Source: US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC
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Category: Justice
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MIL-OSI USA: Acting Chairman Travis Hill Expresses Support for Enhancing Flexibility with Respect to Customer Identification Program Requirements
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MIL-OSI Australia: Suspicious fires at Penfield
Source: South Australia Police
Police are investigating a series of fires in the Penfield area overnight.
Just after midnight (8 February) police and fire crews responded to reports of a truck fire on Heaslip Road, Penfield, near the Northern Expressway.
The truck fire was extinguished before it could spread to nearby grass.
Emergency services were then called to two other grass fires in Robert Road, Penfield Gardens and Argent Road, Penfield. Again, fire crews managed to quickly extinguish the flames.
Witnesses reported seeing a vehicle leaving the scene of the fires.
Following investigations, a short time later Police attended an Elizabeth East address and arrested a suspect.
The 20-year-old Elizabeth East man was arrested and charged with arson and cause a bushfire. He was refused police bail and is expected to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Monday.
Anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area or has any CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au
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MIL-OSI Security: Kalispell man sentenced to prison for possessing stolen firearm
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
MISSOULA — A Kalispell man who admitted to possessing a stolen gun was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Joseph Christopher Steele, 24, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to possession of a stolen firearm.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in December 2022, a man, identified as John Doe, filed a report with the Kalispell Police Department that his firearm safe containing a .45-caliber pistol and two magazines, along with the title to his pickup truck, had been stolen from his vehicle. Five days later, while investigating an unrelated incident, police officers found Doe’s stolen pickup title in a Subaru that also had been reported stolen. While being interviewed about the Subaru, Steele admitted he had been driving the vehicle but denied knowing it was stolen. Doe’s pickup title was not discussed. In January 2024, Whitefish Police Department officers executed a search warrant on Steele’s residence to locate evidence related to a stolen cell phone. Steele was on state probation at the time. During the search, officers located a pistol in a gun case with two magazines. Based on the gun’s serial number, officers determined the pistol was the firearm Doe had reported stolen.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Kalispell and Whitefish police departments and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.
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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Commend Luxembourg for Eliminating the Gender Pay Gap, Ask about Pension Payments for Women and Penalties for Traffickers
Source: United Nations – Geneva
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today concluded its consideration of the eighth periodic report of Luxembourg, with Committee Experts congratulating the State on eliminating the gender pay gap, and raising questions about pension payments for women and penalties for human traffickers.
Ana Peláez Narváez, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Luxembourg, congratulated Luxembourg on becoming the first country in the European Union to have eliminated the pay gap between men and women. One Expert said Luxembourg’s wage gap was the lowest in the world.
One Expert called for further efforts to achieve wage equality for women in part-time work and in the informal sector. Almost one-third of women worked part time; this affected the pension gap. How was the State party working to address this gap?
A Committee Expert said the State party’s sentences for trafficking were often lenient and judges rarely took away traffickers’ profits. How would the State party ensure that penalties for trafficking reflected the gravity of the crime? The Expert said the State party had not identified child trafficking victims for three years. Would the State party include civil society in efforts to identify child victims?
Introducing the report, Yuriko Backes, Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, Defence, Mobility and Public Transport of Luxembourg, said the Luxembourg Government remained determined to stand up for women’s and girls’ rights, safety, freedom and access to equal opportunities. The Committee could count on Luxembourg’s determination and support.
On wage equality, Marc Bichler, Permanent Representative of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, said Luxembourg was the only country in the European Union to have eliminated wage inequality, but there was still a pay gap in favour of men for annual wages. More efforts were needed to address this economic inequality, particularly regarding the high proportion of part-time work among women. The role of equality officers in private companies with more than 15 employees was particularly important.
The delegation added that the gender pension gap was large; to address this, a major reform of the pension system was underway.
On trafficking, the delegation said that training had been provided to State officials and non-governmental organizations to improve the identification of and support for trafficking victims. Victims were officially identified by a specialised unit of the police, but non-governmental organizations could help identify victims.
In concluding remarks, Mr. Bichler said the dialogue had been a valuable exercise that helped the State party to make progress in implementing the Convention and upholding the rights of women and girls. There were pushbacks against women and girls’ rights globally, but Luxembourg was resolute in defending these rights.
In her concluding remarks, Corinne Dettmeijer-Vermeulen, Committee Vice-Chair and acting Chair of the meeting, said that the dialogue with Luxembourg had provided further insight into the situation of women in the State party. The Committee commended the State party for its efforts and called on it to implement the Committee’s recommendations for the benefit of all women and girls of Luxembourg.
The delegation of Luxembourg consisted of representatives from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Diversity; Chamber of Deputies; Ministry of Justice; Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees; Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade; Ministry of Education, Children and Youth; Ministry of Internal Affairs; and the Permanent Mission of Luxembourg to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
The Committee will issue the concluding observations on the report of Luxembourg at the end of its ninetieth session on 21 February. All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage. Meeting summary releases can be found here. The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.
The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Monday, 10 February to hold an informal meeting with representatives from non-governmental organizations and national human rights institutions from Belize, Congo, Sri Lanka and Liechtenstein, whose reports will be considered by the Committee next week.
Report
The Committee has before it the eighth periodic report of Luxembourg (CEDAW/C/LUX/8).
Presentation of Report
YURIKO BACKES, Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, Defence, Mobility and Public Transport of Luxembourg, said women’s rights, gender equality and diversity were essential to the wellbeing and healthy functioning of society. Ms. Backes said she tried very hard to make sure that both gender and diversity aspects were considered throughout her Government portfolios. She was the first woman to hold the positions of Minister of Defence and Minister of Finance in Luxembourg. This demonstrated that there was work ahead when it came to shaping a world where equality was a reality on all levels.
Women and girls were differently and disproportionally affected by climate disasters, armed conflicts and pandemics. The only way to sustainably change this was to opt for gender-responsive policymaking across all fields. The empowerment of women and girls and Sustainable Development Goal five needed to be front and centre across all areas of action. The Luxembourg Government remained determined to stand up for women’s and girls’ rights, safety, freedom and access to equal opportunities. The Committee could count on Luxembourg’s determination and support.
MARC BICHLER, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, said Luxembourg had had a Ministry in charge of equality issues for 30 years. It had adapted over time, expanding its mandate to address lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and diversity. The 2023-2028 coalition agreement maintained the promotion of equality between women and men as a cross-cutting priority of the Government’s political action. This work would be guided in the coming years by the national action plan for equality between women and men.
Luxembourg was currently placed seventh in the European Union in the Gender Equality Index. The proportion of women on the management boards of public institutions was 38.64 per cent, an increase of more than 10 points since 2015. The rate of women representing the State on these boards stood at 43.61 per cent in 2024, exceeding the initial target of 40 per cent. The private sector had only 23 per cent women on the boards of large companies, but the trend was upward and indicated improvements to come. The Government remained firmly committed to continuing its efforts to promote balanced representation. It was also working with civil society to include men as actors and beneficiaries of equality policies.
Luxembourg was the only country in the European Union to have eliminated wage inequality, but there was still a pay gap in favour of men for annual wages. More efforts were needed to address this economic inequality, particularly regarding the high proportion of part-time work among women. The role of equality officers in private companies with more than 15 employees was particularly important.
The fight against domestic violence and gender-based violence remained priorities of the Luxembourg Government. Despite political and legislative progress, this was a daily reality in Luxembourg, affecting women and girls, as well as men and boys in all their diversity. The total number of victims had increased significantly over the years, from 2,882 in 2015 to 4,793 in 2023. Women accounted for an average of 71 per cent of victims each year. In 2023, their number reached 3,218, which represented an increase of more than six per cent compared to 2022. Luxembourg adopted a strategy in November 2021 to improve the protection against domestic violence and to strengthen the national machinery. It had created an integrated national centre for victims of all forms of violence, which would facilitate their holistic care, bringing together legal aid, medical aid and psychological assistance. The centre would open in April and would provide assistance to victims 24/7.
Luxembourg was in the process of developing a national action plan on gender-based violence, which would support more comprehensive care to victims of different forms of gender-based violence. It was, in collaboration with civil society, convening several awareness raising campaigns on this topic, including the annual “Orange Week” event, which brought together many actors to stand in solidarity with women and girls who were victims of violence. A specific system had also been set up to provide consultations and therapeutic care to perpetrators to break the cycle of violence. Since ratifying the Istanbul Convention, Luxembourg had been firmly committed to monitoring its implementation in a cross-cutting manner.
A new Grand-Ducal regulation of 2023 strengthened the role of the “Prostitution Commission” to monitor prostitution and to combat pimping and trafficking in human beings. The inclusion of State experts as well as civil society would allow the commission to carry out timely and comprehensive follow-up. Luxembourg had approved a bill on the prohibition of virginity examinations and certificates, the ban on hymenoplasty, and the abolition of the reflection period for the voluntary termination of pregnancy. In addition, in 2023, an adaptation to the Penal Code introduced a new definition of rape based on the notion of consent. The State was currently finalising its second action plan on women, peace and security.
Luxembourg aimed to uphold a modern and egalitarian society in which every citizen could find their place, regardless of their gender.
MANDY MINELLA, Deputy Head of the Committee Department, Chamber of Deputies of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, said the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg was a crucial actor in combatting discrimination against women. The Chamber supported Orange Week, lighting its buildings in orange during the week. Meetings on gender equality were held regularly. A working group on gender equality had been set up to develop a strategy for promoting gender equality within the Chamber. The status of members of parliament had been reformed to recognise the status of pregnant members. The Chamber needed to represent and respect the rights and opinions of all and meet the expectations of its people.
LAURA CAROCHA, Human and Social Sciences Expert, Consultative Commission of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg on Human Rights, welcomed the efforts made by the Luxembourg State to combat discrimination against women since the last report, while noting persistent shortcomings, including a social system that kept women in a subordinate position to men. Luxembourg’s policy favoured a “neutral” approach that was not gender sensitive. Ms. Carocha urged politicians to openly acknowledge this systemic patriarchal domination and to make the deconstruction of this mechanism a priority.
It was imperative that the Government implemented the principle of gender mainstreaming in a cross-cutting manner in all its policies. Luxembourg’s equality efforts lacked an intersectional approach and the Government rarely addressed multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. To implement such an intersectional approach, it was essential to have detailed data, disaggregated by gender, age, ethnicity, disability and education level. This would allow the State to identify shortcomings in policies and better understand and target the needs of women.
Questions by a Committee Expert
ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Luxembourg, said that Luxembourg ranked twentieth in the Human Development Index and was the first country in the European Union to have eliminated the pay gap between men and women. The State party had ratified the Istanbul Convention and the International Labour Organization Convention on forced labour, and introduced legislation to combat multiple forms of discrimination over the reporting period. However, the revised Constitution of 2021 drew a distinction between Luxembourg nationals and non-nationals and lacked protections against forced labour and trafficking. How did the State party justify the amendments to the Constitution? Would the State party eliminate the distinction between Luxembourg nationals and non-nationals?
Luxembourg had adopted a law creating the position of a family judge, an act on the provision of legal aid, and an act amending the Criminal Code to strengthen the response to sexual abuse of minors. The Committee was concerned about the barriers inhibiting access to justice for women. What measures were in place to overcome these barriers? Why had the Centre for Legal Treatment not been given the power to initiate legal proceedings on behalf of victims?
The Committee commended the State party’s national action plan on business and human rights. However, funds deposited in certain banks in Luxembourg may have come from the exploitation of human beings overseas, particularly women. What rules were imposed on companies domiciled in the State party? How did the State party address extraterritorial violations?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said Luxembourg adopted a neutral approach in its legislation on discrimination. The State believed that women’s rights were human rights. The neutral approach was grounded on the principle of gender equality.
Each person in Luxembourg who was subject to criminal proceedings benefited from procedural guarantees, regardless of their residence status or nationality. These guarantees covered access to a lawyer, the presumption of innocence and, to an extent, legal aid.
Civil suits could be filed in Luxembourg by victims of discrimination by private enterprises. Luxembourg was transposing European Union guidelines on its supply chains, promoting due diligence for companies and organising public events related to business and human rights. Since 2017, Luxembourg had been working to implement and align with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, conducting consultations with private entities and civil society. Companies in the banking and insurance sector had provided positive feedback regarding the implementation of the Guiding Principles. The financial sector was aware of its obligations. The State was working to address its extraterritorial obligations to provide remedies to the victims of human rights violations occurring overseas.
The revised Constitution stated that people in Luxembourg were equal before the law. Non-Luxembourg nationals could not vote in legislative elections but could vote in municipal elections.
Questions by Committee Experts
A Committee Expert commended Luxembourg’s commitment to gender equality, human rights, and to dismantling stereotypes. The State party had demonstrated its commitment to the women, peace and security agenda through its women, peace and security national action plan. What was the status of the second iteration of the plan? Was feminism still a part of foreign policy?
Various sources had criticised the Ministry of Gender and Equality’s neutral approach. The Committee hoped that its policies would address structural gender inequalities. There were concerns regarding the depth of the analysis of the Observatory for Gender Equality. What measures were in place to increase the depth of its analysis?
ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Luxembourg, said that the State party had established voluntary quotas in some areas, including minimum quotas of 40 per cent representation of one sex on political bodies and 30 per cent representation on the boards of State agencies. There were concerns that these measures were gender-neutral and not mandatory, and that they did not encourage the representation of vulnerable groups of women. What efforts were being taken by the State party to improve its temporary special measures and to make its quotas mandatory?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the State party was striving to eliminate gender equality with ad-hoc programmes targeted at underrepresented genders. There were programmes targeting violence against women and preparing women to defend themselves. The legal framework was neutral but the actions taken by the Government were not.
Luxembourg would work proactively on gender mainstreaming in the field of defence. The second iteration of the women, peace and security national action plan would be adopted this year in March. It would promote the role of women in peace and security initiatives.
If political parties did not meet the 40 per cent representation quota for each sex, their funding was reduced. The State party was raising the awareness of political parties and candidates on the importance of equality. A database with profiles of women who wished to become board members of associations would soon be launched to promote women’s representation.
Questions by Committee Experts
A Committee Expert congratulated the State party on its plan to launch the second iteration of the women, peace and security initiative this March. No non-governmental organizations from Luxembourg had interacted with the Committee during this review process. How would the State party encourage civil society to provide alternative reports in future sessions?
Another Committee Expert said that gender stereotypes in the media had not been sufficiently addressed, and women accounted for only around one fourth of all media workers. How was the Government addressing these issues? How was the State party conducting gender impact assessments, as recommended by the Committee in 2018? How did legislation and policies address sterilisation and irreversible medical procedures against intersex children? Had the State party considered broadening the statute of limitations for rape, which was limited to 10 years? Did the State party plan to establish psychological violence as a stand-alone crime? Training on gender-based violence was not provided to judges. How would the State party improve data collection on court cases involving gender-based violence? Why had retrospective analysis of femicides not been conducted?
One Committee Expert said that the State party’s definition of trafficking in persons did not align with international standards. Would it amend this legislation? Sentences were often lenient and judges rarely took away traffickers’ profits or granted remedies to victims. How would the State party ensure that penalties for trafficking reflected the gravity of the crime and ensure that victims received adequate compensation? What was the timeline for implementation of the national action plan on trafficking in persons? How would the plan integrate gender-specific aspects of trafficking? The State party had not identified child trafficking victims for three years. Would the State party include civil society into efforts to identify child victims, and prevent the inappropriate penalisation of trafficking victims? The Committee welcomed the State party’s policies addressing prostitution. Were there plans to decriminalise prostitution?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said that the State party valued permanent collaboration with civil society. The Ministry of Equality paid 80 per cent of its budget to civil society to promote the rights of vulnerable groups, particularly women. Luxembourg hosted around 100 non-governmental organizations, despite its small population of 600,000, and these groups had contributed to various Government policies. Non-governmental organizations did not always have the resources needed to travel overseas to participate in dialogues with the Committee.
An internal assessment of the first women, peace and security national action plan had been conducted and lessons learned would be included in the second plan. The second plan would place greater emphasis on cooperation with civil society.
The Government was engaging in dialogue with the media sector to improve the representation of women. The Advertising Ethics Commission received complaints related to discrimination and sexism. Awareness raising campaigns were being carried out on sexism, discrimination and violence in the media. A working group on hate speech had been set up that cooperated with the police force and associations working with perpetrators. The digital service act strived to combat illicit content and encouraged platforms to delete such content swiftly.
The law on femicide was revised in 2023. There had yet to be any rulings handed down based on this legislation. There were plans to collect statistics on femicide. The national action plan on gender-based violence was based on the Istanbul Convention and had been developed to strengthen protections and services for victims, as well as training on gender-based violence. The State party would address psychological violence in the national action plan on all forms of gender-based violence and would consider establishing a law on this form of violence.
The Government was working to protect the gender identity of intersex persons and was following Council of Europe regulations on the prevention of irreversible medical procedures against intersex persons.
In Luxembourg, it was enough to prove that a person had the potential of exploiting an individual to hold them criminally liable for trafficking. Training had been provided to State officials and non-governmental organizations to improve the identification of and support for trafficking victims. Victims were officially identified by a specialised unit of the police, but non-governmental organizations and the labour inspectorate could help identify victims. Street walks were carried out to identify victims of trafficking and provide support to women in prostitution. Sex workers were not criminalised; clients were criminalised if they knew that the sex worker was a minor or a victim of trafficking.
Questions by Committee Experts
Another Committee Expert commended the efforts Luxembourg had made to promote gender equality, including its quota of 40 per cent representation in political bodies. Despite high representation at the national level, women’s representation in municipal governments was around 20 per cent. What measures were in place to bridge the gender gap in municipalities? The 2022 law aiming to enhance the participation of foreign nationals in elections was note-worthy. How did the State party ensure that foreigners were meaningfully included in public life? Were there targeted initiatives encouraging women to pursue careers in Luxembourg’s foreign service? Women only made up around 12 per cent of Luxembourg’s military. What measures were in place to increase their representation in security and military sectors? Women also accounted for just 23 per cent of board members of private companies. Were there plans to extend quotas to private sector boards?
One Committee Expert commended the State’s progress in advancing the rights of women and girls in education. Primary and secondary education was free for all children in Luxembourg, and compulsory education had recently been extended to 18 years. Could the State party provide disaggregated data on women working in science, technology, engineering and maths fields? How was the State party encouraging study in these subjects? The Committee welcomed that the State party had endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration. How was the State party supporting the international community in the effective implementation of the Declaration? What measures were in place to support vulnerable women in education? How was the State preventing online violence, ensuring the responsible use of digital technology, and working to close the digital gender gap?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said underrepresentation of women in decision making fora was a key challenge for the Government. Funding was reduced for political parties that did not uphold quotas. Individuals could nominate themselves to political positions in smaller municipalities; this led to greater gender imbalances. The State party aimed to achieve gender parity in Government, and better representation of women and wage equality in the private sector, and recruitment campaigns for the armed forces targeted at women. The diplomatic corps was made up of around 150 agents, 76 per cent of whom were men. In recent years, the number of female diplomats had increased and this trend was likely to continue.
The State had a service providing training for children on cyberbullying. When it identified sexual harassment material online, it referred the material to legal services. Raising awareness about online risks was a priority for the Government.
Questions by a Committee Expert
A Committee Expert commended the State party for eliminating the pay gap between men and women. Luxembourg’s wage gap was the lowest in the world. The Committee called for further efforts to achieve wage equality for women in part-time work and in the informal sector. Almost one-third of women worked part time; this affected the pension gap. How was the State party working to address this gap? The Committee was concerned that the act on persons with disabilities excluded persons with disabilities who did not meet requirements for support to access the labour market. Had Luxembourg criminalised workplace sexual harassment and adopted measures to implement appropriate sanctions? Would it ratify International Labour Organization Convention 190?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said Luxembourg considered sexual harassment to be a serious form of violence. It would be addressed in the national action plan against gender-based violence. Victims of gender-based violence and discrimination in the workplace could seek support from a specialised service within the labour inspectorate. Measures were in place to support single parents, who were prioritised in the provision of affordable housing. The gender pension gap was large; to address this, a major reform of the pension system was underway.
Questions by Committee Experts
A Committee Expert said Luxembourg had an admirable universal healthcare system. To access free services, individuals needed to prove their identity and that they had lived in Luxembourg for at least three months. How many applications were objected to and on what grounds? The Expert welcomed the national programme for the promotion of sexual and reproductive health. What progress had been made in strengthening this programme? The Committee welcomed the national action plan on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, but was concerned that involuntary surgeries continued to be imposed on intersex persons. When would the State party abolish this practice?
The high rate of tobacco use among women was a major issue in the State party, leading to various health complications. What public health measures had been taken to discourage smoking, especially for women?
One Committee Expert commended the State party’s financial support for women and support for women investors. What measures were in place to educate self-employed women on the pension regime? Were there digital tools that facilitated women’s integration in pension programmes? More than one in seven workers in Luxembourg was at risk of poverty. How was the State party addressing this? Were there measures to help unemployed women to access benefits and training? Did the State party have regulations on safeguarding women’s rights in investments? How did the State party ensure adequate reparation for human rights violations by companies? What steps had been taken to promote women-owned businesses? What strategies were planned to boost women’s access to financial services, bonds and loans? What percentage of businesses were owned by women? How was the State party helping women and girls to strengthen their digital competencies, collecting disaggregated data on access to loans and credit, and providing financial support services that reached women who lacked digital skills?
The State party was commended for promoting women’s participation in sports entrepreneurship. What measures were in place to prevent gender stereotypes in sport?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said all individuals in Luxembourg had access to the universal health coverage system. The Government worked to streamline gender in all healthcare policies. It was raising awareness amongst healthcare practitioners regarding differences in treatment between men and women.
The national action plan on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons would address the issue of involuntary sterilisations. The State party would assess legal provisions that addressed this issue in other countries. A national action plan to prevent smoking that considered the specific needs of women was being drafted.
Sport was an area in which there was inequality between men and women in terms of renumeration and presence in the media. The Government was drafting a national strategy on equality in sport. Violence against women in sport was being addressed by the National Centre for Victims of Violence.
A gender finance taskforce had been set up to support women to access the finance sector and loans. Schools were educating girls on the financial sector. The Ministry of the Family funded a project that supported women’s incorporation into business networks and entrepreneurship support programmes.
Luxembourg had around 20 observatories collecting disaggregated data on various topics. The Government was stressing the importance of collecting data disaggregated by sex. A digital gateway had been setup that promoted women’s and girls’ digital skills. An annual day of digital inclusion was also held to promote the inclusion of women and girls in the digital sphere.
Questions by Committee Experts
A Committee Expert thanked the State party for its legal advocacy on behalf of Afghan women. Luxembourg was Europe’s first financial centre. Several businesses in Luxembourg continued to make investments in the fossil fuel industry. Would the State party adopt stricter environmental regulations for businesses? The State party had thus far contributed eight million euros to the Loss and Damage Fund. Investments needed to be made with a human rights approach, including investments in green bonds. The State party needed to contribute more to the Loss and Damage Fund in a way that addressed the needs of women.
Women in solitary confinement had meagre access to education and work, despite legislation enshrining the rights of such women to State services. How would the State party address this?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the financial sector was one of the biggest contributors to Luxembourg’s gross national income. It was one of the first sectors to implement the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The Government had called on the Union of Luxembourg Businesses, which included businesses from the financial sector, to implement the Guiding Principles. The European Union had adopted a directive on business and human rights that Luxembourg was transposing into law. Employers in the financial sector were aware of regulations related to women’s rights and sanctions that were implemented when those regulations were not respected.
The Government was committed to supporting climate action in developing countries; it had pledged 120 million euros toward this at a recent Conference of the Parties. Funds dedicated to climate action included a gender perspective. In 2016, the Luxembourg Stock Exchange decided to open a “green exchange”, which applied stringent criteria for green investment. This exchange today had over one trillion United States dollars’ worth of sustainable climate assets. Many sustainable assets addressed the protection of women’s rights. The Stock Exchange had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with United Nations Women in 2022 to advance projects and investments that promoted women’s empowerment.
Questions by Committee Experts
A Committee Expert asked how many women had requested the grant provided to women divorcees. Had the State party conducted studies into the effectiveness of shared custody agreements? Same-sex couples experienced barriers to accessing adoption services. How was the State party addressing this? The practice of surrogacy was not sufficiently regulated. How did the State party protect surrogate mothers and children? How did the State party support such children to investigate their origins?
The legal distinction between “legitimate” and “natural” children created discrimination. Were there plans to remove this distinction?
ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Luxembourg, asked how many children of Luxembourg lived in institutions and foster families in the State and abroad.
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said a draft bill on adoption was currently being assessed. It addressed adoptions by cohabiting couples and investigations into the lineage of children who were abandoned by their parents. There were around 1,000 children and adolescents of Luxembourg in institutions and foster families, including 76 children and adolescents who had been placed in institutions abroad. The distinction between legitimate and natural children still existed in legislation but in reality, there was little difference between these. The draft bill on the right to lineage removed the distinction. Assessments of this bill were still underway.
Concluding Remarks
MARC BICHLER, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, thanked the Committee for the interactive dialogue. This had been a valuable exercise that helped the State party to make progress in implementing the Convention and upholding the rights of women and girls. There were pushbacks against women and girls’ rights globally, but Luxembourg was resolute in defending these rights. The State party would continue to work to implement the Convention.
MARYSE FISCH, First Government Counsellor, Ministry of Gender Equality and Diversity of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, thanked the Committee for its advice, which helped the State party to improve. Luxembourg highly valued the Convention, which was mentioned in the coalition agreement and the national action plan on equality.
MANDY MINELLA, Deputy Head of the Committee Department, Chamber of Deputies of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, said the Chamber of Deputies was committed to equality and would conduct a gender audit and develop a strategy to promote gender equality, inclusive language, and gender mainstreaming. The Chamber was discussing issues, including childcare and provisions for breastfeeding women. There were plans to overhaul the Chamber’s regulations with a gender perspective. The Committee’s recommendations would be carefully reviewed in the Chamber.
CORINNE DETTMEIJER-VERMEULEN, Committee Vice-Chair and acting Chair of the meeting, said that the dialogue with Luxembourg had provided further insight into the situation of women in the State party. The Committee commended the State party for its efforts and called on it to implement the Committee’s recommendations for the benefit of all women and girls of Luxembourg.
Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media;
not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.CEDAW25.005E
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE attends welcome banquet and opening ceremony of 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and his wife, Mrs Janet Lee, began their visit to Harbin today (February 7). They attended a welcome banquet hosted by President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan for international dignitaries attending the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025, and attended the opening ceremony of the Games at the Harbin International Conference, Exhibition and Sports Center in the evening.
Mr Lee said that the Hong Kong, China Delegation participating in this Asian Winter Games is the largest ever, with 74 Hong Kong athletes taking part in various events, namely alpine skiing, curling, ice hockey, figure skating, short track speed skating and speed skating. He hoped that the Hong Kong, China Delegation can achieve brilliant results in the Games and that the athletes can perform their best on the field and enjoy every competition.
“The Asian Winter Games is the largest comprehensive winter sports event in Asia. It is the third time that the country has hosted this major sports event, gathering elite athletes from the region to compete with one another. I wish this Asian Winter Games every success,” Mr Lee said.
While the Chief Executive attended official activities, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, and other officers watched the curling and short track speed skating events this morning held at the Harbin Pingfang District Curling Arena and the Heilongjiang Ice Training Center respectively, showing support for the Hong Kong athletes participating in the events.
Mr Lee and the other officials will continue their visit tomorrow (February 8). They will meet with members of the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the Asian Winter Games and watch competitions at the Games. They will also visit and learn more about local cultural and tourism facilities.
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: London ETO welcomes Year of Snake with joyous celebrations (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
London ETO welcomes Year of Snake with joyous celebrations (with photos)
London ETO welcomes Year of Snake with joyous celebrations (with photos)
************************************************************************The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) greeted the Year of the Snake in the United Kingdom (UK) by hosting an evening reception in London on February 6 (London time) and supporting a large-scale London Chinatown celebration at Trafalgar Square, Chinatown, and Charing Cross Road on February 2. The Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law, welcomed over 450 guests at a Year of the Snake reception on February 6 at The Orangery, Kensington Palace, in London. Among the guests were UK government officials, parliamentarians, borough mayors in London, senior diplomats, leading figures in the business sector, academics, media representatives, and members of the Chinese community. Speaking at the reception, Mr Law introduced the latest developments in Hong Kong on its economic and cultural fronts. Mr Law elaborated, “Hong Kong continues to flourish as a global business hub. Ranked the world’s freest economy, the city welcomed a record 9 960 non-local companies last year, including 720 from the UK, surpassing pre-COVID levels. This reaffirms Hong Kong’s role as a ‘super connector’ for British businesses. Beyond the economic sphere, we also saw the bilateral ties between Hong Kong and the UK reinforcing and deepening, from enhanced government-to-government dialogue to cultural and creative collaboration.” On February 2, the London ETO supported the grand annual Chinese New Year celebration in London’s Chinatown, drawing audiences in the hundreds in some places and in the thousands in others, along the streets of Central London. Mr Law, alongside esteemed guests such as the Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice of London, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard; Member of Parliament for the Cities of London and Westminster Ms Rachel Blake; and the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Robert Rigby, greeted the crowds in London from an open-air double-decker bus and onstage. Furthermore, a range of cultural and music performances took place at Trafalgar Square. The London ETO will organise further events to celebrate the Year of the Snake in the countries under its purview in the coming weeks.
Ends/Friday, February 7, 2025Issued at HKT 22:05NNNN
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Surajkund International Crafts Mela realizing the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat’ – Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Source: Government of India
Surajkund International Crafts Mela realizing the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat’ – Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
India is presently hosting two major events that are drawing global attention Maha Kumbh Mela and the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, which showcases India’s unity, culture and artistic heritage – Gajendra Singh ShekhawatUnion Minister for Culture and Tourism Inaugurates the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela
Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 6:33PM by PIB Delhi
The 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela was inaugurated today with great grandeur in Surajkund, district Faridabad. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat graced the occasion as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the event.
Haryana Chief Minister, Shri Nayab Singh Saini, Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Shri Vipul Goel, Social Justice, Empowerment, Scheduled Castes & Backward Classes Welfare and Antyodaya (SEWA) Minister, Shri Krishan Kumar Bedi, Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Shri Rajesh Nagar and Minister of State for Sports attended the opening ceremony.
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela will be organized from February 7th to February 23rd showcasing extraordinary art, craftsmanship, and talent from artisans and artists across India and the world.
Speaking on this occasion, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that India is presently hosting two major events that are drawing global attention that is the Maha Kumbh Mela and the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, which showcases India’s unity, culture and artistic heritage. He emphasized that Surajkund Mela is not just a marketplace for crafts but a significant platform for craftsmen and artisans to showcase their ancient skills. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the vision of Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat that we envision is being realized through this fair.
Shri Shekhawat said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has transformed in the past decade, transforming its old image of poverty and underdevelopment. With the successful implementation of various welfare schemes at the grassroot level, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has brought 25 crore people out of below poverty line. Today, India is the world’s fastest-growing economy, he added.
He further said that the cultural and creative economy are now formally recognized worldwide as the “Orange Economy.” He believes that the Surajkund Mela will help Indian craftsmen find new opportunities in both domestic and international markets. The minister said that India’s tourism industry is reaching new heights, with a boost in both domestic and international travel.
Immense Potential of MICE tourism in Haryana
The Union Minister said that Haryana has advantage due to its proximity to Delhi and has its potential to become a hub for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. He said that the state should explore this opportunity to the fullest. He also suggested further expanding Surajkund Mela’s reach via digital marketing. Inviting YouTubers, photographers, and social media influencers to cover the Mela could significantly enhance its global appeal and provide artisans with new business opportunities.
The minister said that India will emerge as a developed nation in the next 25 years and urged the younger generation to take pride in contributing to the country’s progress. Surajkund Mela is a reflection of India’s Cultural Identity and Global Brotherhood
Speaking on the occasion, Haryana Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini said that Surajkund and the ongoing International Crafts Mela have become a unique symbol of not just Haryana but the entire nation. The mela exemplifies the ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and provides a platform to showcase Indian crafts and culture to the world.
He extended best wishes to the Haryana Tourism Department, the Union Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministries of Textiles, Culture, and External Affairs, and the Surajkund Mela Authority for successfully organizing this grand event.
Live : उद्घाटन समारोह 38वां सूरजकुण्ड अन्तर्राष्ट्रीय हस्तशिल्प मेला https://t.co/8GqahAkTSB
— Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) February 7, 2025
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Sunil Kumar Tiwari
(Release ID: 2100768) Visitor Counter : 43
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MoU signed between ISLRTC and NBT at World Book Fair for making NBT Books Accessible in Indian Sign Language
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:56PM by PIB Delhi
An MoU was signed between the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), under D/o Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), M/o Social Justice & Empowerment, and the National Book Trust (NBT), at the NBT Pavilion during the World Book Fair 2025.
This MoU aims to convert 500 NBT storybooks, general reading materials, and other engaging books into accessible formats for Deaf children through Indian Sign Language (ISL).
The MoU was signed by Shri Kumar Raju, Director, ISLRTC and Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director, NBT in the presence of Shri Rajeev Sharma, Joint Secretary, DEPwD, and Professor Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairperson, NBT.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Rajeev Sharma and Professor Milind Sudhakar Marathe emphasized that this is a great joint venture by ISLRTC and NBT, highlighting its significance in developing accessibility and inclusivity in education.
Director ISLRTC and Director NBT also addressed the audience, reaffirming their commitment to making reading literature available for deaf children across the country. They expressed that this collaboration is a step forward in ensuring that Deaf children have access to quality reading materials in their preferred mode of communication.
The signing and exchange of the MoU mark a significant milestone in promoting accessible inclusive education. Officials from ISLRTC and NBT were also present at the event, showing their collective dedication to this initiative.
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VM
(Release ID: 2100735) Visitor Counter : 49
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurates National IP Moot Court Competition
Source: Government of India
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurates National IP Moot Court Competition
Students selected for international moot court competition to be sponsored by Centre: Shri Piyush GoyalPosted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:49PM by PIB Delhi
- Shri Goyal calls for strong AI regulatory framework to ensure ethical use and effective deployment
- Competition to take place from 7th February 2025 to 9th February 2025, has prize money of Rs 3.25 lakh
- Theme of the moot court competition is “Artificial Intelligence and Copyright”
Students selected for an international moot court competition on International Property Rights (IPR) will be sponsored by The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM). This was stated by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal during his address at the inaugural ceremony of Vidhi Pragati: National IP Moot Court Competition, 2025 today in New Delhi.
DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, in collaboration with Centre for Innovation, Intellectual Property, and Competition (CIIPC) and IPR Chair, National Law University Delhi is organising the Vidhi Pragati: National IP Moot Court Competition, 2025. This competition is designed for participants to increase their advocacy skills, work on contemporary legal issues, and gain comprehensive knowledge of Intellectual Property Laws, its enforcement, and the latest case laws.
There is a need to create a robust regulatory framework with legal and policy assistance to withstand the unethical use of AI and also support effective deployment of modern technology, he said. Shri Goyal noted that Artificial Intelligence is as good as the person who utilises its potential. He stated that technology can become a tool but can never substitute the human mind.
Speaking of the Moot Court Competition, the Minister highlighted the format’s practicality in helping the students refine their legal acumen and open their minds. He also noted that participation in this format will enable the scholars to become thinkers, thinkers into innovators and innovators into leaders.
Shri Goyal highlighted that copyright and Artificial Intelligence is at the crossroads of an uncertain future. We can either ethically use AI to our advantage in regulating copyright or unethical means can be used to violate copyright protection. AI can either add to creativity or it can disrupt the authorship of genuine innovators and their rights, he said. Minister Goyal noted that the Government is planning to engage with experts and young minds for suggestions on changes in regulations to adapt with modern technology.
Elucidating on the innovation boost received in the Union Budget 2025, the Minister noted that 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) have been announced and Rs 20,000 crore announced as part of the Centre’s contribution in Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Fund. He also highlighted the Rs 10,000 crore announced in the Budget for the Fund of Funds for startups and entrepreneurs to boost innovation. Shri Goyal also mentioned the Government academic initiative, One Nation One Subscription, to provide country-wide access to scholarly research e-journals to students. He also spoke about the AI for Education fund of Rs 500 crore allotted in the Budget 2025 for the academia, government and the private sector to collaborate to promote innovation.
The Minister during his address suggested IPR to be made a mandatory subject in law colleges across the country. Law also needs to be understood by concepts of right and wrong in which AI can play an important role, he added.
Justice Shri Prathiba M. Singh, Judge, High Court of Delhi and Shri Himani Pande, Additional Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) graced the event as guests of honor.
The theme of the competition is “Artificial Intelligence and Copyright.” This theme is of paramount importance in today’s digital landscape, where the rapid advancement of AI technologies are fundamentally transforming the creative industries. As AI-generated content
becomes increasingly prevalent, crucial questions arise regarding authorship, originality, and the extent of copyright protection. This competition aims to nurture young legal minds, promote innovative thinking in intellectual property law, and underscore the importance of adapting copyright regulations in the context of artificial intelligence advancements. This competition presents an opportunity for the participants to critically engage with the challenges and opportunities that AI presents to the realm of copyright.
Scheduled to take place from 7th February 2025 to 9th February 2025, this premier event will witness participation from law schools across the nation, thus fostering a vibrant spirit of mooting and scholarly discourse. In anticipation of reassuring responses from across the law schools, a total of 26 teams are lined up to exhibit a battle of the best showcasing a sheer competitive spirit. With a prize pool of Rs. 3.25 lakh, this moot will sufficiently reward the investment of time and resources in the participation.
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Abhijith Narayanan/Asmitabha Manna
(Release ID: 2100727) Visitor Counter : 11
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MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall in USTR Nominee Hearing: How Can We Build on President Trump’s Trade Success?
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. participated in the nomination hearing for President Trump’s U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Nominee, Jamieson Greer, in the Senate Finance Committee this week.
Senator Marshall questioned Mr. Greer on President Trump’s history of tariffs and trade, and how he will properly utilize United States trade relations to prioritize American interests.
Jamieson Greer has a storied career dedicated to the military, trade, and international relations. He also served in Kansas as an officer in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps and was deployed to Iraq as Chief of Military Justice. He worked in private firms focusing on trade law and international trade. As Chief of Staff to the previous USTR, Robert Lighthizer, he has the experience and the record of playing a pivotal role in President Trump’s successful trade negotiations across the world.
[embedded content]
You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full line of questioning.
Highlights from Mr. Greer’s nomination hearing include:
On Joe Biden’s vs. President Trump’s history of fair, reciprocal trade agreements:
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D.: “…Under President Trump, he gave us [the United States-Mexico-Canada] Agreement. He gave us South Korea to improve Japanese trade agreement, so important to American beef and China Phase One. Mr. Greer, what trade agreements were accomplished under Joe Biden?”
Mr. Jamieson Greer, Nominee, U.S. Trade Representative: “Senator, I’m not aware of any.”
Senator Marshall: “Okay, I want to compare and contrast a little bit here more. Let’s talk about Mexico. I think it’s one of the simpler ones to understand…Under Joe Biden, Mexico undermined American farms. He harmed commerce. He bullied U.S. companies. He shut down the GMO corn exports, forcing a huge dispute. Mexico hampered U.S. energy protection under Joe Biden, and Mexico seized a U.S. mining company operation near Cozumel. What can you do? What can we do to reverse this behavior?”
Mr. Greer: “…any trade agreement we have is only as valuable as the enforcement behind it. And so my view is, all these issues you talked about with Mexico, whether it be energy or corn, et cetera, we need to enforce that. I know that, you know, there’s a case that was done on the corn issue. I’m going to enforce that. I know that there were consultations open on energy. We’re going to we’re going to bring that up with the Mexicans as well. Listen, good fences make good neighbors. If we want to have good, ongoing trade relations with folks, we have to hold them accountable.”
On leveling the global trade playing field for American biofuels:
Senator Marshall: “Let’s talk about biofuels for a second. I’ve never seen such an uneven playing field for American biofuels. The U.S. is subject to 18% tariffs going into Brazil with biofuels, yet Brazil enjoys virtually free access to the U.S., and in many cases, thanks to some scientific voodoo, they’re actually giving Brazil a preference over American biofuels as well.”
“The EU continues to be protectionist against us, ethanol. Chinese used cooking oil exports. You’re familiar with how they’re abusing that. You would think that if we’re going to give tax credits, we would make sure they’re not going to benefit foreign entities, especially those who wish to harm us. What can you do to help the biofuels industry and try to level that playing field?”
Mr. Greer: “Well, Senator, this is the specific kind of unfairness that drives me crazy. And it’s not just me. The President himself, he sees these kinds of unfairnesses and the unlevel playing field. And it’s so it’s so obvious, it’s so blatant. It’s gone for so long. You know, again, in the first instance, you can certainly go to somebody like the Brazilians and say, you need to fix this, but it has to be followed up with or else, right? I mean, that’s a little crude, but we need to have leverage, and if we need to gain leverage by taking investigatory actions or other actions, we’ll do that. It would be much better to do this on a negotiating basis, but we’ll do whatever we need to do to try to fix the situation.”
On ensuring Chinese compliance with President Trump’s Phase One trade deal:
Senator Marshall: “Let’s talk about China for a second…How can we build on President Trump’s success under Phase One with China?”
Mr. Greer: “We need to start by reviewing it and actually assessing whether or not the Chinese have complied with it, or to what degree. In fact, the President has already directed the office of the USTR to do this…We want to be able to very clearly see where they did or did not comply. And then from there you move to dispute settlement, and you move to enforcement if you need to. And again, hopefully, this is an area where countries will understand the unfairness and change because they know that President Trump is serious about this, that I’m serious about this. If they don’t, then you move for that last part of enforcement.”
On utilizing tariffs as a tool to advance American interests:
Senator Marshall: “…You know, under President Trump, he used tariffs, but we saw minimal inflation – so at the end of the day, those tariffs were not passed on to Americans in the big picture… the big picture is for one reason or another, those tariffs were used properly, and we were able to not pass that on to American consumers. Mr. Greer, is there a way to do that going forward as well, to effectively use, these tariffs as a weapon, as a tool?”Mr. Greer: “I agree 100% with that. What we learned from the first term is that President Trump and his economic team are very good at managing the economy. And we saw real median household income go up by $7,000 over three years before the pandemic hit – and this was at a time when we were imposing tariffs in a way we hadn’t done in many years. And when we look at inflation under the Biden administration that happened in 2022, it wasn’t about tariffs. It was about health care and housing and food, things we don’t import from China, right? So we know that we can manage this. We know we have a strong economic team, and if I’m confirmed, I expect to be able to take strong trade action while helping ensure that the economy is growing for average Americans.” -
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission communication on spyware – E-000435/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000435/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Markéta Gregorová (Verts/ALE), Nela Riehl (Verts/ALE), Reinier Van Lanschot (Verts/ALE), Damian Boeselager (Verts/ALE)In its follow-up to the Parliament report on the use of Pegasus and other equivalent software, the Commission stated that it is ‘exploring the possibility of presenting a non-legislative initiative’ in order to clarify ‘the interplay between EU law … and national security’[1]. Recently, reports from the press revealed that a communication from the Commission, initially scheduled to be published in June 2024, has been delayed[2]. The necessity of such clarification has become urgent, as the French Constitutional Council has partially struck down a law legalising the use of such technologies[3]. Parliament’s concerns regarding the use of spyware remain unanswered so far.
- 1.When is the Commission planning to publish its communication on the matter?
- 2.Will it publish information about the input it received to produce this communication?
- 3.How will it ensure that Member States abide by the Court of Justice of the EU case-law and EU law on the matter?
Submitted: 31.1.2025
- [1] https://data.europarl.europa.eu/distribution/doc/SP-2023-436-TA-9-2023-0244_en.docx.
- [2] https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-commission-national-security-does-not-justify-spying-document/.
- [3] https://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/actualites/communique/decision-n-2023-855-dc-du-16-novembre-2023-communique-de-presse.
Last updated: 7 February 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Israel’s destruction of water facilities financed by European taxpayers – E-000365/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000365/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Rima Hassan (The Left), Anthony Smith (The Left), Catarina Vieira (Verts/ALE), Manon Aubry (The Left), Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Villy Søvndal (Verts/ALE), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Irena Joveva (Renew), Marina Mesure (The Left), Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE), Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE), Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Per Clausen (The Left), Catarina Martins (The Left), Marc Botenga (The Left), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Leila Chaibi (The Left), Ilaria Salis (The Left), Giorgos Georgiou (The Left), Emma Fourreau (The Left), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left), Hanna Gedin (The Left)Since October 2023 and the start of the Israeli Government’s military offensive in Gaza, Palestinian civilians have faced one of the worst humanitarian crises of this century. Oxfam’s latest report, Water War Crimes, highlights the fact that Israel’s restrictions on water, fuel and sanitation supplies have resulted in a 94 % reduction in available water, far below emergency standards.
By June 2024, Israeli bombardments and restrictions had devastated Gaza’s water and sanitation systems. Water production decreased by 84 %, all desalination plants were destroyed, 100 % of water warehouses and wastewater treatment plants were rendered non-functional, and over a million people now face severe water scarcity in overcrowded shelters.
Given that much of this infrastructure is directly or indirectly funded by the European Union, the Commission is urged to address the following pressing questions:
- 1.How is the Commission monitoring and calculating the level of EU funding lost as a result of Israel’s operations in Gaza and the West Bank?
- 2.Will the Commission hold Israel accountable for the destruction of water facilities funded by European taxpayers?
- 3.In the absence of compensation or reparation, does the Commission plan to impose sanctions?
Submitted: 28.1.2025
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MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Shortcomings in the transposition of European Directive (EU) 2024/1385 into Greek national legislation on combating violence against women and domestic violence – E-000366/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000366/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Elena Kountoura (The Left)The transposition of European Directive (EU) 2024/1385 on combating violence against women and domestic violence is a crucial step in harmonising European and national legislation in order to protect victims and prevent and address gender-based and domestic violence[1]. However, the law adopted by the Greek Government, without meaningful consultation of the competent bodies[2], covers only selected articles of the directive, notably those relating to criminal provisions, and fails to include basic provisions on prevention and victims’ rights[3].
In particular, there are no articles providing for:
– sufficient accommodation facilities and victim support centres;
– enhanced safety and support for abused women and children who are victims or witnesses of domestic violence;
– prevention measures at various levels and information and awareness-raising campaigns;
– training for authorities in handling cases of gender-based violence;
– cross-sectoral cooperation and the establishment of a policy coordination body for combating violence.
Moreover, numerous references are made to non-existent structures (Articles 26 and 27) and existing Greek laws which are not fully implemented due to a lack of implementing provisions or which concern only one form of violence (domestic).
In view of the above, can the Commission say:
- 1.How does it intend to ensure that Directive (EU) 2024/1385 is fully transposed into the national legislation of the Member States, including Greece?
- 2.Does it intend to offer technical support to the Member States in order to ensure the correct transposition of the directive?
- 3.What measures will be taken to address existing shortcomings and distortions in the implementation of the obligations set out in the directive?
Submitted: 28.1.2025
- [1] According to Article 49 of Directive (EU) 2024/1385, EU Member States are required to transpose the directive into their national legislation by June 2027.
- [2] For the second time in one year, Law 3500/2006 is being amended without any meaningful consultation with the victims of domestic violence themselves, the vast majority of whom are women and children, or with specialised NGOs and women’s organisations who provide them with protection and support services.
- [3] The title ‘Transposition of Directive (EU) 2024/1385’ is misleading, as the law does not transpose the directive into Greek law as it claims, but rather constitutes a partial or even distorted transposition of the directive. Of the directive’s 51 articles, 7 relate to the transposition process and 44 set out the obligations of Member States to take measures to transpose the directive into national law. Of those 44, only 17 are explicitly referred to in the draft law as having been transposed.
Last updated: 7 February 2025 -
MIL-OSI Australia: Man arrested in Salisbury Park after pursuit
Source: South Australia Police
A man has been arrested following a pursuit through the northern suburbs.
About 8pm on Friday 7 February, police attempted to stop a silver Holden sedan on Montague Road, Pooraka after officers noticed the number plates didn’t match the vehicle.
The driver refused to stop and immediately sped off. The Holden was last seen heading north on Bridge Road.
PolAir was up at the time and commenced tracking the vehicle as is drove through the backstreets of Salisbury East.
Police were able to spike the car’s tyres on Main North Road, but it continued driving on to Saints Road.
The tyres were successfully spiked a second time in Malinya Drive, Salisbury Park. The driver then abandoned the vehicle in Riversdale Drive, Salisbury Park and fled the scene.
He was quickly arrested after being found in a reserve adjacent to Smedley Place.
A 40-year-old man from Richmond was charged with driving dangerously to escape police pursuit, driving while disqualified and unassigned plates. He was bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on 27 March.
The vehicle was impounded and towed from the scene.
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MIL-OSI Security: Martinsville Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Distributing Double, Fatal Dose of Fentanyl
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
ROANOKE, Va. – A Martinsville, Virginia man, who distributed cocaine that was laced with fentanyl to a pair of individuals that later died from overdoses, was sentenced yesterday to 18 years in federal prison.
Okoyte Devon Gaston, 31, pled guilty in September 2024 to one count of distributing fentanyl.
According to court documents, in February 2023 Gaston, a known drug dealer in Southside Virginia, arranged to sell what was supposed to be one-fourth an ounce of cocaine powder to victim “C.U.” Unbeknownst to C.U., the cocaine was laced with fentanyl.
Gaston met C.U. and her boyfriend, victim “M.A.” and another individual, J.U. in the parking lot of a Sheetz gas station in Franklin County, Virginia. Gaston sold the group what they believed was cocaine for $350.
Shortly after meeting with Gaston C.U., M.A., and J.U. all used some of the drugs they purchased from Gaston. The group then made a short drive back to C.U.’s Franklin County trailer home.
Once there, J.U. said he did not feel well and went inside to go to sleep, leaving C.U. and M.A. alone in the car.
The next morning, J.U. woke up disoriented, nauseous, and incoherent. He found C.U. and M.A. unresponsive. M.A. was still in the passenger seat of the vehicle and C.U. was on the ground outside of the driver’s door.
J.U. called 911 and when police arrived, they pronounced C.U. and M.A. deceased. The medical examiner later determined that both C.U. and M.A. died of acute fentanyl and cocaine toxicity.
Acting U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee and Ibrar A. Mian, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Washington Division made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case with the assistance of the Virginia State Police, the Roanoke City Police, and the Roanoke County Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly McGann and Keith Parrella are prosecuting the case.
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MIL-OSI Security: New Kensington Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering Charges in Connection with Transnational Criminal Operation
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on February 6, 2025, to charges of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
James Pinkston, 35, pleaded guilty to Counts One, Three, and Four of the Second Superseding Indictment before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around August 2021 to in and around June 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Pinkston conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine. Pinkston was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others. Similarly, in and around March 2023, Pinkston possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine. Further, from in and around April 2022 to in and around March 2023, Pinkston conspired to commit money laundering by using a payments app to receive and initiate payments for drug transactions.
Pinkston was one of 35 individuals indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown in December 2023 on narcotics, conspiracy, and money laundering charges for their participation in a violent transnational drug and money laundering operation. The Second Superseding Indictment alleges that the operation imported from Mexico millions of fentanyl pills, kilograms of fentanyl powder, hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine, and dozens of kilograms of cocaine that then were distributed and sold throughout the United States (read the news release regarding the Second Superseding Indictment here). Pinkston served as the western Pennsylvania connection to the Phoenix, Arizona, drug trafficking organization responsible for importing the drugs from Mexico.
Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for May 28, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Pinkston. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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MIL-OSI Security: Bristol Man Who Made Interstate Threats is Sentenced
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DENNIS JOHN HERNANDEZ, also known as “DJ Hernandez” and “Jonathan Hernandez,” 38, of Bristol, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to approximately 18 months of imprisonment, time already served, and three years of supervised release for making interstate threats.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 6 and 7, 2023, Hernandez communicated with an individual via Facebook Messenger and made multiple statements threatening to carry out a shooting incident at UConn. The statements included “I would recommend remaining away from there because when I go I’m taking down everything And don’t give a f— who gets caught in the crossfire. I’ve died for years now and now it’s others people turn. I’m prepared to give my life. So if I don’t get to see you on the outside know I love you always Not all shootings are bad I’m realizing. Some are necessary for change to happen.”
Court documents allege that Hernandez’s vehicle was identified on UConn’s campus on July 7.
On July 18 and 19, 2023, Hernandez made multiple Facebook posts threatening to harm or kill three individuals who reside out of state, including a state court judge. In addition, on July 19, in a conversation via text message with one of the victims, Hernandez stated “We’re taking lives if s— isn’t paid up. It’s been years in planning just taking notes, names and locations. They talked their way into this and it’s almost point game. I know we don’t play in my family. If we have to take lives or buildings we will. So just letting you know so you can be prepared for a media circus one way or another.”
Hernandez has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on July 19, 2023. On December 18, 2024, he pleaded guilty to transmitting interstate communications containing a threat to injure.
While on supervised release, Hernandez must continue mental health and substance abuse treatment and allow his electronic devices to be monitored by the U.S. Probation Office, and he is prohibited from visiting UConn and other locations that he targeted in his threats.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bristol Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
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MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Offender Sentenced To 10 Years For Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Material
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
NEWARK, N.J. – A Hudson County man was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possessing images of child sexual abuse, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.
Jonathan Lattif, 46, of Jersey City, New Jersey previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an Information charging him with one count of possession of child pornography. Judge Cecchi imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On March 18, 2022, Lattif possessed videos depicting sexual abuse of minors, including prepubescent children, on his mobile device. He possessed over 500 videos files and 1 photograph of child sexual abuse material.
Lattif also has a prior state conviction for possession of child pornography.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Lattif to 10 years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel in Newark; and Customs and Border Protection Officers from the Port of New York/Newark, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations New York Field Office, under the direction of Acting Port Director Jeffrey Greene, with the investigation leading to the charge.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Fatime Meka Cano of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
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MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Cotton, Crapo Introduce Hearing Protection Act
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
WASHINGTON––U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) joined Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) to introduce the Hearing Protection Act, legislation to help law-abiding gun owners better access suppressors to preserve hearing and safety. The bill would reclassify suppressors and treat them like traditional firearms for the purpose of regulation.
“Increasing access to hearing protection for sportsmen and hunters is common sense,” said Boozman. “Law-abiding, responsible gun owners should not have to fight burdensome regulations to enjoy their hobbies safely and with the accessories that can protect their hearing. I am proud to join my colleagues to update unreasonable limitations on suppressors and stand with shooting sports enthusiasts.”
“Burdensome regulations on firearm suppressors are doing more harm than good to sportsmen and women,” said Cotton. “Our legislation will ensure law-abiding gun owners can easily access hearing protection without having to navigate bureaucratic red tape or exorbitant taxes.”
“Federal red tape continues to follow the false Hollywood narrative that suppressors are silent, and ignores the reality that they serve a genuine purpose in protecting the hearing of law-abiding American citizens exercising their Second Amendment rights,” said Crapo. “It is past time Congress removes the burdensome barriers to accessing this equipment for the safety of Idaho’s hunters and sportsmen.”
Specifically, the Hearing Protection Act would:
- Remove suppressors from regulation under the National Firearms Act (NFA);
- Replace the burdensome federal transfer process with an instantaneous National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check, making the purchase and transfer process for suppressors equal to the process for a rifle or shotgun; and
- Increase funding into state wildlife conservation agencies by taxing suppressors under the Pittman-Robertson Act instead of the NFA.
On average, suppressors diminish the noise of a gunshot by 20-35 decibels, roughly the same sound reduction provided by earplugs or earmuffs. The most effective suppressors on the market can only reduce the peak sound level of a gunshot to around 110-120 decibels, which is roughly equivalent to a jackhammer.
The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Rick Scott (R-FL), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Jim Justice (R-WV), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), John Kennedy (R-LA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Steve Daines (R-MT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Hoeven (R-ND), Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Ron Johnson (R-WI).
The Hearing Protection Act is endorsed by the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the American Suppressor Association (ASA), Gun Owners of America (GOA) and the National Rifle Association (NRA).
“The Hearing Protection Act will increase access to important hearing protection for millions of Americans,” said President of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology Amyn Amlani, Ph.D. “While the use of conventional hearing protection tools, such as earplugs and earmuffs are fundamental for preventing noise induced hearing loss in firearm users, conventional hearing protection alone does not always offer adequate protection from noise exposure. Firearm noise suppressors can be an effective supplement to traditional hearing protection.”
“These safety devices reduce the report of a firearm to a level that won’t cause instant and permanent hearing damage,” said NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane. “Despite Hollywood’s depictions, they do not silence the sound of a firearm. The focus should be on removing barriers to safe and responsible use of firearms and dedicating resources to ensuring firearms are safeguarded from those who should never possess them. Strict regulatory control of firearm accessories, and the parts of those accessories that have no bearing on the function of a firearm, is unnecessary and not the wisest use of federal resources.”
“It’s absurd that our unrestrained federal bureaucracy requires Americans to jump through hoops to buy simple hearing protection devices. Momentum continues to grow for common sense reforms that would end the stranglehold of government on the rights of her people,” said President and Executive Director of the American Suppressor Association Knox Williams.
“Gun owners around the world are using suppressors to reduce the impact of noise and hearing loss while using their firearms. Even in countries with the strictest firearms laws, suppressors are often unregulated products that anyone can buy over the counter. However, outdated federal law makes it difficult for Americans to access these useful safety devices,” said Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action John Commerford.
Click here for full text of the legislation.
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MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Colleagues Push to Expand Access to Job Training Programs
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
WASHINGTON––U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) to introduce the Jumpstarting Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act, bipartisan legislation to help more Americans get good-paying jobs by allowing students to use federal Pell Grants –– need-based education grants for lower-income individuals –– to pay for shorter-term job training programs for the first time.
Currently, Pell Grants can only be used at two- and four-year colleges and universities. By expanding Pell Grant eligibility, the JOBS Act would help close the skills gap by opening access to job training that students might otherwise be unable to afford but need for careers in high-demand fields.
“Increasing the supply of workers ready and able to fill in-demand jobs is exactly what our economy needs to thrive. As more students choose to pursue skills-based careers, we can ensure this pathway is open to everyone including those who need financial assistance to start that journey. I’m pleased to champion this bipartisan effort that can help more Americans receive job training,” Boozman said.
“No one should be priced out of an education—including a technical education—but I hear from many Virginians that access to high-quality job training programs that align with their goals is out of reach because of financial barriers,” said Kaine. “Simultaneously, I hear from employers throughout the Commonwealth about their struggles to fill skilled labor positions. With these Virginians in mind, I wrote the JOBS Act to help remedy these issues and provide more workers with the skills they need to get good-paying jobs and provide for their families. This bill is good for workers, good for employers, and good for our economy as a whole.”
“Job training programs are proven, successful tools that help people gain the skills they need to prepare for rewarding careers,” said Collins. “By helping students in Maine and across the country access this career pathway, this bipartisan legislation would assist young people with obtaining good-paying jobs and make it easier for businesses to find qualified workers.”
The JOBS Act would allow Pell Grants to be used for high-quality job training programs that are at least eight weeks in length and lead to industry-recognized credentials or certificates. Under current law, Pell Grants can only be applied toward programs that are over 600 clock hours or at least 15 weeks in length, rendering students in shorter-term, high-quality job training programs ineligible for crucial assistance.
Specifically, the JOBS Act would amend the Higher Education Act by:
• Expanding Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in rigorous and high-quality, short-term skills and job training programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials and certificates and ultimately employment in high-wage, high-skill industry sectors or careers.
• Ensuring students who receive Pell Grants are earning high-quality postsecondary credentials by requiring that the credentials:
o Meet the standards under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), such as meaningful career counseling and aligning programs to in-demand career pathways or registered apprenticeship programs;
o Are recognized by employers, industry or sector partnerships;
o Align with the skill needs of industries in the state or local economy; and
o Are approved by the state workforce board in addition to the U.S. Department of Education.
• Defining eligible job training programs as those providing career and technical education instruction at an institution of higher education, such as a community or technical college that provides:
o At least 150 clock hours of instruction time over a period of at least eight weeks;
o Training that meets the needs of the local or regional workforce and industry partnerships;
o Streamlined ability to transfer credits so students can continue to pursue further education in their careers; and
o Licenses, certifications, or credentials that meet the hiring requirements of multiple employers in the field for which the job training is offered.
The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dan Sullivan (D-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).The JOBS Act is supported by Advance CTE, the American Association of Community Colleges, the Association for Career and Technical Education, the Association of Community College Trustees, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Business Roundtable, the Center for Law and Social Policy, the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance, Higher Learning Advocates, HP Inc., the Information Technology Industry Council, Jobs for the Future, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, NAF, the National Association of Workforce Boards, the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, the National Skills Coalition, the Progressive Policy Institute and Rebuilding America’s Middle Class.
Click here to view text of the bill.
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MIL-OSI USA: ICE Homeland Security Investigations supports seizure of Venezuelan aircraft involved in violations of US export control and sanctions laws
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations played a key role, alongside the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security and other partners, in an announcement Feb. 6 by the Justice Department that Dominican Republic authorities, working in coordination with U.S. federal law enforcement and based on violations of U.S. export control and sanctions laws, seized a Dassault Falcon 2000EX aircraft used by Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the sanctioned Venezuelan state-owned oil and natural gas company.
“This seizure demonstrates HSI’s unwavering commitment to enforcing U.S. export control and sanctions laws around the globe,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Santo Domingo Country Attaché Edwin F. Lopez. “By working closely with our partners in the Dominican Republic and across the U.S. government, we successfully prevented the violation of U.S. laws designed to protect national security and foreign policy interests. HSI will continue to collaborate with domestic and international law enforcement partners to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law.”
The Bureau of Industry and Security Miami Field Office is investigating the case with assistance from ICE HSI Santo Domingo.
The Justice Department previously announced in September 2024 the seizure of a Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft in the Dominican Republic that was owned and operated for the benefit of Nicolás Maduro Moros and persons affiliated with him in Venezuela.
“The seizure of the Dassault Falcon 2000EX aircraft provides yet another example of this office’s commitment to enforcing America’s export control laws against Venezuelan-owned PdVSA and other sanctioned entities,” said Southern District of Florida U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne. “Asset forfeiture is a powerful law enforcement tool, which we will continue to use aggressively to deter, disrupt, and otherwise combat criminal activity.”
“The use of American-made parts to service and maintain aircraft operated by sanctioned entities like PdVSA is intolerable,” said Devin DeBacker, head of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department, along with its federal law enforcement partners, will continue to safeguard our national security by identifying, disrupting, and dismantling schemes aimed at procuring American goods in violation of our sanctions and export control laws.”
“Today’s announcement — the seizure of a sanctioned aircraft used by the Maduro regime — clearly shows that sanctions and export control laws have teeth,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Kevin J. Kurland of the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security. “BIS will continue to aggressively investigate and hold accountable those who violate our regulations.”
According to the U.S. investigation, in July 2017, PdVSA purchased the Dassault Falcon 2000EX aircraft from the United States and exported it to Venezuela, where it was registered under tail number YV-3360. Following the imposition of sanctions on PdVSA and identification of the Dassault Falcon 2000EX aircraft as blocked property of PdVSA, the aircraft was serviced and maintained on multiple occasions using parts from the United States. The servicing
included a brake assembly, electronic flight displays, and flight management computers — all in violation of U.S. export control and sanctions laws.
President Trump issued Executive Order 13884 in August 2019, which, among other things, prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with persons who have acted or purported to act directly or indirectly for or on behalf of PdVSA. Pursuant to the EO, on Jan. 21, 2020, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control identified 15 aircraft as blocked property under U.S. law, which generally prohibits transactions by U.S. persons within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in blocked property.
According to a public statement issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, since at least January 2019, the Dassault Falcon 2000EX aircraft has transported Venezuelan Oil Minister Manuel Salvador Quevedo Fernandez, who is also sanctioned by the U.S. government, to an Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries meeting in the United Arab Emirates and has been used to transport senior members of the Maduro regime in a continuation of the regime’s misappropriation of PdVSA assets.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and ICE HSI El Dorado Task Force Miami provided significant assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jorge Delgado and Joshua Paster for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are handling the matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan D. Stratton and Ajay J. Alexander for the Southern District of Florida also assisted.
The burden to prove forfeitability in a forfeiture proceeding is upon the government.
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MIL-OSI USA: ICE Boston arrests illegal Dominican drug dealer charged with assault, battery with dangerous weapon
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended an illegally present Dominican national convicted of heroin distribution crimes, who is currently charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and shoplifting crimes when ICE officers arrested Santor Aibar, 56, in East Boston Jan. 22.
“Santos Aibar is exactly the kind of alien offender who needs to be removed from the streets of Massachusetts,” said ICE Boston Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “He has already been convicted of peddling poison to our neighborhoods, and he currently stands accused of assaulting a resident with a box cutter. ICE Boston will not tolerate such threats to the people of our New England communities. We stand committed to our mission of arresting and removing such egregious alien threats.”
Aibar illegally entered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, and without being admitted, inspected, or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.
The West Roxbury District Court in Massachusetts convicted Aibar Sept. 29, 2008, for distribution of of heroin and sentenced him to one year in prison.
ICE officers arrested Aibar at the Nashua Street Jail in Boston July 2, 2010, and served him with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge.
The immigration judge ordered Aibar removed from the U.S. on Sept. 30, 2010, and ICE removed Aibar to the Dominican Republic Nov. 17, 2010.
Aibar illegally re-entered the U.S. on an unknown date, at an unknown location, and without being admitted, inspected, or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.
ICE encountered Aibar Feb. 28, 2023, following his arrest by local authorities, and issued an immigration detainer against Aibar with the Boston Police Department.
ICE determined that the state of Massachusetts released Aibar on Feb. 25, 2024, without honoring the immigration detainer.
The South Boston District Court arraigned Aibar Sept. 03, 2024, for the offenses of assault with dangerous weapon and shoplifting.
Aibar remains in custody following his apprehension by ICE.
Members of the public with information can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X at @EROBoston.
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MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, Colleagues Introduce Antitrust Legislation To Take On Algorithmic Price Fixing, Bring Down Costs
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy
February 07, 2025
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined their Senate colleagues in introducing the Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act to prevent companies from using algorithms to collude to set higher prices. As recent reporting, a Justice Department lawsuit, and multiple private lawsuits have shown, big corporations are using algorithms to raise prices and limit competition, including companies like RealPage that have facilitated collusion to increase rents by more than $3 billion in 2023 alone. This legislation would make such collusion illegal to lower costs for families and support small businesses.
“These pricing algorithms are just one more tactic corporations use to get around the law and screw regular people. It’s how the poultry industry colludes to keep the price of chicken high,” said Murphy. “If we really care about lowering costs and disrupting the corrupt status quo, this is the kind of bill that Congress should pass.”
“Predatory algorithms significantly suppress competition in today’s markets and allow companies to collude to raise prices to unaffordable levels. The Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act will eliminate coercive anticompetitive software and empower consumers,” said Blumenthal.
Price fixing and other forms of collusion are illegal under current antitrust laws. However, current antitrust laws may be insufficient when competing companies delegate their pricing decisions to an algorithm without agreeing to fix prices. Current law requires proof of an agreement to fix prices before condemning the conduct. When pricing decisions of multiple competitors are delegated to a single algorithm, that agreement may not exist even though the use of the algorithm may have the same effect as a traditional agreement to fix prices. This type of conduct has already occurred in rental housing, and we must ensure that it does not spread to other sectors of our economy with the proliferation of algorithmic pricing.
To strengthen current price fixing law, this legislation would:
- Close a loophole in current law by presuming a price-fixing “agreement,” when direct competitors share non-public information through a pricing algorithm to raise prices;
- Increase transparency by requiring companies that use algorithms to set prices to disclose that fact and give antitrust enforcers the ability to audit the pricing algorithm when there are concerns it may be harming consumers;
- Ban companies from using non-public, competitively sensitive information from their direct competitors to inform or train a pricing algorithm; and
- Direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study pricing algorithms’ impact on competition.
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) also cosponsored the legislation.
The Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act is endorsed by Consumer Reports, the Open Markets Institute, and Accountable.US.
Full text of the legislation is available HERE.
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MIL-OSI Security: Amherst Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Offenses
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Defendant sent undercover federal agent 345 CSAM files depicting children as young as one year old
BOSTON – An Amherst man pleaded guilty on Feb. 5, 2025 in federal court in Boston to distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Bradley Driscoll, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for May 13, 2025. Driscoll was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2023.
The investigation determined that on or about Aug. 29, 2022, Driscoll knowingly distributed and possessed CSAM. Specifically, Driscoll engaged in a Kik on-line chat conversation with an undercover agent, where he expressed an interest in obtaining CSAM materials. Driscoll also distributed a link to the undercover agent which contained approximately 345 CSAM files depicting minor children, some as young as one year old, being sexually penetrated by adult males.
In September 2023, Driscoll told federal agents that he was the owner of the Kik username and that he located the link containing CSAM files through other Kik messenger chat groups. He acknowledged asking the undercover agent to send him sexual material related to child pornography and acknowledged that the Mega link he shared contained sexual materials involving young children.
The distribution charge provides for a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison, supervised release of no less than five years and a maximum of life and a $250,000 fine. The possession charge provides for up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations; and Gabriel Ting, Chief of the Amherst Police Department made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
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MIL-OSI USA: February 7th, 2025 Heinrich, Luján Join Colleagues in Calling for Quick Implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and 25 of their colleagues in calling for the immediate implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act to provide full Social Security benefits for millions of public servants impacted by Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The Social Security Fairness Act, which Heinrich and Luján cosponsored, fully repeals the two unfair Social Security provisions WEP and GPO, was signed into law on January 5, 2024 after Heinrich and Luján voted to advance legislation on the Senate floor.
“The Social Security Fairness Act restores full Social Security benefits for the millions of teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants who are unfairly penalized by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO),” wrote the senators.
“The Social Security Administration’s website currently states, ‘SSA expects that it could take more than one year to adjust benefits and pay all retroactive benefits’ owed under the Social Security Fairness Act. We call for the immediate implementation of this legislation to provide prompt relief to the millions of Americans impacted by WEP and GPO,” continued the senators.
Heinrich, Luján, and Cassidy were joined by U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Angus King (I-Maine), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.).
Read the full letter here or below:
Dear Acting Commissioner King,
We write to you concerning the implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act (Public Law No: 118-273). This legislation passed Congress on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis on December 21st, 2024 and was signed into law on January 5th, 2025. The Social Security Fairness Act restores full Social Security benefits for the millions of teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants who are unfairly penalized by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).
The Social Security Administration’s website currently states, “SSA expects that it could take more than one year to adjust benefits and pay all retroactive benefits” owed under the Social Security Fairness Act. We call for the immediate implementation of this legislation to provide prompt relief to the millions of Americans impacted by WEP and GPO. In the interim, we request monthly updates and briefings regarding the status of the Social Security Administration’s progress towards implementing the Social Security Fairness Act.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter. We look forward to your response.
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MIL-OSI USA: February 7th, 2025 Heinrich HALT All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act Passes U.S. House of Representatives
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
Heinrich introduced the legislation last week to permanently place fentanyl-related substances into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, help law enforcement combat fentanyl trafficking, and advance scientific and medical research
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced that his Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs, under the Controlled Substances Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives. This permanent scheduling will give law enforcement the tools they need to keep extremely lethal and dangerous drugs off our streets and ensure scientists can research and better understand these substances.
Last week, Heinrich, with U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), introduced the HALT Fentanyl Act in the Senate. The bill now awaits Senate passage, before heading to the President’s desk.
“I’m pleased that my HALT Fentanyl Act is one step closer to becoming law,” said Heinrich. “I urge my Senate colleagues to swiftly bring the legislation to the floor for passage. It is urgently needed to help our law enforcement personnel crack down on illegal trafficking, get deadly fentanyl out of our communities, and save lives.”
The HALT Fentanyl Act is endorsed by the Drug Enforcement Association of Federal Narcotics Agents, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies, the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Directors Association, the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, and the National District Attorneys Association, as well as state and local law enforcement across New Mexico.
“Fentanyl has negatively impacted the city of Las Cruces in significant ways. In the past five years, we have experienced a substantial increase in crime, homelessness, and quality of life issues. I firmly believe fentanyl has been the biggest driver of these issues. It is time to take meaningful action to reverse the harm caused by this illicit substance,” said Jeremy Story, Chief of the Las Cruces Police Department.
“Like any illegal substance, whether it be opioids or fentanyl use, there are no easy or quick solutions and often combatting their abuse requires a multi-layered approach. The HALT Fentanyl Act is just that, which is why I fully support it. We may be inclined to not concern ourselves with research, for example, but those trafficking in this market do concern themselves with research. Let us endorse this bigger picture approach to help combat fentanyl use in our country,” said Kim Stewart, Doña Ana County Sheriff.
“The HALT Fentanyl Act is another tool to go after transnational gangs and help make our community safer. Legislation is key for law enforcement to do their job,” said John Allen, Bernalillo County Sheriff.
Background:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there were 107,543 overdose deaths in the United States in 2023. Fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances accounted for nearly 75,000 of those deaths. Since 1999, the overdose crisis has increasingly been characterized by deaths involving these illicitly manufactured synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl-related substances (FRS), which are commonly sold through illicit drug markets for their fentanyl-like effect, and are often mixed with heroin or other drugs, such as cocaine, or pressed in to counterfeit prescription pills. During this same period, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids (excluding methadone) increased 103-fold. By comparison, overdose deaths involving heroin and prescription opioids increased 2.5-fold and 4.1-fold, respectively.
Traffickers are continually altering the chemical structure of fentanyl to evade regulation and prosecution, sometimes with tragic results. Since 2013, China has been the principal source of fentanyl, fentanyl-related substances, and the precursor chemicals from which they are produced. Chinese product is commonly shipped to Mexico and smuggled into the U.S’s illicit drug market. Traffickers have favored fentanyl-related substances to skirt around committing the crime of trafficking fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized nearly 12,000 pounds of illicit fentanyl, including fentanyl powder and more than 78 million pills laced with illicit fentanyl. The 2023 seizures were equivalent to more than 388.8 million lethal doses of fentanyl.
In 2018, as an initial response to this unprecedented crisis, the DEA issued a temporary scheduling order that placed FRS in Schedule I, under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), after classifying it as an imminent hazard to public safety. Previously, Congress has only closed this loophole temporarily by designating fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs. Congress has extended the FRS temporary scheduling order several times, most recently on December 21, 2024, with a measure that expires on March 31, 2025.
Heinrich’s HALT Fentanyl Act would finally make permanent the scheduling of illicitly produced fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs and streamline the regulatory process for scientists seeking approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to research Schedule I substances.
Clear and Enforceable Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking:
A permanent scheduling of FRS is necessary to make penalties for criminals clear and enforceable under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), reducing the supply and availability of illicitly manufactured FRS. The HALT Fentanyl Act places the strongest controls and penalties on FRS, which have no accepted medical use and a high abuse potential.
Specifically, the HALT Fentanyl Act will permanently impose the following quantity-based federal trafficking penalties on FRS:
Mandatory minimum penalties: 5 years for 10 grams or more (10 years for second offense); and 10 years for 100 grams or more (20 years for second offense).
Discretionary maximum penalties: 40 years for 10 grams or more (life for second offense); and life for 100 grams or more.
Expanded Scientific and Medical Research
More closely aligning the research and registration process for schedule I substances, including FRS, with Schedule II substances will facilitate increased FRS research. By accommodating more medical research into fentanyl-related substances, the bill would establish a new, streamlined registration process for research funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or under an Investigative New Drug (IND) exemption from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Specifically, the HALT Fentanyl Act will enhance our understanding of these illicitly manufactured substances by:
Allowing researchers in the same institution to participate in multiple scientific studies.
Permitting researchers with ongoing studies to examine newly added schedule I substances.
Allowing researchers to manufacture small quantities of FRS without a separate registration.
Full text of the HALT Fentanyl Act can be found here.
A section-by-section summary of the HALT Fentanyl Act can be found here.
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MIL-OSI Security: Nain — Overdue snowmobiler safely located by Nain Ground Search and Rescue
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
An overdue snowmobiler who had departed Nain yesterday morning was safely located today by Nain Ground Search and Rescue.
At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nain RCMP received the report. The man, who was traveling alone on his snowmobile, departed Nain yesterday morning to go cut some wood. He was without a cell phone or any other communication device and had not returned.
Nain Ground Search and Rescue were deployed and searched for the missing snowmobiler throughout the night. Ice conditions in the area and frigid temperatures posed a concern.
The missing snowmobiler was safely located this morning by Nain Ground Search and Rescue. After experiencing mechanical issues with his snowmobile, the man sought shelter from the elements and was safely located in a cabin.
RCMP NL thanks Nain Ground Search and Rescue for their continued dedication and congratulates them on a successful search.
Those heading out on a snowmobile are encouraged to pack extra food and clothing, as well as items capable of starting a fire. Where possible, individuals should carry a means of communication, such as a cell phone, satellite phone or SPOT device. It is also important to communicate your intended travel location and expected return time.
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MIL-OSI Security: Newton Man Arrested for Abusive Sexual Contact of Minor Aboard Flight to Boston
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
BOSTON – A Newton man has been arrested and charged for allegedly making repeated sexual contact with a 17-year-old female passenger (minor victim) seated directly in front of him onboard a flight from Puerto Rico to Boston in August 2024.
Jonathan Alan Lefman, 46, is charged with one count of abusive sexual contact while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Lefman was arrested today and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at 2:30 p.m. today.
According to the charging documents, on Aug. 30, 2024, Lefman was a passenger onboard a JetBlue flight flying from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Boston with his wife and four children. On multiple occasions during the flight and while on the ground waiting to deplane in Boston, Lefman allegedly engaged in abusive sexual contact with the minor victim. Specifically, it is alleged that Lefman intentionally worked his hand in between and through the area between the back and bottom of the seat directly in front of him, where the minor victim was seated, and touched the minor victim’s buttocks without her permission. On at least one occasion when he did so, the minor victim saw his reflection leaning between the seats in the seatback monitor in front of her. On the last occasion when he allegedly touched or attempted to touch her buttocks, the minor victim was able to use her cell phone camera to take a video of Lefman’s fingers protruding between the back and bottom of the minor victim’s seat. According to court documents, after she exited the aircraft, while still on the jet bridge, the minor victim took a video of Lefman as he got off the aircraft.
It is alleged that, after deplaning, the minor victim’s adult female family member who had been traveling in a different row reported Lefman’s alleged conduct to a JetBlue supervisor and confronted Lefman, showing the video of his fingers to support her statement.
The charge of abusive sexual contact while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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MIL-OSI Security: Former Stoneham Auxiliary Police Officer Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Bribery Charges
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Defendant defrauded a company to obtain tens of millions of dollars of Mass Save funds through paying bribes and kickbacks to company employees
BOSTON – A former Stoneham Auxiliary Police Officer was sentenced in federal court in Boston for a bribery and kickback scheme that netted millions of dollars in Mass Save contracts.
Christopher Ponzo, 50, of North Reading, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 27 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Ponzo was also ordered to pay a $300,000 fine. In November 2024, Christopher Ponzo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, 24 counts of honest services wire fraud and one count of making false statements to government officials. Christopher Ponzo was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2023 along with his brother Joseph Ponzo.
Christopher Ponzo, along with his brother and co-conspirator, Joseph Ponzo, conspired to pay, and did pay, tens of thousands of dollars in cash bribes, kickbacks and other in-kind benefits, including a John Deere tractor, a computer, home bathroom fixtures and free electrical work, among other things, to Company A employees (Associates 1 and 2) in exchange for the Associates’ assistance in getting the defendants millions of dollars in Mass Save contracts.
Massachusetts law requires utility companies to collect an energy efficiency surcharge on all Massachusetts energy consumers. These funds, which amount to hundreds of millions of dollars each year, are to be disbursed by the utility companies to fund energy efficiency programs and initiatives in Massachusetts. Under the Mass Save program, the utility companies select lead vendors, like Company A, to approve and select contractors to perform energy improvement work for residential customers. This contracting work – performed by contractors at no-cost or reduced cost to the customer – is then paid for by Company A with Mass Save funds.
On a weekly basis, from 2013 to 2017, Christopher Ponzo paid Associate 1 $1,000 in cash. At times, Christopher Ponzo paid Associate 1 $5,000 to $10,000 in cash, telling Associate 1 that the extra money was from Joseph Ponzo for his part in the bribery scheme. In return for these payments, Associate 1, among other things, helped Joseph Ponzo set up a shell company, Air Tight, to do insulation work and get approved as a Company A contractor under the Mass Save program. Joseph Ponzo put his spouse’s name on Air Tight incorporation documents and contracting licenses in order to conceal his involvement in his corrupt side business. Despite having no professional experience in residential insulation work, Joseph Ponzo collected over $7 million under the Mass Save program.
After Associate 1 left Company A in 2017, Christopher Ponzo and Joseph Ponzo recruited Associate 2 to the bribery-kickback scheme from approximately 2018 to 2022, paying Associate 2 thousands of dollars in cash and hiring a relative of Associate 2 as part of the ongoing scheme.
In April 2022, both Joseph Ponzo and Christopher Ponzo falsely denied making bribe payments to any Company A employees when interviewed by federal agents.Joseph Ponzo pleaded guilty in November 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 28, 2025.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Boston; and Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Maynard and Dustin Chao of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
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MIL-OSI Security: Man sentenced over stabbing captured on CCTV
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A man has been sentenced for manslaughter by diminished responsibility – after investigators managed to recover footage of the killing itself.
Caudel Haughton, 21 (12.11.2003), of Conisborough Crescent, SE6, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 7 February. He was sentenced to an indefinite term in a secure hospital over the fatal stabbing 20-year-old Filipe Oliveira on his doorstep on 15 April, 2023.
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command – who led the investigation – said:
“My thoughts today are with Filipe’s family and friends, who have had to wait almost two years for justice. This was an unprovoked attack, which saw Filipe fatally stabbed outside his own home.
“Our investigation utilised extensive CCTV evidence and witness testimonies. Haughton will be detained indefinitely in hospital – and may spend the rest of his life there, meaning he will no longer be a risk to the public.”
On the day of the killing, Filipe Oliveira was standing outside his home in Norwood Road, SE27, when he was approached by Haughton. The defendant was caught on CCTV approaching Filipe, armed with a flick knife. He stabbed him five times, before fleeing the scene.
Officers arrived in Norwood Road around 18:00hrs. They administered CPR, but Filipe tragically died later that evening. Eyewitnesses to the stabbing came forward, and detectives received vital anonymous tipoffs via Crimestoppers. Haughton had bragged about killing Oliveira after the incident.
Comprehensive CCTV enquiries were able to map Haughton’s entire route from his home address in Catford across several train journeys to Filipe’s home. This journey saw him travel by foot, bus and two trains over an hour-and-a-half.
Firearms officers from British Transport Police arrested Haughton at Waterloo Station five days later, on Tuesday, 21 April. This came off the back of a joint manhunt operation involving the Met Police, Dorset Police and British Transport Police.