ministers to better understand ethnic minority people’s lived experience and make sure it is represented in government’s 5 missions.

    The group will also partner with ethnic minority communities, stakeholders and delivery partners. This collaborative approach will ensure that the government’s Plan for Change is informed by people from a diverse range of backgrounds, and works for everyone across the country.

    Minister for Equalities, responsible for race and ethnicity policy, Seema Malhotra MP, said:

    People across the UK still experience barriers to opportunity at work and in society because of their race. We are determined to change this so that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

    The Race Equality Engagement Group will play a vital role in understanding everyday barriers to opportunity and hear voices from across the country so that together we can more actively address racial inequality and enable everyone to be supported in achieving their aspirations.

    Chair of the Race Equality Engagement Group, Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon OBE, said:

    It’s an honour to chair the newly-established Race Equality Engagement Group, which will ensure government decision-making is informed by the lived experience of ethnic minority people. 

    I look forward to leading the group and working with a diverse range of communities to create a more inclusive society, with increased opportunity for all.

    The government is committed to ensuring equality is at the heart of every mission. Through the 5 missions, everyone will be able to achieve their ambitions in work and beyond, no matter their background.

    [END]

    Notes to editors:

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Update on Lay Members on the Security Vetting Appeals Panel

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Update on Lay Members on the Security Vetting Appeals Panel

    An update on the term of four Lay Members who sit on the Security Vetting Appeals Panel.

    Four Lay Members on the Security Vetting Appeals Panel (SVAP) have had their terms extended until 31st March 2027.

    The Lay Members are Claire Stokes, James Barron, Nicholas Griffin and Sally Berlin, whose terms were due to finish on 31st March 2025. Their terms have been extended for continuity of board expertise.

    The Security Vetting Appeals Panel reviews decisions to refuse or withdraw National Security Vetting and the process involved. You can find out more about what the Panel does here.

    The Panel currently has 15 sitting members: a Chair, a Deputy Chair and 13 Lay Members. 

    There are no statutory limits on the number of terms a Lay Member can serve. However, the Governance Code for Public Appointments sets out that no individual should serve in a single role for more than two terms or ten years.

    Claire Stokes was Risk Management Lead Partner for PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and is currently an Independent Contractor with PwC Global. 

    James Barron is a former senior civil servant and prior to retirement was Chief Executive of the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.

    Nicholas Griffin QC founded the QEB Hollis Whiteman Public Law Group and is the head of Chambers’ Business and Human Rights Group. He is Trustee of Anti-Slavery International; UK Anti-Doping board member and Former Assistant Commissioner for the Boundary Commission for England. 

    Sally Berlin is Director of Casework Operations at the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Reappointment of Ex-Officio Member to the Senior Salaries Review Body

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Reappointment of Ex-Officio Member to the Senior Salaries Review Body

    Zoë Billingham CBE has been reappointed as Ex-Officio Member.

    Zoë Billingham CBE has been reappointed as Ex-Officio Member of the Senior Salaries Review Body following the end of her term on 31 January 2025. 

    She has been reappointed to the role for another term of 3 years, starting on 1 February 2025. She will serve as Ex-Officio Member until 31st January 2028.

    The Senior Salaries Review Body is an independent body which provides advice to the Prime Minister, the Lord Chancellor, the Secretary of State for Defence, the Secretary of State for Health and the Home Secretary on the pay of Senior Civil Servants, the judiciary, senior officers of the armed forces, certain senior managers in the NHS, Police and Crime Commissioners and chief police officers.

    Read more about the Senior Salaries Review Body here.

    The board currently has 8 members. The Governance Code for Public Appointments sets out that no individual should serve in a single role for more than two terms or ten years.

    Zoë was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of the Security Industry Authority in December 2021, and Chair of the Police Remuneration Review Body and the National Crime Agency Remuneration Review Body in January 2022. 

    She was appointed temporary ex-officio member of the Senior Salaries Review Body in March 2024. 

    Zoë brings years of experience of working in policing, having previously served as HM Inspector of Constabulary.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Awaab’s Law to come to Scotland

    Source: Scottish Government

    Further enhancing protections for social housing tenants.

    Social housing residents in Scotland will be given greater protection against issues of disrepair in their homes such as damp and mould through the introduction of Awaab’s Law.

    Awaab’s Law is named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died in 2020 after being exposed to mould in his home in Rochdale.

    The Scottish Government intends to introduce amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill that will broaden Ministers’ powers to impose timeframes on social landlords to investigate disrepair and start repairs, through regulation, following engagement with the sector.

    The regulations will build on provisions already in the Bill on strengthening tenants’ rights and Scotland’s existing legal protections for social tenants such as the Scottish Housing Quality Standard and the Right to Repair Scheme.

    Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

    “Introducing timescales and expectations for repairs aims to make sure this never happens to a child or their family ever again.

    “Everyone in Scotland deserves the right to live in a warm, safe and secure home, free from disrepair. We already have a strong set of rights and standards that have been improving in Scotland.

    “However, these measures will go even further and give power and confidence to tenants that any issues identified and repairs started in a timely manner, so any issues do not have a detrimental impact on their health.

    “Our Housing Bill already contains proposals to improve tenants’ rights, and these measures will strengthen those even further to make sure their home is safe for them and their families.”

    Background

    Housing (Scotland) Bill | Scottish Parliament Website

    Registered social landlords are required to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) which requires housing to be free from rising or penetrating damp, to have satisfactory ventilation and meet minimum energy efficiency standards.

    Just like the social rented sector, the Scottish Government is committed to and will consider how to implement Awaab’s Law for private tenants, using existing powers, after engagement with the private rented sector.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fundamental changes to Armed Forces processes to better support Women in UK Defence

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Fundamental changes to Armed Forces processes to better support Women in UK Defence

    As part of a series of changes to eradicate unacceptable behaviours in the military a new Tri-Service complaints unit for the Armed Forces has been announced.

    • New initiatives to tackle unacceptable behaviours in the military to be introduced at pace.

    • Changes include a new specialist Tri-Service team for taking the most serious complaints, such as bullying, discrimination and harassment, outside the single Service chain of command.

    • MOD creates a central Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce, to drive cultural improvements 

    • Progress comes as Armed Forces Commissioner Bill continues through Parliament as part of the Government’s Plan for Change 

    As part of a series of changes to eradicate unacceptable behaviours in the military, and step-up support for women across UK Defence, a new Tri-Service complaints unit for the Armed Forces has been announced.  

    The new team will be independent of the single Service chain of command to provide individuals with greater confidence and help ensure that the most serious complaints are dealt with quickly, fairly and in a standardised way across the Armed Forces. Building on the change in 2022 when complaints were taken out of the direct chain of command, providing greater independence and confidence. 

    The change will see Bullying, Harassment, Discrimination related service complaints dealt with by a team outside the commands of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.  

    This builds on the successes of the tri-service approach to sexual offending, within the Defence Serious Crime Command which was set up in 2022.

    In addition, the Ministry of Defence will set up a Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Taskforce, led centrally by Minister Carns to cohere and drive the work to change culture from the heart of the department. Minister Carns will be supported by a network of regional champions who will help raise awareness of and tackle violence against women and girls across the military, and a Defence Voices Panel – a challenge group made up of service personnel and civil servants to provide honest feedback and lived experiences. 

    The Minister for Defence People and Veterans Al Carns will set out these new measures before the House of Commons Defence Select Committee later today. He will give evidence alongside Service chiefs.  

    Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns said:

    This government was elected on a manifesto of change, and we are delivering for Defence. I am personally committed to ensuring that we do everything within our power to root out unacceptable behaviour and ensure that the Armed Forces is a place where everyone can thrive. 

    Women in the armed forces play a vital role in our keeping our nation safe. This is not just a matter of basic justice and equality, it is essential to military effectiveness.   

    Our people have spoken, and we have listened. We are moving at pace to create a new Tri-Service Complaints team to take the most serious complaints out of the chain of single Service command for the first time and to launch a central taskforce to give this issue the attention and focus it deserves.

    The MOD’s VAWG Taskforce will include regional support network, trained on topics including domestic violence and sexual offending. These roles will use a network of multidisciplinary experts to support Armed Forces personnel, including healthcare providers, social workers, and HR advisors and will link into the Victim Witness Care Unit.   These measures are part of the government’s commitment to improving Service life and renewing the contract with those who serve and have served and support this government’s foundation of strong national security.  

    The government introduced the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill in November – the first ever independent champion for serving personnel and their families. The Bill has passed through the House of Commons and is now in Committee Stage in the Lords. The Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for serving personnel and their families to raise issues which impact Service life. They are expected to be appointed by the end of 2025.  With powers to visit Defence sites unannounced and commission reports, the Commissioner will hold Defence to account and drive improvements to Service life.  

    The government is committed to standing up for those who serve the nation. At the end of July, the Armed Forces received the largest pay rise in over 20 years, and in December the MOD struck a landmark deal to bring the military housing estate back into public ownership to enable additional investment into homes for military families and deliver savings for taxpayers.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Charter committing to openness, transparency and accountability

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Charter committing to openness, transparency and accountability

    Welsh public organisations pledge new approach focused on the bereaved and survivors of public tragedies.

    Organisations across Wales have signed a charter which commits them to responding to public tragedies with openness, transparency and accountability.

    The Charter for Families Bereaved by Public Tragedy calls for a cultural shift in public bodies’ engagement with bereaved families, ensuring the lessons of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster and its aftermath are learned to prevent those who are affected by public tragedy in the future from having the same experience.

    Organisations across Wales – including Welsh Government, local authorities, police forces, Welsh Ambulance Service, fire and rescue services, and the Mining Remediation Authority – have all signed up to support bereaved families and the community in the aftermath of a major incident, with a clear commitment to people and to providing services that meet their needs before, during and after an event.

    A launch event will be held in Merthyr Tydfil today (Tuesday 18 March 2025), attended by Bishop James Jones KBE, who wrote the charter as part of his report on lessons from the Hillsborough tragedy.

    He will be joined by the bereaved and survivors of public tragedies, including Hillsborough, Grenfell Tower, Manchester Arena and Aberfan, which stands only a few miles from the launch.

    Bishop Jones said:

    Today the nation of Wales is leading the way with more than 50 of its public bodies signing the charter. In doing so the culture of the organisations has begun to change and there is a renewed commitment to public service and to respecting the humanity of those we are called to serve.

    The charter represents a promise that after any future tragedy no one will be left to navigate their grief and survival alone. That no one will endure again the ‘patronising disposition of unaccountable power’.

    This is a pivotal moment in the life of the nation as we embrace the principles of the charter and pledge to respect the humanity of all its citizens which should be at the heart of all public service.

    North Wales Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx, chair of the Joint Emergency Services Group in Wales, said:

    We recognise that co-operation when supporting families affected by public tragedy is vital for ensuring the wellbeing and resilience of our communities.

    By working together we can use our collective expertise and resources to provide meaningful support to those in need during times of crisis and beyond.

    South Wales Police Deputy Chief Constable Mark Travis added:

    By signing the charter, each and every organisation is making a public statement to learn the lessons of the Hillsborough disaster and other tragedies to ensure that we never lose sight of the perspective of bereaved families and ensure that they are treated with care and compassion, not only at the time of emergency and tragedy but in the weeks, months and years after.

    While today is a landmark, the real challenge is to embed the charter into our training and culture to ensure it becomes an integral part of our response to any public tragedy.

    The involvement of the bereaved and survivors of public tragedy has been a driving force in bringing about today’s momentous step forward.

    Julia Draycon, Environment Director at the Mining Remediation Authority, said:

    As a 24/7 emergency response organisation, with staff across Great Britain ready to respond to incidents, we are proud to sign up to the charter For Families Bereaved Through Public Tragedy and we’re committed to upholding the principles within it.

    We act with integrity, respect and empathy; we take pride in the way we are dedicated to delivering for the communities we serve.

    For media enquiries contact the community response team

    Email communityresponse@miningremediation.gov.uk

    Telephone 0800 288 4211

    For emergency media enquiries (out of hours) call: 0800 288 4242.
    Only urgent media calls will be attended to.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Waste company prosecuted for ignoring audit at Notts site

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Waste company prosecuted for ignoring audit at Notts site

    A Midlands-based waste company and a partner in the business have been prosecuted for failing to comply with a demand for information about materials accepted.

    • Droitwich-based business ordered to pay total of £52,405.05 for failing to provide details of metals processed
    • Partner in firm to pay total of £7,996.05 for his part in running Welbeck Colliery operation
    • Case heard at Worcester Magistrates Court on 14 March 2025

    At Worcester Magistrates Court on Friday 14 March, Tetron Welbeck Limited Liability Partnership pleaded guilty and were fined £44,800 and ordered to pay costs of £5,605.05.

    The Partnership was also ordered to pay the victim surcharge of £2,000. In total the Partnership has to pay £52,405.05.

    Edward Seekings, a designated member of the Partnership, also pleaded guilty and was fined £1,708.

    Seekings, 41, of Bridge Lane Court, Bawtry, Doncaster, was also ordered to pay costs of £5,605.05 and the victim surcharge of £683, coming to a total of £7,996.05.

    The court was told that the Partnership, whose office is at Hadzor Court, Hadzor, Droitwich, Worcestershire, had an environmental permit since 2013 to operate a site at Welbeck Colliery near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. It was stated that the business changed hands around 2020.

    The Partnership failed to comply with a formal information notice served on it after it failed to provide information requested by the Environment Agency.

    The information was required to allow the Environment Agency to conduct an audit of the site to ensure waste within the correct category was being accepted.

    The deadline in the notice for the receipt of the information was the 15 June 2023. No information was received.

    Seekings sent a work plan on 15 June 2023 but it did not include the required information. He engaged with the Environment Agency but did not provide the information required.

    Further attempts by the Environment Agency to obtain the relevant information failed.

    A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:

    We welcome this sentence which should act as a deterrent to others considering flouting the law.  

    As a regulator, the Environment Agency will not hesitate to pursue any person failing to provide information requested.

    The Environment Agency served a formal legal notice in this case requiring information to be provided. It is a criminal offence to fail to comply with a notice requiring information.

     >If anyone is suspicious of waste activities they should call our 24/7 hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or Crimestoppers anonymously and in confidence on 0800 555 111.

    The Charge

    Tetron Welbeck LLP (Company Number OC366746) failed without reasonable excuse by 15 June 2023 to furnish to the Environment Agency information required by a Notice in writing dated 15th May 2023.

    This was served on it pursuant to section 71(2) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, contrary to section 71(3) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

    The offence was committed with the consent or connivance of, or was attributable to any neglect on the part of Edward Seekings, contrary to Section 157(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University teacher Ekaterina Chumakova wins Woman of the Year competition

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    In our city, the winners and laureates of the “Woman of the Year” competition were awarded. It is held with the support of the Government of St. Petersburg. 190 application forms were submitted for participation in the competition in ten nominations. Ekaterina Chumakova, a practicing teacher at the Higher School of Law and Forensic Science of SPbPU, won in the “Armed Forces and Law Enforcement” nomination.

    Thanks to my combination of service in the Internal Affairs Department and teaching at the Higher School of Law and Technical Education of the Polytechnic, I was among the winners. Thanks to the Polytechnic for the opportunity to share practical experience with the younger generation, – noted Ekaterina Chumakova.

    Ekaterina Sergeevna is a police lieutenant colonel and the chief expert of the forensic accounting department of the forensic center of the Transport Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the Northwestern Federal District. She successfully combines police service with teaching at SPbPU. She organizes practical classes for students at the forensic center. At the training ground, future lawyers become “participants in the investigation of crimes” and solve problems right at the “scene of the crime.”

    A practice-oriented approach to education allows our graduates to be in high demand on the labor market, noted Dmitry Mokhorov, Director of the Higher School of Law and Economics.

    The Woman of the Year competition is held within the framework of the Petersburg and Petersburgers program with the support of the city government. It is organized by the Committee for Social Policy of St. Petersburg in partnership with government bodies, commercial and non-commercial organizations.

    Over the years of its existence, the competition has become the main platform for assessing the professional merits of St. Petersburg women and their high achievements. The selection criteria are outstanding results in professional or service activities, active participation in the socio-economic development of St. Petersburg, public and charitable activities. Therefore, the winners of the competition are not just women who are successful in their profession, they are distinguished by an active life position and no less active public activities, – said Vice-Governor of St. Petersburg Natalia Chechina.

    Natalia Chechina noted that thanks to the Woman of the Year competition, the city discovered many talented names, and also saw new social projects and programs come to life. The winners of the competition received diplomas and memorable gifts. Portraits of the laureates will also appear on advertising stands on the main streets of St. Petersburg.

    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 Asia-Pac: NAXALITE ACTIVITIES AND VIOLENCE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 3:32PM by PIB Delhi

    To address the LWE problem holistically, a “National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE” was approved in 2015. It envisages a multi-prolonged strategy involving security related measures, development interventions, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities etc.

    While on security front, the Government of India (GoI) assists the LWE affected States for capacity building by providing Central Armed Police battalions, training & funds for modernization of State police forces, equipment & arms, sharing of intelligence, construction of Fortified Police Stations etc; 

    • Under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme, assistance is provided for recurring expenditure relating to operational and training needs of security forces, expenditure incurred by the states for the rehabilitation of the surrendered LWE cadres, community policing, village defense committees and publicity material etc. During 2014-15 to 2024-25, Rs. 3260.37 crore has been released under this Scheme. 
    • Under Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS), funds are provided for strengthening of State Intelligence Branches (SIBs), Special Forces, District Polices and Fortified Police Stations (FPSs).  Under the SIS, Rs. 1741 crore have been sanctioned.  221 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed under the Scheme with a total of 621 FPS have been constructed.
    • Further, Rs. 1120.32 crore has been given to Central Agencies during the period 2014-15 to 2024-25 for helicopters and addressing critical infrastructure in security camps in LWE affected areas, under Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE Management (ACALWEM) Scheme.

    On development side, apart from flagship schemes, GoI has taken several specific initiatives in LWE affected States, with special thrust on expansion of road network, improving telecommunication connectivity, skilling and financial inclusion.

    • For expansion of road connectivity, 14,607 Km roads have been constructed.
    • For improving telecom connectivity in LWE affected areas, 7,768 towers have been commissioned.
    • With regard to Skill Development, 46 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 49 Skill Development Centres (SDCs) have been made functional.
    • For quality education in tribal areas 178 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) have been made functional.
    • For Financial Inclusion, department of Posts has opened 5731 Post Offices with banking services in LWE affected districts. 1007 Bank Branches & 937 ATMs have been opened and 37,850 Banking Correspondences (BCs) have been made operational in Most LWE affected districts.
    • For further impetus to development, Under Special Central Assistance (SCA), funds are provided for filling critical gaps in Public infrastructure. Till now, Rs 3563 Crore have been released since the inception of Scheme in 2017.

    As a result of the strict implementation of the policy, incidents of LWE violence which had reached its highest level i.e. 1936 in 2010 have reduced to 374 in 2024 i.e. a reduction of 81 per cent. The total number of deaths (civilian + security forces) has also reduced by 85 per cent during this period i.e. from 1005 deaths in 2010 to 150 in 2024.

    During the last 10 years, incidents of LWE violence which were 1091 in 2014 have reduced to 374 in 2024 i.e. a reduction of 65.7 per cent. The total number of deaths (civilian + security force) has also reduced by 52 per cent during this period i.e. from 310 deaths in 2014 to 150 in 2024.

    There has also been a sharp decline in the number of districts affected by LWE.  The LWE affected districts have been reduced from 126 to 90 districts by April 2018, further to 70 by July 2021 and then to 38 by April 2024.

    This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

    ***

    RK/VV/ASH/RR/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2112250) Visitor Counter : 53

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: STEPS TO CURB CYBER CRIME

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Home Affairs

    STEPS TO CURB CYBER CRIME

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 3:27PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles and publishes the statistical data on crimes in its publication “Crime in India”. The latest published report is for the year 2022. As per the data published by the NCRB, State/UT wise details of cases registered under cyber crimes and fraud for cyber crimes (involving communication devices as medium/target) during the period from 2018 to 2022 are at the Annexure-I & II.

    ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. The States/UTs are primarily responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of crimes including cyber crime and setting up of hi-tech cyber cell through their Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). The Central Government supplements the initiatives of the States/UTs through advisories and financial assistance under various schemes for capacity building of their LEAs.

    To strengthen the mechanism to deal with cyber crimes in a comprehensive and coordinated manner, the Central Government has taken steps which, inter-alia, include the following:

    1. The Ministry of Home Affairs has set up the ‘Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre’ (I4C) as an attached office to deal with all types of cyber crimes in the country, in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
    2. The ‘National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal’ (NCRP) (https://cybercrime.gov.in) has been launched, as a part of the I4C, to enable public to report incidents pertaining to all types of cyber crimes, with special focus on cyber crimes against women and children. Cyber crime incidents reported on this portal, their conversion into FIRs and subsequent action thereon are handled by the State/UT Law Enforcement Agencies concerned as per the provisions of the law.
    3. The ‘Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System’, under I4C, has been launched in year 2021 for immediate reporting of financial frauds and to stop siphoning off funds by the fraudsters. So far, financial amount of more than Rs. 4,386 Crore has been saved in more than 13.36 lakh complaints. A toll-free Helpline number ‘1930’ has been operationalized to get assistance in lodging online cyber complaints.
    4. The state of the art ‘National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (Investigation)’ has been established, as a part of the I4C, at New Delhi to provide early stage cyber forensic assistance to Investigating Officers (IOs) of State/UT Police. So far, National Cyber Forensics Laboratory (Investigation) has provided its services to State/UT LEAs in around 11,835 cases pertaining to cyber crimes.
    5. A State of the Art Centre, Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) has been established at I4C where representatives of major banks, Financial Intermediaries, Payment Aggregators, Telecom Service Providers, IT Intermediaries and representatives of States/UTs Law Enforcement Agency are working together for immediate action and seamless cooperation to tackle cybercrime.
    6. The Central Government has launched a comprehensive awareness programme on digital arrest scams which, inter-alia, include; newspaper advertisement, announcement in Delhi Metros, use of social media influencers to create special posts, campaign through Prasar Bharti and electronic media, special programme on Aakashvani and participated in Raahgiri Function at Connaught Place, New Delhi on 27.11.2024.
    7. The Hon’ble Prime Minister spoke about digital arrests during the episode “Mann Ki Baat” on 27.10.2024  and apprised  the citizens  of India.
    8. I4C in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched a caller tune campaign for raising awareness about cybercrime and promoting the Cyber Crime Helpline Number 1930 & NCRP. The caller tune is also being broadcasts in regional languages, delivered 7-8 times a day by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs).
    9. I4C proactively identify and blocked more than 3,962 Skype IDs and 83,668 Whatsapp accounts used for Digital Arrest.
    10. The Central Government has published a Press Release on Alert against incidents of ‘Blackmail’ and ‘Digital Arrest’ by Cyber Criminals Impersonating State/UT Police, NCB, CBI, RBI and other Law Enforcement Agencies.
    11. Till 28.02.2025, more than 7.81 lakhs SIM cards and 2,08,469 IMEIs as reported by Police authorities have been blocked by Government of India.
    12. Seven Joint Cyber Coordination Teams (JCCTs) have been constituted for Mewat, Jamtara, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Vishakhapatnam, and Guwahati under I4C covering the whole country based upon cyber crime hotspots/ areas having multi jurisdictional issues by on boarding States/UTs to enhance the coordination framework among the Law Enforcement Agencies of the States/UTs. Seven workshops were organized for JCCTs at Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Vishakhapatnam, Lucknow, Ranchi and Chandigarh.
    13. Samanvaya Platform has been made operational to serve as an Management Information System(MIS) platform, data repository and a coordination  platform   for   LEAs   for  cybercrime   data   sharing  and

    analytics. It provides analytics based interstate linkages of crimes and criminals, involved in cybercrime complaints in various States/UTs. The module ‘Pratibimb’ maps locations of criminals and crime infrastructure on a map to give visibility to jurisdictional officers. The module also facilitates seeking and receiving of techno-legal assistance by Law Enforcement  Agencies from I4C and other SMEs. It has lead to arrest of 6,046 accused, 17,185 linkages and 36,296 Cyber Investigation assistance request.

    1. Ministry of Home Affairs has provided central assistance under ‘Assistance to States for Modernization of Police’ Scheme to the State Governments for the acquisition of latest weaponry, training gadgets, advanced communication/forensic equipment, Cyber Policing equipment etc. The State Governments formulate State Action Plans (SAPs) as per their strategic priorities and requirements including combating cyber crimes.
    2. The Ministry of External Affairs also holds bilateral cyber dialogue with various countries from time to time. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs, being a nodal agency for cyber crime in the country is actively participate in such cyber dialogues.
    3.  The National Central Bureau (NCB) in the Central Bureau  of  Investigation  (CBI)  acted  as  effective  interface between Indian LEAs and foreign LEAs and facilitates regular exchange of information through INTERPOL channels. Recently BHARATPOL portal has been launched to further streamline the communication between NCB, CBI and Indian LEAs in the matters of international assistance and coordination.
    4. The CBI is nodal agency for G-7 24/7 network. G7 24/7 is secure channel for making data preservation requests in cases related to cyber crime.
    5. To spread awareness on cyber crime, the Central Government has taken steps which, inter-alia, include; dissemination of messages through SMS, I4C social media account i.e. X (formerly Twitter) (@CyberDost), Facebook(CyberDostI4C), Instagram (cyberDostI4C), Telegram(cyberdosti4c), Radio campaign, caller tune, engaged MyGov for publicity in multiple mediums, organizing Cyber Safety and Security Awareness weeks in association with States/UTs, publishing of Handbook for Adolescents/Students, newspaper advertisement on digital arrest scam, announcement in Delhi metros on digital arrest and other modus operandi of cyber criminals, use of social media influencers to create special posts on digital arrest, digital displays on railway stations and airports across, etc.

    Annexure-I

    State/UT-wise Cases Registered(CR) under Cyber Crimes during 2020-2022

    SL

    State/UT

    2020

    2021

    2022

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    1899

    1875

    2341

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh

    30

    47

    14

    3

    Assam

    3530

    4846

    1733

    4

    Bihar

    1512

    1413

    1621

    5

    Chhattisgarh

    297

    352

    439

    6

    Goa

    40

    36

    90

    7

    Gujarat

    1283

    1536

    1417

    8

    Haryana

    656

    622

    681

    9

    Himachal Pradesh

    98

    70

    77

    10

    Jharkhand

    1204

    953

    967

    11

    Karnataka

    10741

    8136

    12556

    12

    Kerala

    426

    626

    773

    13

    Madhya Pradesh

    699

    589

    826

    14

    Maharashtra

    5496

    5562

    8249

    15

    Manipur

    79

    67

    18

    16

    Meghalaya

    142

    107

    75

    17

    Mizoram

    13

    30

    1

    18

    Nagaland

    8

    8

    4

    19

    Odisha

    1931

    2037

    1983

    20

    Punjab

    378

    551

    697

    21

    Rajasthan

    1354

    1504

    1833

    22

    Sikkim

    0

    0

    26

    23

    Tamil Nadu

    782

    1076

    2082

    24

    Telangana

    5024

    10303

    15297

    25

    Tripura

    34

    24

    30

    26

    Uttar Pradesh

    11097

    8829

    10117

    27

    Uttarakhand

    243

    718

    559

    28

    West Bengal

    712

    513

    401
     

    TOTAL STATE(S)

    49708

    52430

    64907

    29

    A&N Islands

    5

    8

    28

    30

    Chandigarh

    17

    15

    27

    31

    D&N Haveli and Daman & Diu

    3

    5

    5

    32

    Delhi

    168

    356

    685

    33

    Jammu & Kashmir

    120

    154

    173

    34

    Ladakh

    1

    5

    3

    35

    Lakshadweep

    3

    1

    1

    36

    Puducherry

    10

    0

    64
     

    TOTAL UT(S)

    327

    544

    986
     

    TOTAL (ALL INDIA)

    50035

    52974

    65893

    Source: ‘Crime in India’ published by NCRB.

    ANNEXURE-II

    State/UT-wise Cases Registered (CR) under Fraud for Cyber Crimes during Year 2020-2022

    SL

    State/UT

    2020

    2021

    2022

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    764

    952

    984

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh

    3

    2

    0

    3

    Assam

    58

    82

    16

    4

    Bihar

    1294

    1373

    1441

    5

    Chhattisgarh

    71

    67

    42

    6

    Goa

    1

    1

    11

    7

    Gujarat

    205

    208

    108

    8

    Haryana

    36

    52

    44

    9

    Himachal Pradesh

    1

    6

    9

    10

    Jharkhand

    83

    79

    98

    11

    Karnataka

    0

    6

    0

    12

    Kerala

    6

    16

    26

    13

    Madhya Pradesh

    69

    89

    180

    14

    Maharashtra

    2032

    1678

    2202

    15

    Manipur

    0

    0

    0

    16

    Meghalaya

    10

    0

    0

    17

    Mizoram

    0

    0

    0

    18

    Nagaland

    0

    0

    0

    19

    Odisha

    1079

    1205

    957

    20

    Punjab

    16

    29

    61

    21

    Rajasthan

    332

    371

    292

    22

    Sikkim

    0

    0

    0

    23

    Tamil Nadu

    5

    107

    251

    24

    Telangana

    3316

    7003

    9581

    25

    Tripura

    0

    0

    0

    26

    Uttar Pradesh

    837

    614

    766

    27

    Uttarakhand

    1

    0

    31

    28

    West Bengal

    145

    40

    30
     

    TOTAL STATE(S)

    10364

    13980

    17130

    29

    A&N Islands

    0

    0

    0

    30

    Chandigarh

    0

    0

    2

    31

    D&N Haveli and Daman & Diu

    0

    0

    0

    32

    Delhi

    31

    19

    331

    33

    Jammu & Kashmir

    0

    8

    7

    34

    Ladakh

    0

    0

    0

    35

    Lakshadweep

    0

    0

    0

    36

    Puducherry

    0

    0

    0

    TOTAL UT(S)

    31

    27

    340

    TOTAL (ALL INDIA)

    10395

    14007

    17470

                    Source: ‘Crime in India’ published by NCRB.

    This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

    *****

    RK/VV/ASH/RR/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2112244)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MEASURES TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE AND COMBAT ILLEGAL DRUG TRADE

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Home Affairs

    MEASURES TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE AND COMBAT ILLEGAL DRUG TRADE

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 3:26PM by PIB Delhi

    To address the problem of Drug Abuse, Government has formulated and implemented the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) under which the Government is taking a sustained and coordinated action for arresting the problem of substance abuse. This includes:

    1. Launched Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) in all districts of the country through more than 10000 master volunteers. It has reached out to more-than 14.79 crore people including 4.96 crore youth and 2.97 crore women.
    2. 350 Integrated Rehabilitation Centers for Addicts (IRCAs) are supported by the Government to provide treatment for the drug victims, preventive education, awareness generation, motivational counseling, detoxification/de-addiction, after care and re-integration into the social mainstream.
    3. 46 Community based Peer led Intervention (CPLI) Centers supported by the Government focuses on vulnerable and at risk children and adolescents.
    4. 74 Outreach and Drop In Centers (ODICs) supported by the Government provide safe and secure space for treatment, rehabilitation, screening, assessment, counseling, referral, linkage for treatment and rehabilitation services for substance users.
    5. 142 Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) has been established in Government hospitals through All India Institute of Medical science (AIIMS), New Delhi.
    6. 124 District De-addiction Centres (DDACs) which provides all three facilities provided by IRCA, ODIC and CPLI under one roof have been set up so far.
    7. A Toll-free Helpline for de-addiction, 14446 is operated for providing primary counseling and immediate assistance to persons seeking help.
    8. Government through its autonomous body National Institute of Social Defense (NISD) and other collaborating agencies like State Counsel of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, etc. provides for regular awareness generation and sensitization sessions for all stakeholders including students, teachers, parents.
    9. Navchetna Modules, teachers training modules have been developed by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) for sensitizing students (6th – 11th standard), teachers and parents on drug dependence, related coping strategies and life skills.

    As per latest data published by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) pertaining to the year 2022; Drug-wise seizures under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act during 2018 to 2022 is at Annexure-I.

    The Government made various efforts to tackle the illegal drug trade in border areas, some of which are as under: –

    1. A 4-tier Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism for ensuring better coordination between Central & State Drug Law Enforcement Agencies and other stakeholders in the field of controlling drug trafficking and drug abuse in India has been established. An all-in-one NCORD portal has been developed for information related to drug law enforcement.
    2. A dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) headed by Additional Director General/ Inspector General level Police Officer has been established in each State/ Union Territory to function as the NCORD Secretariat for the State/ Union Territory and follow-up on compliance of decisions taken in NCORD meetings at different levels.
    3. To monitor the investigation of important and significant seizures, a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) under the Chairmanship of Director General, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has been set up.
    4. National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been empowered under NDPS Act, 1985 in the year 2020 for investigation of narco-terrorism cases.
    5. Border Guarding Forces (Border Security Force, Assam Rifles and Sashastra Seema Bal) have been empowered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 to carry out search, seizure and arrest for illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs at international border. Further, Railway Protection Force (RPF) has also been empowered under NDPS Act to check drug trafficking along the railway routes.
    6. Narcotics Control Bureau coordinates with other agencies like, Navy, Coast Guard, Border Security Force, State ANTF, etc. to conduct joint operations to control the drug trafficking.
    7. A high level dedicated group has been created in National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in November 2022 to analyze the drug trafficking through maritime routes, challenges and solutions (Maritime Security Group – NSCS).
    8. Director General Level Talks are organized with neighboring and other countries such as Myanmar, Iran, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Singapore, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, etc. to resolve various issues on drug trafficking having international implications.
    1. As a part of international co-operation, India has signed Bilateral Agreements with 27 countries, Memorandum of Understanding with 16 countries and Agreements on Security Cooperation with 02 countries for combating illicit trafficking of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) and Chemical Precursors as well as related offences.
    2. India is closely associated with International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and all its programs viz. PEN (Pre-Export Notification), PICS (Precursors Incident Communication System), and IONICS (International Operations on New Psychoactive Substances Incident Communication System).
    3. Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) co-ordinates with various international organizations such as South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation- Drug Offences Monitoring Desk (SAARC-SDOMD), Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa  (BRICS), Colombo Plan, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD), Bay of Bengal Initiative For Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Co-Operation  (BIMSTEC), Shanghai Cooperation Organization  (SCO), United   Nations  Office   on   Drugs  and  Crime (UNODC),

    International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), etc. for sharing information and intelligence to combat trans-national drug trafficking.

    1. NCB India takes part in real-time information sharing with various Drug Liaison Officers of other countries such as the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) of the United States of America, the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) of Canada, Australian Federal Police (AFP) of Australia, Office Anti-Stupefiants (OFAST) of France, etc for operational and intelligence information.

    This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

    *****

    RK/VV/ASH/RR/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2112236)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom honors fallen San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 17, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr.:

    “Jennifer and I are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Deputy Cuevas. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues as they navigate this unimaginable time. His dedication to protecting and serving his community was remarkable, and we are eternally grateful for his service.”

    On March 17, 2025, Deputy Cuevas was in pursuit of a vehicle when he was involved in a traffic crash at an intersection in Victorville, California. He suffered fatal injuries as a result of the collision.

    Deputy Cuevas, 36, was a six-year veteran of law enforcement. He had been assigned to the Victorville Station for the past three years. Prior to his employment with the sheriff’s department, Deputy Cuevas was an officer with the Upland Police Department.

    He is survived by his wife, two children, his parents and a sister and brother.

    In honor of Deputy Cuevas, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff.

    Press Releases, Recent News

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    Mar 17, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced his appointment of 10 Superior Court Judges: two in Alameda County; three in Los Angeles County; one in Merced County; one in Orange County; two in San Bernardino County; and one in San Francisco County.Alameda…

    Mar 17, 2025

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces judicial appointments 3.17.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 17, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced his appointment of 10 Superior Court Judges: two in Alameda County; three in Los Angeles County; one in Merced County; one in Orange County; two in San Bernardino County; and one in San Francisco County.

    Alameda County Superior Court

    Doris Ng, of Alameda County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Alameda County Superior Court. Ng has served as a Trial Attorney at the U.S. Department of Labor since 2023. She served multiple roles at the California Department of Industrial Relations, including Chief Counsel from 2020 to 2023 and Staff Attorney in 2007 and from 2013 to 2020. Ng worked as Supervising Attorney at the Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach from 2011 to 2013 and as a Staff Attorney at the Bay Area Legal Aid from 2008 to 2011. She was a Supervising Clinical Attorney at the Women’s Employment Rights Clinic from 2003 to 2007 and a Staff Attorney at Equal Rights Advocates from 1998 to 2003. Ng was an Associate at Rosen, Bien and Asaro from 1996 to 1998 and an Associate at Gough & Cohen from 1994 to 1995. Ng received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Gregory Syren. Ng is a Democrat.

    Jonathan Wolff, of Contra Costa County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Alameda County Superior Court. Wolff has served as Chief Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Law Division at the California Attorney General’s Office since 2017, where he has held several other positions, including Senior Assistant Attorney General from 2008 to 2016, Supervising Deputy Attorney General from 2003 to 2008, and Deputy Attorney General from 2001 to 2003. He was an Associate at Kelly, Gill, Sherburne & Herrera, LLP from 1998 to 2001. Wolff received a Juris Doctor degree from Santa Clara University School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Frank Roesch. Wolff is a Democrat.

    Los Angeles County Superior Court

    William Shin, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Shin has served as a Deputy Attorney General at the California Attorney General’s Office since 2005 and as a Staff Judge Advocate and Deputy Staff Judge Advocate at the California Air National Guard since 2019. Shin was an Assistant Staff Judge Advocate at the United States Air Force Reserve from 2011 to 2019. He was a Deputy District Attorney at the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office from 2004 to 2005 and an Associate at Franscell Strickland Roberts & Lawrence from 2001 to 2004. Shin received a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Julie Fox Blackshaw. Shin is a Democrat.

    Kimberly Dotson, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Dotson has served as a Commissioner at the Los Angeles Superior Court since 2018. She was a Deputy Public Defender at the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office from 2002 to 2018. Dotson received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of West Los Angeles School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Lee R. Bogdanoff. Dotson is a Democrat.

    Faye Chen Barnouw, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Barnouw has served as an Assistant Regional Director at the Federal Trade Commission since 2019, and was an Attorney there from 2001 to 2019.  She was a Trial Attorney with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission from 1997 to 2001, and an Associate at Parker Milliken Clark O’Hara & Samuelian from 1994 to 1997. She served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Warren J. Ferguson at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 1993 to 1994. Barnouw received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Deborah L. Sanchez. Barnouw is a Democrat.
     

    Merced County Superior Court

    Chamandeep Johal, of Merced County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Merced County Superior Court. Johal has served as a Commissioner at the Mariposa County Superior Court since 2023 and as a Family Law Facilitator at the Merced County Superior Court since 2018. She was the Principal Attorney at Johal Law from 2010 to 2018. She was a Partner at Connich & Grewal, LLP from 2008 to 2010 and an Associate at the Law Offices of Michael J. Connich from 2004 to 2008. Johal received a Juris Doctor degree from the Santa Clara University School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Donald Proietti. Johal is registered as no party preference.
     

    Orange County Superior Court

    Jennifer McCartney, of Orange County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Orange County Superior Court. McCartney has worked as the Firm Director at the Children’s Law Center of California since 2019. She has held several roles at the Children’s Law Center of California since 2006, including Supervising Attorney from 2016 to 2019, Writ Attorney from 2015 to 2019, and Staff Attorney from 2006 to 2015. McCartney received a Juris Doctor degree from Whittier Law School. She fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Nathan R. Scott to the Court of Appeal. McCartney is a Democrat.

    San Bernardino County Superior Court

    Cecilia Joo, of Riverside County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Bernardino County Superior Court. Joo has served as a Commissioner at the San Bernardino Superior Court since 2023. She has served in several roles at the San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office since 2007, including Supervising Deputy District Attorney and Deputy District Attorney. Joo received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of LaVerne College of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Michael R. Libutti. Joo is non-partisan.

    Dina Amani, of Riverside County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Bernardino County Superior Court. Amani has served as a Commissioner at the San Bernardino Superior Court since 2019. She was the Principal Owner at Farhat Law Firm, APC from 2014 to 2019. Amani was an Associate at Ewaniszyk Law Firm from 2005 to 2019 and an Associate at Rosin & Associates from 2003 to 2004. She was a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch from 2000 to 2002. She worked as an Intern Law Clerk at the Chicago Stock Exchange in 1999. Amani was an Associate at Cline & Associates from 1997 to 1998. Amani received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of LaVerne College of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Brian S. McCarville. Amani is a Democrat.
     

    San Francisco County Superior Court

    Julia Cervantes, of San Francisco, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Francisco County Superior Court. Cervantes has served as Managing Attorney at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office since 2023. She was the District Attorney Representative at the San Francisco Innocence Commission from 2022 to 2023. Cervantes has held several positions at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, including Lead Attorney from 2022 to 2023, Managing Attorney from 2020 to 2021, and Assistant District Attorney from 2011 to 2020. She served as Vice President of the San Francisco County Juvenile Probation Commission in 2022. She was a Deputy District Attorney at the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office from 2021 to 2022. Cervantes received a Juris Doctor degree from Brooklyn Law School. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Richard B. Ulmer. Cervantes is a Democrat.

    The compensation for each of these positions is $244,727.

    Press Releases, Recent News

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    Mar 14, 2025

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Birmingham Special Agent in Charge Announces Retirement

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

    BIRMINGHAM—Carlton Peeples, special agent in charge of the Birmingham Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announced his retirement effective March 28, 2025, culminating over 27 years of distinguished service to the FBI and more than 30 years of government service.

    Mr. Peeples entered on duty as an FBI special agent in 1998. After training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, his first assignment was to the Washington Field Office. During his career, as a special agent, Mr. Peeples worked counterintelligence, public corruption, civil rights, violent crime, and gang investigations and served on the Washington Field Office SWAT team.

    In 2005, Mr. Peeples was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent and transferred to the Civil Rights Unit of the Criminal Investigative Division at FBI Headquarters where he also served as Chief of the Civil Rights Unit. In 2008, Mr. Peeples was promoted to Senior Supervisory Special Agent in the Atlanta Field Office, supervising the FBI’s resident agencies in Macon and Athens, Georgia.

    In 2014, Mr. Peeples returned to FBI Headquarters, Inspection Division, as an Assistant Inspector. In 2016, Mr. Peeples was promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Jacksonville Field Office in Florida. In 2019, he returned to FBI Headquarters, for a third time, where he served as an Inspector prior to being appointed by the FBI Director to lead the FBI Birmingham Division in November 2022.

    Looking back on his career, Mr. Peeples noted, “It’s been an honor and a privilege to lead the Birmingham Division, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the dedicated men and women of the FBI for the past 27 years. Their dedication to upholding the Constitution and protecting the American people is astonishing. I am just as proud of the partnerships I have fostered in our community; public and private sector; and with our local, state, and federal law enforcement and intelligence agency partners, who all share the same passion of serving and protecting our communities.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Offers Precautions for Spring Break Travelers

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

    LOS ANGELES—FBI Los Angeles reminds the public to be vigilant of their surroundings and use caution when traveling during spring break.

    As a first step in planning any trip abroad, check the travel advisories of your intended destination. The travel advisory system was designed to give U.S. citizens timely, clear, and reliable information regarding security threats overseas.

    “Whether it’s families looking to escape the final throes of winter or a college student seeking a brief respite from the rigors of academic life, know that the risks are there,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge, Akil Davis. “Maintain vigilance throughout your travels and be prepared to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate should the need arise.”

    The following tips may help you feel more secure while traveling abroad:

    • Establish points of contact for your family to reference in the event of an emergency.
    • Avoid traveling alone, especially after dark. Be conscious of your surroundings and avoid areas you believe may put your personal safety at risk.
    • Use only authorized taxis/shuttles. Passengers have been robbed or kidnapped when using taxis.
    • Avoid actions that are illegal, improper, or indiscreet. Avoid offers of sexual companionship; they may lead to a room raid, photography, and blackmail.
    • Evade criminals by being aware of your surroundings and alert to the possibility of surveillance. Take mental notes of anyone following you and promptly report it to the appropriate security officials.
    • Beware of new acquaintances who probe for information about you or who attempt to get you involved in what could become a compromising situation.

    To view the latest travel advisories, visit:

    https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/

    Finally, if you see or hear suspicious activity when traveling, contact your local FBI or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. Your identity can remain anonymous when submitting a tip to the FBI.

    MIL Security OSI –