NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Introduces Kash Patel at Nomination Hearing to be Director of the FBI

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced Kash Patel at his nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee to be the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

    Watch the introduction here.

    Read Senator Tillis’ statement below:

    Chairman Grassley, Ranking Member Durbin and my colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee, it’s my honor to introduce Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee to be FBI Director. I’ve completed due diligence on his life and career, and I’m convinced Kash possesses significant expertise and an ironclad commitment to justice. I have concluded he’s an outstanding choice to lead the FBI. 

    Kash’s parents are Indian immigrants of Gujarati ancestry. The Gujarat state is a melting pot of religions, including Hinduism, Islam, and Jainism, with temples, mosques, and other religious sites scattered across the state.  His father was raised in Uganda, but his family fled the country to escape repression under Idi Amin. His mother was born and raised in Tanzania. They met and married in India and ultimately made their way to New York City by way of Canada, where his parents along with 7 brothers and sisters, their spouses, and at least a half dozen kids lived under the same roof. His parents raised Kash in the Hindu faith, and they instilled in him the values of hard work and education.  Kash is a devout Hindu, and consistent with his faith, he has shown respect to people of all faiths.

    Kash attended the University of Richmond, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and history. He went to Pace University School of Law, where he earned his JD and an International Law Certificate from the University College of London, Faculty of Laws.

    Kash began his career as a public defender in Florida where he led or co-led more than 60 jury trials to verdict in state and federal courts. Kash has clearly demonstrated devotion to upholding the rule of law and defending the rights of individuals.

    Kash led the defense of Jose Buitrago in United States v. Buitrago, a high-profile drug case in Florida in 2015.  Buitrago was one of the Colombian nationals arrested in a major drug bust involving Operation BACRIM. Kash and his co-counsel successfully argued that key evidence was withheld by the prosecution, leading to Buitrago’s release. I suspect some of Kash’s disdain for prosecutorial misconduct stems from this firsthand experience. 

    Kash was hired as senior counsel on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in 2017. He told me he distinctly remembers my friend Trey Gowdy’s comment shortly after they were introduced. He said, “Kash, Congress is where righteous investigations go to die, I hope you’re ready.” Kash wasready and he went on to establish a solid reputation for pursuing the facts. From there, he held senior posts at the NSC, DoD, and DNI.

    Since leaving the administration after 2020, Kash has written articles and books on national security, law, and governance. Through his work as an author, Kash continues to advocate for justice and transparency and to be ever vigilant in defending our great democracy and the rule of law.

    Colleagues, I’ve created a Kash BINGO that is available to any of my colleagues who would like on the other side of the aisle. Some may view this as an unserious caricature and not appropriate for this committee, but sadly I consider it a serious caricature of what I expect to be witnessed today. I think we will have words like “enemies list” and “deep state”, but the fact of the matter is some people will be here to substantiate a false narrative. At worst, they may just be going through an unfounded litany of quote and half quote and half-truths, some that have already been dispelled in the Chairman’s opening statement. 

    In my 10 years in the Senate, I hope I have established a reputation for being fair, doing my homework, and taking tough positions that have been met with harsh criticism. Heck, I’ve been censured by my party for taking tough positions, and I stand by those positions today and my position to support Kash Patel. 

    When President Trump announced his intent to nominate Kash, I contacted Trey Gowdy and others who’ve worked with Kash, and they gave glowing recommendations. So, I called Kash on December 2nd and offered to help with his nomination. Since then, we’ve spent hours together in person and on the phone.

    I’ve asked him difficult questions and I’ve urged him to reach out to members across the aisle. He’s met with 60 members of the U.S. Senate, including several members of this committee.

    Chair Grassley, Ranking Member Durbin, friends, and colleagues on the committee. I’ve completed my due diligence on Kash Patel, and I am honored to provide my strongest recommendation for his confirmation.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Under questioning from Senator Coons, FBI Director nominee Patel refuses to assert FBI’s independence or demonstrate willingness to resign over illegal directives

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) questioned President Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, Kash Patel, at his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing today, where he pressed him on whether his allegiance to President Trump would mean the end of the Bureau’s independence and whether he’d resign if asked by the White House to do something illegal.

    Senator Coons pressed Patel on several issues at the hearing today. Under questioning, Patel stated that, as FBI Director, he would answer to the President. In contrast, Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi said that, if confirmed, she would answer directly to the Constitution and the American people.

    Senator Coons also asked Patel, as he asked FBI Directors Chris Wray and James Comey during their own confirmations, about whether Patel would resign rather than carry out an illegal order from Trump, as Wray and Comey committed to doing. Patel repeatedly refused to make the same commitment.

    A video and full transcript of Senator Coons’ comments are available below.

    WATCH HERE.

    Sen. Coons: We had a constructive conversation last week, I appreciate your taking the time. In particular, a conversation about the prosecution of the World Cup bombing in Uganda that took the life of a Delawarean whose family I knew, I found moving. But the role you have been nominated for is central – central to our security as a nation, central to the protection of our constitutional rights, and I voted to confirm Trump’s previous FBI director, Chris Wray. I believe he’s lived up to the bureau’s motto of serving with fidelity, bravery and integrity, and I also think my vote for him and for many of Trump’s cabinet in the first term shows I take my constitutional advice and consent rule seriously and do not reflexively vote against his nominees.

    I look at three factors when I assess a nominee. Qualifications and experience; policy views and whether they are in the best interest of the American people; and character and capacity to do the job independently where called for. My colleagues have referenced quotes from Attorney General Barr, National Security Advisor Bolton.

    The FBI is enormous: 38,000 agents, $9 billion budget. I am troubled by your lack of senior law enforcement leadership. We disagree on some important policy views. But the thing that bothers me the most is a whole series of statements you have made in a variety of settings that suggest you would struggle to be independent from White House direction or control, as has long been the modern history of the FBI.

    Who does the director of the FBI work for, Mr. Patel?

    Mr. Patel: Senator, thank you for that question. The immediate report for the Director of the FBI is into the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. Then, that report is taken into the Office of the Attorney General and ultimately the White House in the chain of command there.

    Sen. Coons: So the FBI works for the White House?

    Mr. Patel: No, the FBI is a member of the Department of Justice, and has been the long-standing application—

    Sen Coons: And who does the Department of Justice work for?

    Mr. Patel: They are in the executive branch, as all members do at the White House.

    Sen. Coons: Attorney General Bondi gave a different answer when I asked her the same question— that they work for the Constitution and the American people. President Trump has made clear in public statements he wants to use the FBI to persecute political adversaries. He has publicly said that folks ranging from Liz Cheney, to Adam Kinzinger, to former Vice President Harris should be investigated and criminally prosecuted. If President Trump were to order you to open an investigation into any of these individuals, let’s say, Vice President Harris, would you?

    Mr. Patel: Senator, this question speaks directly to my ability to leave political bias and allow independent behavior to be the only guiding light. As a public defender, I learned that in the harshest of arenas. And any law enforcement investigation, if I’m confirmed at the FBI, will only be launched on the following qualification: a factual, articulatable, legal basis to do so. The president has said publicly that he will allow the FBI to remain independent, and I have said as much as well.

    Sen. Coons: So, if FBI agents brought to you a factual legal basis, a predication, and you are about to refer it to a prosecutor, and you get a call from the White House saying, “don’t proceed, this is a major donor, this is someone close to the president, this is inappropriate.” What would you do?

    Mr. Patel: Simple. You – I think you answered it partially in your, in your question. The line agents, the brick agents who are trained to bring investigations on behalf of the FBI will make that decision-making process, and they will only have my full support so long as it upholds absolutely every value of the Constitution, and that’s it.

    Sen. Coons: So your predecessor – I went back and looked, and I asked the same questions of Director Comey and Director Wray. Director Wray, quoting former Attorney General Bell, said you should be willing to resign if necessary over conduct if you are pressed to engage in it that’s unethical, illegal or unconstitutional. If pressed by the president, would you resign?

    Mr. Patel: Senator, my answer simply is I would never do anything unconstitutional or unlawful, and I never have in my 16 years of government service.

    Sen. Coons: Would you be willing to resign the post of FBI Director if pressed and given no choice but to obey the order or resign?

    Mr. Patel: Senator, I will always obey the law.

    Sen. Coons: Does obeying the law require you to – as Attorney General Bell said, as FBI Director Wray said – refuse the order or resign?

    Mr. Patel: I don’t – I’m not familiar with the extent of the law you are referring to, but my answer is simple in my 16 years of government service. We will simply follow the law, and I have done that in Obama Justice Department [sic], Republican Justice Departments, in the Obama military, in Republican civilian capacity. I have never once wavered from my constitutional oath of office.

    Sen. Coons: Mr. Patel, your predecessors in this role have been clear that they would be willing to resign if forced or directed to do something unethical or illegal. I’ll proceed.

    One of your past statements that is concerning me – it’s both a post on Truth Social and something you said in a podcast, The Sean Morgan Report: that your predecessor, Chris Wray, has broken the law. We need to prosecute him. The FBI should go after people like him. And the month before this, in July 2023, you said there should be a criminal referral for FBI Director Wray. If confirmed, are you going to follow through on these previous statements that Director Wray needs to be prosecuted?

    Mr. Patel: Senator, this reminds me of the conversation you and I had, which I greatly appreciated. There is enough violent crime in this country, and enough national security threats to this country, that the FBI is going to be busy going forward preventing 100,000 overdoses, 100,000 rapes, and 17,000 homicides.

    Sen. Coons: We agree that prosecuting violent crimes should be the principal focus of the FBI. What I’m trying to get to, Mr. Patel, is a whole series of very troubling – to me and many others – statements you’ve made about instead using it to pursue those who might be viewed as political opponents.

    Mr. Patel: And as I told you in your office, I have no interest, no desire, and will not if confirmed, go backwards. There will be no politicization at the FBI, there will be no retributive actions taken by any FBI, should I be confirmed as the FBI director. I told you that in your office, and I will tell you that again today.

    Sen. Coons: Thank you for that statement. As the Co-chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus with Senator Cornyn, one of the things I’ve worked hard on and I hope to continue to being able to work hard on with this administration is partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement to pursue violent crime. You did say, as my colleague asked, and I’d look for a longer answer, that you want to close the FBI’s bureau headquarters on day one.

    How would shutting down the FBI headquarters impact its ability to prosecute violent crime and drug traffickers? How is that possibly a serious proposal, Mr. Patel?

    Mr. Patel: Thank you for bringing that up and allowing me to answer. It was to highlight the significantly greater point that I was actually making in that interview, which is well documented over and over again. 38,000 FBI employees – 7,500 FBI employees work in the Washington field office and Hoover Building alone. If you increase the aperture just slightly to encompass the National Capital Region, that is 11,000 FBI employees working in the National Capital Region. A third of the workforce for the FBI works in Washington, D.C. I am fully committed to having that workforce go out into the interior of the country where I live, west of the Mississippi, and work with sheriff’s departments and local officers and having one agent prevent one homicide and having one agent in Washington prevent one rape, and I will do that over and over and over again, because the American people deserve the resources not in Washington D.C., but in the rest of the country.

    Sen. Coons: And Mr. Patel, frankly, if that had been your statement, that would be something that would be defensible. It’s the rest of it, saying you’re going to turn it into a Museum of the Deep State, that causes repeated questions and concerns from people like myself. Thank you, Mr. Patel.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Bonamici Reintroduce Bill to Connect Child Care with Affordable Housing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    January 30, 2025
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., with five colleagues in the Senate, reintroduced legislation to help working families access affordable housing and child care. U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., introduced companion legislation in the House.
    The Build Housing with Care Act would invest $500 million to construct child care centers co-located in affordable housing developments and cover the costs of retrofitting to help family child care providers operate in housing developments. The bill prioritizes projects that are located in child care deserts or rural communities, as well as projects that include qualified Head Start providers and providers primarily serving low-income children.
    “Working families across Oregon are struggling to put food on the table and pay their rent on time. When you add the cost of child care to the equation, families are forced to shoulder an impossible choice,” Wyden said. “Increasing supply of both housing and child care will help lower costs so that caregivers and parents can more easily afford basic necessities and keep their families healthy and safe.”
    “Too many families in Oregon and across the country struggle to find affordable housing and affordable child care,” Bonamici said. “Co-locating child care centers with affordable housing is a proven strategy that increases benefits for children, families, and the economy. I’m pleased to partner with Senator Wyden on this common sense effort that will create more opportunities and a better future for American families.”
    It is estimated that funding from the Build Housing with Care Act could build more than 120 new co-located child care centers, supporting the development of critical care supply in connection with affordable housing. A report from the Low Income Investment Fund, Including Family Child Care in Affordable Housing, highlights the many policy opportunities and benefits of co-location as “an opportunity to respond to severe housing and child care shortages simultaneously.”
    The Senate legislation is cosponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., and Cory Booker, D-N.J.  
    The Building Housing with Care Act is endorsed by the Low Income Investment Fund; Local Initiatives Support Corporation; Oregon Housing and Community Services; Family Forward Oregon; First Five Years Fund; National Housing Law Project; National Association of Counties; National Partnership for Women & Families; UnidosUS; National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders; Purpose Built Communities Foundation, Inc; National Women’s Law Center; Early Care & Education Consortium; ZERO TO THREE; National Association for County Community and Economic Development; National Children’s Facilities Network; Family Values @ Work; Center for Law and Social Policy; National Association for the Education of Young Children; and the First Focus Campaign on Children.  
    “We all deserve the opportunity to provide for our families,” said Candice Vickers, Executive Director of Family Forward Oregon. “When child care is an afterthought in economic developments and investments, parents and caregivers — and those they care for — suffer. Our future suffers. Child care must be at the forefront of planning, and the Build Housing with Care Act does just that. Ensuring parents and caregivers have access to affordable child care in their neighborhoods allows families to not only survive but thrive.”
    Wyden has been a longtime advocate for increasing affordable housing in Oregon and across the nation. In May 2023, Senator Wyden and his colleagues reintroduced a bipartisan bill to address the housing crisis by building two million affordable homes over the next decade. In July 2024, Wyden and Bonamici wrote a letter to the Biden administration to invest in affordable housing following the criminalization of homelessness in Grants Pass v. Johnson. In March 2023, Wyden reintroduced legislation to solve the housing crisis by increasing supply, and expanding homeownership opportunities, especially for young people, by creating a new down payment tax credit for first-time homebuyers. 
    The Building Housing with Care Act bill text is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Refocusing continuing care for the future

    [. As their needs evolve, it is important that older adults and vulnerable populations have access to the support they need to maintain their quality of life and independence so they can age with dignity. Over the next 10 years, the demand for continuing care in Alberta is projected to grow by 80 per cent, increasing even faster as people live longer and with more complex needs.

    Alberta’s government is establishing Assisted Living Alberta – the new provincial continuing care agency – as part of the province’s health refocusing. This will ensure the province is well-positioned to meet the future needs that are anticipated with Alberta’s both growing and aging population. Assisted Living Alberta will provide Albertans access to a comprehensive system of continuing care with a full range of wraparound services, including medical and non-medical supports, home care, community care and social services. This transition will allow the province to place a holistic social service lens on assisted living services to deliver care more effectively and consistently throughout the province. By taking this approach, individuals and families will have more options when they need care and as their needs evolve, helping older adults and vulnerable populations maintain their quality of life and independence.

    “As the need for continuing care services in Alberta grows, I am committed to working with health, social services and continuing care professionals to transform the system and ensure the new provincial agency, Assisted Living Alberta, meets all Albertans’ needs. This change ensures Albertans have access to a full range of wraparound supports to meet their evolving needs and maintain their independence and quality of life as they age or require more support.”

    Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services

    Assisted Living Alberta is on track to be established and become an entity by April 1, and will be fully operational by fall 2025. The new agency will align medical and non-medical supports and services, increase continuing care spaces, reduce wait times, and provide comprehensive wraparound supports for Albertans who require different levels and types of care. This includes both seniors in long-term care and those who want to continue aging at home but need supports to do so, as well as people with disabilities, individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable Albertans who require temporary or long-term care. Refocusing Alberta’s health care system ensures all Albertans have access to the services and support they need, when and where they need it.

    “Improving health care services is a top priority for our government. We are committed to addressing the urgent need for enhanced assisted living services across our growing province. I look forward to working alongside the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services to bring Albertans more options and the high quality of care they need close to home.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

    Albertans currently receiving care, and those who need care, will continue to have access to the services they need. A transition committee led by Dr. Sayeh Zielke, author, cardiologist and medical director of Chinook Cardiology, along with leaders from health care, continuing care, social services and other local organizations, will provide the minister with advice to support this transformation. Committee members were chosen based on their experience, diverse perspectives, leadership and background in the continuing care and social services space. The committee’s work will be essential to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition with no disruptions.

    “It is an honour to be playing a role in helping transform Alberta’s continuing care system. Our goal is to put patients and clients first and give our front-line workers the support they need, which is why it is so important that we are taking the time to gets things right and consulting directly with Albertans.” 

    Dr. Zielke, cardiologist and medical director of Chinook Cardiology and chair of the Assisted Living Transition Committee

    Albertans are invited to share their feedback, support the stand up of Assisted Living Alberta and help shape the future of continuing care through online engagement that will be open from Jan. 30 to March 3 at Alberta.ca/lead-the-way. Continuing care providers and health care and continuing care workers will also have an opportunity to provide feedback through targeted engagement that will be open at the same time. Albertans’ insights and perspectives will help lead the way in improving the system to ensure it meets Alberta’s needs today and for generations to come.  

    Alberta’s government is making significant strides in its efforts to refocus the health care system. Assisted Living Alberta will be the fourth and final new provincial health agency to be established and operational. Recovery Alberta officially began operations on Sept. 1, 2024, with Primary Care Alberta ready to follow suit and become operational on Feb. 1, 2025. On the same date, Acute Care Alberta is set to become a legal entity. By creating four provincial health agencies to oversee the priority sectors of primary care, acute care, continuing care, and mental health and addiction, the province is putting patients first in every health care decision and giving front-line experts the support they need to properly care for Albertans.

    “The Alberta Continuing Care Association welcomes this transformational move by the Alberta government. By bringing social services, medical and non-medical supports, and continuing care together under one health agency, patients will be able to access wraparound supports for the care and services they need.”

    Feisal Keshavjee, chair, Alberta Continuing Care Association

    “Integrated health and social care enhances outcomes, aligns with the preferences of older adults, caregivers and practitioners, and underpins leading continuing care models. Healthy Aging Alberta and the United Way of Calgary congratulate the ministry on this exciting transition and look forward to supporting an integrated wraparound model of continuing care in Alberta.”

    Karen McDonald, provincial director, Healthy Aging Alberta 

    Transition committee members

    • Dr. Sayeh Zielke, committee chair – cardiologist and medical director of Chinook Cardiology
    • MLA Brandon Lunty, deputy chair – MLA for Leduc-Beaumont
    • Dr. David Stewart, member – physician, Family Medical Centre
    • David Weyant, member – president and CEO, Alberta Lawyers Indemnity Association
    • Robin James, member – chief administrative officer, Lethbridge Housing Authority
    • Feisal Keshavjee, member – board chair, Alberta Continuing Care Association
    • Karen McDonald, member – director, Healthy Aging Alberta (and executive director, Sage)
    • Andrea Hesse, member – executive director, Alberta Council for Disability Services
    • Joyce Wicks, member – former nurse and seniors advocate
    • Ruben Breaker, member – councillor, Siksika First Nation
    • Arlene Adamson, member – former CEO, Silvera for Seniors
    • Salimah Walji-Shivji, member – CEO, AgeCare
    • Irene Martin-Lindsay – member, executive director, Alberta Seniors and Community Housing Association

    Related news

    • Continuing care: Ministers LaGrange and Nixon (Oct 16, 2024)

    Related information

    • Refocusing health care in Alberta
    • Continuing Care Transformation
    • Online survey for feedback on Alberta’s continuing care system

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Violent Illegal Alien Arrested After Release from Local Jail Despite Federal Arrest Warrant

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Mexican citizen who had been in local custody after pleading guilty to assault charges, and was released from custody by the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office after the sheriff’s office refused to honor a federal arrest warrant, has been arrested and taken into custody by federal law enforcement.

    “The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office in Ithaca, NY, a self-described sanctuary city, appears to have failed to honor a valid federal arrest warrant for a criminal alien with an assault conviction,” said Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. “Yesterday, despite the warrant, a defendant with no legal status and a history of violence was released into the community. Federal agents risked their safety and pursued the defendant in unsafe conditions. Today, they were successful in recapturing the defendant. I applaud the U.S. Attorney’s commitment to investigate these circumstances for potential prosecution, and the efforts of the agents who were able to arrest the defendant under wholly avoidable circumstances. The Justice Department will not tolerate actions that endanger law enforcement and make their jobs harder than they already are, as they work to protect us all. We will use every tool at our disposal to prevent sanctuary city policies from impeding and obstructing lawful federal operations designed to make America safe again and end the national crisis arising from four years of failed immigration policy.”

    Jesus Romero-Hernandez, 27, was charged in a federal criminal complaint on Jan. 8, 2024, with illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal.

    Because Romero-Hernandez was then in the custody of the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office in Ithaca, New York, awaiting resolution of New York State assault charges, U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) provided a copy of a federal arrest warrant, signed by a U.S. Magistrate Judge, to the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office.

    On Jan. 28, after Romero-Hernandez’s New York State assault charges were resolved by his plea of guilty to assault in the third degree and a sentence of time-served, the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office refused to honor the federal arrest warrant and released Romero-Hernandez before ICE-ERO arrived to pick him up and bring him to federal court in Syracuse to be arraigned on the pending federal criminal complaint.

    Today ICE-ERO apprehended Romero-Hernandez with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

    The charges in the complaint pending against Romero-Hernandez are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York is looking into the circumstances surrounding his release.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Washington Field Office Update on Aviation Incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

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

    The FBI Washington Field Office continues to support our partners in the aftermath of yesterday’s aviation incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Members of our National Capital Response Squad—including our Evidence Response Team, Rapid Deployment Team, and Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team—have deployed to support recovery efforts. The FBI will continue to assist the National Transportation Safety Board with recovery operations and the investigation into the cause of this tragic incident.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader of Brockton-Area Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Braintree man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to fentanyl conspiracy charge.

    Jonathan Melendez Decatro, a/k/a “Jacha,” 32, of Braintree, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for May 12, 2025. Pursuant to a plea agreement filed in court, Melendez Decatro will face a sentence of 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Melendez Decatro was indicted in June 2023.  

    During an investigation that began in 2019, Melendez Decatro was identified as the leader of a large-scale fentanyl and cocaine trafficking organization (DTO) operating in the Brockton area, who sourced drugs directly from Colombia, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. On two dates in 2021, packages intended for Melendez Decatro were intercepted by law enforcement and each found to contain a kilogram of cocaine. Additionally, on several dates in the spring of 2023, Melendez Decatro conspired with an individual who resided in the Dominican Republic to distribute in total 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl to another individual in Braintree. It was later determined that the purity of the fentanyl exceeded 50% and also contained xylazine. During of search of Melendez Decatro’s residence, over $10,000 in drug proceeds and clothing worn during the fentanyl transactions were recovered.

    The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. 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; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration in Bogota; United States Postal Inspection Service; Massachusetts State Police; and the Brockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.

    This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Sentenced To 32 Months For Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose A. Rodriguez, age 63, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced on January 29, 2025, to 32 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, in December of 2023, Rodriguez was transported from New York to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, by unknown persons who provided him with false identifications and instructed him to make withdrawals form victim bank accounts. In exchange for doing so, Rodriguez was provided a steady supply of drugs. Rodriguez made a total of seven fraudulent withdrawals from victim bank accounts at various financial institutions throughout Lycoming, Tioga, and Centre Counties. Rodriguez successfully withdrew $42,000 before he was apprehended during the course of an attempted $8,000 withdrawal.

    The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Lycoming Regional Police Department, the Williamsport Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd prosecuted the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $17,444,425 In Civil And Criminal Actions In Fiscal Year 2024

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SCRANTON – Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus announced today that the Middle District of Pennsylvania collected $17,444,425 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2024. Of this amount, $3,588,583 was collected in criminal actions and $13,855,841 was collected in civil actions.

    The Middle District of Pennsylvania also worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $5,108,801 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $16,233 was collected in criminal actions and $5,092,567 was collected in civil actions.     

    “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working for victims of crime and do what we can to make them whole,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus. “We collect restitution from convicted defendants on behalf of crime victims, we work to forfeit the ill-gotten gains that defendants obtain through illegal means, and we fight to get back money owed to taxpayers in criminal and civil cases. I am proud to say that we have collected millions of dollars over the last year for the taxpayers and for crime victims in our district.”

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

        For example:

    • Penn State Health is a multi-hospital system and offers Annual Wellness Visits which are reimbursable through Medicare. In 2023, Penn State Health made a self-disclosure to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office found that between December 1, 2015 and November 30, 2022, Penn State Health submitted claims for Annual Wellness Visits that were not supported by the wellness record.  A settlement agreement was entered into in February 2024, in which Penn State health agreed to pay $11,712,336.
    • Defendant Jimmy Tran owned and operated a small food market and convenience store, Asia Market, in Harrisburg, PA.  The store was approved to participate in SNAP.  From January 2017 – August 2020, the defendant traded SNAP benefits in exchange for cash.  The total amount of SNAP benefits that were illegally exchanged for cash is $1,843,534.00. The payment of $299,174.60 was due to forfeiture/restoration.

    Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $1,311,135 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2024. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: From breakbeats to the dance floor: How hip-hop and house revolutionized music and culture

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Joycelyn Wilson, Assistant Professor of Ethnographic and Cultural Studies , Georgia Institute of Technology

    Producers Fast Eddie and Joe Smooth mix at DJ International Studios in Chicago in 1990. Innovation was at the forefront of house and hip-hop. Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

    There was a time when artists representing two of America’s biggest homegrown musical genres wouldn’t get a look in at the Grammys.

    Hip-hop and house both have their origins in the 1970s and early 1980s – in fact, they recently celebrated a 50th and 40th birthday, respectively. But it was only in 1989 that an award category for “best rap performance” started recognizing hip-hop’s contribution to U.S. music, and house had to wait another decade, with the introduction of “best dance/electronic recording” in 1998.

    At this year’s awards, taking place on Feb. 2, hip-hop and house artists will be among the most talked about. House duo Justice and Kendrick Lamar, a hip-hop superstar who incorporates elements of house himself, are among those looking to pick up an award. Meanwhile, a nomination for a collaboration between DJ Kaytranada and rapper Childish Gambino shows how artists from both genres continue to feed off each other.

    And while both genres are now celebrated for their separate contributions to the music landscape, as a scholar of African American culture and music, I am interested in their commonality: Both are distinctly Black American artforms that originated on the streets and dance floors of U.S. cities, developing a devoted underground following before being accepted by – and transforming – the mainstream.

    The pulse of the 1970s

    The roots of hip-hop and house music both lie in the seismic shifts of the late 1970s, a period of sociopolitical unrest and electronic experimentation that redefined the possibilities of sound.

    For hip-hop, this was expressed through the turntable manipulation pioneered by DJ Kool Herc in 1973, when he extended and looped breakbeats to energize crowds. House music’s innovators turned to the drum machine to create the genre’s foundational four-on-the-floor dance rhythm.

    That rhythm, foreshadowed by Eddy Grant’s 1977 production of “Time Warp” by The Coachouse Rhythm Section, would go on to shape house music’s distinct pulse. The track showed how electronic instruments such as the synthesizer and drum machine could recast traditional rhythmic patterns into something entirely new.

    This dance vibe – in which a base drum provides a steady four-four beat – became the heartbeat of house music, creating an enduring structure for DJs to layer basslines, percussion and melodies. In a similar way, Kool Herc’s breakbeat manipulation provided the scaffolding for MCs and dancers in hip-hop’s formative years.

    Marginalized communities in urban centers like Chicago and New York were at the forefront of these innovations. Despite experiencing grinding poverty and discrimination, it was Black and Latino youth – armed with turntables, drum machines and samplers – who made these groundbreaking advances in music.

    For hip-hop, this meant manipulating breakbeats from songs like Kraftwerk’s “Trans-Europe Express” and “Numbers” to energize b-boys and b-girls; for house, it meant extending disco’s rhythmic pulse into an ecstatic, inclusive dance floor. Both genres exemplified – and continue to exemplify – the ingenuity of predominantly Black and Hispanic communities who turned limited resources into cultural revolutions.

    From this shared origin of technological experimentation, cultural resilience and creative ingenuity, hip-hop and house music grew into distinct yet globally influential movements.

    The message and the MIDI

    By the early 1980s, both genres had found their feet.

    Hip-hop emerged as a powerful voice for storytelling, resistance and identity. Building on the foundations laid down by DJ Kool Herc, artists like Afrika Bambaataa emphasized hip-hop’s cultural and communal aspects. Meanwhile, Grandmaster Flash elevated the genre’s technical artistry with innovations like cutting and scratching.

    By 1984, hip-hop had evolved from its grassroots beginnings in the Bronx into a cultural movement on the cusp of mainstream recognition. Run-DMC’s self-titled debut album released that year introduced a harder, stripped-down sound that departed from disco-influenced beats. Their music, paired with the trio’s Adidas tracksuits and gold chains, established an aesthetic that resonated far beyond New York City. Music videos on MTV gave hip-hop a new medium for storytelling, while films like “Beat Street” and “Breakin’” showcased the features and tenets of hip-hop culture: DJing, rapping, graffiti, breaking and knowledge of self – cementing its cultural presence, and presenting it to a world outside the U.S.

    But at its core, hip-hop remained a voice for the voiceless that sought to address systemic inequities through storytelling. Tracks like Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s “The Message” vividly depicted the reality of living in poor, urban communities, while Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” and Tupac Shakur’s “Keep Ya Head Up” became anthems for social justice.

    Together these artists positioned hip-hop as a platform for resistance and empowerment.

    Becoming a cultural force

    Unlike hip-hop’s lyrical storytelling, house music focused on the physicality of rhythm and the collective experience of the dance floor. And as hip-hop moved away from disco, house leaned into it.

    Italy’s “father of disco,” Giorgio Moroder, showed the way with his pioneering use of synthesizers in Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love.” Over in New York, Larry Levan’s DJ sets at Paradise Garage demonstrated how electronic instruments could create immersive, emotionally charged experiences as a club that centered crowd participation through dance and not lyrics.

    By 1984, Chicago DJs Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy were repurposing disco tracks with drum machines like the Roland TR-808 and 909 to create hypnotic beats. Knuckles, known as the “Godfather of House,” transformed his sets at the Warehouse club into euphoric experiences, giving the genre its name in the process.

    Frankie Knuckles in the DJ booth at Crobar in New York in 2003.
    Jemal Countess/WireImage

    House music thrived on inclusivity, served as a safe space for Black and Latino members of the LGBTQ+ communities at a time when hip-hop was severely unwelcoming of gay men. Tracks like Jesse Saunders’ “On & On” and Marshall Jefferson’s “Move Your Body” celebrated freedom, love and unity, encapsulating its liberatory spirit, as rap music and hip-hop culture embarked on its mainstream journey with songs like Run DMC’s “Sucker M.C.s (Krush Groove)” and Salt-N-Pepa debuted their album “Hot, Cool, & Vicious.”

    As with hip-hop, by the the mid-1980s house music had become a cultural force, spreading from Chicago to Detroit, to New York and, eventually, to the U.K.’s rave scene. Its emphasis on repetition, rhythm and electronic instrumentation solidified its global appeal, uniting people across identities and geographies.

    Mainstays in modern music

    Despite their differences, moments of crossover highlight their shared DNA.

    From the late 1980s, tracks like Fast Eddie’s “Yo Yo Get Funky” and the Jungle Brothers’ “I’ll House You” merged house beats with hip-hop’s lyrical flow. Artists like Kaytranada and Doechii continue to blend the two genres today, staying true to the genres’ legacies while pushing their boundaries.

    And technology continues to drive both genres. Platforms like SoundCloud have democratized music production, allowing emerging artists to build on the decades of innovations that preceded them. Collaborations, such as Disclosure and Charli XCX’s “She’s Gone, Dance On,” highlight their adaptability and enduring appeal.

    Whether through hip-hop’s lyrical narratives or house’s rhythmic euphoria, these genres continue to inspire, challenge and transcend.

    As the 2025 Grammy Awards celebrate today’s leading house and hip-hop artists and their contemporary achievements, it is clear that the legacies of these two genres are mainstays in the kaleidoscope of American popular music and culture, having come a long way from back-to-school park jams and underground dance parties.

    Joycelyn Wilson is affiliated with the Recording Academy.

    – ref. From breakbeats to the dance floor: How hip-hop and house revolutionized music and culture – https://theconversation.com/from-breakbeats-to-the-dance-floor-how-hip-hop-and-house-revolutionized-music-and-culture-229336

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Violent Illegal Alien Arrested After Release from Local Jail Despite Federal Arrest Warrant

    Source: United States Attorneys General 12

    A Mexican citizen who had been in local custody after pleading guilty to assault charges, and was released from custody by the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office after the sheriff’s office refused to honor a federal arrest warrant, has been arrested and taken into custody by federal law enforcement.

    “The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office in Ithaca, NY, a self-described sanctuary city, appears to have failed to honor a valid federal arrest warrant for a criminal alien with an assault conviction,” said Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. “Yesterday, despite the warrant, a defendant with no legal status and a history of violence was released into the community. Federal agents risked their safety and pursued the defendant in unsafe conditions. Today, they were successful in recapturing the defendant. I applaud the U.S. Attorney’s commitment to investigate these circumstances for potential prosecution, and the efforts of the agents who were able to arrest the defendant under wholly avoidable circumstances. The Justice Department will not tolerate actions that endanger law enforcement and make their jobs harder than they already are, as they work to protect us all. We will use every tool at our disposal to prevent sanctuary city policies from impeding and obstructing lawful federal operations designed to make America safe again and end the national crisis arising from four years of failed immigration policy.”

    Jesus Romero-Hernandez, 27, was charged in a federal criminal complaint on Jan. 8, 2024, with illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal.

    Because Romero-Hernandez was then in the custody of the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office in Ithaca, New York, awaiting resolution of New York State assault charges, U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) provided a copy of a federal arrest warrant, signed by a U.S. Magistrate Judge, to the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office.

    On Jan. 28, after Romero-Hernandez’s New York State assault charges were resolved by his plea of guilty to assault in the third degree and a sentence of time-served, the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office refused to honor the federal arrest warrant and released Romero-Hernandez before ICE-ERO arrived to pick him up and bring him to federal court in Syracuse to be arraigned on the pending federal criminal complaint.

    Today ICE-ERO apprehended Romero-Hernandez with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

    The charges in the complaint pending against Romero-Hernandez are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York is looking into the circumstances surrounding his release.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cybercrime websites selling hacking tools to transnational organized crime groups seized

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – A total of 39 domains and their associated servers have been seized in a coordinated effort involving an international disruption of a Pakistan-based network of online marketplaces selling hacking and fraud-enabling tools a group known as Saim Raza (aka HeartSender) operated, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei along with Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI.

    The seizures occurred Jan. 29 and were conducted in coordination with the Dutch National Police.

    According to the affidavit filed in support of these seizures, Saim Raza has used these cybercrime websites since at least 2020 to sell phishing toolkits and other fraud-enabling tools to transnational organized crime groups who used them to target numerous victims in the United States, resulting in over $3 million in victim losses. 

    “Almost everyone has a friend or loved one that has been affected by these types of computer hacks,” said Ganjei. “These scams not only target businesses but individuals as well and cause significant hardship to the victims. Even though these people reside abroad, the use of these websites made it easy for them to spread their malicious hacking tools for a fee. However, today we have significantly disrupted their ability to harm others.”

    The Saim Raza-run websites operated as marketplaces that advertised and facilitated the sale of tools such as phishing kits, scam pages and email extractors often used to build and maintain fraud operations. Not only did Saim Raza make these tools widely available on the open internet, it also trained end users on how to use the tools against victims by linking to instructional YouTube videos on how to execute schemes using these malicious programs, making them accessible to criminal actors that lacked this technical criminal expertise. The group also advertised its tools as “fully undetectable” by antispam software.

    The transnational organized crime groups and other cybercrime actors who purchased these tools primarily used them to facilitate business email compromise schemes wherein the cybercrime actors tricked victim companies into making payments to a third party. Those payments would instead be redirected to a financial account the perpetrators controlled, resulting in significant losses to victims. These tools were also used to acquire victim user credentials and utilize those credentials to further these fraudulent schemes. The seizure of these domains is intended to disrupt the ongoing activity of these groups and stop the proliferation of these tools within the cybercriminal community.

    The FBI Houston Field Office is conducting the investigation. The Justice Department appreciates the cooperation and significant assistance law enforcement partners in the Netherlands have provided.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Rodolfo Ramirez and Trial Attorney Gaelin Bernstein of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Ricketts Celebrates President Trump’s Signing of Laken Riley Act with Sarah’s Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE)celebrated President Trump’s signing of the Laken Riley Act, with Sarah’s Law included. Ricketts made the comments while on a conference call with Nebraska media.
    “Today, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law. This is landmark legislation,” Ricketts said. “It’s a turning point in our fight to secure our border and keep Americans safe. It’s the strongest immigration legislation signed into law in decades. It closes the dangerous loopholes that have allowed criminal illegal aliens to roam our country and hurt innocent Americans.”
    Ricketts highlighted the inclusion of Sarah’s Law in the legislation. Sarah’s Law is named in honor of Sarah Root. In 2016, Sarah was killed in Omaha by a drunk driver illegal alien named Eswin Mejia. She was killed just hours after graduating from Bellevue University.Due to a loophole in federal law, Mejia posted bail, was released from jail, and was never held accountable for his crime. Sarah’s Law, named in honor of Sarah Root, eliminates that loophole.
    “Sarah’s Law – originally introduced by Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa – requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement – or ICE – to detain illegal aliens criminally charged with killing or seriously injuring another person,” Ricketts continued. “It also requires that ICE must make reasonable efforts to notify victims’ families when they encounter a illegal alien covered by the law. Sarah’s Law puts the safety and security of Americans first.”
    “Last November, Americans spoke loudly and clearly,” Ricketts closed. “They demanded change. They demanded border security. Thanks to President Trump and Senate Republicans, Americans are getting what they voted for. Sarah’s Law is now the law of the land.”
    [embedded content]
    TRANSCRIPT:
    Senator Ricketts: “Today, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law.
    “This is landmark legislation.
    “It’s a turning point in our fight to secure our border and keep Americans safe.
    “It’s the strongest immigration legislation signed into law in decades.
    “It closes the dangerous loopholes that have allowed criminal illegal aliens to roam our country and hurt innocent Americans.
    “The inclusion of Sarah’s Law is a crucial component of this legislation.
    “Nine years ago, Sarah Root was killed in a car crash in Omaha by an illegal alien named Eswin Mejia (Meh-he-uh).
    “Just hours before, Sarah had graduated from Bellevue University. She was 21 years old.
    “She had her whole life ahead of her. She had her life taken from her by an illegal alien drunk driver.
    “Her killer’s blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit.
    “Due to a loophole in federal law, he posted bail, was released from jail, and was never seen again.
    “He was never held accountable for the tragedy he caused.
    “That’s wrong. It should have never happened.
    “Sarah’s Law will end that loophole.
    “Sarah’s Law – originally introduced by Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa – requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement – or ICE – to detain illegal aliens criminally charged with killing or seriously injuring another person.
    “It also requires that ICE must make reasonable efforts to notify victims’ families when they encounter a illegal alien covered by the law.
    “Sarah’s Law puts the safety and security of Americans first.
    “For years, members of the Nebraska and Iowa delegations pushed for this law.
    “For years, Senate Democrats blocked it.
    “Last November, Americans spoke loudly and clearly.
    “They demanded change. They demanded border security.
    “Thanks to President Trump and Senate Republicans, Americans are getting what they voted for.
    “Sarah’s Law is now the law of the land.
    “The tragic stories of Laken Riley and Sarah Root are painful reminders of the consequences of failed open border policies.
    “These women had bright futures ahead of them.
    “Laken was a dedicated nursing student.
    “Sarah was a recent college graduate.
    “Both were taken from their loved ones far too soon.
    “Both were killed by illegal aliens who should never have been allowed in our country.
    “By passing the Laken Riley Act with Sarah’s Law included, we’ve taken action to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
    “It will put Americans first and keep Americans safe.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Sierra Leone: Authorities must release and guarantee fair trial for TV personality detained under accusations of insulting the President and First Lady

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Reacting to the ongoing detention of Hawa Hunt, a Sierra Leonean-Canadian artist and reality television personality who was arrested on live television in December and charged with insulting the President and First Lady in a social media video, Michèle Eken, senior researcher at Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa office, said:

    “Hawa Hunt has now been detained for over a month. Her multiple requests for bail have been refused while her mental health is being affected, according to her lawyer. We call on the Sierra Leonean authorities to release Hawa Hunt and observe all due process guarantees for her in line with international standards, including her right to be brought in front of a court promptly. A criminal defendant may be detained pending trial only when necessary and proportionate to their offences, and non-custodial arrangements such as bail, should be preferred.  

    “Amnesty International has already expressed its concern about the law used to prosecute Hawa Hunt – the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021. Several cases of possible violations of the right to freedom of expression under the Cyber Security and Crime Act have previously been reported. Offences such as libel and defamation should be decriminalized. Sierra Leonean law should be brought into line with the country’s international human rights obligations.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Problems with the security company responsible for EUPOL COPPS – E-000270/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000270/2025
    to the Council
    Rule 144
    Özlem Demirel (The Left)

    The employees of the security company responsible for the European Union Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) have temporarily stopped working because they have not been paid. The security company’s tasks include monitoring the movements of mission members.

    • 1.Which security company is responsible for EUPOL COPPS and what specific tasks does it perform?
    • 2.For how long and for what reason did the employees stop work?
    • 3.How and for how long exactly have the security tasks been covered in the meantime?

    Submitted: 22.1.2025

    Last updated: 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Meeting of Government with Leaders of Political Parties held today

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Meeting of Government with Leaders of Political Parties held today

    Meeting  attended by 52 Leaders from 36 political parties 

    Posted On: 30 JAN 2025 7:59PM by PIB Delhi

    A meeting was  held under the Chairmanship of Shri Raj Nath Singh, Union Minister of Defence with Leaders of political parties today (30th January, 2025) in Parliament House Complex, New Delhi to discuss issues relating to ensuing Budget Session of Parliament, 2025. The meeting was called by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. The meeting was also attended by Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, who is also Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law & Justice and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of State in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan.  In total, the meeting was attended by 52 Leaders from 36 political parties including Ministers.

    At the outset, Shri Rajnath Singh, Minister of Defence made introductory remarks and welcomed all the Leaders attending the meeting and thereafter, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs conducted the meeting. He informed the leaders that the Budget Session, 2025 of Parliament will commence on Friday the 31st January, 2025 and subject to exigencies of Government Business, the session may conclude on Friday the 4th April, 2025. During this period, both the Houses will be adjourned for recess on Thursday, the 13th of February, 2025 to reassemble on Monday, the 10th of March, 2025 to enable the Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various Ministries/Departments and make their Reports thereon. The Session will provide a total of 27 sittings (09 sittings in first part and 18 sittings in second part) spread over a period of 64 days.

    Shri Rijiju further stated that Session will mainly be devoted to the Financial Business relating to Union Budget for 2025-26 and discussion on the Motion of Thanks on President’s Address. However, essential Legislative and other Business will also be taken up during the Session. He mentioned that Economic survey of India and Union Budget for 2025-26 will be presented to Parliament on Friday, the 31st of January, 2025 and the Saturday, 1st February, 2025 respectively. He also informed that tentatively 16 items of legislative business and 3 items of financial business have been identified for being taken up during this session.

    The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs also stated that the Government is prepared and ready to discuss any other important issue on the floors of the Houses as per rules of both Houses. Leaders of different political parties expressed their views on various issues likely to be raised by them during the forthcoming Budget Session of Parliament and assured the Government to provide full co-operation. He also thanked all the Hon’ble Leaders for attending the meeting, expressing their views and for their active and effective participation.

    LIST OF BILLS LIKELY TO BE TAKEN UP DURING BUDGET SESSION, 2025

    I – LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS

    1. The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
    2. The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024
    3. The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024
    4. The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024
    5. The Boilers Bill, 2024
    6. The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024
    7. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
    8. The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024
    9. The Bills of Lading Bill, 2024
    10. The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024
    11. The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024
    12. The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024
    13. The Finance Bill, 2025
    14. The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025
    15. The “Tribhuvan” Sahkari University Bill, 2025
    16. The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

    II – FINANCIAL BUSINESS

    1. Discussion and voting on Demands for Grants for the year 2025-26 and introduction, consideration and passing/return of the related Appropriation Bill.
    2. Discussion and voting on Second and Final Batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for the year 2024-25 and introduction, consideration and passing/return of the related Appropriation Bill.
    3. Discussion and voting on Demands for Excess Grants for the year 2021-22 and introduction, consideration and passing/return of the related Appropriation Bill.

    *****

    SS/NSK

    (Release ID: 2097713) Visitor Counter : 50

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NHRC, India takes suo motu cognisance of the reported death of 474 homeless persons within a span of 56 days during this winter season in Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    NHRC, India takes suo motu cognisance of the reported death of 474 homeless persons within a span of 56 days during this winter season in Delhi

    About 80 percent of the unidentified dead bodies in Delhi reported being of homeless individuals

    The lack of availability of essential protective measures such as warm clothing, blankets, and adequate shelters cited as the reasons

    The Commission issues notices to the Chief Secretary and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi calling for a detailed report in the matter within one week

    Posted On: 30 JAN 2025 5:55PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that according to the Centre for Holistic Development (CHD), an NGO working with the homeless, about 474 persons have lost their lives within a span of 56 days during this winter season in Delhi. Reportedly, these deaths have taken place between 15th December, 2024 to 10th January, 2025, due to the unavailability of essential protective measures such as warm clothing, blankets, and adequate shelters. According to the reported claim of the NGO, about 80 percent of the unidentified dead bodies in Delhi are believed to be homeless individuals.

    The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious violation of human rights. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi calling for a detailed report in the matter within one week.

    According to the media report, carried on 16th January, 2025, many shelters in the National Capital are unable to meet the demand and those, that are available, often lack essential facilities like heating and hot water, leaving the individuals exposed to the bitter cold. Citing a few specific examples of the people living on the streets, the media report has also stated that they are facing numerous health challenges including respiratory infections, skin ailments flair-ups and deteriorating mental health.

    *****

    NSK

    (Release ID: 2097653) Visitor Counter : 79

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Announces Seizure of Cybercrime Websites Selling Hacking Tools to Transnational Organized Crime Groups

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The Justice Department today announced the coordinated seizure of 39 domains and their associated servers in an international disruption of a Pakistan-based network of online marketplaces selling hacking and fraud-enabling tools operated by a group known as Saim Raza (also known as HeartSender). The seizures were conducted in coordination with the Dutch National Police.

    According to the affidavit filed in support of these seizures, Saim Raza has used these cybercrime websites since at least 2020 to sell phishing toolkits and other fraud-enabling tools to transnational organized crime groups, who used them to target numerous victims in the United States, resulting in over $3 million in victim losses.

    The Saim Raza-run websites operated as marketplaces that advertised and facilitated the sale of tools such as phishing kits, scam pages, and email extractors, often used to build and maintain fraud operations. Not only did Saim Raza make these tools widely available on the open internet, it also trained end users on how to use the tools against victims by linking to instructional YouTube videos on how to execute schemes using these malicious programs, making them accessible to criminal actors that lacked this technical criminal expertise. The group also advertised its tools as “fully undetectable” by antispam software.

    The transnational organized crime groups and other cybercrime actors who purchased these tools primarily used them to facilitate business email compromise schemes wherein the cybercrime actors tricked victim companies into making payments to a third party. Those payments would instead be redirected to a financial account the perpetrators controlled, resulting in significant losses to victims. These tools were also used to acquire victim user credentials and utilize those credentials to further these fraudulent schemes. The seizure of these domains is intended to disrupt the ongoing activity of these groups and stop the proliferation of these tools within the cybercriminal community.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas, and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Houston Field Office is investigating the case. The Justice Department appreciates the cooperation and significant assistance law enforcement partners in the Netherlands have provided.

    Trial Attorney Gaelin Bernstein of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rodolfo Ramirez for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Rajya Mantri presents awards to best Marching Contingents and Tableaux of Republic Day Parade 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 30 JAN 2025 5:47PM by PIB Delhi

    Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth presented awards to the best Marching Contingents and Tableaux of Republic Day Parade 2025 at Rashtriya Rangshala Camp in Delhi on January 30, 2025. Shri Sanjay Seth also conferred special prizes to CPWD Tableau and artists of cultural performance, along with six mementos to the representatives of the tractor companies.

    Three panels of judges were constituted to assess the performance of Marching Contingents from the Services & Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)/other auxiliary forces and tableaux from various States/Union Territories (UTs) & Ministries/Departments of the Central Government. The panels have declared the following results:

    • Best Marching Contingent among Services – Jammu & Kashmir Rifles Contingent
    • Best Marching Contingent among CAPFs/other auxiliary forces – Delhi Police Marching Contingent
    • Top three tableaux (States/UTs)
      • 1st – Uttar Pradesh (Mahakumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas)
      • 2nd – Tripura (Eternal Reverence: The worship of 14 Deities in Tripura – Kharchi Puja)
      • 3rd – Andhra Pradesh (Etikoppaka Bommalu – Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys)
    • Best Tableau from Central Ministries/Departments
      • Ministry of Tribal Affairs (Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh)
    • Special Prize:
      • Central Public Works Department (75 years of Constitution of India)
      • ‘Jayati Jai Mamah Bharatam’ Dance Group

    In addition, an online poll was conducted on the MyGov portal from January 26 to 28, 2025 for the citizens to vote for their favourite tableau and Marching Contingents as ‘Popular Choice Category. The results are as under:

    • Best Marching Contingent among Services – Signals Contingent
    • Best Marching Contingent among CAPFs/other auxiliary Forces – CRPF Marching Contingent
    • Top three tableau (States/UTs)
      • 1st – Gujarat (Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas)
      • 2nd – Uttar Pradesh (Mahakumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas)
      • 3rd – Uttarakhand (Uttarakhand: Cultural Heritage and Adventure Sports)
    • Best tableau from Central Ministries/Departments – Ministry of Women & Child Development (Multifaceted journey of women and children nurtured under the Ministry’s comprehensive schemes)

    Raksha Rajya Mantri in his address recalled the words of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi that the participation of individuals in Republic Day Parade showcases the love & dedication of people towards the nation. Shri Sanjay Seth emphasised on the fact that all the tableaux showcased creativity through the structures. Reiterating the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of Viksit Bharat by 2047, he stated that it is not the contribution of just one person but the resolve of 140 crore Indians to make the country one of the strongest nation in the world.

    Shri Sanjay Seth thanked the Ministry of Culture for taking up the challenge of creating a new Guinness World Record of 5,000 artists in the Cultural Performance. He stressed that the people from all over the country were impressed by the performance. As part of the event, Raksha Rajya Mantri also witnessed three cultural performances by the Tableaux Artists.

    ***** 

    SR/KB

    (Release ID: 2097650) Visitor Counter : 28

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Deer Lake — RCMP Traffic Services West stops ATV in Deer Lake operated by suspended driver

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 62-year-old suspended driver was stopped by RCMP Traffic Services West while operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in Deer Lake on January 29, 2025.

    Shortly after 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, a police officer with RCMP Traffic Services West observed the man driving an ATV on Chapel Hill in Deer Lake. A traffic stop was conducted and the officer determined that the ATV was uninsured. The man was ticketed under the Highway Traffic Act for operating a vehicle while suspended and for operating an uninsured vehicle. The ATV was seized and impounded.

    Operating an off-road vehicle on a road is a violation of the Off-Road Vehicles Act. If an off-road vehicle is used on the roadway, it is susceptible to the same legislation as a vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Swift Current — Officers seize eight kilograms – potentially millions of doses – of fentanyl during traffic stop

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On January 28, 2025, officers from Saskatchewan RCMP’s Roving Traffic Unit (RTU) and the Province of Saskatchewan’s Saskatchewan Highway Patrol (SHP) were working together doing proactive patrols in the Swift Current area.

    An RTU officer conducted a traffic stop on Highway #1. As a result of continued investigation, the two occupants of the vehicle were detained for a drug trafficking investigation.

    During a search of the vehicle, officers located eight kilograms of fentanyl hidden under the spare tire. A photo of the fentanyl is attached.

    The vehicle’s occupants were arrested.

    SHP, Swift Current RCMP and Saskatchewan RCMP’s Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team provided RTU valuable assistance during the traffic stop and subsequent investigation.

    As a result of that continued investigation, 26-year-old Swati Narula and 28-year-old Kunwardeep Singh, both from Calgary, are each charged with one count, trafficking, Section 5(1), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. They appeared in Swift Current Provincial Court on January 29, 2025.

    The accused told investigators that they were travelling to Regina.

    “This is a significant fentanyl seizure. Keep in mind that only a few grains of fentanyl is enough to potentially cause a fatal overdose. We have prevented potentially millions of doses of this dangerous drug from entering our communities,” says Supt. Grant St. Germaine, Officer in Charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services. “I hope this is a message to others who choose to transport illicit goods in our province. Our officers are watching out for you.”

    Here are just a few highlights of recent RTU work:

    January 23, 2025: RTU officers stopped a vehicle on Highway #16 near Lloydminster. A RTU police dog alerted the officer to the odour of narcotics in the vehicle. Further investigation led officers to seize approximately $400,000 from the vehicle. The driver is charged with possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000. The investigation continues.

    January 22, 2025: RTU officers stopped a vehicle on Highway #13 near Ponteix. It was determined the vehicle was commercial and the driver was unable to provide a bill of lading, as required by law. As a result of continued investigation, officers located and seized approximately nine kilograms of illicit cannabis and a large sum of cash from the vehicle. The driver was charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and possessing illicit cannabis for the purpose of trafficking, which is a charge under the Cannabis Act. The investigation continues.

    January 9, 2025: RTU officers stopped a vehicle on Highway #1 near Swift Current. Further investigation led to officers locating and seizing approximately 700 kilograms of illicit cannabis and a sum of cash in the vehicle. Further details are available here.

    November 19, 2024: RTU officers conducted a traffic stop on Highway #16 near Maidstone. A RTU police dog alerted the officer to the odour of narcotics in the vehicle. Further investigation led to officers locating and seizing approximately 50 kilograms of cocaine and a sum of cash from the vehicle. Further details are available here.

    “Based on investigation and intelligence, we know illicit drugs are being transported across provincial borders into Saskatchewan,” Supt. St. Germaine says. “That’s why we have dedicated Saskatchewan RCMP officers – who work in tandem with partner agencies – who make it their mission to disrupt the flow of illegal activity. Our communities are safer because of their action.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Seizure of Cybercrime Websites Selling Hacking Tools to Transnational Organized Crime Groups

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    The Justice Department today announced the coordinated seizure of 39 domains and their associated servers in an international disruption of a Pakistan-based network of online marketplaces selling hacking and fraud-enabling tools operated by a group known as Saim Raza (also known as HeartSender). The seizures were conducted in coordination with the Dutch National Police.

    According to the affidavit filed in support of these seizures, Saim Raza has used these cybercrime websites since at least 2020 to sell phishing toolkits and other fraud-enabling tools to transnational organized crime groups, who used them to target numerous victims in the United States, resulting in over $3 million in victim losses.

    The Saim Raza-run websites operated as marketplaces that advertised and facilitated the sale of tools such as phishing kits, scam pages, and email extractors, often used to build and maintain fraud operations. Not only did Saim Raza make these tools widely available on the open internet, it also trained end users on how to use the tools against victims by linking to instructional YouTube videos on how to execute schemes using these malicious programs, making them accessible to criminal actors that lacked this technical criminal expertise. The group also advertised its tools as “fully undetectable” by antispam software.

    The transnational organized crime groups and other cybercrime actors who purchased these tools primarily used them to facilitate business email compromise schemes wherein the cybercrime actors tricked victim companies into making payments to a third party. Those payments would instead be redirected to a financial account the perpetrators controlled, resulting in significant losses to victims. These tools were also used to acquire victim user credentials and utilize those credentials to further these fraudulent schemes. The seizure of these domains is intended to disrupt the ongoing activity of these groups and stop the proliferation of these tools within the cybercriminal community.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas, and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Houston Field Office is investigating the case. The Justice Department appreciates the cooperation and significant assistance law enforcement partners in the Netherlands have provided.

    Trial Attorney Gaelin Bernstein of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rodolfo Ramirez for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Use of public funds for environmental lobbying – E-000336/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000336/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Virginie Joron (PfE)

    It has been reported[1] that the Commission has funded environmental organisations, including those supported by former Commissioner Frans Timmermans in connection with the Nature Restoration Law. Subsidies amounting to EUR 700 000 have reportedly been used to steer the public debate towards the greenest positions. This funding raises questions about the use of public funds and compliance with the principles of transparency and ethics.

    Swift clarification is essential to ensure the proper use of public funds and restore citizens’ trust in the European institutions. In this regard:

    • 1.Can the Commission confirm whether public subsidies have been used to encourage organisations to lobby for its own legislative proposals, and if so, to what extent?
    • 2.What measures have been taken to prevent public funds from being used for indirect lobbying, in particular through the LIFE programme, which promotes green laws?
    • 3.How does the Commission ensure transparency and impartiality in the award and use of subsidies allocated to organisations carrying out lobbying activities?

    Submitted: 24.1.2025

    • [1] Lobbyschandaal in Brussel: EU betaalde milieuclubs in het geheim voor promotie van groene plannen Timmermans, Alexander Baaker, De Telegraaf, 22 January 2025.
    Last updated: 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – EU digital travel application – 30-01-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    This briefing provides an initial analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the European Commission’s impact assessment (IA) accompanying the proposal to establish an application for the electronic submission of travel data (‘EU digital travel application’) and amending Regulations (EU) 2016/399, (EU) 2018/1726 and (EC) No 2252/2004 as regards the use of digital travel credentials, and the proposal on the issuance of and technical standards for digital travel credentials based on identity cards. The proposals were referred to the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: English/Español: Collins and McClain’s Statement on President Trump Signing the Laken Riley Act into Law

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    English/Español: Collins and McClain’s Statement on President Trump Signing the Laken Riley Act into Law

    Washington, January 30, 2025

    WASHINGTON– Congressman Mike Collins (R-Ga.) and House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) issued the following statement after President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law:  

    “Violent illegal immigrant criminals have no home in our country. With President Trump’s signature, we will now deport the next Jose Ibarra and ensure that no family has to live through the same pain as theRiley family,” Collins and McClain said.“Over seventy-seven millionAmericans demanded a change in our country, and House Republicans are delivering real results.”

    Declaraciones de Collins y McClain sobre la firma de la Ley Laken Riley por el presidente Trump  

    WASHINGTON– El congresista Mike Collins (R-GA) y la presidenta de la Conferencia Republicana de la Cámara de Representantes federal Lisa McClain (R-MI), emitieron las siguientes declaraciones luego de que el presidente Donald Trump firmara el proyecto de ley Ley Laken Riley:  

    “Los inmigrantes ilegales acusados de delitos no tienen lugar en nuestro país. Con la firma del presidente Trump, deportaremos al próximo José Ibarra y nos aseguraremos de que ninguna familia tenga que pasar por el mismo dolor que la familia Riley”, dijeron Collins y McClain. “Más de setenta y siete millones de estadounidenses exigieron un cambio y nuestra Conferencia está logrando resultados reales”.    

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Department of Justice Investigating Monterey County Sheriff Officer-Involved Shooting Under AB 1506

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, January 30, 2025

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

     **The information provided below is based on preliminary details regarding an ongoing investigation, which may continue to evolve**

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred in Salinas, California on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at approximately 1:30 p.m. The OIS incident resulted in the death of one individual and involved personnel from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. 

    Following notification by local authorities, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review.

    More information on the California Department of Justice’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Florida Businessman Indicted for Tax Evasion

    Source: US State of California

    A federal grand jury in Jacksonville, Florida, returned an indictment yesterday charging a Florida businessman with tax evasion, not filing a tax return and not paying taxes.

    According to the indictment, Phillip Mak, of Jacksonville, was a self-employed businessman who from 2008 through 2020 earned approximately $10.3 million in income. During that same period, Mak allegedly did not pay any federal taxes and, except for two years, did not file tax returns. The IRS allegedly assessed approximately $1.9 million in outstanding taxes, penalties and interest against Mak for tax years 2008, 2009, 2012-2015 and 2019-2020.

    Instead of paying what he owed, Mak allegedly attempted to shield his assets from the IRS by transferring $1 million in cash to his domestic partner’s bank accounts. In addition, the indictment alleges that Mak, after being interviewed by IRS investigators, transferred ownership of his home to his domestic partner’s trust, created a nominee entity and began depositing his income into a bank account held in the name of that entity.

    In total, Mak is alleged to have caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $1.92 million.

    If convicted, Mak faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for tax evasion and a maximum sentence of one year in prison for each charge of failure to file a tax return and failure to pay tax. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Isaiah Boyd and Michael Jones of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cannizzaro for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Votes Against Lee Zeldin’s Nomination to Be EPA Administrator

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    January 30, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—co-founder of the U.S. Senate’s first-ever Lead Task Force and Environmental Justice Caucus—released the following statement after the Senate confirmed former Rep. Lee Zeldin by a vote of 56-42 to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    “Every American deserves the right to breathe safe air, drink clean water and live on uncontaminated land regardless of their race, income or zip code—and the EPA Administrator plays a critical role in protecting that right. In order to help preserve our environment for generations to come, I cannot support someone who has a track record of voting against critical, bipartisan environmental protection and clean energy job investments. Today, I voted against Mr. Zeldin’s nomination as he lacks substantial experience in environmental policy, science and management—all of which are critical qualifications needed to successfully lead EPA.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Speaks on Importance of Boosting U.S. Economy to Help Struggling Seniors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, during a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) asked about common misconceptions surrounding tariffs and how they can be used to stimulate the economy and create job growth. During the discussion, Sen. Tuberville also focused on the unprecedented amount of credit card debt in our country and how Congress can help Americans return to financial stability. Sen. Tuberville also addressed reining in the unsustainable expansion of the federal welfare system.

    Read Senator Tuberville’s remarks below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thanks for being here this afternoon, fellas.

    Mr. Ferry, a lot of misconceptions about, floating around the media about tariffs and how they’ll hurt the American economy. Can you speak to how tariffs, if they’re done right, will boost the economy?”

    MR. JEFF FERRY: “Thank you for the question, Senator. That’s an absolutely true statement. Tariffs done right will stimulate our economy. I just want to say, following on from what Mr. Lawson said, that there is no money tree. The percentage of old people in our economy continues to grow, I’m sitting here as a living, breathing example of that. And we have fewer people in work earning, in a sense, less real wages than 50 years ago when we had four working people for every retired person. Now, we’re getting close to two, I think. So, we need to make this economy grow and we need to raise the real incomes and the value of the production of every single worker.

    Tariffs are a key way we can do that because what tariffs do is they handicap imports and they allow domestic production to grow. We want to tariff the high value, highly productive, high growth manufacturing sectors, which is roughly three quarters of the entire manufacturing sector in the United States. And by doing so, we will produce more cars, more computers, more machinery, more machine tools, more medical equipment, and more steel, and more aluminum and all of that. All those industries pay higher wages.

    As an example, the average large steel company is, today, paying its average steel worker over a hundred-thousand dollars a year. The average steel worker no longer works with hot molten metal. He works in a computer control room. And tariffs are a key way to stop the handicap this economy has due to an overvalued dollar and due to trade cheating, from countries like China and Germany. So, they’re an absolutely essential tool.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Do you do you see an increase in job opportunities with increased tariffs?”

    MR. JEFF FERRY: “Yes. I mean mathematically well, yes. We will see a higher labor force participation rate with increased tariffs because domestic production will rise, and those jobs will attract people to get off the sofa and go out and get those jobs. But most crucially, I see a transition from people working for places like Jimmy John’s at minimum wage, into high value jobs, which not only pay more today, but offer them career opportunities to get on a rising escalator.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Mr. Antoni, Americans are upside down in credit card debt. 1.17 trillion dollars. Eighty-five percent of Americans have credit cards, eighty-five percent of Americans over 65 have a credit card. What can be done at the congressional level to encourage savings and keep more money in the pockets of Americans when it comes to credit.”

    MR. E.J. ANTONI: “Sir, thank you for the question. A big disincentive to save has historically been inflation because as your money is sitting there in the bank, or even if it’s in in equities, whatever the case may be, much of the growth that it’s experiencing is simply just the dollar losing value. So, it doesn’t really, there’s not really much of an incentive there. If you want to get rid of inflation and you want to not only incentivize people to save, but disincentivize them from borrowing, you got to get inflation down. And I think the way you have to do that is by cutting government spending.

    The only other thing I would add is to help the people who are already in so much credit card debt, who are suffering with the combination of high credit card debt and high interest rates, is you need to get the interest rates down. And the interest rate is simply a price. It’s the price to borrow money. If you want to reduce the price of something, reduce the demand. So, reduce the demand for borrowed money. All marginal spending by this congress is by definition borrowed. So, if you reduce that spending, you will also reduce the demand for borrowed money and help bring interest rates down.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Mr. Bragdon, you talk a lot about this unsustainable expansion of the federal welfare programs that have caused massive increases in spending, particularly SNAP. SNAP spending has grown by more than seventy-three percent since the last Farm Bill. It’s predicted we’ll spend more on SNAP in the next ten years than we have in the last two decades. This is over the top.

    So, what’s your thoughts here on this massive increase in the TFP and what recommendation do you have to address this farm bill with SNAP?”

    MR. TARREN BRAGDON: “Senator, thank you for the question. I think it’s really twofold.

    One, the authority for setting the food stamp program, the SNAP program, really relies on Congress. And when you look at what the Biden administration did with the Thrifty Food Plan by just through guidance, literally, a bureaucrat with a pen and a power trip, dramatically increasing that benefit, and then that going, as my colleague said, into borrowed money and increasing interest rates.

    You also took away the incentive that people have to go into the workforce because it pays more not to work. And as I talked about, it drives even higher food inflation because SNAP benefits can only be used for food. And as we saw with the research that I cited, that drives increased demand and raises food prices.

    I think there’s really twofold things that need to be done within the SNAP program. One is greater anti-fraud measures. If you look at the improper payments, that’s fraud and waste within the SNAP program, that’s primarily driven by individuals who are receiving benefits, who are no longer eligible, either because an income change, they moved or some other benefit change or life change.

    The second piece is really looking at how do we effectively use work requirements for working age, able-bodied adults. We’ve seen this work well with adults with no kids and disabilities. We recommend that pro-work, anti-poverty policy be expanded to more working-age adults who have school age children.”

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: The Bank of Russia has raised the property criterion for assigning the status of a qualified investor

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    The minimum amount of assets that a person must own to be recognized as a qualified investor increases from 6 to 12 million rubles. And from January 1, 2026, to 24 million rubles. The corresponding indicationThe regulator was registered by the Russian Ministry of Justice.

    According to the Bank of Russia, such a measure will reduce the number of cases in which a person receives the status of a qualified investor, but does not understand the specifics of complex financial instruments and the risks associated with them.

    The comprehensive reform that the regulator is consistently implementing is aimed at giving people more opportunities to obtain such status based on knowledge and experience, and at creating more investors in the market who make informed decisions.

    Preview photo: Ulisse / Shutterstock / Fotodom

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv. KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 23329

    MIL OSI Russia News –