NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan national sentenced for illegal reentry in Eastern District of Texas

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BEAUMONT, Texas –A Guatemalan national has been sentenced to federal prison for illegally reentering the United States, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Carlos Rodriguez-Torres, 42, pleaded guilty to reenty of deported alien and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on February 18, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, on April 18, 2024, Rodriguez-Torres was found in Lumberton.  Data system checks revealed Rodriguez-Torres is a citizen and national of Guatemala and illegally present in the United States.  Further investigation revealed Rodriguez-Torres had been previously deported or removed to Guatemala on March 14, 2012; October 9, 2012; March 12, 2013; and January 8, 2019.  Rodriguez-Torres had also been previously convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien on February 20, 2018, in the Eastern District of Texas.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Lumberton Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Boston’s Violent Crimes Task Force Seeks Identity of Suspect Wanted in Connection with Armed Pharmacy Robbery

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

    The FBI Boston Division’s Violent Crimes Task Force, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Danvers Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect wanted in connection with the armed robbery of a pharmacy in Danvers, Massachusetts, on January 8, 2025. The robber is considered armed and dangerous.

    On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at approximately 5:17 p.m., the suspect entered the pharmacy located at 1 Maple Street, Danvers, Massachusetts. He approached the counter, pointed a silver pistol at the pharmacist, and demanded a variety of drugs from the safe. After placing the drugs in a black bag, he exited the store through the rear.

    The alleged robber is a thin, white male. During the robbery he wore a gray hooded sweatshirt with a dark-colored jacket, khaki pants, a black face mask, and a black hat.

    Anyone with information regarding this robbery should call the FBI at 857-386-2000 or the Danvers Police Department at 978-762-0221. Tips can also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash in Hunua

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are attending a serious crash in Hunua.

    At around 9am, two vehicles collided at the intersection of Paparimu and Hunua roads.

    One person is currently in a critical condition and will be airlifted to Auckland City Hospital.

    The Serious Crash Unit will examine the scene.

    Diversions are in place in the area and an investigation will commence into the crash in due course.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Washington, D.C. Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Armed Robberies of Four Maryland Cell Phone Stores

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Baltimore, Maryland – Today, U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Xavier Jones, 26, of Washington, D.C., to 22 years in federal prison and three years of supervised release for his role in robbing four cell phone stores in Baltimore County, Howard County, and Prince George’s County, Maryland. Jones was also ordered to pay $74,141.26 in restitution. 

    Phil Selden, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office, and Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department.

    According to the parties’ plea agreement, Jones and his co-conspirators brandished firearms during the robberies, threatened to kill employees and customers, physically moved victims throughout the stores, and pepper sprayed victims during one of the robberies.

    The final robbery occurred on December 23, 2020, at an AT&T store in Owings Mills, Maryland.  Co-conspirator Rico Dashiell, 26, of Fort Washington, Maryland, entered the AT&T store pretending to be a customer.  After Jones and co-conspirator Donte Herring, 25, of Washington, DC, entered the store, Dashiell brandished a firearm announcing a robbery.  Jones and Herring stole $48,767 worth of Apple and Samsung Galaxy devices, 76 in total.

    Additionally, Dashiell directed an employee to open the store’s cash register before stealing $322.  The perpetrators forced three victims into a room containing a safe and then proceeded to pepper spray them.  The robbers then fled the store in a stolen Kia Niro with registration tags from another vehicle.  During the course of their conduct, the robbers inadvertently took a 3SI GPS tracker which was in one of the stolen cell phone boxes.  As the perpetrators fled, the tracker was activated.  Law enforcement tracked the stolen vehicle to a single-family residence in Catonsville, Maryland where a friend of Jones lived.  Aviation units observed and filmed the robbers outside of the residence unloading the stolen AT&T merchandise and taking the items into the residence.  Law enforcement also found a stolen Dodge Caravan from a previous robbery at the residence.     

    The initial robbery happened on October 23, 2020, at a Verizon store in College Park, Maryland. Jones and a co-conspirator forced victims into a backroom before directing an employee to open a safe. The robbers then proceeded to steal $21,440.93 in mobile devices.

    Then on December 8, 2020, Jones and a co-conspirator robbed the Russell Cellular Verizon store in Columbia, Maryland.  Jones and a co-conspirator initially posed as customers before pulling a firearm on an employee.  The robbers then moved the employee into a backroom, ordering him to open the safe.  Jones and his co-conspirator stole $22,000.33 worth of mobile devices — including numerous iPhones — and $1,273, from the safe.

    On December 17, 2020, Jones and Herring robbed another Russell Cellular Verizon store – this time in Halethorpe, Maryland. The perpetrators again initially posed as customers before brandishing firearms and pointing them at an employee. Herring ordered the employee to open a safe and then they proceeded to steal various electronic devices — including multiple boxes of Apple cellular phones, watches, and iPads — worth approximately $27,940.  Additionally, Herring forced the employee to give him $1,313 from the cash register. They then fled in a stolen Dodge Caravan.    

    Dashiell previously pleaded guilty for his role in the robbery and was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison.  Herring was convicted at trial and has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Selden commended the FBI, Baltimore County Police Department, Howard County Police Department, and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Selden also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul A. Riley and Michael F. Aubin who are prosecuting the case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Lexington Woman Sentenced for Production of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Lexington, woman, Amy Lynn Cook, 38, was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory VanTatenhove, to 276 months, for production of child pornography. 

    According to her plea agreement, on December 1, 2023, law enforcement received a tip that a Google user, later identified as Cook, had uploaded child sexual abuse material to the platform. Law enforcement also identified additional tips that indicated that Cook had uploaded child pornography images to various other social media platforms, including Facebook.  In an interview with law enforcement, Cook admitted that she would sell images, including sexually explicit images of minors, to others on the internet. Search warrants obtained for Cook’s social media accounts and electronic devices led to the discovery of child pornography images, including images of infant that had been produced by Cook. Cook stated that someone requested the image via the internet and that she had been paid to produce and send it.

    Under federal law, Cook must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence.  Upon Cook’s release from prison, she will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life. 

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by HSI and Lexington Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dayspring — Missing youth: Help the RCMP find Willow MacKenzie

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Lunenburg County District RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Willow MacKenzie. She was last seen at approximately 12:05 p.m. today on Leary Fraser Rd.

    MacKenzie has black hair and hazel eyes. She’s approximately 5-foot-5, 132 pounds. When last seen, she was wearing a camouflage hoodie, dark blue tights with red checkered markings down the side, black shoes, and glasses.

    When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those who know them. We ask that people spread the word through social media respectfully.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Willow MacKenzie is asked to contact the Lunenburg County District RCMP at 902-527-5555. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Amid Evolving Threat Landscape, UN Peacekeepers Must Have Adequate Resources to Protect Vulnerable Populations in Conflict Zones, Speakers Tell Special Committee

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    In an ever-shifting security landscape, ensuring sufficient funding, technology and training, and promoting gender equality in peacekeeping operations while also recognizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations in conflict zones is more critical than ever, speakers told the opening of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, which also marked 60 years since its establishment.

    Vice-President of the General Assembly Cherdchai Chaivaivid (Thailand), speaking on behalf of Assembly President Philémon Yang (Cameroon), said that, for nearly 80 years, UN peacekeepers have protected civilians from violence and supported vital political dialogue between parties to conflict.

    “The safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers remains of utmost importance,” he stressed, adding that since 1948 over 3,500 blue helmets have lost their lives serving in UN peacekeeping operations.  “Going forward, we will need mandates suited for an evolving threat landscape,” he said, also emphasizing the need for improved capacity to assess conflict situations, as well as effective planning and management throughout the peacekeeping cycle.

    “It is also vital to improve cooperation of poor countries with other critical partners, increase trust among stakeholders and manage local and international expectations in the Pact for the Future,” he went on to say.  Further, Member States must enhance collaboration between the UN and regional and subregional organizations, particularly the African Union.

    Adoption of Pact for the Future Created ‘Transformative Moment’ for Peacekeeping

    Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, speaking on behalf of Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, said that this annual engagement by Member States is a key source of the “enduring strength as a preeminent symbol of multilateral resolve”.  Peacekeepers can be a “lifeline” for hundreds of thousands of civilians caught in conflict.

    The Committee’s sixtieth anniversary comes at a transformative moment for peacekeeping following the adoption of the Pact for the Future, where Member States equivocally reaffirmed peacekeeping as a critical tool to maintain international peace and security, she said.  “You have a unique opportunity to build on those efforts by providing a platform for dialogue, presenting innovative ideas and ensuring the effectiveness and accountability of UN peacekeeping operations,” she added.

    More Peacekeeper Resources Key amid Complex Terrain Marked by Geopolitical Challenges and Volatility

    As delegates took the floor, many stressed the need for more resources so that peacekeepers can carry out their work in an ever-shifting security landscape, with Morocco’s delegate, speaking for Non-Aligned Movement, noting that UN peacekeeping operations are currently navigating a complex terrain marked by geopolitical challenges.  “Funding and limited resources remain a significant issue,” she stressed.  “As a result, peacekeeping operations find themselves in a delicate position, needing to adapt to the realities on the ground while responding to international expectations.”

    Troop- and Police-Contributing Countries Stress Consultation with Them Key for Drafting Clear, Achievable Mandates

    Speakers from troop- and police-contributing countries stressed the Security Council must further consult with them to draft clear and achievable mandates that preserve the primacy of political solutions and help peacekeeping operations better address the evolving nature of global conflicts.

    “Our peacekeepers continue to serve in nations where security situations are volatile, but despite such challenges, our peacekeepers are striving to fulfil their mandates, and therefore we must ensure their safety and security,” said Indonesia’s delegate, speaking for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).  Noting that its member States contribute over 5,000 peacekeepers across various UN missions, he called for better quality training and equipment for the troops.

    Canada’s representative, also speaking for Australia and New Zealand, and echoing other speakers, emphasized the importance of including women in all areas of peacekeeping missions, and commitment to the women, peace and security agenda as a cornerstone of the UN’s efforts to promote gender equality and lasting peace, reduce training obstacles in order to guarantee women’s full, equal participation.  “We urge missions to step up efforts to support the role of women in conflict prevention, resolution and peacebuilding,” he said.  He further underscored the importance of planning and the deliberate implementation of transitions and drawdowns in peacekeeping operations, stressing:  “Several agencies need to be involved from the very beginning of these processes to identify the capacity of the host Government, the UN and civil society actors to support those transitions.”

    Countries Hosting Peacekeeping Missions Urge Focus on Linguistic Capacity-Building, Improved Cooperation

    Speakers from countries hosting peacekeeping missions laid out their priorities and concerns, as well, with the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, speaking for the French-Speaking Ambassadors Group, emphasizing that French-speaking areas host several operations that face growing and complex challenges.  “The fragility of ceasefire agreements, the high cost of conflict for the civilian population and the complexity of peace processes are making the work of the blue helmets more essential than ever,” he stressed. Recalibrating peacekeeping capacities is vital to improve cooperation with host States and “strengthen the links of trust” with the local population.

    “This is a priority that must also be looked at from the point of view of linguistic and intellectual capacity-building,” he said, calling for a focus on language abilities from the strategic planning to the operational phases.  Many countries in the Francophone space want to contribute more to peacekeeping operations, but they are being held back by language barriers at every stage of their engagement.

    Donor Countries Pledge Continued Support

    Donor countries, meanwhile, pledged to continue to support UN peacekeeping missions, and echoed many other Member States in calling attention to the unique opportunity created by the adoption of the Pact for the Future.  The European Union’s speaker, noting that the bloc provided almost one quarter of the UN’s peacekeeping budget last year, said it will continue to contribute constructively to the upcoming negotiations with the intent to improve UN peacekeeping in accordance with the Pact.  “We currently deploy almost 4,000 military police and civilian personnel to UN peace operations,” he said, adding:  “We cannot continue to demand more from our peacekeeping missions by expanding their mandates without providing the necessary resources for their implementation.”

    UN peacekeeping operations are confronted with increasingly complex challenges, he observed, citing regional threats, the effects of climate change, mis- and disinformation, increased presence of non-State actors, such as private military companies, transnational criminal activities and the weaponization of new and emerging technology, as demonstrated by the first attack ever last September on UN peacekeepers with an improvised armed unmanned aerial system.

    Election of Officers

    At the opening of the meeting, the Committee by acclamation elected Francisco Tropepi (Argentina), Michael Gort (Canada), Takayuki Iriya (Japan) and Michal Miarka (Poland) as Vice-Chairs; and Mohamed Soliman (Egypt) as Rapporteur.  Michael Gort (Canada) was elected to serve as Chair of the Working Group of the Whole.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash in Pukekohe

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are attending a serious crash in Pukekohe this morning.

    The crash occurred at around 9.15am, involving a vehicle and pedestrian at the intersection of Ward and Wellington streets.

    The pedestrian is currently in a serious condition.

    Police are aware that traffic has built up in the area, and we are advising the community that there will be diversions put in place.

    Please avoid the area if at all possible.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Joins Multistate Coalition to Continue Supporting Pennsylvania’s Commonsense Age-Based Firearm Restrictions

    Source: US State of California

    Tuesday, February 18, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta, as part of a coalition of 19 attorneys general, filed a brief in support of the State of Pennsylvania’s petition for rehearing en banc in Lara v. Commissioner of Pennsylvania State Police. Pennsylvania law sets the minimum age at 21 for securing a permit to carry a concealed handgun in public and during states of emergency. The case is currently pending in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit after remand from the U.S. Supreme Court for further consideration in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Rahimi. The coalition’s brief argues that the Third Circuit’s three-judge panel erred in its decision to strike down the laws as unconstitutional under the Second Amendment and that the panel’s reasoning could undermine efforts by states to protect their citizens through the application of similar age-limitation laws. In fact, most states across the nation impose some age-based restrictions on the possession, purchase, or use of firearms reflecting their collective judgment that such laws promote public safety and curb gun violence within their borders.

    “States must have the ability to protect citizens and communities from the harmful effects of gun violence and promote the safe use of firearms,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The Third Circuit’s decision to overturn Pennsylvania’s law is inconsistent with our nation’s historical tradition as well as longstanding state and federal laws imposing age-based restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms. We stand with Pennsylvania and other states in their efforts to curb gun violence through these kinds of commonsense laws that improve public safety.” 

    In the brief, the coalition asserts that Pennsylvania’s law is constitutional under the Second Amendment and is consistent with states’ authority and a historical tradition of state regulations promoting gun safety and protecting communities from gun violence. The coalition argues that the Third Circuit’s decision to strike down Pennsylvania’s law misreads the U.S. Supreme Court’s Bruen decision, which preserves states’ authority to regulate firearms through laws that are “consistent with the Second Amendment’s text and historical understanding.” States still retain meaningful authority to regulate access to firearms even after Bruen and Rahimi.

    Attorney General Bonta urges the Court of Appeals sitting en banc to overturn the panel’s decision because: 

    • The Second Amendment allows states to enact varied measures to promote gun safety and protect against gun violence consistent with historical tradition, and states have long exercised this power by enacting laws to promote safety, prevent crime, and minimize gun violence within their borders.
    • Pennsylvania’s age-based restrictions are consistent with measures taken by other states and fall comfortably within states’ authority to regulate firearms. Most states and the District of Columbia impose age-based restrictions regarding the use, purchase, or possession of firearms, and a majority of states have determined that those under the age of 21 should be more restricted in their ability to carry firearms in public. Courts have previously upheld these restrictions relying on the historical record as is now required by Bruen.
    • The panel’s categorical rejection of relevant historical evidence from the time period when the Fourteenth Amendment incorporated the Second Amendment against the states is inconsistent with Supreme Court precedent and fundamental principles of constitutional adjudication.

    Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington in filing the brief.

    A copy of the brief can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Arrest Cleveland Homicide Suspect and Barberton Shooting Suspect

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Garfield Heights, OH – This afternoon, members of the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested Oturi Germany, 46 and Oturiana Germany, 28.  Oturi Germany was wanted by the Cleveland Division of Police for aggravated murder. Oturiana Germany was wanted by the Barberton Police Department for felonious assault.

    On January 10, 2025, officers from the Cleveland Division Police, 3rd District, located a deceased male inside a storage room in the basement of an apartment building located in the 2100 block of E. 78th Street, Cleveland, Ohio. The male victim had suffered a gunshot wound to his back. Oturi Germany was later identified as a suspect in this fatal incident and a warrant for aggravated murder was issued for his arrest.

    On February 17, 2025, a male was shot three times at the Washington Square Apartments in Barberton, Ohio. The male victim suffered three non-life-threatening gun shot wounds. The Barberton Police Department identified Oturiana Germany as a suspect in the shooting and a warrant was issued for her arrest.

    This afternoon, members of the NOVFTF arrested both Oturi and Oturiana Germany inside a vehicle near the 5100 block of E. 117th Street, Garfield Heights, Ohio. Two firearms were located during the arrest and seized by officers on scene.

    U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Thankfully, no one was hurt during the arrest and our task force was able to take two violent fugitives and firearms off the street today. Our task force is comprised of outstanding officers who are highly trained, which results in safe arrests like the ones today in Garfield Heights.”

    Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James and HCR Commissioner Visnauskas Return 21 New York City Apartments to Rent Stabilization

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas today announced the re-regulation of 21 New York City apartments owned by Emerald Equity Group, LLC (Emerald), a real estate company with a number of buildings in East Harlem, Manhattan. An Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and HCR investigation found that Emerald had improperly and illegally deregulated rent-stabilized units, overcharged tenants, and failed to keep tenants’ security deposits in separate accounts as required by law. In addition to returning the illegally deregulated apartments to rent stabilization, Attorney General James is requiring Emerald to repay $54,799.66 to the tenants who were overcharged for their rent.

    “Emerald blatantly ignored rent stabilization laws, denying many New Yorkers access to affordable, reliable housing,” said Attorney General James. “By returning these units to rent stabilization and ensuring tenants are reimbursed for overcharges, we are bringing justice to the families that Emerald harmed and ensuring more fair and equitable housing for future renters. Every New Yorker deserves a fair, stable, and secure place to live.”

    “This case exemplifies how the longstanding enforcement partnership between HCR’s Tenant Protection Unit and Attorney General James continues to protect New Yorkers from unlawful schemes to deregulate apartments and overcharge tenants,” said New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas. “By systematically rooting out fraudulent deregulation and restoring legal rents, we are securing the rights of millions of rent-regulated tenants and building on Governor Hochul’s efforts to strengthen tenant protections and improve enforcement of the rent laws.”

    In March 2020, OAG and HCR separately opened investigations into the rent stabilization status of Emerald’s properties and the enforcement of legal rents at certain rent-stabilized units. Both OAG and HCR found that Emerald had illegally deregulated units and overcharged tenants for rent, in clear violation of New York’s Rent Stabilization Law. When investigating the illegal deregulation and improper rents, OAG and HCR also discovered that Emerald had failed to keep tenants’ security deposits in separate security deposit savings accounts, as is required by New York law. These individual accounts are necessary to protect tenants’ funds from being mixed with their landlord’s general business funds and can shield security deposits from being used for improper purposes. It also ensures that security deposits accrue the appropriate interest while being held by the landlord.

    Emerald must return 21 improperly deregulated units to rent stabilization within 60 days and correct the rent price for any apartments whose rents were improperly inflated. Emerald has 30 days to notify all impacted tenants of the changes and, for any tenants that were overcharged, return the excess rent money they illegally collected directly to the renters. It must also establish segregated accounts for all tenant security deposits and ensure all of its units are brought into compliance with rent regulation laws moving forward. If Emerald fails to execute any aspect of this agreement, they must pay a $500 daily penalty for each violation until resolved.

    Emerald has filed for bankruptcy for several of its rent-stabilized properties, including those re-regulated as part of this settlement. As part of bankruptcy proceedings, the company was required to conduct an audit of its portfolio, which uncovered at least 20 units whose registered rents differed from the legal regulated rent. Those units’ legal rents are being adjusted accordingly.

    Emerald owns and manages several rent-stabilized properties in New York, including:

    • 203 West 107th Street;
    • 210 West 107th Street;
    • 220 West 107th Street;
    • 230 West 107th Street;
    • 124 – 136 East 117th Street;
    • 215 East 117th Street;
    • 231 East 117th Street;
    • 235 East 117th Street;
    • 244 East 117th Street;
    • 316 East 117th Street;
    • 322 East 117th Street;
    • 326 East 117th Street; and
    • 1661 Park Avenue.

    These 13 buildings are currently the subject of Emerald’s bankruptcy proceeding and will soon be transferred to Emerald’s lender. The OAG and HCR have also secured an agreement with the lender ensuring that new owners will be bound to the settlement as well in the event that Emerald is not able to comply with the rent regulation and security deposit measures before the transfer of the buildings.

    This settlement is the latest action in Attorney General James’ ongoing efforts to protect tenants and enforce New York’s rent regulation laws. In September 2024, Attorney General James, in partnership with HCR, re-regulated 263 illegally deregulated apartments and reduced rents in 43 additional units. In August 2022, Attorney General James secured $4 million from a group of 29 New York City landlords after uncovering an illegal kickback scheme to deregulate hundreds of rent-stabilized apartments in New York City. In January 2022, Attorney General James banned Raphael Toledano from real estate business in New York, after he failed to uphold his 2019 $3 million agreement with Attorney General James for harassing tenants and violating rent stabilization laws. In December 2020, Attorney General James also won more than $1 million in rent credits from Madison Realty Capital for aiding and abetting Toledano’s harassment and illegal deregulation.

    This matter was handled for OAG by Housing Protection Unit Chief Brent Meltzer with assistance from Assistant Attorney General Jane Landry-Reyes. The Housing Protection Unit is part of the Division for Social Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Preparing to Deploy NY National Guard to Correctional Facilities

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced preparations to utilize the New York National Guard to protect correction officers who are currently on the job, individuals in DOCCS care and the communities surrounding these correctional facilities. The Governor also directed Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel Martuscello and senior Administration officials to meet with leaders from the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association to call for an end to the unlawful work stoppage that is causing significant public safety concerns across New York.

    “The illegal and unlawful actions being taken by a number of correction officers must end immediately,” Governor Hochul said. “We will not allow these individuals to jeopardize the safety of their colleagues, incarcerated people, and the residents of communities surrounding our correctional facilities. I have directed my Administration to meet with union leadership to resolve this situation and have also ordered the National Guard be mobilized to secure our correctional facilities in the event it is not resolved by tomorrow. Correction officers do difficult work under challenging circumstances, and I have consistently fought for them to have better pay and working conditions and will continue to do so.”

    Governor Hochul is preparing to deploy members of the New York National Guard to DOCCS facilities tomorrow if the unlawful work stoppage does not end, and will begin to take appropriate disciplinary action as necessary. The Governor has also directed her Counsel to work with the Office of the Attorney General on legal mechanisms such as the Taylor Law which will compel employees to return to work.

    DOCCS Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III said, “Earlier today we met with NYSCOPBA President Summers and his Executive Board to discuss a path forward to returning all facilities to normal operations and ending this illegal strike. The safety and security of the staff and incarcerated population is paramount to me. I value the hard work and commitment of the men and women at DOCCS who have had to sacrifice time with their families due to the current staffing shortage. However, this illegal job action involving NYSCOPBA members is causing irreparable harm to the operations of the department and jeopardizing the safety and security of their co-workers within these facilities. We will continue to develop strategies to reduce assaults and to bring more staff on board with NYSCOPBA, the recognized bargaining agency for correction officers and sergeants. There is always room for progress and for disagreements and we welcome continued dialogue with the union at the table. At this time, I am urging all those on strike to end this job action.”

    Governor Hochul has worked with NYSCOPBA to improve salaries, benefits and working conditions for corrections officers. In March 2024, the union agreed to a collective bargaining agreement with the State of New York to improve working conditions for corrections officers:

    • Increased salaries and starting pay for new employees by $6,500.
    • Increased Correction Officer location-based pay by $500 to $1,000 per Officer for downstate assignments.
    • Increased Correction Officer hazardous duty pay from $200 to $1,075.
    • Provides 12 weeks of fully-paid parental leave.

    Governor Hochul has also fought successfully to pass new laws and implement administrative changes to protect corrections officers. This includes advancing legislation to authorize the use of body scanners in correctional facilities and securing funding to procure the deployment of this technology. The Governor also supported DOCCS implementation of the vendor package program leading to large reductions in contraband entering our correctional facilities.

    Governor Hochul has also expanded efforts to increase recruitment and hiring of new correction officers. This includes:

    • Introducing Article 7 language in this year’s Executive Budget to amend the public officers law, in relation to residency requirements for certain positions as a correction officer, allowing recruiting from other states which would greatly expand the number of potential applicants.
    • DOCCS has contracted with OGS Media Services on a large-scale social media recruitment campaign that includes a multi-channel approach including social media, multicultural digital, streaming audio, video and static ads to better familiarize the public on DOCCS mission.
    • DOCCS Statewide Recruitment Unit has been running Recruitment Centers in various locations and currently is operating Recruitment Centers in the Destiny USA mall (Syracuse) and Champlain Centre mall (Plattsburgh).
    • In 2024, DOCCS recruiters attended 1,169 career fairs along with 54 multi day events.
    • DOCCS launched an advanced placement initiative to attract applicants with Correction Officer experience into our Correction Officer ranks at a pay rate commensurate to their experience.
    • In July 2024, the Department launched “CNY200”, a regional hiring incentive promoting direct placement of Correction officer recruits to vacancies at Auburn, Cayuga, Marcy, Mid-State and Mohawk Correctional Facilities, upon completion of the training academy.
      • In August 2024, DOCCS expanded the regional recruitment initiative to Chemung, Dutchess and Franklin Counties which include Bare Hill, Elmira, Fishkill, Franklin, Green Haven and Upstate Correctional Facility.
        • Due to the success of this initiative it was expanded in November 2024 to Clinton and Ulster Counties which include Altona, Clinton, Eastern, Shawangunk, Ulster and Wallkill Correctional Facility.
    • In addition to continued efforts by the DOCCS recruitment team to pursue candidates for civilian positions at career fairs and community events, DOCCS has been very successful with recruitment via the HELPs program launched by the Department of Civil Service in April 2023.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Files Charges Against Los Angeles Real Estate Agent, Landlord for Price Gouging in Wake of Eaton Fire

    Source: US State of California

    In addition, DOJ has sent more than 700 price gouging warning letters to hotels and landlords

    LOS ANGELES — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the filing of charges against a Southern California real estate agent and a landlord for price gouging a victim who was evacuated due to the Eaton Fire. This investigation began when a complaint was filed with the California Department of Justice (DOJ) after the victim took steps to rent a Hermosa Beach home after the Governor’s Emergency Order, which protects against price gouging, went into effect. The investigation revealed that after the Emergency Order was in place, the defendants increased the rental price by 36%, which exceeded the 10% limit laid out in Penal Code section 396. The charge carries a potential penalty of a $10,000 maximum fine and the possibility of 12 months in jail. 

    “The California Department of Justice remains focused on putting a stop to price gouging,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Following the devastating fires in Southern California, I have been urging the public to report price gouging to local authorities, or to my office at oag.ca.gov/report or by reaching out to our hotline at (800) 952-5225. Today, we’ve announced price gouging charges against both a real estate agent and a landlord for price gouging in the wake of the Eaton Fire. DOJ will continue relentlessly pursuing those who are trying to capitalize off of the chaos and pain of Southern California’s natural disaster.”  

    As part of Attorney General Bonta’s work to protect Californians following the Southern California wildfires, DOJ has also sent more than 700 warning letters – and counting – to hotels and landlords who have been accused of price gouging. In addition, the office has more active criminal investigations into price gouging underway.
     
    Working alongside our District Attorneys, City Attorneys, and other law enforcement partners, DOJ has opened active investigations into price gouging as it continues to ramp up deployment of resources to Los Angeles County to investigate and prosecute price gouging, fraud, scams, and unsolicited low-ball offers on property during the state of emergency. DOJ has been working diligently to tackle this unlawful and unscrupulous conduct since a state of emergency was declared on January 7, 2025, and to further those efforts, the launch of a website dedicated to its response: oag.ca.gov/LAFires.
     
    California law – specifically, Penal Code section 396 – generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds, by more than 10%, the price a seller charged for an item before a state or local declaration of emergency. For items a seller only began selling after an emergency declaration, the law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds the seller’s cost of the item by more than 50%. This law applies to those who sell food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials, and gasoline. The law also applies to repair or reconstruction services, emergency cleanup services, transportation, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations, and long- and short-term rental housing. Exceptions to this prohibition exist if, for example, the price of labor, goods, or materials has increased for the business. 

    Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in a one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Violators are also subject to civil enforcement actions including civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, injunctive relief, and mandatory restitution. The Attorney General and local prosecutors can enforce the statute.

    TIPS FOR REPORTING PRICE GOUGING, SCAMS, FRAUD AND OTHER CRIMES:

    1. Visit oag.ca.gov/LAfires or call our hotline at: (800) 952-5225.
    2. Include screenshots of all correspondence including conversations, text messages, direct messages (DMs), and voicemails
    3. Provide anything that shows what prices you were offered, when, and by whom.
    4. If you’re on a site like Zillow, you can also send screenshots of the price history and a link to the listing. 
    5. Include first and last names of the realtors, listing agents, or business owners you spoke to. Be sure to include phone numbers, email addresses, home and business addresses, websites, social media accounts.
    6. Don’t leave out any information that can help us find and contact the business or landlord.

    Californians who believe they have been the victim of price gouging should report it to their local authorities or to the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/LAfires. To view a list of all price gouging restrictions currently in effect as a result of proclamations by the Governor, please see here.

    A copy of the complaint can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rapid City Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

    Cruz Mario Lara Larios, age 38, was sentenced on February 14, 2025, to 10 years in federal prison, five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

    Lara Larios was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024. He pleaded guilty on November 22, 2024.

    On March 17, 2024, Lara Larios was the driver and sole occupant of a vehicle on Interstate 90 near Spearfish, South Dakota. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Lara Larios’ vehicle for speeding. During the traffic stop officers located nearly 24 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in the vehicle, which Lara Larios had been transporting from Washington to South Dakota with the intention of distributing some or all of the methamphetamine.

    This case was investigated by the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET).  UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

    Lara Larios was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following the sentencing. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects nearly $3.5 Million in Debts Owed to Federal Victims of Crime and the United States in Fiscal Year 2024

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SIOUX FALLS – U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota collected $3,496,288.47 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2024. Of this amount, $1,584,408.91 was collected in criminal actions and $1,911,879.56 was collected in civil actions. The District of South Dakota office worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices elsewhere in the country and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $775,964.79. Excluded from these totals are significant recoveries obtained at the end of Calendar Year 2024, such as the $12.7M settlement to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations relating to improper financial relationships between Dunes Surgical Hospital and two physician groups, and the $1.4M paid toward restitution in a pandemic fraud prosecution.

    “Ensuring the collection of federal debt restores justice to victims of crime and reinforces the integrity of our governmental institutions,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell.

    In addition to filing 14 new garnishment actions, the Financial Litigation Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office closed 44 civil and criminal restitution cases where the federal debt or victims were paid in full. For example, in a civil case involving the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Financial Litigation Unit recovered $52,561.75 from a borrower who sold calves in violation of his loan agreement with a local bank. In a criminal case arising from a wire fraud conviction, the same Financial Litigation Unit recovered $36,773.79 from an inheritance the defendant received while in custody, thus providing a substantial recovery to the victims of the defendant’s wire fraud. 

    United States Attorney’s Offices, along with the Department of Justice’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lebanon County Man Indicted For Sex Offense Involving Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Chase Lawrence, age 23, of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 5, 2025, for travelling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. The case was unsealed following Lawrence’s initial appearance.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between on or about December 18, 2022 and October 6, 2023, Lawrence travelled from Lebanon County, Pennsylvania to the State of Ohio, with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a female who was under 16 years old.

    The case was investigated by the Camden Ohio Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe is prosecuting the case.

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

    The maximum penalties under federal law for the indicted offense are 30 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release after imprisonment, a fine, and a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Maine Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison after Methamphetamine Recovered from Safe in Biddeford Apartment

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Maine:  A Biddeford man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Tyrone Fleurimont, 36, to 120 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.

    According to court records, in April 2024, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigators executed a search warrant at a Biddeford apartment used by Fleurimont. Agents seized approximately 180 grams of methamphetamine pills, 90 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 293 grams of cocaine, and 66 grams of cocaine base, along with cash, a 9mm handgun and a loaded 18-round magazine. Individually wrapped baggies containing approximately 14 grams of cocaine were also later recovered from Fleurimont’s person.

    Fleurimont has prior criminal convictions in both Massachusetts and Maine, including a 2013 conviction for possessing a Class A drug with intent to distribute, a 2016 conviction for possessing a firearm without a permit, and a 2019 conviction for unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs. 

    DEA investigated the case with the assistance of the Biddeford Police Department.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Los Angeles Man Sentenced To 41 Months’ Imprisonment For Conspiring To Launder Money

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A California man was sentenced today to 41 months in prison for conspiring to launder money obtained from internet-related fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Charles Singleton, 65, of Los Angeles, California, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo, to Count One of an Indictment, which charged him with conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    From September 2018 to August 2020, Singleton worked with conspirators to launder money obtained through business email compromises, which is a method of wire fraud often targeting businesses or individuals working on business transactions involving high-dollar wire transactions.  The fraud is carried out by compromising, hacking, and/or “spoofing” legitimate email accounts through social engineering or computer intrusion techniques to cause employees of a target company, or other individuals involved in legitimate business transactions, to conduct unauthorized transfers of funds, most often to accounts controlled by the fraud perpetrators.  

    Singleton opened several business bank accounts in the names of companies he controlled and received proceeds of wire fraud in those accounts.  Singleton and his conspirators then withdrew and transferred money from various bank accounts and shared the bank account information.  Singleton also executed at least one fraudulent contract with a conspirator for a wire of $70,000.  

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Arleo sentenced Singleton to three years of supervised release, ordered forfeiture of over $1.1 million constituting proceeds derived from the conspiracy, and ordered $1,469,003 in restitution to the victims.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of the FBI, Woodland Park Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly in Newark, with the investigation.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Farhana C. Melo of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Finds Dauphin County Man Guilty of Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Melad Fahmy, age 44, of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, was convicted on February 13, 2025, for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor following a four-day jury trial before United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson.  The jury deliberated approximately 45 minutes before returning its verdict. 

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, this case was the result of a multi-agency undercover operation designed to combat human trafficking and child exploitation.  Fahmy responded to an advertisement FBI had placed on a website known to advertise prostitution and escort service.  Fahmy then communicated with an undercover agent posing as an aunt and acting as the pimp for her minor niece to entice the child to engage in illegal sexual acts for $100.  Fahmy was arrested after arriving at a Harrisburg hotel with $100 in cash.

    “Cases like this are brought together through the diligent work of law enforcement and their dedication to protecting all children from exploitation,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “The FBI will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to locate, apprehend, and bring to justice those who prey on our most vulnerable.”

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Dauphin County Drug Task Force, and Lower Paxton Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christian Haugsby and Stephen Dukes prosecuted the case.  

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

    The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is a life of imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum of 10 years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Delta Man Sentenced to Prison for His Role in Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Aberdeen, MS – Jarvis Hood, 23 of Belzoni, was sentenced on Tuesday to five years in prison for conspiring to transfer firearms to Chicago, Illinois residents and making false statements to federal firearms licensees during the purchase of multiple firearms.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the investigation began after agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives noticed that a high volume of firearms recovered in crimes in the City of Chicago had been purchased in the Northern District of Mississippi. Some of the firearms involved in new crimes had been purchased as recent as one day prior to use in a new offense.

    Several of the firearms were recovered in violent crimes and had machinegun devices attached that converted the firearms to be able to fire automatically. In total, investigators identified over 60 firearms that were purchased illegally and transported to Chicago for resale. Five defendants pled guilty for their roles in the offense. After a five-day trial in October 2024, a federal jury returned a verdict finding Hood guilty of the offense.

    On February 18, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Hood to 60 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. The sentence imposed will run consecutive to a sentence that Hood is currently serving in an unrelated state court case. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “Hood absolutely deserves this time in prison after he participated in a scheme to illegally traffic firearms to Chicago for personal profit without any concern that these guns would be used by violent criminals to create more victims,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We will continue to hold accountable those who place innocent citizens at risk by putting guns in the hands of people who do not have any respect for human life.”

    “Machineguns cannot be tolerated on the streets of any community, and this defendant, alongside his codefendants, are guilty of trafficking these dangerous weapons between Mississippi and Chicago,” remarked ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon of the Chicago Field Division. “I commend the agents, officers and the United States Attorney’s Office for their commitment in investigating and prosecuting this case, holding the defendants accountable for trafficking over 60 firearms which ended up in the hands of dangerous individuals.”

    The case was investigated by the Chicago Field Division of ATF, with assistance from the ATF Oxford, Mississippi Field Office. Valuable contributions were made by the Chicago Police Department, Wilmette Police Department, and Amtrak Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Addison and Samuel Stringfellow prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Attorney’s Office Announces Departure of Jaime Esparza

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN ANTONIO – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas announced today the departure of Jaime Esparza as U.S. Attorney.

    Esparza was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in December 2022. He came to the Western District of Texas after serving as the District Attorney for the 34th Judicial District of Texas, in El Paso, from 1993 to 2020.

    As U.S. Attorney, Esparza led the handling of more than 41,000 federal criminal prosecutions—including immigration, drugs, firearm, white collar, and violent crime—and more than 10,000 civil cases in this southern border district. He made it a priority to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations, including gangs, cartels and smuggling organizations. He also led and elevated outreach programs to educate the public on the dangers of fentanyl and machinegun conversion devices, and to bring awareness to domestic violence issues, among others.

    Under Esparza’s leadership, the civil section defended the United States in numerous civil actions and sought and obtained civil penalties against numerous individuals and entities under the False Claims Act. Additionally, his team of asset recovery lawyers obtained millions of dollars in restitution for victims and forfeited millions of dollars in property that were used to commit crimes or were obtained with proceeds of crime.

    The Western District of Texas is comprised of 93,000 square miles, 68 counties, covers 660 miles of U.S./Mexico border, and has divisional offices in El Paso, Del Rio, Waco, San Antonio, Austin, Pecos-Alpine, and Midland-Odessa. Its civil and criminal attorneys practice in District, Magistrate, and Bankruptcy Courts throughout the District, as well as in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

    Under the Vacancy Reform Act, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman now serves as the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas.

    Leachman has been with the Western District of Texas for more than 30 years and has served in numerous roles, including as Senior Litigation Counsel, Chief of the Criminal Division, Chief of the El Paso Division, and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Appellate and Major Crimes sections.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: House fire Croydon

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police and emergency services were called to reports of a house fire at Scotia Street earlier this morning.

    Just after 12.10am today Wednesday 19 February police and emergency services were called to reports of a house fire.

    When MFS entered the property they located cannabis plants and hydroponic equipment.

    The fire was contained to the roof space causing minor damage to the structure.

    The property was vacant and no reports of injuries.

    Police will return to the scene to dismantle the grow house and investigations are ongoing.

    Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.

    MIL OSI News –

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

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Reginald Fitzgerald Williams, Jr., 38, of Travelers Rest, S.C., on three charges connected to the sexual exploitation of a minor. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office made the arrest. Investigators with the Attorney General’s Office, also a member of the state’s ICAC Task Force, assisted with this investigation.

     

    Investigators received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) which led them to Williams. Investigators state Williams produced child sexual abuse material.

     

    Williams was arrested on February 13, 2025. He is charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, first degree (§16-15-395), a felony offense punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment on each count.

     

     

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

     

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

     

     

     

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lexington County man arrested on Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor and related chargesRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Daniel Phillip Bush, 60, of Cayce, S.C., on three charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Lexington Police Department made the arrest. Investigators from the Attorney General’s Office, also a member of the state’s ICAC Task Force, assisted with the investigation.  

     

    Investigators state Bush solicited and traveled to meet a person he believed to be a minor for sex.

     

    Bush was arrested on February 12, 2025. He is charged with two counts of criminal solicitation of a minor (§16-15-342), a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment on each count; and one count of attempted criminal sexual conduct with a minor (§16-3-655(B)(1)).

     

     

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

     

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

     

     

     

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brian Dugan Named Assistant Director of the Training Division

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

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation has named Brian Dugan as the assistant director of the Training Division. Most recently, Mr. Dugan served as the special agent in charge of the Norfolk Field Office in Virginia.

    Mr. Dugan joined the FBI as a special agent in 1998 and was first assigned to the San Diego Field Office, where he largely worked domestic terrorism cases. He transferred to the San Francisco Field Office in 1999 to conduct gang investigations.

    In 2006, Mr. Dugan reported to the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, as an instructor and developed new law enforcement and human intelligence courses for the FBI. He left the Academy in 2009 to work on a violent gang squad in the Northern Virginia Resident Agency of the Washington Field Office.

    Mr. Dugan was promoted to supervisory special agent and transferred to the Chicago Field Office in 2013 to lead a squad investigating child pornography and human trafficking. He also established a new gang squad addressing gun and gang violence on the North Side. In 2017, he was promoted to assistant special agent in charge of a counterintelligence branch at the Washington Field Office.

    In 2019, Mr. Dugan was promoted to section chief in the Directorate of Intelligence at FBI Headquarters. He was promoted to special agent in charge of the Norfolk Field Office in 2020.

    Prior to joining the FBI, Mr. Dugan served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant and rose to captain and served in Japan, Korea, and Russia. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science in criminal justice from Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Touro University of California.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Union Summit: African Development Bank President Highlights a Decade of Economic Transformational Impact

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, February 18, 2025/APO Group/ —

    • “It’s been my greatest honor to serve you and Africa”—Adesina tells African leaders
    • Governments across Africa pay tribute to Adesina’s exceptional leadership
    • UN Secretary General Guterres says global financial architecture hampering Africa’s development, calls for reforms

    African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org/en) President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, delivered a compelling farewell address to Heads of State and Government at the 38th African Union Summit, highlighting a decade of remarkable achievements by the Bank in driving Africa’s economic transformation. Adesina’s participation at the august continental gathering in Addis Ababa ended on a high note as African leaders considered and endorsed four Bank-led initiatives including the drive to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, measuring Africa’s green wealth as part of its GDP, a $20 billion facility to provide Africa with a financial buffer and a roadmap for the continent to achieve inclusive growth and rapid sustainable development.

    Adesina, who is also the Chairman of the Group’s Boards of Directors, underscored the impact of the Bank’s High 5s Agenda—Light up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa—which has impacted more than half a billion lives across the continent.

    “It has been an unprecedented partnership to advance the goal of the African Union towards achieving Agenda 2063: the Africa we want,” said Adesina who in February 2022, became the first president of the Bank Group to address the AU Summit.

    During the final day of the assembly, several African governments and AU officials paid tribute to Dr. Adesina for his exceptional leadership of the Bank and strong global advocacy for Africa, He ends his tenure as the Bank Group’s president on 1st September 2025.

    The February 15–16 Summit saw the election of Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as Chairperson of the African Union Commission, taking over from Moussa Faki Mahamat. Algeria’s Ambassador, Salma Malika Haddadi, was elected the Commission’s Deputy Chairperson.

    Reflecting on his tenure at the helm of the African Development Bank, Dr. Adesina said the Bank has transformed 515 million lives, including 231 million women, over the past decade:

    • 127 million people gained access to better services in terms of health.
    • 61 million people gained access to clean water.
    • 33 million people benefited from improved sanitation.
    • 46 million people gained access to ICT services, and
    • 25 million people gained access to electricity.

    He cited the landmark Africa Energy Summit held in Tanzania in January, where 48 nations signed the Dar Es Salaam Declaration to adopt bold policies in support of an initiative by the World Bank and the African Development Bank to extend electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030. That meeting, attended by 21 heads of state, secured $48 billion in commitments from the two institutions and an additional $7 billion from other development partners.

    The Addis Ababa Summit endorsed the Dar Es Salaam Energy Declaration, the Baku Declaration by African Heads of State on Measuring the Green Wealth of Africa. The Assembly also adopted the African Financing Stability Mechanism, a groundbreaking initiative by the African Development Bank to provide $20 billion in debt refinancing for African nations alongside  the Strategic Framework on Key Actions to Achieve Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development in Africa report which  outlines key actions required to enable Africa to achieve, and sustain an annual growth rate of at least 7% of GDP over the next five decades.

    On food security, Adesina cited the Bank’s Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT), the Dakar 2 Food Summit that mobilized $72 billion in 2023, and the $1.5 billion Africa Emergency Food Production Facility that was launched in May 2022 to avert a major food and fertilizer crisis triggered by global conflicts.

    “The African Development Bank accelerated food production in Africa. Over 101 million people became food secure. We mobilized $72 billion to implement the food and agriculture delivery compacts across the continent,” he stressed. With the support of the Bank, Ethiopia has achieved self-sufficiency in wheat production within four years and is now a wheat-exporting nation.

    A Decade of Transformative Impact

    With a strong focus on job creation, the Bank has trained 1.7 million youth in digital skills and is rolling out Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Banks to drive youth-led economic growth. “Our goal is simple: create youth-based wealth across Africa,” Adesina reiterated.

    Additionally, the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative has provided $2.5 billion in financing to over 24,000 women-owned businesses, said Adesina.

    Over the past decade, the African Development Bank has invested over $55 billion in infrastructure, making it the largest multilateral financier of African infrastructure.

    The Bank has also prioritized healthcare, committing $3 billion in quality healthcare infrastructure and another $3 billion for pharmaceutical development, including establishing the Africa Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation.

    Historic Financial Mobilization for Africa

    Under Adesina’s presidency, the Bank achieved its largest-ever capital increase, growing from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion currently. The most recent replenishment of the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional window, raised a record $8.9 billion for Africa’s 37 low-income countries, setting the stage for a target of $25 billion for its upcoming 17th replenishment.

    The Africa Investment Forum, a joint effort with eight other partner institutions, has also mobilized over $200 billion in investment commitments, reinforcing Africa as a leading investment destination.

    As he bade farewell, the outgoing Bank chief expressed gratitude to the African Heads of State, the African Union Commission, regional economic communities, and the people of Africa for their unwavering support.

    “As today will be my final attendance of the AU Summit as President of the African Development Bank, I would like to use this opportunity to immensely thank your Excellencies Heads of State and Government for your extraordinary support over the past ten years. I am very grateful for your always being there for the African Development Bank—your Bank. I am very grateful for your kindness, friendship, and partnership as we forged global alliances to advance the continent’s interest around the world,” he said. 

    The 2025 Summit under the theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” drew global political leaders and other dignitaries, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley.

    Guterres reiterated calls for reform of the international financial architecture, which is hampering the development of many African economies, beset by expensive debt repayments and high borrowing costs, which limits their capacity to invest in education, health and other essential needs.

    Prime Minister Mottley emphasized Africa’s strategic role in shaping global economic trends, particularly highlighting the continent’s control of 40% of the world’s minerals. She stressed the importance of addressing emerging challenges like artificial intelligence, urging African nations to take a proactive role in technological advancement rather than becoming “victims of technology.”

    She also underscored the urgency of removing artificial barriers between Africa and the Caribbean, calling for the elimination of transit visa requirements to boost trade and integration. Mottley echoed demands for reparatory justice, noting that both the Caribbean and Africa began their independence journey with “chronic deficits” in resources, fairness, and opportunity.

    Opening the Summit on Saturday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed urged continued unity among member countries in addressing the challenges.

    “In a world marked by rapid change and multiple challenges, we find ourselves at the crossroads of uncertainty and opportunity. This movement calls upon us to strengthen our collective resolve, embrace resilience and foster unity across Africa”, he said.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Moran, Hickenlooper, Capito, Peters Reintroduce Bill to Boost Broadband Supply Chain Transparency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) reintroduced their bipartisan Network Equipment Transparency (NET) Act to increase broadband supply chain transparency through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make certain federal broadband programs stay on track.
    Previous supply chain disruptions have delayed broadband infrastructure projects. A lack of transparency into the health of the telecommunications supply chain may contribute to future equipment shortages as federal broadband programs prioritize high-speed, reliable and accessible networks.
    “In this digital age, access to reliable internet can determine the success of farms, businesses and even health care in rural communities,” said Sen. Moran. “Adding transparency to the supply chains that support broadband infrastructure projects will help speed up the rollout of programs designed to increase internet activity for rural America.”
    “We wrote our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with the goal to connect every Coloradan to reliable, high-speed internet,” said Sen. Hickenlooper. “Supply chain disruptions shouldn’t delay the rollout of these projects. We don’t have time to waste.”
    “In order to effectively connect our communities, it’s critical that our federal agencies work to address any potential problems that would slow or hinder this process of deployment,” said Sen. Capito. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing the NET Act, which will provide us with another tool to monitor the supply chain so these crucial projects can be executed in a timely manner.”
    “Resilient, efficient supply chains are essential to keeping prices low and ensuring Americans can get the products they need, and that includes broadband internet,” said Sen. Peters. “This bipartisan bill would fortify the investments we made in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand high-speed, affordable internet by identifying issues in the broadband supply chain early, before they impact American businesses, workers, and consumers. I’ll continue to fight for high-speed internet access for all Michiganders.”
    This bill would require the FCC’s Communications Marketplace Report to describe to Congress the impact of supply chain disruptions on the timely completion or deployment of broadband infrastructure projects.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India – Qatar Joint Statement

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 18 FEB 2025 8:17PM by PIB Delhi

    At the invitation of Prime Minister of India His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani paid a State Visit to India on 17-18 February 2025. HH the Amir was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Ministers, officials and business leaders. This was the second State Visit of HH the Amir to India.

    HH the Amir was received by Hon’ble President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on 18 February and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. Hon’ble President also hosted a banquet reception in honour of HH the Amir and accompanying delegation.

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with HH the Amir at Hyderabad House on 18 February. Both leaders recalled the historic trade linkages, deep-rooted people-to-people ties and robust bilateral relations between both countries. They expressed the desire for further expanding and deepening of the multifaceted relationship between both countries. In this context, they expressed happiness on the signing of the ‘Agreement on the Establishment of Bilateral Strategic Partnership’ between the two sides.

    In light of the newly established Strategic Partnership, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the bilateral relations through regular and structured cooperation in all areas, including political, trade, investment, security, energy, culture, education, technology, innovation, sustainability and people-to-people ties. In this regard, the two sides expressed happiness at the signing of the revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and also agreed to expedite negotiations on the India-Qatar Bilateral Investment Treaty.

    The two sides noted with satisfaction that regular interactions at various levels have helped provide momentum to the multifaceted bilateral cooperation. They recalled the successful visit of HH the Amir to India in March 2015 and the visits of Prime Minister to Qatar in June 2016 and February 2024. The two sides agreed to continue the high-level exchanges through regular bilateral mechanisms at Ministerial and senior-official levels.

    The two sides noted that trade and commerce has been a strong pillar of bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries and emphasized on the potential for further growth and diversification in bilateral trade. The two sides welcomed the elevation of the existing Joint Working Group on Trade and Commerce into a Joint Commission on Trade and Commerce. The Joint Commission will be an institutional mechanism to review and monitor the entire spectrum of economic ties between the two countries and will be headed by the Ministers of Commerce and Industry on both sides.

    The two sides laid emphasis on strengthening collaborations between their business and industry bodies. In this context, they welcomed the holding of the first meeting of the Joint Business Council on 13 February 2025.

    The two sides agreed on the need to explore strategies for enhanced and diversified trade between the two countries and address on priority market access issues related to trade in goods and services. In this regard, the two sides agreed to explore the possibility of entering into a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Both sides set the target to double bilateral trade by 2030.

    Qatar and India have a strong strategic relationship and given that the Indian economy is one of the fastest growing economies, the Indian side welcomed the decision of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) to open an office in India. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the Joint Task Force on Investments during its first meeting in June 2024, where various avenues for investments in India were discussed.

    The Qatar side commended the steps taken by India in making a conducive environment for Foreign Direct Investment and Foreign Institutional Investment and expressed interest to explore investment opportunities in different sectors, including infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, food security, logistics, hospitality, and other areas of mutual interest. In this regard, the Qatar side announced a commitment to invest USD 10 billion in India. The Indian side also appreciated Qatar’s efforts in enhancing its investment environment and its initiatives to attract Foreign Direct Investment. India also recognized Qatar’s growing role as a regional hub for goods and services, leveraging its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly policies. Both sides emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation between investment authorities, financial institutions, and businesses to explore new opportunities for investment and trade expansion.

    The parties shall expand and deepen mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation between the two countries in accordance with their respective legislations and the provisions of international conventions to which they are parties. They shall cooperate in order to achieve stable growth and diversification of trade, increase the volume of exchanged products, and provide mutual services on a systematic and long-term basis. Additionally, they shall implement measures to attract and encourage the establishment of joint projects between the private sectors of both countries. In this regard, both sides welcomed convening of the Joint Business Forum inaugurated by the Ministers of Commerce and Industry of both countries on 18 February 2025.

    Recognizing the pivotal role of businesses in driving economic growth, both sides emphasized the importance of trade exhibitions as a strategic platform for promoting commercial partnerships, increasing and diversifying bilateral trade, and facilitating investments. In pursuit of these objectives, both sides will strengthen collaboration between their export promotion agencies to support enterprises in identifying opportunities, addressing market challenges, and increasing participation in international trade exhibitions. This initiative will enable businesses from both nations to showcase their products, explore joint ventures, and establish sustainable commercial ties.

    The two sides welcomed the operationalization of India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in QNB’s Points of Sales in Qatar and looked forward to implement nation-wide roll-out of UPI acceptance in Qatar. They agreed to explore settlement of bilateral trade in respective currencies. QNB’s expansion is also welcomed in India through setting up of an office in GIFT City.

    The two sides shall work to further enhance bilateral energy cooperation, including through promotion of trade and mutual investments in energy infrastructure and regular meetings of the relevant stakeholders from both sides, including the Joint Task Force on Energy.

    The two leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism and agreed to cooperate in combating this menace through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. They agreed to enhance cooperation in information and intelligence sharing, developing and exchanging experiences, best practices and technologies, capacity building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking, Cybercrime and other transnational crimes. The two leaders also discussed ways and means to promote cooperation in cybersecurity, including prevention of use of cyberspace for terrorism, radicalisation and for disturbing social harmony. They emphasized the importance of holding regular meetings of the Joint Committee on Security and Law Enforcement.

    The two sides acknowledged health cooperation as one of the important pillars of bilateral ties and expressed their commitment to further strengthen collaboration in this important sector. The two sides appreciated the bilateral cooperation during the Covid-19 pandemic including through the Joint Working Group on Health. The Indian side expressed interest in enhancing exports of Indian pharmaceutical products and medical devices to Qatar. Both sides also expressed their desire to facilitate the registration of national companies and pharmaceutical products.

    The two sides expressed interest in pursuing deeper collaboration in technology and innovation, including emerging technologies, startups, and Artificial Intelligence. They discussed avenues for furthering e-Governance and sharing best practices in the digital sector. Both sides welcomed the participation of Indian startups in Web Summits in Doha, Qatar in 2024-25.

    The importance of food security and protection of supply chains was emphasized by the two sides and they agreed to further strengthen cooperation in this field.

    The two sides stressed the importance of enhancing cultural cooperation through exchanging participation in cultural events and supporting effective partnerships between cultural institutions in both countries. They also decided to further strengthen cooperation in the area of sports including mutual exchange and visits of sportsmen, organising workshops, seminars and conferences, exchange of sports publications between both nations. In this regard, the two sides welcomed the decision to celebrate India-Qatar Year of Culture, Friendship and Sports in the near future.

    The two sides highlighted that education is an important area of cooperation including strengthening institutional linkages and exchanges between higher educational institutions of both countries. They also emphasized on enhanced interactions among educational institutions, including through academic exchanges, joint research, students and scholar exchanges, and University-to-University cooperation of both countries.

    The two sides acknowledged that the centuries old people-to-people ties represent a fundamental pillar of the historic India-Qatar relationship. The Qatari leadership expressed deep appreciation for the role and contribution made by the Indian community in Qatar for the progress and development of their host country, noting that Indian citizens in Qatar are highly respected for their peaceful and hard-working nature. The Indian side conveyed deep appreciation to the leadership of Qatar for ensuring the welfare and well-being of this large and vibrant Indian community in Qatar. The Qatar side welcomed extension of e-visa facility by India to Qatari nationals.

    The two sides stressed upon the depth and importance of long standing and historical cooperation in the field of manpower mobility and human resources. The two sides agreed to hold regular meetings of the Joint Working Group on Labour and Employment to address issues related to expatriates, manpower mobility, dignity, safety and welfare of workers and matters of mutual interest.

    The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including the security situation in the Middle East. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for peaceful resolution of international disputes. The two sides also appreciated the excellent coordination between the two sides in the UN and other multilateral fora.

    The Indian side thanked the Qatari side for its support to the growing India-GCC cooperation and for facilitating the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers held in Riyadh on 9 September 2024 under Qatar’s Chairmanship. The two sides welcomed the outcomes of the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue. Qatar side assured full support for deepening of the India-GCC cooperation under the recently adopted Joint Action Plan.

    In the context of UN reforms, both leaders emphasized the importance of a reformed and effective multilateral system, centered on a UN reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global challenges. The two sides stressed the need for UN reforms, including of the Security Council. Both sides stressed the importance of addressing shared global challenges through coordinated efforts within the framework of the United Nations, its specialized agencies, and programs, as well as through technical cooperation to advance the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Both sides agreed to engage in close cooperation and support each other at the United Nations including supporting each other’s candidatures to multilateral forums.

    The following documents were signed/exchanged during the visit, which will further deepen the multifaceted bilateral relationship as well as open avenues for newer areas of cooperation:

    · Agreement on the Establishment of Bilateral Strategic Partnership

    · Revised Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and its Protocol

    · MoU between Ministry of Finance, India and Ministry of Finance, Qatar on Financial and Economic Collaboration

    · MoU on Cooperation in Field of Youth and Sports

    · MOU for Cooperation in the field of Documents and Archives

    · MoU between Invest India and Invest Qatar

    · MoU between Confederation of Indian Industry and Qatari Businessmen Association

    HH the Amir thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. The visit reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Qatar. The leaders expressed optimism that this renewed partnership would continue to grow, benefiting the people of both countries and contributing to regional and global stability.

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2104490) Visitor Counter : 138

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India – Qatar Joint Statement (February 18, 2025)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 18 FEB 2025 8:17PM by PIB Delhi

    At the invitation of Prime Minister of India His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani paid a State Visit to India on 17-18 February 2025. HH the Amir was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Ministers, officials and business leaders. This was the second State Visit of HH the Amir to India.

    HH the Amir was received by Hon’ble President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on 18 February and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. Hon’ble President also hosted a banquet reception in honour of HH the Amir and accompanying delegation.

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with HH the Amir at Hyderabad House on 18 February. Both leaders recalled the historic trade linkages, deep-rooted people-to-people ties and robust bilateral relations between both countries. They expressed the desire for further expanding and deepening of the multifaceted relationship between both countries. In this context, they expressed happiness on the signing of the ‘Agreement on the Establishment of Bilateral Strategic Partnership’ between the two sides.

    In light of the newly established Strategic Partnership, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the bilateral relations through regular and structured cooperation in all areas, including political, trade, investment, security, energy, culture, education, technology, innovation, sustainability and people-to-people ties. In this regard, the two sides expressed happiness at the signing of the revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and also agreed to expedite negotiations on the India-Qatar Bilateral Investment Treaty.

    The two sides noted with satisfaction that regular interactions at various levels have helped provide momentum to the multifaceted bilateral cooperation. They recalled the successful visit of HH the Amir to India in March 2015 and the visits of Prime Minister to Qatar in June 2016 and February 2024. The two sides agreed to continue the high-level exchanges through regular bilateral mechanisms at Ministerial and senior-official levels.

    The two sides noted that trade and commerce has been a strong pillar of bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries and emphasized on the potential for further growth and diversification in bilateral trade. The two sides welcomed the elevation of the existing Joint Working Group on Trade and Commerce into a Joint Commission on Trade and Commerce. The Joint Commission will be an institutional mechanism to review and monitor the entire spectrum of economic ties between the two countries and will be headed by the Ministers of Commerce and Industry on both sides.

    The two sides laid emphasis on strengthening collaborations between their business and industry bodies. In this context, they welcomed the holding of the first meeting of the Joint Business Council on 13 February 2025.

    The two sides agreed on the need to explore strategies for enhanced and diversified trade between the two countries and address on priority market access issues related to trade in goods and services. In this regard, the two sides agreed to explore the possibility of entering into a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Both sides set the target to double bilateral trade by 2030.

    Qatar and India have a strong strategic relationship and given that the Indian economy is one of the fastest growing economies, the Indian side welcomed the decision of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) to open an office in India. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the Joint Task Force on Investments during its first meeting in June 2024, where various avenues for investments in India were discussed.

    The Qatar side commended the steps taken by India in making a conducive environment for Foreign Direct Investment and Foreign Institutional Investment and expressed interest to explore investment opportunities in different sectors, including infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, food security, logistics, hospitality, and other areas of mutual interest. In this regard, the Qatar side announced a commitment to invest USD 10 billion in India. The Indian side also appreciated Qatar’s efforts in enhancing its investment environment and its initiatives to attract Foreign Direct Investment. India also recognized Qatar’s growing role as a regional hub for goods and services, leveraging its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly policies. Both sides emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation between investment authorities, financial institutions, and businesses to explore new opportunities for investment and trade expansion.

    The parties shall expand and deepen mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation between the two countries in accordance with their respective legislations and the provisions of international conventions to which they are parties. They shall cooperate in order to achieve stable growth and diversification of trade, increase the volume of exchanged products, and provide mutual services on a systematic and long-term basis. Additionally, they shall implement measures to attract and encourage the establishment of joint projects between the private sectors of both countries. In this regard, both sides welcomed convening of the Joint Business Forum inaugurated by the Ministers of Commerce and Industry of both countries on 18 February 2025.

    Recognizing the pivotal role of businesses in driving economic growth, both sides emphasized the importance of trade exhibitions as a strategic platform for promoting commercial partnerships, increasing and diversifying bilateral trade, and facilitating investments. In pursuit of these objectives, both sides will strengthen collaboration between their export promotion agencies to support enterprises in identifying opportunities, addressing market challenges, and increasing participation in international trade exhibitions. This initiative will enable businesses from both nations to showcase their products, explore joint ventures, and establish sustainable commercial ties.

    The two sides welcomed the operationalization of India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in QNB’s Points of Sales in Qatar and looked forward to implement nation-wide roll-out of UPI acceptance in Qatar. They agreed to explore settlement of bilateral trade in respective currencies. QNB’s expansion is also welcomed in India through setting up of an office in GIFT City.

    The two sides shall work to further enhance bilateral energy cooperation, including through promotion of trade and mutual investments in energy infrastructure and regular meetings of the relevant stakeholders from both sides, including the Joint Task Force on Energy.

    The two leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism and agreed to cooperate in combating this menace through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. They agreed to enhance cooperation in information and intelligence sharing, developing and exchanging experiences, best practices and technologies, capacity building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking, Cybercrime and other transnational crimes. The two leaders also discussed ways and means to promote cooperation in cybersecurity, including prevention of use of cyberspace for terrorism, radicalisation and for disturbing social harmony. They emphasized the importance of holding regular meetings of the Joint Committee on Security and Law Enforcement.

    The two sides acknowledged health cooperation as one of the important pillars of bilateral ties and expressed their commitment to further strengthen collaboration in this important sector. The two sides appreciated the bilateral cooperation during the Covid-19 pandemic including through the Joint Working Group on Health. The Indian side expressed interest in enhancing exports of Indian pharmaceutical products and medical devices to Qatar. Both sides also expressed their desire to facilitate the registration of national companies and pharmaceutical products.

    The two sides expressed interest in pursuing deeper collaboration in technology and innovation, including emerging technologies, startups, and Artificial Intelligence. They discussed avenues for furthering e-Governance and sharing best practices in the digital sector. Both sides welcomed the participation of Indian startups in Web Summits in Doha, Qatar in 2024-25.

    The importance of food security and protection of supply chains was emphasized by the two sides and they agreed to further strengthen cooperation in this field.

    The two sides stressed the importance of enhancing cultural cooperation through exchanging participation in cultural events and supporting effective partnerships between cultural institutions in both countries. They also decided to further strengthen cooperation in the area of sports including mutual exchange and visits of sportsmen, organising workshops, seminars and conferences, exchange of sports publications between both nations. In this regard, the two sides welcomed the decision to celebrate India-Qatar Year of Culture, Friendship and Sports in the near future.

    The two sides highlighted that education is an important area of cooperation including strengthening institutional linkages and exchanges between higher educational institutions of both countries. They also emphasized on enhanced interactions among educational institutions, including through academic exchanges, joint research, students and scholar exchanges, and University-to-University cooperation of both countries.

    The two sides acknowledged that the centuries old people-to-people ties represent a fundamental pillar of the historic India-Qatar relationship. The Qatari leadership expressed deep appreciation for the role and contribution made by the Indian community in Qatar for the progress and development of their host country, noting that Indian citizens in Qatar are highly respected for their peaceful and hard-working nature. The Indian side conveyed deep appreciation to the leadership of Qatar for ensuring the welfare and well-being of this large and vibrant Indian community in Qatar. The Qatar side welcomed extension of e-visa facility by India to Qatari nationals.

    The two sides stressed upon the depth and importance of long standing and historical cooperation in the field of manpower mobility and human resources. The two sides agreed to hold regular meetings of the Joint Working Group on Labour and Employment to address issues related to expatriates, manpower mobility, dignity, safety and welfare of workers and matters of mutual interest.

    The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including the security situation in the Middle East. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for peaceful resolution of international disputes. The two sides also appreciated the excellent coordination between the two sides in the UN and other multilateral fora.

    The Indian side thanked the Qatari side for its support to the growing India-GCC cooperation and for facilitating the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers held in Riyadh on 9 September 2024 under Qatar’s Chairmanship. The two sides welcomed the outcomes of the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue. Qatar side assured full support for deepening of the India-GCC cooperation under the recently adopted Joint Action Plan.

    In the context of UN reforms, both leaders emphasized the importance of a reformed and effective multilateral system, centered on a UN reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global challenges. The two sides stressed the need for UN reforms, including of the Security Council. Both sides stressed the importance of addressing shared global challenges through coordinated efforts within the framework of the United Nations, its specialized agencies, and programs, as well as through technical cooperation to advance the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Both sides agreed to engage in close cooperation and support each other at the United Nations including supporting each other’s candidatures to multilateral forums.

    The following documents were signed/exchanged during the visit, which will further deepen the multifaceted bilateral relationship as well as open avenues for newer areas of cooperation:

    · Agreement on the Establishment of Bilateral Strategic Partnership

    · Revised Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and its Protocol

    · MoU between Ministry of Finance, India and Ministry of Finance, Qatar on Financial and Economic Collaboration

    · MoU on Cooperation in Field of Youth and Sports

    · MOU for Cooperation in the field of Documents and Archives

    · MoU between Invest India and Invest Qatar

    · MoU between Confederation of Indian Industry and Qatari Businessmen Association

    HH the Amir thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. The visit reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Qatar. The leaders expressed optimism that this renewed partnership would continue to grow, benefiting the people of both countries and contributing to regional and global stability.

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2104490) Visitor Counter : 22

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah holds meeting with Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi today to review implementation of three new criminal laws

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah holds meeting with Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi today to review implementation of three new criminal laws

    Union Home Minister says, full implementation of the three new criminal laws, made under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to be ensured in Jammu and Kashmir by April 2025

    With decline in terror activities and improvement in security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, protecting the rights of the citizens should be the top priority of J&K Police

    There is an urgent need to implement the provisions of Trial in Absentia in Jammu and Kashmir

    Home Minister emphasized the need to fix the responsibility of police officers to expedite the process of filing chargesheets

    Every police station in Jammu and Kashmir should maximise use of NAFIS

    Training of all Investigating Officers on the provisions of the new laws should be completed at the earliest

    Posted On: 18 FEB 2025 6:20PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, chaired a review meeting on the implementation of three new criminal laws in Jammu and Kashmir, in the presence of Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah, in New Delhi today. The meeting reviewed the implementation and present status of various new provisions related to police, prisons, courts, prosecution, and forensics in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by the Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Jammu and Kashmir, the Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), the Director General of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), and other senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the UT administration.

     

    During the discussion in the meeting, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation asked the UT administration to ensure full implementation of the three new criminal laws, made under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in Jammu and Kashmir by April 2025. He said that optimum use of technology should be made to ensure speedy justice under the three new criminal laws.

    Union Home Minister said that for the full implementation of the new laws, it is imperative to change the attitude of the police personnel and the administration and create awareness about the new laws among the citizens. He stated that with decline in terror activities and improvement in security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, the Police should now prioritize safeguarding the rights of its citizens. Shri Shah added that there is an urgent need to use the provision of Trial in Absentia in the union territory.

    Union Home Minister stressed on the need to fix responsibility of police officers to expedite the process of filing chargesheets. He said that every police station in Jammu and Kashmir should put the maximum use of the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) into practice. He said that 100% training of investigating officers regarding the provisions of the new laws should be ensured, at the earliest. Shri Shah said that decisions on provisions related to terrorism and organised crime should be taken only after thorough scrutiny at the level of Superintendent of Police. He added that strict monitoring is required to ensure that these provisions under the new laws are not misused.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the Jammu and Kashmir administration and government have done satisfactory work towards the implementation of the new criminal laws despite difficult circumstances. He said that the progress of implementation of the three new laws in Jammu and Kashmir should be reviewed on a monthly, fortnightly and weekly basis at the level of the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, respectively.   

    *****

    VV/ASH/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2104424) Visitor Counter : 116

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –