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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Security: Conclusion of misconduct hearing for two PCs

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two serving Met police officers have been dismissed without notice for making homophobic, racist and sexualised comments to colleagues.

    PCs Ben Jeffries and Wayne Samson, attached to the North West Command, appeared before a nine-day hearing, which concluded on Thursday, 3 July. It found that both officers had breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to discreditable conduct, authority, respect and courtesy, and equality and diversity.

    These breaches amounted to gross misconduct.

    It was heard that on multiple occasions, dating back to 2020, the officers made racist, misogynistic, sexual and homophobic remarks to several colleagues while on duty.

    PC Jeffries was also found to have sent a colleague an unsolicited picture of his genitals in August 2021.

    In November 2021, PC Sansom performed an offensive act towards a colleague.

    Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing for the North West Command, said: “The actions and comments made by both PC Jeffries and PC Samson were disgusting, wholly inappropriate and fell far below the standards expected of Met police officers. It is right they have been dismissed.

    “I would encourage our staff to continue to report any wrongdoing so that we can take action.”

    The officers will now both be added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies, the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • PM Modi presents handcrafted Indian artefacts to Ghanaian leaders on historic visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his two-day visit to Ghana on Thursday by gifting handcrafted artefacts to the country’s top leaders, underlining India’s rich craft traditions and centuries-old artisanal legacy.

    The Prime Minister gifted Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama a pair of Bidriware vases from Bidar, Karnataka. Crafted by skilled artisans using a centuries-old technique, the vases feature a zinc-copper alloy base with a distinctive black finish and fine silver inlay. Engraved with floral motifs, they symbolise beauty, prosperity and harmony.

    To Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, PM Modi presented an elegant silver filigree purse from Cuttack, Odisha. Known for its Tarakasi work, the region’s delicate silver filigree craft has been practised for over five centuries. The handcrafted purse combines intricate floral and vine designs with modern style, blending tradition with contemporary elegance.

    Ghana’s Vice-President, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, received a Kashmiri Pashmina shawl — woven from the fine undercoat of the Changthangi goat. Celebrated for its softness and warmth, genuine Pashmina is hand-spun, woven and embroidered by artisans in Kashmir, with each piece taking weeks or months to complete.

    PM Modi also gifted a miniature Ambawari elephant to Ghana’s Speaker, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin. Handcrafted in West Bengal from polished synthetic ivory — an ethical alternative to natural ivory — the piece draws inspiration from royal processions where elephants carried nobility in ornate howdahs.

    (With agency inputs)

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Cope Angel 2025: US, Japan sharpen search, rescue skills

    Source: United States Airforce

    U.S. Air Force Airmen, assigned to the 33rd and 31st Rescue Squadrons, partnered with Japan Air Self-Defense Force members from the Naha Air Rescue Squadron for exercise Cope Angel 25-1 at Kadena and Naha Air Bases.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and Peru hold sixth iteration of bilateral Political Consultations Mechanism in London

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UK and Peru hold sixth iteration of bilateral Political Consultations Mechanism in London

    The Minister for International Development, Latin America and Caribbean and Peruvian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs co-chaired the 6th session of the Peru-UK Political Consultations in London on 3 July.

    The Rt. Hon Baroness Chapman of Darlington, Minister for International Development, Latin America and Caribbean welcomed Peruvian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Felix Denegri to London on 3 July, where the two Ministers co-chaired the 6th session of the Peru-UK Political Consultations.

    A historic relationship rooted in shared values dating back over 200 years, the UK and Peru reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their modern partnership.

    Successes celebrated since the last meeting include the successful ratification of the UK’s CPTPP accession; the signing of a Double Taxation Agreement; and signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Climate Change. The two countries celebrated the  culmination of the 200-year anniversary of Peru-UK relations in 2023 and numerous high-level visits both ways.

    1. On security and defence, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order and willingness to jointly tackle global insecurity. The UK and Peru agreed to drive collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding on Security cooperation, addressing transnational drug trafficking, illicit financial flows, corruption and environmental crime.

    2. On growth, the parties celebrated the strengthening of bilateral trade and investment, supported by a growing framework of trade and government-to-government agreements (G2Gs). Peru acknowledged the UK’s valuable contribution to Peru’s infrastructure on health, education and flood defences. This includes the UK’s position as the largest foreign direct investor in mining in Peru. The UK also presented its recently launched Industrial Strategy and the two sides discussed collaboration on Peru’s clean energy transition, including unlocking green hydrogen potential.

    3. The parties highlighted their joint efforts to address climate change, protect the Amazon Rainforest, promote green investment and tackle environmental crime. They celebrated the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Climate and Biodiversity and discussed Peru’s leadership as a key partner in Latin America ahead of COP30. The UK offered to continue supporting Peru in developing a National Bioeconomy Strategy by 2026.

    4. Lastly, the UK and Peru stressed the value of shared cultural experiences as a foundation to the bilateral relationship. They celebrated the promotion of English Language learning through the British Council and academic excellence through the UK’s Chevening scholarships programme. The parties will soon drive this further through the signing of two Memorandum’s of Understanding to collaborate on quality higher education in Peru delivered by the British Council.

    Speaking after the Consultations, Baroness Chapman said:

    The UK and Peru share a warm and historic friendship – over 200 years strong,  grounded in our values, mutual respect and common ambitions.

    Today we are working closer than ever for shared growth and prosperity. The UK is already Peru’s largest foreign investor and I had a fantastic discussion with Ambassador Denegri today on how we can build on this, from trade, to climate and security.

    Vice minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru, Félix Denegri said:

    We had very fruitful discussions with Baroness Chapman, in which we ratified our commitment to continuously expand and strengthen our bilateral agenda, based on our shared principles, values and interests.

    I am greatly satisfied with the level of bilateral engagement between Peru and the UK, shown in reciprocal ministerial, vice-ministerial and high authorities visits in the last two years. We both highlighted the continuity of our Political Consultations Mechanism, being this the sixth since its establishment in 2018.

    We look forward to welcome Baroness Chapman for our next round of Consultations, in Peru.

    The UK and Peru will continue to strengthen bilateral ties across security, growth, climate and education, invigorated through their new agreements and MOUs. The parties agreed to reconvene in Peru in 2026.

    Media enquiries

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    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU student to compete for victory at International Student Media Conference

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On July 2, 2025, the III International Student Media Conference, organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, started on the territory of the Ethnomir Russian Park-Museum.

    The National University of Management is represented at the event by a foreign student from China, first-year master’s student Zhou Jingfan, studying in the field of “International Business Management”.

    The opening ceremony of the gathering was attended by Deputy Director General of the World Youth Festival Directorate Vakhtang Khiklandze and Deputy Head of Rossotrudnichestvo Pavel Shevtsov. The goal of the event was to create a platform for the exchange of experience and knowledge between foreign student journalists and bloggers from 50 Russian universities, to improve the level of professional competencies and to develop international cooperation in the field of media and education.

    Over the course of five days, students will learn about new tools for working in the media space, take part in master classes from leading media industry experts, attend lectures from both Russian and foreign experts, and apply the knowledge they have gained in practice by creating their own media projects dedicated to the culture and values of Russia.

    Based on the results of the completed projects, the best team and winners in individual nominations will be determined, who will have the opportunity to go on a press tour to Teriberka, a village in the Murmansk region on the shore of the Barents Sea.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: AI projects to help Nova Scotia companies innovate and boost productivity

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Halifax, Nova Scotia · July 3, 2025 · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Halifax West, will announce significant support to help three businesses harness the power of AI and seize new growth opportunities. 

    The announcement will be made on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

    A representative of Bluedrop Training & Simulation will also speak to the positive impact AI adoption has had on their business.

    Date: July 4, 2025  

    Time: 11 a.m.         

    Location:
    Oberland Agriscience Inc.  
    71 Grassy Lake Drive
    Halifax, Nova Scotia
    B3S 0E8

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • PM Modi invites Ghana’s legislators to visit new Indian Parliament

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday invited Ghanaian lawmakers to visit India’s new Parliament building, calling it a symbol of India’s commitment to inclusivity and democratic reforms.

    Addressing Ghana’s Parliament during his visit to Accra, PM Modi highlighted the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 — the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act — which earmarks one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and the Delhi Assembly for women, including those reserved for SCs and STs.

    “I invite you to visit the new Parliament of India. You will see the bold step we have taken to reserve one-third of the seats in Parliament and state assemblies for women,” he said.

    The Prime Minister underscored that India is set to become the world’s third-largest economy and highlighted the political stability that has enabled this growth. “Last year, the people of India re-elected the same government for a third consecutive term — something that has happened after more than six decades,” he said.

    Drawing a symbolic link between Africa and India’s strides in space, PM Modi recalled that India’s Chandrayaan mission touched down on the Moon’s South Pole while he was in Africa. “Today, as an Indian astronaut conducts experiments on board a space station for the welfare of humanity, I am once again in Africa,” he said.

    Calling for urgent reform in global governance, the Prime Minister said institutions set up in the last century were struggling to tackle challenges such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism and cybersecurity. “Progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global South. We are proud that the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency,” he said.

    Describing India as the “Mother of Democracy”, the PM said democracy was deeply rooted in the country’s civilisational ethos. Quoting the Rigveda, he said, “Let good thoughts come to us from all directions — this openness to ideas is the core of democracy.”

    Citing India’s diversity as a testament to its democratic vibrancy, PM Modi said, “India has over 2,500 political parties, twenty different parties governing various states, 22 official languages and thousands of dialects.”

    He added that this spirit of openness helps Indians integrate wherever they go. “Even in Ghana, they have blended into society, just like sugar in tea,” the Prime Minister said.

    On a lighter note, PM Modi said that the bond between India and Ghana is “sweeter than your famous Sugarloaf Pineapple”, earning warm applause from the lawmakers.

    ANI

  • PM Modi invites Ghana’s legislators to visit new Indian Parliament

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday invited Ghanaian lawmakers to visit India’s new Parliament building, calling it a symbol of India’s commitment to inclusivity and democratic reforms.

    Addressing Ghana’s Parliament during his visit to Accra, PM Modi highlighted the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 — the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act — which earmarks one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and the Delhi Assembly for women, including those reserved for SCs and STs.

    “I invite you to visit the new Parliament of India. You will see the bold step we have taken to reserve one-third of the seats in Parliament and state assemblies for women,” he said.

    The Prime Minister underscored that India is set to become the world’s third-largest economy and highlighted the political stability that has enabled this growth. “Last year, the people of India re-elected the same government for a third consecutive term — something that has happened after more than six decades,” he said.

    Drawing a symbolic link between Africa and India’s strides in space, PM Modi recalled that India’s Chandrayaan mission touched down on the Moon’s South Pole while he was in Africa. “Today, as an Indian astronaut conducts experiments on board a space station for the welfare of humanity, I am once again in Africa,” he said.

    Calling for urgent reform in global governance, the Prime Minister said institutions set up in the last century were struggling to tackle challenges such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism and cybersecurity. “Progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global South. We are proud that the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency,” he said.

    Describing India as the “Mother of Democracy”, the PM said democracy was deeply rooted in the country’s civilisational ethos. Quoting the Rigveda, he said, “Let good thoughts come to us from all directions — this openness to ideas is the core of democracy.”

    Citing India’s diversity as a testament to its democratic vibrancy, PM Modi said, “India has over 2,500 political parties, twenty different parties governing various states, 22 official languages and thousands of dialects.”

    He added that this spirit of openness helps Indians integrate wherever they go. “Even in Ghana, they have blended into society, just like sugar in tea,” the Prime Minister said.

    On a lighter note, PM Modi said that the bond between India and Ghana is “sweeter than your famous Sugarloaf Pineapple”, earning warm applause from the lawmakers.

    ANI

  • PM Modi invites Ghana’s legislators to visit new Indian Parliament

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday invited Ghanaian lawmakers to visit India’s new Parliament building, calling it a symbol of India’s commitment to inclusivity and democratic reforms.

    Addressing Ghana’s Parliament during his visit to Accra, PM Modi highlighted the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 — the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act — which earmarks one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and the Delhi Assembly for women, including those reserved for SCs and STs.

    “I invite you to visit the new Parliament of India. You will see the bold step we have taken to reserve one-third of the seats in Parliament and state assemblies for women,” he said.

    The Prime Minister underscored that India is set to become the world’s third-largest economy and highlighted the political stability that has enabled this growth. “Last year, the people of India re-elected the same government for a third consecutive term — something that has happened after more than six decades,” he said.

    Drawing a symbolic link between Africa and India’s strides in space, PM Modi recalled that India’s Chandrayaan mission touched down on the Moon’s South Pole while he was in Africa. “Today, as an Indian astronaut conducts experiments on board a space station for the welfare of humanity, I am once again in Africa,” he said.

    Calling for urgent reform in global governance, the Prime Minister said institutions set up in the last century were struggling to tackle challenges such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism and cybersecurity. “Progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global South. We are proud that the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency,” he said.

    Describing India as the “Mother of Democracy”, the PM said democracy was deeply rooted in the country’s civilisational ethos. Quoting the Rigveda, he said, “Let good thoughts come to us from all directions — this openness to ideas is the core of democracy.”

    Citing India’s diversity as a testament to its democratic vibrancy, PM Modi said, “India has over 2,500 political parties, twenty different parties governing various states, 22 official languages and thousands of dialects.”

    He added that this spirit of openness helps Indians integrate wherever they go. “Even in Ghana, they have blended into society, just like sugar in tea,” the Prime Minister said.

    On a lighter note, PM Modi said that the bond between India and Ghana is “sweeter than your famous Sugarloaf Pineapple”, earning warm applause from the lawmakers.

    ANI

  • PM Modi invites Ghana’s legislators to visit new Indian Parliament

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday invited Ghanaian lawmakers to visit India’s new Parliament building, calling it a symbol of India’s commitment to inclusivity and democratic reforms.

    Addressing Ghana’s Parliament during his visit to Accra, PM Modi highlighted the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 — the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act — which earmarks one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and the Delhi Assembly for women, including those reserved for SCs and STs.

    “I invite you to visit the new Parliament of India. You will see the bold step we have taken to reserve one-third of the seats in Parliament and state assemblies for women,” he said.

    The Prime Minister underscored that India is set to become the world’s third-largest economy and highlighted the political stability that has enabled this growth. “Last year, the people of India re-elected the same government for a third consecutive term — something that has happened after more than six decades,” he said.

    Drawing a symbolic link between Africa and India’s strides in space, PM Modi recalled that India’s Chandrayaan mission touched down on the Moon’s South Pole while he was in Africa. “Today, as an Indian astronaut conducts experiments on board a space station for the welfare of humanity, I am once again in Africa,” he said.

    Calling for urgent reform in global governance, the Prime Minister said institutions set up in the last century were struggling to tackle challenges such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism and cybersecurity. “Progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global South. We are proud that the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency,” he said.

    Describing India as the “Mother of Democracy”, the PM said democracy was deeply rooted in the country’s civilisational ethos. Quoting the Rigveda, he said, “Let good thoughts come to us from all directions — this openness to ideas is the core of democracy.”

    Citing India’s diversity as a testament to its democratic vibrancy, PM Modi said, “India has over 2,500 political parties, twenty different parties governing various states, 22 official languages and thousands of dialects.”

    He added that this spirit of openness helps Indians integrate wherever they go. “Even in Ghana, they have blended into society, just like sugar in tea,” the Prime Minister said.

    On a lighter note, PM Modi said that the bond between India and Ghana is “sweeter than your famous Sugarloaf Pineapple”, earning warm applause from the lawmakers.

    ANI

  • PM Modi invites Ghana’s legislators to visit new Indian Parliament

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday invited Ghanaian lawmakers to visit India’s new Parliament building, calling it a symbol of India’s commitment to inclusivity and democratic reforms.

    Addressing Ghana’s Parliament during his visit to Accra, PM Modi highlighted the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 — the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act — which earmarks one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and the Delhi Assembly for women, including those reserved for SCs and STs.

    “I invite you to visit the new Parliament of India. You will see the bold step we have taken to reserve one-third of the seats in Parliament and state assemblies for women,” he said.

    The Prime Minister underscored that India is set to become the world’s third-largest economy and highlighted the political stability that has enabled this growth. “Last year, the people of India re-elected the same government for a third consecutive term — something that has happened after more than six decades,” he said.

    Drawing a symbolic link between Africa and India’s strides in space, PM Modi recalled that India’s Chandrayaan mission touched down on the Moon’s South Pole while he was in Africa. “Today, as an Indian astronaut conducts experiments on board a space station for the welfare of humanity, I am once again in Africa,” he said.

    Calling for urgent reform in global governance, the Prime Minister said institutions set up in the last century were struggling to tackle challenges such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism and cybersecurity. “Progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global South. We are proud that the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency,” he said.

    Describing India as the “Mother of Democracy”, the PM said democracy was deeply rooted in the country’s civilisational ethos. Quoting the Rigveda, he said, “Let good thoughts come to us from all directions — this openness to ideas is the core of democracy.”

    Citing India’s diversity as a testament to its democratic vibrancy, PM Modi said, “India has over 2,500 political parties, twenty different parties governing various states, 22 official languages and thousands of dialects.”

    He added that this spirit of openness helps Indians integrate wherever they go. “Even in Ghana, they have blended into society, just like sugar in tea,” the Prime Minister said.

    On a lighter note, PM Modi said that the bond between India and Ghana is “sweeter than your famous Sugarloaf Pineapple”, earning warm applause from the lawmakers.

    ANI

  • PM Modi invites Ghana’s legislators to visit new Indian Parliament

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday invited Ghanaian lawmakers to visit India’s new Parliament building, calling it a symbol of India’s commitment to inclusivity and democratic reforms.

    Addressing Ghana’s Parliament during his visit to Accra, PM Modi highlighted the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 — the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act — which earmarks one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and the Delhi Assembly for women, including those reserved for SCs and STs.

    “I invite you to visit the new Parliament of India. You will see the bold step we have taken to reserve one-third of the seats in Parliament and state assemblies for women,” he said.

    The Prime Minister underscored that India is set to become the world’s third-largest economy and highlighted the political stability that has enabled this growth. “Last year, the people of India re-elected the same government for a third consecutive term — something that has happened after more than six decades,” he said.

    Drawing a symbolic link between Africa and India’s strides in space, PM Modi recalled that India’s Chandrayaan mission touched down on the Moon’s South Pole while he was in Africa. “Today, as an Indian astronaut conducts experiments on board a space station for the welfare of humanity, I am once again in Africa,” he said.

    Calling for urgent reform in global governance, the Prime Minister said institutions set up in the last century were struggling to tackle challenges such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism and cybersecurity. “Progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global South. We are proud that the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency,” he said.

    Describing India as the “Mother of Democracy”, the PM said democracy was deeply rooted in the country’s civilisational ethos. Quoting the Rigveda, he said, “Let good thoughts come to us from all directions — this openness to ideas is the core of democracy.”

    Citing India’s diversity as a testament to its democratic vibrancy, PM Modi said, “India has over 2,500 political parties, twenty different parties governing various states, 22 official languages and thousands of dialects.”

    He added that this spirit of openness helps Indians integrate wherever they go. “Even in Ghana, they have blended into society, just like sugar in tea,” the Prime Minister said.

    On a lighter note, PM Modi said that the bond between India and Ghana is “sweeter than your famous Sugarloaf Pineapple”, earning warm applause from the lawmakers.

    ANI

  • PM Modi invites Ghana’s legislators to visit new Indian Parliament

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday invited Ghanaian lawmakers to visit India’s new Parliament building, calling it a symbol of India’s commitment to inclusivity and democratic reforms.

    Addressing Ghana’s Parliament during his visit to Accra, PM Modi highlighted the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 — the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act — which earmarks one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and the Delhi Assembly for women, including those reserved for SCs and STs.

    “I invite you to visit the new Parliament of India. You will see the bold step we have taken to reserve one-third of the seats in Parliament and state assemblies for women,” he said.

    The Prime Minister underscored that India is set to become the world’s third-largest economy and highlighted the political stability that has enabled this growth. “Last year, the people of India re-elected the same government for a third consecutive term — something that has happened after more than six decades,” he said.

    Drawing a symbolic link between Africa and India’s strides in space, PM Modi recalled that India’s Chandrayaan mission touched down on the Moon’s South Pole while he was in Africa. “Today, as an Indian astronaut conducts experiments on board a space station for the welfare of humanity, I am once again in Africa,” he said.

    Calling for urgent reform in global governance, the Prime Minister said institutions set up in the last century were struggling to tackle challenges such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism and cybersecurity. “Progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global South. We are proud that the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency,” he said.

    Describing India as the “Mother of Democracy”, the PM said democracy was deeply rooted in the country’s civilisational ethos. Quoting the Rigveda, he said, “Let good thoughts come to us from all directions — this openness to ideas is the core of democracy.”

    Citing India’s diversity as a testament to its democratic vibrancy, PM Modi said, “India has over 2,500 political parties, twenty different parties governing various states, 22 official languages and thousands of dialects.”

    He added that this spirit of openness helps Indians integrate wherever they go. “Even in Ghana, they have blended into society, just like sugar in tea,” the Prime Minister said.

    On a lighter note, PM Modi said that the bond between India and Ghana is “sweeter than your famous Sugarloaf Pineapple”, earning warm applause from the lawmakers.

    ANI

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Oklahoma Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by May Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses, nonprofits, and residents in Oklahoma of the Aug. 5 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding occurring May 19.

    The disaster declaration covers the Oklahoma counties of Atoka, Coal, Haskell, Hughes, Latimer, McIntosh, Pittsburg and Pushmataha.

    Small businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s physical damage loans.”

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for PNPs, and 2.81% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is Aug. 5.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CSO highlights increased demand for union Boilermakers

    Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

    Our great country was built on the backs of our highly skilled union workers, union skill, union pride and union craftsmanship.

    Captain Edward Bartlett, CEO and Founder, Bartlett Maritime Corporation

    Ron Traxler, Executive Director of the National Association of Construction Boilermaker Employers, shares results from NACBE’s annual safety index.

       View Photo Gallery (6 photos)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CSO highlights increased demand for union Boilermakers

    Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

    Our great country was built on the backs of our highly skilled union workers, union skill, union pride and union craftsmanship.

    Captain Edward Bartlett, CEO and Founder, Bartlett Maritime Corporation

    Ron Traxler, Executive Director of the National Association of Construction Boilermaker Employers, shares results from NACBE’s annual safety index.

       View Photo Gallery (6 photos)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Takes Action on 12 Bills

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Takes Action on 12 Bills

    Governor Stein Takes Action on 12 Bills
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Stein signed eight bills into law and vetoed four bills.  

    Governor Stein made the following statement on his vetoes of Senate Bill 558, Senate Bill 227, House Bill 171, and House Bill 805:  

    “At a time when teachers, law enforcement, and state employees need pay raises and people need shorter lines at the DMV, the legislature failed to pass a budget and, instead, wants to distract us by stoking culture wars that further divide us. These mean-spirited bills would marginalize vulnerable people and also undermine the quality of public services and public education. Therefore, I am vetoing them. I stand ready to work with the legislature when it gets serious about protecting people and addressing North Carolinians’ pressing concerns.” 

    Governor Stein made the following statement on signing Senate Bill 600:  

    “This bill enables people to sign up to be organ donors while doing tax returns and keeps patients safe from toxic chemicals. It also helps schools recruit and retain school nurses and gives schools more tools to quickly treat children with severe allergies.” 

    Governor Stein also signed the following bills into law: 

    • House Bill 763
    • Senate Bill 442
    • House Bill 357
    • Senate Bill 125 
    • Senate Bill 655  
    • Senate Bill 307 
    • Senate Bill 133 
    Jul 3, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of Holiday weekend, Californians see lowest prices at the pump in 3 years

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jul 3, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Ahead of an expected record-breaking holiday weekend for travel, Californians are seeing the lowest prices at the pump in years. This comes after Governor Gavin Newsom has taken repeated actions to increase transparency on Big Oil’s balance sheets — putting people over record profits — and another that will give the state more tools to require petroleum refiners backfill supplies and plan ahead for maintenance, helping keep supply and demand more stable.

    Additionally, Republicans spent the last 6+ months fearmongering about a supposed “65 cent jump” in price at the pump on July 1, which DID NOT happen. In fact, prices at the pump have gone down leading up to, on, and after July 1, 2025 — the opposite of what Big Oil Republicans claimed would happen.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jul 2, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – As House Republicans vote on the measure as soon as tonight, President Trump’s “big beautiful” national debt-adding bill is a massive tax break for the wealthiest Americans, at the cost of programs and services used by everyday families. It gives tax…

    Jul 2, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments: Tamie McGowen, of Folsom, has been appointed Senior Advisor for Strategy and Operations for the California State Transportation Agency. McGowen has been Deputy Secretary of…

    Jul 2, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of California Highway Patrol Officer Miguel Cano:“Officer Miguel Cano dedicated his life to serving our communities, and his passing is a heartbreaking loss for the state and…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI-DOD Program Enlists, Equips International Partners to Help Crush Cartel Violence

    Source: US FBI

    The FBI and our interagency partners have been long-committed to using vetted teams to stay ahead of the TOC threat. 

    The Bureau created its first two TOC-West vetted teams in Colombia and the Dominican Republic more than 10 years ago. Our partners at the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have their own versions of vetted teams, too.  

    Eric Geressy, a U.S. Army veteran and current senior Defense Department civilian official who has conducted training exercises with vetted teams for years, called TOC-West’s iteration “a finishing force” in the U.S. government’s pursuit of some of the worst offenders. 

    “For DOD, like the FBI and all interagency partners, we see the joint training efforts as critical to everyone’s success and survival—it needs to be hard and realistic, so we’re all ready to go whenever we’re called on,” Geressy said. “Training and working together is how we can best protect the people of the United States and all our partner nations.” 

    The FBI trains its TOC-West vetted teams as much as possible because it is critical to their safety and our shared success.  

    Vetted team training exercises—hosted on the ground in partner countries and conducted in Spanish by bilingual instructors—educate our international law enforcement partners on how the FBI approaches investigations and conducts related activity. Trainings also review critical skillsets that can save their lives when they’re on the job. 

    Medical care under fire is a prominent part of the training. The U.S. Department of Defense developed the training based on lessons learned from combat, Mike explained, and the Bureau and other federal law enforcement have adopted it. This training aims to empower vetted teams to keep injured individuals alive until they can be treated by a doctor or at a hospital. And, Mike recalled from his FBI Academy training, the quicker someone can get an injured person to a trauma center, the more likely they are to survive. 

    For this reason, he added, every vetted team member receives a medical kit—the kind of resource that our international law enforcement partners might not otherwise have access to. “This helps everybody have the best chance possible to go home alive,” he said. 

    The training exercises also cover the basics of firearms safety, marksmanship, and building good instincts to make split-second decisions wisely—such as how to react if someone unexpectedly draws a gun and starts shooting at you. “We make it individualized and vary the training by country and to make sure we’re hitting the right training points” for each team’s needs, Mike said of this portion of the training. 

    Additionally, vetted team members learn basic hand-to-hand combat skills—both to help them defend themselves without the use of a weapon and to empower them to more easily apprehend individuals who might resist arrest—and how to respond to attacks on vehicles they might be riding in.  

    The instruction at these international training exercises is a team effort between Bureau personnel and U.S. Special Operations Command troops from the U.S. Army’s 7th Special Forces Group.  

    “We’ve been very appreciative and grateful for the opportunity to work with U.S. Southern Command and the Department of Defense,” Mike said. “They do annual joint training internationally—one training in Central America, one in the Caribbean, and another one in South America. And so, we’ve partnered up with them since 2023 to bring our vetted teams and instructors to their exercises to cross-train our teams with other teams; to work with the 7th Special Forces Group; and to do firearms, tactics, and medical care together.” 

    The Bureau aims to hold two or three of its own international trainings every year, with support from FBI’s International Operations Division and the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. These trainings cover the same ground as our bilateral trainings with DOD. 

    And for the past two years, the Bureau has brought TOC-West vetted-team partners to the United States for a collective training opportunity at Quantico, Virginia, known as the Basic Investigator Course. The TOC-West Operations Unit hopes to continue this training annually.  

    “It’s important for interoperability that the training we provide is the same for everybody because we don’t know when we’re all going to be working together,” he said. 

    The need for this kind of interoperability training was underscored by real-life tragedy when a member of the TOC-West vetted team in the Dominican Republic was killed in the line of duty while responding to an attempted robbery alongside FBI agents. He died while working to defend them and other civilians, Mike recalled. More recently, in 2024, two members of the Bureau’s vetted team in Colombia were ambushed, with one officer killed and the other wounded. Last month, representatives of IOD and CID presented the fallen officer’s family with the FBI Medal of Valor. 

    “It’s not just for camaraderie,” he said. “We don’t know when we’re all going to find ourselves in the same fight at the same time.” 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tucson Man Arrested for Selling Devices to Convert Glocks into Automatic Firearms

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Damien Jax Schaffer, 45, of Tucson, was arrested on June 24, 2025, by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) special agents, and charged by criminal complaint for Engaging in the Business of Dealing in Firearms without a License and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. Schaffer appeared in court today for his initial appearance.

    According to the complaint, from May 8, 2025, through June 24, 2025, ATF monitored Schaffer and learned that he had manufactured and sold 15 illegal machinegun conversion devices. These devices are used to allow semi-automatic firearms, like Glocks, to expel more than one projectile with a single press of the trigger, effectively converting a semi-automatic firearm into a machinegun.

    Machinegun conversion devices are required to be registered with ATF in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. After learning of Schaffer’s activities, ATF agents queried that record and determined that his devices were not registered to anyone. Agents also learned that Schaffer does not possess a federal license to sell firearms.

    This case was part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    A criminal complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    ATF is conducting the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson is handling the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:          25-MJ-09160
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-109_Schaffer

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/

    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Montgomery Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a Machinegun

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A Montgomery County man has been sentenced for illegally possessing a Glock switch, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.

    Middle District of Alabama U.S. District Court Judge Myron H. Thompson sentenced Da’Quarious Lamarion Dudley, 21, of Montgomery, Alabama, to 20 months in prison.  In March, Dudley pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a machinegun.

    According to court documents, on February 9, 2024, officers with the Montgomery Police Department were alerted to a sighting of a stolen Mercedes Benz. Officers responded to the area and caught up with Dudley, the driver of the stolen vehicle.  Dudley attempted to make a U-turn.  Another officer blocked Dudley, preventing him from driving further. Dudley got out of the vehicle and fled on foot.  During the chase, he grabbed a firearm in his waistband and threw it. Officers recovered a Glock 17 9mm pistol that had been converted to a machinegun using a machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock switch.” A search warrant of Dudley’s Facebook page revealed that he was regularly in possession of “switches” and even agreed to procure switches for other individuals in the Montgomery area.

    ATF Nashville Division investigated the case along with the Montgomery Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Keown, Sr. prosecuted the case.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: South Bend Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    SOUTH BEND – Yesterday, James E. Burch II, 38 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.

    Burch was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

    According to documents in the case, in August 2024, police were summoned to a residence where Burch was both seen and photographed pointing a .357 caliber revolver. When police arrived, they located the firearm and arrested Burch.  Burch’s criminal history includes three prior felony conviction, any one of which prohibit him from possessing the firearm in this case.  

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: D Street Gang Associate Arrested for Selling Firearm and Fentanyl to Undercover Law Enforcement

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    BOSTON – An associate of the D Street Projects gang in the South Boston area has been arrested and charged for allegedly selling a firearm and fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement agent. 

    Junior Martinez-Perello, 25, was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl. Martinez-Perello was arrested this morning and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester, was ordered detained pending trial. 

    According to the charging documents, Martinez-Perello communicated with undercover law enforcement about selling 100 grams of fentanyl and a firearm. It is alleged that Martinez-Perello agreed to meet on May 30, 2025 in Boston for the drug and gun deal. On that date, Martinez-Perello allegedly informed the undercover agent that he would always have firearms available and not to be concerned about purchasing firearms from him, and that he would be able to obtain and distribute half-kilogram quantities of fentanyl in the near future.

    It is further alleged that, during the controlled purchase, Martinez-Perello explained how the safety feature worked on the firearm. At one point, Martinez-Perello allegedly pointed the loaded firearm towards the ground, manipulated the firearm in a fashion that was consistent with rendering the firearm safe and attempting to remove the live ammunition from the firearm. During this process, Martinez-Perello disengaged the safety mechanism on the firearm and fired one round into the floor.

    The charge of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Scott Riordan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Lynn Men Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    One defendant has prior convictions of drug distribution and assault with intent to murder

    BOSTON – Two Lynn men have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on drug trafficking and firearm offenses. 

    Lexus Perez, 30, and Denys Gonzalez Hernandez, 32, were indicted on charges of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and methamphetamine. The defendants are also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Perez is separately charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The defendants were previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint in March 2025. 

    According to the charging documents, during a February 2025 search of Perez and Gonzalez Hernandez’s shared apartment in Lynn, it is alleged that two loaded firearms, 465 grams of fentanyl, 34 grams of cocaine base (commonly known as crack cocaine) and 21 grams of methamphetamine were seized. Following the search, Gonzalez Hernandez was located outside the apartment and taken into custody. During a search of his person, 16 baggies of cocaine and two baggies of fentanyl were allegedly located in Gonzalez Hernandez’s sock. 

    Several days later, Perez was located in a hotel room in Saugus. It is alleged that when law enforcement knocked on the hotel room to execute a search warrant, the sound of a toilet flushing could be heard. He was immediately taken into custody. 

    Before these charges, Perez had been convicted in state court for drug distribution and armed assault with intent to murder resulting in state prison sentences.  

    The charge of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime supervised release and a fine of $5 million. Perez is subject to enhanced sentencing due to his prior criminal history. Perez faces at least 25 years and up to life in prison, at least 10 years and up to a lifetime supervised release and a fine of $20 million. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking carries a sentence of at least five years consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Scott Riordan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; and Christopher P. Reddy, Chief of the Lynn Police Department made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.  

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Lynn Men Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    One defendant has prior convictions of drug distribution and assault with intent to murder

    BOSTON – Two Lynn men have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on drug trafficking and firearm offenses. 

    Lexus Perez, 30, and Denys Gonzalez Hernandez, 32, were indicted on charges of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and methamphetamine. The defendants are also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Perez is separately charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The defendants were previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint in March 2025. 

    According to the charging documents, during a February 2025 search of Perez and Gonzalez Hernandez’s shared apartment in Lynn, it is alleged that two loaded firearms, 465 grams of fentanyl, 34 grams of cocaine base (commonly known as crack cocaine) and 21 grams of methamphetamine were seized. Following the search, Gonzalez Hernandez was located outside the apartment and taken into custody. During a search of his person, 16 baggies of cocaine and two baggies of fentanyl were allegedly located in Gonzalez Hernandez’s sock. 

    Several days later, Perez was located in a hotel room in Saugus. It is alleged that when law enforcement knocked on the hotel room to execute a search warrant, the sound of a toilet flushing could be heard. He was immediately taken into custody. 

    Before these charges, Perez had been convicted in state court for drug distribution and armed assault with intent to murder resulting in state prison sentences.  

    The charge of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime supervised release and a fine of $5 million. Perez is subject to enhanced sentencing due to his prior criminal history. Perez faces at least 25 years and up to life in prison, at least 10 years and up to a lifetime supervised release and a fine of $20 million. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking carries a sentence of at least five years consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Scott Riordan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; and Christopher P. Reddy, Chief of the Lynn Police Department made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.  

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bensalem Woman Charged in Home Care Fraud Kickback Scheme That Caused Loss to Medicaid of Nearly $1.1 Million

    Source: US FBI

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced criminal charges today against a Bucks County woman in connection with the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.

    Hemal Patel, 59, of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, has been charged by information with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, in connection with a home care fraud scheme, where Patel is alleged to have received kickbacks to refer home care patients to home care agencies. Patel and others devised a scheme to fraudulently bill Medicaid for home care services that were never provided, resulting in a loss to Medicaid of approximately $1,069,384.38.

    As alleged in the information, Patel forged doctor signatures on forms required to certify individuals as eligible for home care services, and unlawfully used individuals’ personally identifiable information without their knowledge to enroll them for home care services they were not entitled to while those individuals were living out of the country.

    The case was investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alisa Shver.

    The charges announced today by U.S. Attorney Metcalf are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and illegal drug diversion schemes that involved the submission of over $14.6 billion in intended loss and over 15 million pills of illegally diverted controlled substances. The defendants allegedly defrauded programs entrusted for the care of the elderly and disabled to line their own pockets. The United States has seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, and other assets, in connection with the takedown.

    “Health care fraud hurts us all, heightening the cost of services and threatening their availability to people in need,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “My office will continue to target fraud, waste, and abuse within our federal health care programs and ensure that individuals stealing taxpayers’ money answer for their crimes.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Philadelphia Man Who Bypassed Airport Security Checkpoint and Unlawfully Boarded a Flight Sentenced

    Source: US FBI

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Jonathan “Jon” Beaulieu, 32, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Hey to one year of probation and restitution in the amount of $59,143 for entering an airport area in violation of security requirements.

    Beaulieu was charged by information in January of this year and pleaded guilty in February.

    As detailed in court filings and statements in court, on June 26, 2024, at approximately 12:12 a.m., witness J.M. was working as a security guard at Philadelphia International Airport. She was assigned to the Terminal C exit lane to prevent unauthorized people from entering what’s known as the airport’s “sterile area” – the terminals beyond the TSA security checkpoint.

    At that time, the defendant approached the exit lane and stated that he left his phone in the airport and needed to retrieve it. J.M. called police dispatch and told them that Beaulieu was trying to get into the airport to get his phone. After the dispatcher informed the witness that the police couldn’t look for Beaulieu’s phone, he started to walk past the witness into the airport. The witness repeatedly told Beaulieu that he could not enter the airport.

    Beaulieu then dropped a $50 bill onto the witness’s desk and asked her if that would get him into the airport. J.M. left the bill on the desk and again told Beaulieu that he could not enter the airport’s sterile area. She called the police again and informed dispatch that Beaulieu was now attempting to go around her and into the airport.

    After a few minutes of arguing with the witness, Beaulieu walked around her, entered the airport’s sterile area, and walked away. J.M. called the police, informed dispatch that there was a security breach, and described Beaulieu. The flash information was broadcast over police radio and officers started searching the terminals.

    Airport security personnel checking the facility’s cameras saw that Beaulieu had boarded a plane at Gate A-20. Upon responding to the gate, Philadelphia police found that the plane doors were closed and the plane was preparing for departure. The captain of the plane was then informed that there was a passenger aboard who had bypassed security, and the plane returned to the gate. All passengers were removed and Beaulieu was located and arrested. Due to the boarding of an unscreened passenger, the entire plane had to be searched, resulting in the flight’s cancellation. American Airlines reported that the cost of the flight cancellation was $59,143.

    The case was investigated by the FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everett Witherell.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Grand Jury in Louisville Returns Four Indictments Charging 22 Defendants with Drug Trafficking, Firearms, and Money Laundering Offenses

    Source: US FBI

    Louisville, KY – On May 6, 2025, a federal grand jury in Louisville charged a total of 20 defendants from across Kentucky and California in 3 separate indictments involving methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking offenses and firearms offenses. On May 21, 2025, a federal grand jury charged 4 defendants, 2 of whom were previously charged, in an indictment involving methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking and money laundering offenses. The indictments charging all 22 defendants were the result of a lengthy investigation conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies.

    U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Cincinnati Field Office, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Chicago Director of Field Operations Lafonda Sutton-Burke, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.  

    The following 9 defendants were charged in the first indictment on May 6, 2025:

    • James Havlicheck, 34, of California
    • Rodney Hollie, 38, of California
    • Joseph Nguyen, 38, of California
    • Minh Ngo, 40, of California
    • Kevin Nguyen, 30, of California
    • Johnathan Nguyen, 35, of California
    • Ordell Smith, Jr., 38, of Louisville
    • Vanray O’Neal, 38, of Louisville
    • Darren Render, 33, of Louisville 

    According to the first indictment, Havlicheck, Hollie, Joseph Nguyen, Ngo, Kevin Nguyen, and Johnathan Nguyen were charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a methamphetamine for a conspiracy beginning as early as April 2024 and continuing through July 19, 2024. Havlicheck and Ngo were also charged with one count of distribution of methamphetamine 50 grams or more.

    Smith, Jr. was charged with four counts of distribution of methamphetamine 50 grams or more. 

    O’Neal was charged with three counts of distribution of methamphetamine 50 grams or more and two counts of firearms trafficking.

    Render was charged with four counts of firearms trafficking, four counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, three counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of distribution of heroin, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Render was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense.

    On April 2, 2020, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Render was convicted of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

    If convicted, Havlicheck, Hollie, Joseph Nguyen, Ngo, Kevin Nguyen, Johnathan Nguyen, Smith, Jr., and O’Neal face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. Render faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison. All the defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. 

    The following 9 defendants were charged in the second indictment on May 6, 2025:

    • Antonio Taylor, 39, of Louisville
    • Terry Matthews, 44, of Louisville
    • Dylan Bradley, 21, of Louisville
    • Demetrius Brown, 42, of Louisville
    • Dominic McCray, 30, of Louisville
    • Joshua James, 42, of Louisville
    • Gregory Jackson, 34, of Louisville
    • Thai Quoc Tran, 24, of Louisville
    • Devon Wilson, 43, of Louisville 

    According to the second indictment, Taylor, Matthews, Bradley, Brown, McCray, James, and Jackson were charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl for a conspiracy beginning as early as August 21, 2024, and continuing through October 23, 2024.

    Taylor was also charged with one count of distribution of 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, eight counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Taylor was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

    On or about May 21, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Taylor was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and trafficking in a controlled substance first degree unspecified less than ten dosage units (two counts).

    Matthews was also charged with one count of distribution of 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, three counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, two counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count firearms trafficking, one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and one count of distribution of a controlled substance. Matthews was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense.

    On March 9, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Matthews was convicted of flagrant non-support.

    Bradley was also charged with three counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    Brown was also charged with one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, one count of distribution of a fentanyl mixture, and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Brown was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

    On or about July 17, 2017, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Brown was convicted of assault in the second degree, criminal mischief in the first degree, receiving stolen firearm, and wanton endangerment in the first degree.

    McCray was also charged with one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.

    James was also charged with one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture.

    Jackson was also charged with one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture.

    Tran was also charged with one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

    Wilson was also charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Wilson was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

    On July 16, 2024, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Wilson was convicted of flagrant non-support.

    On January 9, 2017, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Wilson was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, schedule I heroin less than two grams.

    If convicted, Taylor, Matthews, Bradley, Brown, James, Jackson, and Tran face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. McCray faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Wilson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Matthews and McCray have not been federally arrested and are not yet before the Court.

    The following 2 defendants were charged in the third indictment on May 6, 2025:

    • Mark Foster, Jr., 33, of Louisville
    • Devante Rice, 30, of Louisville

    Foster was charged with two counts of distribution of controlled substances, nine counts of distribution of fentanyl, ten counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, seven counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of illegal possession of a machine gun, and one count of firearms trafficking. Foster was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

    On or about March 30, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Foster was convicted of receiving stolen property (firearm) and illegal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, heroin.   

    On or about June 15, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Foster was convicted of complicity to trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, opioids, complicity to trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, methamphetamine, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and tampering with physical evidence.

    Rice was charged with eleven counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, one count of firearms trafficking, and two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm. Rice was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

    On January 10, 2014, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Rice was convicted of burglary in the second degree and receiving stolen property over $500.

    On April 30, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Rice was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.

    On August 8, 2023, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Rice was convicted of complicity to possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, theft by unlawful taking – firearm (two counts), and theft by unlawful taking over $500 but under $10,000.

    If convicted, Foster faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 70 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. Rice faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison on each count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and the single count of firearms trafficking and a 10-year maximum sentence for the two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. 

    The following 4 defendants were charged in the fourth indictment on May 21, 2025:

    • Antonio Taylor
    • Joshua James
    • Celotia Evans, 39, of Louisville
    • Jaremei Hinkle, 24, of Louisville

    According to the fourth indictment, Taylor, James, Evans, and Hinkle were charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl for a conspiracy beginning as early as June 2024 and continuing through July 11, 2024. 

    Hinkle was also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute of 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture.

    James was also charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture.

    Taylor is also charged with engaging in monetary transactions derived from specific unlawful activities and laundering of a money instrument during his purchase of a vehicle.

    If convicted, Taylor, James, Evans, and Hinkle face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. All the defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    Evans and Hinkle have not been federally arrested and are not yet before the Court.

    The cases are being investigated by the FBI, HSI, ATF, DEA, IRS-CI, CBP, USPIS, KSP, and LMPD. 

    These cases were investigated and prosecuted by the Kentucky Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Five Individuals Charged as Part of Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown

    Source: US FBI

    Louisville, KY – Today, United States Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky announced criminal charges against five defendants in connection with alleged schemes to defraud Medicaid and divert controlled substances. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. The charges stem from conspiracy to illegally use a DEA registration number issued to another, conspiracy to obtain a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge, health care fraud, theft of medical products, tampering with consumer products, obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or deceit, and burglary involving controlled substances.

    “Health care providers must be trusted to appropriately prescribe highly-addictive medications only to those in need. Doing otherwise only exacerbates the opioid epidemic that has ravaged our Commonwealth and destroyed families,” said U.S. Attorney Bumgarner. “As alleged in each of the charging documents, these defendants breached that trust and illegally diverted controlled substances. While these defendants are professionally obligated to help communities, the charging documents allege that they have unfortunately done the opposite. They will be held to account.”

    “This record-setting Health Care Fraud Takedown delivers justice to criminal actors who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens and steal from hardworking American taxpayers,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Make no mistake – this administration will not tolerate criminals who line their pockets with taxpayer dollars while endangering the health and safety of our communities.”

    The charges announced today by U.S. Attorney Bumgarner are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and illegal drug diversion schemes that involved the submission of over $14.6 billion in alleged false billings and over 15 million pills of illegally diverted controlled substances. The defendants allegedly defrauded programs entrusted for the care of the elderly and disabled to line their own pockets. The United States has seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, and other assets in connection with the takedown. 

    The following individuals were charged in the Western District of Kentucky: 

    Ashley Barnett, 41, of Louisville, Kentucky, Laura Webb, 37, of Springfield, Kentucky, and Rachel Goldstein, 43, of Jeffersonville, Indiana, were charged by information. According to the information, Barnett and Webb, both doctors of veterinary medicine, were charged in a conspiracy to illegally use a DEA registration number issued to another. In addition, Barnett and Goldstein were charged with conspiracy to obtain a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge. As part of the conspiracy, Barnett, Goldstein, and others conspired to issue prescriptions for over 25,000 Schedule II controlled substances, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, in the names of various canines, including some deceased and fictitious canines, when in reality, Barnett and Goldstein were the recipients of the controlled substances. Barnett was also charged with theft of medical products for taking and concealing buprenorphine from her employer prior to the controlled substances being made available for retail purchase by a consumer. Finally, Barnett and Goldstein were charged with health care fraud in connection with a scheme whereby Barnett requested Goldstein fill Goldstein’s dextroamphetamine prescription, a Schedule II controlled substance, and provide it to Barnett. Goldstein caused the submission of the claim for the dextroamphetamine prescription to Medicaid. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Ansari of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.

    Kristina Coomer, 43, of Louisville, Kentucky, was charged by information with theft of medical products. According to the information, Coomer, an employee of a retail pharmacy in the supply chain for oxycodone, took, carried away, and concealed oxycodone from the pharmacy, prior to the controlled substances being made available for retail purchase by a consumer. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Ansari of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.       

    Matthew Ryan Elkins, 40, of Crestwood, Kentucky, was charged by indictment with tampering with consumer products, obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or deceit, and burglary involving controlled substances. According to the indictment, Elkins, an advanced practice registered nurse-certified registered nurse anesthetist, tampered with one pre-filled, capped syringe containing fentanyl citrate and bupivacaine, prescribed to a patient by removing a portion of the listed ingredients and replaced it with another liquid. Elkins was also charged with obtaining and attempting to obtain three injectable vials containing a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, by misrepresentation, deception, and subterfuge. Finally, Elkins was charged with burglary involving controlled substances when he entered a business registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration with the intent to steal any material and compound containing any quantity of a controlled substance. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin McKenzie of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.

    Nationwide, cases are being prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the Western and Eastern Districts of Kentucky, the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, and Texas Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Arizona, Central District of California, Northern District of California, Southern District of California, District of Columbia, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Middle District of Georgia, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Maine, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan, Northern District of Mississippi, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nevada, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Western District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, District of North Dakota, Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, District of South Carolina, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Washington, and Northern District of West Virginia; and State Attorneys General’s Offices for California, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. The Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team used cutting-edge data analytics to identify and support the investigations that led to these charges.

    The Western District of Kentucky, in particular, worked with the following law enforcement organizations to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the enforcement period: the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, the Kentucky State Police, the Louisville Metro Police Department, and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Office of Inspector General.

    Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website: https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/2025-national-health-care-fraud-takedown. 

    A complaint, information, or indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.   

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  • MIL-OSI Security: National Health Care Fraud Takedown Results in 324 Defendants Charged in Fraud Scheme Totaling Over $14.6 Billion

    Source: US FBI

    As a part of the largest Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action in Department of Justice History, The Eastern District of Louisiana Strike Force Announces Charges Against Four Individuals.

    Today, Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced criminal charges against four defendants in connection with alleged schemes to defraud Medicare and other government programs. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.

    “The charges announced yesterday reinforce the combined missions of the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and our law enforcement partners, to aggressively, and relentlessly, pursue those perpetrators who attempt to victimize our nation’s citizens,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. “Our office, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of fraud, and seek justice for those impacted by Health Care Fraud schemes.”

    “This record-setting Health Care Fraud Takedown delivers justice to criminal actors who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens and steal from hardworking American taxpayers,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Make no mistake – this administration will not tolerate criminals who line their pockets with taxpayer dollars while endangering the health and safety of our communities.”

    The charges announced today by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and illegal drug diversion schemes that involved the submission of over $14.6 billion in alleged false billings and over 15 million pills of illegally diverted controlled substances. The defendants allegedly defrauded programs entrusted for the care of the elderly and disabled, to line their own pockets. The  Government, in connection with the 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown,  seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, and other assets.

    The following individuals were charged in the Eastern District of Louisiana:

    • Leland Roberts, 46, of Tifton, Georgia, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with a scheme to bill Medicare for over $30 million for medically unnecessary genetic testing, and to pay and receive kickbacks. As alleged in the indictment, Roberts, co-owner, chief executive officer of, and (later) consultant to Luminus Diagnostics, a diagnostic laboratory located in Tifton, Georgia, conspired with others to procure orders for genetic testing in exchange for kickbacks, including orders acquired through purported telemedicine. To ensure the false and fraudulent claims would be paid, Roberts and his co-conspirators allegedly designed the genetic testing order forms to be “dummy proof”—with prepopulated diagnosis codes and check-the-box panels—and frequently billed the tests through another laboratory where co-conspirators thought the claims were more likely to be approved, which they concealed via a sham contract. Roberts and his co-conspirators caused the submission of over $30 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for genetic testing, and Medicare paid approximately $4.4 million based on those claims. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses of the Eastern District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters of the Gulf Coast Strike Force.
    • Dr. Marion Lee, 61, of Cordelle, Georgia, was charged by information with conspiracy to defraud the United States in connection with a scheme to bill Medicare approximately $24 million for medically unnecessary genetic testing, and to pay and receive kickbacks. As alleged in the information, Dr. Lee, co-owner of and medical advisor to Luminus Diagnostics, a diagnostic laboratory located in Tifton, Georgia, conspired with others to procure orders for genetic testing in exchange for kickbacks, including orders acquired through purported telemedicine. To ensure the false and fraudulent claims would be paid, Lee and his co-conspirators allegedly designed the genetic testing order forms to be “dummy proof”—with prepopulated diagnosis codes and check-the-box panels—and frequently billed the tests through another laboratory where co-conspirators thought the claims were more likely to be approved, which they concealed via a sham contract, among other deceptive means. Dr. Lee and his co-conspirators caused the submission of over $24 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for genetic testing, and Medicare paid approximately $4 million based on those claims. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses of the Eastern District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters of the Gulf Coast Strike Force.
    • Steven D. Peyroux, 56, of Canton, Georgia, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and two counts of health care fraud in connection with a scheme to bill Medicare approximately $12.1 million for over-the-counter (“OTC”) COVID-19 tests that were not requested and ineligible for reimbursement. As alleged in the indictment, Peyroux, a chiropractor and purported health care consultant, conspired with others to pay kickbacks in exchange for Medicare beneficiary information nationwide, including names, Medicare identification numbers, and clearly fabricated recordings of individuals posing as beneficiaries and requesting OTC COVID-19 tests, which they used to bill Medicare for OTC COVID-19 tests that were not requested. In an attempt to avoid Medicare scrutiny, the indictment alleged that Peyroux and co-conspirators solicited multiple providers to join the scheme, who they directed to enter into sham agreements and make false statements in response to Medicare audits, to conceal the misconduct. Peyroux and his co-conspirators caused the submission of approximately $12.1 million in false and fraudulent claims, of which Medicare paid approximately $11 million. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses of the Eastern District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters of the Gulf Coast Strike Force.
    • Zoe Francis, 46, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged by information with theft concerning programs receiving federal funds in connection with her role in embezzling funds from the Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies (“IWES”), a non-profit organization based in New Orleans that received grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other federal funds. As alleged in the information, Francis, as the chief operating officer of IWES, embezzled the funds for the benefit of herself and family members, including unauthorized expenditures for personal events and Amazon purchases. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses of the Eastern District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Gary A. Crosby II of the Gulf Coast Strike Force.

    “The scale of this Takedown is unprecedented, and so is the harm we’re confronting. Individuals who attempt to steal from the federal health care system and put vulnerable patients at risk will be held accountable,” said HHS-OIG Acting Inspector General Juliet T. Hodgkins. “Our agents at HHS-OIG work relentlessly to detect, investigate, and dismantle these fraud schemes. We are proud to stand with our law enforcement partners in protecting taxpayer dollars and safeguarding patient care.”

    “Stealing from the patients who rely on our government to provide healthcare is despicable,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “The FBI will continue working side by side with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana to bring these individuals to justice for their actions.”

    The Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, and Texas Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Arizona, Central District of California, Northern District of California, Southern District of California, District of Columbia, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle, District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Middle, District of Georgia, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern District of Kentucky, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Maine, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Northern District of Mississippi, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nevada, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Western District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, District of North Dakota, Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, District of South Carolina, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Washington, and Northern District of West Virginia; and State Attorney Generals’ Offices for Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are prosecuting the cases in the National Health Care Fraud Takedown, with assistance from the Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team.

    Descriptions of each EDLA case and others involved in yesterday’s enforcement action are available at website.

    The Eastern District of Louisiana, in particular, worked with the Department’s Criminal Division and the following law enforcement organizations to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the enforcement period: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the United States Secret Service; and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

    An information or indictment is merely an allegation.

    All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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