NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Resident Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

    Source: US FBI

    ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Auburn, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal law relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    Kyle Thomas Samsel, 35, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

    In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, in October 2020, Samsel traveled across several states for the purpose of engaging in criminal sexual activity with a minor.

    Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for November 13, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, City of Cleveland (Ohio) Division of Police, and Webster (New York) Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Samsel.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Antioch Police Officer Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Civil Rights Violation, Falsification of Records, and Wire Fraud Offenses

    Source: US FBI

    OAKLAND – Former Antioch police officer Morteza Amiri was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison for violating the civil rights of an individual through excessive force, falsifying records related to that violation, and participating in a scheme to obtain pay raises from the Antioch Police Department for a university degree he paid someone else to obtain.  The sentence was handed down by Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White, who presided over two trials that resulted in Amiri’s convictions for these crimes.  

    In August 2024, following a four-day trial, a jury found Amiri, 34, guilty of one count of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with the fraudulently-obtained degree scheme.  Thereafter, in March 2025, following eight-day trial, a jury found Amiri guilty of one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of falsification of records in connection with a July 2019 arrest.  Amiri was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals on March 18, 2025, and has remained in federal custody since then.  

    “Amiri misused his police dog to inflict unnecessary and excessive force against a victim and cheated his way into a pay raise.  These crimes are appalling in themselves, but even more so that they were committed by a police officer. With this sentence, Amiri is now being held to account for his multiple betrayals of the public trust,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian.

    “Amiri betrayed the public’s trust, abused his authority, and violated the civil rights of a person he was sworn to protect.  His actions undermine the integrity of law enforcement and erode public confidence.  Today’s sentence sends a clear message: no badge is a shield from accountability. The FBI remains steadfast in its mission to protect the civil rights of all people and to hold those who abuse their power accountable under the law,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani.  

    Amiri was previously employed as a police officer with the Antioch Police Department.  According to court documents and evidence presented at the trial in March 2025, Amiri, a K-9 handler, deployed his K-9 to bite even when it was not necessary.  On July 24, 2019, Amiri pulled over and stopped a bicyclist identified as A.A., who, according to Amiri, did not have his bicycle light on.  Amiri approached A.A., punched and took the victim to the ground, and then called for his K-9 to bite the victim.  As a result, A.A. sustained injuries.  At the time, Amiri was accompanied by a police officer with a neighboring agency as a ride-along, and that officer assisted with the deployment of the K-9.  Afterwards, Amiri shared pictures of the victim’s wounds with other Antioch police officers.  One officer responded, “Yeah buddy good boy,” referring to the K-9, and “Lol you bit [A.A.].”  In response to a question from another officer about what cut the dog’s face, Amiri responded, “that’s a piece of the suspect’s flesh lol.”  

    Amiri later wrote to the officer who accompanied him on the ride-along, “you got to see [the K-9] in action lol,” and stated that detectives got the victim “a 45 day violation and we are gonna leave it at that so i don’t go to court for the bite. Easy,” referring to the victim going into custody for a parole/probation violation.  Amiri then falsified a police report of the incident, stating that one of the reasons he deployed his K-9 was because he was alone, when instead the ride-along police officer was with him at the time and had helped Amiri deploy the K-9.

    Separately, the evidence presented at the trial in August 2024 showed that the City of Antioch and City of Pittsburg’s Police Departments offered reimbursements toward higher education tuition and expenses, along with pay raises and other financial incentives upon completion of a degree.  Instead of completing higher education coursework on their own, Amiri and his co-conspirators hired someone to complete entire courses on their behalf at an online university to secure a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.  Amiri and his co-conspirators then represented they had taken those courses and earned the degrees from the university when requesting reimbursements and/or financial incentives from their police department employers.  They were in turn paid additional financial incentives, calculated as percentages of their salaries, while they remained employed by their police departments.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge White also sentenced Amiri to three years of supervised release and ordered Amiri to pay restitution in the amount of $3,180 to victim A.A. and $10,526 to the City of Antioch.

    The case is being prosecuted by the National Security & Special Prosecutions Section and the Oakland Branch of the United States Attorney’s Office.  This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

    * * *

    These charges against Amiri were brought as part of an investigation into the Antioch and Pittsburgh police departments that resulted in multiple charges against 10 current and former officers and employees of these two police departments for various crimes ranging from the use of excessive force to fraud.  The status of these cases, all of which are before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White, is below:
     

    Case Name and Number Statute(s)

    Defendant

    (Bold: multiple case numbers)

    		 Status

    Fraud

    23-cr-00264

    		 18 U.S.C. §§ 1349 (Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud; 1343 (Wire Fraud) Patrick Berhan Sentenced to 30 months custody, 2 years supervised release concurrent with 24-cr-157 on 9/5/24
    Morteza Amiri Sentenced to 84 months custody, 3 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-269 on 6/24/25
    Amanda Theodosy a/k/a Nash Sentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release 11/15/24
    Samantha Peterson Sentenced to time served, 3 years supervised release 4/24/24
    Ernesto Mejia-Orozco Sentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 9/19/24
    Brauli Jalapa Rodriguez Sentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 10/25/24

    Obstruction

    23-cr-00267

    		 18 U.S.C. §§ 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations); 1512(c)(2) (Obstruction of Official Proceedings); 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law) Timothy Manly Williams Pleaded guilty 11/28/23, status conference 8/19/25

    Anabolic Steroid Distribution

    23-cr-00268

    		 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids), 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Possession with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids) Daniel Harris Pleaded guilty 9/17/24, status conference 8/19/25

    21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids);

    18 U.S.C.§ 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations)

    		 Devon Wenger Convicted at trial 4/30/25, sentencing pending

    Civil Rights

    23-cr-00269

    		 18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law); § 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations) Morteza Amiri Sentenced to 84 months custody, 3 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-264 on 6/24/25
    18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law) Eric Rombough Pleaded guilty 1/14/25, status conference 8/19/25
    18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law) Devon Wenger Trial 8/4/25

    Anabolic Steroid Distribution

    24-cr-00157

    		 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Possession with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids) Patrick Berhan Sentenced to 30 months custody, 2 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-264 on 9/5/24

    Bank Fraud

    24-cr-00502

    		 18 U.S.C. § 1344(1), (2) (Bank fraud) Daniel Harris Pleaded guilty 9/17/24, status conference 8/19/25

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Louis County Woman Admits Aiding $1 Million Romance Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    ST. LOUIS – A woman on Thursday admitted aiding an online Nigerian fraud conspiracy that cost victims an estimated $1 million.

    Shirley Waller, 43, of St. Louis County, Missouri,  also admitted committing two other frauds. Waller pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and use of an assumed name to commit mail fraud.

    Waller admitted aiding scammers who tricked their victims out of what the government estimates is $1,068,834. Investigators were initially alerted by a 71-year-old St. Louis County woman who mailed $35,000 to Waller’s home as part of a romance scam. The shipment of cash was tracked on its journey 164 times in less than 24 hours by several IP addresses in Nigeria. Investigators then determined that more than 70 Express Mail packages had been delivered to Waller’s home during a 60-day period ending Nov. 1, 2023. In a court-approved search of Waller’s home on Jan. 12, 2024, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service found two guns and a series of Express Mail packages sent to variations of Waller’s name. The packages of cash had been sent by older adults targeted in online fraud schemes. Waller would then forward a portion of the money to Nigeria via cryptocurrency transactions and other electronic means. Postal authorities seized parcels containing $41,650 that were being delivered to Waller’s home and packages containing $17,500 in her safe.

    Waller admitted fraudulently applying for a Paycheck Protection Program loan of $19,235 on April 10, 2021, by falsely claiming she ran a business in Michigan. She received the loan but used the money to travel to Ghana, Germany and Jamaica. Waller also submitted another fraudulent loan application for a St. Louis resale shop, concealing the existence of the first loan and falsifying her business income. She did not receive that loan.

    Waller also admitted fraudulently obtaining a $196,000 mortgage loan by lying about her marital status, income and job and by submitting counterfeit tax documents and bank statements.

    Waller is scheduled to be sentenced on September 29. Each count carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both prison and a fine. In March, she was sentenced to 15 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Town and Country Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ten Accused of RICO Conspiracy Involving Car Thefts, Shootings, and Violent Crime

    Source: US FBI

    ST. LOUIS – The Eastern District of Missouri, in partnership with the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, has indicted ten people for their role in a racketeering conspiracy to steal dozens of cars from dealers throughout eastern Missouri and southern Illinois.

    The group dubbed themselves “the Strikers” and targeted high-end cars, such as Dodge SRT Scat models, Dodge Hellcats and Trackhawks, BMWs, Audis and Mercedes-Benzes, a superseding indictment says. Between roughly the summer of 2023 and the spring of 2024, the Strikers targeted dealerships as far afield as Cape Girardeau, Missouri and Springfield, Illinois.

    In all, the Strikers burglarized about 20 dealerships and stole approximately 50 cars worth about $3 million, detention motions say. The Strikers also stole license plates and key fobs and caused other losses, including extensive property damage. Using social media, the Strikers often sold the cars for $500 to $10,000, a fraction of their actual value.

    The Strikers also used the stolen cars to commit other crimes, the superseding indictment says. The indictment alleges that at least two Strikers shot at a hotel employee who pursued the group after a series of early morning car break-ins at a downtown St. Louis hotel in November of 2023. The indictment further alleges that two Strikers, Montez Moore and Duane Benson, robbed and carjacked a lottery game technician at gunpoint outside a Cool Valley, Missouri gas station in January of 2024. As alleged, the Strikers used one of the stolen cars to break into vehicles in St. Louis, Florissant, Webster Groves and Des Peres in early January of 2024.

    “Thanks to the Justice Department’s Violent Crime Initiative, we were able to expand an existing indictment to hold more members of the Strikers responsible for a litany of violent crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Drake. “As we said when we announced St. Louis’ inclusion in the VCI last year, we are targeting and dismantling the criminal organizations that are disproportionately driving violent crime in St. Louis.”

    “As alleged, the Strikers stole approximately 50 vehicles and caused nearly $3 million in loss while engaging in violent and dangerous mayhem across Missouri and Illinois,” said Matthew Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This lawless behavior will not be tolerated.  The Department of Justice is committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure the public’s safety.”

    “This case demonstrates the power of the RICO statute to dismantle interstate criminal enterprises and reflects the FBI’s unwavering commitment to pursuing those who use violence and intimidation to profit from crime,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Jose A. Perez.

    “The repercussions of vehicle theft extend well beyond property loss. In the St. Louis area, stolen vehicles are routinely employed by criminals to commit violent offenses and avoid identification,” explained Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “Investigating these theft rings allows the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force to effectively prevent further violent crimes.”

    Montez Moore, now 20, of Florissant, Duane Benson, 20, of St. Louis, and Aniya Sheperd, 20, of St. Louis County, were originally indicted in 2024. Seven others were added last week in a superseding indictment: Brandon Irons, 19, Allen Brown, 23, Markaveon Jackson, 19, Raynell Moore, 22, Lavatrice McCully-Collins, 24, Peontay Roddy, 21, and Noah Hornburg, 23. They now face crimes including racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, carjacking, robbery and various firearm charges.

    Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The FBI and police departments throughout the area investigated the case, including the St. Louis County Police Department and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nino Przulj and Trial Attorney Jared A. Hernandez of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative in St. Louis, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Missouri and local, state, and federal law enforcement. The joint effort addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute gang members and their associates in St. Louis.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mongolia: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 27, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff mission, led by Mr. Tahsin Saadi Sedik, conducted discussions as part of the 2025 Article IV consultation with the Mongolian authorities in Ulaanbaatar during June 4–18, 2025. At the end of the visit, the mission issued the following statement, summarizing its key findings and recommendations.

    • During 2023‒24, record-high coal exports and increased government spending led to buoyant economic activity, which, along with fiscal surpluses and successful debt rollovers, also helped reduce vulnerabilities.
    • The resource boom is weakening amid rising risks. With coal exports declining in recent months, mainly due to falling prices, and increased global uncertainty, the near-term outlook has become less favorable, and downside risks have increased amid limited policy buffers.
    • The policy priority is to increase resilience of the Mongolian economy to downside risks by restoring both internal and external balances, and by preserving buffers. This requires greater fiscal prudence and adherence to fiscal rules, tight monetary and macroprudential policies, and increased exchange rate flexibility.
    • Should downside risks materialize, significant and timely policy adjustments—particularly fiscal tightening—will be required to safeguard macroeconomic and financial stability.

    Recent economic developments, outlook, and risks

    Since the 2023 Article IV consultation, Mongolia’s macroeconomic conditions have improved. A resource-driven boom during 2023‒24 led to buoyant economic activity, despite a sharp contraction in the agriculture sector. Budget revenues from the mining sector more than doubled, enabling fiscal surpluses and contributing to the accumulation of foreign exchange reserves and savings in the sovereign wealth fund despite a significant increase in public spending, which together with debt repayments helped reduce debt-to-GDP ratio from 64.5 percent in 2022 to 44.5 percent in 2024 (IMF staff definition). Rating agencies have upgraded Mongolia’s sovereign credit rating to B+/B2, and its sovereign spread narrowed to historically low levels before the volatility spiked amid global trade tensions. The IMF staff’s Sovereign Risk and Debt Sustainability Framework (SRDSF) indicates a moderate risk rating compared to the high-risk rating in the 2023 SRDSF. However, the sharp increase in public spending in 2023-24, including wages and capital expenditures, resulted in a highly expansionary fiscal policy stance, which together with the policy rate cuts, despite the tightening of reserve requirements, fueled rapid credit growth and inflation pressures, and led to a surge in imports and a shift in the current account from surplus to deficit in 2024.

    In early 2025, the commodity boom began to lose momentum, and the outlook has weakened amid rising downside risks. Mongolia’s coal export receipts declined sharply, mainly due to falling prices, resulting in a sizeable shortfall in budget revenues and a further widening of the current account deficit, which led to a reduction in foreign exchange reserves and increased depreciation. Credit growth and inflation remain high despite some recent moderation, with inflation standing above the Bank of Mongolia (BOM)’s target band.

    Policies to Navigate a Weaker Outlook and Increased Risks 

    Fiscal policy

    Greater fiscal prudence and adherence to the fiscal rules are critical to restoring external and internal balances and preserving fiscal buffers. Despite the decline in revenues, the authorities plan to meet the structural fiscal balance target envisaged in the 2025 Budget and the recently approved medium-term fiscal framework through expenditure restraint. To achieve this objective, the government needs to articulate detailed and credible measures. It is critical that these measures safeguard social spending to protect the most vulnerable. Should downside risks materialize, an ambitious consolidation strategy would be needed to preserve macroeconomic stability. To ensure the credibility of fiscal rules as a policy anchor, compliance with the rules will be critical. In particular, large investment projects should be implemented within the fiscal deficit and debt rules, as defined in the Fiscal Stability Law.

    As a priority, the tax package currently under discussion should be reconsidered. While the package includes several positive elements, such as modernizing the tax administration, broadening VAT base, introducing digital service tax and strengthening progressive tax structure, it would result in a substantial and permanent reduction in non-mining tax revenues. This would increase the overall deficit, reduce the government’s fiscal space to implement critically needed development projects, and hinder compliance with fiscal rules, while also increasing the budget’s vulnerability to volatile mining revenues. In addition, some elements of the tax package need to be further refined to align with international best practices. The package also includes some measures, such as a progressive VAT, for which Mongolia’s tax administration is not yet prepared. Instead, reform efforts should focus on strengthening non-mining revenue mobilization by streamlining tax incentives, collecting tax arrears, and implementing tax and customs administration reforms.

    Further reforms are needed to mitigate fiscal risks. Efforts should focus on improving the targeting of social assistance, which would help address the perceived inequitable distribution of mining wealth. Implementation of mega projects should be prioritized according to the availability of external financing and the economy’s absorptive capacity. Coordination with subnational entities needs to be strengthened to ensure fiscal discipline of the general government. Legal frameworks governing state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and public-private partnerships should be enhanced. Building on recent efforts, the Ministry of Finance’s capacity to monitor and mitigate related fiscal risks should be further strengthened. The Development Bank of Mongolia’s long-standing balance-sheet and governance issues need to be addressed promptly. Expanding domestic debt issuance is critical to establishing a benchmark yield curve to help develop domestic markets and to reduce Mongolia’s reliance on external borrowing.

    Monetary and Exchange Rate Policies

    Domestic financial conditions should remain tight to contain credit growth and inflation. Despite the policy rate hike in early 2025 and some moderation in recent months, inflation is expected to stay above the BOM’s target band over 2025–26. A further rate increase may be warranted if the recent decline in inflation reverses, including through exchange rate depreciation. At the same time, there is scope to recalibrate reserve requirements. Excessive reliance on reserve requirements may incentivize banks to seek external funds with more than one year maturity, which are excluded from these requirements, thus increasing the BOM’s exposure to exchange rate risks through its foreign exchange swaps with banks.

    Greater exchange rate flexibility would strengthen Mongolia’s resilience to external shocks. The BOM should pursue opportunistic accumulation of reserves when market conditions allow. The BOM should support a more effective exchange rate price-discovery mechanism by gradually reducing its role as an intermediary and structural provider of FX to the market. In addition, the BOM should support the development of domestic FX derivatives markets and phase out its role as the dominant provider of FX hedging instruments to banks.

    Reforms to strengthen the BOM’s effectiveness should be accelerated. As a priority, the BOM should fully withdraw from subsidized mortgage program, which undermines the transmission of monetary policy and jeopardizes the independence of the central bank. The government should expedite the transfer of the BOM’s subsidized mortgage program and relieve the BOM of its obligation to channel the newly established Savings Fund toward the expansion of the mortgage program. Moreover, the proposed amendments to the central bank law, aimed at strengthening the BOM’s mandate, as well as the operational autonomy, and governance, should be finalized and submitted to Parliament. Furthermore, the Ministry of Finance and the BOM need to agree on a memorandum of understanding that outlines a gradual recapitalization strategy for the BOM that is consistent with fiscal sustainability.

    Macroprudential and Financial Sector Policies

    Macroprudential frameworks and financial oversight should be strengthened to mitigate financial stability risks, including rapid credit growth. The recent tightening of macroprudential measures, including the reduction of Debt-Service-To-Income (DSTI) limits, for banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) is a welcome development. Further efforts are needed, including aligning the DSTI limit for NBFIs with that of banks and expanding the BOM’s macroprudential toolkit to include countercyclical capital buffers, liquidity coverage ratios, and net stable funding ratios. Macroprudential and monetary policies should be separated in terms of formulation and implementation. The ongoing transition toward a risk-based, forward‑looking supervisory approach is welcome. The interconnections between banks and NBFIs should be closely monitored. Amendments to the BOM and Banking Laws are critical to ensure greater legal protection for supervisors and more effective inter-agency information sharing and coordination. The strengthening of crisis management arrangements and clarifying the resources available for resolutions would also help reduce financial stability risks.  

    Reforms are also needed to enhance the financial sector’s ability to lend to creditworthy entities. The objective is to reduce the cost of lending, especially to small and medium-sized enterprises. This could be done by amending the Credit Information and Insolvency Laws to enable more effective and timely credit assessment and collateral evaluation, and to streamline foreclosure and insolvency processes. In addition, efforts to diversify bank ownership structures should continue, which may require increasing ownership limits, and allowing investment in multiple banks. This should be complemented with effective supervision of complex ownership structures to mitigate the risks associated with connected and related-party lending.  

    Structural Policies

    Further improvements to the business climate and governance that build on recent progress would boost Mongolia’s long-term growth prospects. The substantial state footprint in the economy and frequent regulatory changes dampen private sector initiatives and discourage FDI. Reform efforts should focus on reducing red tape, streamlining licensing procedures, improving tax compliance and land use processes, and ensuring consistent and transparent judicial and regulatory enforcement. Governance in the public sector also requires strengthening. This includes addressing corruption vulnerabilities in revenue institutions, strengthening the transparency and accountability of public procurement and SOEs, and implementing legislative reforms, including the SOE Law and Whistleblower Protection Law. Mongolia has made satisfactory progress in strengthening its anti‑money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism legal framework, though challenges related to effective implementation remain.

    Climate adaptation, mitigation, and green transition will require significant investments and policy reforms. Adaptation actions are needed given increase in the frequency and intensity of natural hazards, such as harsh winters and floods, while mitigation actions are needed to address Mongolia’s high carbon intensity and to reduce air pollution. In addition, preparations are needed to address the expected decline in China’s coal demand as it advances its energy transition and decarbonization agenda. So far, implementation of Mongolia’s climate agenda remains limited. Climate adaptation measures have yet to be fully integrated into sectoral policies and budget processes. Moreover, there is no dedicated climate change law to mandate cross-sectoral coordination. Advancing Mongolia’s climate objectives will require significant financial contributions from both the public and private sectors, underscoring the importance of creating fiscal space.

    The staff team expresses its sincere gratitude to the authorities and to a broad range of public and private sector counterparts for their warm hospitality and for the candid, constructive discussions.

     

    Table 1. Mongolia: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2022-30

     

     

    2022

    		  

    2023

    2024

    		  

    2025

    		  

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

     Actual

    		      

                      Projections

         (In percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

    National Accounts

    		                      

    Real GDP growth (percent change)

    5.0

    7.4

    4.9

    5.5

    5.5

    5.5

    5.3

    5.0

    5.0

    Nominal GDP (in USD million)

    17,146

    20,315

    23,586

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Contributions to Real GDP (ppts)

    Domestic Demand

    11.4

    5.6

    21.2

    6.6

    4.4

    7.1

    7.2

    6.5

    6.2

    Exports of G&S

    13.9

    17.9

    0.5

    4.2

    5.4

    2.8

    2.3

    1.7

    1.8

    Imports of G&S

    -20.3

    -16.2

    -16.8

    -5.3

    -4.2

    -4.4

    -4.2

    -3.3

    -3.0

    Consumption

    65.8

    57.5

    66.1

    		  

    72.1

    72.0

    72.5

    72.5

    73.0

    73.0

      Private

    51.9

    44.5

    49.8

    		  

    55.6

    55.9

    56.6

    56.6

    57.2

    57.3

             Public

    13.9

    13.0

    16.3

    16.5

    16.1

    16.0

    15.9

    15.8

    15.7

    Gross Capital Formation

    42.3

    33.9

    34.6

    32.3

    30.7

    30.7

    30.9

    30.7

    30.4

    Gross Fixed Capital Formation

    29.8

    25.3

    26.8

    24.3

    23.7

    23.7

    23.9

    23.7

    23.4

    Public

    7.1

    7.4

    9.9

    8.3

    8.0

    7.9

    7.8

    7.8

    7.9

    FDI

    14.2

    10.7

    11.6

    9.5

    9.0

    8.8

    8.6

    7.8

    7.7

    Domestic Private (including SOEs)

    8.6

    7.3

    5.3

    6.5

    6.7

    7.0

    7.5

    8.0

    7.8

    Gross national saving

    28.9

    34.5

    24.1

    17.5

    17.6

    17.4

    17.9

    17.8

    17.7

     

    Prices

    Consumer Prices (Avg; percent change)

    15.1

    10.4

    6.2

    8.7

    8.6

    7.9

    7.2

    6.7

    6.4

    Consumer Prices (EoP; percent change)

    13.3

    7.7

    8.3

    9.0

    8.2

    7.5

    6.8

    6.5

    6.2

        Copper prices (US$ per ton)

    8,829

    8,491

    9,142

    8,981

    8,897

    8,983

    9,056

    9,122

    9,167

      Coal prices (US$ per ton)

    123

    131

    107

    68

    73

    72

    72

    72

    72

        GDP deflator (percent change)

    17.7

    21.8

    8.2

    6.1

    8.0

    7.5

    7.3

    6.5

    6.5
                       

    General government accounts 1/

    		                    

    Primary balance (IMF definition)

    2.2

    		  

    4.3

    		  

    2.8

    		  

    1.0

    		  

    0.5

    -1.0

    -0.8

    -0.8

    -0.7

    Total revenue and grants

    34.4

    		  

    34.6

    		  

    39.2

    		  

    35.1

    		  

    33.6

    31.5

    31.2

    31.1

    30.9

    Primary expenditure and net lending

    32.2

    		  

    30.3

    36.5

    34.1

    		  

    33.0

    32.5

    32.1

    31.8

    31.6

    Interest

    1.5

    1.6

    1.5

    1.7

    1.9

    2.1

    2.2

    2.4

    2.5

    Overall balance (IMF definition)

    0.7

    2.7

    1.3

    -0.7

    -1.4

    -3.1

    -3.1

    -3.1

    -3.2

    Non-mineral primary balance (in percent of GDP)

    -6.3

    -5.7

    -8.9

    -7.4

    -8.3

    -9.4

    -9.0

    -8.6

    -8.2

    Gross financing needs

    3.8

    9.0

    4.7

    5.4

    5.6

    7.5

    7.8

    8.6

    11.9

       General government debt 2/

    64.5

    45.9

    44.5

    44.7

    46.8

    49.5

    51.5

    53.0

    53.7

    Domestic

    4.4

    2.6

    3.2

    3.0

    3.0

    3.2

    3.2

    3.4

    3.6

               External

    60.1

    43.3

    41.3

    41.7

    43.8

    46.4

    48.3

    49.6

    50.1

     

    Monetary sector

    Broad money growth (percent change)

    6.5

    26.8

    15.2

    13.4

    12.7

    11.7

    11.8

    14.1

    11.8

    Reserve money growth (percent change)

    39.9

    7.4

    51.9

    0.7

    12.7

    11.7

    11.8

    14.1

    12.7

    Credit growth (percent change)

    8.6

    22.0

    30.9

    25.0

    21.2

    19.5

    17.5

    15.5

    15.5

     

     

    Balance of payments

    		                          

    Current account balance

    -13.4

    0.6

    -10.5

    		  

    -14.8

    -13.1

    -13.3

    -13.0

    -12.9

    -12.7

    Exports of goods

    57.5

    68.5

    62.5

    53.6

    53.5

    51.4

    49.8

    47.9

    46.1

    Imports of goods

    50.3

    46.1

    49.5

    		  

    46.2

    45.1

    44.2

    43.7

    42.9

    41.5

    Gross official reserves (in USD million)

    3,400

    4,922

    5,510

    		  

    4,566

    4,627

    4,669

    4,864

    5,045

    5,212

    (In months of imports)

    3.0

    3.6

    4.0

    		  

    3.2

    3.1

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    (net of bank’s FX deposits held at the BOM)

    1,949

    3,491

    4,233

    		  

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Net international reserves (NIR) 3/

    -788

    1,152

    1,768

    		  

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

     

    Exchange rate

    		                    

    Togrog per U.S. dollar (eop)

    3,445

    3,411

    3,420

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Sources: Mongolian authorities; and IMF staff projections.      

    		                        

    1/ These projections were prepared ahead of the supplementary budget for 2025 currently under discussion. They include the tax package approved by the previous

    Cabinet.    
                                                                                                                     

    2/ Includes DBM’s total debt, explicit government’s guarantees to SOE as well as government’s liabilities to BOM related to the TDB settlement regarding Erdenet. Excludes BOM liabilities to PBOC.

    3/ NIR is defined as GIR excl. commercial banks’ and government’s US$ deposits held at the BOM, the PBOC swap line, and liabilities to the IMF.
    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pemba Sherpa

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/27/mongolia-staff-concluding-statement-of-the-2025-article-iv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Goldman, Ciscomani introduce bipartisan anti-corruption bill to criminalize public officials accepting ‘tips’ for official actions

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    ‘No Gratuities for Governance Act’ Closes Loophole Created by Supreme Court Allowing Public Officials to Solicit Gratuities from Private Actors 

     

    Watch Goldman’s Keynote at New York Law School’s 199th CityLaw Breakfast on Corrosive Effect of Corruption on Faith in Government and the Social Contract 

     

    Read the Bill Here 

    Washington, D.C – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) today introduced the No Gratuities for Governance Act, a bipartisan bill that would close a dangerous loophole created by the Supreme Court’s 2024 Snyder v. U.S. case, which allows public officials to receive bribes in the form of ‘tips’ for their official actions as long as the benefit is received after the official action is made.  

    “One year ago, the Supreme Court effectively legalized bribery, ruling that politicians can solicit a ‘tip’ for their official acts as long as they get paid after the fact,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “Restoring faith in our democracy begins with confronting the corruption that has hollowed out the public trust and allowed power to be abused without consequence. If we want the American people to believe in their government again, we must hold ourselves—and one another—to a higher standard of integrity, transparency, and accountability. It is only through concrete action that we can begin to repair the broken social contract and prove that public service is still about serving the public. ” 

    Congressman Juan Ciscomani said, “Holding an elected office is a public trust and should never be a pathway for personal profit.. This bipartisan bill closes a dangerous loophole that allowed public officials to profit from their actions in office and ensures that they are held to a strong standard of transparency and accountability.” 

    The bill comes in response to the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in Snyder v. United States, where the court threw out the conviction of an Indiana mayor who solicited and received a $13,000 bribe from a garbage truck company to whom he had previously awarded a $1 million contract. The Court’s conservative majority ruled that because there was no quid pro quo agreement before the official action, relevant bribery statutes did not apply to the $13,000 gift the mayor solicited from the contractor.  

    The No Gratuities for Governance Act would recriminalize these gratuities to ensure elected officials cannot profit from the power their position grants them.  Specifically, the bill would: 

    • Prohibit state, local, or tribal officials from taking a gratuity of $1,000 or more because of any official act they have performed involving government business or contracts valued at $5,000 or more. 

    • Make acceptance of an illegal gratuity by a state, local, or tribal official punishable by up to two years in prison. This matches the maximum sentence faced by federal officials who take an illegal gratuity. 

    • Increase the maximum sentence that state, local, or tribal officials convicted of bribery face from 10 to 15 years. This matches the maximum sentence faced by federal officials who take a bribe. 

    Congressman Goldman has made rooting out corruption and restoring the public’s faith in our governing institutions a primary focus of his time in office. 

    Earlier this month, Goldman delivered the featured speech at New York Law School’s 199th CityLaw Breakfast titled, “Democracy on the Brink: Corruption and the Public Trust.” In a moment of historic political upheaval, Goldman issued a candid assessment of how public corruption and the erosion of guardrails and forms of accountability – on both sides of the political aisle and at every level of government – are threatening the very foundation of American democracy and the willingness of the public to buy into the American social contract.   

    Last year, Congressman Goldman introduced the ‘Supreme Court Ethics and Investigations Act’ which would establish a dedicated investigative body within the Supreme Court that would provide transparency and accountability through exhaustive investigations into alleged ethical improprieties and reports to Congress on its findings. 
    Last Congress, Goldman cosponsored the ‘Democracy For All Amendment,’ which would overturn legal precedents that have allowed unrestrained campaign spending and dark money to corrupt American democracy. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Goldman, Ciscomani introduce bipartisan anti-corruption bill to criminalize public officials accepting ‘tips’ for official actions

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    ‘No Gratuities for Governance Act’ Closes Loophole Created by Supreme Court Allowing Public Officials to Solicit Gratuities from Private Actors 

     

    Watch Goldman’s Keynote at New York Law School’s 199th CityLaw Breakfast on Corrosive Effect of Corruption on Faith in Government and the Social Contract 

     

    Read the Bill Here 

    Washington, D.C – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) today introduced the No Gratuities for Governance Act, a bipartisan bill that would close a dangerous loophole created by the Supreme Court’s 2024 Snyder v. U.S. case, which allows public officials to receive bribes in the form of ‘tips’ for their official actions as long as the benefit is received after the official action is made.  

    “One year ago, the Supreme Court effectively legalized bribery, ruling that politicians can solicit a ‘tip’ for their official acts as long as they get paid after the fact,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “Restoring faith in our democracy begins with confronting the corruption that has hollowed out the public trust and allowed power to be abused without consequence. If we want the American people to believe in their government again, we must hold ourselves—and one another—to a higher standard of integrity, transparency, and accountability. It is only through concrete action that we can begin to repair the broken social contract and prove that public service is still about serving the public. ” 

    Congressman Juan Ciscomani said, “Holding an elected office is a public trust and should never be a pathway for personal profit.. This bipartisan bill closes a dangerous loophole that allowed public officials to profit from their actions in office and ensures that they are held to a strong standard of transparency and accountability.” 

    The bill comes in response to the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in Snyder v. United States, where the court threw out the conviction of an Indiana mayor who solicited and received a $13,000 bribe from a garbage truck company to whom he had previously awarded a $1 million contract. The Court’s conservative majority ruled that because there was no quid pro quo agreement before the official action, relevant bribery statutes did not apply to the $13,000 gift the mayor solicited from the contractor.  

    The No Gratuities for Governance Act would recriminalize these gratuities to ensure elected officials cannot profit from the power their position grants them.  Specifically, the bill would: 

    • Prohibit state, local, or tribal officials from taking a gratuity of $1,000 or more because of any official act they have performed involving government business or contracts valued at $5,000 or more. 

    • Make acceptance of an illegal gratuity by a state, local, or tribal official punishable by up to two years in prison. This matches the maximum sentence faced by federal officials who take an illegal gratuity. 

    • Increase the maximum sentence that state, local, or tribal officials convicted of bribery face from 10 to 15 years. This matches the maximum sentence faced by federal officials who take a bribe. 

    Congressman Goldman has made rooting out corruption and restoring the public’s faith in our governing institutions a primary focus of his time in office. 

    Earlier this month, Goldman delivered the featured speech at New York Law School’s 199th CityLaw Breakfast titled, “Democracy on the Brink: Corruption and the Public Trust.” In a moment of historic political upheaval, Goldman issued a candid assessment of how public corruption and the erosion of guardrails and forms of accountability – on both sides of the political aisle and at every level of government – are threatening the very foundation of American democracy and the willingness of the public to buy into the American social contract.   

    Last year, Congressman Goldman introduced the ‘Supreme Court Ethics and Investigations Act’ which would establish a dedicated investigative body within the Supreme Court that would provide transparency and accountability through exhaustive investigations into alleged ethical improprieties and reports to Congress on its findings. 
    Last Congress, Goldman cosponsored the ‘Democracy For All Amendment,’ which would overturn legal precedents that have allowed unrestrained campaign spending and dark money to corrupt American democracy. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graham Statement on SCOTUS Decision in Trump v. Casa

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in Trump v. Casa that universal injections put forth by lower federal courts exceed the authority granted to them by Congress.
    “Today’s Supreme Court decision in Trump v. Casa is a judicial game-changing opinion where they reject the proposition that a single federal district court judge can enjoin policy for the entire country.
    “Recently, liberals have been going to friendly federal judges to enjoin President Trump’s executive actions, as well as congressional legislation the left doesn’t like.
    “The Court rejected the concept that a single judge can shut the whole country down. It was a very well-reasoned opinion written by Justice Barrett. I applaud the Court’s decision.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Nationwide Injunctions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court upended decades of precedent and curtailed federal courts’ power to issue injunctions:
    “The Supreme Court’s ruling today undermines equal justice under the law. The Court’s decision means that constitutional protections now depend on which state you live in or whether you can afford to file a lawsuit.
    “Today’s decision emboldens President Trump’s unconstitutional attack on birthright citizenship, designed to stoke fear and persecute immigrant communities. It also fails every American who looks to the Court to serve as a check to ensure that the executive branch follows the law. The Supreme Court is supposed to serve as a safeguard against presidential overreach, not incentivize it.
    “We must heed Justice Jackson’s warning that today’s decision will ‘permit the Executive to violate the Constitution with respect to anyone who has not yet sued.’”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following SCOTUS Ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor, Attorney General Bonta Reaffirms California’s Commitment to Ensuring Schools Remain a Welcoming and Inclusive Environment

    Source: US State of California

    Friday, June 27, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit’s judgment in Mahmoud v. Taylor. In April 2025, Attorney General Bonta filed an amicus brief urging the Court to affirm the Fourth Circuit’s judgment, arguing that the Montgomery County Board of Education’s decision to incorporate LGBTQ+ inclusive books into its curriculum falls within state and local governments’ discretion to shape their curriculum and does not infringe on the free exercise right of religion. The Supreme Court today held that the Board’s introduction of the LGBTQ+ inclusive books, combined with its no-opt-out policy, burdens the parents’ right to the free exercise of religion. Additionally, the Court concluded that the Board’s policy of not providing opt-outs was not narrowly tailored to advance its interests in maintaining an undisrupted school session conducive to learning and protecting students from social stigma and isolation.

    “At the California Department of Justice, we remain committed to defending and upholding the rights of our LGBTQ+ students and ensuring that schools foster environments grounded in respect, understanding, and inclusivity,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Amidst the rise in attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, it’s now more important than ever that we affirm and protect the rights of all students including our most vulnerable individuals. By ensuring our curriculum reflects the full diversity of our student population, we foster an environment where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. In California, we will continue to remain a beacon of inclusivity, diversity, and belonging.”

    A copy of the decision can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pettersen Votes Against GOP Legislation Justifying Trump Immigration Raids, Weaponization of Law Enforcement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District)

    Rep. Pettersen Votes Against GOP Legislation Justifying Trump Immigration Raids, Weaponization of Law Enforcement

    Vote follows Los Angeles ICE protests

    Washington, June 27, 2025

    Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) voted against Republican-backed legislation – H.Res. 516 – that spreads falsehoods about the immigration protests in Los Angeles, California, and legitimizes Trump’s ICE raids and deployment of the military to communities across the country. 

    “Let’s be clear: every American has the right to peacefully take to the streets and speak out against the horrific actions of this administration,” said Pettersen. “This resolution is just Republicans giving Trump a green light to weaponize law enforcement and target immigrant communities. He deployed the military on civilians for doing exactly what we should all be doing right now: raising our voices against this brazen lawlessness.”

    Pettersen supports legislation introduced by Representative Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) that:

    • Recognizes the right to peacefully protest;
    • Condemns any acts of violence by agitators; 
    • Opposes the deployment of federal military against civilians without legal justification; 
    • Commends local law enforcement for their work to ensure public safety and protect peaceful protest.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trustees Announced to NYS Interest Lawyer Account Fund

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced six trustee appointments to the New York State Interest on Lawyer Account Fund (IOLA). IOLA helps low-income New Yorkers obtain civil legal services to protect their needs. Established in 1983, IOLA pools interest from lawyer trust accounts to provide civil legal aid and support justice system improvements at no cost to taxpayers, lawyers or their clients.

    “I’m committed to helping New York’s most vulnerable secure legal resources in times of need, and the IOLA board helps bring those resources to bear — providing vital legal services to thousands of New Yorkers in need of legal assistance,” Governor Hochul said. “These appointees embody what it means to serve others. I am encouraged by their commitment to the law, civil legal services and the most vulnerable, and I am confident that with their leadership, IOLA will continue to fulfill its important mission.”

    As Chair and Trustee:

    Pei Pei Cheng de Castro

    Pei Pei Cheng de Castro is a partner in Commercial Litigation & Complex Trials and White Collar & Government Investigations at Barclay Damon LLP. Previously, Cheng de Castro was a Deputy Counsel to Governor Kathy Hochul from 2021 to 2024.

    Cheng de Castro obtained a J.D. from New York Law School in 2000 and a B.A. in Environmental Science and Economics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1997.

    As Trustees:

    Rahul Agarwal

    Rahul Agarwal is a Partner in White Collar and Litigation at Friedman Kaplan Seiler Adelman & Robbins LLP, a position he began in 2024. Previously, Agarwal was a Deputy Chief Counsel in the office of the Mayor of the City of New York from 2022 to 2023.

    Agarwal obtained a J.D. from Columbia Law School in 2006, and a B.A. from Brown University in 2001.

    Darren J. Cohen

    Darren J. Cohen is the Associate General Counsel for Clipboard Health, a position he has held since 2023. Previously, Cohen was the Senior Counsel for the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul in 2023.

    Cohen obtained a J.D. from Yale Law School in 2004 and a B.A. in English from Columbia University in 2004.

    Jason C. Hegt

    Jason C. Hegt is a Partner in the Litigation and Trial Department at Latham & Watkins, a position he has held since 2018. Previously, Hegt was an Associate at Latham & Watkins from 2009 to 2017.

    Hegt obtained his J.D. from American University Washington College of Law in 2009 and a B.A. in Political Science from Emory University in 2004.

    Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix

    Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix was most recently the Corporate Counsel for the City of New York from 2022 to 2024. Previously, Hinds-Radix was an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Second Department, from 2012 to 2022.

    Hinds-Radix obtained a J.D. from Howard University School of Law in 1984, an M.A. in Political Science from Long Island University in 1978, and a B.S. in History from the University of Massachusetts in 1976.

    Daniel M. Kummer

    Daniel M. Kummer is the Principal at DKummer Photography, LLC, a position he began in 2023. Previously, Kummer was a Senior Vice President for Litigation at NBCUniversal Media LLC from 1997 to 2023.

    Kummer obtained a J.D. from the New York University School of Law in 1987, and a B.A. from Wesleyan University in 1982.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nine Members of 36th and Penn “Big Sip” Drug Trafficking Organization Indicted on Fentanyl Conspiracy and Firearms Charges

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

    MINNEAPOLIS – Nine defendants have been indicted on federal fentanyl and firearms charges for their involvement in the “Big Sip Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO)” — a violent drug trafficking organization that that sold out of at least five apartment buildings near the intersection of 36th Avenue North and North Penn Avenue in Minneapolis, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.

    “Today marks the federal takedown of yet another dangerous criminal organization. And we will not stop,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “The Big Sip drug trafficking organization wreaked havoc at 36th and Penn, bringing guns, violence, and deadly fentanyl to neighborhood apartment buildings. The law abiding people of Minneapolis deserve better. I am proud of the federal, state, and local team that came together to protect the neighborhood from this fentanyl trafficking organization.”

    According to court documents,Larry McGee, 42, Danielle Robberstad, 35, Maurice Montgomery, 31, Dameon Collins, 24, Marcus Lucious, 53, Romell Vann, 22, Bobby Nolan, 43, and Jeremy Lucious, 35, all are members of a drug trafficking organization (“DTO”) known as the “Big Sip DTO,” a high-volume fentanyl sales operation that sold out of at least five apartment buildings near the intersection of 36th Avenue North and North Penn Avenue in Minneapolis. The Big Sip DTO’s operation contributed to crime in the area, including shootings, homicides, and drug use, from August 2023 through June 2025. The defendants were indicted for a Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl in violation of Title 21 United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846. Three defendants, Montgomery, Collins, and Vann, were also indicted for Possessing Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c).  Seven defendants made their initial appearnces today and are all detained pending further proceedings.  An eighth defendant will make his initial appearance tomorrow. A ninth defendant remains under seal.  The defendants all face up to life in prison.

    According to court documents, the Big Sip DTO originated in the summer of 2023, led and operated by defendants McGee and Robberstad, who are husband and wife. The Big Sip DTO was an efficient sales operation with defined roles. At the top, McGee led the organization. He obtained and stored the fentanyl product, collected proceeds, and managed other members of the organization. Robberstad was a co-leader of the organization. Robberstad maintained the apartments used for fentanyl storage and sales, interacted with customers, provided vehicles for use by the organization members, and managed other members’ sales.

    Defendants Montgomery, Collins, M. Lucious, Vann, Nolan, and J. Lucious were also members of the Big Sip DTO. These defendants all sold fentanyl on behalf of the organization to users at the apartments controlled by the Big Sip DTO. Montgomery was responsible for collecting and transporting the profits of the fentanyl sales to McGee. Montgomery, as well as Collins and Vann, all possessed firearms to protect their product and sale activities.

    “Time and again, violent drug trafficking rings try to take root in our communities, bringing with them illegal guns, violence, and fear,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle, of the St. Paul Field Division. “As soon as these organizations surface, ATF, along with our law enforcement partners, will be there to dismantle their operations and hold them accountable. We will not allow armed criminal groups to threaten the safety and future of the Twin Cities.”

    “This operation disrupted a violent drug trafficking network that was funneling narcotics, including deadly fentanyl, to the streets,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “These drugs and the criminals who traffic them, bring death, sorrow, and fear to our communities.  As this coordinated operation demonstrates, those who poison and terrorize the public will face justice. The FBI and our partners will stop at nothing to pursue and apprehend these dangerous offenders and protect our communities.”

    “For too long, 36th and Penn has been a hotspot for violent crime,” said Chief O’Hara. “In 2024, there were four times as many shooting victims within a one block radius of 36th and Penn than the previous three-year average. Overall violent crime more than doubled within a one-block radius of 36th and Penn. We’ve seen the spike in violent crime and heard the concerns loud and clear from the community. Inspector Charlie Adams and the officers of the Fourth Precinct have been working closely with residents to address those concerns, while our investigators have pursued long-term strategies to bring relief. I’m incredibly grateful to the dedicated MPD personnel and to our local and federal partners who supported this investigation. I’m hopeful these arrests and charges will deliver an immediate impact and help restore a sense of safety for everyone who lives and works near 36th and Penn.”

    “These defendants are suspected of some of the worst crimes wreaking havoc on our community. I want to thank all law enforcement agencies for their work on this case including the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Intelligence Division and Violent Offender Task Force. These units provided intelligence throughout the case, carried out search warrants, targeted traffic stops, K9 operations, and much more to bring down these defendants and damage the criminal organization. We must stop those harming our neighbors, friends, and family and part of that work includes stopping the source,” said Dawanna Witt, Sheriff of Hennepin County.

    This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney William C. Mattessich is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Las Vegas Jury Convicts Woman for Threats Against Two Federal Judges and Her Probation Officer; San Diego Trial Team Prosecuted the Case in the District of Nevada

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS – A federal jury has convicted Latonia Smith of cyberstalking and threatening two district court judges and a probation officer, all of whom were involved in her previous federal conviction for death threats she made against lawyers in yet another case.

    In the current case, after a six-day trial and less than one day of deliberation, a jury found that Smith threatened U.S. District Judge Richard Franklin Boulware, who presided over Smith’s 2021 trial and sentenced her to 36 months in prison for that offense. The jury also found that Smith targeted U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey, who presided over the defendant’s supervised release, and Shawn Mummey, her probation officer.

    At the time of the grand jury’s indictment in the current matter, Smith was on supervised release from that previous federal 2021 conviction. In that case, Smith targeted corporate lawyers involved in defending the 2017 firing of her mother from her job as a guest room attendant at the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas after she allegedly took a small amount of money from a guest’s room.

    “All of these victims felt threatened and emotionally distressed. They then took steps to protect themselves and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California. “Threats directed at members of the judiciary are not only criminal acts, but direct attacks on the rule of law. Intimidation of judges and court personnel erodes public trust and threatens the fair administration of justice for all.”

    “The FBI takes threats of violence very seriously and works diligently to protect the communities we serve,” said Rafik Mattar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Las Vegas, “We will not tolerate threats of violence to any member of our community, particularly those dedicated to safeguarding our democratic process. The defendant’s actions were dangerous and unacceptable. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and investigate those who engage in violent rhetoric—ensuring accountability for anyone who threatens to harass, intimidate, or harm others.”

    When Smith was released from federal prison in the first case against her, she was sent to Washoe County jail to face allegations related to an October 31, 2019, armed home-invasion in Reno she allegedly committed against another lawyer involved in the Planet Hollywood case.

    Smith was granted bail in early June 2022. Upon her return to Las Vegas, Smith immediately began searching Google for information about Judge Boulware along with his wife, Las Vegas City Councilwoman Nancy Brune, and their family. At the same time, she googled “judges should die.”

    Over the next several weeks, the defendant became increasingly frustrated with judges and anyone involved with her prior federal case. On June 23, 2022, the defendant emailed her probation officer and explained, “Some good advice: Life is short, society should be careful who they piss off.” Below the warning, the defendant sent a link to a YouTube video showing a six-minute compilation of cell phone videos from the October 1 mass shooting at the Mandalay Bay Hotel.

    Over the next few days, Smith sent a series of emails. Some threatened a mass casualty event: “LET THE SHOW BEGIN. NEVADA IS GOING TO LOVE THIS!!!!”  Some were designed to let victims know their loved ones were in jeopardy: “LETS KEEP [YOUR KIDS] IN FOCUS”.

    Throughout many of the emails, the defendant made it clear that she had deeply researched the recipients of her threats, accurately identifying where they could be found, either during hobby activities, or in their actual homes. For example, to Judge Jennifer Dorsey the defendant wrote: “Tell Jennifer, Henderson is nice I see why she chose that area. Lots of shops nearby. Smart.” At trial, Judge Dorsey testified that the defendant’s identification of her personal residence inspired her to immediately sell her home and move.

    The victims of Smith’s threats testified at trial they were frightened and believed Smith was capable of violently acting on her threats as she had allegedly done in the pending case regarding the armed home invasion targeting the lawyer in Reno.

    U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro reported Smith’s threats to U.S. Marshals, who protect the federal judiciary. Judge Navarro testified at the trial, telling the jury that she recognized the danger posed by the defendant and immediately took action.  “I emailed the chief of probation; anybody I could get a hold of to prevent a tragedy…I didn’t want to die. I didn’t want my family to die.  I didn’t want my coworkers to die.” The Marshals then contacted the FBI.

    After two special agents from the FBI interviewed the Smith on June 27, 2022, she was immediately taken into custody, where she has remained. During the interview, when asked what she was thinking about when she was researching mass shooters, Smith responded: “I think what they were thinking.”

    The investigation found that Smith, who has a biochemistry degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Googled phrases like “judges die,” “how to become a bomb maker,” “how to be a mass shooter,” “buying a gun,” and “ar 15 for sale.” She also watched the compilation of videos from the October 1 mass shooting 13 times over a three-week period.  At the same time, the defendant repeatedly searched the names of her targets, some of their children, and some of their home addresses. The jury deliberated for less than a day before returning a guilty verdict on three counts of cyberstalking for the emails sent to Judges Dorsey and Boulware, along with her probation officer. The jury acquitted the defendant on the other two counts of cyberstalking.

    The defendant will remain in custody pending sentencing, on a date yet to be determined.

    The trial took place in the federal courthouse in Las Vegas. The presiding judge was Senior District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman, from the District of Oregon. Judge Mosman was appointed to preside over the case by special designation of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

    Smith’s prosecution was initiated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada, out of their office in Reno.  In March 2024, the Department of Justice recused the entire U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada and had the prosecution reassigned.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Haden and Francisco Nagel for the Southern District of California, both of whom were named Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in Las Vegas after the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada was recused.

    DEFENDANT                                                Case Number 22CR051-MWM                              

    Latonia Dyshawna Smith                               Age: 31                       Las Vegas, NV

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Three Counts of Cyberstalking – Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 2261A

    Maximum penalty: Five years in prison, as to each count of conviction

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Arrest Homicide Suspect

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Albuquerque, NM – The U.S. Marshals Service Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team on June 26 arrested near Coal Avenue SE and University Boulevard SE here a New Mexico man wanted for two felony warrants.

    Jonathan Torres, 38, was wanted for a New Mexico state felony warrant out of Metropolitan Court, charging him with murder, kidnapping, three counts of aggravated assault against a household member, aggravated assault, felon in possession of a firearm, and battery against a household member. 

    Additionally, Torres was wanted for a federal probation violation warrant, following a 2024 federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    “The United States Marshals Service is dedicated to joining forces with our law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime,” said U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico David O. Barnett, Jr. “We are committed to working together to improve the lives of our New Mexico communities.”

    Following his arrest, Torres was booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center, with a federal detainer attached.

    This arrest was the result of efforts by multiple local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Albuquerque Police Department, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, the New Mexico State Police, the New Mexico Department of Corrections-Probation and Parole and the U.S. Marshals Service.

    Anyone with information on wanted fugitives is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102 or submit information via the USMS Tips App.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Georgia: Crackdown on government critics deepens as another opposition politician is jailed

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Reacting to the jailing of yet another Georgian opposition figure, former lawmaker Giorgi (Givi) Targamadze, to seven months in prison for refusing to recognize the parliament’s legitimacy and appear before a parliamentary investigative committee, Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said:

    “Summoning opposition figures before a parliamentary commission and arresting and imprisoning them for refusing to recognize its legitimacy raises serious concerns over the misuse of legislative, policing and other powers to silence government critics in Georgia.”

    “With its status disputed, the commission has been instrumentalized to target former public officials for their principled opposition. It has become a tool of political repression, not of parliamentary scrutiny, used to lock away political opponents ahead of local elections. The ruling party’s misuse of parliamentary structures is part of a broader crackdown on critics, which includes the arbitrary detention and persecution of activists and peaceful protesters and the suffocation of civil society through repressive legislation and unlawful demands.

    The ruling party’s misuse of parliamentary structures is part of a broader crackdown on critics

    Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia

    “Authorities in Georgia must stop their relentless assault on dissent and targeting protesters and political activists for the peaceful exercise of their human rights, and release Givi Targamadze and the six other opposition members they have thrown behind bars in recent weeks. Authorities must halt practices that violate Georgia’s international human rights obligations. Authorities must uphold and ensure the human rights of everyone in the country.”

    Background

    On 27 June, Tbilisi City Court sentenced Giorgi (Givi) Targamadze to seven months in prison for “non-compliance” with a parliamentary commission led by the ruling Georgian Dream party. The commission purports to have been established to investigate alleged abuses by former government officials from the opposition United National Movement (UNM) party that ran the country from 2003 to 2012.

    Giorgi Targamadze is the seventh opposition figure to be arrested, and the fourth to be sentenced, under these proceedings in recent weeks, after Giorgi Vashadze received a seven-month prison sentence, and Mamuka Khazaradze, Badri Japaradze and Zurab Japaridze, were each sentenced to six months in prison. All of them have also been banned from holding public office for two years. Three other opposition figures – ex-UNM chair Nika Melia, former Justice and Defence ministers Nika Gvaramia and Irakli Okruashvili – are also currently in detention and standing trial under the same charges.

    Refusing to comply with a parliamentary commission can be punished by up to one year in prison or a fine under Georgian law. However, courts have so far imposed prison sentences only, in a string of cases which have targeted politicians who have challenged the legitimacy of the current parliament after disputed elections.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS and DOJ Announce Streamlined Process for Fining Illegal Aliens

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS and DOJ Announce Streamlined Process for Fining Illegal Aliens

    he Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new joint federal rule with the Department of Justice (DOJ) that will make it easier and more efficient to fine illegal aliens

    The current process requires giving illegal aliens 30 days’ notice of the intent to fine them before a fine is issued

    This new rule will eliminate the 30-day notice period, authorize DHS immigration officers to send fines to illegal aliens by regular mail, and shorten the process that applies if illegal aliens contest their fines

    “The law doesn’t enforce itself; there must be consequences for breaking it

    ” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

    “President Trump and Secretary Noem are standing up for law and order and making our government more effective and efficient at enforcing the American people’s immigration laws

    Financial penalties like these are just one more reason why illegal aliens should use CBP Home to self-deport now before it’s too late

    ”
    The new process will be applied to:

    Aliens who enter the United States illegally
    Aliens who ignore removal orders or delay their removal
    Aliens who do not honor agreements to comply with judges’ voluntary departure orders

    Fines include:

    $100 to $500 per unlawful entry or attempted entry
    $1,992 to $9,970 for failure to honor a voluntary departure order
    Up to $998 per day for willfully failing to comply with a removal order

    Fines such as these were never issued by DHS prior to President Trump’s first term in office

    However, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stopped issuing them when President Biden took office

    Shortly after President Trump returned to office, ICE started issuing failure-to-depart fines again as of June 13, 2025, nearly 10,000 fine notices have been issued by ICE
    Aliens who self-deport through the CBP Home App will receive forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the United States

    All illegal aliens are encouraged to start their CBP Home self-deportation process immediately

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS and DOJ Announce Streamlined Process for Fining Illegal Aliens

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS and DOJ Announce Streamlined Process for Fining Illegal Aliens

    he Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new joint federal rule with the Department of Justice (DOJ) that will make it easier and more efficient to fine illegal aliens

    The current process requires giving illegal aliens 30 days’ notice of the intent to fine them before a fine is issued

    This new rule will eliminate the 30-day notice period, authorize DHS immigration officers to send fines to illegal aliens by regular mail, and shorten the process that applies if illegal aliens contest their fines

    “The law doesn’t enforce itself; there must be consequences for breaking it

    ” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

    “President Trump and Secretary Noem are standing up for law and order and making our government more effective and efficient at enforcing the American people’s immigration laws

    Financial penalties like these are just one more reason why illegal aliens should use CBP Home to self-deport now before it’s too late

    ”
    The new process will be applied to:

    Aliens who enter the United States illegally
    Aliens who ignore removal orders or delay their removal
    Aliens who do not honor agreements to comply with judges’ voluntary departure orders

    Fines include:

    $100 to $500 per unlawful entry or attempted entry
    $1,992 to $9,970 for failure to honor a voluntary departure order
    Up to $998 per day for willfully failing to comply with a removal order

    Fines such as these were never issued by DHS prior to President Trump’s first term in office

    However, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stopped issuing them when President Biden took office

    Shortly after President Trump returned to office, ICE started issuing failure-to-depart fines again as of June 13, 2025, nearly 10,000 fine notices have been issued by ICE
    Aliens who self-deport through the CBP Home App will receive forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the United States

    All illegal aliens are encouraged to start their CBP Home self-deportation process immediately

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Terminates Haiti TPS, Encourages Haitians to Obtain Lawful Status

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Terminates Haiti TPS, Encourages Haitians to Obtain Lawful Status

    ASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem today announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haiti

    The TPS designation for the country expires on Aug

    3, 2025, and the termination will be effective on Tuesday, September 2, 2025

     
    At least 60 days before a TPS designation expires, the Secretary, after consultation with appropriate U

    S

    government agencies, is required to review the conditions in a country designated for TPS to determine whether the conditions supporting the designation continue to be met, and if so, how long to extend the designation

      
    “This decision restores integrity in our immigration system and ensures that Temporary Protective Status is actually temporary,” said a DHS spokesperson

    “The environmental situation in Haiti has improved enough that it is safe for Haitian citizens to return home

    We encourage these individuals to take advantage of the Department’s resources in returning to Haiti, which can be arranged through the CBP Home app

    Haitian nationals may pursue lawful status through other immigration benefit requests, if eligible

    ”
    After conferring with interagency partners, Secretary Noem determined that conditions in Haiti no longer meet the TPS statutory requirements

    The Secretary’s decision was based on a U

    S

    Citizenship and Immigration Services review of the conditions in Haiti and in consultation with the Department of State

    The Secretary determined that, overall, country conditions have improved to the point where Haitians can return home in safety

    She further determined that permitting Haitian nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to the national interest of the United States

    Haitian nationals returning home are encouraged to use the U

    S

    Customs and Border Protection CBP Home app to report their departure from the United States

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crittenden, Garland, Mississippi Counties Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    strong>LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Crittenden, Garland and Mississippi counties have been added to the major presidential disaster declaration for the April 2-22 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, meaning state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in those counties may seek funding under FEMA’s Public Assistance program. 
    The three counties are now authorized to recover eligible costs for emergency work including debris removal and emergency protective measures; and permanent work that includes projects to permanently restore community infrastructure affected by the storms.
    FEMA had previously designated Clark, Clay, Craighead, Cross, Dallas, Desha, Fulton, Greene, Hempstead, Hot Spring, Izard, Jackson, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lee, Little River, Lonoke, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Nevada, Newton, Pike, Poinsett, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, St. Francis, Saline, Scott, Searcy, Sevier, Sharp, Stone and Woodruff counties for Public Assistance funding for the April storms.
    The Public Assistance program is FEMA’s largest grant program, providing funding to help communities pay for emergency work to save lives and protect property, for debris removal, and for repairs to roads, bridges, water control facilities, public buildings, public utilities, parks and recreational facilities. The program reimburses eligible costs to local and state government agencies, and certain private nonprofits including houses of worship. 
    Federal funding is typically available on a cost-sharing basis, with FEMA reimbursing Arkansas applicants 75% of eligible costs and the applicant is responsible for the non-federal share, or up to 25%.
    Learn about Assistance for Governments and Private Non-Profits After a Disaster | FEMA.gov.
    For the latest information about Arkansas’ recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4873. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook.com/FEMARegion6

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Introduces Legislation to Boost Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Investments in Rural Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced the Energy Circuit Riders Act to help ensure communities in rural America can take advantage of cost savings from energy efficiency and clean energy projects. Shaheen’s bill would establish a new grant program within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development to help eligible entities hire local, on-the-ground experts that travel to rural communities and provide assistance on projects that can help save energy, cut costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    “Granite State communities are facing sky-high electricity prices and investing in energy efficiency and clean energy is an important tool for bringing these costs down,” said Senator Shaheen. “Energy Circuit Riders will help small towns and rural communities make improvements to become more energy efficient, reduce emissions and lower their energy bills.”

    The Energy Circuit Riders Shaheen’s bill supports would work with local governments in rural areas to provide assistance, such as energy planning, energy audits, grant writing, identifying federal, state, local and utility-based energy incentives and more. The legislation is modeled after a successful Energy Circuit Rider program in New Hampshire run by Clean Energy NH, a nonprofit based in Concord, New Hampshire.

    “Rural communities often face the highest energy costs and the fewest resources to do something about it. The Energy Circuit Riders Act gives local governments access to practical, technology-neutral technical assistance—helping them cut energy waste, lower bills, and make smarter investments with taxpayer dollars. This is about common-sense support for towns that want to do more with less.” said Sam Evans Brown, Executive Director of Clean Energy New Hampshire.

    Shaheen’s legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Peter Welch (D-VT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The legislation is also endorsed by the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) and American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

    Shaheen leads legislative action in the U.S. Senate to support energy efficiency projects and initiatives. Last month, Shaheen pushed back on the Trump administration’s plans to scrap the Energy Star Program, which helps Americans save on energy costs.

    Shaheen was a lead negotiator of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided an approximately $6 billion investment in energy efficiency, including funding for residential, municipal, industrial and federal entities to implement efficiency upgrades based upon her longstanding bipartisan legislation with former U.S. Senator Rob Portman.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Meeting of States Parties to United Nations Convention on Law of Sea Held at Headquarters, 23-26 June

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    NEW YORK, 27 June (Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea) — The thirty-fifth Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea was held at Headquarters from 23 to 26 June.  The background press release can be found at:  https://press.un.org/en/2025/sea2232.doc.htm and https://press.un.org/en/2024/sea2195.doc.htm.

    The Meeting elected Nguyen Minh Vu (Viet Nam) as President, by acclamation.  Milan Jaya Nyamrajsingh Meetarbhan (Mauritius), David Antonio Giret Soto (Paraguay), Laura McIlhenny (Australia) and Mykola Prytula (Ukraine) were elected as Vice-Presidents, also by acclamation.

    The Meeting took note of the annual report of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea for 2024, as well as the information reported by the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority and the Chairperson of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, on the activities of these bodies since the thirty-fourth Meeting of States Parties held in 2024.

    In his capacity as Co-Coordinator of the Open-Ended Working Group on the Conditions of Service of Members of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, John Pangipita (United Republic of Tanzania) delivered a report on its work since the thirty-fourth Meeting.  Following the resignation of Sidney Kemble (Netherlands), the Meeting decided to defer the consideration of the appointment of a Co-Coordinator of the Open-Ended Working Group from developed States until the thirty-sixth Meeting of States Parties and that the Working Group would continue to function for the time being under the coordination of Mr. Pangipita.

    The Meeting conducted a by-election for vacancies in the Commission allocated to members of the Commission from the Group of Eastern European States and the Group of Western European and Other States, electing Stig-Morten Knutsen (Norway) for a term of office commencing on the date of the election and ending on 15 June 2028.

    In the absence of other nominations, the Meeting decided in respect of the vacant seat allocated to members of the Commission from the Group of Eastern European States, which had remained unfilled since 2015, that the Secretary-General would circulate a call for nominations with a view to conducting elections at the thirty-sixth Meeting of States Parties in 2026, if the President received information about potential candidates no later than 1 March 2026.  If a candidate had not been identified by that date, the Group should transmit, by the same date, a proposal on how to address the ongoing vacancy.

    In its consideration of administrative and budgetary matters of the Tribunal, the Meeting took note of the report on budgetary matters for the financial periods 2023 and 2024 and the report of the external auditor for the financial period 2024.  The Meeting also decided to extend Indonesia and Canada as member and alternate member, respectively, of the staff pension committee of the Tribunal for a three-year term of office starting on 1 January 2026.

    Under article 319 of the Convention, the Meeting considered the reports of the Secretary-General for the information of States Parties on issues of a general nature, relevant to States Parties, which had arisen with respect to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (see A/79/340 and A/80/70).  In their interventions, delegations addressed a wide range of matters of relevance to oceans and the law of the sea.

    A more detailed account of the proceedings of the thirty-fifth Meeting of States Parties will be included in the report of the Meeting, to be issued in due course as document SPLOS/35/11.

    The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which was adopted on 10 December 1982, entered into force on 16 November 1994.  It sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out and is of strategic importance as the basis for national, regional and global action and cooperation in the marine sector.

    For further information on the Meeting, including its documents, please see the website of the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs, https://www.un.org/Depts/los/meeting_states_parties/meeting_states_parties.htm.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to New York Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Hurricane Debby

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations in New York of the July 28 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by Hurricane Debby occurring Aug. 5-10, 2024.

    The declaration covers the New York counties of Albany, Allegany, Chemung, Dutchess, Fulton, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Montgomery, Ontario, Orange, Oswego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schuyler, Steuben, St. Lawrence, Sullivan, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Yates and Oswego; the New Jersey counties of Passaic and Sussex as well as the Pennsylvania counties of Pike, Potter, and Tioga.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

    Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than July 28, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to New York Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Hurricane Debby

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations in New York of the July 28 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by Hurricane Debby occurring Aug. 5-10, 2024.

    The declaration covers the New York counties of Albany, Allegany, Chemung, Dutchess, Fulton, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Montgomery, Ontario, Orange, Oswego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schuyler, Steuben, St. Lawrence, Sullivan, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Yates and Oswego; the New Jersey counties of Passaic and Sussex as well as the Pennsylvania counties of Pike, Potter, and Tioga.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

    Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than July 28, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Joins Law Enforcement Partners Announcing Results of Operation Targeting Organized Criminal Activity in the Central Valley

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    FRESNO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the results of a collaborative multiagency effort targeting criminal street gangs in the Central Valley. As part of the operation yesterday, federal, state, and local law enforcement served 54 search warrants in locations throughout the Central Valley. As part of the operation, investigators prevented nine violent crimes, made 89 felony arrests, seized firearms, ammunition, and illicit methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. 

    “Today, we are sending a strong message that organized criminal enterprises cannot stand up to the power of good law enforcement work,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Together with our federal, state, and local partners, we’ve made our communities safer by taking dangerous drugs and weapons off our streets and holding bad actors accountable. I thank our DOJ agents and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and tireless work to make California safer. Their efforts here not only held accountable members of organized criminal organizations, but also prevented violent crimes from occurring. Central Valley families can live and sleep with greater peace of mind as a result of this operation.”

    “Today’s announcement reflects our Office’s commitment to using every available resource in close coordination with our law enforcement partners to address the root causes of crime and hold gang members and their associates accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith. “Criminal street gangs inflict real harm on our communities by trafficking deadly drugs and firearms that destroy lives and neighborhoods. I commend the outstanding work of our agents and law enforcement partners in disrupting these criminal networks and safeguarding our communities.”

    “The charges reflect the brazen violence and drug trafficking that have threatened the safety and stability of the greater Fresno area, particularly in rural communities like Huron and Coalinga,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “Yesterday’s operation was the culmination of months of collaborative work to disrupt gang-driven violence and the flow of drugs and firearms into Central Valley neighborhoods. This case highlights the power of strong partnerships at every level of law enforcement, all united in the mission to dismantle violent gangs and protect the communities we serve.”

    “The collective work done by all law enforcement agencies in this operation will undoubtedly improve the safety and overall quality of life for residents in Fresno County, particularly those living in our smaller rural communities,” said Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni.

    This investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fresno County Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC), California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) Special Operations Unit, U.S Attorney’s Office, and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office.

    In February 2024, law enforcement agencies began an investigation into a criminal street gang operating in Fresno County with a specific focus on the ongoing criminal activities of criminal street gangs in the cities of Huron, Coalinga, and San Joaquin. The investigation found, and the unsealed federal criminal complaint alleges, an extensive criminal conspiracy in which gang members and associates — some of whom were inmates in California prisons and the Fresno County Jail — orchestrated various crimes, including drug and firearms trafficking. On several occasions, members of the drug trafficking conspiracy attempted to smuggle drugs into jails on their persons or through holes they punctured in the walls. Thirty-eight suspects have been charged in a federal criminal complaint on various drug and firearms trafficking charges. 

    Assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Kings County Sheriff’s Office, Madera County Regional SWAT, and the Fresno, Clovis, Kingsburg, Coalinga, Kerman, Firebaugh, Lemoore, and Parlier police departments.

    CA DOJ’s Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between CA DOJ and the California Highway Patrol that provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups. These unique and essential teams use advanced investigative techniques and work alongside local law enforcement to enhance investigations into violent criminals and organized crime throughout the state.

    It is important to note that criminal charges must be proven in a court of law. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Issues Consumer Alert on Notario Fraud, Obtaining Immigration Legal Help, Locating Detained People

    Source: US State of California

    If you need help with immigration relief or if your loved one has been detained, be careful who you hire

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued guidance to help California’s immigrant communities avoid immigration scams by those seeking to take advantage of fear and uncertainty resulting from President Trump’s cruel mass detention and deportation campaign. The alert released today provides tools for people looking to hire free or low-cost legal help and for those looking to locate loved ones who are detained. 

    “Families across the country are experiencing fear and uncertainly as a result of President Trump’s inhumane immigration agenda — and scammers are paying attention. Immigration scams, including notario fraud, prey on the hopes of safety and stability of our immigrant communities,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Before hiring someone claiming to offer help with immigration matters or assistance locating a detained loved one, I urge people to familiarize themselves with existing resources that are often available at little or no cost and learn how to check that the individual is qualified to provide immigration help.”

    What is Notario Fraud?

    Only lawyers, accredited representatives, and recognized organizations can give you legal advice or represent you in immigration court. Immigration consultants – who may call themselves immigration experts, notarios, notaries public, or paralegals – cannot do so. 

    In many Spanish-speaking nations, “notarios” are powerful attorneys with special legal credentials. In the United States, however, notary publics are people authorized by state governments to witness the signing of important documents and are not necessarily authorized to provide legal services. A notario público is not authorized to provide people with any legal services related to immigration.

    How to Locate Detained Loved Ones

    Try to find your loved one’s Alien Registration number (A-Number), which is on their immigration documents. If someone has not previously had contact with immigration authorities or has not applied for an immigration benefit, they will not have an A number but will be assigned one if detained. To find someone in detention, search locator.ice.gov  by their A-Number or by their full name and country of birth. Once you identify the detention center, go to ice.gov/detention-facilities  for location, visiting, and other information. Using the A-Number, you can look up immigration court hearing information at acis.eoir.justice.gov. For more information, please visit nilc.org/resources.

    Protect Yourself from Immigration Scams

    If you need help applying for immigration relief, be careful who you hire. Watch out for immigration scams that can cost you thousands of dollars and/or harm your immigration status. Here are some tips and resources to help:  

    • Confirm that anyone helping you with your case is licensed or accredited. Only lawyers, accredited representatives, and recognized organizations can give you legal advice or represent you in immigration court. Some immigration consultants may fraudulently call themselves immigration lawyers. If someone claims they are licensed in California or another state and can practice immigration law, confirm they are licensed and in good standing in that particular state by visiting americanbar.org/groups/legal_services/flh-home/flh-lawyer-licensing. If someone claims to be an accredited representative or recognized organization, visit justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditation-roster-reports to confirm that information.
    • Go to a legitimate legal aid organization for free legal help. Many nonprofit organizations provide free immigration help to low-income individuals, such as those found through the resources below. To find a legal aid organization near you, go to lawhelpca.org. 
    • Keep your original documents in a safe place. Don’t give your original documents to anyone unless you see proof that the government requires the original document. Make sure you have a trusted emergency contact who can access these documents. Keep copies of all immigration-related documents, including copies of documents filed with the government and communications with the government, in a safe place.
    • Do not give money or personal information to anyone who calls, texts, or emails you claiming that there is a problem with your immigration matter. No federal or state agency, including USCIS, will ever ask for your personal information or payment over the phone, by email, or text. Be skeptical of social media or other ads promising new or quick immigration help.

    Access Free and Low-Cost Legal Assistance 

    Visit Law Help CA or Immigration Law Help to find immigration assistance near you.

    Find free immigration help through the U.S. Department of Justice’s list of no cost legal service providers and list of accredited representatives.

    If You are the Victim of an Immigration Scam

    Report it to the California Department of Justice at oag.ca.gov/report. You can also contact your local District Attorney or county department of consumer affairs.

    You can get help from a legitimate legal aid organization at lawhelpca.org.

    For more do’s and don’ts, see the full “Protecting Yourself from Immigration Scams” consumer alert here. The alert is available in Spanish here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Maryland Man Convicted of Two Convenience Store Robberies and Money Laundering

    Source: US FBI

    A man who was previously convicted of robbing the Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust on Council Street in Cedar Rapids on January 3, 2024, pled guilty to additional charges today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.

    Andrew Philip Derr, age 22, from Fredrick, Maryland, was convicted of Two Convenience Store Robberies and Money Laundering.

    In a plea agreement, Derr admitted that after being discharged from the military for misconduct in 2023, he moved to Iowa City and conducted a series of robberies in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, area.  Derr admitted that on December 27, 2023, he robbed the Casey’s General Store in Robins, Iowa, and obtained over $7,000 in cash. Derr admitted that on January 1, 2024, he robbed the Kum & Go store on Four Oaks Drive in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Derr was previously convicted and sentenced for robbing the Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust branch on Council Street in Cedar Rapids on January 3, 2024, in which he obtained over $16,000 in cash.  Derr admitted that after each robbery he laundered the stolen funds by making multiple deposits into his Maryland Bank account to disguise the nature, source of ownership of the funds.  Ultimately on January 3, 2024, Derr flew to Maryland, and subsequently made two deposits of robbery proceeds totaling more than $4,800.  When the United States Marshals Service tried to arrest Derr at his Iowa City, Iowa, apartment, they found a note stating, “Catch me if you can.” On January 12, 2024, Derr turned himself into Orleans Parish, Louisiana, Sheriff’s Office.  

    Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Derr remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Derr faces a possible maximum sentence of 60 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.  Additionally, Derr must forfeit the stolen funds from the convenience store robberies and the money that he laundered and will be required to pay restitution to the victims of his crimes.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Reinert and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the United States Marshals Service’s Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, Robins Police Department, Linn County Attorney’s Office, the University of Iowa Police Department and the Orleans Parish, Louisiana, Sheriff’s Office.  

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 24-CR-00105

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Smuggling Leader and Top Coordinator Will Spend Remainder of Their Lives in Prison Following Their Sentencing on Third Anniversary of Deadly Tractor-Trailer Smuggling Conspiracy

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

    Two convicted human smugglers were sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio today for their prominent roles in the 2022 mass casualty human smuggling conspiracy that resulted in the deaths of 47 adults and six children.

    U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia for the Western District of Texas sentenced Orduna-Torres to life in prison and a $250,000 fine, and Gonzales-Ortega to 83 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Both defendants were found guilty by a federal jury in March for three counts related to the transportation of aliens within the United States resulting in death, causing serious bodily injury, and placing lives in jeopardy. Following the jury’s verdict at the trial, Judge Garcia set the sentencing date, noting that it would be three years to the day from when the 53 migrants perished as a result of the defendants’ smuggling scheme.

    “These criminals will spend the rest of their lives in prison because of their cruel choice to profit off of human suffering,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Today’s sentences are a powerful message to human smugglers everywhere: we will not rest until you are behind bars.”

    “Three years to the day after these two smugglers and their co-conspirators left dozens of men, women, and children locked in a sweltering tractor-trailer to die in the Texas summer heat, they learned that they will spend the rest of their lives locked away in a federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “We recognize the justice handed down by Judge Garcia and thank our law enforcement partners for their great work that led to today’s outcome. At the same time, we reinforce the message that these criminal organizations will not place the lives of the desperate and vulnerable above their own financial enrichment. My office remains focused on prosecuting smugglers and their networks, and ultimately eradicating transnational criminal organizations.”

    “Today’s sentences are the result of a far-reaching investigation and a tireless commitment by HSI and our law enforcement partners to dismantle the deadliest human smuggling operation in U.S. history,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio. “This case serves as a stark reminder: human smuggling is not a service — it is a deadly criminal enterprise. HSI will pursue smugglers relentlessly, wherever they operate. No one, who participates in the smuggling of human beings, will escape the reach of justice.”

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Felipe Orduna-Torres, also known as Cholo, Chuequito/Chuekito, and Negro, 30, was a leader and organizer, and Armando Gonzales-Ortega, also known as El Don and Don Gon, 55, was a coordinator in the human smuggling organization (HSO) which illegally brought adults and children from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico into the United States between December 2021 and June 2022.

    Court documents and evidence presented at the trial revealed that Orduna-Torres and Gonzales-Ortega worked in concert to transport and facilitate the transportation of the migrants, sharing routes, guides, stash houses, trucks, trailers, and transporters in order to consolidate costs, minimize risks, and maximize profit. The HSO maintained a variety of tractors and trailers for their smuggling operations, some of which were stored at a private parking lot in San Antonio.

    In the days leading up to June 27, 2022, Orduna-Torres and others exchanged the names of illegal aliens who would be smuggled in an upcoming tractor-trailer load. Gonzales-Ortega traveled to Laredo to meet the tractor-trailer, where at least 64 undocumented individuals, including eight children and one pregnant woman, were loaded for smuggling.

    Some of the defendants, including Orduna-Torres, were aware that the trailer’s reefer unit was malfunctioning and was not blowing any cool air to the migrants inside. When members of the organization met the tractor-trailer at the end of its approximately three-hour journey to San Antonio, they opened the doors to find 48 of the migrants were either already dead or had died on site, including the pregnant woman. Sixteen of the undocumented individuals were transported to hospitals — five of whom died.

    In addition to their sentences described above, the court also ordered Orduna-Torres to pay a $96,000 money judgment and ordered the forfeiture of the following assets: one 2008 Volvo semi-tractor; one 1995 Phoenix trailer; one 2015 Cadillac Escalade; one 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty Truck; and $59,445.50.

    Five other defendants in this case have pleaded guilty for their involvement in the smuggling event. Riley Covarrubias-Ponce, also known as Rrili and Rilay, 32, is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 6; Luis Alberto Rivera-Leal, 39, is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 13; Christian Martinez, 31, is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 20; and Homero Zamorano Jr., 48, is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 4. Juan Francisco D’Luna Bilbao, 51, is indicted separately and is also scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 4.

    In a related case, Rigoberto Ramon Miranda-Orozco, 48, allegedly worked with the HSO to smuggle aliens into the United States on the same fatal journey orchestrated by Orduna-Torres and his co-conspirators. He made his initial appearance in San Antonio on March 17, seven months after he was arrested in Guatemala, and is currently scheduled for a jury trial Sept. 29.

    HSI investigated the case with the assistance of the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and has received tremendous support from Customs and Border Protection; Border Patrol; ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; the San Antonio Police Department; the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office; the San Antonio Fire Department; the Marshall Police Department; and the Palestine Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Fuchs, Sarah Spears and Ray Gattinella for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

    These convictions are the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 385 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 345 U.S. convictions; more than 300 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Organizer of Maryland Pawn Shop Burglary that Netted Dozens of Firearms Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison

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

                WASHINGTON – Vincent Lee Alston, 23, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 84 months in federal prison for his role in the December 2023 burglary of a Maryland pawn shop that netted dozens of firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

                Alston, aka “Vedo,” pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson on March 6 to conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking. In addition to the prison term, Judge Berman Jackson ordered three years of supervised release.

                According to the court documents, on Dec. 13, 2023, Odumn and four co-conspirators drove in two vehicles – one a stolen Hyundai – from the District to the A&D Pawn Shop, a Federal Firearms Licensee, in Glen Burnie, Maryland.

                At the pawn shop, co-defendant Niquan Odumn used a portable saw to cut the locks on a pull-down security gate. Another co-conspirator then used a crowbar-type tool to pry open the main door. Once inside, the quintet grabbed an array of rifles, shotguns, and pistols from the shelves and display racks. They fled with at least 34 firearms.

                About a half hour after the burglary, the red Hyundai crashed on I-295 southbound at Kenilworth Avenue, NE. After the accident, surveillance footage showed Alston and two of his co-defendants abandoning the vehicle. MPD arrived at the scene and recovered eight firearms from the car.

                Investigators also recovered Alston’s damaged iPhone on the Hyundai’s driver’s seat floorboard. On it, an open GPS route displayed on the screen with a visible destination address of Alston’s residence.

                Alston was arrested at his apartment complex on Dec. 15, 2023, and was found with a Smith & Wesson, M&P 9 mm stolen during the pawn shop burglary. To date, law enforcement has recovered close to half of the stolen firearms.

                Alston is the third defendant to be sentenced in the pawn shop job.

                Niquan “Stickz” Odumn, 23, of the District, was sentenced June 23 to 48 months in prison for conspiracy to commit theft from a firearms licensee and to possession of stolen firearms.  Juwon Markel Anderson, 22, of the District, was sentenced June 20 to 84 months in prison for his role in the burglary and for his subsequent attempt to sell several of the stolen guns.

                Co-defendant Tyjuan McNeal, 27, is scheduled to be sentenced July 1 for conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking. Cy’juan Hemsley pleaded guilty on May 7, 2025, to conspiracy to commit theft from a firearms licensee and to possession of stolen firearms. Hemsley’s sentencing is pending.

                This case is being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Division and the Metropolitan Police Department, with assistance from the ATF Baltimore Field Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar with valuable assistance from former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Lipes.     

    Alston’s iPhone, recovered by police from a crashed getaway car, included texts planning the pawn shop burglary.

    Image of Alston captured by a surveillance camera inside the pawn shop.

    Firearms recovered from the stolen Hyundai. 

    Additional firearms recovered from the abandoned getaway vehicle.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pipe Bomber Found Guilty of Blowing Up ATM

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

    ATLANTA – Abdurrahim Jalal has been convicted of blowing up a bank automated teller machine and possessing illegal explosive devices.

    “Criminals who use dangerous explosives to commit crimes will face federal prosecution to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “We will not tolerate conduct that puts innocent lives at risk or threatens the safety and stability of our communities.”

    “Jalal put his own greed ahead of the safety of our community. The FBI will use every resource available to find anyone who would go to the extreme use of a bomb to illegally obtain money,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown.

    “The use of explosives in criminal activities poses an immense threat to public safety, and we will continue to work diligently to ensure that those who engage in such acts are brought to justice,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka.

    According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Abdurrahim Jalal was convicted of bank theft, use of an explosive to commit a felony, arson, and two counts of possession of an unregistered destructive device following a bench trial on June 23, 2025. The evidence at trial revealed that on March 29, 2023, Jalal used a pipe bomb to blow up an ATM in Decatur, Georgia. Jalal took approximately $88,000 from the vault of the machine after the explosion. Investigators identified Jalal and obtained a warrant to search his home, during which they recovered additional pipe bombs. 

    Sentencing for Abdurrahim Jalal, 54, of DeKalb County, Georgia, is scheduled for September 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown.  Jalal faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 60 years of imprisonment followed by up to three years of supervised release. In determining Jalal’s actual sentence, the court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

    This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, DeKalb County Police Department, and DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department.

    Assistant United States Attorney Dash A. Cooper is prosecuting the case.

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –