Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
One person has died following a serious crash in Ngahinapouri this morning.
Police were alerted to the single vehicle crash on Kakaramea Road/SH39 at around 8.55am.
Sadly, despite the efforts of emergency services, one person died at the scene.
There are no other injuries reported.
The road is closed while the Serious Crash Unit examines the scene.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and expect delays.
ENDS
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Attribute to Detective Inspector Martin James:
There will be a visible Police presence in the Hawke’s Bay on Monday for the tangi of a senior member of the Mongrel Mob.
In the morning, the deceased will be taken from Mahora to Moteo for burial, with more than 100 gang members and associates possibly taking part.
Police have been working with whanau and gang leaders to minimise the impact to the community and the tangi itself. We have also been speaking with residents in the Mahora and Moteo Pa areas advising them of the increased presence of gang members and Police.
Our focus for the tangi is keeping people safe, preventing or minimising disruption to the public and responding to any unlawful behaviour. Neighbouring districts are providing additional policing teams to support the operation and help us monitor the movement of gang members through the region.
Illegal, antisocial or disruptive behaviour won’t be tolerated.
Police will take every opportunity to immediately intervene and enforce the law, including the Gangs Act 2024. In instances where immediate enforcement isn’t possible, officers are instructed to gather evidence that allows us to hold people accountable for their actions.
If you are on the roads, expect to see us; Police will be running checkpoints to breath test drivers, ensure passengers are properly restrained, and check that vehicles are roadworthy.
Everyone in the community has the right to be safe and feel safe.
If you see any illegal behaviour, call police on 111 if it is happening now, or make a report at 105.police.govt.nz if it’s after the fact.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: South Australia Police
Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Ardrossan.
The single vehicle collision occurred at 9.50am today, Sunday 9 February on Maitland Road, Ardrossan, between Main Coast Road and Old Pump Road.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area.
Source: US State of California 2
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
Khalil “KC” Mohseni, of Sacramento, has been appointed Commissioner of the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, where he has been the Chief Deputy Director since 2023. Mohseni was the Chief Operating Officer at the State Controller’s Office from 2022 to 2023. He was the Deputy Director of Administration at the California Department of Housing and Community Development from 2020 to 2022. Mohseni was a Project Director of Business at the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency from 2018 to 2019. He was the Chief Fiscal officer at the Board of State and Community Corrections from 2015 to 2018. Mohseni earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Irvine. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $224,868. Mohseni is registered without party preference.
Kelly Madsen, of Elk Grove, has been appointed Director of Enterprise Risk Management and Compliance at the California Housing Finance Agency, where she has been the Deputy Director of Innovation and Special Initiatives since 2024. Madsen was a Business Manager at the Waverley Street Foundation in 2023. She was the Director of Scheduling at the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom from 2021 to 2022. Madsen was a Digital Advertising Consultant and Operations Manager at Psyberware from 2017 to 2021. She was a Product Data Analyst at Viator from 2015 to 2018. Madsen held two positions at the California Department of Education, Office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson from 2011 to 2014, including Strategic Initiatives Coordinator and Policy Advisor from 2012 to 2014 and Director of Scheduling from 2011 to 2012. She was the Director of Scheduling at the Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger from 2008 to 2010. Madsen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $152,988. Madsen is a Democrat.
Adam P. Romero, of Los Angeles, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the Department of Industrial Relations. Romero has been Deputy Director of Executive Programs at the California Civil Rights Department since 2020. He was an Adjunct Professor at University of California, Los Angeles School of Law from 2017 to 2020. Romero held several roles at The Williams Institute at University of California, Los Angeles School of Law from 2014 to 2020, including Director of Legal Scholarship and Federal Policy, Arnold D. Kassoy Scholar of Law, and Senior Counsel. He was Senior Associate at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr from 2010 to 2014. Romero served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Judge Shira A. Scheindlin at the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York from 2009 to 2010 and for the Honorable Judge M. Margaret McKeown at the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit from 2008 to 2009. He is a member of the Chancery Club of Los Angeles. Romero earned a Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Cornell University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $190,008. Romero is a Democrat.
Janus Norman, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the California Workforce Development Board. Norman has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the California Broadband and Video Association since 2022. He was Senior Vice President at the California Medical Association from 2013 to 2022. Norman was a Field Representative at the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees – AFL-CIO from 2010 to 2013. He was a Government Analyst at the Judicial Council of California from 2008 to 2010. Norman was a Senior Consultant for the California State Assembly from 2002 to 2008. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Norman is a Democrat.
Hala Hijazi, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the California Workforce Development Board. Hijazi has been the Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Impact Strategies-SF since 2014. She was a Business Development Manager in the Infrastructure and Labor Division at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission from 2007 to 2014. Hijazi was a Project Director for the San Francisco Department of Public Works from 2004 to 2007. She was Deputy Director of Marketing for the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and Special Assistant to the Mayor at the Office of San Francisco Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr. from 1997 to 2004. Hijazi is the Founder of Professionals VIP Network/Impact Council and San Francisco Bay Area AMEMSA Advisory Board and Muslim Impact Council, Chair of the Board of Directors at Reproductive Freedom for All California PrivacyPAC and Director of the San Francisco Chapter of the Truman National Security Project. She is a Member of the Board of Directors at the American Red Cross, Northern California Coastal Region and Interfaith Center at the Presidio, an Advisor to the Human Rights Studies Program at University of California, Davis and a Member of the Regional Advisory Council for DignityMoves, Democratic National Committee’s Finance Committee, San Francisco Police Department Police Chief’s Community Policing Advisory Forum, and the Leadership Circle at Foreign Policy for America. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Hijazi is a Democrat.
Charles “Chuck” Poss III, of Huntington Beach, has been appointed to the California Apprenticeship Council. Poss has been the President at Earth Construction and Mining since 2004. He was the Chief Estimator and Senior Project Manager at C.W. Poss Inc. from 1980 to 2004. Poss earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering from Purdue University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Poss is a Republican.
Alejandro “Alex” Beltran, of Antelope, has been appointed to the California Apprenticeship Council. Beltran has been the Director of Training at the Finishing Trades Institute of Northern California and Nevada since 2008. He was a Journey Worker at Sacramento Glazing from 1997 to 2008. Beltran is a member of the Glaziers Local Union 767, District Council 16 International Union of Partners and Allied Trades. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Beltran is a Democrat.
Adhitya “Adhi” Nagraj, of Oakland, has been reappointed to the California Housing Partnership Corporation, where he has served since 2016. Nagraj has been the Chief Development Officer at McCormack Baron Salazar since 2022. He was Senior Vice President at McCormack Baron Salazar from 2019 to 2022. Nagraj was the San Francisco Director at SPUR from 2018 to 2019. He was the Director of Real Estate Development at BRIDGE Housing Corporation from 2013 to 2018. Nagraj earned a Juris Doctor degree from Columbia Law School. This position requires Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Nagraj is a Democrat.
Pamela Daniels, of El Granada, has been reappointed to the Board of Chiropractic Examiners, where she has served since 2021. Daniels has been a Chiropractor at Daniels Chiropractic Inc. since 2003, where she is also the Owner and Founder. Daniels earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic West and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Neuroscience from the Carrick Institute. She is a member of the California Chiropractic Association. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Daniels is a Democrat.
Sergio F. Azzolino, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the Board of Chiropractic Examiners, where he previously served from 2012 to 2021. Azzolino has been the Clinic Director of Azzolino Chiropractic Neurology & Integrative Wellness since 1995 and an Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology at the Carrick Institute since 2009. He is President of the American Board of Chiropractic Neurology. Azzolino earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life Chiropractic College West. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Azzolino is registered without party preference.
Source: US State of California 2
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills:
The legislation establishes legal resources for the California Department of Justice and state agencies. It also augments existing funding for legal services for veterans, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable Californians.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HKSAR Government condemns and rejects US Department of State’s interference with Hong Kong’s judicial proceedings
HKSAR Government condemns and rejects US Department of State’s interference with Hong Kong’s judicial proceedings
******************************************************************************************
Regarding the erroneous remarks made by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor today (February 8) regarding Lai Chee-ying’s case concerning the Hong Kong National Security Law, openly exerting pressure to demand unconditional release of Lai Chee-ying, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) condemned and rejected such act, and released a statement to clarify relevant issues to set the record straight. A spokesman for the HKSAR Government pointed out that, “As the legal proceedings involving Lai Chee-ying are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the case. The HKSAR Government strongly urges any external forces to immediately stop interfering in the HKSAR’s internal affairs and the independent exercise of judicial power by the courts of the HKSAR.” The HKSAR Government has emphasised time and again that all cases (including the case in question) are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law. All defendants will receive fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong (including the Hong Kong National Security Law) and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. The spokesman stressed that, “Any attempt by any country, organisation, or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the HKSAR by means of political power, thereby resulting in a defendant not being able to have a fair trial that one should receive, is a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law of Hong Kong and should be condemned.” “The HKSAR Government will continue to resolutely discharge the duty of safeguarding national security, prevent, suppress and punish in accordance with the law acts and activities endangering national security. At the same time, it will continue to safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people in accordance with the law.”
Ends/Saturday, February 8, 2025Issued at HKT 20:52
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Source: Government of India
Posted On: 08 FEB 2025 3:40PM by PIB Delhi
A meeting of the Central Advisory Committee (CAC) for the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) was held today under the Chairmanship of Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment and Chairperson of the CAC. The meeting focused on reviewing the progress of the scheme and formulating strategies aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of Scheduled Castes (SC) communities across India.
Dr. Virendra Kumar thoroughly discussed the implementation of the scheme and emphasized the overarching objectives of PM-AJAY for overall Socio-Economic development of SC populated villages and SC beneficiaries.
In the meeting State Cabinet Ministers along with Senior Officers from States/UTs, Chairperson of National Commission for Scheduled Castes, representatives of Union Ministries of Finance, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Rural Development, Women and Child Development, NITI Ayog, and other members of the Central Advisory Committee participated. All the members appreciated the objectives and implementation of scheme in addressing the needs of SC communities.
Extensive discussion of the three components of the scheme i.e Adarsh Gram, Grant-in-aid and Hostel component was done by CAC members and the important role of states/UTs were outlined. The members of CAC appreciated the significant progress made under the scheme’s three core components.
The committee further deliberated on strategies to expand the scheme’s reach to the larger SC population and enhance its effectiveness. Emphasis was placed on strengthening collaboration at the States and District levels, fostering greater community participation, ensuring timely project implementation, and monitoring the outcomes to achieve maximum impact.
Dr. Virendra Kumar reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the holistic development of SC communities, stating, “PM-AJAY plays a crucial role in addressing socio-economic disparities. Through focused interventions and collaborative efforts, we are working towards empowering SC individuals and promoting inclusive growth.”
The meeting concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to intensify their efforts in realizing the objectives of the scheme and ensuring sustainable development for SC communities across the nation.
*****
VM
(Release ID: 2101001) Visitor Counter : 7
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Police today (February 8) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Lantau North.
Choi Ko-king, aged 69, went missing after he left his residence on Yi Tung Road, Tung Chung yesterday (February 7) morning. His family made a report to Police on the same day.
He is about 1.7 metres tall, 58 kilograms in weight and of thin build. He has a square face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a green long-sleeved down jacket, black long-sleeved shirt, black trousers, white sport shoes and carrying a walking stick.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1176 or 5239 7701 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
Source: US State of Nebraska
. Pillen Appoints Ramsey as District Court Judge for the Ninth Judicial District
LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Kane M. Ramsey as district court judge in the Ninth Judicial District. This district consists of Buffalo and Hall counties.
Ramsey has been a deputy county attorney with the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office since 2019. Prior to that, he was an associate attorney with the firm of Jacobsen, Orr, Lindstrom & Holbrook in Kearney.
Ramsey received his bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL). He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.
The vacancy in the Ninth Judicial District was due to the appointment of Judge Ryan Carson to federal court.
Source: US State of Nebraska
. Pillen Makes Appointment to Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
LINCOLN, NE –Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Kurt Arganbright of Valentine to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Arganbright will serve as the representative for District 6. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Nebraska Legislature.
Arganbright has been in private practice at Arganbright Law Office in Valentine since 2010 with expertise in agricultural law, real estate, estate planning and business planning. He also serves as county attorney for both Rock and Thomas counties. Additionally, his family owns and operates a cow-calf operation.
Arganbright has served multiple entities in leadership roles including the Sandhills Cattle Association, Valentine Planning Commission, Agriculture Builders of Nebraska and the Nebraska State Bar Association.
Arganbright has a degree in agricultural economics from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL). He received his juris doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
SANTA ANA, Calif. — On Feb. 6, 2025, Ippei Mizuhara, a former Japanese-language interpreter was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for illegally — and without authorization — transferring nearly $17 million from the bank account of Major League Baseball star Shohei Ohtani to pay off his own substantial gambling debts incurred with an illegal bookmaking operation and for signing a false tax return, following a joint Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS Criminal Investigation probe.
Mizuahara was sentenced by United States District Judge John W. Holcomb, who also ordered him to pay $16,975,010 in restitution to Ohtani and $1,149,400 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Mizuhara pleaded guilty in June 2024 to one count of bank fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return.
“Mr. Mizuhara is yet another example of how those in a position of trust can take advantage of a relationship and defraud the government,” said HSI Los Angeles acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. “The HSI-led El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force will leverage all partnerships to locate and bring to justice those who commit financial crimes, especially those who think they can hide in plain sight.”
Mizuhara was the translator and de facto manager of MLB star Shohei Ohtani. As part of his job duties, Mizuhara regularly interacted with Ohtani’s sports agents and financial advisors — who did not speak Japanese — on behalf of Ohtani, who did not speak English. Although Mizuhara was an employee of the Los Angeles Angels MLB team, for whom Ohtani played from 2018 to 2023, and, later, the Los Angeles Dodgers, for whom Ohtani has played since 2024, Ohtani paid him separately for the additional work of driving him to meetings and interpreting for non-baseball-related activities.
In March 2018, Mizuhara accompanied Ohtani to a bank in Phoenix to help him open a bank account to deposit his MLB salary. Inside the bank branch, Mizuhara interpreted for Ohtani when the bank employee provided Ohtani the login information for this bank account.
Beginning in September 2021, Mizuhara began placing sports bets with an illegal bookmaker. Shortly thereafter, Mizuhara began to lose bets and quickly became indebted to the bookmaker. Unable to pay his gambling debts, Mizuhara orchestrated a scheme to deceive and cheat the bank to fraudulently obtain money from the account.
From no later than November 2021 to March 2024, Mizuhara used Ohtani’s password to successfully sign into the bank account and then changed the account’s security protocols without Ohtani’s knowledge or permission. Specifically, Mizuhara changed the registered email address and telephone number on the account so bank employees would call him — not Ohtani — when attempting to verify wire transfers from the account.
Mizuhara impersonated Ohtani, using his personal identifying information to deceive the bank’s employees into authorizing wire transfers from the bank account. In total, Mizuhara called the bank and impersonated Ohtani on approximately 24 occasions.
In addition, in September 2023, Mizuhara needed $60,000 worth of dental work and Ohtani agreed to pay for it via a check drawn on a business account at a different bank. However, Mizuhara provided his dentist Ohtani’s debit card number for the bank account Ohtani had opened in Phoenix, charged $60,000 to that account, then deposited the $60,000 check into Mizuhara’s personal bank account.
From January 2024 to March 2024, Mizuhara purchased approximately $325,000 worth of baseball cards from online resellers such as eBay from Ohtani’s bank account with the intent to resell them later and for his own personal benefit.
When Ohtani’s sports agent and financial advisors asked Mizuhara for access to the bank account, Mizuhara lied and said Ohtani did not want them to access the account because it was private. In fact, Mizuhara did not want them to know that he had been stealing from Ohtani and had fraudulently obtained more than $16,975,010 from him.
In February 2024, he willfully made and subscribed to a false individual federal income tax return for the tax year 2022. On that tax return, Mizuhara falsely claimed that his total taxable income for that year was $136,865 when in fact he knew the amount was substantially higher and he knowingly failed to report additional income of $4.1 million.
The HSI Los Angeles El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force conducted this investigation collaboratively with the IRS Criminal Investigation Division.
Anyone with information on illegal gambling are encouraged to call the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP.
Learn more about HSI’s mission to protect the U.S. economy in your community on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSILosAngeles.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nicholas Dombek, age 54, of Thornhurst, Pennsylvania, Damien Boland, age 48, of Moscow, Pennsylvania, and Joseph Atsus, age 48, of Roaring Brook, Pennsylvania, were convicted on February 7, 2025, for conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property, as well as multiple related substantive offense, following a four-week jury trial before United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Dombek, Boland, and Joseph Atsus were part of a larger nine-person conspiracy which lasted over 20 years and whose goal was to break into multiple museums and other institutions and steal priceless works of art, sports memorabilia, and other objects. Those objects include the following:
Five additional co-conspirators pled guilty pursuant to felony informations and are awaiting sentencing. Former co-defendant Alfred Atsus was acquitted of the three counts against him at trial.
After stealing the above-described items, the conspirators would transport the stolen goods back to northeastern Pennsylvania, often the residence of Dombek, and melt the memorabilia down into easily transportable metal discs or bars. The conspirators would then sell the raw metal to fences in the New York City area for hundreds or a few thousands of dollars, significantly less than the sports memorabilia would be worth at fair market value.
Dombek burnt the painting “Upper Hudson” by Jasper Cropsey, valued at approximately $500,000, to avoid the painting being recovered by investigators and used as evidence against the members of the conspiracy. The whereabouts of many of the other paintings and stolen objects are currently unknown, however, several antique firearms stolen from the Space Farms Zoo and Museum and the Ringwood Manor Museum, both in New Jersey, were recovered by investigators.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police, the New Jersey State Police, the New York State Police, the New Jersey State Park Police, the Newport Police Department (Rhode Island), the Fargo Police Department (North Dakota), the Chester Police Department (New York), the Exeter Borough Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Scranton Police Department, the Franklin Police Department (New Jersey), the Village of Goshen Police Department (New York), the Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, D.C.), the West Milord Township Police Department (New Jersey), the Montclair Police Department (New Jersey), the Saratoga Springs Police Department (New York), the Canastota Police Department (New York), the South Abington Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Bernards Township Police Department (New Jersey), the Salisbury Township Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Montclair State University Police Department (New Jersey), the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office (Pennsylvania), the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office (New Jersey), the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office (New Jersey), the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (New York), and multiple other local law enforcement agencies from across the country. Assistant United States Attorneys James M. Buchanan, Jenny Roberts, and Sean Camoni prosecuted the case.
Sentencing is not yet scheduled. The defendants face a maximum penalty of imprisonment for a term of five years for the conspiracy conviction and maximum penalties of ten years’ imprisonment for each additional count of conviction, as well as a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
# # #
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said today that it condemned and rejected interference by the US Department of State in Hong Kong’s judicial proceedings, stressing that comments on the case of Lai Chee-ying are inappropriate as legal proceedings in the case are still ongoing.
The statement was made in response to remarks made today by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, & Labor which attempted to exert pressure and demand Lai Chee-ying’s unconditional release.
The Hong Kong SAR Government said it strongly urges external forces to immediately stop interfering in the Hong Kong SAR’s internal affairs and the exercise of independent judicial power by the courts.
It iterated that all cases are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law, adding that all defendants will receive a fair trial in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong National Security Law, and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.
It also stressed that attempts by any country, organisation or individual to interfere with judicial proceedings in the Hong Kong SAR by means of political power, thereby resulting in a defendant not being able to have a fair trial, constitute reprehensible acts that undermine the rule of law of Hong Kong and should be condemned.
The Hong Kong SAR Government stated that it will continue to resolutely discharge its duty of safeguarding national security, and act to prevent, suppress and punish in accordance with the law acts and activities that endanger national security. It will also continue to safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people in accordance with the law.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Police are appealing for witnesses and footage following a fatal collision in Clapton.
Officers were called at approximately 06:50hrs on Saturday, 8 February to reports of a car in collision with a stationery bus in Lea Bridge Road, near the junction of Clapton Road, E5.
London Ambulance Service and HEMS paramedics also attended.
The driver of the car, a woman, was taken to hospital for treatment – she sadly died there a short time later.
Her next of kin have been informed and will be supported by specially trained officers.
No reports of any other serious injuries.
An investigation into the circumstances is under way by detectives from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit. They would like to hear from anyone who was in the area and witnessed this incident, or any road users or pedestrians who may have captured events on film.
Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD1388/8Feb.
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“I greatly welcome today’s High Court judgement in the judicial review by NI Retired Police Officers’ Association against the Police Ombudsman.
“For too long the Ombudsman has exceeded the remit of the office to make expansive findings of ‘collusion’ etc which are presented as misconduct, or worse.
“However, in this judgement today we have had an overdue clipping of the Ombudsman’s wings. The language of the judgement is emphatic and clear, “the Ombudsman’s role is investigative and not adjudicative. It is not for the Ombudsman to made determinations (whether express or implied) as to whether criminal conduct or even misconduct has in fact occurred; no more than it is for the police to determine and publicly state that a suspect is guilty of a crime. That is a matter to be determined by others in different processes specifically established for that purpose.”
“Too often the Ombudsman has played to the anti-police gallery by throwing around findings of “collusion” etc – all of which oversteps the investigative role of the office by bolting on adjudicative and prejudicial findings.
“I trust the Ombudsman will take heed of this judgement and not again have to be called into line for overstepping the prescribed functions of the office”.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Police are appealing for assistance to help trace a missing teenager who has believed to have travelled to London.
Talailah Francis, 14, was last seen at Whittlesford Service Station in Cambridge on Saturday, 25 January.
Since then there have been potential sightings of Talailah in in Hackney, Lambeth, Enfield and Southwark.
Police remain concerned regarding Talailah’s welfare and are appealing to the public for assistance.
If you have seen Talailah or have any information about her whereabouts, please call 101 and quote CAD4485/26JAN25.
For an immediate sighting dial 999.
A investigative journalism programme — Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) — that has pubiished exposes about the South Pacific and has not been impacted on by the “freeze” of USAID funding has hit back in an editorial calling for support of independent media.
EDITORIAL: By the OCCRP editors
“OCCRP is a deep state operation.
“OCCRP is connected to the CIA.
“OCCRP was tasked by USAID to overthrow President Donald Trump.”
How did we end up getting this kind of attention? Old fashioned investigative journalism.
We wrote a simple story in 2019 about how Rudy Giuliani went to Ukraine for some opposition research and ended up working with people connected to organised crime who misled him.
Unbeknown to us, a whistleblower found the story online and added it to a complaint that was the basis of President Trump’s first impeachment. We also wrote a story about Hunter Biden‘s business partners and their ties to organised crime but that hasn’t received the same attention.
Journalism has become a blood sport. It’s harder and harder to tell the truth without someone’s interests getting stepped on.
OCCRP prides itself on being independent and nonpartisan. No donor has any say in our reporting, but we often find ourselves under attack for our funding.
It’s not just political interests but organised crime, businesses, enablers, and other journalists who regularly attack us. What’s common in all of these attacks is that the truth doesn’t matter and it will not protect you.
Few attack the facts in our reporting. Instead we’re left perplexed by how to respond to wild conspiracy theories, outright disinformation, and hyperbolic hatred.
At the same time, we’ve lost 29 percent of our funding because of the US foreign aid freeze. This includes 82 percent of the money we give to newsrooms in our network, many of which operate in places [Pacific Media Watch: Such as in the Pacific] where no one else will support them.
This money did not only fund groundbreaking, prize-winning collaborative journalism but it also trained young investigative reporters to expose wrongdoing. It’s money that kept journalists safe from physical and digital attacks and supported those in exile who continued to report on crooks and dictators back in their home countries.
OCCRP now has 43 less journalists and staff to do our work.
No attack or funding freeze will stop us from trying to fulfill our mission. Just in the past week, OCCRP and its partners revealed how Russia’s shadow fleet sources its ships, how taxes haven’t been paid on Roman Abramovich’s yachts, and how Syrian intelligence spied on journalists.
Next week, we’ll take on another set of powerful actors to defend the public interest. And another set the week after that.
We are determined to stay in the fight and keep reporting on organised crime and the corrupt who enable and benefit from it. But it’s getting harder and we need help.
President Donald Trump has frozen billions of dollars around the world in aid projects, including more than $268 million allocated by Congress to support independent media and the free flow of information.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has denounced this decision, which has plunged NGOs, media outlets, and journalists doing vital work into chaotic uncertainty — including in the Pacific.
In a statement published on its website, RSF has called for international public and private support to commit to the “sustainability of independent media”.
Since the new American president announced the freeze of US foreign aid on January 20, USAID (United States Agency for International Development) has been in turmoil — its website is inaccessible, its X account has been suspended, the agency’s headquarters was closed and employees told to stay home.
South African-born American billionaire Elon Musk, an unelected official, whom Trump chose to lead the quasi-official Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has called USAID a “criminal organisation” and declared: “We’re shutting [it] down.”
Later that day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that he was named acting director of the agency, suggesting its operations were being moved to the State Department.
Almost immediately after the freeze went into effect, journalistic organisations around the world — including media groups in the Pacific — that receive American aid funding started reaching out to RSF expressing confusion, chaos, and uncertainty.
Large and smaller media NGOs affected
The affected organisations include large international NGOs that support independent media like the International Fund for Public Interest Media and smaller, individual media outlets serving audiences living under repressive conditions in countries like Iran and Russia.
“The American aid funding freeze is sowing chaos around the world, including in journalism. The programmes that have been frozen provide vital support to projects that strengthen media, transparency, and democracy,” said Clayton Weimers, executive director of RSF USA.
“President Trump justified this order by charging — without evidence — that a so-called ‘foreign aid industry’ is not aligned with US interests.
“The tragic irony is that this measure will create a vacuum that plays into the hands of propagandists and authoritarian states. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is appealing to the international public and private funders to commit to the sustainability of independent media.”
USAID programmes support independent media in more than 30 countries, but it is difficult to assess the full extent of the harm done to the global media.
Many organisations are hesitant to draw attention for fear of risking long-term funding or coming under political attacks.
According to a USAID fact sheet which has since been taken offline, in 2023 the agency funded training and support for 6200 journalists, assisted 707 non-state news outlets, and supported 279 media-sector civil society organisations dedicated to strengthening independent media.
Activities halted overnight
The 2025 foreign aid budget included $268,376,000 allocated by Congress to support “independent media and the free flow of information”.
All over the world, media outlets and organisations have had to halt some of their activities overnight.
“We have articles scheduled until the end of January, but after that, if we haven’t found solutions, we won’t be able to publish anymore,” explains a journalist from a Belarusian exiled media outlet who wished to remain anonymous.
In Cameroon, the funding freeze forced DataCameroon, a public interest media outlet based in the economic capital Douala, to put several projects on hold, including one focused on journalist safety and another covering the upcoming presidential election.
An exiled Iranian media outlet that preferred to remain anonymous was forced to suspend collaboration with its staff for three months and slash salaries to a bare minimum to survive.
An exiled Iranian journalist interviewed by RSF warns that the impact of the funding freeze could silence some of the last remaining free voices, creating a vacuum that Iranian state propaganda would inevitably fill.
“Shutting us off will mean that they’ll have more power,” she says.
USAID: the main donor for Ukrainian media
In Ukraine, where 9 out of 10 outlets rely on subsidies and USAID is the primary donor, several local media have already announced the suspension of their activities and are searching for alternative solutions.
“At Slidstvo.Info, 80 percent of our budget is affected,” said Anna Babinets, CEO and co-founder of this independent investigative media outlet based in Kyiv.
The risk of this suspension is that it could open the door to other sources of funding that may seek to alter the editorial line and independence of these media.
“Some media might be shut down or bought by businessmen or oligarchs. I think Russian money will enter the market. And government propaganda will, of course, intensify,” Babinets said.
RSF has already witnessed the direct effects of such propaganda — a fabricated video, falsely branded with the organisation’s logo, claimed that RSF welcomed the suspension of USAID funding for Ukrainian media — a stance RSF has never endorsed.
This is not the first instance of such disinformation.
Finding alternatives quickly
This situation highlights the financial fragility of the sector.
According to Oleh Dereniuha, editor-in-chief of the Ukrainian local media outlet NikVesti, based in Mykolaiv, a city in southeast Ukraine, “The suspension of US funding is just the tip of the iceberg — a key case that illustrates the severity of the situation.”
Since 2024, independent Ukrainian media outlets have found securing financial sustainability nearly impossible due to the decline in donors.
As a result, even minor budget cuts could put these media outlets in a precarious position.
A recent RSF report stressed the need to focus on the economic recovery of the independent Ukrainian media landscape, weakened by the large-scale Russian invasion of February 24, 2022, which RSF’s study estimated to be at least $96 million over three years.
Moreover, beyond the decline in donor support in Ukraine, media outlets are also facing growing threats to their funding and economic models in other countries.
Georgia’s Transparency of Foreign Influence Law — modelled after Russia’s legislation — has put numerous media organisations at risk. The Georgian Prime Minister welcomed the US president’s decision with approval.
This suspension is officially expected to last only 90 days, according to the US government.
However, some, like Katerina Abramova, communications director for leading exiled Russian media outlet Meduza, fear that the reviews of funding contracts could take much longer.
Abramova is anticipating the risk that these funds may be permanently cut off.
“Exiled media are even in a more fragile position than others, as we can’t monetise our audience and the crowdfunding has its limits — especially when donating to Meduza is a crime in Russia,” Abramova stressed.
By abruptly suspending American aid, the United States has made many media outlets and journalists vulnerable, dealing a significant blow to press freedom.
For all the media outlets interviewed by RSF, the priority is to recover and urgently find alternative funding.
Fiji, Pacific media, aid groups reel shocked by cuts
In Suva, Fiji, as Pacific media groups have been reeling from the shock of the aid cuts, Fijivillage News reports that hundreds of local jobs and assistance to marginalised communities are being impacted because Fiji is an AUSAID hub.
According to an USAID staff member speaking on the condition of anonymity, Trump’s decision has affected hundreds of Fijian jobs due to USAID believing in building local capacity.
The staff member said millions of dollars in grants for strengthening climate resilience, the healthcare system, economic growth, and digital connectivity in rural communities were now on hold.
The staff member also said civil society organisations, especially grantees in rural areas that rely on their aid, were at risk.
Pacific Media Watch and Asia Pacific Report collaborate with Reporters Without Borders.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
A man has died following a crash involving a ute and a motorbike on Parihauhau Road, Parikino this afternoon.
Emergency services responded to the scene around 1:40pm.
The motorcyclist was located deceased, and the occupants of the vehicle were uninjured.
The Serious Crash Unit has completed a scene examination and the road has since reopened.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Cente
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
By building up intelligence around suspects and working at pace, Met officers in Camden arrested a male and recovered 16 stolen phones which are being returned to their owners.
At around 08:00hrs on Thursday, 6 February, officers were alerted to a phone robbery in Euston. The police helicopter had tracked the suspect to the Belsize Park area of Camden, and utilising the intelligence picture built up by the Met, a nearby address was raided.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested at the location after around £1,000 in cash was found at the address along with a quantity of cannabis. 16 mobile phones were found nearby. A Surron electric motorcycle found outside the property was also seized. The boy has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Inspector John Wilde, one of the senior officers policing Camden, said: “This arrest shows what we are doing to deal with theft and robbery offences, including by offenders riding bikes, e-bikes and mopeds.
“We are constantly building intelligence, linking offences and working to establish who might be responsible. And we are responding to robberies at pace.
“These tactics, among others, are enabling us to get significant results like this, recovering stolen goods and drugs, and arresting those we suspect of committing offences.”
If you have been a victim of robbery, please call 999 or, if your phone has been stolen, ask someone nearby to call police urgently. If you have information about those committing robberies or selling stolen good, please call 101, message @MetCC or to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers.
Source: United Nations 4
By Felipe de Carvalho
During the turbulent early years of Timor-Leste’s independence, the UN was a constant presence, helping to maintain peace and stability. Twenty-four years on, the country has made the successful transition from a host nation for UN peacekeeping operations, to one that contributes to supporting missions elsewhere.
Timor-Leste’s road to peace has not been easy. In 1976, not long after Indonesia became independent it invaded the eastern part of the island of Timor, formerly a Portuguese colony.
An unhappy period of occupation, punctuated by violent repression, followed until 1999 when, with the support of the UN, the small Asian nation embarked on the path of self-determination.
The United Nations Mission in East Timor, UNAMET, conducted the referendum on self-determination in September 1999. Some 78.5 percent of voters opted for independence, but the population found itself confronted by brutal attacks by militia forces in favour of integration with Indonesia.
ONU News/Felipe de Carvalho
Natércia Martins, a Timorese police officer, and former UN member of staff.
Natércia Martins was 19 at the time. She worked for UNAMET, checking the list of those registered to vote. Her polling station was attacked by anti-independence fighters who stabbed two employees to death and forced UN teams to evacuate. In the wave of violence that followed, 14 UNAMET employees would be killed across the country, including her cousin, Ana Lemos.
The International Force for Timor-Leste, INTERFET, approved by the Security Council, made a major contribution to ending the crisis. Ms. Martins says that her cousin’s strength and sacrifice inspired her to join the police, and “ensure safer lives for people, especially women and children.” According to her, the presence of UN peacekeeping missions made the entire Timorese population feel safe, after the trauma of the loss of loved ones and property in the post-referendum crisis.
In the years that followed Timor-Leste and its institutions became more stable, but in 2006 an internal political crisis shook the country, leading to violent clashes that displaced more than 150 thousand people.
UN News/Felipe de Carvalho
Sister Guilhermina, at the convent of the Canossian Mothers in Dili.
One of these places they sought refuge was the Convent of the Canossian Mothers, in Balide, Dili, which once housed 23 thousand. Sister Guilhermina, responsible for the convent at the time, says that there were “shootings everywhere and the people were very afraid”. She thought that when she opened the gates to welcome people, they would only stay for a few hours, but in the end the situation lasted for two years and nine months.
On many occasions, UN peacekeepers provided security for the site, preventing attacks.
“Through dialogues the United Nations always sought a peaceful intervention among the Timorese,” says Sister Guilhermina. The displaced people sheltering in the convent also received support from UN agencies for medical and food assistance, as well as water and sanitation.
In all, Timor-Leste hosted six UN missions (four peacekeeping and two political), up until 2012. “The birth of Timor-Leste was made by the United Nations,” former Peacekeeper Major Luis Pinto told UN News, addingthat the missions in the country were the “most successful in the history of the UN”.
UN Photo/Martine Perret
UN and Timor Police Prepare for Presidential Elections in 2012.
Major Pinto said that during the struggle for freedom, the Timorese simultaneously developed military and political skills. Now they are exporting this experience, fostering dialogue between warring parties in other countries, encouraging them to find common cause.
Timorese soldiers have taken part in peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and Lebanon and, since 2011, the country has provided military observers to the South Sudan mission.
One of those observers, Major Zequito Ximenes, told UN News that the UN role in bringing peace to his country was influential in his decision to become a blue helmet. “I wanted to contribute to similar missions around the world and make a difference in conflict-affected regions.”
There has been a peacekeeping operations training centre in Timor-Leste since 2018, preparing male and female military personnel for UN missions. The country is prepared to send more peacekeepers to work in areas such as rescue and protection, and a company of engineers, for the building of roads and schools.
To prevent a return to war, Timorese leaders prioritized national reconciliation, and the normalization of relations with Indonesia. These choices, and the support of the international community, have made the country a model for post-conflict stabilization and show a path to peace and security is possible.
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
A person has died on the northern end of Maketu Beach this afternoon.
Emergency services were advised just after 4pm today that an unresponsive male had washed up on the shoreline.
Despite immediate medical attention, he was sadly unable to be revived.
The man’s death will be referred to the Coroner.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
A woman has died following a water incident at the Rakaia river mouth this afternoon.
Around 1pm emergency services responded to the south side of the Rakaia River mouth, following reports a group had become stuck in the river after attempting to cross on quad bikes.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Police, and Hato Hone St John responded, with the assistance of a member of the public in a private vessel.
Of the six people recovered, one person was located deceased and one person was transported to hospital in a critical condition by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said on Friday that it will file a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the U.S. decision to impose an additional 10-percent tariff on products from Hong Kong.
The U.S. measures have seriously violated relevant WTO rules and ignored Hong Kong’s status as a separate customs territory as stipulated in Article 116 of the Basic Law and recognized by the WTO, said a spokesperson for the HKSAR government.
The HKSAR government will launch procedures in accordance with the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism against the unreasonable measures to defend our legitimate rights, said the spokesperson.
The spokesperson stressed that Hong Kong is a staunch supporter of the rules-based multilateral trading system. The HKSAR government strongly opposes the U.S. measures, and urges the U.S. side to immediately rectify its wrongdoings.
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
A 29-year-old man is before the courts after an item of concern was located following an incident in Hamilton.
On Friday 7 February around 4.05pm, Police were called to a Massey Street address after reports that a man had been seen with a firearm before leaving the area in a vehicle.
A short time later, a Police unit located the vehicle and kept observations before conducting an armed traffic stop on Cambridge Road.
The driver was taken into custody without incident.
A search of the vehicle located two firearms and a collection of ammunition.
On arrival at the Hamilton Central Police Station, staff located an item of concern among the man’s property.
Police took advice from the New Zealand Defence Force to secure the item away from Police staff and any public areas of the station.
The NZDF Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team attended the station and made the item safe.
The 29-year-old man appeared in Hamilton District Court today on multiple charges.
He was remanded in custody to reappear on multiple charges on 11 February.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Parihauhau Road is closed at Parikino following a two vehicle crash off State Highway 4 this afternoon.
Emergency services responded to the crash around 1:40pm.
The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.
Parihauhau Road is closed while emergency services respond, and a scene examination is conducted.
Motorists are advised to take an alternate route.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
SAN DIEGO – Alexander Dmitrienko of Finland became the last of eight defendants extradited so far to admit participating in the worldwide conspiracy to distribute ANOM hardened encrypted communication devices to criminal syndicates. The ANOM enterprise facilitated drug trafficking, money laundering, and obstruction of justice crimes.
The eight defendants were among 17 indicted in San Diego in 2021 in connection with Operation Trojan Shield, a first-of-its-kind, international law enforcement effort in which the FBI secretly operated an encrypted messaging network. The ANOM criminal enterprise was responsible for the distribution of more than 12,000 devices in 100 countries. While ANOM’s criminal users unknowingly communicated on the system operated by law enforcement, agents catalogued more than 27 million messages between users around the world whose criminal discussions were covertly obtained and reviewed by the FBI.
ANOM devices were sold to and used by over 300 criminal syndicates, including outlaw motorcycle gangs, Italian and Balkan organized crime groups, and international drug trafficking organizations. The investigation culminated in a worldwide takedown on June 7, 2021. During the takedown, more than 10,000 law enforcement officers made over 500 arrests and searched over 700 locations around the world.
Of the 17 indicted in San Diego, eight have been extradited to date. Dmitrienko pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday; defendants Seyyed Hossein Hosseini and Aurangzeb Ayub of the Netherlands and Shane Ngakuru of New Zealand entered their guilty pleas on January 23, 2025; Dragan Nikitovic, Edwin Harmendra Kumar, Miwand Zakhimi, and Osemah Elhassen pleaded guilty between May and September 2024. All pleaded guilty to Count 1 of a superseding indictment charging them with a racketeering conspiracy in connection with the ANOM enterprise.
Prior to their guilty pleas, the defendants filed motions to dismiss the indictment and a motion to suppress the ANOM evidence. The District Court denied those motions, concluding the Fourth Amendment did not apply to the defendants and the ANOM data collection did not violate the U.S. Constitution.
In total, the investigation resulted in approximately 1,200 arrests; the seizure of more than 12 tons of cocaine, three tons of methamphetamine or amphetamines; 17 tons of precursor chemicals, 300 firearms, and $58 million in various currencies. Dozens of public corruption investigations, too, have been pursued, and more than 50 drug labs have been dismantled. Further, over 150 threats to life were prevented.
According to their plea agreements, the defendants promoted the ANOM platform as “Built by criminals for criminals,” and touted security features such as the ability to wipe devices remotely when seized by law enforcement. The defendants admitted that the conspiracy’s purposes included money laundering and laundering with cryptocurrency. As to drugs, specifically, the four defendants who pleaded guilty in January and February 2025—Hosseini, Dmitrienko, Ayub, and Ngakuru—all admitted that they sold ANOM devices knowing that they would be used to traffic at last 50 kilograms of cocaine; Ngakuru also admitted the importation, exportation, and distribution of at least five kilograms of methamphetamine. Based on their plea agreements and other court filings, what these defendants also did as part of the conspiracy included:
“The statistics of this case are staggering,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “The FBI led this unprecedented collaboration for years, harnessing the evidence to bring down cocaine, meth, and cash traffickers across the globe. These guilty pleas underscore the impact of international partnerships in dismantling organized crime.”
“Operation Trojan Shield was a massive, innovative, and unprecedented case having immeasurable implications to criminal organizations across the globe,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “This extraordinary impact came from an investigative strategy that relied on ingenuity, partnerships, and perseverance, designing a blueprint for disrupting organized crime within the United States and abroad. The guilty pleas of all extradited defendants highlight the effectiveness of this strategy and reinforces the FBI’s collaborative approach aimed at dismantling Transnational Criminal Organizations worldwide.”
Matthew Allen, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Los Angeles Field Division, said, “The triumph of this vast-scale operation demonstrates the immense value of partnerships, both domestic and international. Expert investigators in the DEA Los Angeles Division, working alongside innovative and exceptionally experienced federal and foreign-based partners, took an intricate investigation to the next level. Our multi-agency alliance managed to infiltrate these transnational criminal organizations, ultimately exposing and pummeling their schemes. DEA will continue to foster this type of unprecedented collaboration and offer a core presence.”
Elhassen and Zakhimi were previously sentenced to 63 and 60 months in prison, respectively. The other six defendants who have pleaded guilty are scheduled to be sentenced in February, April, and May, 2025. They were extradited to the Southern District of California from Australia (Kumar), Colombia (Elhassen), The Netherlands (Hosseini, Ayub, and Zakhimi), Spain (Dmitrienko and Nikitovic), and Thailand (Ngakuru). Eight other defendants in the case have been arrested in locations outside the United States and are yet to be extradited, and one remains a fugitive.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua C. Mellor, Mikaela L. Weber, and Peter S. Horn.
For further information on investigations and prosecutions of encrypted communication providers, see https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/fbi-s-encrypted-phone-platform-infiltrated-hundreds-criminal-syndicates-result-massive (ANOM), https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/sky-global-executive-and-associate-indicted-providing-encrypted-communication-devices (Sky Global), and https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/chief-executive-communications-company-sentenced-prison-providing-encryption-services (Phantom Secure).
Operation Trojan Shield is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrests and extraditions of the defendants to the United States.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 21cr1623-JLS
Seyyed Hossein Hosseini Age: 41 The Netherlands
Alexander Dmitrienko Age: 49 Finland
Aurangzeb Ayub Age: 48 The Netherlands
Dragan Nikitovic Age: 50 Croatia and Switzerland
aka Dr. Djek
Shane Ngakuru Age: 45 New Zealand
Edwin Harmendra Kumar, Age: 37 Australia
aka Edwin Harmendra Valentine
Miwand Zakhimi, Age: 30 The Netherlands
aka Maiwand Zakhimi
Osemah Elhassen Age: 52 Australia
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count 1: Racketeering Conspiracy – Title 18, United States Code, Section 1962(d)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison, and fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Drug Enforcement Administration
United States Marshals Service
Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs
Australian Federal Police
Swedish Police Authority
Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau
National Police of the Netherlands
Office of the Attorney General of Thailand
Royal Thai Police
EUROPOL
Source: The White House
Section 1. Policy. Faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship have tremendous ability to serve individuals, families, and communities through means that are different from those of government and with capacity and effectiveness that often exceeds that of government. These organizations lift people up, keep families strong, and solve problems at the local level. The executive branch wants faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to compete on a level playing field for grants, contracts, programs, and other Federal funding opportunities. The efforts of faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship are essential to strengthening families and revitalizing communities, and the Federal Government welcomes opportunities to partner with such organizations through innovative, measurable, and outcome-driven initiatives.
The executive branch is committed to ensuring that all executive departments and agencies (agencies) honor and enforce the Constitution’s guarantee of religious liberty and to ending any form of religious discrimination by the Federal Government.
Sec. 2. Amendments to Executive Orders. (a) Executive Order 13198 of January 29, 2001 (Agency Responsibilities With Respect to Faith-Based and Community Initiatives); Executive Order 13279 of December 12, 2002 (Equal Protection of the Laws for Faith-Based and Community Organizations), as amended by Executive Order 13559 of November 17, 2010 (Fundamental Principles and Policymaking Criteria for Partnerships With Faith-Based and Other Neighborhood Organizations); Executive Order 13280 of December 12, 2002 (Responsibilities of the Department of Agriculture and the Agency for International Development With Respect to Faith-Based and Community Initiatives); Executive Order 13342 of June 1, 2004 (Responsibilities of the Departments of Commerce and Veterans Affairs and the Small Business Administration With Respect to Faith-Based and Community Initiatives); and Executive Order 13397 of March 7, 2006 (Responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security With Respect to Faith-Based and Community Initiatives), are hereby amended by:
(i) substituting “White House Faith Office” for “White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives” or “White House OFBCI” each time it appears in those orders; and
(ii) substituting “Center for Faith” for “Center for Faith-based and Community Initiatives,” and “Centers for Faith” for “Centers for Faith-based and Community Initiatives” each time they appear in those orders.
(b) Executive Order 13279, as amended by Executive Order 13559, is further amended by striking section 2(h) and redesignating sections 2(i) and 2(j) as sections 2(h) and 2(i), respectively.
Sec. 3. Establishment of the White House Faith Office. (a) There is established within the Executive Office of the President (EOP) the White House Faith Office (Office). The Office shall have lead responsibility in the executive branch to empower faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship to serve families and communities.
(b) The Office shall be housed in the Domestic Policy Council and headed by a Senior Advisor to the White House Faith Office, and supported by other positions as the President considers appropriate. In carrying out this order, the Office shall work with the Domestic Policy Council, the Office of Public Liaison, and the Centers for Faith established by Executive Order 13198, Executive Order 13280, Executive Order 13342, and Executive Order 13397, as amended by section 2(a)(ii) of this order.
Sec. 4. White House Faith Office Functions. (a) To the extent permitted by law, the Office shall:
(i) from time to time, consult with and seek information from experts and various faith and community leaders identified by the White House Faith Office and other EOP components, including those from outside the Federal Government and those from State, local, and Tribal governments. These experts and leaders shall be identified based on their expertise in a broad range of areas in which faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship operate, including protecting women and children; strengthening marriage and family; lifting up individuals through work and self-sufficiency, defending religious liberty; combatting anti-Semitic, anti-Christian, and additional forms of anti-religious bias; promoting foster care and adoption programs in partnership with faith-based entities; providing wholesome and effective education; preventing and reducing crime and facilitating prisoner reentry; promoting recovery from substance use disorder; and fostering flourishing minds;
(ii) make recommendations to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, regarding changes to policies, programs, and practices, and aspects of my Administration’s policy agenda, that affect the ability of faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship to serve families and communities;
(iii) convene meetings with representatives from the Centers for Faith and other representatives from across agencies as appropriate;
(iv) advise on the implementation throughout the Federal Government of those aspects of my Administration’s policy agenda aimed at enabling faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship to better serve families and communities;
(v) showcase innovative initiatives by faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship that serve and strengthen individuals, families, and communities throughout the United States;
(vi) coordinate with all agencies to implement training and education throughout the country for faith-based entity grantees to build their capacity to procure grants;
(vii) support agencies in developing and implementing training and education regarding religious liberty exceptions, accommodations, or exemptions;
(viii) consult with public and private businesses regarding their policies for employee volunteerism, charitable giving, and payroll deductions;
(ix) coordinate with agencies on identifying and promoting grant opportunities for non-profit faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship, especially those inexperienced with public funding but that operate effective programs;
(x) work in collaboration with the Attorney General, or a designee of the Attorney General, to identify concerns raised by faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship about any failures of the executive branch to enforce constitutional and Federal statutory protections for religious liberty; and
(xi) identify and propose means to reduce burdens on the free exercise of religion, including legislative, regulatory, and other barriers to the full and active participation of faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship in government-funded or government-conducted activities and programs.
(b) Agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, provide such information, support, and assistance to the Office as may assist the Office in fulfilling this order.
(c) The Directors of each Center of Faith shall oversee their respective agency’s efforts to assist the Office in carrying out this order, and shall report on such efforts to agency leadership and the Office. Agencies that lack a Center for Faith shall designate or appoint a Faith Liaison within the agency to oversee the agency’s efforts to assist the Office in carrying out this order and to report on such efforts to agency leadership and the Office. All such agencies shall designate or appoint such a Faith Liaison within 90 days of the date of this order.
Sec. 5. Severability. If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
THE WHITE HOUSE,
February 7, 2025.
Source: The White House
Section 1. Purpose. In shocking disregard of its citizens’ rights, the Republic of South Africa (South Africa) recently enacted Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 (Act), to enable the government of South Africa to seize ethnic minority Afrikaners’ agricultural property without compensation. This Act follows countless government policies designed to dismantle equal opportunity in employment, education, and business, and hateful rhetoric and government actions fueling disproportionate violence against racially disfavored landowners.
In addition, South Africa has taken aggressive positions towards the United States and its allies, including accusing Israel, not Hamas, of genocide in the International Court of Justice, and reinvigorating its relations with Iran to develop commercial, military, and nuclear arrangements.
The United States cannot support the government of South Africa’s commission of rights violations in its country or its ‘undermining United States foreign policy, which poses national security threats to our Nation, our allies, our African partners, and our interests.
Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States that, as long as South Africa continues these unjust and immoral practices that harm our Nation:
(a) the United States shall not provide aid or assistance to South Africa; and
(b) the United States shall promote the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees escaping government-sponsored race-based discrimination, including racially discriminatory property confiscation.
Sec. 3. Assistance. (a) All executive departments and agencies (agencies), including the United States Agency for International Development, shall, to the maximum extent allowed by law, halt foreign aid or assistance delivered or provided to South Africa, and shall promptly exercise all available authorities and discretion to halt such aid or assistance.
(b) The head of each agency may permit the provision of any such foreign aid or assistance that, in the discretion of the relevant agency head, is necessary or appropriate.
Sec. 4. Refugee Resettlement and Other Humanitarian Considerations. The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take appropriate steps, consistent with law, to prioritize humanitarian relief, including admission and resettlement through the United States Refugee Admissions Program, for Afrikaners in South Africa who are victims of unjust racial discrimination. Such plan shall be submitted to the President through the Assistant to the President and Homeland Security Advisor.
Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
THE WHITE HOUSE,
February 7, 2025.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Hampton man today on charges of conspiracy, mail theft, and illegal receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on July 22, 2024, Jamal Ashton Shields, 33, drove to a postal collection box at the Patrick Henry Post Office in Newport News along with Sampson G. Jumbo, 28, of the Bronx, New York, and another co-conspirator. Because the collection box had been broken into on multiple recent occasions, law enforcement was surveilling it. Jumbo and the other co-conspirator exited the vehicle and approached the collection box, then used an arrow key to open the collection box and remove mail. An arrow key is used to access collection boxes, outdoor parcel lockers, and apartment mailbox panels in a specific area.
After witnessing Jumbo and the co-conspirators take mail from the box, law enforcement moved in to apprehend them, and the three men fled. Shields, who fled in the vehicle, was eventually pulled over and taken into custody after a high-speed chase. When officers approached the vehicle, Shields informed them that he had a firearm in the vehicle. An investigation revealed that Shields had received the firearm while under felony indictment for rape and forcible sodomy in Hampton.
Jumbo, who fled on foot along with the co-conspirator, was apprehended 50 yards from the collection box. Jumbo had a black backpack with approximately 35 pieces of stolen mail.
The other co-conspirator discarded his jacket and then carjacked a vehicle. The discarded jacket was recovered and contained the arrow key.
The conspirators stole at least 82 pieces of outgoing mail, at least ten of which included checks.
On Nov. 15, 2024, Jumbo pled guilty to mail theft. Jumbo is scheduled to be sentenced on May 21 and faces up to five years in prison.
Shields faces up to 15 years in prison when sentenced on June 13. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen accepted the verdict. The Virginia State Police and Newport News Police Department assisted in the investigation of this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Therese O’Brien and Mack Coleman are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-cr-49.