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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Development Asia: Strengthening Digital Safety Systems for Children in Nepal

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    This participative research was initiated under the Safety for Children and their Rights OnLine (SCROL) project in Nepal led by Terre des Hommes Netherlands in partnership with the Center for Legal Research and Resource Development (CeLRRD), Child Workers in Nepal (CWIN), and Women Youth in Social Service Human Rights (WYESHR).

    The research was conducted in the Gandaki and Bagmati provinces in 2024 by 162 children through voluntary participation and a simple random sampling method. A total of 443 children and 213 parents responded to a questionnaire designed by children.

    The following findings, based on children’s insights, highlight critical trends in online experiences that have the potential to shape effective solutions.

    Social media usage patterns: According to the survey results, Facebook emerged as the dominant social media platform, with 42% of respondents indicating it as their primary choice for online engagement. YouTube is the second most popular platform, capturing 26% of user preferences, while Instagram maintains a significant presence, with 14% of users favoring it as their main social platform.

    Response to online negativity: The data reveals essential insights into youth coping mechanisms when encountering harmful online content. A plurality of young users (31.6%) prioritize peer support by confiding in friends, while a slightly smaller proportion (27.5%) choose to discuss these issues with their parents. Notably, a concerning 20% of respondents internalize these experiences by keeping them private. This isolation can increase the risk of revictimization and lead to mental health issues among children, highlighting potential areas for intervention.

    Digital safety practices: Most users (78.6%) demonstrate awareness of basic online safety measures by consistently declining friendship requests from unknown individuals on Facebook, indicating a strong foundation of protective behaviors.

    Social media perception: The survey reveals a notable division in attitudes toward social media engagement. Nearly half (49.2%) of respondents express caution by discouraging peers from joining social platforms, while 40.2% maintain a positive outlook and actively encourage participation.

    Mental health impact: The research identifies that approximately one in six respondents (17%) acknowledge experiencing psychological distress related to their online activities, highlighting the importance of mental health support in digital spaces.

    Digital account security: Most users (90.7%) demonstrate strong ethical digital practices by maintaining strict account security, specifically avoiding trading or sharing their online and gaming accounts.

    Parental oversight acceptance: The data shows that slightly more than half of young users (53%) have a positive attitude toward parental monitoring and established online boundaries, suggesting a balanced approach to digital supervision.

    “Monitoring and setting boundaries are good—they protect us from OCSE. However, they [parents] shouldn’t interfere with our studies, privacy, or personal life.” – Rima (name changed)

    Parental control approaches: Regarding social media access, most parents (61%) opt for an open approach with unrestricted usage, while approximately one-quarter (26.5%) implement complete restrictions, revealing diverse parenting strategies in digital supervision.

    Parent-child digital dynamics: The survey indicates that approximately half of the children (50.7%) feel comfortable using their devices in their parents’ presence, suggesting a relatively balanced level of trust and openness in digital behavior.

    Child protection awareness: A significant finding reveals that more than half of parents (55%) lack knowledge about available reporting mechanisms for Online Child Sexual Exploitation (OCSE), indicating a crucial gap in child safety awareness.

    Parental acceptance of children’s display of alternative gender and sexual identity online: Parental acceptance of their children’s alternative gender and sexual identity, such as LGBTQ+, discovered through social media use varies across Nepal’s regions. The Bagmati region shows higher acceptance (53.91%) than Gandaki (24.10%), with combined acceptance at 42.18%. Resistance is higher in Gandaki (45.78%) than in Bagmati (29.69%), showing more progressive thinking in Bagmati. The remaining parents are uncertain (21.33%) or would seek specialist help (0.47%).

    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Greets the Prime Minister of the State of Israel

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    President Donald J. Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House today- the first world leader to visit during his second term.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmukWqxYGQA

    MIL OSI Video –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 02/6/2025 Blackburn Celebrates Her Legislation Passing Out of Commerce Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn) released the following statement after five bills that she sponsored or co-sponsored passed out of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This includes the American Music Tourism Act, the Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act, the Strengthening Support for American Manufacturing Act, the She DRIVES Act, and the TORNADO Act.

    “The 119th Congress is already off to a productive start, and I am pleased that five of my bills have moved forward out of the Commerce Committee to the full Senate for a vote,” said Senator Blackburn. “I urge my Senate colleagues to support this legislation, which will promote American music tourism, strengthen U.S. supply chains for emerging technologies, boost domestic manufacturing, enhance vehicle safety standards, and improve the forecasting of hazardous weather.” 

    BACKGROUND:

    See below for more information on each piece of legislation.

    • The American Music Tourism Act, sponsored by Senator Blackburn, would leverage the existing framework within the Department of Commerce to highlight and promote music tourism in the United States. It would require the Department of Commerce’s Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism to implement a plan to support and increase music tourism for both domestic and international visitors as well as a report to Congress on the successes and vulnerabilities of the Assistant Secretary’s goals to increase travel and tourism.
    • The Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act, co-led by Senator Blackburn, would authorize the Department of Commerce to strengthen American supply chains for critical industries and emerging technologies by working with the private sector and U.S. government partners to anticipate and prevent future supply chain disruptions before they happen.
    • The Strengthening Support for American Manufacturing Act, co-led by Senator Blackburn, would streamline federal efforts to boost domestic manufacturers and support workers. It would also assess the Department of Commerce’s efforts to support manufacturers and suggest solutions to improve the Department’s manufacturing programs to better serve manufacturers – many of which are small businesses.
    • The She Develops Regulations in Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act, co-led by Senator Blackburn, would enhance passenger vehicle safety by updating U.S. crashworthiness testing procedures. It would require the use of the most advanced testing devices available, including a female crash test dummy.
    • The Tornado Observation Research Notification and Deployment to Operations (TORNADO) Act, co-sponsored by Senator Blackburn, would improve the forecasting of tornadoes and other hazardous weather by requiring the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to prepare and submit an action plan for the national implementation of high-resolution probabilistic guidance for tornado forecasting and prediction. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Cramer reintroduce bill to prevent banks from discriminating against law-abiding businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, joined Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) in reintroducing the Fair Access to Banking Act to prevent banks from denying services to law-abiding businesses for political purposes.  

    “Banks shouldn’t stop customers from accessing accounts or services based on political affiliation or industry. I’m proud to help introduce the Fair Access to Banking Act to make sure financial institutions aren’t working as political activists against law-abiding Americans,” said Kennedy.

    “When progressives failed at banning these entire industries, what they did instead is they turned to weaponizing banks as sort of a backdoor to carry out their activist goals. Financial institutions are backed by taxpayers, for crying out loud! They should be obligated to provide services in an unbiased, risk-based manner. The Fair Access to Banking Act ensures that banks provide fair access to services and enacts strict penalties for categorically discriminating against legal industries and individuals,” said Cramer.

    In 2021, the Trump administration finalized its Fair Access Rule to require banks to make individual risk assessments and stop broad discrimination against customers. However, the Biden administration paused the rule’s implementation. 

    The Fair Access to Banking Act would penalize banks and credit unions with more than $10 billion in assets for refusing services to law-abiding companies or people. The bill also requires banks to give a written explanation for denying services to a customer.

    Background:

    • The Fair Access to Banking Act would protect Americans in the wake of major banks’ move to discriminate against legal businesses. Some of the largest U.S. banks have blocked businesses and consumers from accessing financial services based on political ideology.
    • In 2020, five of the country’s largest banks announced they will not provide loans or credit to support oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge even though Congress explicitly authorized it.
    • In 2021, JPMorgan Chase declared it would refuse financial services to coal producers. Bank of America also began a politically motivated effort to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from its financing activities by 2050, an effort directly targeting producers of reliable American energy. Earlier this year, however, Bank of America quietly withdrew from a climate alliance seeking net-zero emissions.
    • Payment services like Apple Pay and PayPal have denied their services for transactions involving firearms or ammunition.

    Sens. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Curtis (R-Utah), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) also cosponsored the bill. 

    The full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy in National Review: Work requirements would improve Medicaid—and the lives of those on the program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today penned this op-ed in National Review arguing that adding a work requirement to Medicaid would save taxpayers money and improve the health of those on the program.

    Key excerpts of the op-ed are below:

    “Medicaid is supposed to be an investment in our country’s health and well-being. So why doesn’t the program encourage more Americans to enter the workforce and improve their physical, mental, and financial health?

    “Numerous studies have shown that human beings are happier and healthier when they are employed. Long-term joblessness is associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety. One study even recommended employment as a ‘critical mental health intervention.’

    “Still, taxpayers today are footing the bill for an estimated 15 million able-bodied adults without children or other dependents to receive health-care coverage under Medicaid without any obligation to get a job. Many of them are simply choosing not to work. Both the taxpayer and the Medicaid recipients themselves would be better off if the program had a work requirement.”

    . . .

    “Nearly one in four Americans is on Medicaid today. Federal and state spending on the program has nearly doubled since 2020. COVID-19 was responsible for some of the spending surge, but there has been no effort to return Medicaid spending back to pre-pandemic levels.

    “This is unsustainable. Medicaid is well on its way to costing taxpayers $1 trillion per year. Congress must find a way to get able-bodied Americans back on their feet and off Medicaid. With the right incentives in place, these Americans can leave this life of poverty and dependency to set out on a pathway toward success.

    “A person without a job is not healthy. He’s not happy. He’s not free. Who really wants to be a slave to some government entitlement program?”

    . . .

    “Medicaid is an investment in our public health. Congress should treat it that way. Adding a work requirement to Medicaid will make the United States a stronger, healthier country and remind the world that America respects the dignity of hard work.”

    Read Kennedy’s full op-ed here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Home Secretary hosts summit on mobile phone theft

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The Home Secretary brought together law enforcement and leading tech companies to drive new action to tackle mobile phone thefts.

    Yvette Cooper and Diana Johnson host phone theft summit.

    Today the Home Secretary brought together policing leaders, the National Crime Agency, the Mayor of London and leading tech companies to drive new action to tackle mobile phone thefts and secure a collective effort to grip this criminality.    

    The summit comes as street crime has soared by 43% nationwide, driven by a significant rise in snatch theft, including of mobile phones.   

    For too long crimes like these have been neglected, which is why as part of the Government’s Plan for Change, the Home Secretary says she will legislate where necessary to ensure police have the powers they need to treat this with the seriousness it warrants, and police are expected to agree to step up enforcement activity nationwide.     

    This will include better use of intelligence to drive more hotspot policing and targeted operations, particularly around high-risk periods such as Christmas and when a new phone is released.     

    The Home Secretary urged companies including Apple, Google and Samsung, and law enforcement to join forces to build on existing anti-theft security measures and help design out and disincentivise phone theft, by making phones effectively worthless to criminals.    

    She called for a much deeper dive on all available sources of data and intelligence to build a much more comprehensive diagnosis of the problems and scale of the criminal market, to drive joint solutions.  

    All in attendance agreed to greater collaboration between police and tech by significantly boosting intelligence sharing, on both sides, and to reconvene in 3 months’ time. 

    It follows the government kickstarting the recruitment of 13,000 neighbourhood police officers, police community support officers and specials with £200 million investment so that every community will have a named, contactable officer who knows their patch.    

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:    

    Over the last few years, mobile phone thefts have shot up – often driven by organised crime – leaving our streets feeling less safe. That has to change.   

    I brought together tech companies and law enforcement today to pursue stronger action against organised criminality and to prevent phone theft on our streets. It was a significant step forward in addressing the need to come together as partners to disrupt, design-out and disincentivise these damaging crimes.   

    At the same time, this government is doubling new investment into neighbourhood policing to tackle theft on high streets and in our communities, to keep our streets safe.  

    The commitment follows the Met Police’s significant recent intensification operation, which led to 1,000 phones seized and 230 arrests.  

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:  

    I’m really pleased to have joined today’s roundtable discussion with mobile phone firms, the Home Secretary, Met Police and National Crime Agency to discuss our ongoing partnership-led approach to tackle mobile phone crime. 

    The Met’s hard-working officers have stepped up their work in London to prevent and tackle mobile phone theft – with patrols and plain-clothed operations in hotspot areas and are increasingly using phone-tracking data and intelligence. This work is being backed up with record funding from City Hall which is boosting neighbourhood policing in our communities. 

    But we know that we can’t arrest our way out of mobile phone crime – which has become a national and international issue and needs innovative solutions. I welcome recent security updates by leading mobile phone companies that we supported and we spoke today about how we can build on those and work together to ‘design out’ the scourge of mobile phone crime to build a safer London for all.

    Aleyne Johnson, Director of Government and External Relations, Samsung UK, said: 

    Samsung is deeply committed to working closely with the Home Office, Mayor’s Office, the Met Police and authorities in London on the issue of mobile phone theft and related crimes and are encouraged by collaborative discussions held at the Mobile Phone Theft Summit today, to look at existing and potential new solutions to help combat this complex issue and improve the safety of mobile phone users.  

    We encourage all of our customers to protect their devices by setting up existing Android security and privacy features, like Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock and Remote Lock and our recent One UI 7 update has built further on those protections with new anti-theft features such as identity check, biometric authentication and security delay, all featured in our latest Galaxy S25 series. 

    Alex Rawle, Safety and Security Lead, Google UK said: 

    Android devices offer added protection for millions around the UK. We encourage users to make use of existing security and privacy features, like Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock and Remote Lock, to improve the safety of their devices and data.  

    We welcome today’s summit and are committed to continue working with our partners to support efforts against mobile phone theft.

    Gary Davis, Senior Director, Regulatory Legal, Apple, said: 

    Apple works closely with law enforcement bodies in the UK and globally to fight phone theft, and we welcome the opportunity to further collaborate at today’s event.  

    Apple has industry leading features that help users keep their devices and data safe. These include Activation Lock, a feature that is enabled automatically when Find My is activated and works in the background to make it more difficult for someone to use or sell your iPhone or iPad if it’s ever lost or stolen.  

    Stolen Device Protection adds additional security if a device is away from familiar locations. These are complemented by tools such as Recovery Key, a method to regain control if you lose access to your account and Find My, a tool that you can use to locate the device and protect your personal information.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 6 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Caesar Robinson

    Source: US State of New York

    February 5, 2025

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of Caesar Robinson, who died on April 13, 2023 after an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn. Following a thorough investigation, which included review of body-worn camera footage and building security camera footage, interviews with involved officers, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ actions were justified under New York law.

    On the afternoon of April 13, NYPD officers responded to a 911 call reporting a possible burglary in progress at an apartment at 330 Lewis Avenue in Brooklyn. Officers knocked on the door of the apartment where the possible burglary was reported, and Mr. Robinson answered the door with a gun in his hand. When Mr. Robinson began to raise the gun toward the officers, one officer directed Mr. Robinson to drop his weapon. Mr. Robinson did not comply, and the officers discharged their service weapons, striking him. Mr. Robinson was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

    Under New York’s justification law, a police officer may use deadly physical force when the officer reasonably believes it to be necessary to defend against the use of deadly physical force by another. In this case, when Mr. Robinson opened the door to his apartment, he was holding a gun in his hand, raised it towards the officers, and did not comply when directed to drop it. Under these circumstances, given the law and the evidence, a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ use of deadly physical force against Mr. Robinson was justified, and therefore OSI determined that criminal charges would not be pursued in this matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Secures Prison Sentence for Serial Health Care Fraudster

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the sentencing of Imran Shams, 66, of California, to eight and one third to twenty-five years in state prison for his role in a scheme that wrongfully billed Medicaid millions of dollars for fraudulent medical testing services. On March 6, 2020, Shams pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the First and Second Degrees and agreed to pay restitution of $7 million. Shams is currently serving a 13-year federal prison sentence following convictions in the United States District Courts for the Eastern District of New York and the Central District of California for conduct related to his New York scheme, as well as other health care fraud schemes.

    “When criminal organizations abuse our health care system, the most vulnerable patients suffer,” said Attorney General James. “Imram Shams and his accomplices ran a despicable scheme that used vulnerable New Yorkers to steal millions of dollars meant to provide care for low-income patients. My office will continue to go after those who try to profit by undermining the Medicaid program and bring bad actors to justice.”

    Shams’ sentencing is the culmination of a multi-year investigation and prosecution of the illegal activity of Multi-Specialty, a fraudulent medical clinic secretly owned by Shams, who was banned from billing Medicaid as a provider due to a previous health care fraud conviction. Multi-Specialty illegally paid Medicaid recipients a kickback of $20 to $50 to enter the clinic and submit to unnecessary and usually fraudulent evaluations and tests. These were often administered by untrained and incompetent individuals recruited to dress like health care professionals in order to lend an appearance of legitimacy to the fraud.

    Soliciting Medicaid recipients by offering to pay them to accept medical services paid for by Medicaid is unlawful under state and federal law. After bribing recipients to enter his clinic, Shams used licensed health care providers complicit in the scheme to submit fraudulent claims to Medicaid and to Medicaid-funded Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) for unnecessary or nonexistent services. Shams also received millions of dollars in kickbacks for exclusively referring patients for diagnostic testing, regardless of medical need, to companies owned by other participants in the scheme, Tea Kaganovich and Ramazi Mitaishvili, both of Brooklyn.

    Shams was sentenced today to eight and one third to twenty-five years in prison, to run concurrent with his federal sentence, by Judge Michele Rodney of the New York County Supreme Court, and is the last defendant to be sentenced in this scheme. His sentence follows the convictions and sentencings of Kaganovich and Mitaishvili on charges of Grand Larceny in the First Degree. Both received a sentence of one and a half to four and a half years in state prison in November 2023. In addition, a radiologist complicit in the scheme, Bernard Bentley of East Hampton, New York received a sentence of three years of probation on charges of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree for his role in fraudulently billing Medicaid over eight million dollars for fraudulent diagnostic testing services.

    Kaganovich and Mitaishvili were prosecuted in a related criminal case in the Eastern District of New York, and as part of that case, were ordered to pay over $18 million of restitution to the New York Medicaid Fraud Restitution Fund, and it is expected that more than seven million dollars in assets seized from those defendants as part of the federal case will be remitted to New York.

    The Attorney General would like to thank the New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG), the U.S. Department of Justice Medicare Strike Force, which operates from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York; the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS OIG); the New York City Human Resources Administration, Medicaid Provider Investigations and Audit Unit, and HealthFirst for their assistance and cooperation in this investigation. 

    Senior Detective Stanislav Tabakov investigated the case with the assistance of Detective Supervisor Dominick DiGennaro. Senior Auditor Investigator Lisandra Defex conducted the financial analysis with the assistance of MFCU New York City Regional Chief Auditor Investigator Thomasina Smith and Deputy Regional Chief Auditor Jonathan Romano.

    Special Assistant Attorney General Chase Ruddy prosecuted the criminal case under the supervision of NYC Regional Director Twan V. Bounds. Deputy Chief of MFCU’s Civil Enforcement Division, Konrad F. Payne, negotiated monetary settlements attendant to each defendant’s guilty pleas that recovered millions of dollars for the state. Alee Scott is the Chief of MFCU’s Civil Enforcement Division. Thomas O’Hanlon is MFCU’s Chief of Criminal Investigations. MFCU is led by Director Amy Held and Assistant Deputy Attorney General Paul Mahoney. The Division of Criminal Justice is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General José Maldonado under the oversight of First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

    MFCU defends the public by addressing Medicaid provider fraud and protecting nursing home residents from abuse and neglect. If an individual believes they have information about Medicaid provider fraud or about an incident of abuse or neglect of a nursing home resident, they can file a confidential complaint online or call the MFCU hotline at (800) 771-7755. If the situation is an emergency, please call 911.

    New York MFCU’s total funding for federal fiscal year (FY) 2025 is $70,502,916. Of that total, 75 percent, or $52,877,188, is funded from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $17,625,728 for FY 2025, is funded by New York State.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Secures Historic Settlement With National Women’s Soccer League for Mistreatment of Players

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James, together with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Washington, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, today announced a landmark settlement with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) after numerous players came forward with allegations of harassment and sexual misconduct, and an independent investigation subsequently found that emotional abuse and sexual coercion were systemic across the NWSL. Following these reports, the attorneys general launched a joint investigation that found widespread violations of players’ fundamental rights. As a result of the attorneys general’s action, NWSL will create a $5 million fund to compensate players who were abused and continue implementation of comprehensive reforms to improve player safety and well-being, giving the attorneys general the ability to oversee and enforce new league protocols and protections for players.

    “For too long, the hardworking and talented women of the National Women’s Soccer League were forced to endure an unacceptable culture of abuse, harassment, and retaliation,” said Attorney General James. “This settlement sends a clear message that such misconduct will not be tolerated and ensures players receive the compensation and protections they deserve. Every athlete should be able to compete in a safe, supportive environment, and I thank the brave individuals who came forward to share their experiences.” 

    In 2021, players from across the NWSL went public with allegations of misconduct and abuse at the hands of coaches and officials dating back over 10 years. Many of these complaints had been reported to the NWSL but were largely ignored. After the reports were made public, two separate investigations – one commissioned jointly by the NWSL and NWSL Players’ Association (NWSLPA) and one by the United States Soccer Federation, conducted by former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates – found systemic, league-wide failures that contributed to verbal abuse, sexual assault, harassment, coercion, and discrimination by coaches, with no clear mechanisms in place for player safety. By the end of the 2021 season, in the wake of player complaints and media reports, five of the NWSL’s ten existing teams had fired their coaches. 

    The attorneys general launched a joint investigation into these allegations in 2022, which revealed that the NWSL was permeated by a culture of abuse and neglect. Coaches verbally abused players, sexually assaulted players, and coerced them into inappropriate relationships, retaliating against those who resisted or spoke out. The investigation further uncovered that some teams failed to conduct background checks, allowing coaches previously terminated for misconduct to be rehired by other teams.

    In 2021, NWSL’s longest-tenured coach resigned after a sports psychologist found he had created a culture of fear and engaged in emotional and verbal abuse. The NWSL had been aware of this coach’s conduct since at least 2014, with players reporting that the coach repeatedly made sexualized remarks about their appearances, texted them after hours, and pressured them to attend inappropriate one-on-one meals with him. This coach also referred to Black players as “thugs,” and told another Black player that she was “acting like a gang member.” At least one player who complained was swiftly traded to another team. Despite knowledge of these issues, NWSL failed to take reasonable measures to protect its players. 

    In another instance, a team hired a new head coach and almost immediately received reports of this coach’s previous abusive behavior. Allegations were made publicly, and directly to NWSL, but neither the team nor the league ever investigated these reports. In his new head coach role, this individual subjected his players to constant verbal and emotional abuse. Furthermore, he created a hostile work environment on the basis of race and religion by making racist jokes, using racial epithets including the N-word, using a surgical mask to mimic religious headwear, calling a game the team was losing a “Holocaust,” and referred to a passing drill as a “Jew star.” This coach remained in his position for nearly three years.

    The NWSL’s failure to adopt essential policies exacerbated these issues. For its first eight years, the NWSL conducted only two brief workplace conduct trainings and lacked an anti-fraternization policy until 2023. It had no formal process for reporting and investigating misconduct, leaving players confused about where to seek help. Medical staff were inadequate, and in some cases, coaches forced players to play against medical advice, prioritizing performance over safety.

    As a result of the joint investigation conducted by the attorneys general, today’s settlement requires the NWSL to create a $5 million restitution fund for impacted players. The fund will be administered by former U.S. District Judge Barbara Jones, who will notify players eligible to receive settlement funds. Any unclaimed funds after 180 days will be donated to the NWSLPA’s emergency and charitable fund. The NWSL also faces $2 million in penalties if it defaults on any terms of the agreement.

    Today’s settlement also requires the NWSL to implement league-wide policy changes to protect players. With oversight from the attorneys general, the NWSL must continue to comply with extensive changes to its protocols, including:

    •  Rigorous vetting of prospective coaches, general managers, athletic trainers, and player safety officers;
    •  Multiple mechanisms for players to report misconduct;
    •  Prohibiting coaches from having exclusive control over player housing or medical decisions;
    •  A policy that teams may not investigate themselves regarding coach misconduct and player safety;
    •  Establishing a league safety officer;
    •  Requiring each team to employ dedicated HR personnel and at least one mental health professional;
    •  Annual training for all players and staff on how to prevent bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, racism, and retaliation, and the reporting mechanisms available to players; and
    •  Providing the attorneys general with the results of annual, anonymous player surveys of coach conduct and team culture.

    To safeguard players’ mental health, the attorneys general have also directed NWSL to provide unlimited free and confidential counseling services to all players via contracted clinical therapists and guarantee 80% insurance coverage for mental health services. Every NWSL team must also hire a board-certified psychiatrist or doctoral-level psychologist to serve as Team Clinician, as well as a Mental Performance Consultant. Players are all entitled to take mental health leaves as recommended by mental health professionals.

    For the next three years, the NWSL must submit biannual reports to the attorneys general, detailing the implementation of the settlement terms and noting any complaints alleging misconduct involving player or staff safety. This settlement does not preclude individual players from pursuing private legal actions against the NWSL or its teams.

    “Today’s settlement is only possible because of the players who courageously stepped forward to tell their stories and expose the League’s systemic failures. While NWSL has made critical improvements, the victims never received any compensation for the sexual and emotional abuse they endured on the League’s watch,” said Attorney General Schwalb. “No dollar amount could ever fully address the damage that was inflicted, but now my office, together with New York and Illinois, will have oversight authority to ensure that the League’s new safety policies are implemented and that current and future players are protected.”

    “I commend the current and former players whose courage and leadership off the field was critical to reaching today’s settlement. Despite having the most to lose, these players came forward to expose abuse and a lack of accountability by those at the top of the league. Because they spoke up for themselves and their teammates, they have brought about reform that will protect future players,” said Attorney General Raoul. “I am proud to collaborate with Attorney General Schwalb and Attorney General James to hold the league accountable and put an overdue end to the unprofessional and toxic practices that have plagued the league.”

    “This investigation was initiated by the NWSLPA because players refused to stay silent in the face of systemic abuse. The human rights and civil rights violations they endured were enabled by a system that failed in its most basic duty: to protect its players,” said Meghann Burke, Executive Director of the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association. “This settlement not only acknowledges those failures but, for the first time, establishes enforcement mechanisms under the law to hold NWSL accountable and to prevent future harm. We appreciate Attorneys General Brian Schwalb, Letitia James, and Kwame Raoul for their commitment to standing with players and to bringing the power of their offices to bear on enforcing the recommendations of our Joint Investigation. Accountability is not a one-time event—it is an ongoing commitment that never ends. The NWSLPA will continue to ensure that this league never again prioritizes silence over safety.”

    This matter was handled for New York by Senior Counsel Sandra Pullman and Assistant Attorney General Zoe Ridolfi-Starr, both of the Civil Rights Bureau, with assistance from Bureau Chief Sandra Park and Deputy Bureau Chief Travis England. The Civil Rights Bureau is part of the Division for Social Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Demands Refunds for Optimum Customers Facing MSG Blackouts

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, and New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin today took action to secure automatic refunds for customers of Altice USA (Altice), the owner of Optimum, who have been denied access to MSG Networks (MSG) cable channels as a result of Optimum’s blackouts. In January, Attorney General James called on Optimum and MSG to quickly resolve contract negotiations so New Yorkers would not be impacted by service disruptions. As a result of a contract dispute between Altice and MSG, Optimum cable consumers have been blocked from accessing MSG stations, leaving residents in the tri-state area who paid extra for these sports channels unable to watch them. In a letter to Optimum’s owner, Altice, the attorneys general demanded automatic refunds for customers who have been denied access to the MSG channels they paid for as part of their cable plans. 

    “New York sports fans are being put in the penalty box, forced to shell out their hard-earned money for television channels they cannot even watch,” said Attorney General James. “Optimum customers have paid for channels to watch their home sports teams, but their cable company is not offering these channels while charging them anyway. I am determined to secure a solution for New Yorkers who have had to endure these unfair blackouts and I urge Optimum and MSG to finally reach a deal so New Yorkers can watch their home teams.” 

    “We urge Optimum and MSG to resolve their dispute and end the blackout so that New Jersey consumers can once again access the services they paid for to watch their favorite local teams play,” said Attorney General Platkin.

    “Optimum and MSG need to stop the posturing and get back to the table. Figure it out and let us watch our sports in peace,” said Attorney General Tong. “In the meantime, consumers are paying for sports they can’t watch and they are owed immediate refunds without hassle.”

    Altice removed access to MSG channels for its Optimum cable plan customers beginning in January 2025. MSG channels, which provide exclusive coverage of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, and Buffalo Sabres have remained blacked out since January 1. In January, Attorney General James alerted both Optimum and MSG that the Office of the Attorney General would be monitoring the ongoing contract situation closely to ensure New York customers received the services they were paying for.

    In the letter to Altice, the attorneys general demand automatic refunds for impacted customers who paid for Optimum cable plans and were denied access to the channels they paid for.

    This is the latest example of Attorney General James taking action to protect consumers who are unfairly charged for goods and services. In December 2024, Attorney General James secured refunds for former customers of telehealth company SmileDirectClub who were charged for services they never received after the company declared bankruptcy. In October 2024, Attorney General James secured refunds for consumers whose hotel reservations in Buffalo were canceled before the solar eclipse. In February 2024, Attorney General James secured refunds for New Yorkers who were wrongfully charged for COVID-19 vaccines. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Swears In Pam Bondi as the U.S. Attorney General

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    The White House

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NId6ftqVJ1A

    MIL OSI Video –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Hosts a Bilateral Meeting with the Prime Minister of the State of Israel

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    The White House

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBvnQw7Ywf0

    MIL OSI Video –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: Tom Homan and Kristi Noem Drop a BLISTERING Warning to Illegal Aliens

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    Let this be a WARNING to illegal alien criminals: YOU’RE GOING HOME.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XawV6D41hlc

    MIL OSI Video –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Moran Introduce Legislation to Expand Production of Electric Distribution Transformers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced the Credit Incentives for Resilient Critical Utility Infrastructure and Transformers (CIRCUIT) Act to encourage the production of electric distribution transformers – devices that take high-voltage electricity from power lines and reduce it to lower voltage levels suitable for homes, businesses, and other end-users.

    The U.S. is in the middle of unprecedented demand for power transformers, which has left the energy sector uncertain about the stability of the future grid. Current production is unable to keep up with demand from new housing, data centers and more. This legislation would expand the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (45X) passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act to include distribution transformers to bolster the domestic energy economy.

    “Nevada is leading the way in 21st Century energy technologies and manufacturing, and we need more distribution transformers to connect new sources of energy and power to the grid,” said Sen. Cortez Masto. “Our bipartisan legislation to boost the production of distribution transformers is critical for lowering energy costs, supporting energy resiliency, and strengthening our national security.”

    “Demand for energy and power is continuing to grow in Kansas and across the country as housing, businesses and transportation needs expand,” said Sen. Moran. “Creating a tax credit to incentivize domestic production and manufacturing of distribution transformers will help the United States move closer to energy independence, provide jobs and keep up with rising demands.”

    “Distribution transformers are essential to a reliable electrical grid that supports our nation’s critical infrastructure,” said Debra Phillips, President and CEO of National Electric Manufacturers Association (NEMA). “NEMA thanks Senators Moran (KS) and Cortez Masto (NV) for their leadership on the bipartisan CIRCUIT Act that will ensure domestic manufacturers of distribution transformers qualify for the 45X tax credit, intended for advanced manufacturing of critical energy components. The CIRCUIT Act will also help mitigate supply chain issues that distribution transformers have faced while encouraging continued on-shoring and domestic production. We look forward to continuing to work with our bipartisan partners in Congress to create solutions that boost the resilience of our nation’s electrical grid and expand U.S. manufacturing in critical supply chains.”

    “For years, public power utilities across the country have faced a severe and ongoing shortage of distribution transformers,” said Scott Corwin, President & CEO, American Public Power Association. “This critical shortage threatens grid reliability, delays storm recovery, and dampens economic development. The American Public Power Association applauds Senators Moran and Cortez Masto for introducing the CIRCUIT Act to incentivize domestic manufacturing of distribution transformers, and we urge its swift enactment.”

    “Expanding the manufacturing credit to include distribution transformers will help give domestic manufacturers needed certainty as they work to ensure a resilient national supply chain for electric cooperatives and other utilities,” said Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. “We thank Sens. Moran and Cortez Masto for introducing this legislation, which is critical to strengthening the domestic energy economy and assisting co-ops in their mission to provide safe, reliable and affordable power to their members.”

    The full text of the bill can be found here.

    As part of her Innovation State Initiative, Senator Cortez Masto has led efforts in Congress to support Nevada’s energy industries and cut through red tape, while lowering costs for families. At a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing last March, she discussed the need to speed up interconnection processes with FERC nominees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: California CPA Indicted for Filing False Tax Returns

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    A grand jury in San Francisco returned an indictment yesterday charging a California man with filing false tax returns with the IRS.

    According to the indictment, Michael M. Gilbert, of San Rafael, filed false tax returns for himself and two business entities he controlled. Gilbert, a Certified Public Accountant since 1985, allegedly underreported the total income his accounting and tax preparation business, M.M. Gilbert & Company Inc. (M.M. Gilbert), received during the years 2017 through 2020. Gilbert allegedly solicited payments from clients of M.M. Gilbert for “tax strategies” and “donations,” among other things, which the clients paid to White Mountain Properties Inc. (White Mountain), another entity Gilbert controlled. Gilbert allegedly did not report these payments as income on White Mountain’s 2017 through 2021 business tax returns. According to the indictment, in 2020 and 2021, Gilbert also transferred more than $5 million from White Mountain to himself and then did not report that income on his individual tax returns.

    Gilbert is scheduled for his initial court appearance on Feb. 19 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler for the Northern District of California. If convicted, Gilbert faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of filing a false tax return. 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 Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Julia M. Rugg and Patrick Burns of the Tax Division 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 Security OSI –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Maine Return Preparer Charged with Preparing False Tax Returns for Clients

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    A grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging a Maine man with preparing false tax returns for clients and scheming to defraud clients, among other crimes.

    According to the indictment, Musese, a paid return preparer, ran a tax preparation business out of a barbershop he owned and operated in Auburn, Maine. During the 2021 and 2022 tax years, Musese allegedly prepared and filed with the IRS false tax returns on behalf of 17 taxpayers. These tax returns allegedly included false business losses, fuel tax credits and residential energy credits, resulting in tax refunds these clients were not entitled to receive. For the 2023 tax year, Musese allegedly continued to prepare false tax returns for clients even after his electronic filing identification number was revoked by the IRS. According to the indictment, Musese also falsified his own tax returns for 2021 and 2022.

    Musese also allegedly defrauded some of his clients by diverting to himself a portion of their tax refunds without their permission. According to the indictment, he provided these clients with copies of their tax returns that differed from the versions he filed with the IRS.

    Musese will make his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of Maine at a later date. If convicted, Musese faces up to three years in prison for each count of filing a false tax return and a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud. 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 Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee for the District of Maine made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Likhitha Butchireddygari of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Perry for the District of Maine 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 Security OSI –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Concludes Visit to Lithuania

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    February 6, 2025

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. This mission will not result in a Board discussion.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Ms. Kazuko Shirono, visited Vilnius during January 27–31, 2025, to meet with the Lithuanian authorities and other stakeholders to discuss recent economic developments, the outlook, and policy priorities. At the end of the visit, the mission issued the following statement:

    “The Lithuanian economy has shown notable resilience against a series of unprecedented shocks in recent years. Following subdued growth in 2023, the economy gained momentum in 2024 and is expected to expand further in 2025. The economic recovery so far has been primarily driven by private consumption—supported by strong growth of real income reflecting high wage growth and low inflation—helping to offset weak private investment. Despite persistent uncertainty on foreign markets, the external sector also positively contributed to growth, with robust services exports in particular. Looking forward, the positive growth momentum will be supported by easing monetary conditions, the recovery of corporate profits, and the healthy financial position of households. However, weaker than expected external demand—especially in key eurozone trade partners—and policy uncertainty in major economies could weight on domestic sentiment and exports performance, posing downside risks to the growth outlook.”

    “After further disinflation in 2024 inflation will rise in 2025, in part due to higher indirect taxes, before stabilizing above 2 percent in the medium term. Headline inflation declined to a low of 0.1 percent in October 2024, reflecting persistent negative base effects from energy and food prices and tighter monetary policy since mid-2022; it gained some pace afterwards reaching 1.9 percent by the end of the year. Core inflation remained historically high on the back of strong price growth in services, supported by high wage growth, despite the moderation of processed food and non-energy industrial prices. While Lithuania’s inflation has dropped below that in the rest of the eurozone during 2024, high rates of inflation and wage growth in the previous years leave price and wage levels elevated, reinforcing the need to restore productivity growth to preserve competitiveness.”

    “The fiscal position in 2024 appears to have been significantly better than expected due to accounting factors and higher revenue performance. In 2025, however, fiscal performance is projected to worsen largely because of defense and social expenditures that will result in a wider budget deficit and an increase in government debt as a share of GDP. The new coalition government is preparing its post-election policy priorities and action plan, including a significant further increase in defense expenditures. Furthermore, there are additional long-term spending pressures—emanating from adverse demographic shifts and the green transition. Momentous challenges in the social security system also create the need to continue to incentivize the public to save more for retirement. Altogether, Lithuania faces a pressing need to mobilize additional sources of revenue on a permanent basis and attain greater efficiency in the public sector. Importantly, any spending realignments will entail critical policy tradeoffs including vis-à-vis education, healthcare, and pensions, and revenue-generating tax measures will be key to safeguarding hard-earned policy credibility and fiscal sustainability.”  

    “Lithuania’s banking system continues to be well capitalized with ample liquidity buffers. Profitability remains at a record high, despite lower interest rates and the temporary levy on banks introduced in 2023 and extended through 2025. Balance sheet risks are contained given large capital buffers, increasing deposits and high profitability allowing to absorb potential losses, while the ratio of NPLs remains at low levels. Private credit is recovering supported by easing financial conditions. Residential real estate activity and prices are picking up since the second half of 2024 while commercial real estate activity remains subdued.”

    “The mission would like to thank the authorities and other counterparts in Lithuania for the candid discussions and useful exchange of views.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Boris Balabanov

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/02/03/pr25025-lithuania-imf-staff-concludes-visit

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Company penalized for workplace injuries

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Incidents on South-Western Motorway and Southern Motorway

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Motorists on Auckland’s South Western and Southern Motorway network may experience delays this morning, after two fatal incidents on the network in the early hours of this morning.

    Emergency services attended an incident on South Western Motorway, Mount Roskil reported at around 1am. A person had entered the motorway on foot and had been struck by a vehicle. The person died at the scene, no other injuries are reported. Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing.

    Emergency services attended a crash involving a single vehicle on Southern Motorway, Otara, reported at around 2.20am. One person died at the scene, two people were transported to Auckland Hospital in a critical condition and two other people were transported to Middlemore Hospital in a serious condition. Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Polis Administration Announces Higher Purpose Homes and VeroTouch as Latest IHIP Grant Recipients

    Source: US State of Colorado

    VeroTouch Unveils First Homes 3D Printed in Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis and the Business Funding & Incentives division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced two new recipients of the Innovative Housing Incentive Program (IHIP) grant to support the development of the off-site construction industry and create more housing at a lower cost across the state: Higher Purpose Homes and VeroTouch. The announcement comes the same day VeroTouch unveils the first houses 3D-printed in Colorado.

    “We are proud to accelerate innovation in housing to better address Colorado’s housing needs,” said Governor Jared Polis. “The unveiling of the first 3D-printed homes in the state is a great example of our state’s efforts to support new construction methods and create more housing now.”

    Compared to traditional building practices, off-site construction can produce housing more efficiently and at a lower cost while creating stable, year-round, high-quality jobs. Early results suggest that state support of construction methods like modular, manufactured, panelized and 3-D printed homes are growing the industry and generating new homes in Colorado. The annual percentage of Colorado’s modular housing units produced by out of state manufacturers has decreased from 91% to less than 50%.

    The funding announced today will directly incentivize the creation of over 160 attainable housing units. With this latest round of grants, the Polis Administration has awarded 14 IHIP grants directly incentivizing the creation of 2,300 attainable housing units across Colorado and contributing to the recipients’ work to create more than 7,500 units over three years. To date, 705 housing units have been produced with support from IHIP.

    “It’s exciting to see the statewide impact of the Innovative Housing Incentive Program as it continues to support the growth of innovative housing manufacturers located across the state, including the Buena Vista and Durango recipients announced today,” said Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT. “We commend these companies for their efforts to help increase the supply of housing which, over time, will enable more Coloradans to live in the communities they love and be close to their jobs”

    The recipients announced today include:

    Higher Purpose Homes – Durango – This panelized housing manufacturer constructs floors, walls and roofs in a manufacturing facility and then uses a crane to place the pieces. The company estimates that 30% of its homes will be deed-restricted and affordable. In 2023, the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved Higher Purpose Homes for the Rural Jump-Start program, which encourages economic development and job creation in rural communities across the state. Through IHIP, Higher Purpose Homes is approved for up to $590,000 for constructing a projected 95 units over three years.

    VeroTouch Construction – Buena Vista – This 3D printed housing manufacturer uses robots to print single- and multi-family concrete homes on-site. Today, the company is unveiling the first two homes 3-D printed in Colorado: two-bed, two-bath, 1,100 square foot units in downtown Buena Vista as part of a 31-unit development. VeroTouch Construction is approved for up to $618,000 for constructing a projected 67 units over three years.

    About the Innovative Housing Incentive Program

    The Innovative Housing Incentive Program (IHIP) helps address Colorado’s housing shortage by supporting the development and expansion of the state’s innovative housing manufacturing businesses. IHIP is part of an emerging suite of OEDIT-affiliated programs that offer housing financing tools to help increase the supply of affordable and attainable housing across Colorado. These programs include the Proposition 123 Affordable Housing Financing Fund, staffing of the Middle Income Housing Authority, work by the Colorado Creative Industries Division via the Community Revitalization and Space to Create programs and incentivizing housing units with the Historic Preservation Tax Credit.

    About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT)

    The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. Under the leadership of Governor Jared Polis, we strive to advance the State’s economy through financial and technical assistance that fosters local and regional economic development activities throughout Colorado. OEDIT offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level including business retention services, business relocation services, and business funding and incentives. Our office includes the Global Business Development division; Colorado Tourism Office; Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; Colorado Creative Industries; Business Financing & Incentives division; the Colorado Small Business Development Network; Cannabis Business Office; Colorado Office of Film, TV & Media; the Minority Business Office; Employee Ownership Office; and Rural Opportunity Office. Learn more at oedit.colorado.gov.

    ###
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Harbour Breton — Man charged with drugs offences by Harbour Breton RCMP

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Following an investigation conducted by Harbour Breton RCMP, 46-year-old Sheldon Cribb is charged with a number of criminal offences.

    The investigation began in September, 2024. In continuing with the investigation, a search warrant, obtained under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, was obtained and vehicle associated to Cribb was searched in October, 2024. Inside the vehicle, officers located a quantity of cocaine, cash, contraband tobacco and other items consistent with drug trafficking.

    On February 4, 2025, in support of evidence gained during the course of this investigation, the following charges were laid against Cribb:

    • Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking – Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
    • Possession of unstamped tobacco – Excise Act 2001
    • Possession of contraband tobacco – Revenue Administration Act

    He is set to appear in court to answer to all of these charges on February 18, 2025.

    The investigation is continuing.

    Harbour Breton RCMP thanks the public for continuing to report suspected drug-trafficking and other illegal activities in the community. If you have information about illegal drug activities in your community, please contact your local police or crime stoppers to make a report.

    RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Charlotte Man Is Sentenced To Prison For Illegal Possession Of A Firearm And Transfer Of A Machinegun

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced Shakor Daniels, 26, of Charlotte, to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and transfer of a machinegun, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.

    According to court documents and court proceedings, on June 13, 2023, law enforcement stopped Daniels’s vehicle for a traffic violation. Over the course of the traffic stop, officers found two firearms inside the vehicle. Daniels admitted to possessing a firearm for protection.

    Court documents show that, in the fall of 2023, law enforcement determined that Daniels was advertising Glock switches for sale on his social media account, which included the tag line “Go fed or go home.” A Glock switch is an illegal conversion device that enables a conventional semi-automatic pistol to function as a fully automatic firearm. According to court records, on several occasions, undercover ATF agents purchased multiple items from Daniels, including Glock switches for handguns and a rifle, and a 45-round drum magazine. On January 14, 2024, Daniels sent an image of a handgun to an undercover ATF agent that Daniels was selling. The undercover agent agreed to meet Daniels to purchase the firearm. On January 16, 2024, Daniels was arrested when he arrived to sell the firearm to the undercover agent. Daniels has prior criminal convictions, and he is prohibited from possessing firearms.

    Daniels is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

    The ATF investigated the case with the assistance of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Federal Gun and Drug Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOHNNIE HAGANS (“HAGANS”), age 32, was sentenced on January 30, 2025, by United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier, after previously pleading guilty to a multi-count indictment.  Count 1 charged him with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C).  Count 2 charged him with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(1).  Counts 3 and 4 charged him with being a felon in possession a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

    HAGANS was sentenced to 157 months imprisonment as to all counts of the indictment, with Counts 1, 3, and 4 to run concurrently, and the sentence for Count 2 to run consecutively to those counts.  Judge Barbier also placed HAGANS on supervised release for 3 years and ordered payment of a $400 mandatory special assessment fee.

    According to court documents, on January 23, 2024, a New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officer surveilling a Valero gas station in New Orleans saw HAGANS making multiple hand-to-hand drug sales.  NOPD patrol officers detected an object in HAGANS’s waistband recognizable as a firearm.  HAGANS fled from the officers and discarded a Ruger Model LCPII, .380 caliber pistol, that officers later recovered, in an open lot.  Officers also obtained a search warrant for a Nissan Rogue SUV located in the Valero gas station parking lot that HAGANS had previously  accessed.  Inside the SUV, officers found a Kahr Arms Model CW40, .40 caliber pistol, and a plastic bag containing cocaine.  Officers later obtained a search warrant for HAGANS’s residence and recovered a Romarm/Cugir Model Micro Draco, 7.62-millimeter pistol and an Anderson Arms Model AM-15, .223 caliber /5.56-millimeter pistol.

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

    U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crime Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: UN – International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (6 Feb. 2025)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    On this International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, France demands an end to this intolerable form of violence without further delay. It is an unacceptable attack on the physical integrity and fundamental rights of women and girls. That makes it a human rights violation, which France condemns in the strongest possible terms.

    Throughout the world, France defends the right to have control over one’s own body. It is an inalienable right that is fundamental to women’s freedom, life and health, and the full realization of gender equality.

    To advocate for the rights of women and girls and gender equality, France is strongly committed to pursuing an ambitious feminist foreign policy. On September 25, 2024, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot reminded the UN General Assembly of France’s commitment to the protection of sexual and reproductive rights and health at a meeting he co-chaired with other countries that have adopted a feminist diplomacy and foreign policy.

    France stands with civil society stakeholders and the UN in their fight against female genital mutilation. Since 2019, we have supported the Joint UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNICEF Accelerate the Change initiatives. Since 2020, the Support Fund for Feminist Organizations (FSOF) has also provided backing for a number of projects aimed at eradicating this harmful practice in several countries. A new program will soon be launched to support a large-scale effort to prevent these mutilations.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £1.3million investment could see improvements to parks, splash pools and sports facilities across Portsmouth

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Portsmouth City Council’s administration has included a number of initiatives within its budget proposals, which it believes will enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

    Parks and open spaces are the green lungs of the city. Funding has been allocated to improve them, including a biological dredging project to remove sediment and improve water quality at Baffins Pond, a project many residents are keen to see. A two-year project to improve irrigation and biodiversity at Southsea Common, ensuring it remains a vibrant space for public events, will also get the go-ahead.

    Playing outdoors allows children to develop self-confidence, independence, fitness and self-esteem. If adopted, the proposals will enable the Council to continue the planned programme of renewal of play equipment across Portsmouth, in both parks and adventure playgrounds. In addition, the splash pools at Canoe Lake and Clarence Esplanade will be fully refurbished, and splash pools at four other sites will undergo relining.

    There is match funding for the Playzones project bid, which could see new multi-use games areas created at five sites across the city if the bid is successful. The £300k investment from the Council would then unlock £1.3m of funding from the Football Foundation towards the scheme. There is also money for enhancements to the city’s green infrastructure, which will help promote environmental sustainability.

    The city’s heritage is also recognised, with funding proposed for essential treatments to preserve key bronze statues, including the Grade II-listed Nelson statue, Queen Victoria, and Charles Dickens. The plans also include the installation of memorial plaques to honour the historic contributions and sacrifices made during World War II, as part of plans to commemorate the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day.

    Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:

    “Because of our prudent approach to the Council’s finances, we can make these commitments despite the funding issues affecting local authorities across the country. These investments reflect our commitment to maintaining and improving Portsmouth’s public spaces for future generations.

    “From playgrounds to historic statues, these projects will provide residents with enhanced recreational opportunities and will ensure the city continues to be a welcoming, vibrant, and inclusive place to live, work, and visit.”

    These proposals are in addition to the £20m invested into sports facilities across the city since 2017. There are future investments planned, including £22m towards creating a new hub in Bransbury Park, which will bring sports, swimming, and healthcare together, including a learner pool that can be utilised by many nearby schools.

    The council is also leading the renovation of Hilsea Lido, which is funded by the UK government and will open this year, 90 years since it first opened in 1935.

    These proposals are part of the Council’s capital budget, which can be used for major one-off projects and statutory improvements. The capital funding can’t be used for funding the ongoing delivery of council services such as pressures arising from temporary accommodation and social care.

    The budget proposals will be considered at the council’s Cabinet meeting on 11 February and if accepted will then go to the Full Council meeting on 25 February for approval.

    • The proposed locations for the Playzones project are Beacon View School, Stamshaw Park, Baffins Pond, Mayfield School and the Charles Dickens Centre.
    • The splash pools that would be relined are in Stamshaw, Buckland, Portsea and Paulsgrove.
    • The playgrounds that would receive new play equipment include Victoria Park, College Park, Southsea Common & Drayton Park.
    • The adventure playgrounds that would receive new play equipment are Landport, Somerstown, Portsea, Paulsgrove, Stamshaw and Buckland.
    • The budget papers are available here, and the appendices with a full breakdown can be found here.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Acting United States Attorney Fondren Announces Federal Indictments for Firearm and Violent Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Memphis, TN – Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren announced today the indictments of seven individuals who were charged with federal gun and violent crime offenses in West Tennessee.  Acting United States Attorney Fondren emphasized that the United States’ commitment to prosecuting individuals who illegally possess firearms and commit violent offenses remains a top priority for her office.

    The following defendants were charged with firearm or violent crime offenses:

    • Torrian Floyd, 35. Floyd was indicted on January 30, 2025, on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
    • Mohamadou Ba, 21. Ba was indicted on January 30, 2025, on one count of robbery of a business affecting interstate commerce, one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the robbery, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
    • Maurice Harris, 31. Harris was indicted on three counts robbery of a business affecting interstate commerce, three counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the robberies, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
    • Marshun Lewis, 24. Lewis was indicted on two counts robbery of a postal carrier and two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the robberies.
    • Royce Newsome, 32, and Alvin Anthony, 30. Newsome and Anthony were indicted on one count each of conspiracy to commit carjacking and carjacking. Additionally, Newsome was indicted on one count of aiding and abetting a robbery, and Anthony was indicted on one count of accessory after the fact to the carjacking.
    • Christopher Busby, 53. Busby was indicted on two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

    These cases are being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force; the Project Safe Neighborhoods Gun Task Force; the Memphis Police Department; and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.  Anyone with information about switches or other federal gun crimes can call 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867).

    The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.  If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of the factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

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

    Acting United States Attorney Fondren thanked the Assistant United States Attorneys prosecuting these cases, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the cases. 

    ###

    For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Trio Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Federal Prison for Mail Theft and Card Cracking Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    INDIANAPOLIS— Three individuals have been sentenced to a combined 16 years in federal prison for their roles in a multi-year mail theft and bank fraud scheme.

    According to court documents, between October 2021 and April 2022, Cortez Venable, Ephraim Aung, and Brooke Bryan conspired together to commit bank fraud using financial documents such as checks and money orders, which were stolen from U.S. Postal Service (USPS) collection boxes. These collection boxes can only be opened by special “arrow keys” that belong to USPS letter carriers. In order to obtain the arrow keys, Venable and other unknown individuals robbed postal workers at gunpoint while they were on their daily routes delivering mail. Venable robbed a letter carrier on October 4, 2021. Prior to the robbery, Venable and Aung had been in contact via text message. Aung told Venable to take the letter carrier’s mail bag, in addition to their arrow keys, and to look for checks in the stolen mail.

    On December 6, 2021, Bryan and Aung served as lookouts while other unknown men attempted to rob a letter carrier of her arrow key in the parking lot of an apartment complex. The letter carrier ran to Bryan and Aung’s vehicle for help, unaware that they were involved in the scheme.

    Aung again served as a lookout during an armed robbery of a letter carrier that occurred on December 21, 2021.

    Using the arrow keys taken during the robberies, Venable and Aung stole mail, checks and money orders from USPS blue collection boxes in the Indianapolis area. Next, they used the stolen checks and money orders to obtain real cash by either (1) creating fraudulent checks and money orders using some or all of the information found on the stolen checks and money orders; or (2) altering the payee information on the stolen checks and money orders. Venable and Aung recruited others to deposit the fraudulent checks and money orders into their personal bank accounts, a scheme that has come to be known as “card cracking.” Bryan also deposited stolen financial instruments into her personal account.

    Card cracking is a form of fraud where bank account holders respond to an online solicitation for “easy money” and provide a debit card for withdrawal of fake check deposits. Criminals use social media platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, or Telegram to solicit account holders. Those who respond to these solicitations – now accomplices – provide their debit card, PIN, password, and other personal identifying information to give the criminal direct access to their account, as well as payment of sometimes $15,000 for the service. The fraudster deposits the worthless checks and either immediately withdraws the funds at an ATM or transfers it out of the account via money transfer applications like Zelle or CashApp. The criminal sometimes provides the customer with a cut of the money withdrawn using worthless checks – or, in other cases, takes all funds out of the customer’s account.

    During a search of Venable’s car and home, U.S. Postal Service Investigators recovered 247 pieces of stolen mail, three arrow keys, $70,121.44 in stolen checks and four firearms. As a convicted felon, Venable was prohibited from possessing firearms.

    Investigators also searched the apartment that Bryan and Aung shared and located several stolen checks, altered money orders, laptops, a printer, a scanner, and blank check stock, along with other items commonly used to alter checks, including razor blades and white out. Multiple firearms were also recovered in their residence.

    In total, more than 150 people were victimized by this scheme, losing a total of approximately $104,747.09.

    Aung, Bryan and Venable were convicted and sentenced as follows:

    Defendant Charges Sentence
    Ephraim Aung, 23, Indianapolis
    • Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
    • Bank Fraud, 2 Counts
    • Mail Theft

    5 years imprisonment

    3 years supervised release

    $807 in restitution

    $500 fine
    Brooke Bryan, 22, Indianapolis
    • Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
    • Bank Fraud

    18 months imprisonment

    2 years supervised release

    $807 in restitution

    $500 fine
    Cortez Venable, 27, Lawrence
    • Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
    • Bank Fraud
    • Robbery or Mail
    • Brandishing a Firearm In Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
    • Mail Theft
    • Keys or Locks Stolen

    130 months imprisonment

    3 years supervised release

    $807 in restitution

    $500 fine

    “Not only did this scheme victimize and traumatize letter carriers – it also victimized ordinary citizens who rely on the United States mail to send important correspondence or pay bills,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Letter carriers should not have to live in fear of gun violence simply for doing their jobs. Americans should not have to fear that their important financial documents will be stolen and exploited by fraudsters who wreak financial havoc. The serious federal prison sentences in this case demonstrates that the Department of Justice, working with our federal partners, will ensure there will be serious consequences for violence against public servants and fraud against the public.”

    “This sentencing represents the hard work and dedication by USPS OIG Special Agents, the U.S. Postal Inspectors and the Beech Grove and Lawrence Police Departments, working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring charges on this significant mail theft investigation. Substantial sentences such as these are a staunch reminder of the severity of stealing from the U.S. Mail,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennus Bishop, U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Central Area Field Office. “The majority of postal employees are hard-working public servants dedicated to moving mail to its proper destination. The USPS OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, remain committed to safeguarding the U.S. Mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.”

    “The sentencing of these three individuals shows the utmost importance we place on the safety of U.S. Postal Service employees and the sanctity of the U.S. mail,” said Detroit Division Acting Inspector in Charge Felicia George. “We will not stop pursuing those who seek to harm our employees and victimize postal customers. We will bring them to justice to account for their violent and selfish crimes. The partnerships we’ve established with our USPS OIG counterparts, local police departments, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office allowed us to work jointly to pursue and hold these individuals accountable. Let this serve as reminder to those who want to make a quick dollar by traumatizing our letter carriers and financially preying on the American public: We will find you and bring you to justice.”

    The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Beech Grove Police Department, and the Lawrence Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey Massa and Meredith Wood and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence Hilton, who prosecuted this case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Guilty of Drug Trafficking and Possessing Two Machineguns

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TIERON PRICE (“PRICE”), age 22, pled guilty on February 4, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Darrel J. Papillion, to two counts of possessing a machinegun, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(o) and 924(a)(2); possession with intent to distribute tapentadol, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i).

    According to court documents, on May 22, 2023, PRICE was driving a stolen vehicle in New Orleans. When Louisiana State Police troopers attempted to pull him over, PRICE accelerated and led troopers on a dangerous, and potentially life threatening, car chase. The chase ended when PRICE struck a vehicle stopped at a red light.  PRICE, and two other occupants, fled but were caught.  Inside a backpack carried by one of the other occupants was a Glock Model 17, nine-millimeter caliber pistol, equipped with a Glock auto-sear, making the firearm a fully-automatic machinegun.  The machinegun had a bullet in the chamber and was loaded with an extended magazine containing 23 rounds of ammunition. 

    PRICE was arrested after the car chase but subsequently released on bond.  On January 19, 2024,  New Orleans Police Department detectives executed a search warrant at PRICE’s residence.  During the search, officers found a Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter caliber pistol, a black Glock auto-sear hidden in a baby bassinet, and a drum magazine loaded with 49 rounds.  PRICE was seen the day  before the search with the same gun equipped with the auto-sear and the drum magazine.  During the search, officers also found over $6,000 in cash, and 95 tapentadol pills that PRICE intended to distribute.

    As to each of his convictions for possession of a machinegun, PRICE faces up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine.  As to his drug trafficking conviction, he faces up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and up to a $1,000,000 fine.  As to his conviction for possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence, and up to five years of supervised release.  Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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

    The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Metro East Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Wire Fraud in Gas Pump Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A federal judge in southern Illinois sentenced three men to prison for their involvement in a scheme to use counterfeit credit and debit cards to fill up tanks for gas station patrons in exchange for cash.

    Dee E. Day, 31, of Belleville, was sentenced Monday to 30 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $14,295 in restitution. Marquise Q. Golliday, 29, of Collinsville, and Montuelle F. Wright, 33, of East St. Louis, were each previously sentenced to 28 months’ imprisonment.

    Day, Golliday and Wright each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

    “Financial exploitation and identity theft crimes are serious offenses with lasting effects on victims, but thankfully, our law enforcement partners worked swiftly to disband this criminal ring,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.

    According to court documents, the conspirators had counterfeit credit and debit cards with one set of information on the front, but the routing information was electronically modified and reencoded on the cards’ magnetic strip. The encoded data included the victims’ names and card numbers.

    “Financial crimes perpetrated on law-abiding citizens often have lasting effects on unknowing victims. The U.S. Secret Service is dedicated to stopping and deterring such crimes to safeguard our nation’s financial security as well as innocent people,” Special Agent in Charge Dai Tran, of the Chicago Field Office, said. “I’m proud of our agency’s work on this case and I’m thankful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for pursuing it.”

    The trio used the modified cards to charge more than 130 fraudulent transactions on accounts belonging to 34 victims totaling more than $14,000.

    Most of the fraud was committed at a Sauget gas station from Nov. 1-5, 2019. Similar conduct was reported at gas stations in Columbia and Fairview Heights in Illinois and Valley Park, Missouri.

    The U.S. Secret Service led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Reed prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Labor Union Financial Secretary Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Union Assets

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Freedom, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of embezzlement of labor union assets, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    Vincent Wolf, 57, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

    In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from approximately April 2013 through April 2021, Wolf served as the financial secretary for the United Steelworkers Local Union 623 in Freedom. As financial secretary, Wolf was responsible for maintaining all financial records, preparing annual reports, and issuing payments on behalf of Local 623 related to union officers’ salaries and expenses. An audit of the union’s finances following Wolf’s re-election loss revealed that Wolf omitted from those records disbursements that he made to himself in the form of writing union checks to himself, ATM withdrawals, and using the union debit card to buy lunch and alcohol. The audit determined that Wolf embezzled a total of $14,695.

    Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for June 4, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain to Wolf, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wolf.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 7, 2025
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