NewzIntel.com

Category: Law Enforcement

  • MIL-OSI Security: Milton — RCMP dismantles Cannabis network that had approximately 17,000 illegal plants

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Ontario RCMP have seized and destroyed cannabis grown at three large-scale illegal grow sites. The RCMP’s Greater Toronto Area Trans-National Serious & Organized Crime Section (GTA-TSOC) has charged six individuals for operating a complex illicit cannabis production and distribution network in Ontario.

    This investigation began in the Summer of 2022, after the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) referred the matter for investigation to the RCMP. During the investigation, approximately 17,000 cannabis plants were seized and destroyed. The RCMP estimate that these operations could have an annual production value of over $16 million dollars. Each of the sites were staffed with full-time live-in workers, none of whom have legal status to work and grow cannabis in Canada. The criminal network was also linked to the operation of two other illicit cannabis production sites in Ontario which were dismantled by the OPP and the Toronto Police Service. The criminal network exported the illicit cannabis to the United States and Hong Kong, with further plans to expand distribution into Europe.

    The RCMP allege millions of dollars in profits from this operation were laundered through the Canadian banking system by a sophisticated identity fraud scheme. They applied for Health Canada authorizations to produce medicinal cannabis using the identity of individuals who were not aware of the applications. These authorizations were then used to obtain commercial leases and expand the group’s cannabis production.

    As a result of the investigation, the following individuals were charged:

    Shao Bo “Barry” Xie (age 45) of Toronto, Ontario

    • Unlawful cultivation of cannabis, contrary to Section 12 of the Cannabis Act (x3);
    • Unlawful possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling, contrary to Section 10 of the Cannabis Act;
    • Conspiracy to cultivate cannabis, contrary to Section 12 of the Cannabis Act and Section 465 of the Criminal Code;
    • Conspiracy to sell cannabis, contrary to Section 10 of the Cannabis Act and Section 465 of the Criminal Code;
    • Conspiracy to export cannabis, contrary to Section 11 of the Cannabis Act and Section 465 of the Criminal Code;
    • Possession of property/proceeds of crime, contrary to Section 354 of the Criminal Code;
    • Conceal/convert proceeds of crime, contrary to Sec 462.31 of the Criminal Code;
    • Identity Theft, contrary to Section 402.1 of the Criminal Code;
    • Use forged document, contrary to Section 368 of the Criminal Code;
    • Make false document, contrary to Section 366 of the Criminal Code;
    • Conspiracy to impersonate for advantage, contrary to Section 403 and Section 465 of the Criminal Code; and
    • Conspiracy to use forged document, contrary to Section 368 and Section 465 of theCriminal Code.

    Feng Gao (age 42) of Toronto, Ontario

    • Unlawful cultivation of cannabis, contrary to Section 12 of the Cannabis Act;
    • Conspiracy to cultivate cannabis, contrary to Section 12 of the Cannabis Act and Section 465 of the Criminal Code;
    • Conspiracy to sell cannabis, contrary to Section 10 of the Cannabis Act and Section 465 of the Criminal Code;
    • Conspiracy to export cannabis, contrary to Section 11 of the Cannabis Act and Section 465 of the Criminal Code;
    • Possession of property/proceeds of crime, contrary to Section 354 of the Criminal Code;
    • Conceal/convert proceeds of crime, contrary to Sec 462.31 of the Criminal Code;
    • Identity Theft, contrary to Section 402.1 of the Criminal Code;
    • Conspiracy to impersonate for advantage, contrary to Section 403 and Section 465 of the Criminal Code; and
    • Conspiracy to use forged document, contrary to Section 368 and Section 465 of the Criminal Code.

    Shan “Sam” Gao (age 34) of Toronto, Ontario

    • Unlawful cultivation of cannabis, contrary to Section 12 of the Cannabis Act;
    • Conspiracy to cultivate cannabis, contrary to Section 12 of the Cannabis Act and Section 465 of the Criminal Code;
    • Conspiracy to sell cannabis, contrary to Section 10 of the Cannabis Act and Section 465 of the Criminal Code;
    • Conspiracy to export cannabis, contrary to Section 11 of the Cannabis Act and Section 465 of the Criminal Code;
    • Possession of property/proceeds of crime, contrary to Section 354 of the Criminal Code;
    • Use forged document, contrary to Section 368 of the Criminal Code;
    • Make false document, contrary to Section 366 of the Criminal Code;
    • Conspiracy to impersonate for advantage, contrary to Section 403 and Section 465 of the Criminal Code; and
    • Conspiracy to use forged document, contrary to Section 368 and Section 465 of the Criminal Code.

    Xu Han (age 26) of Toronto, Ontario

    • Unlawful cultivation of cannabis, contrary to Section 12 of the Cannabis Act;
    • Conspiracy to cultivate cannabis, contrary to Section 12 of the Cannabis Act and Section 465 of the Criminal Code;
    • Conspiracy to sell cannabis, contrary to Section 10 of the Cannabis Act and Section 465 of the Criminal Code;
    • Conspiracy to export cannabis, contrary to Section 11 of the Cannabis Act and Section 465 of the Criminal Code;
    • Possession of property/proceeds of crime, contrary to Section 354 of the Criminal Code;
    • Conspiracy to impersonate for advantage, contrary to Section 403 and Section 465 of the Criminal Code; and
    • Conspiracy to use forged document, contrary to Section 368 and Section 465 of the Criminal Code.

    Fang Han (age 30) of Toronto, Ontario

    • Unlawful cultivation of cannabis, contrary to Section 12 of the Cannabis Act;
    • Conspiracy to cultivate cannabis, contrary to Section 12 of the Cannabis Act and Section 465 of the Criminal Code;
    • Conspiracy to sell cannabis, contrary to Section 10 of the Cannabis Act and Section 465 of the Criminal Code;
    • Conspiracy to export cannabis, contrary to Section 11 of the Cannabis Act and Section 465 of the Criminal Code;
    • Possession of property/proceeds of crime, contrary to Section 354 of the Criminal Code; and
    • Conceal/convert proceeds of crime, contrary to Sec 462.31 of the Criminal Code.

    Zdena “Denise” Mesko (age 61) of Sarnia, Ontario

    • Identity Theft, contrary to Section 402.1 of the Criminal Code;
    • Use forged document, contrary to Section 368 of the Criminal Code;
    • Possession of property/proceeds of crime, contrary to Section 354 of the Criminal Code;
    • Conspiracy to impersonate for advantage, contrary to Section 403 and Section 465 of the Criminal Code; and
    • Conspiracy to use forged document, contrary to Section 368 and Section 465 of the Criminal Code

    All of the accused were arrested at the RCMP Toronto West Detachment and released on an undertaking. Their first court appearance is scheduled to be held on May 7th, 2025, at the Ontario Court of Justice located at 10 Armoury Street in Toronto, Courtroom 1001 at 09:00 a.m.

    The RCMP would like to thank a number of law enforcement and partner agencies including the Ontario Provincial Police-led Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (OPP-PJFCET), Peel Regional Police Service (PRPS), Toronto Police Service (TPS), Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Health Canada, and the United States Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

    “The collaboration and teamwork between the RCMP Federal Police and our provincial and municipal law enforcement partners underscores our collective commitment to battling transnational organized crime at all levels in Ontario, Canada and abroad.”
    Inspector Nicole Noonan, Officer in charge of Federal Policing – Transnational, Serious & Organized Crime, Toronto West Detachment, Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Law enforcement agencies work diligently to make our communities a safer place to live but your assistance in remaining vigilant and informing us of any suspicious activities will help us be even more effective. If you have any information in relation to illicit cannabis production, you can contact your local police, the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), at any time.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Christina McKelvie, 1968-2025

    Source: Scottish National Party

    Christina McKelvie’s partner, Keith Brown, along with her sons, Lewis and Jack, are deeply saddened to announce her passing this morning at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

    Christina’s sons Lewis and Jack and I are heartbroken to announce the death of Christina at Glasgow Royal Infirmary this morning.

    Christina was an MSP from 2007, serving her constituents in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, from 2011. She convened two committees before becoming a Minister in 2018. She loved her job, and she loved her party and was always a champion for the people of Scotland and an advocate for social justice and for Scotland to be an independent nation in Europe.

    To us, she was our beloved mum, partner and gran to Maeve and Leo. She was always hard working and enthusiastic and lit up every room she was in with her positivity and bright smile. She was always proud of her working class roots in Easterhouse and often said she could not have dreamt of becoming a government minister for the Scottish Government.

    We are immensely proud of all Christina achieved. She was passionate about many issues, including advocating for people living with MND and sponsoring the first Wear It Pink at the Scottish Parliament in support of Breast Cancer Now many years before her own diagnosis with breast cancer, after which she used every opportunity to encourage women to check themselves and go to screening appointments.

    As a Parliamentarian, she was proud of her work as convener of two Committees – European and External Relations and then the Equalities Committee which added Human Rights to its title and remit under her convenership. She also championed policy and legislation through promoting ‘Clare’s Law’ – to allow the disclosure of previous violent and abusive behaviour to those at risk. As a Minister, she launched the world’s first strategy to tackle social isolation and loneliness as a health issue, tackled the stigma surrounding menopause, and introduced legislation banning FGM.

    As a constituency MSP, Christina worked hard to support her constituents and many local groups and absolutely loved every part of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse. Christina was also a committed trade unionist and long-standing member of Unison from her time working in social work services in Glasgow.

    Today, we have lost our much loved Christina and know she will be very much missed by all our family and also her many, many friends, staff and constituents.

    Christina was born on 4 March 1968. She became an MSP in 2007, latterly representing Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse from 2011. She was Minister for Equalities from 2008 to 2023, when she became Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, and was Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy from February 2024. As an MSP, she was Convener of the European and External Relations Committee and a member of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe between 2016 and 2018, and then Convener of the Equalities and Human Rights Committee from September 2016 till she became a Minister in 2018.

    Christina took medical leave last August to undergo treatment for secondary breast cancer.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Robert Bird: Legal Strategy is an Untapped Competitive Advantage for Companies

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    CEOs and corporations should integrate legal strategy – an often-overlooked competitive advantage – into the core of their business plans, says Business law professor Robert Bird.

    “Legal knowledge is the last great source of untapped competitive advantage in organizations, and the corporations that recognize this can unlock a storehouse of value creation that their rivals might miss,’’ Bird says.

    Bird lays out the case for the competitive advantage of legal strategy in a new book, “Legal Knowledge in Organizations: A Source of Strategic and Competitive Advantage’’ (Cambridge University Press), which is out today.

    “When applied strategically, legal expertise can reveal opportunities for innovation, improve risk management, foster better decision-making, and support a culture of integrity,’’ he says.

    Legal Strategy Offers Much More than Compliance Mandates

    Take, for example, a company that establishes a strong policy against sexual harassment, Bird says. Instead of ignoring or minimizing sexual harassment concerns, the company prides itself on having zero tolerance and makes support and respect for women a core value of the organization.

    “Legal requirements related to sexual harassment and other workplace rules are more than just mandates. They have the potential to transform organizational culture and support women at all levels of the company,” Bird says. “Ultimately, that becomes a tremendous advantage in recruiting and retaining top talent.’’

    Legal knowledge holds many other strategic advantages as well, Bird says. A pro-active legal team can minimize risk; create contracts with intrinsic value that build relationships, loyalty, and trust; and merge intellectual prowess with corporate integrity.

    Bird says it took about two years to complete the book, but it reflects over 20 years of thought, research, and experience.

    “I’ve had an enduring curiosity about how lawyers and other legal experts can make companies more competitive and also more ethical,’’ he says. “A variety of businesses can profit from this guidance, but pharmaceutical, financial services, health care, and other highly regulated industries can particularly benefit.”

    The new book also offers a step-by-step guide to implementing legal strategy into a company.

    “I think the information in this book can bridge the gap between legal knowledge and business goals,’’ Bird says. “This content is meant to serve the broad business community, from lawyers to aspiring managers to business executives.’’

    Legal Expertise No Longer on the Periphery

    Bird says he believes this strategy has been overlooked by businesses because of the different perspectives that lawyers and businesspeople have.

    “Lawyers tend to be more conservative, and business people are more willing to take risks,’’ he says. “That can be a source of disagreement, but if both sides collaborate with one another there is the potential for a significant value creation.”

    Leveraging legal knowledge into competitive value requires a different way of thinking about how the organization works.

    “To be effective, leadership needs two things, an understanding of the law and an innovative mindset on how to use it in new ways that capture value,’’ he says. “We need to shed the thinking of the legal team as a static, punitive force, and embrace it as something dynamic, a value generator, and part of a fundamental strategy, that is no less valuable than other business disciplines.’’

    Bird emphasizes that legal knowledge must be deployed ethically and in a socially responsible manner.

    “Legal strategy is not a license to circumvent legal obligations, but a valuable opportunity to grow an organization that generates superior value for both business and society,” he says.

    Bird has been a professor of business law at UConn for 21 years and he also serves as the Eversource Energy Chair in Business Ethics. He earned his JD and MBA from Boston University. A prolific writer, he has authored more than 80 articles in the Journal of Law and Economics, American Business Law Journal, the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy and the MIT Sloan Management Review and has received numerous research and teaching awards.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Recovers Over $5 Million From Nonprofit for Failing to Serve New York City Residents with Developmental Disabilities

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured over $5 million from Community Options, Inc. and Community Options NY, Inc. (Community Options) for failing to properly provide services for people with developmental disabilities and knowingly submitting false claims to Medicaid for services. Community Options is a nonprofit that provides “day habilitation” services to adults with developmental disabilities in New York City, ensuring they have enriching and educational community-based activities. A joint investigation between the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (USAO-SDNY) revealed that Community Options failed to follow regulations and requirements designed to ensure the people it serves are receiving safe and adequate care. Under settlements with OAG and USAO-SDNY, Community Options will repay Medicaid over $5 million in reimbursements it received for day habilitation services that it failed to provide and document in compliance with state regulations.

    “New Yorkers with developmental disabilities rely on quality, community-based activities to lead fulfilling and independent lives,” said Attorney General James. “Community Options ignored the rules meant to ensure it was delivering the services it promised, depriving vulnerable New Yorkers of opportunities to participate in valuable programs that meet their needs. I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their assistance in this investigation that will ensure New Yorkers with developmental disabilities get the care and services they deserve.”

    Community Options’ services include the Day Habilitation Without Walls Program, where recipients can take part in activities, cultural events, and volunteer opportunities in their community. Medicaid and the New York Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) set requirements for day habilitation service providers to follow in order to receive Medicaid reimbursement. These requirements ensure organizations are providing an adequate number of services for enough time, are providing the correct types of services, and are documenting the services they provide.

    The OAG’s investigation found that Community Options violated the law by failing to meet these requirements for day habilitation services for which it billed New York’s Medicaid Program from January 1, 2017 to September 13, 2023. Community Options employees routinely failed to provide and document services in accordance with the OPWDD requirements. As a result, the adults with developmental disabilities that Community Options served did not receive the full benefits that the organization promised.

    The investigation also revealed that in January 2022, Community Options violated the law by failing to return overpayments it received from New York’s Medicaid program for services that it knew did not meet the state’s requirements. During a non-routine review, Community Options determined that it had failed to create and maintain monthly summary documents for dozens of day habilitation clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, affecting hundreds of claims for reimbursement. Despite a Community Options employee stating that these failures required Community Options to return payments for these claims, the senior Community Options employee overseeing day habilitation services instructed their subordinate to fraudulently create and back-date all of the missing monthly summary notes, in many instances up to a year after the services in question were purportedly provided.

    As a result of Attorney General James’ enforcement, Community Options will repay the over $5 million it improperly billed Medicaid, including paying approximately $2.8 million back to New York’s Medicaid program. The case against Community Options was initiated by a former employee, who will receive a portion of the settlement because the former employee filed a whistleblower lawsuit under the federal and New York False Claims Acts, which allow people to file civil actions under seal on behalf of the government and share in any recovery.

    The investigation and settlements were the result of a coordinated effort between OAG and USAO-SDNY. Attorney General James thanks USAO-SDNY for their partnership and assistance.

    For OAG’s MFCU, the investigation was conducted by Deputy Regional Chief Auditor Matthew Tandle, Auditor-Investigator Doni Corso, and Auditor-Investigator Che Cass, under the supervision of Chief Auditor Dejan Budimir, and Detective-Investigator Natalie Shifrin, under the supervision of Detective Supervisor Dominick DiGennaro. The settlement was handled by Special Assistant Attorney General Tiffany Castleman-Smith of the Civil Enforcement Division, under the supervision of Deputy Chief Diana Elkind. The Civil Enforcement Division is led by Chief Alee Scott. MFCU is led by Director Amy Held and Assistant Deputy Attorney General Paul J. Mahoney. MFCU is part of the Division for Criminal Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General José Maldonado and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson announces Lexington Co. man sentenced to 14 years for sex crimes against minorsRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that, on March 26, 2025, after a three-day trial, a Lexington County jury found Mark Frick, 57, guilty of Criminal Solicitation of a Minor and Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, First Degree. The Honorable Judge Debra McCaslin sentenced Frick to 10 years in prison on the Attempted Sexual Exploitation charge and four years on the Solicitation charge. Those sentences will run consecutively for a total sentence of 14 years in prison. He will have to register as a sex offender upon his release. 

    The investigation of Frick began in August of 2021 when the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department hosted an undercover chat operation in Lexington County involving members of the SC Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Detective Kenneth Clark, of the Mount Pleasant Police and a task force member, created an online persona of a 14-year-old girl on a social media site. Frick began a conversation with the persona and acknowledged her age. Frick continued to message the persona and made plans to meet for a sexual encounter. Frick was taken into custody upon arriving at a predetermined location to meet the 14-year-old persona. Special Investigator Jason Hughes of the SC Attorney General’s Office interviewed Frick, who confessed to attempting to meet the persona. 

    The SC Attorney General’s Office, Lexington County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Homeland Security, Mount Pleasant Police Department, and NCIS participated in the operation.

    Assistant Attorney General Stephen Ryan prosecuted the case with co-counsel Assistant Attorneys General Michelle Pappas and Anna Sharpe.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Former Brazilian president Bolsonaro will stand trial over alleged coup attempt

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Felipe Tirado, PhD Candidate in Law, King’s College London

    Bazil’s Supreme Court has unanimously accepted a complaint against former president Jair Bolsonaro and seven allies for attempting a coup d’état.

    Bolsonaro governed Brazil between 2019 and 2022, but lost his attempt at re-election to current president Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva.

    The decision is unprecedented. For the first time in the country’s history, a former president and high-ranking military officers are defendants alleged of crimes linked to a coup d’état.

    Besides Bolsonaro, there are other five members of the military accused of being at the heart of a plot. These are General Braga Netto, who was Bolsonaro’s minister and vice-presidential candidate; General Heleno, who was minister of the office of institutional security; General Nogueira, who was minister of defence; Admiral Garnier, former commander of the navy; and Lieutenant-Colonel Mauro Cid, Bolsonaro’s former main aid, who had become a whistleblower.

    The other two defendants are Anderson Torres, former minister of justice, and federal congressman Alexandre Ramagem, former director of the Brazilian intelligence agency.

    The indictment

    In February, the general prosecutor had indicted these individuals for the crimes of attempting to abolish the democratic state of law, coup d’état, qualified damage and damage to listed heritage, and armed criminal organisation. The sentences could exceed 30 years in prison.

    In all, 34 people were indicted. The next complaints to be examined by the court concern the “military nucleus”, responsible for tactical actions. Then, the court will judge complaints regarding the nucleus responsible for organising the actions. Finally, it will analyse claims concerning those accused of coordinating the disinformation initiatives.

    The only element that doesn’t have a trial date concerns the spread of disinformation outside Brazil.

    The judgement on the complaint

    All members of the panel voted to accept the charges. The rapporteur, Justice Alexandre de Moraes, stated that the judiciary “will not be intimidated by digital militias, whether national or foreign, because Brazil is a sovereign country”.

    Justice Moraes argued that the organisation sought to undermine the democratic rule of law, acting until January 2023. He also indicated that Bolsonaro led this structure, using disinformation about the elections to instigate the coup attempt.

    Other justices pointed out that the defences did not deny the coup attempt, but focused on maintaining their clients’ innocence. All justices repudiated acts that undermine the democratic rule of law and Brazilian institutions.

    Next steps

    Now that the complaint has been accepted, the panel will set the dates for the hearings and testimonies of the witnesses and the defendants. Then it will analyse the evidence produced throughout the process.

    After these phases, the panel will summon the defendants and the prosecution for their closing arguments. It is then that the panel will decide on a possible conviction. If the defendants are convicted, they will begin serving their sentences only after the appeals are over.

    The process is expected to develop over the next few months. Because of the 2026 elections, there is some expectation that the process will be finalised this year.

    Another Brazilian example

    The decision can be seen as yet another example that Brazil is setting for the world. Many believe the country can yet be a model for secure and efficient elections. Judicial initiatives to combat disinformation have become a reference to other countries.

    State institutions have already responded to the insurrection of 8 January 2023. This unprecedented decision that made a former president and high-ranking officers defendants for an attempted coup d’état reinforce the central role of the justice system in the defence of democracy.

    Felipe Tirado receives funding from the Centre for Doctoral Studies – King’s College London.

    – ref. Former Brazilian president Bolsonaro will stand trial over alleged coup attempt – https://theconversation.com/former-brazilian-president-bolsonaro-will-stand-trial-over-alleged-coup-attempt-253198

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Launches Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force

    Source: US State of California

    Task Force Invites Public Input Targeting Red Tape that Hinders Free Market Competition

    Today, the Justice Department launches an Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force to advocate for the elimination of anticompetitive state and federal laws and regulations that undermine free market competition and harm consumers, workers, and businesses. The Antitrust Division has a long history of advocacy against laws and regulations that create unnecessary barriers to competition.  The Task Force will surge resources to these efforts and invite public comments to support the Administration’s mission to unwind laws and regulations that hinder business dynamism and make markets less competitive.    

    “Realizing President Trump’s economic Golden Age will require unwinding burdensome regulations that stifle free market competition. This Antitrust Division will stand against harmful barriers to competition whether imposed by public regulators or private monopolists,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “We look forward to working with the public and with other federal agencies to identify and eliminate anticompetitive laws and regulations.”

    On Jan. 31, President Trump signed Executive Order 14192 declaring “the policy of the executive branch” to be that federal agencies should “alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens placed on the American people.” Consistent with this policy, on Feb. 19, President Trump signed Executive Order 14219 directing agencies to “initiate a process to review all regulations” and identify regulations that, among other things, “impose undue burdens on small businesses and impede private enterprise and entrepreneurship.” Consistent with longstanding practice, the Antitrust Division will support federal agencies’ deregulatory initiatives by sharing its market expertise on regulations that pose the greatest barriers to economic growth.

    Regulatory capture is a well-studied phenomenon in which agencies become “captured” by special interests and big businesses, rather than serving the interests of the American people. But when regulations serve the few and impose undue burdens on small businesses, private enterprise, and entrepreneurs, they also harm competition and ultimately hurt American consumers, workers, and businesses. For example, regulations can increase compliance costs, preventing businesses from competing on a level playing field with powerful corporations. Regulations can also discourage or even intentionally prohibit small businesses and new products from entering markets and lowering prices for American families. In contrast, eliminating unnecessary anticompetitive regulations makes it easier for businesses to compete. More competition empowers the American people — not government regulators — to drive economic progress and innovation. When every American has a fair opportunity to enjoy the benefits of competitive free markets, every American has an opportunity to realize the American dream.

    By identifying and working with state and federal agencies to revise or eliminate these laws and regulations, the Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force will contribute to making the American dream a reality. As a first step, the Antitrust Division will initiate a public inquiry to identify unnecessary laws and regulations that raise the highest barriers to competition. In particular, the Division will seek information from the public about laws and regulations that make it more difficult for businesses to compete effectively, especially in markets that have the greatest impact on American households, including:

    • Housing: Americans spend more than one-third of their monthly income on housing, and the cost of owning or renting a home continues to rise. Laws and regulations in housing markets can contribute to these problems by making it more difficult for companies to build and ordinary Americans to rent or buy.
    • Transportation: Laws and regulations in areas like airlines, rail, and ocean shipping can grant antitrust immunities, outright monopolies, or safe harbors for conduct that undermines competition. As a result, Americans pay more for travel, fuel, and a variety of other products.
    • Food and Agriculture: By the end of the Biden-Harris Administration, grocery prices were 27% higher than at the end of the first Trump Administration. Eliminating unnecessary anticompetitive regulations will help farmers, growers, and ranchers increase the amount of food they produce and unlock lower prices for American consumers.
    • Healthcare: Laws and regulations in healthcare markets too often discourage doctors and hospitals from providing low-cost, high-quality healthcare and instead encourage overbilling and consolidation. These kinds of unnecessary anticompetitive regulations put affordable healthcare out of reach for millions of American families.
    • Energy: Reliable and affordable energy is essential to modern American life — whether in homes, businesses, manufacturing plants, schools, hospitals, sporting events, or data centers. Laws and regulations can undermine reliability and affordability by protecting incumbent electricity providers from competition or disruptive innovation.

    The public will have 60 days to submit comments at Regulations.gov, no later than May 26. Once submitted, comments will be posted to Regulations.gov. All market participants are invited to provide comments in response to this inquiry, including consumers, consumer advocates, small businesses, employers, trade groups, industry analysts, and other entities that are impacted by anticompetitive state or federal laws and regulations.

    In addition to reviewing responses from the public, the Task Force will bring together attorneys, economists, and other staff from across the Division, together with interagency partners, to identify state and federal laws and regulations that unnecessarily harm competition. The Antitrust Division will then take appropriate action, including helping agencies revise or eliminate these regulations.

    The Task Force will also consider other ways to advocate for the removal of anticompetitive laws and regulations. The Division routinely files amicus briefs and statements of interests in private litigation, and it will continue to do so to promote competition and oppose anticompetitive laws and regulations. The Division also provides comments on proposed legislation in the states on the request of state legislators. These efforts will continue with an eye toward protecting competition and interstate commerce in light of dormant Commerce Clause principles.

    The Justice Department has a long history of serving as the Executive Branch’s chief competition advocate by working with agencies to identify and eliminate unnecessary regulations. In 2018, the Justice Department released a report on how regulations can harm competition. Following this report, the Justice Department submitted dozens of comments to federal agencies supporting efforts to eliminate unnecessary regulations and increase competition. For example, the Justice Department, in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, submitted a comment opposing  regulations that would have protected incumbent electricity transmission companies from much-needed competition in energy markets across the country. The Justice Department filed comments aimed at making it easier for individuals and small businesses to navigate the federal government bureaucracy. The Justice Department also provided technical assistance and trainings to federal agencies to help them analyze how new and existing regulations might affect competition, or whether competition may be a better alternative to regulation altogether.

    The Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force will continue these efforts, supporting ongoing efforts across the Trump Administration to unleash competition by eliminating unnecessary, burdensome, and wasteful government regulations. For more information on the Task Force, including contact information, see the Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force page on the Division’s website.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: AnticompetitiveRegulations@usdoj.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Launches Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Task Force Invites Public Input Targeting Red Tape that Hinders Free Market Competition

    Today, the Justice Department launches an Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force to advocate for the elimination of anticompetitive state and federal laws and regulations that undermine free market competition and harm consumers, workers, and businesses. The Antitrust Division has a long history of advocacy against laws and regulations that create unnecessary barriers to competition.  The Task Force will surge resources to these efforts and invite public comments to support the Administration’s mission to unwind laws and regulations that hinder business dynamism and make markets less competitive.    

    “Realizing President Trump’s economic Golden Age will require unwinding burdensome regulations that stifle free market competition. This Antitrust Division will stand against harmful barriers to competition whether imposed by public regulators or private monopolists,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “We look forward to working with the public and with other federal agencies to identify and eliminate anticompetitive laws and regulations.”

    On Jan. 31, President Trump signed Executive Order 14192 declaring “the policy of the executive branch” to be that federal agencies should “alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens placed on the American people.” Consistent with this policy, on Feb. 19, President Trump signed Executive Order 14219 directing agencies to “initiate a process to review all regulations” and identify regulations that, among other things, “impose undue burdens on small businesses and impede private enterprise and entrepreneurship.” Consistent with longstanding practice, the Antitrust Division will support federal agencies’ deregulatory initiatives by sharing its market expertise on regulations that pose the greatest barriers to economic growth.

    Regulatory capture is a well-studied phenomenon in which agencies become “captured” by special interests and big businesses, rather than serving the interests of the American people. But when regulations serve the few and impose undue burdens on small businesses, private enterprise, and entrepreneurs, they also harm competition and ultimately hurt American consumers, workers, and businesses. For example, regulations can increase compliance costs, preventing businesses from competing on a level playing field with powerful corporations. Regulations can also discourage or even intentionally prohibit small businesses and new products from entering markets and lowering prices for American families. In contrast, eliminating unnecessary anticompetitive regulations makes it easier for businesses to compete. More competition empowers the American people — not government regulators — to drive economic progress and innovation. When every American has a fair opportunity to enjoy the benefits of competitive free markets, every American has an opportunity to realize the American dream.

    By identifying and working with state and federal agencies to revise or eliminate these laws and regulations, the Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force will contribute to making the American dream a reality. As a first step, the Antitrust Division will initiate a public inquiry to identify unnecessary laws and regulations that raise the highest barriers to competition. In particular, the Division will seek information from the public about laws and regulations that make it more difficult for businesses to compete effectively, especially in markets that have the greatest impact on American households, including:

    • Housing: Americans spend more than one-third of their monthly income on housing, and the cost of owning or renting a home continues to rise. Laws and regulations in housing markets can contribute to these problems by making it more difficult for companies to build and ordinary Americans to rent or buy.
    • Transportation: Laws and regulations in areas like airlines, rail, and ocean shipping can grant antitrust immunities, outright monopolies, or safe harbors for conduct that undermines competition. As a result, Americans pay more for travel, fuel, and a variety of other products.
    • Food and Agriculture: By the end of the Biden-Harris Administration, grocery prices were 27% higher than at the end of the first Trump Administration. Eliminating unnecessary anticompetitive regulations will help farmers, growers, and ranchers increase the amount of food they produce and unlock lower prices for American consumers.
    • Healthcare: Laws and regulations in healthcare markets too often discourage doctors and hospitals from providing low-cost, high-quality healthcare and instead encourage overbilling and consolidation. These kinds of unnecessary anticompetitive regulations put affordable healthcare out of reach for millions of American families.
    • Energy: Reliable and affordable energy is essential to modern American life — whether in homes, businesses, manufacturing plants, schools, hospitals, sporting events, or data centers. Laws and regulations can undermine reliability and affordability by protecting incumbent electricity providers from competition or disruptive innovation.

    The public will have 60 days to submit comments at Regulations.gov, no later than May 26. Once submitted, comments will be posted to Regulations.gov. All market participants are invited to provide comments in response to this inquiry, including consumers, consumer advocates, small businesses, employers, trade groups, industry analysts, and other entities that are impacted by anticompetitive state or federal laws and regulations.

    In addition to reviewing responses from the public, the Task Force will bring together attorneys, economists, and other staff from across the Division, together with interagency partners, to identify state and federal laws and regulations that unnecessarily harm competition. The Antitrust Division will then take appropriate action, including helping agencies revise or eliminate these regulations.

    The Task Force will also consider other ways to advocate for the removal of anticompetitive laws and regulations. The Division routinely files amicus briefs and statements of interests in private litigation, and it will continue to do so to promote competition and oppose anticompetitive laws and regulations. The Division also provides comments on proposed legislation in the states on the request of state legislators. These efforts will continue with an eye toward protecting competition and interstate commerce in light of dormant Commerce Clause principles.

    The Justice Department has a long history of serving as the Executive Branch’s chief competition advocate by working with agencies to identify and eliminate unnecessary regulations. In 2018, the Justice Department released a report on how regulations can harm competition. Following this report, the Justice Department submitted dozens of comments to federal agencies supporting efforts to eliminate unnecessary regulations and increase competition. For example, the Justice Department, in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, submitted a comment opposing  regulations that would have protected incumbent electricity transmission companies from much-needed competition in energy markets across the country. The Justice Department filed comments aimed at making it easier for individuals and small businesses to navigate the federal government bureaucracy. The Justice Department also provided technical assistance and trainings to federal agencies to help them analyze how new and existing regulations might affect competition, or whether competition may be a better alternative to regulation altogether.

    The Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force will continue these efforts, supporting ongoing efforts across the Trump Administration to unleash competition by eliminating unnecessary, burdensome, and wasteful government regulations. For more information on the Task Force, including contact information, see the Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force page on the Division’s website.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: AnticompetitiveRegulations@usdoj.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Crime and policing Bill: Government amendments for Committee

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Crime and policing Bill: Government amendments for Committee

    Correspondence relating to the Crime and Policing Bill, which was introduced in the House of Commons on 25 February 2025.

    Documents

    Letter from Minister Johnson to Public Bill Committee detailing government amendments for committee stage: 26 March 2025

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    Letter from Minister Johnson to Public Bill Committee detailing government amendments for committee stage: 26 March 2025

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    Details

    Ministerial correspondence relating to the Crime and Policing Bill.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 March 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Child poverty in Scotland falls

    Source: Scottish Government

    UK Government decisions ‘hold back further progress’.

    New statistics show that child poverty in Scotland has fallen, in contrast to the rest of the UK.

    Annual statistics published today show that compared with the previous year’s statistics, relative child poverty in 2023-24 reduced from 26% to 22% in Scotland while absolute child poverty fell from 23% to 17%. UK Poverty statistics published today show levels of relative child poverty at 31% and absolute child poverty at 26%.

    Modelling published today suggests that UK Government policies are “holding back” Scotland’s progress. It estimates the UK Government could reduce relative child poverty by an additional 100,000 children in 2025-26 if it heeded Scottish Government calls to end the two child limit, replicate the Scottish Child Payment in Universal Credit, remove the benefit cap and introduce an essentials guarantee.

    This model does not take into account the UK Government’s own impact assessment of its welfare cuts announced yesterday , which states that they will leave an additional 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, in poverty.

    Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

    “Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority and we are committed to meeting the 2030 targets unanimously agreed by the Scottish Parliament.

    “Our policies are having to work harder than ever to make a difference, against a backdrop of a continuing cost of living crisis, rising energy costs and UK Government decision making. However, we know these policies are working.

    “Statistics published today show that, although we have not met the interim child poverty targets, the proportion of children living in relative poverty has reduced and year-on-year rates are now lower than they have been since 2014-15, while the proportion in absolute poverty has also fallen with the annual figure the lowest in 30 years.

    “While JRF predict child poverty will rise in other parts of the UK by 2029, they highlight that policies such as our Scottish Child Payment, and our commitment to mitigate the two-child limit, ‘are behind Scotland bucking the trend’.

    “But decisions taken by the UK Government are holding us back, and yesterday’s Spring statement will only make things worse. The DWP’s own figures show that proposed welfare cuts will drive 50,000 more children into poverty, which must call into question their commitment to tackling child poverty. I have already written to Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall to seek reassurance about the purpose and direction of the UK Government’s Child Poverty Taskforce. The Taskforce’s credibility has been drastically undermined by the policies announced by the UKG in the past few days.”

    Background:

    Poverty levels broadly stable over last decade

    Child poverty modelling: update

     Covering the period until March 2024, child poverty after housing costs (AHC) has been consistently lower in Scotland compared to the UK overall over the last two decades.

    • Three-year averages

    The latest statistics show that relative child poverty levels in Scotland are six percentage points lower than the UK average – 23% compared to 30% in 2021-24 (31% England, 31% Wales and 24% NI). 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ninja swords banned by summer as manifesto commitment delivered

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Ninja swords banned by summer as manifesto commitment delivered

    Final part of Ronan’s Law introduced in Parliament thanks to campaigning of Kanda family.

    Image: Getty Images

    In a further move to break the cycle of young people carrying knives and to better protect the public from knife-related crime, from 1 August, ninja swords will be banned. This will make it illegal to possess, manufacture, import or sell these deadly weapons.  

    The majority of ninja swords have a blade between 14 inches and 24 inches with one straight cutting edge with a tanto style point. From 1 August, anyone caught in possession of a ninja sword in private could face 6 months in prison, and this will later increase to 2 years under new measures in the Crime and Policing Bill. There is already a penalty of up to 4 years in prison for carrying any weapon in public.  

    Ahead of the ban coming into place, the government, in partnership with law enforcement and members of the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime, will run its most ambitious surrender scheme yet. The scheme will run across the country, targeting young people most vulnerable to knife crime.  

    The surrender scheme will run from 1 to 31 July to allow any member of the public to hand in these weapons safely.  

    There will also be new safeguards to prevent exploitation of the scheme. For the first time, there will be a cut-off date and no weapons bought after today (27 March) will be eligible for compensation and we will have stronger value checks. There will also be further guidance released advising where a sword can be surrendered if the owner does not wish to visit a local police station or claim compensation. This will offer the greater use of knife surrender bins and their locations.

    The government is exploring every avenue to protect young people and break the behaviour of carrying knives as part of its Plan for Change. The mission to halve knife crime is a cross-Whitehall mission to:

    • restrict the availability of knives online
    • hold those responsible for selling knives irresponsibly to account
    • better support young people at an early stage who are vulnerable to a life of crime

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    Knife crime is destroying young lives as too many teenagers are being drawn into violence and it is far too easy for them to get hold of dangerous weapons.

    Ronan Kanda was just 16 when he was ruthlessly killed by 2 boys only a year older than him. Today we are introducing the final part of Ronan’s law in his memory – banning the ninja swords that his killers should never have been able to use.

    We are acting with urgency to bring forward measures to prevent deadly weapons from getting into the wrong hands and will continue to do whatever is needed to prevent young people being killed on our streets as part of our mission to halve knife crime over the next decade. 

    Pooja Kanda said:

    Today marks a very important day for us as a family and our campaign. Since losing our beautiful boy Ronan, we have relentlessly campaigned for a ban on ninja swords – the lethal weapon which took his life. We believe ninja swords have no place in our society other than to seriously harm and kill.

    We are so grateful to our government for hearing us and for recognising how important and urgent it is to get these dangerous weapons off our streets. Each step towards tackling knife crime is a step towards getting justice for our boy Ronan.

    Patrick Green, CEO, Ben Kinsella Trust said:

    The Ben Kinsella Trust welcomes the government’s decision to ban ninja swords and implement Ronan’s Law. These weapons, with no practical purpose beyond violence, are simply instruments of war and have absolutely no place in our society or on our streets. The ease with which such dangerous items have been available has contributed to far too many tragedies. 

    The additional measures under Ronan’s Law, designed to hold those who sell these weapons to account, are critical in breaking the supply chain that fuels this violence. We commend the government for listening to victims’ families, and for taking decisive action.

    Sandra Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Word 4 Weapons said:

    Word 4 Weapons stands firmly behind the introduction of Ronan’s Law. Ronan’s tragic death at the hands of a ninja sword highlights the urgent need to tighten legislation around dangerous weapons, online and otherwise. This law is a crucial step toward reducing violence and protecting lives in our communities.

    The ninja ban forms part of Ronan’s Law, which aims to tackle the online sale of knives. Last month, the government announced a series of measures to tackle online sales, including a 2-step verification process for the sale of knives online and significant fines for executives who fail to remove knife crime content for their platform. It also announced tougher penalties for being caught with a knife in public and for selling a weapon to any person under 18.  

    Ronan’s Law will also require online retailers to report any bulk or suspicious-looking purchases of knives to the police. This will apply to all online sales of knives, including those who operate through online marketplaces. In the spring, the government will also consult on the introduction of a licensing scheme for retailers who wish to sell knives. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lord Hanson unveils ambitious new approach to tackling fraud

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Lord Hanson unveils ambitious new approach to tackling fraud

    Fraud Minister announces new, expanded fraud strategy will be published later this year, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    The public and businesses will receive fresh protections from the UK’s most commonly experienced crime, the Fraud Minister Lord Hanson will announce today as he sets out plans to publish a new, expanded fraud strategy as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    The minister will detail the work underway on the new strategy, which includes proposals on working with private industry and further international co-operation, in his keynote address to the Global Anti-Scams Alliance (GASA) summit. The summit takes place today and tomorrow (Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 March) at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London.

    The minister will say that, with the latest ONS figures finding that fraud reports increased last year by 19%, a ‘robust response’ is required to every aspect of the fraud threat. And with estimates finding that 70% of fraud now includes an international element, global co-operation will be key to tackling this growing issue.

    A key focus of the strategy will be combatting tech-enabled fraud, including emerging tech such as AI. The minister will state that getting a grip on these threats will be central to the new strategy.

    But Lord Hanson will also re-emphasise the government’s commitment to harnessing the power of developing technologies, including AI, to help tackle crime and reduce the amount of time that the police and prosecutors need to spend completing paperwork rather than delivering justice. This is a key objective of the recently published Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences.

    As part of his keynote address, Lord Hanson will also announce plans for a Global Fraud Summit supported by the UK. The summit will be hosted by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and INTERPOL in Vienna in early 2026 and will bring together dozens of governments from across the world to transform the global response to fraud.

    With fraud and cyber crime making up 50% of all online crime in the UK, the Fraud Minister will reveal that he has instructed officials to accelerate the development of data-sharing measures to protect the public and businesses. This work, Lord Hanson will say, will take place in collaboration with law enforcement and industry to “stop, block and disrupt” online harms both domestically and internationally.

    The announcements also follow the second meeting of the Joint Fraud Taskforce since the new government took office and the first since the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Mansion House speech. Together with the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, the chancellor urged tech and telco companies to go further and faster to tackle fraud.

    Fraud Minister Lord Hanson said:

    Fraud is an increasingly international enterprise run by some of the most appalling criminal gangs operating in the world today.

    That’s why we are determined to work with global partners to build a united front to tackle these criminal networks head-on, wherever they are based.

    It’s also why I’m pleased to announce a new Global Fraud Summit to be held in early 2026 and that work is ongoing to develop a new, expanded fraud strategy with international co-operation at its heart, as part of this government’s Plan for Change.

    Fraud has changed and so too must our response.

    UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly said:

    Organised fraud is growing increasingly sophisticated and transnational, requiring stronger collaboration across borders and agencies.

    I welcome the UK’s leadership in driving efforts to combat organised fraud and I’m proud that the UN’s Office on Drugs and Crime is partnering with INTERPOL to co-organise the Global Fraud Summit 2026 in Vienna.

    This is an important opportunity to sharpen our collective response and develop innovative solutions to protect communities from this pervasive crime.

    INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said:

    Advances in technology, such as AI, have seen online fraud and scams grow in complexity and scale, posing a threat to individuals and organisations alike.

    A unified response is essential, and these summits are an opportunity to bring the various sectors together.

    We look forward to working with the UK, the UNODC and other partners to build a more effective global response.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: The Fugitive Task Force Deploys to the West Daly Region

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has deployed the Fugitive Task Force (FTF) to the West Daly Region.

    The FTF was stood up in December 2024 to boost ongoing efforts to target recidivist offenders and enhance community safety.

    Over a three-day deployment to the West Daly Region, the task force has made 20 arrests and served two domestic violence orders, along with assisting local police with multiple outstanding matters.

    The offences committed by those arrested include breach of bail, outstanding warrants, aggravated assault and breach of domestic violence orders.

    Acting Commander Drew Slape said, “The Fugitive Task Force continues to focus on holding recidivist and high harm offenders to account.

    “We will continue to pursue those who have outstanding matters and present ongoing risks to community safety.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Domestic violence – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 53-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence incident that occurred in Alice Springs early this morning.

    Around 1:25am, a female presented to the Alice Springs Police Station to report she had been assaulted by her partner with a blunt weapon at a residence in Braitling.

    The victim sustained injuries to her head, face and arm, and was conveyed to the Alice Springs Hospital by St John Ambulance for treatment.

    Police attended the residence and arrested a 53-year-old male at 2am.

    He remains in police custody and investigations are ongoing.

    Police urge anyone with information to call 131 444 and quote reference P25083467. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Disturbances – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to disturbances that occurred in Alice Springs yesterday.

    Around 12:30pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received multiple reports of groups fighting in the Alice Springs CBD. Police responded and the group dispersed.

    A 37-year-old female was conveyed to the Alice Springs Hospital with minor injuries, along with a second victim with non-life-threatening injuries.

    A 22-year-old female was arrested in relation to this incident and is expected to be charged.

    Around 2:35pm, further alleged fighting occurred between the same groups on Hartley Street, with some participants allegedly armed with weapons.

    Multiple police units responded, and the group once again dispersed.

    Investigations are ongoing and police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference P25082836. You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrests – Pursuit – Northern Suburbs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 25-year-old male in relation to domestic violence offences in Darwin.

    This morning, police received intelligence that a male with an arrest warrant was within Bagot Community. It is alleged the male had been actively evading police.

    Around 7:30am, Strike Force Trident and Dog Operations Unit (DOU) established a cordon around the community and commenced a search for the alleged offender.

    A short time later, the offender and another male passenger were sighted in a vehicle driving erratically through the community and at some points on the footpath.

    A tyre deflation device was deployed, which the offending vehicle attempted to avoid by swerving at officers and colliding with the rear of a Trident vehicle.

    Multiple pursuits were commenced; however, they were terminated shortly after for safety reasons.

    At around 08:30am, DOU members sighted the vehicle stopped on Buchanan Terrace in Nakara before the offender and the passenger fled the scene on foot.

    Police deployed a taser which was ineffective, and the offender fled through a school oval on Nakara Terrace.

    Patrol Dog Boss was deployed, but the 25-year-old male scaled a 12-foot fence and fled. A second dog handler followed over the fence, caught up to the man, and he surrendered without further incident.

    The 30-year-old male passenger was also arrested and is assisting police with enquiries.

    The 25-year-old offender remains in police custody with additional charges expected to follow.

    Senior Sergeant Meacham King said, “I want to commend the work of all members involved in this arrest.

    “It’s fortunate our officers weren’t seriously injured when the Trident vehicle was struck.

    “The arrest is a testament to the strong collaboration between Strike Force Trident and Dog Operations Unit.

    “We remain committed to holding offenders to account and bringing them before the courts.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Investing in California’s creative economy: Governor Newsom welcomes Vogue World event to Hollywood

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 26, 2025

    Highlights California’s economic investments in creative economy, LA’s recovery

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom today joined Anna Wintour to welcome the Vogue World event to Hollywood, promoting the state’s proposal to more than double California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program. 

    HOLLYWOOD – Governor Newsom today joined Vogue for the announcement of this year’s Vogue World event, which will be hosted in Hollywood this October. At Vogue’s press event, Governor Newsom joined Anna Wintour, Vogue Editor-in-Chief and Global Chief Content Editor of Conde Nast, to promote the upcoming event, highlighting the state’s world-leading creative economy – which creates 220,000 jobs – and the Governor’s proposal to more than double the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program.

    “California is the entertainment capital of the world – and we’re committed to ensuring we stay that way. Fashion and film go hand in hand, helping to express characters, capture eras in time, and reflect cultural movements. We’re honored to welcome Vogue World Hollywood to the Golden State to help us spotlight California’s creative economy and the thousands of talented workers and businesses who support it.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “Vogue World: Hollywood will be a one-night-only show with a huge cast of models and actors, dancers, musicians and surprises, and it will set great film costumes next to brilliant fashion collections… By mixing fashion with the arts and culture in the center of a city, and by raising funds for a cause, Vogue World has become a runway show-as-rallying cry, a way to fix the attention of a huge global audience, to bring awareness, and sound an unmistakable note of positivity, creativity, and hope.”

    Anna Wintour

    Lights, cameras, jobs! 

    Since its inception in 2009, California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program has generated over $26 billion in economic activity and supported more than 197,000 cast and crew jobs across the state, strengthening the vital link between California’s communities and the iconic film and TV industry. A study of the program found that, for every tax credit dollar approved, it generated at least $24.40 in output, $16.14 in GDP, $8.60 in wages, and $1.07 in initial state and local tax revenue from production in the state. 

    However, the program has been oversubscribed year after year, with more productions applying than can be accommodated under the current cap. Between 2020 and 2024, data shows California lost production spending due to limited tax credit funding and increased competition in other states and countries, directly impacting state jobs and local economies​​.

    In recent years, projects that were unable to secure California’s tax credits and moved to other locations as a result contributed to significant economic losses, with California losing 71% of production spending by these rejected projects subsequently filming out-of-state.

    The Governor’s proposal to expand California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program to $750 million annually, a massive increase from the current $330 million annual allocation, would position California as one of the top states for capped film incentive programs.

    California is a creative economy powerhouse

    As one of the strategic sectors outlined in the recently launched California Jobs First Economic Blueprint, the creative economy has deep roots in California’s history and continues to be an engine for innovation, cultural expression, and economic growth.

    • In 2023, California was home to 220,000 creative economy jobs, one in every four creative economy jobs in the U.S.
    • The average salary paid to creative workers in 2023 was $160,000, more than 50% higher than the California average.

    And while the Los Angeles region leads the way in jobs generated by the creative economy, three other regions – Redwood, the Bay Area, and the Southern Border – also identified film, TV, and the arts as a regional strategic sector.

    Recent news

    Mar 26, 2025

    News What you need to know: Financial assistance for Los Angeles fire recovery has now surpassed $2 billion, survivors may apply until March 31st, 2025. LOS ANGELES – Building upon California’s ongoing support for disaster survivors and small businesses, Governor…

    Mar 25, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of King City Police Department Sergeant Ryan Kenedy: “Jennifer and I mourn alongside the King City community over the sudden passing of Sergeant Kenedy. Our hearts are with his…

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Assistance continues to flow to families and businesses as federal aid for LA fires tops $2 billion

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 26, 2025

    What you need to know: Financial assistance for Los Angeles fire recovery has now surpassed $2 billion, survivors may apply until March 31st, 2025.

    LOS ANGELES – Building upon California’s ongoing support for disaster survivors and small businesses, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that aid from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has now exceeded $2 billion.

    “This federal disaster aid brings much-needed relief for impacted homeowners, renters, businesses grappling with loss and damage. California is grateful to President Trump and our federal partners for making this recovery a priority.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    This financial assistance serves as a vital lifeline for impacted communities and has been rapidly distributed in just over two months since the Los Angeles County wildfires were declared a major disaster by then President Joseph R. Biden.

    Through that disaster declaration, SBA makes low-interest federal disaster loans available to impacted residents and businesses in the impacted regions. SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent, or minimize future disaster damage. 

    Disaster assistance by the numbers:

    Federal assistance to eligible homeowners, renters, and businesses, in the form of FEMA grants and low-interest SBA Disaster Loans, has topped $2 billion. That includes: 

    • $200 million in FEMA assistance.

    • $2 billion in home and business loan offers from the SBA, the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for homeowners, renters, businesses, and certain nonprofits. 

    To date more than 31,636 households have been approved for FEMA funds, including:

    • $24,631,795 in housing assistance for short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.

    • $76,690,832 in other essential disaster-related needs, such as expenses related to medical, dental, and lost personal possessions.

    • $101,322,628 in individual housing program support.

    • 30,563 visits at the two Disaster Recovery Centers that remain open at UCLA Research Park and Altadena Recovery Center.

    The deadline to apply for both FEMA and SBA disaster assistance is March 31, 2025.

    How to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance

    • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

    • On the FEMA App.

    • By calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, give FEMA your number for that service. Assistance is available in multiple languages. Lines are open Sunday–Saturday, from 4 a.m.- 10 p.m. Pacific Time.

    • At a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To locate a DRC near you, visit the DRC Locator.

    For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance

    Apply for SBA Low-Interest Disaster Loans

    • Online at sba.gov/disaster.

    • By calling SBA’s Customer Service Center hotline at 800-659-2955. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability may dial 711 to access relay services.

    • By emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

    • At a Disaster Recovery Center or Business Recovery Center, where you can submit a completed application or SBA representatives can help you apply. To find a BRC near you, go to Appointment.sba.gov.

    • Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov or other locally announced locations.

    The application period for both Small Business Administration aid and individual assistance remains open until March 31 and impacted residents are encouraged to apply today. 

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Mar 25, 2025

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    Mar 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: Since Governor Newsom launched the joint San Bernardino operation in October 2024, the efforts have led to 858 arrests and 66 recovered stolen vehicles. Los Angeles, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the ongoing joint law…

    Mar 24, 2025

    News What you need to know: The Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force released a list of 25 key deliverables to build on the state’s ongoing efforts to protect Californians from increasing threats posed by catastrophic wildfire and a changing climate….

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Working together to ensure financial integrity

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Good morning. It is a great pleasure to be here today and to welcome you to the BIS Innovation Hub’s Analytics Showcase.1

    This event marks the conclusion of the 2025 Analytics Challenge, in which we invited innovators to submit proposals for collaborative technology solutions to a specific problem.

    Over the next two days, we will come together to tackle a pressing challenge for regulators, businesses and consumers – financial crime. And since financial crime does not respect borders, we believe there is a clear need for deeper global collaboration. In the next few minutes, I will reflect on why this is essential and how we can work together in an increasingly digitalised world.

    The BIS Innovation Hub already helps central banks around the world collaborate on financial technology. We track key trends, connect innovation experts to each other and develop public goods in the technology space that are geared towards improving the functioning of the financial system.

    We experiment through projects that aim to show how technology can help and inspire meaningful action. These projects are possible thanks to collaboration with the global community of policymakers and innovators. And to our delight, part of this community is also here today.

    In my remarks, I will share with you the Innovation Hub’s projects that use technological innovation to safeguard financial integrity. And then I will set out our plan for the next two days to explore new technology and further expand global collaboration in the fight against financial crime.

    But let me now turn to why action is called for in the first place.

    Financial crime today

    Financial services are needed for a society to work well. Indeed, they are crucial for the economy to function properly. But widespread financial crime, such as fraud, money laundering and cyber attacks, undermines the integrity of our financial system and harms society. Central banks and financial supervisors therefore have a strong interest in supporting the fight against this type of criminal activity.

    The scale of financial crime is staggering. By some estimates, over $3 trillion2 in illicit funds move through the financial system each year, draining up to 5% of global GDP.3 Fraud alone costs hundreds of billions of dollars, hitting both consumers and businesses that have to shoulder a considerable share of the losses.

    We have good reasons to believe that most cases of fraud are never reported, which leaves the true scale hidden.4 And the real cost isn’t just money – financial crime often goes hand-in-hand with  other crimes, such drug and human trafficking, often damaging society’s most vulnerable people.

    Meanwhile, criminals move faster than law enforcement, exploiting technology and global networks to stay ahead. Look no further than Europe for evidence. Most fraud here appears to be cyber-enabled, online scams that very often cross borders,[5] with more consumers being targeted than ever before.

    In turn, financial firms face soaring compliance costs to detect illicit activity, spending hundreds of billions each year just to keep up.6

    And despite these efforts, estimates indicate that less than 1% of dirty money is intercepted and recovered,7 a remarkable statistic that highlights a difficult reality: despite growing investment in fighting financial crime, the overall results are falling short.

    To turn the tide, we need to explore new ways to fight financial crime, and we know that new technology holds great potential.

    But we also know that only through the collaboration, support and contributions of many can we fully harness technological innovation to protect our financial system and society. In other words, it takes a village.

    That brings us to today. We’ve laid the foundation already – the next two days of the Analytics Showcase will build on it.

    Let me share how the BIS Innovation Hub has been driving this effort.

    The role of the BIS Innovation Hub

    The Bank for International Settlements supports central banks in their pursuit of monetary and financial stability by fostering international cooperation.

    About five years ago, the BIS launched the Innovation Hub – a partnership with central banks that now spans seven centres across the globe, with one located here in London and hosted by the Bank of England.

    The Innovation Hub experiments with new technologies to see how they can solve shared challenges and help central banks deliver on their mandates more effectively.

    It does so because technology is changing finance fast, and the Innovation Hub aspires to facilitate collaboration and be a partner to central banks, while demonstrating the potential that novel technology brings.

    And the financial system needs to be secure, resilient and trusted, no matter how fast things change.

    Financial integrity is key to central banks for three reasons.

    First, threats to financial integrity are also threats to safety and stability – their core job.

    Second, central banks operate and supervise financial market infrastructures such as payment and settlement systems, where the threat of financial crime exists.

    Third, central banks often oversee banks’ compliance with anti-money laundering rules that enable the detection of illicit transactions.

    Some of the Innovation Hub’s projects have developed technological solutions or components that could be combined in a potential “technology stack”, elevating global collaboration in the fight against financial crime.

    Let me unpack that.

    A technology stack to maintain financial system integrity

    Consider a typical cross-border payment – it involves multiple banks and payment systems across jurisdictions. From the moment the sender makes a payment until the final recipient receives the money, multiple steps are taken to keep the payment safe and secure.

    I will walk you through the five key components that make these steps more effective.

    To start, each bank involved in the transaction must conduct compliance checks. This involves screening customers against sanctions lists or ensuring compliance with foreign exchange rules. These checks are often repeated and require manual work, due to varying regulations and data standards along the payments chain.

    Our first component of the technology stack provides a solution for programmable compliance and transaction pre-validation.

    Through Project Mandala, we have demonstrated better options for financial institutions to automate compliance checks and generate cryptographic proofs to show they have conducted all the necessary checks before initiating a transaction.

    The solution enhances the efficiency, transparency and speed of cross-border transactions without compromising the quality and soundness of regulatory checks.

    Mandala also improves transparency on country-specific policies, while facilitating real-time reporting and monitoring for regulators and supervisors.

    Now, after compliance checks, transactions are submitted to electronic payment systems for processing. These systems have a bird’s eye view of payers and payees allowing them to analyse transaction networks.

    Our next component is about embedding enhanced transaction analytics into payment systems. This could improve detection of seemingly legitimate transactions tied to complex money laundering schemes.

    Ongoing work in Project Hertha aims to show that advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and network analytics methods at a payment system level can help identify financial crime patterns that warrant a second look, while protecting privacy by using only a limited set of data points.

    To achieve this, the project created synthetic transaction data mimicking real payments using state-of-the-art AI methods. These data were also shared with Analytics Challenge participants to help test their solutions.

    The third component is about collaborative analytics. Advanced technologies, such as federated learning and multi-party computation, allow public and private stakeholders to share intelligence without revealing private customer data. Such public-private collaboration can help stakeholders join forces to identify criminal activity. 

    Project Aurora demonstrated how shifting to this more holistic approach, including the application of AI and machine learning techniques, helps identify money laundering and financial crime networks both nationally and internationally.

    Another component of our tech stack is user privacy, which is crucial in all our projects. Privacy rights must be upheld in any collaborative analytics and information sharing initiatives.

    Projects Aurora and Mandala tested privacy-enhancing technologies for secure data sharing. Project Hertha is testing methods to identify suspicious network patterns using a minimal set of data points.

    The final component is protection against cyber threats, vital in today’s digital landscape. Fraudsters and cyber criminals often use similar methods, like phishing. And those same technologies can also be used to fight back against the criminals. 

    Two of our projects addressed this.

    Project Raven can help the financial sector and authorities assess cyber security and resilience in their jurisdiction, by using AI to lower the reporting and analytical costs.

    Project Polaris focuses on the cyber security and resilience of potential future forms of money and payment systems, including offline digital payments.

    Strengthening these five components can help future-proof the financial system against evolving threats.

    Let me now explain how the Analytics Challenge and Showcase play a role here.

    Looking ahead: the Challenge and the Showcase

    Late last year, we invited public and private sector experts to join the BIS Innovation Hub 2025 Analytics Challenge and build on the work we started.

    We asked innovators to propose collaborative tech solutions that combat financial crime and simplify compliance through two challenges.

    In the open challenge, participants had to tackle three key questions:

    • How can AI be used to improve the detection of illicit financial activity?
    • How can privacy-preserving technology be used in sharing data and intelligence?
    • Finally, how can we collaborate on innovative tech solutions to enable compliance with diverse regulations across jurisdictions?

    In the prediction challenge, participants were asked to build algorithms to detect illicit transactions.

    Participants could test and demonstrate their solutions using a rich and realistic synthetic payments data set developed in Project Hertha.

    I am impressed with the high quality of the responses and I hope the demonstrations and discussions at the Analytics Showcase inspire new possibilities and partnerships.

    But the Showcase has even more to offer in the next two days.

    And with that, I trust the Analytics Showcase will strengthen our fight against financial crime and look forward to the insights ahead.

    Thank you very much for listening.

    1 My thanks go to the BIS Innovation Hub’s Andrei Pustelnikov and Simina Puscasu who helped me write this speech.

    2 Nasdaq and Verafin, Global Financial Crime Report, 2024.

    3 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, “Money laundering”.

    4 UK National Crime Agency (NCA), “Fraud”.

    5 The Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS), “Cyber-enabled fraud and illicit money flows”, infographic, 2024.

    6 LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Report: The true cost of financial crime compliance, 2023.

    7 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, “Factsheet: money laundering”, 2014.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ban on Budapest Pride and violation of fundamental freedoms under EU law – E-001173/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001173/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mélissa Camara (Verts/ALE)

    The Hungarian Parliament has passed a law banning Pride events. Although the Hungarian Constitution guarantees freedom of assembly, an amendment now prohibits gatherings that violate the 2021 law banning the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality and transgender identities to minors. This law is at the heart of one of the infringement procedures that the Commission has launched against Hungary.

    Banning Pride events would be a serious violation of freedom of expression and assembly, both protected by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights. Any restriction must be proportionate and justified, which does not appear to be the case here. By broadly targeting LGBTIQ+ events, the law effectively silences an entire community.

    In 2021, Parliament declared the EU an ‘LGBTIQ Freedom Zone’, reaffirming that all LGBTIQ individuals must fully enjoy their rights without fear of discrimination. The Commission has already referred Hungary’s rule-of-law violations to the Court of Justice of the European Union, highlighting persistent breaches of fundamental EU values.

    In the light of these facts:

    • 1.Can the Commission confirm that banning Budapest Pride goes against the EU’s fundamental values?
    • 2.What measures does the Commission intend to take in response to this violation of the Treaties?

    Submitted: 19.3.2025

    Last updated: 27 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged with series of violent robberies in north London

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Met detectives have charged a man following an investigation into a series of robberies in north London.

    There have been 11 reports of people, 10 women and one man, being assaulted during robberies in the Lower Edmonton area between December 2024 and March 2025.

    Following enquiries by the North Area’s Robbery Focus Unit, Daniel Shengezi, 24 (30.11.00), of Wyldfield Gardens, Enfield, was charged on Thursday, 27 March with nine counts of robbery, two counts of attempted robbery, handling stolen goods and possession of a Class B drug (cannabis).

    He will appear in custody at Highbury Magistrates’ Court later today (Thursday, 27 March.)

    Detective Sergeant Gareth Starr, from the robbery investigation team in north London, said: “We know these reports have caused concern in the area. Today’s charge is a significant development and I hope it provides some reassurance.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detectives charge two more people with the murder of 16-year-old Lathaniel Burrell

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the murder of a teenager shot in Stockwell have charged two more people in connection with his murder.

    Lathaniel Burrell, aged 16, died at the scene after sustaining gunshot wounds in Paradise Road, SW4 on Tuesday, 4 March.

    His family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

    A 17-year-old boy [C] from Peckham and a 30-year-old man [D] from Lambeth were arrested on Tuesday, 26 March on suspicion of murder.

    The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

    The 30-year-old man, Jeffery Frimpong, (09.05.1994) of Smedley Street, Lambeth, was charged with murder.

    Both will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court later today (Thursday, 27 March.)

    Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee from the Specialist Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said: “These charges mark a significant milestone in the investigation. We continue to appeal for witnesses and for those with knowledge of this incident to come forward. Please be reassured that we will continue to investigate this matter and ensure that all offenders are brought to justice.”

    Previously, another 17-year-old boy [A] and Omar Prempeh, 32 (22.12.92), of Sunderland Road, Forest Hill, have been charged with murder. They will next both appear at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 29 May.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Modern spacesuits have a compatibility problem. Astronauts’ lives depend on fixing it

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Berna Akcali Gur, Lecturer in Outer Space Law, Queen Mary University of London

    Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, the Nasa astronauts who were stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months, have finally returned to Earth.

    Spacesuits were an important consideration that Nasa had to factor into its plans to bring the astronauts back home. Wilmore and Williams had travelled to the ISS in Boeing’s experimental Starliner spacecraft, so they arrived wearing Boeing “Blue” spacesuits.

    Following helium leaks and thruster (engine) issues with Starliner, Nasa decided it was safer not to send them back to Earth on that vehicle. The astronauts had to wait to return on one of the other spacecraft that ferry crew members to the ISS, the SpaceX Crew Dragon.

    This meant they needed a different type of spacesuit, made by SpaceX for use in its vehicle only. Boeing’s suits cannot be used in Crew Dragon in part because the umbilicals (the flexible “pipes” that supply air and cooling to the suit) have connections and standards that don’t work with the ports inside a Crew Dragon.

    This highlights a general problem for the growing number of space agencies and companies sending people into orbit, and for planned missions to the Moon and beyond. Ensuring that different spacesuits are compatible, or “interoperable”, with spacecraft they weren’t designed to be used in is vital if we are to protect astronauts’ lives during an emergency in space, especially in joint missions.

    The spacesuits worn during a return from space are called “launch, entry and abort” (LEA) suits. These are airtight and provide life support to the astronauts in case there is a decompression, when air is lost from the cabin.

    Unfortunately, a decompression has already caused loss of life in space. During the Soyuz 11 mission in 1971, three Soviet cosmonauts visited the world’s first space station, Salyut 1. But during preparations for re-entry, the crew cabin lost its air, killing cosmonauts Georgy Dobrovolsky, Vladislav Volkov and Viktor Patsayev, who were not wearing LEA suits. All cosmonauts wore them after this incident.

    As well as the connections for life support, the Boeing and SpaceX suits also have restraints and connections for communications that are specific to each vehicle. For their return home from the ISS in a SpaceX capsule, Williams was able into use a spare SpaceX suit that was already aboard the space station and the company sent up an additional suit on a cargo delivery for Wilmore to wear.

    Two spacecraft are usually docked at the ISS as “lifeboats” to evacuate the astronauts in the event of an emergency. These are generally a SpaceX Crew Dragon and a Russian Soyuz capsule.

    If an emergency evacuation were to occur and there weren’t enough of the right spacesuits available – for either the Crew Dragon or Soyuz – it could endanger astronauts during the fiery re-entry through Earth’s atmosphere. Interoperability between spacesuits has therefore become a matter of survival.

    The Outer Space Treaty, which provides the basic framework for international space law, recognises astronauts as “envoys of humankind” and grants them specific legal protections. These were expanded on in subsequent UN treaties – notably the Rescue Agreement, which imposes a range of duties on states to render assistance to each others’ astronauts in cases of emergency, accident or distress.

    For the ISS, a collaborative space programme with international flight crews, protocols include terms that set forth how this obligation is to be met. However, these protocols do not contain terms relating to spacesuit interoperability.

    Risks to astronauts in space

    A major potential cause of an emergency evacuation is space debris. The ISS has regularly had to manoeuvre to avoid collisions with debris – including entire defunct satellites.

    In his memoir, Endurance, Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly describes being commanded to enter the Soyuz vehicle with two other crew members and prepare to detach from the ISS because of a close approach by a large defunct satellite. Luckily, the spacecraft passed by harmlessly.

    As orbits become increasingly congested, with an exponential increase in the number of space objects being launched, the risk of collisions will also increase.

    Ever more companies and governments are entering the human spaceflight arena. The Tiangong space station, China’s orbiting laboratory, has been fully operational since 2022, and there are plans to open it to space tourism, just like the ISS.

    India is planning to join the community of nations with the capability to launch humans into space, under a programme called Gaganyaan. And while most space travellers remain government-funded astronauts, the number of private space-farers is increasing.

    Billionaire Jared Isaacman (who is President Trump’s nominee to run Nasa) has commanded two private missions into orbit using Crew Dragon. On the second of these, he participated in the first spacewalk by privately funded astronauts. The ISS is set to be retired in 2030 – but one company, Houston-based Axiom Space, is already building a private space station.

    Against this complex and part-unregulated backdrop, ensuring the interoperability of different spacecraft systems, including spacesuits, will increase levels of safety in this inherently risky activity.

    While the safety and practicality of spacesuits has always been the top priority, compatibility between different suits and vehicles should also be high on the list. This requires space agencies and private spaceflight companies to engage with each other in a process to agree on standard interfaces and connections for life support and communications, across all their suits and space vehicles.

    Amid this period of increased commercialisation and competition between the organisations and companies involved in orbital spaceflight, a move toward greater collaboration can only be a good thing.

    Berna Akcali Gur does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Modern spacesuits have a compatibility problem. Astronauts’ lives depend on fixing it – https://theconversation.com/modern-spacesuits-have-a-compatibility-problem-astronauts-lives-depend-on-fixing-it-252935

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: (WIP) How the ACCC will assess mergers under the new regime

    Source: Allens Insights (legal sector)

    Draft assessment guidelines open for consultation 5 min read

    The ACCC has released its draft merger assessment guidelines (Draft Guidelines) for consultation, offering a preview of how it plans to assess mergers under the new mandatory regime (which comes into effect on 1 January 2026).

    In this Insight, we highlight key aspects of the ACCC’s renewed approach and what the proposed changes would mean for your business.

    Key takeaways

    • Businesses that may be seen as already having a substantial degree of market power can expect close scrutiny of any transactions where the target has overlapping goods or services, even if the market share increment is low. According to the ACCC, even mergers that lead to a small change in market power can potentially substantially lessen competition.
    • The ACCC has set out its proposed framework for assessing mergers that may eliminate potential competition, involve multi-sided platforms or form part of a set of serial acquisitions. We expect these will be key areas of focus under the new regime for all sectors, but will particularly impact transactions in the tech, financial services and supermarket sectors.
    • Merger parties will need to demonstrate that any claimed pro-competitive efficiencies are specifically related to the merger and are likely to be realised.
    • The Draft Guidelines represent a significant update to the ACCC’s guidelines published in November 2008, with more detailed guidance on the approach to the new and more novel competition issues with which the ACCC has grappled in recent years. The Draft Guidelines indicate a level of convergence with those issued by US agencies in 2023.

    What you need to know

    Creating, strengthening or entrenching market power

    Under the new regime, the ACCC will consider whether a merger is likely to create, strengthen or entrench a substantial degree of market power in determining whether it substantially lessens competition.

    The ACCC’s position is that a merger can substantially lessen competition even if it leads to only a small change in market power.

    Mergers that eliminate potential competition, including killer acquisitions

    The ACCC plans to look closely at mergers that eliminate potential competition, eg mergers in which an incumbent acquires a nascent rival or potential entrant.

    The ACCC has expressly called out killer acquisitions, where an acquirer acquires a target (a potential competitor) to neutralise the competitive threat before the target develops into a true rival. Alternatively, a business may decide to acquire an existing player instead of entering a certain market itself, thereby removing competition that would have been introduced by the acquirer’s own entry.

    The ACCC considers that in markets characterised by network effects (where users derive more value from a product if more users use the same product), potential competitors that threaten to displace the incumbent’s market position may exert the greatest competitive constraint.

    The ACCC is on the lookout for acquirers undertaking multiple acquisitions of nascent rivals over time and says this could strengthen or entrench the acquirer’s market power.

    It considers that the loss of potential competition will be more relevant in markets where significant and long-term investments are necessary, eg digital platforms or pharmaceutical companies.

    Mergers involving multi-sided platforms

    In relation to multi-sided platforms (platforms that supply services to two or more distinct but related customer groups, eg social media platforms and shopping centres), the ACCC observes that such platforms tend to be characterised by network effects. The ACCC is concerned that these effects may be so strong and self-reinforcing that they create a ‘tipping effect‘, where one platform becomes supreme and smaller platforms only exert a weak constraint.

    The ACCC has indicated that in assessing mergers relating to multi-sided platforms, it will consider factors such as whether one or both sides of the platform are impacted, the incentives of the platform operator and the strength of network effects. It also proposes to consider the risk of amplifying a party’s market power, eg where interoperability or multi-homing is necessary to compete.

    Cumulative effects of serial acquisitions

    The ACCC is setting its sights on serial acquisitions. Under the new regime, the ACCC will be able to take into account prior acquisitions that, when viewed together (in the same or related markets and in the preceding three years), would be likely to substantially lessen competition.

    The ACCC foreshadows that it may consider information and evidence about the acquirer’s previous and future business plans, incentives behind the acquisitions and the likely impact of both the notified transaction and the series of acquisitions on the merged entity’s market position.

    Efficiencies

    The ACCC proposes to take a discerning approach to arguments about efficiencies.

    It says a merger that removes or weakens competitive constraints will, in many cases, substantially lessen competition even if the merger results in a more efficient firm with a lower cost structure.

    It has stressed that it will only consider merger-related efficiencies to be relevant where there is clear and compelling information or evidence that the efficiencies incentivise the merged firm to compete more vigorously against rivals.

    The ACCC will seek to verify that any claimed efficiencies arise specifically from the merger and will consider the parties’ alternative options to achieving these efficiencies in testing this.

    Merger parties will need to demonstrate that the efficiencies are likely to materialise and that they improve the incentives to compete, eg through internal documents and external experts’ studies.

    Comparisons with guidelines from overseas regimes

    The approach the ACCC has taken is similar to the approach taken by the UK Competition and Markets Authority as reflected in its 2021 Merger Assessment Guidelines and the approach taken by US agencies as set out in the 2023 Joint Merger Guidelines issued by the US Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission (US Merger Guidelines), although there are some subtle differences. Comparing the Draft Guidelines and US Merger Guidelines:

    • The Draft Guidelines do not create a presumption of illegality, unlike the US Merger Guidelines. However, both reflect the agencies’ respective positions that a small increase in existing market power may be sufficient to substantially lessen competition in an already consolidated market.
    • Both focus on eliminating potential competition and ‘killer acquisitions’.
    • The Draft Guidelines expressly deal with serial acquisitions, whereas the US Merger Guidelines frames this issue within a broader context of industry trends and consolidation.
    • Both approach mergers involving multi-sided platforms in a similar way. The US Merger Guidelines outline an approach to examining ‘competition between platforms, on a platform or to displace a platform’.
    • The Draft Guidelines include a framework to ensure claimed merger efficiencies are ‘merger specific’ and ‘verifiable’. This is largely consistent with the approach agencies have traditionally taken to closely scrutinise claims of efficiencies.

    Next steps

    The ACCC’s public consultation on the Draft Guidelines is open until 17 April 2025. If you would like to discuss the Draft Guidelines, the impact they may have on your business and the steps you can take to prepare for the new merger regime, please get in touch with us.

    You can read our previous Insight for a detailed overview of the legal framework and key elements of the new merger regime, or download our practical summary here.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Grassley Talks District Judges, Reconciliation and Whistleblowers on The Bottom Line

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, joined The Bottom Line on Fox Business to discuss nationwide injunctions, reconciliation and his work to secure the promotion of IRS whistleblowers.
    Audio and excerpts of Grassley’s remarks follow.
    [embedded content]VIDEO
    On Nationwide Injunctions:
    “It ought to be a bipartisan issue, because within the last few years, Democrats have talked about reform, and we have Justice Kagan saying that the national approach is obviously being abused.
    “I would say that the very least we want to do is… limit [district court decisions] to the district court where the district judge sits and listen to the injunction as it applies to the people that are in the court. That eliminates one judge making a decision that affects 93 district court systems that we have in the United States.
    “I can’t wait to see if the Supreme Court does something when I’m Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and we see this process is being vastly abused. For the first 150 years [of the United States], there was never one of these national injunctions. Then, for the next 70 years, [nationwide injunctions were] not used very often. But, within the last 20 years, this has been used [against] both Republican and Democrat administrations.”
    On Reconciliation:
    “Some people are talking about getting [reconciliation] done by August. That’s too late. We had a November 5 election, where this was a big issue, and the President has a mandate… we have a responsibility to carry out the results of the November 5 election.
    “This debt ceiling limit should not be anything that stands in the way of getting the reconciliation bill passed, because [we must] get reconciliation passed to make sure we don’t have the biggest tax cut in the history of the country.
    “I think [President Trump] is going to get a good share of [his tax priorities], but I would doubt if he’s going to get all of them, because of the total cost of all five of them… I think the President needs to pick and choose and tell Congress what’s most important to him.”
    On IRS Whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler:
    “I’ve been protecting these whistleblowers for months, or maybe more than a year and a half, and I’m glad that they are getting their job back, getting a promotion and being able to help this new Trump administration know where the bodies are buried. 
    “Most whistleblowers that I know are very patriotic people. I think that these two that you bring up showed how patriotic they were. They stuck to it. They were willing to go public with it, and we ought to be honoring people that know where the bodies are buried.
    “There’s a lot of other whistleblowers throughout previous administrations that have been ill treated, and I’m going to fight to get their jobs back as well.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Facility improvements benefit Alexander Maconochie Centre staff and detainees

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 27/03/2025

    An $8 million investment in the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) has delivered upgraded and expanded spaces, benefiting staff and detainees. This infrastructure improvement is designed to enhance working conditions for staff and provide additional areas for detainees to engage in education and rehabilitation programs.

    Staff moved into the new building in February and work is underway to repurpose the previous admin areas into additional education spaces for detainees.

    One large classroom for group education sessions is available, while a large group program room, an additional distance education space, and a private, multi-purpose space for female detainees, will be completed in coming months.

    Minister for Corrections Dr Marisa Paterson said the new spaces improved conditions for both staff and detainees.

    “These upgrades are enhancing working conditions for staff and improving educational enrolment opportunities for detainees,” Minister Paterson said.

    “The new administration building is a significant improvement for our dedicated staff who work hard every day to provide a critical service to the Canberra community.

    “The vacating of the previous administrative areas has created an opportunity to expand the spaces available for detainee services. These new areas will increase the capacity to provide education and rehabilitation programs, helping reduce the likelihood of detainees re-offending and returning to detention.”

    Heating and cooling of new and existing detainee education spaces will also be improved as part of the project.

    Education currently offered at the AMC and delivered by registered training organisations include courses in construction, safe work practices, business, and hygienic practices and food safety.

    Rehabilitation programs currently include the Explore, Question, Understand, Investigate, Practice/Plan and Succeed (EQUIPS) suite of programs, such as EQUIPS Addiction and EQUIPS Domestic and Family Violence

    Distance Education is available for eligible detainees, with tertiary-level support from a senior education officer. External study is subject to approval, and detainees are responsible for the relevant administration, deliverables and costs. Library and ICT resources are available to detainees engaging in distance education.

    Quotes attributable ACT Corrective Services Commissioner Leanne Close:

    “Education and training opportunities are an extremely important factor in reducing recidivism,” Ms Close said.

    “While the ACT is well above the national average, with more than a third of eligible detainees enrolled in education or training programs, these new detainee spaces increase our ability to provide these critical programs moving forward.”

    – Statement ends –

    Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Cuts will ramp up pressure on Corrections staff – PSA

    Source: PSA

    Proposed job cuts at the Department of Corrections in response to the Government’s programme of cutting public services will see a reduction in vital roles that support Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Case Managers and managers do their jobs well.
    Corrections’ latest change proposal would result in a net reduction of 49 roles in its already stretched People and Capability, said Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.
    “The proposed cuts will reduce the organisation’s ability to ensure its staff, who often work in risky environments, are trained and developed and have the right levels of health and safety and other support,” Fitzsimons said.
    The roles that are going include positions in Health and Safety and Learning and Development and capability building.
    “All these workers have important roles to play in ensuring Corrections supports and retains its staff.
    “The chain of cause and effect is clear: these cuts will degrade the quality of support to front-line staff. If front-line staff aren’t getting the support they need, their jobs will be harder and they’re more likely to leave. It’s going to impact the services that Corrections staff can deliver now and in the future. The impact of these cuts will be felt for years to come.
    “In the Government’s pursuit of cost savings to fund tax relief for landlords there has been little regard for how these proposed changes will negatively impact frontline services, let alone ensuring New Zealand has an effective Justice system.
    “More, not less funding is required to ensure that public services such as Corrections can keep delivering for New Zealanders.
    “One hand of the Government doesn’t know what the other is doing. It passes new sentencing laws to put people in prison for longer, but it’s also happy to kneecap those helping keep front-line staff safe and help them to do their job. This is yet another example of the senselessness of this programme of cuts,” Fitzsimons said.
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: GAZA – Oxfam: Humanitarian operations in Gaza severely hampered; famine risks increasing

    Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

    Restoring ceasefire deal vital as death toll hits 50,000 and continues to rise amid Israeli airstrikes, aid and power blockades, and renewed mass forced displacements.
    Oxfam and partners’ operations have been severely hampered as Israel’s renewed military assault and ground offensive on Gaza continues into its 7th day.
    Oxfam is calling for a renewed ceasefire and for Israel to lift its 23-day siege which is again blocking aid supplies and increasing famine risks for desperate civilians. Israel imposed a complete blockade 23 days ago and cut off electricity to Gaza a few days later.
    Israeli authorities are denying entry to trucks loaded with 63,000 metric tons of food for 1.1 million people. Operations have been forced to stop in vital areas such as food security and livelihood, as well as hygiene promotion, and essential repair work to damaged water infrastructure. 
    Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam’s OPT Policy Lead, said: “During the 42-day ceasefire families in Gaza could finally fall asleep knowing their loved ones would still be beside them when they woke up. Even though aid that entered was not enough-far from enough-it was something. The price of food stabilised. Supermarkets reopened. Bakeries began running again. Many people even went to their homes or what was left of it, and tried to repair and rebuild, however little they could.”
    Humanitarian agencies were able to mount operations that saw an average of more than 4,000 trucks per week entering Gaza despite Israeli authorities initially only partially opening the crossings and denying much of the urgently needed reconstruction materials. Oxfam reached almost 200,000 people with essential relief. 
    The Israeli government’s renewed bombardment of residential areas, including Jabalia and Khan Younis, has killed almost 700 people, including at least 200 children since March 18. Israeli authorities have issued new mass forced displacement orders, forcing around 120,000 Palestinians to flee. These orders are causing panic and chaos in the absence of anywhere safe in Gaza.
    Oxfam says humanitarian operations have been gravely hindered by the absence of guarantees of safety for aid workers moving around Gaza.
    Oxfam and its partners say their storage facilities containing food parcels are severely depleted. Israeli authorities have denied access to Oxfam shipments of six desalination units and seven trucks of water and sanitation infrastructure, up to 85% of which has been destroyed by Israel’s bombing campaign.
    “Oxfam, through its partners has been able to initiate emergency water trucking across the Gaza Strip, and are maintaining some other aid programs, such as multi-purpose cash transfers, despite the severe challenges that all humanitarian workers now face around lack of protection,” said Khalidi.
    “For the past 535 days, Israel has been systematically weaponising life-saving aid, inflicting collective punishment upon the population of Gaza. The denial of food, water, fuel and electricity is a war crime and a crime against humanity. Many within the international community are enabling this by their silence, inaction and complicity,” said Khalidi.
    Oxfam’s health partner in Gaza, Juzoor for Health and Social Development, had its center in Jabalia destroyed in an airstrike on March 18. It had been serving over 1,000 patients daily. Dr Umaiyeh Khammash, Director of Juzoor, said: “Every airstrike that hits, threatens the lives and safety of our dedicated staff and the patients they serve. This center is not just a building; it’s the heartbeat of healthcare for countless families here. Without it, many will lose access to crucial medical care.”
    In another attack yesterday (March 23), three sewage operators from the Abasan Al Kabira municipality working with Oxfam’s partner Coastal Municipalities Water Utility (CMWU) were killed while performing their duties when their clearly- marked truck was destroyed in an attack by Israeli military.
    A renewed ceasefire must be permanent and accompanied by the safe return of Israeli hostages and illegally detained Palestinian prisoners. Israel must provide unfettered aid at scale. Oxfam said governments must stop transferring arms, while the international community must enforce international law. We reiterate our call for justice and accountability for all those affected.  
    Notes:
    • Oxfam works with 19 partner organizations in the Gaza Strip. Between 20 January and 28 February 2025, Oxfam reached a total of 181,622 people across the Gaza Strip with water and sanitation services, including repair and reconstruction, protection, multipurpose cash assistance, distribution of food parcels and essential agricultural inputs for recovery, protection, health care and case management.
    • Since Israel’s breach of the ceasefire and airstrikes on Gaza on 18 March, Oxfam staff movements have been severely restricted in the absence of a notification system. This week, Oxfam’s progammes in Gaza, including those of many partners, have been severely impacted. Oxfam is still able to undertake some water trucking and multipurpose cash distribution, but under high-risk conditions
    • The fatality rate in Gaza is based on the Palestinian Ministry of Health reporting on 24 March (11AM) and the fatality rate of children is reported by UNICEF on 21 March
    • Since 2 March, Israeli authorities have re-imposed a total siege, blockading the entire Gaza Strip. It is banning the entry of any humanitarian basic supplies, including water, food, medical supplies and fuel, as well as banning any commercial supplies to enter Gaza.
    • On 10 March, Israeli authorities cut off electricity supply to the only operational large-scale desalination plant for drinking water. With the exception of that last remaining, intermittent electricity feed to the desalination plant, Gaza has been under an electricity blackout since 11 October 2023.
    • The current siege is one week longer than in 2023, when the Israeli authorities imposed a total siege that lasted from 7-21 October 2023.
    • According to the IPC Special Snapshot – September 2024 – April 2025, the risk of Famine between November 2024 and April 2025 persists as long as conflict continues, and humanitarian access is restricted
    • According to the Palestinian Water Authority, 85% of the water and sanitation infrastructure in Gaza is destroyed as a result of Israel’s bombing campaign.
    • The UN reported that during the 42-day ceasefire period, a total of 4,000 trucks per week travelled into Gaza, 600,000 people received polio vaccinations and maternity care was provided for 5,000 births.
    • Satellite images of the Gaza displacement orders, on 18 March, covers an area amounting to 37% of Gaza’s land and double the size of the original buffer zone. This has been reported by Sky News and the figures have been confirmed by the UN. The UN reported on 21 March that more than 120,000 people had fled since the evacuation orders were issued on 18 March.
    • Denial of Aid – breaches Customary IHL Rule 55; 1977 Additional Protocol II Arts 69-71 and 81; Fourth Geneva Convention 1949, Arts 23,55-63 and 108-111; Rome Statute ICC, Crime Against Humanity of Extermination, Art 7 1(b) “Extermination” includes the intentional infliction of conditions of life, inter alia the deprivation of access to food and medicine, calculated to bring about the destruction of part of a population. OCHA / WFP food insecurity data,  released every tuesday (18 Mar 2025): Most recent OCHA sitrep (18 Mar 2025):
    • Between 10 and 20 per cent of 4,500 surveyed pregnant and breastfeeding women are malnourished, a recent analysis by the Nutrition Cluster reveals.
    • To cope with shortages, the Food Security Sector (FSS) partners are drastically reducing food assistance to families, suspending flour distribution to families to prioritize supplies for bakeries, pausing the distribution of fresh produce, and scaling down hot meal preparations at some community kitchens.
    • FSS warns that over one million people risk being left without food parcels in March, and at least 80 of the 170 community kitchens may be forced to close in one to two weeks, if supplies, including cooking fuel, are not allowed into Gaza. The FSS estimates that more than 50,000 metric tons (MT) of food supplies are required monthly to assist everyone with full rations, in addition to 9,700 MT of flour needed monthly to keep the subsidized bakeries running.
    • Since the ceasefire took effect on 19 January, and as of 15 March, 4,646 children have enrolled in malnutrition treatment programmes, 672 of whom were diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition.
    • The Nutrition Cluster notes a decrease in monthly enrolments in such programmes from about 5,000 in the month prior to the ceasefire to a monthly average of 2,500 in Phase One of the ceasefire.
    • Nutrition Cluster partners observed a rising number of pregnant and breastfeeding women becoming malnourished – between 10 and 20 per cent,
    • 11 March inter-agency mission to eastern Khan Younis found that agricultural facilities had been largely destroyed, including 1,400 dunums of open land,150 greenhouses, 90 poultry farms, and dozens of livestock and dairy cattle farms. The remaining cultivated land did not exceed 70-80 dunums.
    • Market survey carried out by WFP covering key developments during the first half of March (14th Mar published):
    • WFP currently has sufficient food stocks to support active kitchens and bakeries for up to one month, as well as ready-to-eat food parcels to support 550,000 people for two weeks.
    • WFP has approximately 63,000 metric tons of food destined for Gaza, stored or in transit in the region. This is equivalent to two to three months of distributions for 1.1 million people, pending authorization to enter Gaza.
    • Traders have begun withholding goods due to uncertainty over when new supplies will arrive.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Minister Anandasangaree to Ashlee Shingoose’s Family and Community

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Taking care: This product may contain information that could be upsetting or triggering for some. The Hope for Wellness Help Line provides immediate, toll-free telephone and online-chat based emotional support and crisis intervention to all Indigenous People in Canada. This service is available 24/7 in English and French, and upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Trained counsellors are available by phone at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

    Ottawa, Ontario (March 26, 2025) — Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, Gary Anandasangaree, issued the following statement:

    “Today, the Winnipeg Police Service confirmed the identity of the missing woman who had been named Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe – Buffalo Woman as Ashlee Shingoose of St. Theresa Point First Nation.

    I offer my deepest condolences to Ashlee’s family, loved ones, and community. As the family takes this time to grieve, we must respect their privacy. This is a heartbreaking loss, and I extend my deepest condolences as you grieve and honour her memory.

    We must all act to end the national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender diverse people.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: The pointy end of police work

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police Commissioner Richard Chambers welcomed six new patrol dog teams after their graduation today at the Police Dog Training Centre at Trentham, Upper Hutt. 

    Alongside them also graduating were three personnel from 2nd Engineer Regiment, 2 Field Squadron Unit with three newly trained Explosive Detector Dogs (EDD).

    The teams celebrated the occasion in front of whānau and friends, the Commissioner of Police with members of the police executive, and Lieutenant Colonel Joe Totoro Commanding Officer, 2nd Engineer Regiment, New Zealand Army.

    Commissioner Chambers congratulated them all on their achievements.

    “All our patrol dog teams play a crucial role in frontline policing, deploying to some of the most dynamic and challenging situations. We couldn’t police the way we do without them.

    “That’s why I’m thrilled to see six newly trained dog teams graduate today. They will be welcomed into Eastern, Central, Waikato, Wellington, and Auckland police districts very soon.”

    Graduating from the police patrol dog course is one new and five experienced handlers with their dogs. 

    Wellington-bound Constable Nick Press with Police Dog ‘Oskar’ says, “It feels different this time around being my second operational dog after working ‘Ink’ for the past six years. It’s exciting to get back on the street with a new young dog who is very different to ‘Ink’ and has taught me a lot and given me more skills as a handler.”

    Constable Pete Smits is heading back to the Waikato. “I got Ozark at the start of November last year, and I’ve enjoyed training him and getting him as ready as possible for the reality of what police delta teams do. I’d like to acknowledge the Waikato Dog Section for helping me get to this point in my career.”

    Inspector Todd Southall, National Coordinator Police Dogs, says “It’s a proud day for all teams, both experienced and new.  This ceremony marks the end of a demanding few weeks training to become an operational team and well done on completing all the tests which replicate your day-to-day work.

    Patrol dog work is one of the most physically demanding roles in Police – you’re at the pointy end of frontline policing and a pivotal component in our Tactical Response Model. We are grateful for all your work, and this graduation signals the next step toward frontline duties” says Todd.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    Watch out for our Ten One story coming soon with more images and stories about the police dog teams from this graduation.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –