NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Justice Department Launches Investigation of University of California Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The Federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announced that the Justice Department has opened a civil pattern or practice investigation into the University of California (UC) under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The investigation will assess whether UC has engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination based on race, religion and national origin against its professors, staff and other employees by allowing an Antisemitic hostile work environment to exist on its campuses.

    “This Department of Justice will always defend Jewish Americans, protect civil rights, and leverage our resources to eradicate institutional Antisemitism in our nation’s universities,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.

    “Our country has witnessed a disturbing rise of Antisemitism at educational institutions in California and nationwide,” said Acting Associate Attorney General and Department of Justice Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle. “The Department of Justice is committed to upholding Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and protecting Jewish Americans as we investigate this potential pattern of discrimination.”

    Leading Task Force member and Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Leo Terrell said, “Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas terror attacks in Israel, there has been an outbreak of antisemitic incidents at leading institutions of higher education in America, including at my own alma mater at the UCLA campus of UC. The impact upon UC’s students has been the subject of considerable media attention and multiple federal investigations. But these campuses are also workplaces, and the Jewish faculty and staff employed there deserve a working environment free of antisemitic hostility and hate. The President, the Attorney General and this Task Force are committed to combatting antisemitism for all Jewish Americans.”

    The employment discrimination investigation will be conducted pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, and religion. Under Title VII, the Justice Department has the authority to initiate investigations against state and local government employers where it has reason to believe that a “pattern or practice” of employment discrimination exists.

    Collaboration between the Justice Department and other federal agencies plays an important role in combating antisemitism in schools and college campuses. The Department coordinates with other federal agencies as part of the multi-agency Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, as well as when sharing enforcement jurisdiction with other agencies. For state and local governments and related entities like public universities, the Department of Justice shares enforcement authority under Title VII with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC receives, investigates, and conciliates EEOC charges against state- and local-government employers, before referring those charges to the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice for potential litigation.

    “The EEOC is committed to partnering with the Department of Justice to stamp out the scourge of anti-Semitism on campus workplaces,” said EEOC Acting Chair Andrea Lucas.

    If you have been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division, at Contact the Civil Rights Division | Department of Justice (https://civilrights.justice.gov). If you work for an university or college and have experienced anti-Semitic harassment at work, you can file a charge with the EEOC, at How to File a Charge of Employment Discrimination | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (https://www.eeoc.gov/how-file-charge-employment-discrimination). Learn more about addressing anti-Semitism at work here: What To Do If You Face Antisemitism at Work.

    President Trump’s Executive Order can be found here: Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism – The White House.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Justice Department Launches Investigation of University of California Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

    Source: United States Attorneys General 2

    The Federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announced that the Justice Department has opened a civil pattern or practice investigation into the University of California (UC) under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The investigation will assess whether UC has engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination based on race, religion and national origin against its professors, staff and other employees by allowing an Antisemitic hostile work environment to exist on its campuses.

    “This Department of Justice will always defend Jewish Americans, protect civil rights, and leverage our resources to eradicate institutional Antisemitism in our nation’s universities,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.

    “Our country has witnessed a disturbing rise of Antisemitism at educational institutions in California and nationwide,” said Acting Associate Attorney General and Department of Justice Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle. “The Department of Justice is committed to upholding Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and protecting Jewish Americans as we investigate this potential pattern of discrimination.”

    Leading Task Force member and Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Leo Terrell said, “Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas terror attacks in Israel, there has been an outbreak of antisemitic incidents at leading institutions of higher education in America, including at my own alma mater at the UCLA campus of UC. The impact upon UC’s students has been the subject of considerable media attention and multiple federal investigations. But these campuses are also workplaces, and the Jewish faculty and staff employed there deserve a working environment free of antisemitic hostility and hate. The President, the Attorney General and this Task Force are committed to combatting antisemitism for all Jewish Americans.”

    The employment discrimination investigation will be conducted pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, and religion. Under Title VII, the Justice Department has the authority to initiate investigations against state and local government employers where it has reason to believe that a “pattern or practice” of employment discrimination exists.

    Collaboration between the Justice Department and other federal agencies plays an important role in combating antisemitism in schools and college campuses. The Department coordinates with other federal agencies as part of the multi-agency Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, as well as when sharing enforcement jurisdiction with other agencies. For state and local governments and related entities like public universities, the Department of Justice shares enforcement authority under Title VII with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC receives, investigates, and conciliates EEOC charges against state- and local-government employers, before referring those charges to the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice for potential litigation.

    “The EEOC is committed to partnering with the Department of Justice to stamp out the scourge of anti-Semitism on campus workplaces,” said EEOC Acting Chair Andrea Lucas.

    If you have been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division, at Contact the Civil Rights Division | Department of Justice (https://civilrights.justice.gov). If you work for an university or college and have experienced anti-Semitic harassment at work, you can file a charge with the EEOC, at How to File a Charge of Employment Discrimination | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (https://www.eeoc.gov/how-file-charge-employment-discrimination). Learn more about addressing anti-Semitism at work here: What To Do If You Face Antisemitism at Work.

    President Trump’s Executive Order can be found here: Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism – The White House.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Labrador Announces Dismissal of EMTALA Challenge to Idaho Defense of Life Act

    Source: US State of Idaho

    [BOISE] – Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced today that the new Trump Administration’s Department of Justice is dismissing any further action against Idaho’s Defense of Life Act, argued in Idaho v. United States.“It has been our position from the beginning that there is no conflict between EMTALA and Idaho’s Defense of Life Act,” said Attorney General Labrador.  “The goal of each is to save lives in every circumstance, both the mother and their unborn child.  We are grateful that meddlesome DOJ litigation on this issue will no longer be an obstacle to Idaho enforcing its laws.  Idaho will continue defending life as intended by the legislature and our people.”
    After the passage of Idaho’s Defense of Life Act, the Biden Administration’s Department of Justice sued Idaho, refusing to accept the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Dobbs which remanded abortion policy to the individual states.  The Biden DOJ claimed that federal law under EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act), a 1986 federal statute designed to provide stabilizing treatment at emergency rooms regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, somehow instead mandated abortions, in contravention of Idaho’s Defense of Life Act.
    The Idaho Supreme Court made it very clear that Idaho’s Defense of Life Act permits an abortion based on the subjective, good-faith medical judgement of a doctor who believes the life of the mother is threatened.  Neither a doctor’s certainty nor immanency of death is required for this judgement.  Idaho has argued that EMTALA does not mandate a standard of care, nor requires abortion, but specifically states that emergency rooms are to treat both mothers and their unborn children.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Bank Employee Pleads Guilty to Role in International Money Laundering Conspiracy

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

    BOSTON – A Brooklyn, N.Y. man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with his role in a sophisticated international money laundering and drug trafficking organization.

    Rongjian Li, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2025.

    In May 2023, Li was among 12 individuals from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and California charged in a superseding indictment for their alleged involvement in a sophisticated international money laundering and drug trafficking organization led by Jin Hua Zhang. The investigation revealed that, for a fee, Zhang laundered bulk cash for drug dealers and laundered profits from other illegal businesses. In less than a year, Zhang and his organization laundered at least $25 million worth of drug proceeds and funds from other illegal businesses through undercover agents. Funds were eventually traced to, and seized from, accounts in Hong Kong and elsewhere in China, India, Cambodia and Brazil, among other locations.

    The investigation identified Li as a member of the money laundering conspiracy who, from 2021 through 2022, used his position as a Bank of America employee to knowingly open several accounts through which the organization laundered illicit funds. Li was also aware that some of the accounts were opened using fraudulent passports. As part of his involvement, when the bank’s financial auditing systems flagged or froze accounts for suspicious activity, Li helped Zhang circumvent the bank’s anti-money laundering protocols and move illicit funds elsewhere. In addition, Li was observed sitting next to Zhang at a dinner in New York, where Zhang discussed the different fee percentages he charged various criminal groups for drug trafficking and scams.

    Zhang pleaded guilty in September 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 15, 2025.

    The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000, or twice the amount involved, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl, Brian A. Fogerty and Meghan C. Cleary of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Baldwinsville Man Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Distribution and Receipt of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Kenneth Koegel, Jr. Had a Prior Conviction for Sexual Abuse in the 1st Degree Involving a 6-Year-Old

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Kenneth Koegel, Jr., 40, of Baldwinsville, New York was sentenced today to 45 years in federal prison and lifetime supervised release following his conviction by guilty plea to seven counts of sexual exploitation of a child, one count of commission of a felony offense involving a minor by a registered sex offender, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of receipt of child pornography. Acting United States Attorney Daniel Hanlon and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement.

    As part of his prior guilty plea, Koegel admitted that he was convicted in 2004 in Monroe County Court of sexual abuse in the first degree for exposing his penis to a 6-year-old girl in a public park and touching her vagina with his hand and that he was required to register as a sex offender because of that conviction. He then admitted that, starting in or about 2014 and continuing until October 2022, he sexually abused a girl from the time she was approximately 2 years old until she was approximately 9 years old. During that time, Koegel created numerous sexually explicit images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of his victim, including Koegel subjecting her to multiple sex acts. He also used a social messaging application to distribute the material he produced to someone else, with whom he also traded thousands of other child pornography files.

    In addition to the 45-year imprisonment term and lifetime supervision, the district court also ordered Koegel to pay $12,000 in restitution and a $1,000 special assessment. Koegel will have to register as a sex offender upon release from prison.

    This case was investigated by the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force – comprised of FBI Special Agents and state and local police investigators, including from the New York State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael D. Gadarian and Adrian S. LaRochelle as part of Project Safe Childhood.

    Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Memphis First Degree Murder Suspect Arrested by U.S. Marshals

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Memphis, TN – Deunta Youngblood, wanted for a 2023 murder in Memphis, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS).

    On October 11, 2023, the Memphis Police Department investigated an incident involving injuries to Shanqualus Morgan near the 1600 block of Rayburn Street in Memphis. Two days later, Morgan died from those injuries.

    On January 15, 2025, a warrant for first-degree murder was issued for Deunta Youngblood, 31. The fugitive investigation was adopted by the USMS Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) in Memphis.

    On March 4, 2025, the TRVFTF and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Fugitive Apprehension Team tracked Youngblood to a residence in the 4600 block of Chancellor Cove in Memphis. Youngblood was found hiding in a closet and was taken into custody without further incident.

    The U.S. Marshals Service Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency task force within Western Tennessee. The TRVFTF has offices in Memphis and Jackson, and its membership is primarily composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals, Shelby, Fayette, Tipton, and Gibson County Sheriff’s Deputies, Memphis and Jackson Police Officers, Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Since 2021, the TRVFTF has captured over 3,000 violent offenders and sexual predators.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: U.S. Justice Department Launches Investigation of University of California Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    The Federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announced that the Justice Department has opened a civil pattern or practice investigation into the University of California (UC) under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The investigation will assess whether UC has engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination based on race, religion and national origin against its professors, staff and other employees by allowing an Antisemitic hostile work environment to exist on its campuses.

    “This Department of Justice will always defend Jewish Americans, protect civil rights, and leverage our resources to eradicate institutional Antisemitism in our nation’s universities,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.

    “Our country has witnessed a disturbing rise of Antisemitism at educational institutions in California and nationwide,” said Acting Associate Attorney General and Department of Justice Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle. “The Department of Justice is committed to upholding Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and protecting Jewish Americans as we investigate this potential pattern of discrimination.”

    Leading Task Force member and Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Leo Terrell said, “Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas terror attacks in Israel, there has been an outbreak of antisemitic incidents at leading institutions of higher education in America, including at my own alma mater at the UCLA campus of UC. The impact upon UC’s students has been the subject of considerable media attention and multiple federal investigations. But these campuses are also workplaces, and the Jewish faculty and staff employed there deserve a working environment free of antisemitic hostility and hate. The President, the Attorney General and this Task Force are committed to combatting antisemitism for all Jewish Americans.”

    The employment discrimination investigation will be conducted pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, and religion. Under Title VII, the Justice Department has the authority to initiate investigations against state and local government employers where it has reason to believe that a “pattern or practice” of employment discrimination exists.

    Collaboration between the Justice Department and other federal agencies plays an important role in combating antisemitism in schools and college campuses. The Department coordinates with other federal agencies as part of the multi-agency Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, as well as when sharing enforcement jurisdiction with other agencies. For state and local governments and related entities like public universities, the Department of Justice shares enforcement authority under Title VII with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC receives, investigates, and conciliates EEOC charges against state- and local-government employers, before referring those charges to the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice for potential litigation.

    “The EEOC is committed to partnering with the Department of Justice to stamp out the scourge of anti-Semitism on campus workplaces,” said EEOC Acting Chair Andrea Lucas.

    If you have been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division, at Contact the Civil Rights Division | Department of Justice (https://civilrights.justice.gov). If you work for an university or college and have experienced anti-Semitic harassment at work, you can file a charge with the EEOC, at How to File a Charge of Employment Discrimination | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (https://www.eeoc.gov/how-file-charge-employment-discrimination). Learn more about addressing anti-Semitism at work here: What To Do If You Face Antisemitism at Work.

    President Trump’s Executive Order can be found here: Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism – The White House.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Can you help us identify this man?

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are seeking information to identify a man sought as part of an ongoing investigation.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Kathy Bostock, from Auckland City CIB, says the incident is sensitive in nature and occurred in the Auckland City area last year.

    “As part of the investigation we have located footage of a man we would like to speak with as part of the investigation,” she says.

    “Despite further enquiries being made into this footage we have so far been unable to identify him.

    “The public will in no doubt know who he is, and I would encourage them to contact us.”

    Detective Senior Sergeant Bostock also encourages the man himself to make contact with Police.

    Please contact Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 240616/3973.

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

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Florida businessman sentenced for migrant labor employment scheme, payroll tax evasion, worker death

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    WASHINGTON — A Florida man was sentenced Feb. 20 to 48 months in prison and ordered to forfeit more than $5.5 million to the United States as well as forfeit numerous real properties and cash, and to pay over $55 million in restitution for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and willful violation of a workplace standard that resulted in the death of his employee following a joint agency investigation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    Manual Domingos Pita, of Wesley Chapel, previously pleaded guilty to those charges on July 9, 2024.

    According to court documents, Pita owned and operated Domingos 54 Construction, a subcontracting business for the wood framing of new construction homes. Domingos 54 was a shell construction company that Pita used to provide workers, including undocumented aliens, with construction jobs. However, Pita failed to secure the required workers compensation insurance coverage for these employees by falsifying in worker’s compensation insurance applications the number of workers for which he sought coverage. In addition, Pita failed to pay any federal employment taxes on the wages that these workers earned during the course of the scheme between 2018 and 2022. As a result, Pita caused several worker’s compensation insurance companies to sustain a loss of over $22.7 million in premiums that they could have charged had they been aware of the number of workers which they had been manipulated into covering with their policies. In addition, Pita failed to pay to the IRS over $33.7 million in federal employment taxes on those workers’ wages.

    Between February and July 2019, investigators with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued six citations to Domingos 54 for failure to provide fall protection to workers. Even after being cited for these violations, Pita continued to ignore OSHA requirements. In March 2020, Pita assigned a worker and three other carpenters to install sheeting on the roof of a residential home in windy conditions without providing the required fall-protection gear or ensuring its use. As a result, one of the workers was blown off the roof and died from his injuries.

    The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, ICE Tampa, Florida Department of Financial Services’ Bureau of Insurance Fraud-Criminal Investigations and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay L. Hoffer for the Middle District of Florida and Senior Trial Attorney Banumathi Rangarajan of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lt. Gov. Austin Davis Highlights Investments in Community-Based Programs That Are Making Pennsylvania Safer

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    March 03, 2025 – WEST READING, PA

    Lt. Gov. Austin Davis Highlights Investments in Community-Based Programs That Are Making Pennsylvania Safer

    Lt. Gov. Austin Davis heard today from law enforcement officials, victims service providers and health care workers at Reading Hospital, which recently was awarded more than $600,000 in state grant funding to expand and enhance its hospital-based violence intervention program.

    “Gun violence is something we can – and indeed, must – do something about,” said Davis, who leads the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). “I want to commend local law enforcement for the work you’ve done to reduce the number of homicides in Berks County, but I also know that one act of gun violence is one too many. Every Pennsylvanian deserves to be safe and feel safe, whether you live in West Reading or West Hamburg. We’ve been making progress on the issue of gun violence, in Reading, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and many other cities and communities, but there is still much more work to be done.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Growing Trump-Putin detente could spell trouble for the Arctic

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Duncan Depledge, Senior Lecturer in Geopolitics and Security, Loughborough University

    vitstudio/Shutterstock

    During a wide-ranging 90-minute speech to the US congress of March 4, Donald Trump revisited his determination to “get” Greenland “one way or the other”. Trump said his country needed Greenland “for national security”. While he said he and his government “strongly support your right to determine your own future” he added that “if you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America”.

    Trump’s ambitions regarding Greenland and its considerable mineral wealth are just one of a raft of issues in the first six weeks of his second term that have plunged European global politics into disarray.

    As the White House ramps up the pressure on Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, to allow the US access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth, the US president is also talking about “cutting a deal” with Russian president Vladimir Putin. That deal would not only mean territorial losses for Kyiv, but would prepare the ground for a potentially far-reaching economic partnership between the White House and the Kremlin.

    Currently, Trump and Putin are primarily focused on Ukrainian territory and mineral assets. But discussions have also begun on where else “deals” might be made, including in the Arctic.

    A carve up of the Arctic is an attractive proposition for the two countries given the importance both leaders attach to mineral resource wealth. As in the case of Ukraine, such an approach would reflect Trump’s predisposition for transactional geopolitics at the expense of multilateral approaches.

    In the Arctic, any deal would effectively end the principle of “circumpolar cooperation”. This has, since the end of the cold war, upheld the regional primacy of the eight Arctic states (A8) that have cooperated to solve common challenges.

    Since the Arctic Council was established in 1996, the A8 has worked on issues of environmental protection, sustainable development, human security and scientific collaboration. That harmony has been crucial in an era in which climate change is causing the rapid melting of Arctic ice.

    Notably, the Arctic Council played an instrumental role in negotiating several legally binding treaties. These include agreements on search and rescue (2011), marine oil pollution preparedness (2013) and scientific cooperation (2017). It also supported the Central Arctic Ocean fisheries agreement (CAO) signed in 2018 by the Arctic Ocean states with Iceland, the EU, China, Japan and South Korea.

    The Arctic Council – and more broadly, circumpolar cooperation – withstood the geopolitical aftershocks of Russia’s seizure of Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine between 2014 and 2015. But Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine left trust teetering on the precipice.

    Within a month, European and North American members had pressed pause on regular meetings of the Arctic Council and its scientific working groups, isolating Moscow. Some activity eventually resumed at the working group level in virtual formats, but full engagement with Russia has remained conditional on a military withdrawal from Ukraine. Meanwhile, hefty sanctions were imposed by the US and Europe, including targeting Russian Arctic energy projects.

    Russia’s response was to enhance its relationships with others. Countries such as Brazil, India, Turkey and Saudi Arabia now work with Russia in the Arctic on commercial and scientific projects. This pivot raised concerns among Nato allies about a stronger and challenging Russia-China presence across the Arctic. But the second Trump administration has changed the calculus. There’s now the threat of a new Arctic order based on the primacy – not of the A8 – but on a reset of US-Russia relations.

    Change of focus

    Trump’s signing of an executive order on February 4 to determine whether to withdraw support from international institutions may lead the White House to conclude there is no place for the Arctic Council. Its longstanding focus on climate change and environmental protection is anathema to the Trump administration, which has already withdrawn from the Paris agreement and is destroying domestic climate-related science programmes.

    Climate change is bringing increased competition for access to valuable resources.
    Peter Hermes Furian/Shutterstock

    The longstanding commitment of the A8 to circumpolar cooperation, or even a narrow A5 (Canada, Denmark, Norway, Russia and the US) view of the primacy of the Arctic Ocean coastal states, is likely to be dismissed by the White House, which favours the embrace of great power politics. While many have warned that the Arctic Council can’t survive without Russia, losing US interest and support would surely be its death knell.

    In this landscape of “America first”, the prospect of Washington and Moscow dividing the Arctic and its resources seems increasingly realistic. In such a situation, the international treaties signed by the A8, and the CAO may also be at risk. Denmark may find itself excluded altogether from Arctic affairs if Trump gets his way over Greenland. At any rate, all the Nordic Arctic states are likely to struggle to make their voices in the region heard.

    A key question for European Nato and EU members is whether Trump would worry about Russian dominance in the European Arctic if it brought US-Russia economic cooperation to extract the region’s wealth? Might Trump even be supportive of Russian attempts to revisit the terms of the 1920 Spitsbergen Treaty, which ultimately gave Norway sovereignty over the Arctic archipelago (albeit with some limitations), if that too meant jointly unlocking Svalbard’s mineral resources let alone the wealth of the Arctic seabed?

    What room, if any, would a deal leave for Indigenous people to be heard, or for international scientific collaboration on critical challenges related to climate and biodiversity?

    If we have learned anything in the tumult of recent weeks, it is that European countries, individually and collectively, struggle to exercise strategic influence over contemporary geopolitical events. If Trump and Putin do begin negotiations over the Arctic, Europe may simply have to accept the end of the Arctic Council and circumpolar cooperation.

    Climate science, environmental protection, sustainable development and the ability of Indigenous people to decide their future would all suffer. The UK and Europe meanwhile will be left to consider what, if anything, can be done to defend Arctic interests.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Growing Trump-Putin detente could spell trouble for the Arctic – https://theconversation.com/growing-trump-putin-detente-could-spell-trouble-for-the-arctic-251386

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Statement Ahead of President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) issued a statement regarding President Donald Trump’s upcoming joint address to Congress.
    “Last November, the American people delivered a mandate for President Trump to secure the border, scrutinize federal spending, restore American leadership, end the politicization of the Justice Department and bring common sense to Washington.
    “Since returning to office, President Trump has swept through Washington like a hurricane. He’s making necessary changes to hold bureaucrats accountable, save taxpayer dollars and end the radical Biden-Harris policies that weakened our country. 
    “I look forward to listening to President Trump tonight as he discusses the many ways he’s delivering for the American people, including through his efforts to secure our southern border and crack down on deadly fentanyl. I also hope he’ll take time to outline his support for family farmers, who make up just 2% of the population, yet produce enough to feed the other 98%.
    “In Congress, Republicans will keep working with the president to strengthen our military, economy and border security.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, McConnell Introduce Legislation to Enhance Accountability at Federal Prisons

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) reintroduced the Federal Prisons Accountability Act. The legislation would bring greater accountability to federal prisons by requiring the Director of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to be confirmed by the Senate. Currently, the BOP Director is not subject to Senate confirmation, despite having significant authority over taxpayer dollars and federal personnel.
    “The Director of the Bureau of Prisons oversees a massive budget and thousands of employees, including many Iowans. It’s a significant responsibility that requires serious oversight to protect inmates and employees from mismanagement or abuse. Requiring the BOP Director to face Senate confirmation would bring much needed transparency and accountability to the federal prison system,” Grassley said.
    “The Senate plays a vital role in staffing the federal government, evaluating the qualifications of more than a thousand presidential nominees to ensure transparency and accountability. The Director of the Bureau of Prisons oversees thousands of employees and a multi-billion-dollar budget, and should be subject to Senate review and confirmation as well. Our bill would extend the Senate’s advice and consent role to the Bureau of Prisons Director and expand supervision over this federal agency. The thousands of Americans – and hundreds of Kentuckians – employed by the Bureau of Prisons deserve Senate oversight and an added layer of protection from harm,” McConnell said.
    Background:
    The Federal Prisons Accountability Act of 2025 would require the President to appoint the BOP Director with the advice and consent of the Senate. The legislation would also limit a BOP Director’s tenure to a single, 10-year term.
    Unlike most Department of Justice (DOJ) administrators and directors, the BOP Director is appointed by the Attorney General – not the President – without Senate consideration. The BOP Director supervises the federal prison employees who serve in over 120 facilities across the country. This legislation would subject the Director to the same congressional scrutiny as other top law enforcement agency chiefs within the DOJ, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation Director, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives Director and the Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Durbin Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Curb Food Waste

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced the bipartisan Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act to prevent and reduce food waste across the country. Each year, the U.S. produces and imports 237 million tons of food, but 31 percent of this food is never sold or eaten, while millions of Americans experience food insecurity.
    “Too many families suffer from food insecurity. The Iowa Waste Reduction Center at the University of Northern Iowa has demonstrated the economic and environmental benefits of reducing food waste, and Congress should act to build on this impactful work. Our legislation would recognize businesses for using excess food responsibly and incentivize others to improve their practices,” Grassley said.
    “While millions of Americans face food insecurity, millions of tons of food waste end up in landfills every year and contribute to methane emissions that drive the climate crisis. We must address these crises for the sake of hungry families, our economy and our environment. Today, I’m reintroducing the bipartisan Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act with Senator Grassley to move our country toward more conscious consumption and curbing food waste,” Durbin said.
    “Food waste continues to be a national concern for our communities, especially here in Iowa, where 22 percent of all waste going to our landfills is food. We look forward to working with Senators Durbin and Grassley to support the Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act through our continued initiatives at the Iowa Waste Reduction Center,” said Mark Nook, President of the University of Northern Iowa.
    Specifically, the Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act would establish a “Food Loss and Waste Reduction Certification,” and direct the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to create:
    Criteria, which businesses and organizations would have to meet to receive a Food Loss and Waste Reduction Certification;
    A verification process, to confirm that businesses and organizations have achieved the criteria; and
    A label, which certified businesses and organizations would be authorized to use on their products, buildings and websites.
    The “Food Loss and Waste Reduction Certification” would be similar to existing certifications, such as ENERGY STAR and the BioPreferred Program. The Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act would direct USDA to promote the certification to ensure that consumers are informed about which businesses and organizations have received it.
    The Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act has support from the University of Northern Iowa, National Restaurant Association and Consumer Brands Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic, World Wildlife Fund, Too Good To Go, Kellanova and FMI – The Food Industry Association.
    Background:
    Food waste has significant economic, environmental and social impacts. More than $440 billion is spent annually to produce and dispose of food that is never consumed or sold. Sending uneaten food to landfills or incinerators uses up more than 20 trillion liters of water, which is equivalent to the annual water use of 50 million homes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    Additionally, just one-third of food waste, if saved from disposal, could feed the 47 million Americans, including 14 million children, who are suffering from food insecurity, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Coons Reignite Effort to Bolster Mental Health Services for First Responders

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    Download audio HERE.
    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Committee member Chris Coons (D-Del.) are reintroducing bipartisan legislation to help enhance mental health services for first responders nationwide. The Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Act (S.825) would direct the Justice Department (DOJ) to develop treatment programs for police, fire, emergency medical and 911 personnel who suffer from PTSD or acute stress disorders. The bill unanimously passed the Senate last Congress.
    “Americans rely on first responders and dispatchers in times of crisis. However, first responders’ high-stakes work can quietly take a toll,” Grassley said. “Our bipartisan bill takes an essential step towards ensuring first responders in Iowa and across the country have ready access to the care they need and deserve.”
    “As co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, I will continue to stand behind our first responders and ensure they are supported when they sacrifice their well-being for our communities’ safety,” Coons said. “These heroic public servants in Delaware and across America suffer significantly higher rates of PTSD, depression, and suicidal ideation than the general population. I’m proud to support the Fighting PTSD Act because we cannot wait to address this crisis.”
    Additional cosponsors include Sens. Todd Young (R-Ind.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.).
    The Fighting PTSD Act is endorsed by Major County Sheriffs of America, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and the Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD.
    Find bill text HERE. Click HERE to download audio of Grassley discussing the legislation.
    Background:
    It’s estimated 30 percent of first responders will develop a mental health condition at some point in their lives. The Fighting PTSD Act would require the DOJ to work hand-in-hand with stakeholders to establish evidence-based treatment programs for first responders across the country – similar to mental health services available to military personnel.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Run Safe, Run Well’ information event in Craigavon

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    (L-R) Diane Cordner (World Triathlon Level 2 Coach and Advanced Sport Nutrition Advisor.); Gail McComiskey (Movement Matters NI); Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Kyle Savage; Constable Victoria Elliot (PSNI); Patricia Gibson (PCSP Manager); Constable Diarmuid Sands (PSNI) and Lynette Cooke (PCSP Development Manager).

    Over 100 people attended the ‘Run Safe, Run Well’ event to highlight personal safety while running and the importance of good nutrition to support performance, injury prevention and recovery.

    The event was organised by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) along with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Sports Development team and PSNI.

    Whether it’s for fun, to be active or to run competitively, running is a hugely popular activity for people of all ages and abilities across the borough. Each week hundreds of people join a running community to take on the local parkrun at Armagh, Craigavon and Lurgan.

    Speaking at the event, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Kyle Savage said:

    “One of the Council’s key goals is to create ‘a happy, healthy and connected community’. This event is an important step towards achieving that vision, however personal safety while out running remains a real concern, particularly for females.

    “Tonight’s event has been a great opportunity to raise awareness about staying safe and how to report issues and concerns. The nutrition advice and tips will also go a long way to supporting people in their journey to lead fitter and healthier lives.”

    Representatives from Lurgan and Armagh Neighbourhood Policing teams and PSNI were on hand to offer advice and guidance on risk aversion, particularly when running alone.

    Local World Triathlon Level 2 Coach and Advanced Sport Nutrition Advisor Diane Cordner shared tips and advice on the importance of a healthy balanced diet and its role in performance and recovery.

    Gail McComiskey from Movement Matters NI, shared valuable insights into how to reduce injuries while running and how to support recovery.

    Closing the event, Chair of PCSP, Alderman Mark Baxter said: “It has been fantastic to welcome everyone along to this event. I wish to extend a very special thank you to our guest speakers who delivered lots of key messages on the importance of staying safe, healthy and active, and our local independent retailers and exhibitors who generously sponsored spot prizes.”

    The event was supported by local business including McKeever Sports, Armagh Sports and Trophies, Donaghy’s and support service Start 360!

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: No More Knives tour visits city’s secondary schools

    Source: City of Coventry

    Four secondary schools in Coventry have been taking part in a national No More Knives tour provided by The Message Trust.

    The No More Knives tour is an award-winning initiative aimed at tackling knife crime among young people and is making a powerful impact in schools across the UK. 

    The project has been touring some of the city’s secondary schools this week. 

    Sessions are run which allow students to listen to first-hand stories from those who have been involved in knife crime. It also combines storytelling with music and education for an impactful session that highlights the devastating impact of knife crime. Each session provides students with the knowledge and confidence they need to say “no” to knives and make positive choices.

    The schools taking in the tour include, Blue Coat Church of England, West Coventry Academy, Coundon Court and Sidney Stringer. 

    Partners involved include the Council, Coventry Police, Hope Coventry – representing local churches and The Message Trust, and the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership.

    The work forms part of Coventry’s campaign to be a child friendly city – called Child Friendly Cov – and to enable children and young people to have their voice heard in matters that affect them. 

    Cllr Pat Seaman Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at the Council, said:

    “We are really ambitious for Coventry to be the best city in the UK for children to grow up in. Child Friendly Cov aims to create a child and young person friendly city, ensuring that Coventry is a place where children and young people are valued, supported, and enjoy themselves.

    “The No More Knives tour tackles such an important issue for young people, and it is a chance for them to explore the issues and help put into practise the positive messages highlighted in the tour.”

    Paul Drover, Police Commander, Coventry Local Policing Area, added: 

    “Knife crime has hit the headlines in recent years and all the communities in Coventry must work together to protect our children and young people from becoming involved, the police cannot tackle this problem alone.”

    The Message Trust is a Christian charity with over 30 years’ experience of school’s work, who are passionate about young people knowing their true worth and identity.

    Sam Ward, CEO of the Message Trust, said: “Knife crime and its devasting impact is sadly never far from the headlines today, but we know there is a better way. Though the No More Knives tour we want to tell young people how knives aren’t the answer, equip them with the skills they need to say ‘no’ and let them know there is hope.” 

    Steve Elton, HOPE Coventry, added: “It has been wonderful to partner with the local police, council, churches and schools in being able to bring the Message Trust and their No More Knives tour into the city for the second time!

    “The 2024 tour was a great success, with students and teachers in the three schools commending the empowering message and engaging delivery around the emotive, challenging and important subject of knife crime. We are expectant that this years tour will have the same notable impact as it plays its part alongside the excellent work already taking place in this area, as we stand together, with young people across Coventry to say ‘No More Knives’ in our city!” 

    Funding was provided for the tour by the Council, Hope Coventry and The Message Trust.

    Feedback from schools so far:

    Lou Peet, Blue Coat School Chaplain, said:

    “Seeing our young people so engaged and interactive today has been a joy… To see our students genuinely contemplative, reflecting, and willing to pledge to never carry a knife is a precious and potentially life-saving thing.”

    “I feel a lot more safer knowing that a lot more kids would agree to not carrying a knife.” – Olivia, Year 7 student.

    “I really enjoyed it. The music was exciting and gave a positive spin on a difficult topic.”- Holly, Year 7 Student.

    “What a wonderful, inspiring, interactive experience for our students. The buzz around school was heart-warming! The messages were loud and clear and so well received by all students and staff. Thank you so much for this fantastic opportunity.” – Mrs Claire Franklin, Safeguarding Lead

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Attorney Durham Launches the Eastern District of New York’s Transnational Criminal Organizations Strike Force

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    Strike Force Focuses on Dismantling Cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations

    U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York John J. Durham announced today the creation and launch of the Eastern District of New York’s Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) Strike Force. Capitalizing on the Office’s preeminence in this area, the Strike Force will focus on investigating, prosecuting and dismantling cartels and TCOs, and their senior leadership by bringing charges that include terrorism, racketeering and operating a continuing criminal enterprise.

    “I am establishing this Strike Force with immense pride in what this Office has already accomplished, as well as the knowledge that there is much more work to be done in the fight against TCOs,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “Because of my Office’s significant experience and expertise in this area, we have a responsibility to our community and our country to dismantle these ruthless organizations from the top down in order to stop the violence, flow of drugs, and dangers they unleash in our District and across the nation.”

    For more than two decades, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York has been a nationwide leader in prosecuting many of the most significant TCOs in the country and the world, including innovative indictments of the highest-ranking international leaders of the La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), Sinaloa Cartel, Guadalajara Cartel, Juarez Cartel, H-2 Drug Cartel, Clan de Golfo and others.  In addition, this Office has investigated and prosecuted numerous other TCOs that have a significant operating presence in our district, including the Trinitarios, 18th Street and, more recently, Tren de Aragua (TdA). Notably, United States Attorney Durham has been at the forefront of these prosecutions, leading and serving on the Attorney General’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force Subcommittee for MS-13 and directing Joint Task Force Vulcan, while other AUSAs in the Office have served on the subcommittees for Sinaloa, Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) Cartel, Hezbollah and Clan de Golfo.

    Consistent with the Attorney General’s memorandum titled “TOTAL ELIMINATION OF CARTELS AND TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS” issued on February 5, 2025, which provided further guidance regarding President Trump’s January 20, 2025 Executive Order regarding TCOs such as TdA and MS-13, the Strike Force’s mission is as follows:

    • Investigating, prosecuting and dismantling cartels and TCOs, with a particular focus on their senior leadership and management, including without limitation: Mexican drug cartels such as the Sinaloa, H-2, Juarez, CJNG and Clan de Golfo cartels, and TCOs that have a significant operating presence in the District, such as MS-13, the Trinitarios, the 18th Street gang and TdA.   

    • Disrupting the criminal activities of TCOs, particularly those operating in the United States and/or that impact United States victims at home or abroad, including TCOs engaged in criminal activity involving terrorism; racketeering; drug trafficking, particularly with respect to fentanyl and fentanyl precursors; violent crime; human trafficking and smuggling; corruption of foreign officials; money laundering; immigration crimes; and fraud and cybercrime schemes.

    • Identifying the sources and methods of illicit funds related to TCO financing and profits, and seizing and forfeiting bank accounts, digital assets, real property and other assets that are criminally derived, commingled with criminal proceeds, or otherwise involved in money laundering by or in support of TCOs.

    • Coordinating the investigative efforts of the Office’s federal law enforcement partners in the Eastern District and beyond, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service, as well as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program (HIDTA), state and local police departments and district attorneys’ offices.

    • Strengthening the Office’s partnerships and coordination with other Department of Justice components, including the National Security Division, Criminal Division, Joint Task Force Vulcan, Joint Task Force 10-7, Joint Task Force Alpha, OCDETF, MLARS, NDDS, OIA and other United States Attorney’s Offices. 

    The Chief of the International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section Francisco J. Navarro has been selected to serve as Director of the EDNY TCO Strike Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan E. Farrell and Gabriel Park have been selected as Deputy Directors.  In addition, the Strike Force will have at least one representative from each section of the Office’s Criminal Division to capitalize on existing experience, coordinate strategic focus and maximize resources to make an even more significant impact combatting TCOs. The Strike Force will also include OCDETF-designated AUSAs, Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) coordinators, as well as a designated representative from the Civil Division to ensure the Strike Force leverages civil remedies as appropriate.  The Strike Force will also coordinate closely with the Office’s Immigration Enforcement Working Group.

    Francisco J. Navarro

    AUSA Navarro joined the Department in 2013 and the Office in 2018 after serving as an AUSA in the District of New Jersey.  He has been in charge of INML since April 2023.  He received his B.A. from Boston University and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.

    AUSA Navarro has prosecuted several significant narcotics, national security and material support cases.  He has also prosecuted significant white collar cases involving sanctions evasion, money laundering and the Bank Secrecy Act.  For example,  AUSA Navarro is part of the team prosecuting Rafael Caro Quintero for leading a continuing criminal enterprise, including his role in the kidnapping, torture and murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.  He is also leading the team prosecuting Ismael Zambada Garcia (aka “El Mayo”) for his founding and two-decade leadership of the Sinaloa Cartel—a continuing criminal enterprise—and one of the most violent and powerful drug cartels in the world.  In United States v. Usuga David, et al., he led the team that obtained a 45-year prison sentence against Dairo Usuga David (aka “Otoniel”) who was the supreme leader of the Clan del Golfo and was considered the most dangerous narco-terrorist in Colombia since Pablo Escobar.  AUSA Navarro also led the team that obtained the first indictments in the nation against Chinese chemical manufacturing companies and employees for importing fentanyl precursors into the United States and working with Mexican cartels to manufacture and distribute fentanyl in the United States.  In addition, AUSA Navarro is also leading the prosecution of Mohammad Bazzi, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist and financier for Hizballah, a foreign terrorist organization on sanctions evasion and money laundering charges.  AUSA Navarro has been involved in multiple prosecutions of individuals and institutions for failing to follow United States laws regarding maintaining effective anti-money laundering programs, the prohibition on the provision of material support to designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations, or other financial regulations.

    Megan E. Farrell

    AUSA Farrell joined the Office in 2018, and currently serves in the Office’s Long Island Criminal Section.  She is one of the Office’s Human Trafficking Coordinators and previously served as an Acting Deputy Chief in the Office’s General Crimes Section.  She received her B.A. from Boston College and her J.D. from St. John’s University.

    AUSA Farrell has prosecuted significant organized crime, gang and sex trafficking cases during her time in the Office.  In United States v. Canales-Rivera et al. and United States v. Arevalo-Chavez et al., she is part of the team prosecuting the highest-ranking members of MS-13’s international command and control structure, including the body known as the Ranfla Nacional, with charges that include conspiracy to provide and conceal material support to terrorists, conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, conspiracy to finance terrorism and narco-terrorism conspiracy.  In United States v. Alexi Saenz et al., AUSA Farrell was part of a team that secured the convictions of two MS-13 defendants to racketeering and other charges in connection with eight murders.  In United States v. Blanco et al., she was a member of the team that secured the convictions of three high-ranking MS-13 gang members to racketeering charges in connection with nine murders.  In United States v. Escobar, AUSA Farrell was part of the team that secured a sentence of 50 years after the defendant was convicted on April 8, 2022, following a four-week trial, of racketeering, including predicate acts of murder, conspiracy to murder rival gang members, and obstruction of justice and murder in aid-of racketeering, in relation to the deaths of four young men who were hacked to death with machetes and other sharp objects by  more than a dozen MS-13 members and associates after Escobar lured them to a local park in 2017.  In United States v. Lampley-Reid, AUSA Farrell was part of the team leading to a Bloods gang member being sentenced to 23 years in prison for sex trafficking of minors.  Additionally, AUSA Farrell is part of the team charging former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch and two other individuals with sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.

    Gabriel Park

    AUSA Park joined the Office in 2022 after serving in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps.  He received his B.A. from Wake Forest University and his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and clerked for the Honorable Dora L. Irizarry.  He currently serves in the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section.

    AUSA Park has prosecuted significant violent organized crime and gang cases.  In United States v. Yu, he was part of the prosecution team that convicted two defendants who were subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment in a murder-for-hire scheme of a perceived business rival, and in the related case United States v. Abreu, AUSA Park was on the prosecution team that convicted a third defendant for his role in the murder-for-hire scheme.  In United States v. Thompson, AUSA Park was on the prosecution team that convicted a Long Island man who was later sentenced to 30 years in prison for drug trafficking, distribution of fentanyl that resulted in a death and illegal possession of firearms.    

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dominican National Indicted for Illegal Reentry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Dominican national was arraigned yesterday for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

    Melvin Villar, 60, of Lawrence, Mass., was charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.

    Villar was arrested by immigration authorities on Feb. 2, 2025, at the Essex County House of Correction in Middleton. Villar was previously convicted of unlawful reentry in February 2021 in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts.  

    The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant will be subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi Appoints Steven D. Weinhoeft as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi has appointed Steven D. Weinhoeft to serve as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. Weinhoeft, returns to the role he held from 2018 to 2022, bringing decades of experience in federal law enforcement and complex litigation to the position.

    “I am honored and excited to return to this role to serve the people of the Southern District of Illinois,” said Weinhoeft. “I look forward to working with Attorney General Bondi, our talented team, and our law enforcement partners to uphold the rule of law with integrity and resolve.”

    Weinhoeft has served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois since February 2008, holding multiple leadership roles, including United States Attorney (2018–2022), First Assistant U.S. Attorney, Chief of the Criminal Division, and Supervisor of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and Dangerous Drugs Division.

    Weinhoeft has built a career spanning nearly 29 years. Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he spent more than a decade at the Sangamon County (Ill.) State’s Attorney’s Office, including serving as its First Assistant State’s Attorney and Chief of the Criminal Division. He has significant trial experience, and his expertise includes broad areas of state and federal law, including violent crime, multi-district and international drug conspiracies, public corruption, national security, and complex financial crimes. He has technical experience serving as the office’s criminal Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Coordinator. He also serves as the Digital Asset Coordinator with specialized expertise in cryptocurrency and blockchain issues.

    The Southern District of Illinois covers 38 counties in southern Illinois and serves approximately 1.2 million people. The district has offices in East St. Louis, Benton, and Fairview Heights.

    As U.S. Attorney, Weinhoeft will again serve as the chief federal law enforcement official representing the United States in all civil and criminal litigation. His appointment took effect on Feb. 28, 2025, and he was formally sworn into the position by Chief United States District Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel at a ceremony Monday.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police follow new lead in West Coast cold case investigation

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Tasman Police are following a new lead believed to be the last sighting of David John Robinson before his execution-style murder in 1998.

    The new last sighting, and other new leads, has breathed renewed energy into the 26 year-old investigation.

    The homicide investigation was launched on 28 December after 25-year-old David’s body was located on a remote West Coast beach near Ross. The investigation remained open but unresolved, until Police reopened the investigation in mid-February.

    And the investigation team has been making progress.

    Detective Inspector Geoff Baber says after conducting further interviews and new information coming to light, Police have identified new avenues and opportunities to solve David’s murder.

    “We have spoken with a witness who reports they saw David on a street corner at the northern end of Bold Head Road near Kakapotahi, a day before the single reported gunshot was heard through the area between 14 and 18 December.

    “They have also reported seeing David in the passenger seat of a green coloured 4×4 vehicle travelling in the settlement hours following the street corner sighting.”

    This information is crucial as David’s last movements were never confirmed in the original investigation.

    “We now have a better understanding of his whereabouts and can confirm he was in the Kakapotahi area in the lead up to his death,” says Detective Inspector Baber.

    Before this new information, the last confirmed sighting of David was in the beginning of November 1998 when he was arrested by Police in Haast for theft.

    “We have a responsibility in helping David’s family find the truth behind his death, and this information brings us closer to doing so.

    “If you know who may have owned or drove a green coloured 4×4 vehicle around 1998 in the Kakapotahi and Ross areas, please do not hesitate to contact the investigation team.”

    It is not too late to provide David’s family with answers – if you know something, we encourage you to come forward and speak with us.

    If you have information that could help Police’s investigation, please email us via the Cold Case form on the New Zealand Police website, or call 105 and reference the case number 231129/2221.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Continued appeal following death of man in Islington

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Officers investigating the death of Fredi Rivero in Islington last week are continuing to appeal for witnesses.

    Police were called to Seven Sister’s Road, close to the junction of Holloway Road at 23:35hrs on Thursday, 27 February following reports of Fredi being located with serious injuries.

    Fredi, 75 was taken to hospital where he sadly died on Friday, 28 February. His family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

    Three teenage girls, aged 14, 16 and 17 have been charged with manslaughter in connection with Fredi’s death.

    Investigating officers are now in the positon to release a CCTV image of Fredi Rivero, showing what he was last seen wearing.

    Detective Inspector Devan Taylor from Specialist Crime North said:

    “Fredi Rivero was a much loved father, whose family are devastated by his death. I also know his death has also shocked this tight-knit community.

    “Three girls have been charged in connection with this investigation and we continue at pace with our enquiries.

    “If you remember seeing Fredi or have any information which could support with the investigation, please contact us.

    Information can be submitted via the Major Incident Public Portal using the following link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25X45-PO1

    Alternatively, please call police on 101 with the reference CAD8184/27 Feb.

    You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 if you want to remain anonymous.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE arrests violent criminal alien outside Northampton Prison without cooperation from prison officials

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Amilcar Josue Villalvir Mendez, a citizen of Honduras, at the Northampton County Prison in Easton, Feb. 27. Prison officials failed to honor an immigration detainer and turn Villalvir over to ICE officials within the security of the prison, thus risking the safety of the public, the officers and Villalvir himself. Villalvir is a criminal alien with prior convictions for aggravated assault, theft by unlawful taking, possession of marijuana, speeding more than 25 MPH over the speed limit and retail theft.

    “The arrest of Amilcar Josue Villalvir Mendez highlights the crucial importance of local and federal law enforcement cooperation in ensuring public safety. Northampton County choosing to place politics over safety instead of honoring our detainer, put everyone involved at unnecessary risk,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Brian McShane. “We urge all jurisdictions to prioritize the safety of their residents by honoring immigration detainers and working collaboratively with us. Our commitment to enforcing immigration laws and protecting public safety remains unwavering, and we will continue to pursue justice for those who violate our nation’s laws.”

    Villalvir was arrested by the Palmer Township Police Department Sept. 27, 2021, for aggravated assault, simple assault, and harassment after police were dispatched to a residence for a report of a domestic disturbance. Villalvir pled guilty March 31, 2002, in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas to aggravated assault and was sentenced to six to 23 months confinement. He was resentenced to one year to 23 months less two days confinement after violating the original terms.

    Villalvir was arrested again by the Palmer Township Police Department for access device fraud, theft by unlawful taking, and receiving stolen property on Feb. 26, 2024. His girlfriend, the previous assault victim, died of a drug overdose Oct. 29, 2023, and the next day, just hours after she had passed away, Villalvir was observed on video surveillance withdrawing money from her bank account at an ATM. Villalvir pled guilty to theft by unlawful taking in the Northampton County Magisterial District Court.

    Members of the public with information 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 Philadelphia’s mission to increase public safety in our Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia communities on X: @EROPhiladelphia

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Illegal alien indicted for conspiracy to transport other aliens and possession with intent to distribute heroin, following ICE, joint law enforcement partner investigation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Last week, a grand jury returned an indictment against Edgar Guadalupe Jimenez-Aguilar, an illegal alien living in Phoenix, for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and possession with intent to distribute heroin, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, United States Border Patrol Alien Smuggling Unit – Tucson Sector, Casa Grande, Pinal and Pima County Sheriff Departments and other law enforcement partners.

    ICE and United States Border Patrol agents identified Jimenez-Aguilar as a load driver who picked up illegal aliens in desert areas in Pinal and Pima Counties and transported them to Phoenix. Jimenez-Aguilar also operated a stash house in Phoenix used to harbor the aliens and assumed a coordinator role by recruiting others to act as load drivers.

    “This indictment highlights the disturbing reality that individuals like Jimenez-Aquilar are prioritizing personal profit over human lives. By trafficking heroin and exploiting vulnerable individuals through illegal smuggling operations, he has shown a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of others,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Arizona Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola. “ICE is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt these dangerous networks and ensure that those who exploit people for financial gain are brought to justice.”

    From late 2024 through January 2025, agents interviewed other load drivers arrested for transporting illegal aliens, who admitted Jimenez-Aguilar had recruited them. The agents also conducted surveillance on Jimenez-Aguilar and his stash house. On Oct. 3, 2024, officers with the Tohono O’odham Police Department stopped a vehicle and determined four passengers, including two in the trunk of the vehicle, were aliens who were in the United States illegally.

    Officers learned that the driver had been recruited on social media, had participated in multiple prior smuggling ventures, and had been to Jimenez-Aguilar’s stash house to unload the aliens. On Jan. 28, agents stopped a Jeep Grand Cherokee in Mesa and identified the driver as Jimenez-Aguilar via his Sonoran driver’s license. Inside the vehicle, agents located approximately 297 grams of black tar heroin.

    Possession with intent to distribute heroin carries a minimum penalty of five years and up to 40 years in prison, as well as a fine of up to $5,000,000. Conspiracy to transport illegal aliens carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

    An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Kubota, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

    Report suspicious criminal activity to the ICE Tip Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Watson Lake — Watson Lake RCMP locate stolen vehicle, make an arrest

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Following an investigation involving collaboration between the Whitehorse, Teslin and Watson Lake RCMP detachments, an RCMP officer from Watson Lake successfully used a tire deflation device, resulting in the arrest of a suspect in a vehicle theft.

    On March 3, 2025 at 3:28 pm Whitehorse RCMP received a report of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was located on the Alaska Highway driving south through Teslin. Traffic stops were initiated by both the Teslin and Watson Lake RCMP however the vehicle failed to stop for police.

    A Watson Lake officer set up a tire deflation device at the Alaska and Cassiar Highway Junction in order to stop the vehicle safely. While in the action of deploying the device, the suspect vehicle swerved at the officer who was able to escape from the path of the vehicle. The suspect vehicle continued south and the driver attempted to flee once the vehicle was disabled; he eventually gave up to police commands when hampered by the deep snow. He was taken into custody without further incident.

    38-year-old Corey Letendre, a resident of Alberta was charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code of Canada: Theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, assault on a police officer with a weapon (a motor vehicle) and pursuit involved flight from the police. Mr. Letendre has been remanded and set to attend court in Whitehorse on March 6, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two men charged with murder of man in 1984

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two men have been charged with murder in connection with an investigation into the death of Anthony Littler in 1984.

    Anthony Littler, 45 was found with serious injuries close to East End Road, Each Finchley on 1 May 1984. He sadly died at the scene.

    Enquiries into Anthony’s death have remained ongoing within Met Police’s Specialist Crime Unit and his family continue to be supported.

    Two men were originally arrested on Thursday, 21 March 2024.

    Michael Stewart, 55 (11.04.1969) of Station Road, EN5 and Anthony Stewart, 59 (19.11.1965) of Old Farm Road, N29 have since been charged with murder.

    They have been remanded into custody and will appear at Willesden Magistrates Court on Thursday, 6 March.

    Three men who were previously arrested on suspicion of murder remain under investigation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Introduces Legislation to Modernize Broken Mining Law, Protect Public Lands and Taxpayers

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    Luján Bill Would Update the 1872 Mining Law Which Has Led to Significant Waste, Fraud, and Abuse

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the Mining Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Prevention Act of 2025, legislation that would reform the broken 1872 Mining Law. Failure to update the 1872 Mining Law has allowed mining companies to exploit public resources for free, pass environmental costs onto taxpayers, and engage in speculation with minimal government oversight. Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) leads companion legislation in the House.

    Senator Luján’s bill would update the 153-year-old law by eliminating patenting of federal lands, imposing a federal minerals royalty, establishing a Hardrock Minerals Reclamation Fund for the cleanup of abandoned mines, and requiring a review of certain lands within three years to determine if they should be available for future mining claims.

    “Elon Musk and President Trump are putting a chainsaw to our federal workforce and public lands protections. If Republicans were serious about eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, they would join me in reforming this Civil War-era mining law that has allowed mining companies to exploit our gold, silver, and critical minerals from public lands without paying their fair share and stiffing the American taxpayer with the cleanup costs. It’s far past time that we update this law to crack down on actual waste, fraud, and abuse,” said Senator Luján. “I am proud to lead this legislation to modernize the broken 1872 Mining Law to reduce waste, protect taxpayers, generate revenue, and protect public lands. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this legislation passed.”

    “For more than a century and a half, the mining industry has operated under an outdated, free-for-all system that gives them carte blanche to pollute and destroy, while American taxpayers get stuck with the cleanup bill. Under the Mining Law of 1872, foreign-owned companies, even companies controlled by our adversaries with egregious track records of human rights abuses and environmental harms, can mine our publicly-owned minerals. These companies then ship our minerals abroad without paying a cent back to the American people or even committing for these minerals to support the U.S. economy. It’s past time to reject this harmful status quo and move forward with commonsense reforms that protect Americans and ensure a more responsible, accountable mining industry that actually benefits Americans,” said Representative Grijalva. “Securing the minerals we need for our clean energy future cannot come at the cost of our environment, our health and safety, or tribal sovereignty. I want to thank Senator Luján for lending his leadership to join me in this effort and encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do the same.”

    Specifically, the Mining Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Prevention Act of 2025 would:

    • Require annual rental payments for claimed public land, thereby treating mine operators as other public land users.
    • Set a royalty rate of not less than 5% and not greater than 8% based on the gross income of production on federal land but would not apply to mining operations already in commercial production or those with an approved plan of operations.
    • Revenues would be deposited into a Hardrock Minerals Reclamation Fund for abandoned mine cleanup. Additionally, the Fund would be infused by an abandoned mine reclamation fee of 1% to 3%.
    • Allow the Secretary of the Interior to grant royalty relief to mining operations based on economic factors.
    • Require an exploration permit and mining operations permit for non-casual mining operations on federal land, which would be valid for 30 years and continue as long as commercial production occurs.
    • Permit states, political subdivisions, and tribes to petition the Secretary of the Interior to have lands withdrawn from mining.
    • Require an expedited review of areas that may be inappropriate for mining, and allow specific areas be reviewed for possible withdrawal.

    The Mining Law of 1872 was enacted to promote mineral exploration and development in the western United States. Today, the Civil War-era statute still guarantees broad rights to individuals and corporations, including foreign-owned, to extract minerals from public lands without payment of royalties to the federal government and constrains protections for public health and the environment.

    The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

    The legislation is supported by Earthjustice, Earthworks, Hualapai Tribe, The Wilderness Society, Natural Resources Defense Council, Grand Canyon Trust, Outdoor Alliance, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, the National Parks Conservation Association, and Trout Unlimited.

    Endorsement quotes can be found here.

    Full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council approves ambitious Budget plan

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    New and upgraded schools, a major roads project, continuing investment in the city centre, and increased support for vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens form the basis of Aberdeen City Council’s 2025/26 Budget, which was approved today. 

    The Council is to spend £247 million on schools over the next five years, including £121m on the new Hazlehead Academy. There is a commitment to expand facilities at Harlaw Academy, refurbish St Peter’s Roman Catholic School and Ferryhill Primary, and progress an extension for Bucksburn Academy. 

    To help reduce congestion, £55 million will go to the Berryden Corridor Improvement Project, with work starting next year. In the city centre, £13m will be used to enhance the Castlegate as a public space. 

    The Budget also makes £1.534m available to the Fairer Aberdeen Fund in 2025/26, £1m through the Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee for people struggling with the cost of living, and an extra £9.5m to deliver social care, bringing the Council’s total award to the Integration Joint Board (IJB) to £140m for the coming 12 months. 

    Councillor Alex McLellan, convener of the Finance and Resources Committee, said: “Despite the Council operating in incredibly challenging circumstances, we remain focussed on delivering essential public services and assisting people through the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. 

    “Aberdeen City Council is continuing to invest in the school estate, in roads, and other key infrastructure such as the regeneration of the city centre and beach area. 

    “These actions will ensure Aberdeen continues to be a place people want to live, want to work, want to raise a family, and want to start a business.” 

    The Budget allocates £668m to delivering public services in 2025/26 and £709m to capital projects over the next five years. 

    The Common Good Fund will help provide nearly £1.5m for to 15 external organisations for 2025/26, supporting recommendations put forward by the Culture Investment Panel.  Aberdeen Performing Arts was awarded £961,000.

    Sport Aberdeen, which operates the city’s leisure venues, will receive £4.1m for 2025/26. 

    And the Council will also fund a Cruyff Court in Kincorth – the city’s 4th – in partnership with the Denis Law Legacy Trust.  

    The gap between income and expenditure was estimated at £18.1m for 2025/26. To help address the shortfall and maintain service delivery, Council Tax is to rise by 9.85% in 2025/26. 

    For the next 12 months the Council’s Carbon Budget was set at 22,567 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, a maximum target on the road to Next Zero emissions by 2045.  

    Actions agreed include:  

    • Completing a £19m investment in a Hydrogen Hub, a joint venture with bp to produce and distribute green hydrogen;
    • £9m to enlarge the electric vehicle charging network. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plans for city’s fourth Cruyff Court announced

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Aberdeen’s fourth Cruyff Court will be constructed in Kincorth, it was announced today (5 March) at the Full Council Budget meeting.

    The court will be built on pitches close to the site of the former Kincorth Academy building as part of the ongoing successful partnership comprising Aberdeen City Council, The Denis Law Legacy Trust and The Cruyff Foundation.

    The new facility, once completed, will provide a space for multiple sports that will be free for the local community to use.

    Aberdeen is already one of only two UK cities, the other being London, that has three Cruyff Courts. This additional fourth court will mean the city will equal London’s four Cruyff Courts.

    Convener of Finance and Resources Committee Councillor Alex McLellan said: “This new Cruyff Court will be a real asset for the community of Kincorth and will directly benefit many young people.

    “I’m delighted that we have approved the funding today for what will be Aberdeen’s fourth Cruyff Court and I look forward to working with partners, and the local community, to see the project delivered.”

    Convener of Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee Councillor Miranda Radley said: “This commitment by Aberdeen City Council, to deliver a Cruyff Court in Kincorth, will be a huge benefit to the young people in the area and I look forward to this free to access, accessible sports facility, being delivered for the community of Kincorth.”

    Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer of the Denis Law Legacy Trust said: “It’s exciting to help create and introduce another impactful safe space that will help benefit thousands of people both physically and mentally whilst supporting young people to grow and enjoy friendships at the same time”

    David Suttie, Trustee of the Denis Law Legacy Trust said: “The previous 3 Courts in the city have made a big difference in their communities.  The Partnership with Aberdeen City Councill, the Johan Cruyff Foundation and ourselves continues to be very successful and we all look forward to delivering something special once again.”

    Simon Wood from the Johan Cruyff Foundation said: “It’s great to work with long time partners Denis Law Legacy Trust and Aberdeen City Council again to look at delivering a 4th Cruyff Court to Aberdeen city.”

    The Cruyff Courts are a worldwide project by The Cruyff Foundation with the aim of providing safe spaces for communities to play outside and enjoy the benefits of team games and making new friends.

    The new Cruyff Court in Kincorth will become Aberdeen’s fourth court alongside Cruyff Court Denis Law in Catherine Street, Cruyff Court Neale Cooper in Tullos and Cruyff Court Willie Miller in Tillydrone.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon Sentenced to 2 1/2 Years in Prison for Gun Crime Related to Road Rage Incident

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

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon has been sentenced for illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples.

    U.S. District Court Judge Ann Marie Axon sentenced David Lee Hooker, 53, to 30 months in prison.  In November 2024, Hooker pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm stemming from a road rage incident in Jefferson County.

    This sentence sends a clear message that violent and reckless behavior on our roads will not be tolerated,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who threaten the safety of our communities and endanger innocent lives.”

    “The safety of our communities is a priority,” said Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples, Birmingham Division. “The strong collaboration between FBI Birmingham and our state and local law enforcement partners works as a force multiplier to remove violent offenders from the communities we protect and serve.”

    According to the plea agreement, on April 4, 2023, Hooker was involved in a road rage incident at the intersection of Bessemer Road and BY Williams Sr. Drive. Hooker’s vehicle remained stationary during two cycles of the traffic light, and the individual in the vehicle behind Hooker continued to blow their horn.  When Hooker made a left turn, he pulled to the right side of the roadway. As the driver of the second vehicle drove by, Hooker drove up beside the vehicle and pointed a firearm at the driver.  The driver of the second vehicle then pulled into a nearby parking lot. Hooker followed the driver into the parking lot where he got out of his vehicle and proceeded to walk toward the second vehicle.  A Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office Task Force Officer witnessed this and activated his emergency lights to intervene. Hooker placed the firearm into his front pocket and raised his hands above his head.  The officer recovered a Smith &Wesson 9mm pistol from Hooker.     

    The FBI investigated the case along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Keown, Sr., prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –