Category: Justice

MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Files Amendments To Republicans’ Budget Bill
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
February 20, 2025

WASHINGTON – Ahead of tonight’s vote-a-rama, where Senate Democrats will expose the truth about Republicans’ reconciliation budget bill, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, filed amendments that reflect his priorities as Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee.

“Overnight, Senate Republicans will attempt to advance a budget resolution that clears the way to cut taxes for President Trump and Elon Musk’s billionaire friends. And who will be left holding the bag? American families. Democrats are going to hold the floor into the night to expose how Donald Trump and Republicans have eviscerated so many of our institutions for their billionaire buddies,” Durbin said. “While Donald Trump may preach about corruption, fraud, crime, and grocery prices, here’s the reality: he has rid the government of its independent watchdogs, threatened critical funding for survivors of violent crime, endangered America’s food supply chain with his threats of mass deportations, and continues to purge and reassign senior law enforcement officials at DOJ and FBI—making America less safe.”

Durbin’s amendments include:

Establishes a deficit-neutral reserve fund related to protecting from arrest, detention, or removal noncitizen food and farm laborers who do not present a threat to public safety or national security, and whose removal would create an immediate labor shortage and increase prices of household groceries, such as milk, cheese, eggs, meat, and produce. U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) is a cosponsor of this amendment.

Establishes a deficit-neutral reserve fund related to protecting from mass deportations noncitizens brought to the United States as children who are eligible for DACA. U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Angus King (I-ME) are cosponsors of this amendment.

Establishes a deficit-neutral reserve fund related to protecting Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) personnel who worked on January 6 investigations and prosecutions from being terminated or facing other forms of retribution for their work on these cases.

Establishes a deficit-neutral reserve fund related to protecting DOJ and FBI probationary personnel (staff with one to two years of experience or less) from mass layoffs.

Establishes a deficit-neutral reserve fund related to preventing DOJ and FBI personnel from being forced to participate in mass deportation efforts to the detriment of their work on child sexual abuse material (CSAM) investigations and prosecutions, responding to the fentanyl crisis, preventing violent crime, protecting national security, and responding to terrorism threats.

Establishes a deficit-neutral reserve fund related to ensuring that federal funds for victims of crime, support services for survivors, and victim compensation programs are not subject to further attempted funding freezes.

Establishes a deficit-neutral reserve fund related to protecting certain Violence Against Women Act programs that are tailored to communities, such as Native American and indigenous populations, from being cut due to DOJ’s broad anti-DEI efforts.

Establishes a deficit-neutral reserve fund related to preventing Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency from accessing classified systems, personnel records, investigative records, and prosecutorial records at DOJ and its component agencies.

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MIL OSI USA News –
February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Stresses Need To Remove Big Tech’s Liability Shield To Protect Kids From Online Fentanyl Sales

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

February 20, 2025

During a committee business meeting, Durbin pushed to repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act

WASHINGTON – During an executive business meeting to consider the HALT Fentanyl Act, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke about the importance of allowing people to sue social media companies when they or their loved ones are harmed by online fentanyl sales.

Durbin offered an amendment to the bill to repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which he ultimately withdrew after securing an agreement with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to work together toward this goal.

The executive business meeting concluded without action on the bill.

Key Quotes:

“In just a decade, fentanyl has emerged as the deadliest drug in American history. All it takes is two milligrams—a fraction of the size of a penny—to cause an overdose. There is an overdose crisis in the United States, but we have learned that evidence-based solutions reduce deaths. In fact, in 2023, overdose deaths actually decreased for the first time since 2018—by more than 10 percent.”

“We need to look at every factor that contributed to this reduction. Counseling and treatment, training for first responders, and Naloxone, and other things are making a difference.”

“I appreciate the hard work by the sponsors of the bill we are considering, but we can all agree that the HALT Fentanyl Act will not by itself keep our communities safe.”

“Our law enforcement agencies are on the front lines of the fight to protect Americans. The National Crime Prevention Council estimates eighty percent of teen and young adult fentanyl poisoning can be traced to social media… which means, in my mind, we ought to consider that as part of the solution to reducing fentanyl use.”

“Getting fentanyl off the streets is a herculean task that will require us all to put politics aside and work across the aisle to make this country a healthier, safer place to live.”

“I don’t believe we can deal with fentanyl effectively if we don’t deal with what’s going on on social media. When 80 percent of young children who are victims of fentanyl use social media… we have to deal with it directly. Time and again, social media [companies] have made excuse after excuse that they ‘really want to cooperate with us,’ but they are never there when we need them. We have to move forward directly with this and include [social media regulation] in this effort.”

Video of Durbin’s remarks is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks is available here for TV Stations.

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MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Statement from Justice Department Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

“Today the Department of Justice determined that multiple layers of removal restrictions shielding administrative law judges (ALJs) are unconstitutional.

Unelected and constitutionally unaccountable ALJs have exercised immense power for far too long. In accordance with Supreme Court precedent, the Department is restoring constitutional accountability so that Executive Branch officials answer to the President and to the people.”

MIL Security OSI –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Justice Department Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle

Source: US State of California

“Today the Department of Justice determined that multiple layers of removal restrictions shielding administrative law judges (ALJs) are unconstitutional.

Unelected and constitutionally unaccountable ALJs have exercised immense power for far too long. In accordance with Supreme Court precedent, the Department is restoring constitutional accountability so that Executive Branch officials answer to the President and to the people.”

MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI China: 200 fraud suspects repatriated from Myanmar to China

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

A group of 200 Chinese citizens suspected of involvement in fraud returned to China under the escort of Chinese police on Thursday after being repatriated from Myawaddy in Myanmar. [Photo/Xinhua]
A group of 200 Chinese citizens suspected of involvement in fraud returned to China under the escort of Chinese police on Thursday after being repatriated from Myawaddy in Myanmar.
The suspects were first sent to Thailand’s Mae Sot, which shares a border with Myawaddy, on Thursday, before being flown back to China on several chartered flights. They arrived at an airport in Nanjing, the capital of eastern Jiangsu Province.
The 200 Chinese citizens are the first group of telecom fraud suspects repatriated from Myanmar to China, according to the Ministry of Public Security (MPS).
It added that more than 800 other Chinese fraud suspects are expected to be repatriated in the coming period.
The repatriation of these suspects marks a significant achievement of law enforcement cooperation between China, Myanmar and Thailand against telecom fraud, the ministry said.
According to the ministry, law enforcement authorities from the three countries recently launched a joint operation against telecom fraud in Myawaddy.
In coordination with this effort, Thailand has cut off electricity, internet and fuel supplies to Myawaddy, and strengthened patrols to prevent illegal border crossings by individuals involved in fraud.
Myanmar has deployed forces to raid telecom fraud compounds in Myawaddy, arrested fraud suspects, and rescued Chinese nationals trapped in scam operations.
An official with the ministry said the three countries would institutionalize joint operations to combat telecom fraud and other transnational crimes on a regular basis. The ministry also vowed to continue to dismantle telecom fraud compounds and effectively safeguard the lives and property of Chinese citizens.
Over recent years, Chinese authorities have made coordinated efforts to fight these rampant crimes.
Last month, law enforcement authorities of China, Myanmar and Thailand reached a consensus to further strengthen trilateral law enforcement cooperation, establish a joint anti-crime mechanism, and jointly tackling wire and cyber fraud, human trafficking and other cross-border crimes.
“Fighting online gambling and telecom fraud is a must choice to safeguard the common interests of China and other regional countries, and is what people of all countries want,” said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun at a daily news briefing on Thursday.
Resolutely cracking down on crimes of online gambling and telecom fraud also demonstrates the countries’ commitment to the people-centered development philosophy, said Guo.
Earlier this month, a Chinese court in Zhejiang Province tried 23 defendants including key members of several major telecom fraud groups based in northern Myanmar. They were charged with 11 counts of criminal offences including fraud, intentional homicide, intentional injury, illegal detention, operating casinos, drug trafficking, and organizing prostitution.
A prior official statement emphasized that the handling of the case reflects China’s dedication to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the nation and its citizens.
According to the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, between January and November 2024, China’s procuratorial authorities nationwide charged over 67,000 individuals with telecom and online fraud, up 58.5 percent year-on-year.
Since the launch of a special campaign in July 2023, police have apprehended over 53,000 Chinese suspects involved in telecom and internet fraud operating from northern Myanmar.
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, Benedikt Hofmann, acting regional representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, noted that telecom fraud has expanded rapidly in terms of the number of victims, geographical reach, and financial losses. The UNODC estimates that annual economic losses from such scams in East and Southeast Asia range between 20 billion and 40 billion U.S. dollars.
Noting the recent cooperation between China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including Thailand and Myanmar, Hofmann said this has created “a significant sense of momentum” for international efforts to tackle the issue.
China has provided crucial support to other countries in combating both drug-related crimes and telecom fraud schemes, Hofmann said, suggesting that China’s approach to tackling telecom fraud, including active prevention measures, could provide invaluable experience for other countries.

MIL OSI China News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China intensifies crackdown on prostitution, gambling

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

In 2024, Chinese police resolved over 60,000 criminal cases and 500,000 public order violations involving prostitution, pornography or gambling, amid reinforced efforts to address key public security concerns, the Ministry of Public Security said on Thursday.
Law enforcement agencies conducted large-scale operations targeting online prostitution, illegal gambling and unlawful lotteries, dismantling a significant number of criminal networks and raiding illicit establishments.
A major national operation aimed at curbing rural gambling during the winter and spring months led to the resolution of more than 10,000 criminal cases and 100,000 violations. The initiative contributed to a notable decline in gambling activities in rural areas, the ministry said.
During the summer, authorities zeroed in on illegal gambling related to international football tournaments, uncovering over 800 cases and dismantling 500 gambling rings.
In addition to these efforts, the ministry collaborated with industry regulators to address systemic issues, aiming to reduce the root causes of these crimes and enhance long-term prevention.

MIL OSI China News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Dargaville offenders located

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Dargaville Police have identified offenders involved in a string of burglaries earlier this week.

Enquiries have been underway since three businesses were targeted in the early hours of 18 February.

Whangārei – Kaipara Area Commander, Inspector Maria Nordstrom, says local staff have been investigating.

Burglaries had occurred at a retail store, dairy and petrol station.

“We are treating these three burglaries as linked, and have identified three young people allegedly involved,” Inspector Nordstrom says.

“All three, who are aged between 11 and 15 are being referred to Youth Aid.”

Police are not currently seeking any further offenders over these incidents.

“I’d like to acknowledge our staff who worked quickly to identify those responsible in these cases,” Inspector Nordstrom says.

“Your local Police are continuing to work closely with the local community groups around addressing any concerns and ways to keep yourself safe.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Transcript: Ensuring Accountability for NYC

Source: US State of New York

Governor Kathy Hochul today proposed new actions to restore public trust in New York City government with a sweeping expansion of state oversight and new guardrails to ensure accountability and protect New Yorkers. These actions will require legislative action and would take effect immediately upon passage.

VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).

AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

PHOTOS: The Governor’s Flickr page will post photos of the event here.

A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

Good afternoon. You may be aware that over 24 hours ago, I did not respond very well to the Trump administration posting a photo of the president attired like a king, as well as a message declaring that, indeed, he was the king. He did this when he attempted to undermine the duly elected laws of our state related to congestion pricing.

I reference this again today for one reason. We fought a war, 250 years ago, to depose a king who tried to impose his will on a young country. We don’t have a king today because it conflicts with the very genius of a democracy where the voices and the votes of the people – not a king, not a queen, and not a governor – should prevail.

Voters determine who they want, or who they do not want to represent them in elective office. As I said last week, I was deeply troubled by the accusations leveled at Mayor Eric Adams, not just the initial indictment, but also the more recent allegation of a quid pro quo with the Trump administration.

For days, I’ve been deeply involved in discussions with my closest advisors, city leaders, electeds, clergy, business, labor, civic leaders, all people whose opinions matter to me because they care about our city. I consulted them and legal advisors on whether it’s appropriate and necessary at this moment to exercise the power – granted to me as the governor of the State of New York by the New York State Constitution and the City of New York Charter – to remove a mayor from office.

I’ve also heard from many voices of New Yorkers who feel outraged, who feel hurt. Betrayed by what they have seen. And I want those New Yorkers to know, I understand those feelings as well.

After careful consideration, I have determined that I will not commence removal proceedings at this time. My strong belief is that the will of the voters and the supremacy and sanctity of democratic elections, preclude me from any other action.

I cannot deny the people of this great city the power to make this decision for themselves.

And to those who conclude that decision is due to pressure from any groups or individuals, I say this – you do not know me. Constant pressure is what I deal with all day long and it has absolutely no bearing on any decisions I make.

I will say this – I also have concerns about disruption and chaos that such a move, such a proceeding could bring to the residents of this great city. And those who argue, “Just go and remove him,” fail to appreciate there is a process involved, due process, the length of the process, and the impact that such a process would have on this city.

And actually with the timing, it’s not impossible that we’d have a scenario where there’s multiple mayors of this city in the course of one year. But make no mistake, the current situation is one that I take very seriously. That’s why I want to spell out my immediate objectives.

Number one, to stabilize this city and restore calm. Number two, ensure that all services for our residents continue without disruption. And three, to take steps to make sure our leaders are operating only with the city’s best interest in mind, unimpeded by any legal agreements with the Trump Justice Department. I want to be very clear, there are past examples of coordination and cooperation between the federal government, the city, the state. It’s not uncommon.

But there’s a clear line between cooperation and coercion. Given how aggressive the Trump administration has been, including its attempt yesterday to dismantle a previously approved congestion pricing program, and how deeply disturbing the comments from the President’s Border Czar were, we know they’ll stop at nothing to try and exercise control over New York.

That is the fight we had yesterday. That is the fight we have today. And that is the fight I’m willing to take on for the next 1,430 days. To move this city forward, I’m undertaking the implementation of certain guardrails that I believe are a first start in reestablishing trust for New York City residents and ensure that all decisions out of City Hall are in the clear interests of the people of this city and not at the behest of the President.

I’m proposing three immediate actions which I believe will help protect New Yorkers. First, I’m proposing legislation to create a special Inspector General for New York City Affairs within the Office of the State Inspector General. The State Inspector General will be able to direct the New York City Department of Investigations.

And the Mayor will only be able to move the Department of Investigations Commissioner with the approval of the State Inspector General. This will protect the City’s investigations from any interference. Make sure that there’s no lack of independence as they make their determinations and allow the Inspector General to focus more directly on any improper activity that may arise out of New York City. They’ll also give reports to us. We’ll have access to information.

Second, I’m proposing giving the City Comptroller, the Public Advocate and the New York City Council Speaker, an independent authority to clarify the independent language to commence litigation against the federal government when necessary, and using outside counsel.

The City’s law department will still have the opportunity to initiate legal actions within seven days of any request, but the whole-of-city government should not be reliant on City Hall for legal cases where the people of the City may be under attack by the federal government.

Third, I’m expanding funding for the office of the Deputy State Comptroller for city oversight, because this stepped up oversight, again, gives us an independent line of sight into potential decisions related to the federal government. This will be paid for by city receipts. Once these measures are enacted, they’ll be effective immediately and expire at the end of 2025, subject to renewal.

I’ve already discussed these proposals with the City Council Speaker and the Speaker of the State Assembly and the Majority Leader of the New York State Senate. I also told the Mayor that strong managers need to be identified to fill the roles of the Deputy Mayors before they become vacant, and that we and my administration, with the strong relationships that we have, will work to accomplish that goal. And do whatever he can to keep his key commissioners.

I want to take a moment to put this all in context: New York is facing a grave threat from Washington. The Trump Administration is already trying to use the legal jeopardy facing our mayor as leverage to squeeze and punish our city. The President is already trying to weaken our public transit system and undermine our state’s sovereignty. I call it the Trump Revenge Tour and I have to stand in its way.

Not surprising: He’s taking out his anger and frustration over the 35 felony convictions he received here in the State of New York, taking it out on our own New Yorkers. And as Governor, I will be the vanguard against harm to our state and our people, and nothing will stand in our way.

But once I have made a decision, I execute it, I work hard to make it work. And my decision today did not come lightly, but the path forward for me is clear: I will retain the powers conferred upon me by the New York State Constitution, the City Charter. But it’s my sincere hope that these dark days will pass, elections will occur, and the people of New York will decide who they trust to govern this extraordinary city.

And we can remain laser focused and united against the storm clouds that are swirling 226 miles away in our nation’s capital. My eyes are on the City, the State, and on Washington. And I am ready and prepared to take on any fight against any threats to the well being of our residents.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Have fun, but stay safe at Electric Avenue this weekend

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons

Police want everybody attending Electric Avenue to have a good time, but ensure they are safe too.

There will be a Police and Security Team presence at the event to keep you safe. Please talk to us if you have any concerns about your own or someone else’s safety or wellbeing.

Look after your mates. Make sure you have an agreed meeting point in case anyone gets lost, and a fully charged mobile phone.

If you are drinking alcohol, eat before you attend the event and have a glass of water in between alcoholic drinks. Never leave your drink unattended and make sure to never take a drink you have not personally seen poured.

Know Your Stuff will be at the event, however Police advice remains to avoid taking any drugs.

Have a plan to get home safely after the event, and if you are observing anything where you or somebody else is in danger, call 111 immediately.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Fiji’s diplomatic move to Jerusalem sparks controversy with Palestine

RNZ Pacific

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s announcement this week that the island nation will open a diplomatic mission in Jerusalem has been labelled “an act of aggression” by Palestine.

On Tuesday, the Fiji government revealed that Cabinet had decided to locate its consulate in Jerusalem, which remains at the centre of the Palestine-Israel decades-long conflict.

According to an overwhelming United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES‑10/19 on 21 December 2017 (128-9), Israel’s claim to Jerusalem as capital of Israel is “null and void”.

Previous UN Security Council resolutions demarcated Jerusalem as the capital of the future state of Palestine.

The Fijian government said in a statement: “Necessary risk assessments will be undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence, in consultation with relevant agencies, prior to and during the establishment process.”

Fiji and Israel established diplomatic relations in 1970 and have partnerships in security and peacekeeping, agriculture, and climate change.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Rabuka said he “received a phone call from my friend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing his gratitude for Fiji’s decision to open a diplomatic mission in Jerusalem.”

“Even though very brief, we reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening Fiji-Israel ties,” he said.

I commend the Republic of Fiji’s government for its historic decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people. Thank you, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka @slrabuka, friend of Israel. Thank you Fiji! 🇮🇱🇫🇯 pic.twitter.com/IxCkjPnhQ6

— Gideon Sa’ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) February 18, 2025

“I also took the opportunity to express my deepest condolences for the tragic events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked innocent lives in Israel.

Palestine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Rabuka’s decision and is demanding the Fijian government “immediately reverse this provocative decision.”

‘Violating international law’
“With this decision, Fiji becomes the seventh country to violate international law and UN resolutions regarding the city’s legal and political status and the rights of the Palestinian people,” it said in a statement.

The seven countries include Papua New Guinea.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns the decision of PM @slrabuka to relocate Fiji’s embassy to occupied #Jerusalem.

This move blatantly violates international law and UN resolutions, and places #Fiji on the wrong side of history. https://t.co/5x1bCECNXO

— Palestine Australia, Aotearoa NZ and Pacific (@PalestineAusNZ) February 19, 2025

“This decision is an act of aggression against the Palestinian people and their rights.

“It places Fiji on the wrong side of history, harms the chances of achieving peace based on the two-state solution, and represents unacceptable support for the occupation and its crimes.”

The statement added that Fiji’s move “blatantly defies UN resolutions at a time when the occupying power is escalating its attacks against Palestinians across all of the Palestinian Territory, attempting to displace them from their homeland.”

The ministry said that it would continue to take political, diplomatic, and legal action against countries that opened or moved their embassies to Jerusalem.

“It will work to hold them accountable for their unjustified actions against the Palestinian people and their rights.”

In September 2024, Fiji was one of seven Pacific Island nations that voted against a United Nations resolution to end Israel’s occupation of Palestine.

This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Information sought following Kaikohe aggravated robbery

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are appealing for information following an aggravated robbery at a commercial premises in Kaikohe earlier this week.

At about 11.20pm on Tuesday 18 February, Police received reports of four males entering a store on Broadway armed with a hammer and tyre iron.

The group has allegedly jumped the counter and taken a number of items including cigarettes and cash.

The staff member who was present at the time has run to the back of the shop and locked themselves inside.

There were no injuries reported, however the staff member was understandably shaken by the incident.

Police would like to speak with anyone who may have witnessed the aggravated robbery, or who recognise the vehicle pictured.

The vehicle used in the offending remains outstanding and is described as a white Toyota Aqua with registration PSR418.

Anyone who may have information that can assist Police in their investigation is urged to contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or call 105.

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

Please use the reference number 250219/8356.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: NSW Government cracks down on antisemitism and other hatred as three new bills pass Parliament
Source: New South Wales Government 2

Headline: NSW Government cracks down on antisemitism and other hatred as three new bills pass Parliament

Published: 21 February 2025

Released by: The Premier, Attorney General

The Minns Labor Government has passed three new bills to ensure the community is protected from racial hatred, offensive Nazi symbols, and desecration and harassment at places of worship.
The Government’s package of legislation was developed in response to a series of unacceptable antisemitic attacks that caused community division and fear.

The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Racial and Religious Hatred) Bill 2025, Crimes Amendment (Places of Worship) Bill 2025, and Crimes Amendment (Inciting Racial Hatred) Bill 2025 all passed the Parliament overnight.

The legislation will create new offences and provide for tougher penalties for existing charges.

It will soon be a crime to:
- Intentionally block, impede or hinder a person from accessing or leaving, or attempting to access or leave, a place of worship without a reasonable excuse.
- Harass, intimidate or threaten a person accessing or leaving, or attempting to access or leave, a place of worship.
Such conduct is punishable by a fine of $22,000 or two years’ imprisonment, or both.

It will also be a crime to intentionally and publicly incite hatred towards another person, or group of people, on the grounds of race – with an exception for directly referencing religious texts during religious teachings or discussions.

The incitement of racial hatred will attract a maximum penalty for an individual of two years’ imprisonment, fines of up to $11,000, or both, while corporations can face fines of $55,000.

Our legislation also:
- Clarifies that graffiti is a “public act” for the purposes of the offences of threatening or inciting violence and displaying Nazi symbols;
- Provides for tougher sentencing for displaying by public act a Nazi symbol on or near a synagogue, the Sydney Jewish Museum or a Jewish school; and
- Aggravates sentences when a person’s conduct is partially or wholly driven by hate.
The laws send a clear message that we take racial hatred and antisemitism seriously, and we are prepared to act quickly and decisively to protect the community.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“The Government has acted quickly in response to disgusting acts we have seen in our state.

“Our package of legislation is a strong response to recent antisemitism, but it will also protect people of all races.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“This package of legislation will protect members of our community in a variety of ways.

“When we drafted these laws, we were mindful of preserving protest rights and freedom of political expression while also ensuring adequate community protection.

“In today’s environment, this legislation sends a strong message that hatred will not be tolerated.”
MIL OSI News –
February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Mexican Man Found Guilty of Illegal Reentry After Deportation

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Celso Diaz-Martinez, age 52, of Mexico of Illegal Reentry After Deportation following a day-long jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on February 18, 2025.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of two years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Diaz-Martinez was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2024.

Evidence at trial established that Diaz-Martinez is not a U.S. citizen and had been deported from the United States on four prior occasions. Diaz-Martinez was found in Meade County, South Dakota, in November of 2024. He had not obtained consent for re-entry into the United States from the U.S. Attorney General or the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Meade County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Lindrooth and Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has not been set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

MIL Security OSI –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First domestic abuse specialists embedded in 999 control rooms
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Raneem’s Law has launched to embed the first domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms across five forces and ensure victims receive specialist support.
Minister Phillips and Nour Norris on a visit to West Midlands Police

Delivering on a manifesto commitment, today (Friday 21 February), Raneem’s Law has been launched to embed the first domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms across five forces to ensure that victims of domestic abuse receive more specialist support.

West Midlands, Northumbria, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Humberside Police are all pioneering this new approach to improve the police response to victims of domestic abuse.

This is part of the government’s mission – underpinned by our Plan for Change – to better protect victims, pursue perpetrators and halve violence against women and girls in a decade.

These domestic abuse specialists will ensure that calls for help are properly assessed, managed and responded to. Specifically, their duties can include:

providing advice to officers responding to incidents on the ground

reviewing incoming domestic abuse cases and their risk assessments

listening in to live calls and providing feedback to call handlers on victim engagement

facilitating training sessions on domestic abuse for force control room staff

ensuring victims are referred to specialist support services

using expertise and understanding to manually check over the decisions made by 999 call handlers and identifying any missed opportunities to safeguard victims

supporting the use of innovative technology such as responding to victims via videocall

The government will work closely with these first forces to gain insight and understanding into how this new approach is working, to inform a national roll-out across all 43 forces and new statutory guidance for Raneem’s Law as soon as possible.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

Every 30 seconds, someone calls the police about domestic abuse – over 100 people every hour seeking urgent help.

That’s why we are determined to overhaul the police emergency response to domestic abuse, making sure that victims get the specialist support and protection they need. That must be Raneem and Khaola’s legacy.

West Midlands has been determined to learn the lessons from the way Raneem and her mother were so badly failed and it is welcome that they, Bedfordshire, Humberside, Northumbria and Northamptonshire are all pioneering this ambitious approach to deliver the best possible response to victims at the worst time of their lives.

We need to change the future for others, where we couldn’t for Raneem, as part of our mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.

For too long, crimes disproportionately impacting women and girls have not been met with the specialist response they require.

Domestic abuse affects more than 2 million people every year, with the police receiving a call about it every 30 seconds on average. Yet only 1 in 5 victims are estimated to report incidents to the police.

Raneem’s Law was established in memory of Raneem Oudeh and her mother Khaola Saleem, who were murdered by Raneem’s ex-husband in August 2018. There were 13 reports made to the police about concerns for Raneem’s safety, but no arrests were made. On the night she was killed, she rang 999 four times but the police did not respond in time.

To deliver a step-change in approach to tackling this appalling crime, the government are providing £2.2 million to fund the first stages of Raneem’s Law over the next financial year.

Nour Norris, lead campaigner, aunt and sister of Raneem Oudeh and Khaola Saleem, said:

Raneem called for help, and today, the system finally answered.

I can’t express enough how deeply emotional and significant this moment is. After six relentless years of campaigning for justice, I am returning to the force that failed my sister, Khaola, and my niece, Raneem. West Midlands Police had the chance to save them. Raneem called 999, desperate for help, but the system did not listen. It did not act. And because of that failure, we lost them.

I refuse to point fingers or place blame. I believed in change, and I believed in people wanting that to happen. Working alongside the government and the police, especially West Midlands Police has been a journey of change. Raneem’s Law is now being implemented, and with it, a fundamental shift in how victims of domestic abuse are supported.

Raneem deserved the help she needed, my sister, Khaola, who broke my heart because she was caught in all of this, deserved to live around her children. This is not just about saving lives; it is also about ensuring that victims who survive have the chance to truly live, free from fear and harm. They deserve safety, dignity, and a future.

This moment proves that change only happens when we refuse to accept failure. We cannot wait for another tragedy. We must build the safeguards that should have been there all along. And while nothing will bring Khaola and Raneem back, their voices, struggles, and sacrifices have led to a law that will save lives. Their legacy will live forever.

Because the scale of violence against women and girls is a national emergency, earlier this month we announced a new intelligence-led national policing centre for England and Wales. Backed by £13 million, the centre will bring together around 100 officers to focus on tackling crimes such as domestic abuse, stalking, rape and sexual offences and ensure that victims are protected.

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Phillips said:

Raneem’s death showed us the devastating cost of missed opportunities.

Behind every 999 call is someone’s daughter, mother, sister or friend in fear. That’s why getting the response right the first time, every time, is absolutely crucial. Embedding specialism and expertise into 999 control rooms will ensure that when victims make that brave call for help, they get the expert response they need.

Working alongside Nour has shown me the true meaning of courage and determination. Her fight for Raneem’s Law, to change things for victims of domestic abuse before it is too late, will save lives. We are determined to halve violence against women and girls in a decade and won’t stop until every victim, up and down the country, gets the protection they deserve.

Under our Plan for Change, we are taking the serious action needed to drive change across the country. Launching Raneem’s Law is another part of our effort to ensure that government and law enforcement can effectively tackle these unacceptable crimes.

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Domestic Abuse, Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, said:

When a victim reports domestic abuse, they must have confidence that they will be protected from harm, which is why it’s so important that we get our response right from the moment we are called.

Forces work hard every day to ensure victims receive the right response and support, and embedding expertise and victim advocacy at the earliest opportunity is vital.

It’s important that we are both evidence and victim-led in our approach, and I would like to thank the victims and survivors, families and support organisations that continue to work with us to improve policing’s response to domestic abuse.

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Updates to this page

Published 21 February 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Media advisory: Police Media Centre closing at 3pm, Saturday 22 February

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

The Police Media Centre will close at 3pm on Saturday 22 February due to staffing constraints.

After 3pm, information on any significant public safety issues will be released proactively.

The centre will reopen at the usual time of 7am on Sunday 23 February.

We appreciate our media colleagues’ patience and understanding.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Law Enforcement Cooperation Between United States and Mexico Results in Mexican Takedown of Cartel-Linked Alien Smugglers

Source: US State of North Dakota

Last night, extensive bilateral cooperation between the United States and Mexico resulted in the Mexico Attorney General’s Office “Fiscalía General de la República” (FGR) conducting a significant enforcement operation to dismantle a prolific transnational alien smuggling organization operating in Juarez, Chihuahua, along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The targeted alien smuggling organization, a group based in Juarez, Mexico, utilizes smuggling corridors centered in the Anapra, Chihuahua / Santa Teresa, New Mexico area, employs Mexican nationals, many of whom are current and former members of various Mexico-based cartels, and is alleged to be responsible for illegally smuggling large numbers of individuals, including children, from Central America into El Paso, Texas. The criminal organization is also alleged to have kidnapped aliens seeking to enter the United States illegally and extorted their families for money before completing their smuggling journey. The enforcement operation included the execution of two arrest warrants in Mexico for alleged alien smugglers Brian Alan Torres Gonzalez and Soledad Morales Nava. Torres and Morales are Mexican citizens and will be prosecuted in Mexico in part with evidence provided by the United States.

“On her first day in office, the Attorney General directed the Department of Justice to prioritize efforts to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and empowered Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) to increase their contributions to this fight,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s action by Mexican authorities is the latest example of how JTFA provides critical contributions to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department, and its law enforcement partners, to target human smugglers and enhance coordination in transnational law enforcement efforts to better combat these criminal organizations.”

U.S. authorities provided assistance to the Mexico Attorney General’s Office through coordination under JTFA, which, since its creation in 2021, has marshalled the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Colombia, and Panama. Attorney General Pamela Bondi has elevated JTFA to the Office of the Attorney General, to be jointly supervised by the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. The task force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, and endanger migrants, pose national security threats, or are involved in organized crime. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border, along with dedicated prosecutor support by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; the Office of Enforcement Operations; the Office of International Affairs; and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 350 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; more than 300 U.S. convictions; more than 245 defendants sentenced, including significant jail sentences imposed; and substantial seizures and forfeitures of assets and contraband including millions of dollars in cash, real property, vehicles, firearms and ammunition, and drugs.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) El Paso assisted foreign investigative efforts in the United States, working in concert with the U.S. Border Patrol. Support from ICE HSI-Mexico City was critical in providing coordination between American and Mexican law enforcement agencies. The Justice Department — including the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas in El Paso, HRSP, and the Office of the Judicial Attache in Mexico City — provided significant assistance in this matter.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Florida Businessman Sentenced in Connection with Migrant Labor Employment Scheme, Payroll Tax Evasion, and Worker Death

Source: US State of California

A Florida man was sentenced yesterday 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. 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.

“Pita’s history of OSHA violations and deception tragically led to a worker’s death,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We are committed to upholding the rule of law by prosecuting fraud and enforcing worker safety standards.”

“The defendant in this case engaged in a deliberate scheme to defraud insurance companies, the government and evade taxes, resulting in huge losses to the U.S. Treasury, and to personally enrich himself,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Sara C. Sweeney. “In addition, flagrant violations of OSHA safety standards put workers at unacceptable risk, ultimately resulting in the death of an employee. My office is committed to federally prosecuting and holding accountable anyone who violates these laws and regulations.”

“Mr. Pita repeatedly violated the longstanding policies designed to protect the workforce which resulted in a tragic death,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office. “The FBI and its partners will aggressively pursue those who selfishly ignore the laws and policies in place to protect America’s workforce.”

“Not only does this type of scheme give an illegal advantage over honest competitors, it intends to allow the use of illegal, undocumented labor to achieve that advantage,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Tampa Field Office. “It’s a blatant form of cheating that undercuts fair competition, costs the government millions of dollars in tax revenue, and skirts our nation’s immigration laws. This case reaffirms our unwavering commitment to prosecuting those who engage in fraud at the expense of workers, taxpayers, and law-abiding businesses.”

The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, 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 –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: 16-Year-Old Charged as Adult with Armed Carjackings and Robberies Over a Three Month Period

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

WASHINGTON – Frederick Etheridge, 16, of Washington, D.C., was charged today as an adult under Title 16 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, in connection with a spree of armed offenses taking place between October 2024 and January 2025 in D.C. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

According to documents filed in court, Etheridge has been charged in relation to an armed carjacking in October 2024 and an armed robbery in January 2025. First, in the late evening on October 25, 2024, Etheridge and a second suspect approached the victim in a parking lot in the 2800 block of Erie Street Southeast. The victim had just parked their vehicle and, while sitting inside of the vehicle on the phone, was approached by Etheridge and the second suspect at gunpoint. Etheridge demanded the victim’s phone and directed the victim to give their car keys to the second suspect. Etheridge then demanded that the victim unlock their phone, and said something to the effect of, “Don’t make me kill you.” The victim complied and handed over their unlocked phone and vehicle keys. Etheridge and his co-conspirator then drove off in the victim’s vehicle, headed in the direction of Naylor Road Southeast. When police arrived, the victim was able to track their Apple Watch and locate their vehicle in the rear of the 2800 block of Buena Vista Terrace, Southeast.

Second, on January 3, 2025, in the early morning, the victim parked their vehicle and began to walk away. Etheridge and a second suspect walked up to the victim, and Etheridge brandished a large black firearm. Etheridge and the second suspect then grabbed the victim’s property and ran to the victim’s car in an attempt to carjack the vehicle. However, Etheridge and the second suspect were unable to enter the vehicle because they did not have the victim’s keys, and instead fled from the location with the victim’s bag, credit cards, and other property.

On February 19, 2025, members of the Metropolitan Police Department (“MPD”) executed a court-authorized search warrant at Etheridge’s residence. While executing the search warrant, a member of MPD observed Etheridge throw a black rifle out of his bedroom window. Etheridge was soon thereafter arrested and charged for multiple offenses.

Etheridge was presented in court today and ordered detained. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 27, 2025.

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Goldstein is prosecuting the case.

These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL Security OSI –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Law Enforcement Cooperation Between United States and Mexico Results in Mexican Takedown of Cartel-Linked Alien Smugglers

Source: United States Attorneys General

Last night, extensive bilateral cooperation between the United States and Mexico resulted in the Mexico Attorney General’s Office “Fiscalía General de la República” (FGR) conducting a significant enforcement operation to dismantle a prolific transnational alien smuggling organization operating in Juarez, Chihuahua, along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The targeted alien smuggling organization, a group based in Juarez, Mexico, utilizes smuggling corridors centered in the Anapra, Chihuahua / Santa Teresa, New Mexico area, employs Mexican nationals, many of whom are current and former members of various Mexico-based cartels, and is alleged to be responsible for illegally smuggling large numbers of individuals, including children, from Central America into El Paso, Texas. The criminal organization is also alleged to have kidnapped aliens seeking to enter the United States illegally and extorted their families for money before completing their smuggling journey. The enforcement operation included the execution of two arrest warrants in Mexico for alleged alien smugglers Brian Alan Torres Gonzalez and Soledad Morales Nava. Torres and Morales are Mexican citizens and will be prosecuted in Mexico in part with evidence provided by the United States.

“On her first day in office, the Attorney General directed the Department of Justice to prioritize efforts to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and empowered Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) to increase their contributions to this fight,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s action by Mexican authorities is the latest example of how JTFA provides critical contributions to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department, and its law enforcement partners, to target human smugglers and enhance coordination in transnational law enforcement efforts to better combat these criminal organizations.”

U.S. authorities provided assistance to the Mexico Attorney General’s Office through coordination under JTFA, which, since its creation in 2021, has marshalled the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Colombia, and Panama. Attorney General Pamela Bondi has elevated JTFA to the Office of the Attorney General, to be jointly supervised by the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. The task force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, and endanger migrants, pose national security threats, or are involved in organized crime. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border, along with dedicated prosecutor support by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; the Office of Enforcement Operations; the Office of International Affairs; and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 350 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; more than 300 U.S. convictions; more than 245 defendants sentenced, including significant jail sentences imposed; and substantial seizures and forfeitures of assets and contraband including millions of dollars in cash, real property, vehicles, firearms and ammunition, and drugs.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) El Paso assisted foreign investigative efforts in the United States, working in concert with the U.S. Border Patrol. Support from ICE HSI-Mexico City was critical in providing coordination between American and Mexican law enforcement agencies. The Justice Department — including the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas in El Paso, HRSP, and the Office of the Judicial Attache in Mexico City — provided significant assistance in this matter.

MIL Security OSI –

February 21, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Deepfakes can ruin lives and livelihoods – would owning the ‘rights’ to our own faces and voices help?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Graeme Austin, Chair of Private Law, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

Getty Images

Not that long ago, the term “deepfake” wasn’t in most people’s vocabularies. Now, it is not only commonplace, but is also the focus of intense legal scrutiny around the world.

Known in legal documents as “digital replicas”, deepfakes are created by artificial intelligence (AI) to simulate the visual and vocal appearance of real people, living or dead.

Unregulated, they can do a lot of damage, including financial fraud (already a problem in New Zealand), political disinformation, fake news, and the creation and dissemination of AI-generated pornography and child sexual abuse material.

For professional performers and entertainers, the proliferation and increasing sophistication of deepfake technology could demolish their ability to control and derive income from their images and voices.

And deepfakes might soon take away jobs: why employ a professional actor when a digital replica will do?

One possible solution to this involves giving individuals the ability to enforce intellectual property (IP) rights to their own image and voice. The United States is currently debating such a move, and New Zealand lawmakers should be watching closely.

Owning your own likeness

Remedies already being discussed in New Zealand include extending prohibitions in the Harmful Digital Communications Act to cover digital replicas that do not depict a victim’s actual body.

Using (or amending) the Crimes Act, the Fair Trading Act and the Electoral Act would also be helpful.

At the same time, there will be political pressure to ensure regulation does not stymie investment in AI technologies – a concern raised in a 2024 cabinet paper.

Legislation introduced to the US Congress last year – the Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe Bill – proposes a new federal intellectual property right that individual victims can use against creators and disseminators of deepfakes.

Known informally as the “No Fakes Bill”, the legislation has bipartisan and industry support, including from leading entertainment worker unions. The US Copyright Office examined the current state of US law and concluded that enforceable rights were “urgently needed”.

From the New Zealand perspective, the No Fakes Bill contains both helpful ideas and possible pitfalls. As we discuss in a forthcoming paper, its innovations include expanding IP protections to “everyday” individuals – not just celebrities.

All individuals would have the right to seek damages and injunctions against unlicensed digital replicas, whether they’re in video games, pornographic videos, TikTok posts or remakes of movies and television shows.

But these protections may prove illusory because the threshold for protection is so high. The digital replica must be “readily identifiable as the voice or visual likeness of an individual”, but it’s not clear how identifiable the individual victim of a deepfake needs to be.

Well known New Zealand actors such as Anna Paquin and Cliff Curtis would certainly qualify. But would a New Zealand version of the bill protect an everyday person, “readily identifiable” only to family, friends and workmates?

Can you license a digital replica?

Under the US bill, the new IP rights can be licensed. The bill does not ban deepfakes altogether, but gives individuals more control over the use of their likenesses. An actor could, for example, license an advertising company to make a digital replica to appear in a television commercial.

Licences must be in writing and signed, and the permitted uses must be specified. For living individuals, this can last only ten years.

So far, so good. But New Zealand policy analysts should look carefully at the scope of any licensing provisions. The proposed IP right is “licensable in whole or in part”. Depending on courts’ interpretation of “in whole”, individuals could unknowingly sign away all uses of their images and voice.

The No Fakes Bill is also silent on the reputational interests of individuals who license others to use their digital replicas.

Suppose a performing artist licensed their digital replica for use in AI-generated musical performances. They should not, for example, have to put up with being depicted singing a white supremacist anthem, or other unsanctioned uses that would impugn their dignity and standing.

Protectng parody and satire

On the other side of the ledger, the No Fakes Bill contains freedom of expression safeguards for good faith commentary, criticism, scholarship, satire and parody.

The bill also protects internet service providers (ISPs) from liability if they quickly remove “all instances” of infringing material once notified about it.

This is useful language that might be adopted in any New Zealand legislation. Also, the parody and satire defence would be an advance on New Zealand’s copyright law, which currently contains no equivalent exception.

But the US bill contains no measures empowering victims to require ISPs to block local subscribers’ access to online locations that peddle in deepfakes. Known as “site-blocking orders”, these injunctions are available in at least 50 countries, including Australia. But New Zealand and the US remain holdouts.

For individual victims of deepfakes circulating on foreign websites that are accessible in New Zealand, site-blocking orders could offer the only practical relief.

The No Fakes Bill is by no means a perfect or comprehensive solution to the deepfakes problem. Many different weapons will be needed in the legal and policy armoury – including obligations to disclose when digital replicas are used.

Even so, creating an IP right could be a useful addition to a suite of measures aimed at reducing the economic, reputational and emotional harms deepfakes can inflict.

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. Deepfakes can ruin lives and livelihoods – would owning the ‘rights’ to our own faces and voices help? – https://theconversation.com/deepfakes-can-ruin-lives-and-livelihoods-would-owning-the-rights-to-our-own-faces-and-voices-help-249929

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Restoring Public Trust in New York City’s Leadership

Source: US State of New York

February 20, 2025

Albany, NY

Creates Special Inspector General for New York City Affairs To Support and Protect Independence of City Investigations

Gives Independently-Elected City Officials Powers To Litigate Against the Federal Government and Defend the Rights of Constituents

Strengthens New York State Comptroller Oversight of New York City’s Finances

Special Authorities Designed To Expire at the End of 2025

Governor Kathy Hochul today proposed new actions to restore public trust in New York City government with a sweeping expansion of state oversight and new guardrails to ensure accountability and protect New Yorkers. These actions will require legislative action and would take effect immediately upon passage.

“To move this city forward, I am undertaking the implementation of certain guardrails that I believe are a first start toward re-establishing trust for New York City residents,” Governor Hochul said. “These proposed guardrails will help ensure that all decisions out of City Hall are in the clear interests of the people of New York City and not at the behest of the President.”

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Governor Hochul announced the following actions:

New Special Inspector General for New York City Affairs and Protection of City Commissioner of Investigation
A new Special Inspector General for New York City Affairs will be established within the Office of the New York State Inspector General. The Special Inspector General for New York City Affairs will receive updates and information directly from the New York City Department of Investigations (NYCDOI) about corruption investigations, and also be able to direct NYCDOI to commence investigations across city government.

To ensure her continued independence, the New York City Charter will be revised to provide that the Mayor of New York City will not be able to terminate the New York City Commissioner of Investigation without approval by the State Inspector General.

To move this city forward, I am undertaking the implementation of certain guardrails that I believe are a first start toward re-establishing trust for New York City residents.

Governor Kathy Hochul

This new structure will ensure that state officials have access to information about any current or future investigations. It will also allow the State to closely monitor or advance any such investigations into potential corruption within city government.

Empowering Citywide Elected Leaders To Utilize Federal Litigation
Under the Governor’s plan, the City Comptroller, Council and Public Advocate will be given explicit authority to bring litigation against the federal government using outside counsel if the City’s Law Department declines to do so promptly after a request. Such litigation could be filed against any federal government agency or entity.

This action will ensure that New Yorkers have multiple avenues to initiate legal action in cases where the rights or freedoms of New York City residents are under attack by the federal government.

Embedded Flickr Album

Strengthens State Oversight of New York City’s Finances
Given the unprecedented breadth and number of executive orders and other policy documents and notices issued by the Trump Administration, the Governor is proposing additional funds for the Office of the State Comptroller of the City to support the State’s existing ability to continue to monitor the City and its finances in this complex environment.

The State will expand the Office of the Deputy State Comptroller for City Oversight. The new funding will be paid for using New York City tax receipts.

These new resources will enable state officials to more closely monitor New York City’s fiscal operations, and to take any actions needed based on such review.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Durable Medical Equipment Companies Charged in Nearly $30 Million Fraud Scheme

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Defendant allegedly used proceeds to purchase two Ferraris, a Mercedes-Benz Model S, at least three Rolex watches

BOSTON – The owner of Pharmagears, LLC (Pharmagears) and RR Medco, LLC (RR Medco) has been charged in connection with a nearly $30 million fraud scheme involving medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME), including orthotics such as back and knee braces.

Raju Sharma, 61, of Sharon, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Sharma was arrested this morning and later released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston.

“As alleged, Mr. Sharma exploited vulnerable Medicare beneficiaries and defrauded the system of millions of dollars meant for legitimate medical care. His actions caused millions of dollars of waste on DME products beneficiaries did not need and did not want. He did this to enrich himself – and allow him to purchase luxury cars and high-end watches – all at the expense of the American people,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “This office will continue to hold accountable those who undermine the integrity of our healthcare system for personal gain. Fraudsters who think they can manipulate the system without consequence should take heed: we will investigate you, we will prosecute you, and we will hold you accountable to ensure that justice is served.”

“Today’s arrest underscores HHS-OIG’s commitment to protecting patients and taxpayers from fraudulent schemes that exploit our health care system and are motivated by pure greed,” stated Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations that individuals and entities are profiting from deceiving and abusing federal health care programs.” “Today’s arrest underscores HHS-OIG’s commitment to protecting patients and taxpayers from fraudulent schemes that exploit our health care system and are motivated by pure greed,” stated Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations that individuals and entities are profiting from deceiving and abusing federal health care programs.”

“Raju Sharma apparently thought he had hit upon a surefire moneymaker when he allegedly conspired with others to fraudulently bill Medicare for almost $30 million worth of durable medical equipment that was unwanted, unnecessary and useless to patients so he could purchase luxury vehicles and expensive watches for himself,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division. “Health care fraud isn’t some quick and easy way to bulk up your bank account. It’s a costly, consequential federal crime that strains the system and cheats the taxpayers who fund it. Anyone involved in, or entertaining, similar activity should know that the FBI will pursue anyone trying to steal from this country’s vital health care system.”

According to the charging documents, between February 2021 and February 2025, Sharma, on behalf of Pharmagears and RR Medco, entered into contracts with telemarketing companies that generated DME orders by targeting Medicare beneficiaries. Sharma then allegedly billed Medicare for this medically unnecessary DME, which Medicare beneficiaries often did not want or could not use and/or a medical practitioner ordered without having met or examined the beneficiary or were ordered by the fraudulent use of practitioners’ national provider identifiers without their knowledge or assent. It is alleged that these DME orders were also obtained in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute, because although Sharma agreed in the contracts to pay the marketing companies a flat fee for their services, Sharma in fact paid the marketing companies on a per-lead, or per-order, basis.

It is further alleged that Sharma worked with multiple other co-conspirators, including family and acquaintances, to open and operate additional DME companies in the same fraudulent manner. In total, the companies owned, operated, or connected with Sharma allegedly billed Medicare approximately $29.6 million for these fraudulent DME orders and were paid approximately $15.8 million. According to the charging documents, Sharma made substantial profits from this alleged fraud, which he used to purchase luxury goods, including two Ferraris, a Mercedes-Benz Model S and at least three Rolex watches. The Court issued seizure warrants for these luxury goods in connection with today’s charges.

The charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, supervised release for up to three years, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss, 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.

U.S. Attorney Foley, HHS-OIG SAC Coviello and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Marshals and the Sharon Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Graber and Sarah Hoefle of the Criminal Division are 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 –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Former Illinois Police Officer Admits Assaulting Handcuffed Man

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ST. LOUIS – A former police officer in Venice, Ill. on Thursday admitted striking a handcuffed man in the face after a police chase.

Justin Gaither, 34, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, namely the right to be free from the use of unreasonable force. He admitted that on Nov. 20, 2022, while working in full uniform and on duty with the Venice Police Department, he began pursuing a car that was displaying stolen license plates. The car drove over spike strips that Gaither deployed, then over the McKinley Bridge and into St. Louis. A Brooklyn (Illinois) Police Department officer was also pursuing the car. The pursuit ended in the 3800 block of Parnell Avenue in St. Louis and all of the vehicle’s occupants ran away from the car. Gaither and the Brooklyn officer, accompanied by that officer’s K9, chased the driver. The driver was bitten while climbing over a fence, fell and was then handcuffed by the Brooklyn officer. As Gaither lifted the driver from the ground to escort him to a police vehicle, he struck the driver twice in the face without justification and without a legitimate purpose, the plea agreement says. The driver suffered a broken nose.

Gaither is scheduled to be sentenced on May 2. The charge carries penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both prison and fine.

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Krug is prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Oakland Resident Convicted Of Dealing Firearms Without A License And Illegally Possessing Firearm And Ammunition

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

OAKLAND – Robert Davis was convicted of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and firearms possession by a federal jury, announced Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Jennifer L. Cicolani.

The jury found Davis, 31 of Oakland, California, guilty of selling for profit firearms that he purchased illegally in Texas. The jury also found that on a separate occasion Davis illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition as a felon. The jury acquitted Davis of an additional charge that Davis had possessed and shipped firearms. The verdicts followed a week-long jury trial before the Honorable Araceli Martínez-Olguín, U.S. District Judge.

Evidence at trial showed that Davis travelled back and forth between California and Texas, where he illegally bought firearms at gun shows. After purchasing the firearms, the defendant shipped the firearms back to the Bay Area where he advertised and sold them for profit, principally using Instagram. The evidence further showed that on December 22, 2021, law enforcement searched the defendant’s residence and found a loaded 5.7mm firearm in his home. Law enforcement also found more than 100 rounds of ammunition throughout the apartment as well as in Davis’s vehicle. Because Davis previously had been convicted of a felony, he was ineligible to possess the firearm and the ammunition.

Davis is currently in custody pending sentencing which has not yet been scheduled.

The maximum statutory penalty for the violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1)(A) is five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, and the maximum statutory penalty violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) is ten years in prison and a fine of $250,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan Mateer and Jonah Ross are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kevin Costello, Mark DiCenzo, and Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the ATF, Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, and Fort Worth (TX) Police Department.

MIL Security OSI –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall, Cornyn, and GOP Colleagues Urge ATF to Rescind Biden’s Unconstitutional 2A Rules and Align with Trump Agenda

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and 28 of their Senate GOP colleagues today sent a letter to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Deputy Director Marvin Richardson, urging him to align the agency with President Donald Trump’s Second Amendment priorities laid out in his recent Executive Order.
They also called on Deputy Director Richardson to identify and rescind former President Joe Biden’s unlawful firearms regulations, including the “Engaged in the Business” rule, pistol brace rule, so-called “ghost gun” rule, and “zero tolerance” policy under which the ATF has revoked the licenses of federal firearm licensees (FFLs) over minor bookkeeping violations.
The Senators wrote: “On Friday, February 7, 2025, President Donald J. Trump took decisive action to reaffirm law-abiding Americans’ Second Amendment rights in issuing his Executive Order, Protecting Second Amendment Rights. We urge you to immediately align the ATF’s rules and policies with the President’s strong support for the Second Amendment.”
“Under former President Joe Biden, the ATF adopted numerous policies and rules that infringed upon Americans’ Second Amendment protections. President Trump’s Executive Order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to review and develop a plan of action regarding President Biden’s unlawful firearms regulations. We ask that you work with the Attorney General to quickly identify and rescind these policies.”
Joining Senator Marshall, Senator Cornyn, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) are Senators Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Todd Young (R-Indiana), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Jim Banks (R-Indiana), and Jerry Moran (R-Kansas).
The full text of the letter is available HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell on Deputy DOT Nominee: Aviation Sector Can’t Afford “Someone Who Thinks That We Can Bend The Law To An Outcome”

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
02.20.25
Cantwell on Deputy DOT Nominee: Aviation Sector Can’t Afford “Someone Who Thinks That We Can Bend The Law To An Outcome”
As DOT General Counsel from 2017-2021, Bradbury helped sideline crucial safety regulations for plane manufacturers in immediate aftermath of fatal crashes; Cantwell grills Bradbury on decision to remove Safety Management System requirements: “There was a recommendation to move forward on it, and your office stopped it.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, pressed Steven Bradbury – President Donald Trump’s pick to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation – on his role under the first Trump administration.
From 2017 to 2021, Bradbury served as the General Counsel of DOT. Nine days after the fatal Lion Air flight 610 crash in 2018 on a Boeing 737 MAX, his policies halted the introduction of a critical aviation safety rule subsequently advocated for by crash victim family members. He sidelined a proposed requirement that plane manufactures must adopt a mandatory Safety Management System (SMS), which an expert panel determined would decrease the likelihood of another fatal accident.
“Mr. Bradbury, I do have concerns about your record,” Sen. Cantwell said in her opening remarks. “We cannot afford in the aviation sector, someone who thinks that we can bend the law to an outcome.”
“In this role, you orchestrated the rollback of multiple safety requirements under the guise of advancing a reform agenda. For example, just nine days, nine days after the first of the two fatal Boeing 737 MAX crashes in 2018, your office sidelined a proposed Safety Management System rule making for aviation manufacturers like Boeing,” she continued.
“These findings give me serious concerns about your commitment to the transparency that Congress and the American people deserve […] We need a leader on safety. We need someone who is going to make it the number one priority, not modify the rule to suit the industry.”
During the Q&A portion, Sen. Cantwell pressed Bradbury further on the decision to halt the rule requiring plane manufactures to adhere to a mandatory SMS.
Sen. Cantwell: “We know that the rule was halted nine days after the MAX crash. Why did you stop the rulemaking from happening?”
Bradbury: “Well, I don’t know that I stopped it.”
Sen. Cantwell: “That’s what’s reported in the paper, and I mentioned the FAA person, who was in charge of the process, who said the industry and everybody wanted to move forward, and it was submitted, and then next thing you know, it’s pulled, so…”
Bradbury: “Well, certainly we go through a review of every regulation, and as I recall, in that regulation, there were questions on the merits about which entities it should apply to and how it might apply to small businesses or small entities. Those are the kinds of questions that need to be addressed whenever you’re –“
Sen. Cantwell: “So you’re saying you might have killed the SMS rule because you didn’t want it to apply to all manufacturers.”
Bradbury: “I wouldn’t say I killed the SMS rule. And let me say –”
Sen Cantwell: “We still don’t have one. Our committee has worked hard to get one, and now it’s going to be in law. But I have more questions about this. But yes, you did stop it from happening. There was a recommendation to move forward on it, and your office stopped it.”
Last month, during the committee’s hearing before DOT Secretary Sean Duffy’s confirmation, Sen. Cantwell also pressed Duffy on whether he agreed with the previous administration’s decision to kill the requirement.
“Safety Management Systems are a redundant circle of continued safety improvements that the expert panel has suggested that we do. The expert aviation panel has suggested that’s really what is missing. And I think in the prior administrations, people didn’t really push for a strong safety management culture,” Sen. Cantwell told Duffy.
In August, Sen. Cantwell introduced the FAA SMS Compliance Review Act. The bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to:
Convene an independent review panel that will make recommendations to help the FAA implement a robust, comprehensive Safety Management System across all lines of business at the agency, which includes Aviation Safety, Air Traffic Organization, Airports, Security & Hazardous Materials Safety, and the Office of Commercial Space Transportation.
Develop and implement effective processes for performing root cause analyses to identify opportunities for improvement in the FAA’s execution of its regulatory oversight responsibilities.
Revise its procedures to shorten the time that manufacturers have to prepare for audits from 50 days to one week.
Following the Alaska Airlines flight 1282 incident in January 2024, Sen. Cantwell has held a series of aviation safety hearings, along with leading legislation and letters calling for stronger safety oversight at the FAA.
In January 2023 and January 2024, Sen. Cantwell requested that FAA perform a special technical audit of Boeing’s production line. The FAA later said the audit found multiple instances where Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems failed to comply with manufacturing quality control requirements.
Sen. Cantwell held an April hearing to review the independent Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) Expert Review Panel’s final report, a March 2024 hearing with National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy on its investigation of the January incident and a June hearing with FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker on the agency’s oversight.
In May, Sen. Cantwell and Sen. Duckworth led the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which includes new measures to improve aviation safety, such as putting more safety inspectors on factory floors, addressing the nation’s shortage of air traffic controllers, deploying new runway technology to prevent close calls, mandating new 25-hour cockpit recording systems to assist in investigations, and enhancing aircraft certification reforms.
The FAA Reauthorization Act builds upon the Aircraft Certification, Safety and Accountability Act of 2020, spearheaded by Sen. Cantwell in the aftermath of the Boeing 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019.
Video of Sen. Cantwell’s opening statement today is HERE; video of her first round of questioning is HERE; video of her second round of questioning is HERE; and a transcript is HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Capito Votes to Confirm Kash Patel as FBI Director

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement after voting to confirm Kash Patel to serve as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):

“From being a public defender in the state of Florida, to a federal prosecutor in the Department of Justice, to Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the United States National Security Council, to Chief of Staff to the Secretary in the Department of Defense, Kash Patel’s extensive background in law enforcement gives him the experience needed to lead the FBI. I have confidence that Director Patel will lead the FBI with a focus on protecting and serving the American people, and will work to restore safety to our streets,” Senator Capito said.

Senator Capito previously met with Patel in December of 2024 to discuss his nomination and learn more about his vision to lead the department.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, GOP Colleagues Urge ATF to Rescind Unconstitutional Biden Rules, Align with Trump 2A Agenda
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and 29 of his Senate GOP colleagues today sent a letter to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Deputy Director Marvin Richardson urging him to align the agency with President Trump’s Second Amendment priorities as laid out in his recent Executive Order and calling on him to identify and rescind former President Biden’s unlawful firearms regulations, including the “Engaged in the Business” rule, pistol brace rule, so-called “ghost gun” rule, and “zero tolerance” policy under which ATF has revoked the licenses of federal firearm licensees (FFLs) over minor bookkeeping violations:

They wrote: “On Friday, February 7, 2025, President Donald J. Trump took decisive action to reaffirm law-abiding Americans’ Second Amendment rights in issuing his Executive Order, Protecting Second Amendment Rights. We urge you to immediately align ATF’s rules and policies with the President’s strong support for the Second Amendment.”

“Under former President Joe Biden, ATF adopted numerous policies and rules that infringed upon Americans’ Second Amendment protections. President Trump’s Executive Order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to review and develop a plan of action regarding President Biden’s unlawful firearms regulations. We ask that you work with the Attorney General to quickly identify and rescind these policies.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Barrasso (R-WY), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jim Justice (R-WV), Jim Risch (R-ID), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Steve Daines (R-MT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), James Lankford (R-OK), John Hoeven (R-ND), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Rick Scott (R-FL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ted Budd (R-NC), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Todd Young (R-IN), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jim Banks (R-IN), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) joined the letter.

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

February 20, 2025

Marvin G. Richardson

Deputy Director

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

99 New York Avenue, NE

Washington, DC 20226

Dear Deputy Director Richardson:

Thank you for your service in leading the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) during the presidential transition. On Friday, February 7, 2025, President Donald J. Trump took decisive action to reaffirm law-abiding Americans’ Second Amendment rights in issuing his Executive Order, Protecting Second Amendment Rights. We urge you to immediately align ATF’s rules and policies with the President’s strong support for the Second Amendment.

Under former President Joe Biden, ATF adopted numerous policies and rules that infringed upon Americans’ Second Amendment protections. President Trump’s Executive Order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to review and develop a plan of action regarding President Biden’s unlawful firearms regulations. We ask that you work with the Attorney General to quickly identify and rescind these policies. In particular, we call your attention to the following anti-Second Amendment regulations and policies, which must be immediately rescinded:
- The engaged in the business rule, which is an unconstitutional attempt to move ATF to do all it can to impose universal background checks on law-abiding Americans. ATF has been enjoined, at least temporarily, from enforcing the rule because it violated the text of the Gun Control Act.
- The pistol brace rule, which improperly reclassifies pistols equipped with stabilizing braces as “short-barreled rifles” (SBRs), thereby subjecting them to stringent regulations and serious criminal penalties under the National Firearms Act and the Gun Control Act. We are troubled by the fact that ATF promulgated this rule after it previously determined that attaching a stabilizing brace to a pistol did not render the pistol an SBR. This rule threatens to put stabilizing braces out of reach of millions of gun owners, including disabled combat veterans who rely on them to be able to shoot heavy pistols. Furthermore, the rule made law-abiding Americans felons overnight for having lawfully purchased stabilizing brace equipped pistols. Multiple courts have already found the rule to be arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act, and it was ordered vacated by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. We appreciate the Government’s recent motions to hold ATF’s 5th and 11th Circuit appeals defending the rule in abeyance and to postpone oral argument, and ATF should work quickly to accede to the vacatur given the ongoing litigation.
- The so-called “ghost gun” rule, which cracks down on law-abiding hobbyists who are exercising their Second Amendment rights to privately build firearms—a longstanding tradition that traces back to the Colonial Era. The regulations are currently before the Supreme Court, but ATF should act immediately to rescind this rule.
- The “zero tolerance” policy, under which ATF has revoked the licenses of federal firearm licensees (FFLs) over minor bookkeeping violations. This policy violates a decades-long precedent of ATF working with FFLs to address these minor, unintentional violations and revoking FFL licenses only in cases of major, willful violations that threaten public safety. ATF should develop a program to restore the federal firearms licenses of those FFLs whose licenses were unfairly revoked—or surrendered under duress—where they did not engage in willful conduct (as understood prior to June 23, 2021, when the policy was announced) and do not represent at threat to public safety.
In addition to promptly rescinding these rules and policies, we urge you to immediately destroy the hundreds of millions of ATF Form 4473 firearm transaction records and other licensee records that are over 20 years old. These records have no particular law enforcement value but do contain the sensitive information of millions of law-abiding gun owners. ATF should likewise return to the policy of allowing FFLs to destroy Form 4473 in their possession that are over 20 years old, which the Biden Administration initiated in violation of the federal prohibition on gun registration. Ending the policy of retaining these very old records will save money for the American taxpayer and counteract ATF’s unconstitutional rule change.

Furthermore, we urge you to “continue collaboration to improve the process for” National Firearms Act applications. Congress recently instructed ATF to make these improvements. While NFA wait times have improved significantly, ATF must continue to “address ongoing delays in application processing times” until the archaic process is at least as efficient as the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. There is no reason that the right to purchase a firearm should be so greatly delayed; a right delayed is a right denied.

The foregoing should not be considered a full accounting of every action or policy for which ATF may be held responsible under President Trump’s Executive Order but represent obvious and high priority places for ATF to initiate compliance.

We look forward to working with you through the transition as you implement President Trump’s agenda and reorient ATF toward protecting Americans’ Second Amendment rights.

Sincerely,

/s/
MIL OSI USA News –
February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Two people charged with 77 offences across southern Tasmania

Source: Tasmania Police

Two people charged with 77 offences across southern Tasmania

Friday, 21 February 2025 – 9:48 am.

Police Taskforce Saturate have charged two people with a combined total of 77 offences across southern Tasmania.
Early yesterday, members from Taskforce Saturate and Glenorchy Uniform attended a Glenorchy residence and conducted a search as part of a targeted operation.
A 27-year-old Claremont woman and an 18-year-old Glenorchy man were arrested in relation to multiple offences which allegedly occurred around Southern Tasmania during a six-week period in January and February 2025.
They have been charged with a combined total of 77 offences related to stealing, drugs, and breaches of bail.
Both were detained to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court today.
Police thank members of the public who assisted in the investigations into both offenders.

MIL OSI News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: NT Fire and Rescue Chief Officer announced

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) is pleased to announce the permanent appointment of Mr Stephen Sewell AFSM as Chief Fire Officer (CFO).

Following an extensive merit-based selection process, Mr Sewell, who has been acting in the CFO role for the past 12 months, has officially been appointed to the position.

This appointment brings stability to the NT Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) and allows for the continued recruitment of Deputy Fire Officers, which is set to begin this month.

Before stepping into the role of Chief Fire Officer, Mr Sewell served as the Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Territory Operations. He has been with the NTFRS since 2009 and has held an executive position since 2020.

In addition to his extensive experience with NTFRS, Mr Sewell has served in various regiments of the Australian Army since 1989 and remains an active member of the Australian Army Reserve.

He has been recognised for his service with several prestigious awards, including the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), and medals for his deployments, such as the International Force East Timor Medal, the Afghanistan Medal, and the Iraq Medal.

NTFES Commissioner, Andrew Warton congratulated Mr Sewell on his appointment, acknowledging his significant contributions over the past 16 years.

“Stephen brings a wealth of strategic and leadership experience to this role, along with an unwavering commitment to protecting the lives, property, and environment of the Northern Territory,” said Commissioner Warton.

“Over the past 16 years, Stephen has made significant contributions to our operations, firefighting preparedness, training and development, fire safety initiatives, recruitment, and community engagement.”

In addition to his operational expertise, Mr Sewell holds qualifications in human resource management, public safety, training and assessment, and occupational health and safety.

Quotes attributed to Mr Stephen Sewell AFSM:

“It is a tremendous honour to be appointed permanently as Chief Fire Officer, and I am committed to ensuring that the NT Fire and Rescue Service continues to serve the community with the highest standards of professionalism, preparedness and safety.”

“My focus will be on maintaining the safety of our communities, supporting our dedicated firefighters, and further strengthening our operational capabilities to respond to emergencies across the Territory.”

“The role of Chief Fire Officer is both challenging and rewarding, and I am excited to continue the work of enhancing community resilience while working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a safer Northern Territory.”

“I want to thank the dedicated men and women of NTFRS for their commitment and service. Together, we will continue to advance the agency’s mission to serve and protect.”

With the recent formation of the NT Fire and Emergency Services, which merges the NT Fire and Rescue Service, NT Emergency Service, and Bushfires NT into a single agency, Mr Sewell’s leadership will be vital in further enhancing the agency’s ability to respond to emergencies while prioritising community resilience.

Media contact
Rickie Abraham

MIL OSI News –

February 21, 2025