NewzIntel.com

Category: Law Enforcement

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Going bush this autumn? Here’s how to enjoy it safely.

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Central North Island Police are urging people to make the proper preperations and plans before heading into the outdoors this autumn.

    Senior Constable Barry Shepherd says with the end of daylight saving approaching and the Roar just around the corner people going into the outdoors should take the proper precautions and prepare for any situation.

    “We want those going to the outdoors to maximise their fun but also minimise their risk.

    “Before taking the shot, hunters should be 100 percent sure they have identified their target. If they have any doubts, then do not shoot.”

    Hunters are urged to plan for their hunt, and to stick to it; always treat every firearm as loaded; and identify your target beyond all doubt.

    “We want everyone to enjoy themselves, have a great time, and head home safely to their loved ones,” says Senior Constable Shepherd.

    Police also advise any walkers, hikers, or climbers to ensure they take prepping for their trip seriously before going outdoors.

    Senior Constable Conrad Smith says New Zealand’s environment and weather can be unpredictable, so it is best to prepare.

    “Your safety is your responsibility in the outdoors, by preparing for the worst, you can enjoy your trip knowing that you will be okay if anything goes wrong.”

    If you are going outdoors, no matter if it is hunting, hiking, or climbing, please follow these five simple steps of the Land Safety Code:

    1. Choose the right trip for you: Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it. It is important to choose a trip that suits you and everyone in your group. When you are looking at options, make sure you think about everyone’s fitness levels and experience in the outdoors.
    2. Understand the weather: New Zealand weather can change fast. Check the forecast and change you plans if needed. Weather can make or break a trip. It is one of the most important things to consider when going into the outdoors.
    3. Pack warm clothes and extra food: Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out. Any trip, even if it is short or easy, need preparation. Packing the right things makes trips safer and more enjoyable.
    4. Share you plans and take ways to get help: Telling a trusted person your trip details and taking a personal locator beacon can save your life. We all want our trips to go as planned – but sometimes they don’t. If you get hurt or lost on your trip, how would you get help?
    5. Take care of yourself and each other: Eat, drink, and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together. The best way to enjoy your experience in the outdoors and make it home safely is to look out for one another.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Caroline Flora reappointed as Chief Censor

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has today announced that Caroline Flora has been reappointed as New Zealand’s Chief Censor.

    “I am pleased to announce that Ms Flora has been reappointed for a three-year term of office as the Chief Censor in charge of the Office of Film and Literature Classification [the Classification Office]”, says Ms van Velden.

    The Classification Office is responsible for classifying material, including films, video games, and streaming content published in New Zealand. It is also responsible for determining if certain content meets the threshold to be classified as objectionable, which makes it illegal to possess.

    This is Ms Flora’s second term as Chief Censor. She has a background in law and has previously held senior roles and the Ministry of Health and New Zealand Police.

    “Freedom of expression is very important to this Government, and to me personally. I have confidence that Ms Flora will continue to balance the right to freedom of expression with the role of protecting New Zealanders from exposure to abhorrent, illegal content, such as child sex abuse material.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 03/10/2025 Blackburn, Joins Bipartisan Effort to Expedite Disaster Assistance to Farmers Following Hurricane Helene

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and Representatives Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) and Don Davis (D-N.C.), sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins urging the department to publish clear guidelines on administering disaster relief aid for farmers.

    Hurricanes Helene and Milton Caused Catastrophic Damages to Crops, Livestock, and Agricultural Infrastructure

    “Following the destruction caused by recent natural disasters, including the catastrophic damages caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, our agricultural producers are heavily relying on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to efficiently and fairly disperse this assistance. As you know, these natural disasters have caused irreparable damage to commodity and specialty crops, livestock, forestlands, and infrastructure, leaving farmers, ranchers, and foresters in desperate need of support. As the backbone of rural America, our workers in the agriculture and forestry industries desperately need access to the emergency funding Congress provided.”

    Additional Clarity from USDA on Disaster Payments Would Help More Tennessee Farmers Receive the Assistance They Need

    “Producers from vulnerable agriculture communities that were hit hard by these recent natural disasters are at risk of greatly downsizing or having to shut down their operations if the agricultural disaster relief funding is not fully accessible in the upcoming months. Clear direction and quick action from the USDA on disaster payment structure would provide certainty and, in many cases, a lifeline for farmers to continue their operations. Lack of clarity in the rulemaking process for natural disaster programs will prevent many farmers from fully utilizing the aid.”

    CO-SIGNERS

    The letter is also signed by Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Representatives David Rouzer (R-N.C.), Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-N.C.), Tim Moore (R-N.C.), Deborah Ross (D-N.C.), Brad Knott (R-N.C.), Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.), Addison McDowell (R-N.C.), Austin Scott (R-Ga.), Sanford Bishop Jr. (D-Ga.), Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), David Scott (D-Ga.), Rick Allen (R-Ga.), Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), and Scott Franklin (R-Fla.). 

    Full text of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release, fatal train incident, Invercargill

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police have now identified and can confirm the name of the man involved in a fatal train incident in Invercargill, Monday 17 March.

    He was 54-year-old Geoffrey Francis McIver a local of Invercargill.

    Police extend our condolences to his family and loved ones at this time.

    His death has been referred to the Coroner.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Wage theft is now a criminal offence in NZ – investigating it shouldn’t be left to the police

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Irene Nikoloudakis, PhD Candidate in Law, University of Adelaide

    Getty Images

    Being robbed is a horrible experience under any circumstances. But being robbed by your employer involves a unique betrayal of trust.

    So it was a sign of real progress when “wage theft” finally became a crime in New Zealand earlier this month with the passage of the Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Act.

    Heralded by trade unions and the Labour Party as a victory for workers, the new law makes it a criminal offence under the Crimes Act for an employer to intentionally (and without reasonable excuse) fail to pay workers what they’re entitled to.

    Wage theft can include deliberately underpaying wages or holiday pay, or making unlawful deductions from pay packets. The question now is how well the new law will be enforced.

    While there is little research on how widespread wage theft in New Zealand is, we do know it all too often affects temporary migrant workers and those in labour-intensive industries such as hospitality, construction and horticulture.

    But if, as seems likely, the police are tasked with investigating allegations of wage theft, the new law may struggle to be enforced effectively.

    Who investigates wage theft?

    Until the law change, wage theft was only addressed through the civil system, not the criminal courts. Underpaid employees could take an employer to court to recover what was owed – if they had the means to navigate what could be a complex process.

    It took an initiative by former Labour MP Ibrahim Omer – who as a refugee in New Zealand had experienced wage theft – to begin the reform process. He introduced a members’ bill to parliament in 2023 seeking to make wage theft a criminal offence.

    Under the new law, the maximum penalties for wage theft are the same as for general theft. For serious offences, this means employers can be imprisoned for stealing their workers’ pay.

    The trouble is, the law doesn’t state which government agency will be responsible for investigating such crimes. This is important because adequately enforcing the law is the whole point.

    A 2024 report by the Ministry of Justice had suggested investigative responsibility might sit with New Zealand’s workplace regulator, the Labour Inspectorate. This seemed a logical move.

    But when the legislation was being debated in parliament, it became clear MPs assumed enforcement responsibility would lie with police. Confirming the law change this month, Labour MP Camilla Bellich said:

    Theft is theft, and before this bill was law workers had to take up a civil case. Civil wage claims are difficult for any employee to initiate and often time consuming and expensive. Now workers can go to the police and report wage theft as a crime.

    Former Labour MP Ibrahim Omer’s experience of wage theft as a refugee inspired him to change the law.
    Getty Images

    How Australia does it

    On the face of it, the police might seem like the logical enforcement agency. They investigate crimes and play an important role in crime prevention. But wage theft isn’t an area they have dealt with before. And uncovering wage theft in practice is very difficult.

    First, those most at risk – such as migrant workers and young employees – are the least likely to report it, often for fear of the consequences or because they simply don’t know how to make a formal complaint.

    Secondly, bad employers are good at covering their tracks, leaving no paper trail or fudging the books.

    Without specialised knowledge or experience in these areas – as well as dealing with their existing resourcing challenges – the police will potentially struggle to uncover wage theft offending.

    A better model might be Australia’s criminal wage theft regime, which came into effect at the start of this year. Overall, it is tougher and more targeted than New Zealand’s.

    The Australian law applies hefty maximum penalties for wage theft offences – up to ten years’ imprisonment and monetary fines in the millions. Investigations are the responsibility of the national workplace regulator, the Fair Work Ombudsman.

    This makes sense, because it’s the Fair Work Ombudsman which has significant experience in uncovering breaches of national employment laws, not the police.

    Put the Labour Inspectorate in charge

    The equivalent enforcement agency in New Zealand is the Labour Inspectorate, whose entire remit is to uncover breaches of employment standards.

    The Labour Inspectorate, far more than the police, will understand the intricacies of wage theft, including which workers and industries are most vulnerable, and what methods dodgy employers use to hide wage theft.

    If necessary, the inspectorate’s powers and resources could be reviewed and modified to ensure it has the tools to conduct criminal investigations, including the ability to search and seize evidence.

    Finally, empowering an agency with the right tools, knowledge and experience to investigate wage theft would leave the police to deal with the other serious crimes already demanding their attention.

    Irene Nikoloudakis 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. Wage theft is now a criminal offence in NZ – investigating it shouldn’t be left to the police – https://theconversation.com/wage-theft-is-now-a-criminal-offence-in-nz-investigating-it-shouldnt-be-left-to-the-police-252712

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: PNG ‘test ban’ blocks Facebook – governor Bird warns of tyranny risk

    By Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent

    The Papua New Guinea government has admitted to using a technology that it says was “successfully tested” to block social media platforms, particularly Facebook, for much of the day yesterday.

    Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr said the “test” was done under the framework of the Anti-Terrorism Act 2024, and sought to address the growing concerns over hate speech, misinformation, and other harmful content online.

    Tsiamalili did not specify what kind of tech was used, but said it was carried out in collaboration with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA), and various internet service providers.

    “We are not attempting to suppress free speech or restrict our citizens from expressing their viewpoints,” Tsiamalili said.

    “However, the unchecked proliferation of fake news, hate speech, pornography, child exploitation, and incitement to violence on platforms such as Facebook is unacceptable.

    “These challenges increasingly threaten the safety, dignity, and well-being of our populace.”

    However, government agencies responsible for communications and ICT, including NICTA, said they were not aware.

    ‘Confidence relies on transparency’
    “Public confidence in our digital governance relies on transparency and consistency in how we approach online regulation,” NICTA chief executive Kilakupa Gulo-Vui said.

    “It is essential that all key stakeholders, including NICTA, law enforcement, telecommunications providers, and government agencies, collaborate closely to ensure that any actions taken are well-understood and properly executed.”

    He said that while maintaining national security was a priority, the balance between safety and digital freedom must be carefully managed.

    Gulo-Vui said NICTA would be addressing this matter with the Minister for ICT to ensure NICTA’s role continued to align with the government’s broader policy objectives, while fostering a cohesive and united approach to digital regulation.

    The Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT) Secretary, Steven Matainaho, also stated his department was not aware of the test but added that the police have powers under the new domestic terrorism laws.

    Papua New Guinea’s recently introduced anti-terror laws are aimed at curbing both internal and external security threats.

    Critics warn of dictatorial control
    However, critics of the move say the test borders on dictatorial control.

    An observer of Monday’s events, Lucas Kiap, said the goal of combating hate speech and exploitation was commendable, but the approach risks paving way for authoritarian overreach.

    “Where is PNG headed? If the government continues down this path, it risks trading democracy for control,” he said.

    Many social media users, however, appeared to outdo the government, with many downloading and sharing Virtual Area Network (VPN) apps and continuing to post on Facebook.

    “Hello from Poland,” one user said.

    East Sepik Governor Allan Bird said today that the country’s anti-terrorism law could target anyone because “the definition of a terrorist is left to the Police Minister to decide”.

    ‘Designed to take away our freedoms’
    “During the debate on the anti-terrorism bill in Parliament, I pointed out that the law was too broad and it could be used against innocent people,” he wrote on Facebook.

    He said government MPs laughed at him and used their numbers to pass the bill.

    “Yesterday, the Police Minister used the Anti-terrorism Act to shut down Facebook. That was just a test, that was step one,” Governor Bird said.

    “There is no limit to the powers the Minister of Police can exercise under this new law. It is draconian law designed to take away our freedoms.

    “We are now heading into dangerous territory and everyone is powerless to stop this tyranny,” he added.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Miramar unexplained death now a homicide investigation

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard:

    The death of a man found critically injured in Miramar last week is now being treated as a homicide, as Police urgently seek two pedestrians, and motorists with dashcam footage.

    Abdul Nabizadah, 63, was located with serious head injuries at the intersection of Camperdown Road and Totara Road, about 2.20am on 17 March. Mr Nabizadah was found by Police carrying out area enquiries following a serious burglary that happened a short distance away about 20 minutes earlier.

    Sadly, he died in hospital the following day.

    A post-mortem determined Mr Nabizadah died as a result of blunt force injury after being assaulted, and further enquiries have led to the investigation being upgraded to a homicide this morning.

    Dashcam footage, passersby may be critical to investigation

    As part of our investigation, we urgently need to hear from two people who had earlier passed by the area where Mr Nabizadah was found.

    At 12.28am, a man was seen walking down Camperdown Road from Totara Street and turned right in to Darlington Road from Totara Street. The man was wearing a light-coloured top and dark pants.

    We know Mr Nabizadah arrived in Totara Street in his silver-coloured Toyota Aqua, registration NQE681, at 12.25am, so this man may well have seen Mr Nabizadah and or his vehicle. We urge this person, or anyone who may know them, to come forward as soon as possible.

    At 1.30am, a man in fitness clothing or activewear was seen running south on Darlington Road, before crossing the Camperdown Road intersection. He was wearing a blue shirt, and we also need to hear from him.

    Just as crucially, the investigators need to hear from any motorist who has dashcam footage and was in the Miramar area between midnight and 3am on 17 March, in particular anyone who travelled through the intersection of Totara Street and Camperdown Road. Even if your footage shows no cars or people on the street, it’s important that we see it.

    Parallel investigation into intruder burglary

    Police are progressing a second investigation into a disturbing burglary, where two people found an intruder rummaging through their Darlington Road house about 2am on 17 March.  During the burglary there was a physical altercation which caused an injury to the homeowner.

    We have yet to locate this offender, who had been wearing gumboots and a white cap, and is described by witnesses as possibly being of Māori descent, between 177-180cm tall (5’10” to 5’11”) and of and athletic build.

    Investigators have been speaking with neighbours and reviewing evidence gathered at the scene, but we have yet to establish a link between the burglary and the death of Mr Nabizadah.

    Meanwhile, Police are continuing to carry out reassurance patrols in the Miramar area. We know these events are upsetting and concerning for the community, but the investigation teams are working doggedly to get justice for the victims of the homicide and burglary, and their families.  Police are providing ongoing support to both families.

    If you have any information that could help the investigation teams, please update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 250317/6324, or reference Operation Celtic.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The ICC showed its might by arresting Rodrigo Duterte. Its reputation will take longer to fix

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yvonne Breitwieser-Faria, Lecturer in International Law, Curtin University

    Only five days after the arrest warrant against former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was issued, he was apprehended and immediately put on a plane to The Hague to face charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

    The prompt action – and the fact he is the first former Asian head of state before the ICC – have been heralded as “a pivotal moment for the court”.

    While this is a rare success story in the court’s tumultuous history, many challenges remain. The successful arrest of one defendant will unfortunately do little to change negative perceptions of the court or remove the many obstacles it faces in prosecuting cases.

    A long history of criticism

    The ICC was conceived as a “court of last resort” in 1998 under the Rome Statute, the treaty that established it. The aim was to try individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression in cases where a state’s domestic courts refuse or are unable to do so.

    Shortly after it began its work in 2002, however, the ICC faced criticism for its perceived focus on Africa.

    In more recent years, it has also been criticised for its limited effectiveness, its perceived hypocrisy, and a lack of support from major powers, such as the US, China and Russia, which are not members.

    The court has long faced a public relations crisis it may never be able to resolve. When it does not investigate a potential case, it is said to be ineffective. And when it does initiate investigations, it is often said to be biased or acting beyond its capabilities.

    Putin and Netanyahu

    Currently, the ICC has 12 ongoing investigations, mostly in Africa and Asia. It has issued 56 arrest warrants, half of which have yet to be executed.

    As the focus of the court is limited to those who bear the greatest responsibility for international crimes, the cases frequently involve high-profile individuals.

    Current arrest warrants, for example, have been issued against Russian President Vladimir Putin on charges of allegedly deporting Ukrainian children to Russia and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes committed in Gaza.

    These two cases have been among the court’s most controversial. Critics say the ICC lacks jurisdiction because:

    • the alleged crimes did not occur in their own states
    • their states are not parties to the Rome Statute
    • the UN Security Council did not refer these cases to the ICC for investigation.

    Others have accused the court of selective prosecution and bias for pursuing a case against Netanyahu, specifically, instead of prioritising cases in states run by dictators, such as Syria.

    And some complain the court should be focusing on crimes allegedly committed by Western leaders in places like Iraq.

    Indicting leaders of states raises additional legal challenges. International law dictates that heads of state enjoy immunity in other states’ courts – unless this immunity is expressly waived by their own governments.

    The ICC defends its actions as fair. It argues it does have jurisdiction in the cases against Putin and Netanyahu because the alleged crimes took place in Ukraine and Palestine, two states who have explicitly accepted its jurisdiction.

    And Article 27 of the Rome Statute says the ICC can exercise jurisdiction over people with state immunity, although it’s debatable whether this must be first waived for leaders of states not party to the Rome Statute.

    Cooperation remains key

    The ICC is not only constrained by these complex legal questions, but also by the limited cooperation of states around the world.

    It relies on close cooperation with its 125 state parties, among others. But some states have been reluctant or even refused to cooperate with the court in executing the arrest warrants of controversial figures.

    For example, Putin was not arrested when he visited Mongolia, an ICC member, last year, in part, because Mongolia relies heavily on Russian energy. South Africa similarly refused to arrest Sudanese dictator Omar al-Bashir when he visited in 2015.

    Even when state parties do cooperate, the political fallout can impact the court’s reputation.

    Following Duterte’s arrest last week, a Filipino senator (the sister of the current president) launched an urgent investigation to ensure due process was followed and Duterte’s legal rights were upheld and protected. She acknowledged the arrest has “has deeply divided the nation”.

    The lack of support from the US – arguably, still the world’s most powerful democracy – remains a perennial problem, as well.

    While the US has generally supported the court’s mandate over the years, it has been wary of its jurisdiction over American citizens and those of its allies accused of crimes. Last month, President Donald Trump authorised new sanctions against ICC officials in an attempt to paralyse the international organisation.

    Although 79 states did declare their support for the ICC following the sanctions, the Trump adminstration’s rejection of the court’s jurisdiction, legitimacy and authority has had significant consequences for its operations.

    It remains to be seen how the case against Duterte will play out. Securing a conviction is not assured.

    However, his arrest demonstrates the court can fulfil its mandate and remain a relevant force in the fight against the gravest of crimes. It is also a significant moment for the families of those killed during Duterte’s rule, who have long sought justice for their loved ones.

    Yvonne Breitwieser-Faria 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. The ICC showed its might by arresting Rodrigo Duterte. Its reputation will take longer to fix – https://theconversation.com/the-icc-showed-its-might-by-arresting-rodrigo-duterte-its-reputation-will-take-longer-to-fix-252509

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Syracuse Man Sentenced for Federal Robbery Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Quashawn Pettiford, age 34, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to 71 months in federal prison for Interference With Commerce Through Robbery. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    As part of his prior plea agreement, Pettiford admitted that on January 11, 2022, he and two others entered a gas station in Salina, New York, wearing masks. The other two individuals carried BB guns that appeared to be real firearms. Those individuals pointed the BB guns at the store clerk and one of them pressed a gun into the clerk’s neck while directing the clerk to open the cash register. Pettiford further admitted that he and the other robbers took approximately $1,200 in merchandise from the store shelves, approximately $1,495 from the cash register, and $513 from the clerk’s wallet.

    Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release to begin after Pettiford is released from prison. Pettiford was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims of the offense and to forfeit the $3,208 proceeds of the offense.

    FBI investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Police, Syracuse Police Department, DeWitt Police Department, and Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. McCrobie and Thomas R. Sutcliffe prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Lawrence County Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving and Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Robert LaVair, age 19, of Louisville, New York, pled guilty today to receipt and possession of child pornography announced United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

    As part of his guilty plea, LaVair admitted that in January of 2024, he received numerous images and videos of child pornography by downloading them from the dark web.  In addition to child pornography obtained from the internet, LaVair also admitted that he possessed sexually explicit images and videos of a nine-year-old child that he produced while the child was sleeping. 

    A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the United States Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.  However, if Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes accepts the parties’ agreed-upon disposition at sentencing, scheduled for July 18, 2025, LaVair will receive a federal prison term of between 14 and 15 years to be followed by 15 years of post-release supervision. LaVair will also be required to pay restitution to the children whose images he received and possessed, and will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. 

    The case was investigated by HSI and the New York State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adrian S. LaRochelle and Benjamin Gillis as a part of Project Safe Childhood.

    Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Celebrates Opening of South Coast Rail

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    For the first time in 65 years, cities and towns in southeastern Massachusetts will have passenger rail service
    Boston (March 24, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, released the following statement celebrating the formal opening of South Coast Commuter Rail service. South Coast Rail will offer reliable public transit between Boston and communities in southeastern Massachusetts, including Taunton, New Bedford, Fall River, Middleborough, Freetown, and the surrounding region. It represents the first time since the late 1950s that riders on the South Coast can take a one-seat rail trip to Boston. Now, all major cities within 50 miles of Boston have Commuter Rail access.
    “We are one stop closer to transit justice with daily Commuter Rail service to southeastern Massachusetts,” said Senator Markey. “The opening of South Coast Rail represents a long-awaited celebration for Taunton, Fall River, New Bedford, and beyond. I am grateful to Governor Healey, the MBTA, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, and all the leaders and advocates on the South Coast who are making this project a reality. This milestone represents a major leap in addressing a critical gap in our state’s public transit system. Together, we are expanding rail service, reducing congestion, increasing economic opportunity, and more equitably connecting our Commonwealth. I look forward to continuing to work with state and local officials, community members, and our federal delegation to expand public transit throughout the South Coast and across Massachusetts.”
    Senator Markey is a long-time advocate for expanding rail transit. He previously introduced the Building Rail Across Intercity Networks To Ride Around Interior of the Nation (BRAIN TRAIN) Act, which established a new $25 billion passenger rail grant program and required the Federal Railroad Administration to prioritize projects that connect historically under-connected areas such as the South Coast. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established a new Corridor Identification and Development Program aligned with, and that includes language from Senator Markey’s BRAIN TRAIN Act. Last Congress, he introduced the All Aboard Act, which would dedicate $200 billion over five years to build high-speed rail, expand existing passenger rail service, and electrify the most heavily polluting railyards and corridors. The legislation also includes critical labor protections for the existing union labor workforce and creates a rail personnel training grant program for rail workers. Senator Markey has also been a strong advocate to secure funding for West-East passenger train service running through Boston, Worcester, and Western Massachusetts, helping to secure a $108 million grant for the project, followed by a second $36.8 million grant.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Report calls for multi-agency approach to prevent domestic abuse deaths

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    Findings from the Domestic Homicide Project released today reveal that 262 people died in England and Wales as a result of domestic abuse in the past year.

    The annual report tracks the scale and nature of domestic abuse-related deaths in quick-time, both from the previous year and across a four-year period, and is the only dataset of its kind in England and Wales.

    The findings and analysis were informed by families bereaved by fatal domestic abuse who continue to drive awareness and change across policing, government and partners. This year, specific research was also undertaken to examine deaths where someone had fallen from height in partnership with the Killed Women Network.

    Key findings:

    262 deaths were recorded between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024:

    •             98 suspected suicide following domestic abuse (SVSDA)
    •             80 intimate partner homicides (IPH)
    •             39 adult family homicides
    •            28 unexpected deaths
    •            11 child deaths
    •             6 ‘other’ (where the victim and suspect lived together, but were not related or intimate partners

    22 cases of deaths due to a fall from height were recorded across 13 forces during the four-year period, of those:

    • 36% were recorded as SVSDA, 27% unexpected deaths, 23% IPH and 14% AFH
    • Notably, three victims (14%) were pregnant at the time of their death
    • In 70% of cases the suspect was arrested

    For the second year in a row, suspected suicides following domestic abuse have overtaken the number of homicides involving current or previous partners. This reflects increased awareness and progress made against recommendations in the project’s last report, which focused on improving policing’s ability to better recognise and record the link between domestic abuse and suicide.

    Over four years (1 April 2020 – 31 March 2024), the number of people killed by their current or previous partner consistently represents around a third of domestic abuse-related deaths each year.

    Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, national policing lead for domestic abuse, said:

    “The sustained nature of domestic homicide shows how deeply ingrained violence against women and girls is in our communities.

    “The Domestic Homicide Project has now recorded over 1000 domestic abuse-related deaths across a four year period. The scale and impact is incomprehensible and as a society, we cannot delay action to prevent future deaths.”

    Multi-agency footprint

    The report demonstrates the need for a multi-agency response that spans the wider criminal justice system, healthcare and local authorities such as social services, to tackle domestic abuse and prevent future deaths, particularly suicides. In cases of SVSDA, nine in ten victims and/or prior domestic abuse perpetrators were known to partner agencies.

    Across the four-year dataset, the most commonly recorded risk factors in relation to the suspects were mental ill health, a history of coercive and controlling behaviour (CCB), alcohol use and drug misuse, representing a key opportunity to intercept perpetrators through healthcare, substance misuse and mental health services.

    Some of the risk factors were more prominent in certain types of deaths; for example, CCB was prominent in cases of IPH, SVSDA and unexpected deaths, whilst suspected mental ill health was particularly notable in cases of AFH.

    AC Rolfe continues: “The data reinforces the critical need for policing to work with other agencies to identify those at risk of being both a perpetrator or a victim of domestic abuse. A preventative approach is the only way to stop the widespread harm of domestic abuse in all its forms.”

    Recommendations and police response

    Police forces have made significant changes in relation to the recommendations made in last year’s Domestic Homicide Report, with most forces incorporating:

    • Specific training for officers to raise awareness of the link between domestic abuse (DA) and suicide. Review teams are proactively working to better identify cases of suicide with links to DA.
    • Updated unexpected death policies, there are explicit procedures to prompt officers to consider DA or CCB in unexpected deaths or suspected suicides and carry out system checks.
    • Growing number of cases of SVSDA submitted for Domestic Homicide Reviews and increasing rate of posthumous charges for domestic abuse offences, reflecting improved ability to identify these cases.

    AC Rolfe said: “We have a much better understanding of the complex nature of domestic abuse than ever before, but there is more for policing to do to ensure that every domestic-abuse related death is properly recognised, and where appropriate, adequately investigated.

    “54% of suspects of domestic homicide were previously known to police as perpetrators of domestic abuse, highlighting the importance of a prompt, robust police response from the outset of a report. That is why the broader police response to domestic abuse is focused on driving improvements and consistency in offender management and better protection for victims.”

    New protective orders with longer-term, more robust safety measures and quicker charging decisions for cases are currently being piloted in select forces, with the aim of better supporting victims through the criminal justice system.

    In addition, police forces are rolling out video technology to respond to non-urgent reports of domestic abuse, which has shown to increase arrest rates, secure quicker convictions and bring the response time down from 32 hours to an average of three minutes. Alongside this work, select police forces have also began piloting Raneem’s Law, embedding specially trained domestic abuse support in police contact rooms to get the right support to victims reporting domestic abuse.

    The recommendations from this year’s report focus on better information sharing and a more joined-up approach across policing, government and other agencies, including healthcare and mental health and substance misuse services, to better recognise and intercept domestic abuse, particularly in young people. Additional recommendations highlight the need to continue to strengthen policing and the wider criminal justice system’s approach to investigating and prosecuting in cases of SVSDA.

    AC Rolfe said: “We are incredibly grateful to the families of those bereaved by domestic abuse for sharing their insights with us, they continue to be a driving force in effecting change and preventing future deaths.”

    Julie Devey, Chair of Killed Women, said:

    ‘’Every life lost following domestic abuse leaves behind a family heartbroken. For too long, these deaths have been treated as ‘unavoidable tragedies’ – but they are not. They are preventable. Today’s important report reflects that too often perpetrators or victims are known to agencies, but they fail to act. We must ensure a system that joins the dots and intervenes before it’s too late. 

    “We also welcome the report findings which make clear what we have long said: women are dying in suspicious circumstances – for example from falls – or from suicide, where there is a history of domestic abuse, without adequate investigation. We welcome the recommendation which compels police, in all cases of unexpected deaths, to investigate the history of domestic abuse. If the government is serious about ending violence against women, these recommendations should be enforced.’’

    Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women & Girls, Jess Phillips said:

    “Every death related to domestic abuse is a life cut short and a devastating tragedy. The better we understand the links between domestic abuse and homicides, suicides and unexpected deaths, the better equipped we are to prevent them from happening in the first place. That’s why the government has funded this vital research to shine a light on the scale of the problem.

    “This report rightly demands coordinated action across government, police and partner agencies to tackle these issues head on – and we are already cracking on with work to put the voices of victims, their families and friends, and key stakeholders front and centre of this. Our upcoming violence against women and girls strategy will set out our ambition and concrete actions to strengthen our response to perpetrators and deliver on our mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.” 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash: Mangaharakeke Drive, Horotiu

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can confirm one person has died following a crash on Mangaharakeke Drive/ State Highway 1C, Horotiu this morning.

    The two-vehicle crash was reported at around 11am.

    Sadly, the driver of one vehicle died at the scene.

    No further injuries were reported.

    The road remains closed southbound near the Te Rapa Road off-ramp while the Serious Crash Unit conduct a scene examination.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Charges laid following hunting incident, Whakatane

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    One person has been arrested after the death of a man following a hunting incident in Minginui, Whakatane last week.

    Police were notified at about 2am on Friday 21 March of a sudden death following a hunting incident.

    Police can confirm the man who died was 72-year-old Stuart Maxwell Stobie, from Kawerau.

    Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

    A 46-year-old man is due to appear in the Rotorua District Court today, charged with manslaughter, unlawful hunting and unlawful possession of a firearm.

    Mr Stobie’s death has been referred to the Coroner.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bethel man, 2 California men indicted, arrested for Tramadol trafficking conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Bethel man and two California men were arrested this month after a federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging them with trafficking Tramadol to Alaska.

    According to court documents, between at least March 2024 and continuing until at least February 2025, Ryan Greydanus, 38, of Bethel, Syed Tahir Turab Naqvi, 45, and Adil Hussain, 39, both residing in California, allegedly conspired together to distribute and possess with intent to distribute Tramadol, a Schedule IV controlled substance. According to the DEA, Tramadol is an opioid analgesic, which means it is used to relieve or reduce pain and is typically taken orally and can result in addiction. It is alleged that tramadol is especially dangerous if used in combination with other drugs or alcohol.

    Court documents further allege that Naqvi and Hussain are responsible for using the mail to traffic significant quantities of Tramadol from Arizona and California to Greydanus for distribution in rural Alaska. Naqvi and Hussain are allegedly responsible for shipping over 15,000 parcels suspected of containing tramadol across the U.S. from January 2024 to August 2024.

    The indictment alleges that on two separate occasions in July and August 2024, respectively, Greydanus allegedly attempted to possess with intent to distribute Tramadol in Alaska. The indictment also alleges that in June 2024, Naqvi attempted to distribute Tramadol in Alaska.

    Greydanus was arrested on March 16, 2025, in Bethel, Alaska; Naqvi was arrested on March 6, 2025, in Azusa, California; and Hussain was arrested on March 6, 2025, in Walnut, California.

    All three defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Greydanus is also charged with two counts of attempted possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and Naqvi is also charged with one count of attempted distribution of controlled substances. Naqvi and Hussain made their initial court appearance on March 7, 2025, before the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Greydanus made his initial court appearance on March 19, 2025, before the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, each defendant faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge David Reames of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Seattle Field Division and Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti of the Anchorage Domicile made the announcement.

    The DEA Seattle Field Division and Anchorage District Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Anchorage Domicile and Alaska State Troopers are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cody Tirpak and Mac Caille Petursson are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime and drug trafficking. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Introduces the Restraining Judicial Insurrectionists Act of 2025

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee

    Bill would stop blanket injunctions from sabotaging President Trump’s legitimate constitutional authority as Commander in Chief

     

    WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) today introduced the Restraining Judicial Insurrectionists Act of 2025, which establishes a three-judge panel to swiftly review injunctions or declaratory relief against the President of the United States and the Executive Branch, with quick appeal to the Supreme Court. This legislation comes in the wake of several decisions by district court judges usurping the role of the Chief Executive from President Donald Trump and attempting to thwart the will of the American people who elected him. 

    “America’s government cannot function if the legitimate orders of our Commander in Chief can be overridden at the whim of a single district court judge,” said Senator Lee. “They have presumed to run the military, the civil service, foreign aid, and HR departments across the Executive Branch—blatantly unconstitutional overreach. This legislation will create a judicial panel to expedite Supreme Court review of these blanket injunctions, preventing unelected radicals in robes from sabotaging the separation of powers.”

      

    BACKGROUND ON THE RESTRAINING JUDICIAL INSURRECTIONISTS ACT OF 2025

    • The bill amends 28 USC 2284 to state that any action commenced against the executive seeking injunctive or declaratory relief against the Executive will go to a three-judge district court.
    • Next, it requires that upon filing any covered action, the district judge who received the complaint and/or motion for preliminary injunction will refer the matter to the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice will then be required to select three judges in active service to preside over the case.
    • Additionally, the bill requires that a majority of the judges must agree to issue any form of relief, preliminary or permanent.
    • Finally, because this is a three-judge district court, all orders are directly appealable to the Supreme Court without discretion—so they must take up the case. 

    You can read the bill text HERE.

    You can read the Washington Examiner’s exclusive coverage HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release: Fatal crash, Woodville

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are now in a position to release the name of the woman who died in a crash on Saddle Road, Woodville on 3 March.

    She was 46-year-old Kelly King, of Woodville.

    Our thoughts are with her friends and family at this difficult time.

    The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Statement on Juliana Case

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Today, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition for certiorari by plaintiffs in Juliana v. United States, a case the Justice Department has consistently defended across three presidential administrations.

    The case, filed in 2015, sought to have courts force the government to implement more stringent, remedial measures related to climate change. The U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon agreed to hear the case. The Justice Department moved to dismiss and sought an interlocutory appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Ninth Circuit remanded the case to the district court with instructions to dismiss. The district court accepted an amended complaint, and the circuit court again instructed for the case to be dismissed. The plaintiffs then filed a petition for certiorari in the Supreme Court.

    “For nearly a decade, lawyers for the plaintiffs in the Juliana case have tied up the United States in litigation, persisting even after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals twice instructed the case to be dismissed because the plaintiffs lack Article III standing,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “The U.S. Supreme Court’s cert denial brings this long saga to a conclusion. Through ENRD’s work, the Justice Department is enforcing our nation’s environmental laws and safeguarding America’s air, water, and natural resources. Cases like Juliana distract from those enforcement efforts.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Statement on Juliana Case

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Today, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition for certiorari by plaintiffs in Juliana v. United States, a case the Justice Department has consistently defended across three presidential administrations.

    The case, filed in 2015, sought to have courts force the government to implement more stringent, remedial measures related to climate change. The U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon agreed to hear the case. The Justice Department moved to dismiss and sought an interlocutory appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Ninth Circuit remanded the case to the district court with instructions to dismiss. The district court accepted an amended complaint, and the circuit court again instructed for the case to be dismissed. The plaintiffs then filed a petition for certiorari in the Supreme Court.

    “For nearly a decade, lawyers for the plaintiffs in the Juliana case have tied up the United States in litigation, persisting even after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals twice instructed the case to be dismissed because the plaintiffs lack Article III standing,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “The U.S. Supreme Court’s cert denial brings this long saga to a conclusion. Through ENRD’s work, the Justice Department is enforcing our nation’s environmental laws and safeguarding America’s air, water, and natural resources. Cases like Juliana distract from those enforcement efforts.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Law Partners Launches Compensation Uncovered: A New Video Series to help Mining Industry Workers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Compensation Uncovered is the show that lifts the lid on the world of personal injury claims.

    SYDNEY, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Law Partners, Australia’s largest specialist personal injury firm, has introduced an innovative online video series, Compensation Uncovered.

    Series One – now live – is focused on total and permanent disablement (TPD) claims, a type of lump sum payout that may be available to mining employees in addition to workers compensation payments when they’re unable to return to work following injury or illness.

    Click here to view Compensation Uncovered: https://lawpartners.com.au/compensation-uncovered-podcast

    Common mining injury claims can include slips, trips and falls, lifting and back injuries, hazardous materials exposure, machinery and equipment accidents, hearing loss and lung diseases.

    Navigating the legal system can be particularly challenging for those recovering from workplace injuries or illnesses. Compensation Uncovered aims to bridge the gap between mining or resources work and the often-complex world of personal injury claims, offering clear, accessible, and engaging content to help viewers understand their rights and entitlements.

    Series One of Compensation Uncovered covers essential TPD topics such as types of injuries or illnesses, payout amounts, typical do’s and don’ts around making claims, expert insights, and real customer stories.

    Presented by Law Partners TPD Practice Group Leader Lydia Wheatly and Law Partners Principal Shane Butcher, Series One equips mining and resource workers with the knowledge they need to make successful TPD claims.

    Shane Butcher explains, “We recognised a gap in the market for interview-style video content that’s not only professional and informative but also relatable and easy to follow. Compensation Uncovered is our way of demystifying the world of personal injury claims, making the legal process less mysterious and more accessible to everyone. We want to help mining professionals understand their rights and navigate the compensation claims process with more confidence.”

    Chantille Khoury, Law Partners Principal, adds, “Our goal with Compensation Uncovered is to provide our community with valuable insights and practical tips, illustrated through real-life cases and customer stories. People enjoy video and podcast-style content when researching a topic, so our new series offers this format in addition to our existing library of articles, guides, and videos. More than anything, we hope to make the legal process even more transparent and less intimidating, especially during what can be a very stressful time following a workplace injury or illness.”

    Future series of Compensation Uncovered will delve into other areas of personal injury compensation, including motor vehicle accident claims, workers compensation, public liability matters, and medical negligence cases. Each episode is delivered in a straightforward, down-to-earth manner by a range of practice group leaders and senior lawyers at Law Partners, free from the confusing legal jargon that often accompanies such topics.

    Law Partners is committed to a more personal approach to client care, ensuring clients receive all the compensation they deserve and are entitled to. With its no win, no fee, and no disbursements (or case costs) guarantee, along with a 99% success rate, Law Partners continues to set new standards in the industry.

    To stay updated with the latest episodes and insights from Compensation Uncovered, follow Law Partners on YouTube via @lawpartners, on Facebook and Instagram at @lawpartnersau, or search for Law Partners on LinkedIn. Keep an eye on our social media channels and podcast feeds for more customer stories, payout examples, and expert legal advice.

    About Law Partners

    Law Partners is more than just Australia’s largest specialist personal injury firm. We’re a team of dedicated lawyers, paralegals and legal assistants who believe in personal service, asking more questions, and building deeper relationships to understand the true impact of injuries and illness. Our client-focused approach, combined with our legal expertise, has resulted in a case success rate of over 99%, more than 1,200 5-star Google reviews, consistent Doyle’s Guide awards and recognition, and the honour of being named Lawyer Monthly’s Australian Personal Injury Law Firm of the Year for three consecutive years (2022 to 2024).

    For more information or to arrange a media interview, visit Law Partners or contact Charlotte O’Brien at 02 9264 4474 or charlotte.obrien@lawpartners.com.au

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ramsey County Carjacker Sentenced to Over 5 Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – A Ramsey County man has been sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for a string of carjackings and illegal possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

    According to court documents, on June 30, 2022, Ricardo Rydell Walker, Jr., 22, approached the owner of a black 2021 Toyota Highlander as they exited the car, demanded everything in the driver’s pockets, and hit them on the left side of the head with a handgun. Walker also participated in three additional armed carjackings between February 2021 and June 2022, one in Minneapolis and two in Saint Paul. In each case, Walker and others used the threat of violence and intimidated the victims with firearms.

    On July 6, 2022, Walker was arrested in Maplewood, MN, in a stolen car, while in possession of a Springfield Hellcat 9mm pistol.

    On November 26, 2024, Walker pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of receipt of a firearm while under felony indictment.  He was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Katherine M. Menendez.

    This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the St. Paul Police Department, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the FBI.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys William C. Mattessich and Mary Riverso prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: GAZA – MSF condemns Israeli strike on Nasser hospital in Gaza, calls for protection of health facilities – MSF

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    JERUSALEM, 25 MARCH 2025 – Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) strongly condemns Israel’s strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza—the largest remaining functioning hospital in the Gaza Strip, where MSF teams work. 

    On 23 March, Israeli forces targeted the hospital’s inpatient surgical department, killing two people, according to the Ministry of Health. MSF teams confirmed there were several people injured, one of which was admitted to our trauma unit, and that severe damage was done to the building. 

    This attack shows a total disregard for the protection of medical facilities, endangered patients and medical staff and the very provision of healthcare. As Israeli forces escalate their operations in Gaza once again, MSF calls for the respect and protection of healthcare facilities, patients and medical staff in Gaza, where the health system has been all but destroyed.

    “Strikes such as these are horrific for staff and patients” says Claire Nicolet, MSF head of emergencies in Gaza. “We cannot go back to repeated attacks on health care facilities when the health system in Gaza is already hanging by a thread, and no supplies have entered in weeks.”

    While Gaza’s healthcare system has collapsed, and the medical needs of people continue to skyrocket, medical workers are yet again forced to fear for their lives while providing care. At Nasser hospital, two MSF colleagues, who were working in different hospital departments, described panic among patients at the time of the attack.

    ” The distance between us and the explosion was so close that we could’ve been hit too,” explains an MSF nurse who works in another ward in Nasser hospital and was close by when the strike happened. “Our colleagues, medical staff, patients and their caretakers were all terrified.”

    During Israel’s war on Gaza, MSF has witnessed relentless attacks on health facilities, a complete disregard for patients, medical workers and International Humanitarian Law (IHL), resulting in the systematic dismantling of Gaza’s health system. Not a single hospital in the Gaza Strip is currently fully functional, and only 21 out of the enclave’s 36 hospitals are partially functioning, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

    As one of the last main hospitals in southern Gaza, Nasser hospital is providing care for people with severe burns and trauma injuries, newborns, and pregnant women.

    Since returning in mid-May 2024, MSF teams have been supporting the emergency, pediatric, and maternity departments at Nasser hospital, as well as running a burn and trauma unit. In February 2024, MSF teams were forced to flee after the hospital was shelled by Israeli forces.

    Furthermore, Nasser Hospital as other health facilities in Gaza is facing several challenges of supplies, including hygiene items, medication and surgical items, while Israeli authorities continue their siege on the Strip for over 20 days. Due to the numerous influxes of patients from recent bombings, MSF stocks are decreasing faster than expected, and the blockade is making it impossible for our teams to restock vital items such as antibiotics, painkillers and anesthetics.

    In a separate incident on May 24, MSF teams in Al-Mawasi primary health care clinic were forced to close the emergency room, evacuate the facility and suspend activities for the day due to close-by shootings and shelling. Healthcare facilities, patients and medical staff must be protected.

    MSF calls once again for the immediate restoration of the ceasefire and for the resumption of the entry of essential aid and basic supplies, which people in Gaza desperately need.

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Markey, Van Hollen Urge Trump to Work with Congress to Keep TikTok Online

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) wrote to President Donald Trump, requesting additional information on any efforts to keep TikTok online in the United States and urging the Administration to work with Congress on any potential resolutions to the TikTok ban.

    Under the Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act, ByteDance had until January 19 to either divest TikTok or face a ban in the U.S. In an executive order, President Trump directed the Department of Justice to not enforce the law for 75 days. This nonenforcement of the TikTok ban was not only unlawful but also raised serious questions about TikTok’s future, as the law imposes liability—up to $850 billion in fines—on companies for facilitating TikTok’s continued operations in the U.S. That 75-day extension expires on April 5. With a qualified divestiture unlikely to occur by that deadline, the Senators urged the Trump administration to work with Congress to keep TikTok online.

    In the letter, the lawmakers write, “There is a better solution: Work with Congress. We have previously introduced legislation — the Extend the TikTok Deadline Act — that would extend the TikTok deadline to October 16, 2025, but Senate Republicans blocked passage of our bill. If you need additional time to complete a deal, we urge you to direct Senate Republicans to pass our legislation and provide the companies with legal certainty to keep TikTok online and in the app stores over the next few months. If you intend to proceed with the reported Oracle deal, we urge you to work with Congress to propose modifications to the Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act to ensure that any Oracle deal prevents TikTok from going dark. Regardless of your approach, the path to saving TikTok should run through Capitol Hill.

    “Without any further action from Congress, the 170 million Americans that rely on TikTok will continue to face uncertainty about TikTok’s future. Creators will continue to fear that the platform could disappear at any moment. This situation is unfair and unworkable. We urge you to stand up for TikTok’s users and use your immense influence over congressional Republicans to demand a long-term solution to the TikTok ban.”

    Ahead of the April 5, 2025 deadline, the lawmakers request responses by March 28, 2025, to the following questions:

    1.     Is your administration considering further extending the TikTok divestment deadline by executive order? If so, please identify the statutory basis for such an extension.

    2.     Are news reports accurate that your administration is considering a potential deal with Oracle under which Oracle would take a stake in TikTok and provide certainty about the security of TikTok’s user data?

    3.     Does your administration believe that any further legislative action is necessary to ensure that TikTok remains online in the United States?

    On January 16, 2025, Senator Booker, along with Senators Markey and Van Hollen, sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to trigger the 90-day extension in the Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act to allow ByteDance additional time to divest from TikTok. Senators Booker, Markey, and Van Hollen, along with Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), introduced the Extend the TikTok Deadline Act, legislation that would delay the January 19 deadline by which ByteDance must sell TikTok or face a ban, by an additional 270 days.

    To read the full text of the letter, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Pens Letter to USDOT Regarding Recurring I-80 Sinkholes, Urging Federal Funding & Collaboration with New Jersey

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    NEWARK, NJ – Ahead of the weekend and Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s visit to Morris County, New Jersey, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) penned a letter urging the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) to release emergency funding to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and the State of New Jersey to address recurring sinkholes along the Interstate 80 (I-80) corridor in Morris County, New Jersey.

    Senator Booker wrote: “I write today in support of the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and the State of New Jersey, and their efforts to apply for United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Emergency Relief program funding to address sinkholes along Federal-Aid Interstate 80 (I-80) located in Morris County, New Jersey.”

    On Friday, March 21, another sinkhole opened up along the same corridor, hindering the state’s multi-agency remediation efforts.

    Senator Booker concluded, “New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy […] signed an Executive Order on March 8th declaring a State of Emergency to address the damage and qualify for Emergency Relief program funding designated for emergency repairs and permanent repairs on Federal-aid highways and roads.”

    So far, the state has not received federal aid from the FHWA’s Emergency Relief Program to address this issue.

    A full copy of the March 21 letter can be found here and below:

    Dear Secretary Duffy:

    I write today in support of the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and the State of New Jersey, and their efforts to apply for United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Emergency Relief program funding to address sinkholes along Federal-Aid Interstate 80 (I-80) located in Morris County, New Jersey.

    I-80 spans more than 68 miles from the Pennsylvania state line to its eastern terminus in Bergen County, New Jersey. On December 26, 2024, a sinkhole on I-80 opened when an abandoned iron mine shaft collapsed under the highway’s eastbound shoulder near Exit 34. This sinkhole closed the eastbound lanes for four days, leading to slow-moving detours and diminishing throughput along a route critical to regional commerce. On February 10, 2025, NJDOT discovered a second sinkhole 75 feet west of the first, leading to another closure and weeks of detours along I-80.

    The response to this structural disaster has been a collaborative effort between NJDOT, the New Jersey State Police, and local partners. NJDOT crews began proactive drilling and grouting 24 hours a day along the 1-80 eastbound corridor between Exit 34 and the bridge over Route 15 in Wharton, New Jersey to stabilize the roadway and evaluate the subsurface conditions. Once this assessment is complete, NJDOT will be able to finalize a design for repair and calculate a cost estimate.

    According to NJDOT, 82 locations were drilled and 57 locations were filled with grout between December 26, 2024 and March 5, 2025. Construction barriers and fencing were installed between the median and 1-80 westbound to provide additional safety during the grouting process. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy then signed an Executive Order on March 8th declaring a State of Emergency to address the damage and qualify for Emergency Relief program funding designated for emergency repairs and permanent repairs on Federal-aid highways and roads.

    I thank you in advance for your attention to New Jersey’s efforts to restore the structural integrity of this vital highway that will keep drivers of commercial and personal vehicles safe. Should you have any questions, please contact me or my staff at (973) 639-8700.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Announces Foreign Arms Sales Task Force

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast announced the formation of a new task force charged with crafting legislative reforms to ensure the foreign arms sales process meets the demands of the future.

    “This task force will examine the process, make it more transparent, and ensure we’re getting instruments of war – which are also instruments of peace – into the hands of the right partners at the pace that war, deterrence and preparation require,” Chairman Mast said.

    “This is a no-fail mission for our committee, and I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to ensure the arms sales process places American interests and those of our closest allies front and center.” 

    The task force will propose overdue reforms aimed at eliminating bureaucratic hurdles that encumber the current foreign arms sales process. These efforts will result in more efficient partnerships between the government and private sector stakeholders, a stronger defense industrial base, and foreign partners being better armed more quickly with American systems and hardware.

    In addition to announcing the formation of the task force, Chairman Mast named Rep. Ryan Zinke, (MT-01), to serve as its chairman.

    “The United States military is the finest fighting force and the strongest force for good on the planet. We operate with high lethality and some of the most technologically advanced systems ever created by man. And yet, our closest allies get the bureaucratic shaft when they try to meet their defense needs with made-in-America equipment and systems,” Rep. Zinke said.

    “My goal with the task force is to examine the red tape in foreign military sales and streamline the process for our allies and American companies, while also ensuring mission-critical information is not shared with adversaries.”

    Members serving on the task force include:

     

    Republican Members:

    Rep. Ryan Zinke, (MT-01)

    Rep. Michael Lawler, (NY-17)

    Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, (PA-7)

    Rep. Maria Salazar, (FL-27)

    Rep. Young Kim, (CA-40)

    Rep. Scott Perry, (PA-10)

    Rep. Michael Baumgartner, (WA-5)

    Democrat Members:

    Rep. Brad Sherman, (CA-32)

    Rep. William Keating, (MA-9)

    Rep. Joaquin Castro, (TX-20)

    Rep. Sara Jacobs, (CA-51)

    Rep. Madeleine Dean, (PA-4)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Together with Recently Established Sacramento Regional Human Trafficking Task Force Secure 11 Arrests in Online Child Sexual Predator Sting

    Source: US State of California

    TURLOCK – California Attorney General Rob Bonta in partnership with the recently established Sacramento Regional Human Trafficking Task Force (Sac HTTF), today announced the arrest of 11 individuals for allegedly attempting to contact a minor for sex and other related crimes. The arrests are the result of a partnership between state and local law enforcement and have been referred to the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office for potential criminal prosecution.

    “I have a simple message for all those who target children for sex online: If you go after children in California, we’ll go after you,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today’s announcement makes it clear that child sexual abuse will not be tolerated. I’m extremely grateful to all of our partners for their dedication and commitment to keeping our communities safe. When we work together, we get results. My office always stands ready to work with our partners across California to stand up for our children and for public safety.”

    “The Sacramento Police Department stands unwavering in the fight against human trafficking, a crime that strips victims of their freedom, dignity, and humanity,” said Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester. “This is why our partnership with the Sacramento Regional Human Trafficking Task Force is so critical. By working alongside our local, state, and federal partners, we are attacking this crisis from every angle, relentlessly pursuing traffickers, rescuing and empowering survivors, and making our communities safer.”

    “CDCR is proud to be part of this task force, which is making significant strides in keeping our communities safe,” said Bryan Bishop, Deputy Chief of the Office of Correctional Safety at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. “CDCR is committed to using its expertise to hold human traffickers accountable.” 

    During the sting, law enforcement personnel worked undercover, posing as children on various websites, as young as 13 years old, to identify, contact, and arrest anyone who may be trying to target children for sex. In these encounters, suspects allegedly used sexually explicit language and sent graphic photos to undercover personnel. Once suspects requested to meet with a child, law enforcement directed them to a predetermined location and arrested them. The operation was carried out in early March and targeted individuals across Stanislaus County. Many of the arrests involved individuals who allegedly attempted to meet with undercover personnel.

    The sting was conducted by law enforcement personnel with the Sacramento Regional Human Trafficking Task Force (Sac HTTF), Turlock Police Department, Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, and the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation. The suspects are facing multiple felony charges including lewd and lascivious conduct with minor, contact with minor sex acts, meeting with minor with the intent to commit sex acts, harmful matter sent to a minor, manufacturing child pornography, and possession of child pornography. 

    Child sexual abuse remains a significant public safety problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, child sexual abuse includes instances where the child does not fully comprehend, does not consent or is unable to give informed consent, or is not developmentally prepared for and cannot give consent to sexual activity. In particular, online enticement — communicating with someone believed to be a child via the internet with the intent to commit a sexual offense or abduction — is a growing problem and form of exploitation, which can include children being groomed to take sexually explicit images or meeting face-to-face with someone for sexual purposes. This type of victimization can occur on a wide array of online platforms, including social media, messaging apps, or online games. 

    Many children wait to report or never report child sexual abuse and research on the subject likely underestimates the true impact of the problem. Although estimates vary across studies, the research shows that about 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 20 boys in the United States experience child sexual abuse. Ninety-one percent of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone known and trusted by the child or child’s family members. Experiencing child sexual abuse can affect how a person thinks, acts, and feels over a lifetime. This can result in short- and long-term physical, mental, and behavioral health consequences.
     
    It is important to note that criminal charges are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Gang Conflict Warrant issued following Tairāwhiti gang tensions

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attribute to Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Danny Kirk.

    A significant Police operation has begun across Tairāwhiti, following several concerning incidents stemming from tensions between rival gangs.

    Eight incidents, involving assaults and firearms, were reported between 16 March and 23 March. Police and gang leaders have been working to ease tensions, but an escalation in the conflict between rival gang members has forced us to draw on additional powers.

    Yesterday afternoon, Police were issued a Gang Conflict Warrant under the Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Act, giving Police special powers to search vehicles and occupants of vehicles of suspected gang members, and to seize firearms and weapons, and vehicles.

    Officers from across the district are supporting the operation, which will involve a heavy Police presence in Gisborne and further afield. My focus, and the focus of all staff, is the on safety of our communities. The incidents we’ve been made aware of posed a very real threat to the lives of those involved, and innocent members of the public. We’re not going to tolerate it.

    We are continuing to work with gang leadership while sending a clear message to all gang members that they are in our spotlight.

    Additional Police will be patrolling communities across Tairāwhiti, stopping vehicles with links to gang members, searching addresses, and progressing enquiries into the recent events of concern.

    I want to assure our Tairāwhiti communities that we are driving this hard and will be committing significant resources to holding gang members accountable for their actions.

    Police need the community to help us, and people can do that by reporting illegal or suspicious activity, by calling police on 111 if it’s happening now, or by making a report via 105 if it’s after the fact.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Finds Man Guilty of Strangulation in Southeast Washington

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Desmond Fletcher, 37, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, has been found guilty by a jury of one count of felony strangulation and two counts of misdemeanor assault for charges that took place in southeast Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

                The verdict was returned on March 24, 2025, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Judith Pipe scheduled sentencing for June 13, 2025.

                According to the government’s evidence, in the early morning hours of September 4, 2023, Fletcher came to the home of the victim, a woman he had been seeing romantically. Once inside, the defendant confronted the victim, following her from room to room, as he strangled and assaulter her, causing her to black-out and urinate. The victim’s minor daughter was also home at the time of the assault. The victim ultimately ran to a next-door neighbor and asked her to call 911.

                Strangulation is widely recognized as one of the most lethal forms of intimate partner violence. A major strangulation study in San Diego, which is frequently cited, found: “Many victims suffer internal injuries, including permanent brain damage. Signs and symptoms do exist and can be documented even without visible injury… Most abusers do not strangle to kill. They strangle to show they can kill.  Victims often suffer major long-term emotional and physical impacts. Surviving victims are much more likely to die later if their abuser has strangled them.” The study also noted that “…..the odds of becoming a victim of attempted homicide increased by 700%, and the odds of becoming a homicide victim increased by 800%, among women who had been strangled by their partner.”

                In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Trisha Jhunjhnuwala and Sarah Roessler, from the Domestic Violence Felony Unit of the Sex Offense and Domestic Violence Section of the Superior Court Division, who investigated and prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Philadelphia Felon Convicted at Trial of Drug and Gun Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Norman Copper, 33, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was convicted Friday at trial of one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and one count of possession of firearms by a felon.

    The defendant was charged by superseding indictment with those offenses in June 2024.

    In December 2023, the Upper Merion Township Police Department had received information from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Parole Field Services that Copper, who was on state parole at the time for attempted murder, had been intercepted on recorded prison calls and video visits that suggested he might be involved in narcotics sales and/or the illegal possession of firearms. As a condition of his parole, Copper wore a GPS monitor.

    As proven at trial, GPS location data indicated that he spent many early morning hours at an unapproved area in King of Prussia, Pa., which investigators determined was the apartment of his then-girlfriend. Through physical and video surveillance, Upper Merion detectives saw Copper entering and exiting the apartment on many occasions, often heading in the direction of what was later learned to be a storage unit associated with his girlfriend’s apartment.

    In January of last year, law enforcement served search warrants on the apartment and storage unit, seizing more than a pound and a half of methamphetamine, three semiautomatic handguns, one of them equipped with a silencer, and one AK-style semiautomatic rifle, weapons that he was not permitted to possess due to his previous felony conviction.

    The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on July 30. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 45 years in prison and a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment.

    The case was investigated by the Upper Merion Township Police Department, the Montgomery County Detective Bureau, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsey Mills and Justin Ashenfelter.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rochester Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – Kevyn Bradley Heath, a Rochester man, has been sentenced to 252 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for the production and distribution of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

    According to court documents, between November 19, 2023, and December 31, 2023, Kevyn Bradley Heath, 28, produced child pornography and distributed it over Discord, an online social platform. Heath’s offense involved sexual contact of infant or toddler victims in his custody, care, or control.

    On November 7, 2024, Heath pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography. He was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Katherine M. Menendez.  Heath was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $106,000.

    “Child abusers who commit horrific sex crimes and then document that abuse in pictures and videos are among the most vile offenders we prosecute.  This conduct is—in a word—sickening,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “My office will continue to stand up for the victims of sexual abuse and seek only the strongest of sentences against defendants who commit these terrible crimes.”

    This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Rochester Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. It was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Forbes prosecuted the case.

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