NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI USA: Clyburn, Leger Fernández, Klobuchar, Luján Lead Effort to Press Commerce Secretary Lutnick to Reverse Harmful Broadband Policy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative James E (Jim) Clyburn (6th District of South Carolina)

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) led a group of congressional Democrats in writing a letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick addressing the Trump Administration’s recently announced Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Restructuring Policy Notice. The BEAD program was established by Congress in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide high-quality, affordable, and sustainable broadband to connect the nearly 25 million Americans that continue to wait for high-speed internet access.

    In their letter to Secretary Lutnick, the lawmakers urge the Department of Commerce to ensure that states receive the full funding and flexibility they retained prior to the issuance of the restructuring notice to fully meet those statutory objectives. 

    “Access to affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband is essential to full participation in modern life in the United States” the Members wrote. “We therefore urge you to implement the BEAD program in accordance with the best reading of the statute so we can make high-quality internet accessible and affordable for all Americans.”

    The BEAD program, enacted into law in 2021 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides $42 billion to provide high-quality internet access to millions of Americans who remain unserved, to ensure affordability, and to facilitate adoption. The bipartisan process that crafted the program was informed by the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act, comprehensive broadband legislation formulated by the House Democratic Rural Broadband Task Force in conjunction with the Energy and Commerce Committee and Senate Democrats.

    The letter was also signed by Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) as well as Representatives Leger Fernández (D-NM-03), Bishop (D-GA-02), Bynum (D-OR-05), Carson (D-IN-07), Carter (D-LA-02), Cleaver (D-MO-05),  Davis (D-IL-07), DelBene (D-WA-01), Evans (D-PA-03),  Fields (D-LA-06), Figures (D-AL-02), Garcia (D-TX-29), Goodlander (D-NH-02), Hoyle (D-OR-04), Huffman (D-CA-02), Lofgren (D-CA-18), McGovern (D-MA-02), Menendez (D-NJ-08), Mrvan (D-IN-01), Neguse (D-CO-02), Pappas (D-NH-01), Scholten (D-MI-03), Sewell (D-AL-07), Soto (D-FL-09), Thompson (D-MS-02), Titus (D-NV-01), Tlaib (D-MI-12), Tokuda (D-HI-02), Williams (D-GA-05), and Wilson (D-FL-24).  

    The full text of the letter is available here and below:

    Dear Secretary Lutnick: 

    We write to express our opposition to the Department of Commerce’s recently announced BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program was established by Congress in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide high-quality, affordable, and sustainable broadband to connect the nearly 25 million Americans that continue to wait for high-speed internet access. We urge you to ensure that states receive the full funding and flexibility they retained prior to the issuance of the restructuring notice to fully meet these statutory objectives. 

    The broadband division of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law begins with this congressional finding: “Access to affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband is essential to full participation in modern life in the United States.” This fundamental reality is why the BEAD program was established to fulfill the subsequent finding that “the benefits of broadband should be broadly enjoyed by all.” To achieve this goal, the statute states that funding recipients must “ensure coverage of broadband service to all unserved locations” before using any funds for other purposes. The restructuring notice appears to violate this requirement by allowing applicants to exclude certain unserved locations. Such an allowance would defy bipartisan congressional intent, which was predicated on the understanding that public investment was needed to achieve universal service precisely because building the infrastructure to cover many rural areas was too costly to be profitable. 

    In addition to excluding unserved, predominantly rural locations, the restructuring notice would likely result in others receiving worse service. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law requires that “priority broadband projects” funded by the program be “designed to provide broadband service that meets speed, latency, reliability, consistency in quality of service, and related criteria as the Assistant Secretary shall determine; and [to] ensure that the network[s] built by the project[s] can easily scale speeds over time to meet the evolving connectivity needs of households and businesses, and support the deployment of 5G, successor wireless technologies, and other advanced services.” Of currently available technologies, fiber-optic networks are faster and more reliable and can scale speeds much more easily. We made the decision to invest larger sums now in broadband infrastructure that would be resilient and capable of meeting Americans’ growing digital demands for decades. 

    The restructuring notice also undermines the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s provisions designed to ensure that broadband service is affordable and put to good use. The new rules remove specific requirements that ensured that participating providers would provide a low-cost internet option for low-income customers as required by the statute. Additionally, while the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law specifically allows funds to be spent on “broadband adoption, including programs to provide affordable internet-capable devices,” the notice rescinds approval of previously approved “non-deployment activities” and puts all funding for these activities on hold. For example, this provision of the notice puts on hold a South Carolina plan to use BEAD program funds for virtual primary health—equipping low-income households in rural health deserts with access to the full suite of virtual health services at no cost to the patients. If the broadband infrastructure being built by BEAD program funds isn’t put to good use, much of the investment will have been wasted. 

    As reflected in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s congressional findings, high-quality internet access is a requirement to fully participate in the world, and the BEAD program is our once-in-a century opportunity to finish closing the digital divide. We fear this opportunity would be squandered by the restructuring notice and its changes to coverage, quality, and affordability. We therefore urge you to implement the BEAD program in accordance with the best reading of the statute so we can make high-quality internet accessible and affordable for all Americans.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Labrador Asks Supreme Court to Review Idaho’s Law Protecting Women’s Sports

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom AG Labrador Asks Supreme Court to Review Idaho’s Law Protecting Women’s Sports

    BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador filed a supplemental brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to grant immediate review of Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act rather than sending the case back to a lower court. The brief argues that vital constitutional questions about sex-based classifications and women’s athletic opportunities require the Court’s urgent attention.
    “While we’ve been fighting for fair and equal athletic competition, activists have been pushing an agenda that would ultimately sideline women and girls in their own sports,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Many athletic associations around the world have recognized the obvious truth that men and women are biologically different, and allowing men in women’s sports would create a dangerous, unfair environment for women to showcase their incredible talent. We’re asking the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold our law and ensure that women and girls get the opportunities they deserve.”
    The supplemental brief in Little v. Hecox was filed after the Court held the case pending its decision in United States v. Skrmetti. However, that recent decision did not resolve the fundamental constitutional questions at stake in Idaho’s case. The brief argues that critical circuit splits remain unresolved, including whether biological sex should be defined objectively or subjectively in equal protection cases, and whether transgender identity qualifies as a quasi-suspect classification.
    Idaho’s brief emphasizes that 27 states have now enacted laws protecting women’s sports, and both the NCAA and federal government have announced policies excluding biological males from female competitions. Despite this momentum, women and girls continue losing medals, podium spots, and athletic opportunities in jurisdictions where courts have blocked these protections.
    The brief warns that sending the case back to a lower court would only delay the inevitable resolution of these issues while continuing to harm female athletes. It notes that the Ninth Circuit’s current ruling places schools in an impossible position, requiring athletic divisions based on testosterone levels while risking federal funding loss for non-compliance with federal directives protecting women’s sports. Attorney General Labrador continues defending Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act in federal court. The case represents a critical opportunity for the Supreme Court to resolve nationwide confusion and protect the integrity of women’s sports across America.
    Read the brief here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DfE Update: 25 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    DfE Update: 25 June 2025

    Latest information and actions from the Department for Education about funding, assurance and resource management, for academies, local authorities and further education providers.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    DfE Update further education: 25 June 2025

    HTML

    DfE Update academies: 25 June 2025

    HTML

    DfE Update local authorities: 25 June 2025

    HTML

    Details

    Latest for further education

    Article Title
    Information Publication of the College Financial Handbook 2025
    Information Qualification achievement rates (QAR) 2024 to 2025 guidance published
    Information Free Courses for Jobs construction expansion
    Information Individualised Learner Record returns
    Information 16 to 19 funding update
    Information Financial assurance: monitoring post-16 funding for 2025 to 2026 guidance
    Your feedback Tell us about your experience of our funding service

    Latest information for academies

    Article Title
    Information Publication of the College Financial Handbook 2025
    Information Publication of new guidance: Financial Support and Oversight for Academy Trusts
    Information Pupil premium allocations for 2025 to 2026 financial year – confirmed allocations
    Information Universal infant free school meals conditions of grant for 2025 to 2026
    Information Good practice guide: managing conflicts of interests, related party relationships and related party transactions
    Information Individualised Learner Record returns
    Information 16 to 19 funding update
    Your feedback Tell us about your experience of our funding service
    Your feedback Complete the 2025 Survey of School Business Professionals
    Events and webinars Complete the 2025 Survey of School Business Professionals
    Events and webinars Academies technical update 2025 to 2026
    Events and webinars Academies technical update 2025 to 2026
    Events and webinars Academies technical update 2025 to 2026
    Events and webinars Get help buying for schools
    Events and webinars Hiring supply teachers and agency workers for your school or trust
    Events and webinars RPA members only: Crime resilience workshop

    Latest information for local authorities

    Article Title
    Information Pupil premium allocations for 2025 to 2026 financial year – confirmed allocations
    Information Universal infant free school meals conditions of grant for 2025 to 2026
    Information Free Courses for Jobs construction expansion
    Information Individualised Learner Record returns
    Information 16 to 19 funding update
    Information Financial assurance: monitoring post-16 funding for 2025 to 2026 guidance
    Your feedback Tell us about your experience of our funding service
    Your feedback Complete the 2025 Survey of School Business Professionals
    Events and webinars Get help buying for schools
    Events and webinars Hiring supply teachers and agency workers for your school or trust
    Events and webinars RPA members only: Crime resilience workshop

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 June 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province Commits to Public Safety Improvements Following Policing Review

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province released the findings of the comprehensive policing review today, June 25.

    The government will introduce six foundational changes and expand the role of the provincial police to improve public safety.

    “Today marks a pivotal moment for the future of policing in Nova Scotia,” said Attorney General and Justice Minister Becky Druhan. “We accept the recommendations that Deloitte Canada has brought forward and we are taking action to ensure every Nova Scotian – regardless of where they live – has access to high-quality, modern policing services.”

    Two complementary documents that reflect the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and meaningful change in policing were released – the technical report from review consultant Deloitte Canada and Shaping the Future: Policing in Nova Scotia, which presents the findings from extensive public engagement as well as plans for policing in the province.

    The six foundational changes being implemented to improve public safety are:

    • establishing a single police records system to replace the three that currently exist
    • adding community safety personnel
    • ensuring appropriate policing staff levels across the province
    • establishing community safety boards
    • augmenting provincial police standards
    • introducing a new RCMP billing mechanism for municipalities.

    “Nova Scotians told us that the current policing model is not working. We are committed to building a stronger system of public safety where all police agencies operate at the same high level,” said Minister Druhan. “We will work with municipalities to chart a path forward, but one thing is clear – the status quo is not an option, and we won’t compromise on public safety.”

    The Province will also move ahead with further strengthening of police standards, which every police agency must meet. The government will work with those that cannot meet the standards through expansion of the provincial police – currently the RCMP – which delivers policing services in most areas of Nova Scotia.

    In September 2024, the Minister of Justice directed new policing standards for all police agencies in Nova Scotia; compliance audits on these standards will begin this fall.

    Changes support safer communities, address key recommendations of the Mass Casualty Commission’s final report and respond to public feedback received through the comprehensive police review.

    Quick Facts:

    • more than 7,000 Nova Scotians took part in the police review through surveys, community sessions and written submissions
    • there are 10 municipal police agencies in Nova Scotia; the RCMP provides policing services to all other areas of the province
    • policing services in Nova Scotia are provided by about 1,890 sworn officers and 1,450 civilian personnel
    • the Province pays $190 million per year for policing services
    • the current RCMP Provincial Police Service Agreement will expire in 2032

    Additional Resources:

    Both reports – Shaping the Future: Perspectives on Policing in Nova Scotia and the policing review report and recommendations from Deloitte – are available at: https://novascotia.ca/just/Publications/#P

    Nova Scotia Department of Justice – public safety and security division: https://novascotia.ca/just/policing_services/

    Nova Scotia Policing Standards: https://novascotia.ca/just/Policing_Services/standards.asp

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fighting cybercrime in a connected world

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    Europol-INTERPOL Cybercrime Conference examined latest cyber threats, trends and strategies

    THE HAGUE, The Netherlands – In our increasingly interconnected world, the impacts of cybercrime can be far-reaching, fast moving and devastating to its victims.

    To address the challenges for police in preventing and investigating cybercrime globally, the 7th Europol-INTERPOL Cybercrime Conference brought together cyber experts from law enforcement, private industry, international organizations and academia for in-depth discussions on the latest cyber threats, trends and strategies.

    Under the theme of ‘Law enforcement in a connected future’, the three-day (9 – 11 October) conference focused on new developments in technology which could be exploited by criminals but also used to the benefit of police.

    Opening the 7th Europol-INTERPOL Cybercrime Conference.

    The annual conference had the theme ‘Law enforcement in a connected future’.

    Key themes included the benefits and challenges of Artificial Intelligence for police; the potential impacts of 5G technology; cross-border access to electronic evidence; obstacles to international cooperation on cybercrime investigations; the importance of cyber capacity building; cryptocurrency trends and challenges; the use of open-source intelligence and privacy considerations.

    With cybercriminals constantly evolving and transforming their tactics, INTERPOL’s Director of Cybercrime Craig Jones said the traditional model of policing is ‘being challenged like never before’.

    “The cybercriminal world is agile and adapting, connecting and cooperating in ways we never imagined even just a few years ago,” said Mr Jones.

    “Law enforcement must adapt to this ever-changing criminal environment in order to effectively protect our communities in the cyber domain,” he concluded.

    During the opening ceremony, Mr Jones launched INTERPOL’s ‘#BECareful’ global public awareness campaign on business email compromise (BEC) fraud. The campaign, which will run for one month, will inform the public about this growing type of fraud and provide prevention tips for how to stay safe.

    INTERPOL also presented the findings of its first cybercrime threat assessment during the conference. The report provides an analysis of the latest cybercrime trends identified in different regions using information provided by member countries, private partners and open source intelligence.

    One trend identified is a shift from malware targeting computers to attacks targeting mobile devices, due to the fact that mobile devices are being used more and more frequently as payment platforms. 

    In response to a rise in cases of cryptojacking – where criminals remotely accesses victims’ system using malware to hijack their computing power to create cryptocurrency – INTERPOL has disseminated more than 170 Cyber Activity Reports providing recommendation for prevention and mitigation.  

    Steven Wilson, Head of Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) said: “Three days of conference with partners from law enforcement, industry and academia have shown what we can achieve when we work closely together to tackle the global issue of cybercrime.”

    “We must make progress in prevention, legislation, enforcement and prosecution.” Steven Wilson, Head of Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3)

    “All of these elements are necessary in order to disrupt organized crime activity and reduce the online threat to businesses, governments and, above all, EU citizens. I look forward to  building on our trusted relationships to deliver an improved international response to this ever increasing challenge,” added Mr Wilson.

    The conference, which gathered some 400 delegates from 70 countries, also provides an opportunity for Europol and INTERPOL to reconfirm their strong commitment to continue their collaboration in the fight against cybercrime.

    The Europol-INTERPOL Cybercrime Conference is a joint initiative launched in 2013. Held annually, it is hosted in alternate years by Europol and INTERPOL.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Payments stopped, three arrested in medical supplies fraud case

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    15 September 2020

    INTERPOL supported investigation into Italian company targeted by business email compromise fraud

    SINGAPORE – Three members of an international crime syndicate wanted for tricking an Italian company into making fraudulent payments for non-existent medical equipment were arrested in Indonesia, in a case supported by INTERPOL.

    In May, an Italian company which was in discussions to purchase a large amount of medical supplies from a Chinese company, including ventilators and COVID-19 monitoring equipment, fell victim to a business email compromise (BEC) fraud.

    Indonesian authorities arrested three fraud suspects and seized EUR 3.1 million in a case supported by INTERPOL.

    The suspects infiltrated the email correspondence between the two companies and convinced the Italian buyers to make three bank transfers totaling EUR 3.67 million to an account they controlled in Indonesia. Believing they were paying the legitimate supplier, the company made the transfers.

    The fraud was quickly discovered, and INTERPOL’s Financial Crimes unit was requested to assist with the case. INTERPOL swiftly facilitated communication between the Italian and Indonesian authorities via the INTERPOL National Central Bureaus (NCBs) in Rome and Jakarta, resulting in the timely interception and freezing of EUR 3.1 million of the fraudulent payments in early June.

    Case coordination

    To further support the investigation, in August INTERPOL held a virtual case coordination meeting where authorities from Italy (NCB Rome and the Postal Police Service) and Indonesia (NCB Jakarta, the Financial Intelligence Unit (PPATK) and the Criminal Investigation Department) shared critical investigative details and outlined the steps necessary for securing the frozen assets and locating the suspects behind the fraud.

    See also: Online scams: It might not be too late to get your money back

    Following the meeting, Indonesian authorities identified the three suspects, who were part of a wider criminal network involved in the BEC fraud which targeted the Italian company. They were arrested in early September, when police also seized EUR 3.1 million and assets allegedly purchased using the stolen money.

    “Thanks to the timely action of the Italian and Indonesian authorities using INTERPOL channels, this fraud was detected, the majority of the fraudulent payments stopped before reaching the criminals, and the individuals behind this scam will face justice,” said José de Gracia, INTERPOL’s Assistant Director of Criminal Networks.

    Investigations continue into the activities of the criminal syndicate to determine if there have been other victims from other countries.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Financial crime: South African fraud gang dismantled

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – A fraud gang suspected of swindling a US-based company out of some EUR 455,000 has been taken down in raids across Johannesburg led by investigators from the Hawks Serious Commercial Crimes Unit and US Secret Service agents, and supported by INTERPOL.

    With investigations on-going, the operation led to the arrest of seven people allegedly linked to a Nigerian organized crime syndicate that specializes in online fraud. The suspects allegedly bought luxury vehicles with the proceeds of their crimes.

    The fraud gang suspects allegedly bought luxury vehicles with the proceeds of their crimes

    The operation was part of a global initiative under the framework of INTERPOL’s Global Financial Crime Task Force (IGFCTF), where 14 countries including South Africa and the United States work closely together to tackle the global threat of cyber enabled financial crime.

    The suspects – four men and three women aged between 25 and 42 – are believed to be key figures in a global crime syndicate involved in fraud and money laundering.

    The gang is also believed to be behind romance scams, using fake online identities to lure vulnerable men and women to transfer money. Romance scams generate millions of US dollars worldwide.

    Commending the collaborative work of the multi-disciplinary team which led to the arrests, Hawks head Lt-Gen Godfrey Lebeya said: “Organized criminal groups should know law enforcement agencies are collaborating on an international level to dismantle criminal networks.”

    The Johannesburg operation is one of several global operations under the framework of IGFCTF where law enforcement authorities are working together to crack down on West African fraud syndicates targeting individuals and businesses worldwide.  

    The authorities involved are now working closely with INTERPOL to track the movements of the gang’s money worldwide, with investigations focusing on a worldwide criminal syndicate known as Black Axe, which allegedly used business email compromise (BEC) scams to defraud a US-based mental health institute.

    BEC scams usually target third-party vendors to gain access to business email accounts after which payments are diverted to the bank accounts of money mules.

    Michael K. Burgin of the US Secret Service said: “The fight against cyber-enabled crime knows no boundaries, and the collaborative efforts in this case show how vital it is to work collectively with our international partners to execute impactful takedowns of these highly organized transnational criminal syndicates.”

    Eight suspected Black Axe leaders were arrested in Cape Town and Johannesburg in 2021, leading to a massive drop in the group’s activities and similar crimes. They face extradition to the US, where they are charged with stealing more than EUR 6.25 million from romance scam victims there.

    “Taking advantage of globalization and digitization processes, criminals are able to commit financial crimes with increasing efficiency and sophistication,” said Rory Corcoran, Acting Director, INTERPOL Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC).

    “The Johannesburg arrests highlight the importance of international cooperation between INTERPOL and its global law enforcement partners to target and disrupt the criminal syndicates involved in all forms of financial crimes and corruption,” added Mr Corcoran.

    Since its creation in January, the Centre has helped INTERPOL member countries intercept more than EUR 4.5 million tied to BEC and romance frauds.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Files Suit Against Orange County California Registrar of Voters for Refusing to Provide Non-Citizen Voter Removal Records in Violation of Federal Elections Laws

    Source: US State of Vermont

    The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Robert Page, the Orange County Registrar of Voters in Orange County, California for refusing to provide the Justice Department with records pertaining to the removal of non-citizens from its voter registration list and for failing to maintain an accurate voter list in violation of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).

    “Voting by non-citizens is a federal crime, and states and counties that refuse to disclose all requested voter information are in violation of well-established federal elections laws” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Removal of non-citizens from the state’s voter rolls is critical to ensuring that the State’s voter rolls are accurate and that elections in California are conducted without fraudulent voting. The Department of Justice will hold jurisdictions that refuse to comply with federal voting laws accountable.”

    The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the integrity of the vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

    More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Justice Department Files Complaint Against the District Court of Maryland for Ordering Automatic Injunctions on Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions

    Source: US State of California

    WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Justice announced the filing of a complaint against the U.S. District Court of Maryland for implementing a “Standing Order” that automatic injunctions be issued for federal immigration enforcement actions. This order requires the court clerk to automatically enter an injunction against removing or challenging the legal status of any alien detained in Maryland who files a habeas petition. In doing so, the District Court defies procedural and substantive requirements for issuing preliminary injunctions, flouts congressional intent, and violates Supreme Court precedent.

    “President Trump’s executive authority has been undermined since the first hours of his presidency by an endless barrage of injunctions designed to halt his agenda,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.  “The American people elected President Trump to carry out his policy agenda: this pattern of judicial overreach undermines the democratic process and cannot be allowed to stand.”

    Since the beginning of the new administration, district courts have abused their Article III powers by interfering with Executive Branch prerogatives. To date, district courts have entered more nationwide injunctions in the first 100 days of the administration than in the 100 years from 1900 to 2000. The District Court of Maryland’s automatic injunctions order is yet another egregious example of unlawful judicial overreach into the Executive Branch’s ability to enforce and administer federal law.

    This is the latest action taken by the Department of Justice to reign in unlawful judicial overreach.

    Read the full Complaint HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Files Suit Against Orange County California Registrar of Voters for Refusing to Provide Non-Citizen Voter Removal Records in Violation of Federal Elections Laws

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Robert Page, the Orange County Registrar of Voters in Orange County, California for refusing to provide the Justice Department with records pertaining to the removal of non-citizens from its voter registration list and for failing to maintain an accurate voter list in violation of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).

    “Voting by non-citizens is a federal crime, and states and counties that refuse to disclose all requested voter information are in violation of well-established federal elections laws” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Removal of non-citizens from the state’s voter rolls is critical to ensuring that the State’s voter rolls are accurate and that elections in California are conducted without fraudulent voting. The Department of Justice will hold jurisdictions that refuse to comply with federal voting laws accountable.”

    The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the integrity of the vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

    More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Files Suit Against Orange County California Registrar of Voters for Refusing to Provide Non-Citizen Voter Removal Records in Violation of Federal Elections Laws

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Robert Page, the Orange County Registrar of Voters in Orange County, California for refusing to provide the Justice Department with records pertaining to the removal of non-citizens from its voter registration list and for failing to maintain an accurate voter list in violation of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).

    “Voting by non-citizens is a federal crime, and states and counties that refuse to disclose all requested voter information are in violation of well-established federal elections laws” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Removal of non-citizens from the state’s voter rolls is critical to ensuring that the State’s voter rolls are accurate and that elections in California are conducted without fraudulent voting. The Department of Justice will hold jurisdictions that refuse to comply with federal voting laws accountable.”

    The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the integrity of the vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

    More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: The Justice Department Files Complaint Against the District Court of Maryland for Ordering Automatic Injunctions on Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Justice announced the filing of a complaint against the U.S. District Court of Maryland for implementing a “Standing Order” that automatic injunctions be issued for federal immigration enforcement actions. This order requires the court clerk to automatically enter an injunction against removing or challenging the legal status of any alien detained in Maryland who files a habeas petition. In doing so, the District Court defies procedural and substantive requirements for issuing preliminary injunctions, flouts congressional intent, and violates Supreme Court precedent.

    “President Trump’s executive authority has been undermined since the first hours of his presidency by an endless barrage of injunctions designed to halt his agenda,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.  “The American people elected President Trump to carry out his policy agenda: this pattern of judicial overreach undermines the democratic process and cannot be allowed to stand.”

    Since the beginning of the new administration, district courts have abused their Article III powers by interfering with Executive Branch prerogatives. To date, district courts have entered more nationwide injunctions in the first 100 days of the administration than in the 100 years from 1900 to 2000. The District Court of Maryland’s automatic injunctions order is yet another egregious example of unlawful judicial overreach into the Executive Branch’s ability to enforce and administer federal law.

    This is the latest action taken by the Department of Justice to reign in unlawful judicial overreach.

    Read the full Complaint HERE.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: The Justice Department Files Complaint Against the District Court of Maryland for Ordering Automatic Injunctions on Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Justice announced the filing of a complaint against the U.S. District Court of Maryland for implementing a “Standing Order” that automatic injunctions be issued for federal immigration enforcement actions. This order requires the court clerk to automatically enter an injunction against removing or challenging the legal status of any alien detained in Maryland who files a habeas petition. In doing so, the District Court defies procedural and substantive requirements for issuing preliminary injunctions, flouts congressional intent, and violates Supreme Court precedent.

    “President Trump’s executive authority has been undermined since the first hours of his presidency by an endless barrage of injunctions designed to halt his agenda,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.  “The American people elected President Trump to carry out his policy agenda: this pattern of judicial overreach undermines the democratic process and cannot be allowed to stand.”

    Since the beginning of the new administration, district courts have abused their Article III powers by interfering with Executive Branch prerogatives. To date, district courts have entered more nationwide injunctions in the first 100 days of the administration than in the 100 years from 1900 to 2000. The District Court of Maryland’s automatic injunctions order is yet another egregious example of unlawful judicial overreach into the Executive Branch’s ability to enforce and administer federal law.

    This is the latest action taken by the Department of Justice to reign in unlawful judicial overreach.

    Read the full Complaint HERE.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Record 769 arrests and USD 65 million in illicit pharmaceuticals seized in global bust

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    25 June 2025

    Operation reveals growing demand for semaglutides and peptides as ‘lifestyle enhancers’

    SINGAPORE – An INTERPOL-coordinated operation across 90 countries has resulted in the seizure of 50.4 million doses of illicit pharmaceuticals worth USD 65 million, highlighting the alarming scale of the global trade in unapproved and counterfeit medicines.

    Operation Pangea XVII, which took place from December 2024 to May 2025, saw the arrest of 769 suspects and the dismantling of 123 criminal groups worldwide.

    The seizures and arrests are the largest in the operation’s 17-year history.

    Nervous system agents, including psychostimulants, anti-anxiety drugs, and medications for Parkinson’s disease, topped the list as the most seized product type, with erectile dysfunction medicines, the second highest.

    Other commonly seized product types include anabolic steroids, anti-diabetic medicines, anti-smoking products, dermatological agents, health supplements, herbal products and psychotherapeutic agents.

    David Caunter, Director pro tempore of Organized and Emerging Crime at INTERPOL, said:

    “Fake and unapproved medications are a serious risk to public health. They can include dangerous or illegal ingredients potentially resulting in severe illness, or even death.

    “The rapid growth of online platforms has made it easier for these unsafe drugs to reach people as well as opening new opportunities for criminal networks to exploit.

    “Working together through Operation Pangea, countries are taking action to protect people’s health and keep healthcare systems safe.”

    Ethiopian authorities discovered illicit pharmaceuticals hidden inside a container.

    Seizures of anti-diabetic medication in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

    Customs inspection at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia.

    Inspection at a warehouse in Malaysia.

    Illicit pharmaceuticals seized in Türkiye.

    Illicit pharmaceuticals seized in Malaysia.

     

    Growing demand for anti-diabetic medications and peptide supplements

    The operation revealed growing demand for anti-diabetic drugs and peptide supplements, driven by increasing self-medication, among other factors.

    This trend is being driven by the widespread promotion and availability of these medicines across social media and online marketplaces, creating lucrative and relatively low-risk opportunities for criminal networks selling low-quality or counterfeit products.

    Data from participating countries indicate increasing circulation of illicit anti-diabetic medicines globally due to their off-label weight loss effects, with unapproved and potentially fake drugs seized in the Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America.

    Estimates suggest that a single semaglutide pen may sell for several hundred US dollars on the secondary market.

    The seizures corroborate recent alerts from the World Health Organization and various national health regulatory agencies warning of emerging risks associated with GLP-1-related injectable drugs.

    Operation Pangea XVII revealed another emerging trend – growing demand for peptide supplements for their perceived cosmetic and performance-enhancing benefits, especially in high-income countries across Europe, North America and Oceania.

    These supplements, such as BPC-157, ipamorelin, and melanotan, remain unapproved in many regions due to potential health risks and the lack of sufficient human trials, and until recently, seizures of such peptide-based biologically active substances were rare.

    Ethiopian authorities discovered illicit pharmaceuticals hidden inside a container.

    Illicit pharmaceuticals seized in Argentina.

    Unapproved pregabalin medicines seized in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

    Suspected counterfeit tramadol and other medicines seized in Gabon.

    Illicit pharmaceuticals found in a clandestine clinic in Mozambique.

    Illicit erectile dysfunction medicines seized in Bulgaria.

    Operational highlights

    In total, law enforcement agencies worldwide launched 1,728 investigations and issued 847 search warrants targeting criminal networks engaged in the illicit distribution of pharmaceutical products.

    93 per cent of the illicit pharmaceuticals seized lacked regulatory approvals from national health authorities.

    Such products may contain counterfeit, substandard or falsified substances which have not been identified.

    The remaining seven per cent were confirmed as either counterfeit, diverted, or misbranded products.

    Australia recorded the largest seizures globally, with psychostimulants such as modafinil and armodafinil being the most common category seized nationally. This was followed by anti-smoking pouches and erectile dysfunction medicines.

    Professor Tony Lawler, Head of Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said:

    “During this operation, the TGA assessed over 9,500 imports referred by the Australian Border Force and facilitated the seizure of over 5.2 million units of unlawfully imported therapeutic goods, including products that were found to be substandard or falsified.

    This operational partnership represents a significant disruption of dangerous medicines from entering our community, and diversion of profits from those that would usually benefit from the illegal sale and supply.”

    Large seizures of various illicit pharmaceuticals were similarly reported in Canada, Ireland, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States, among other countries. 

    Operation Pangea XVII also saw the shutdown of approximately 13,000 criminal-linked websites, social media pages, channels, and bots used to market and sell illegal or falsified medicines.

    Malaysia removed the greatest number of online listings (7,000), followed by Russia, Ireland, Singapore and Iran. The five countries collectively accounted for 96 per cent of all listings taken down.

    In Burkina Faso, 816,000 tablets including analgesics and anti-inflammatories were discovered hidden in vehicles.

    In Mexico, authorities intercepted 27,000 clonazepam tablets and 20,000 alprazolam tablets passing through a courier facility in Tijuana.

    In Portugal, anabolic steroids were discovered in eight prisons across the country, unveiling evidence of a criminal network smuggling illicit substances into correctional facilities.

    Notes to Editor

    Operation Pangea is an annual INTERPOL operation targeting the online sale of illicit pharmaceuticals. The 17th edition of the operation marked a departure from previous iterations with enforcement action taking place over six months instead of the traditional one week. This extended duration allowed for a more comprehensive and sustained effort to disrupt criminal networks.

    Additional support was provided by national health regulatory agencies, Europol, the International Narcotics Control Board, the Pharmaceutical Security Institute, the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Universal Postal Union, the World Customs Organization and the World Health Organization.

    The following countries participated in Operation Pangea XVII: Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Rep., Democratic Rep. of Congo, Denmark, Dominican Rep., Ecuador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Greece, Guyana, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Jamaica, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland (United Kingdom), Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Palestine, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Rep San Marino, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka, St Lucia, Sweden, Thailand, Togo, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ILLEGAL ALIEN CHARGED WITH POSSESSING A GUN AND AMMUNITION IN FLORIDA

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

    GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Camerino Perez Perez, a/k/a “Squirrel,” 41, of Levy County, FL, was indicted by a federal grand jury this week charging him with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge today.

    Perez is scheduled for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Midori Lowry on July 1, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in Gainesville, Florida.

    If convicted, Perez faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner is prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

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

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: TWO-TIME CONVICTED FELON FROM LEVY COUNTY CHARGED WITH POSSESSING A GUN AND AMMUNITION

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

    GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Kashone Demetrious Bing, 20, of Levy County, FL, was indicted by a federal grand jury this week charging him with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge today.

    Bing is scheduled for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Midori Lowry on July 1, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in Gainesville, Florida.

    If convicted, Bing faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner is prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

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

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Containers for Change coming to Cooloola!

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 24 Jun 2025

    A new Containers for Change transfer station will be part of improved waste and recycling infrastructure for the Cooloola and Inskip Peninsula recreation areas.

    From 30 June 2025, all waste bins along Teewah Beach and at the Freshwater camping area will be relocated to two new transfer stations at Noosa North Shore and on Rainbow Beach Road.

    Principal Ranger Danielle Mansfield said the new Containers for Change pod will be located at the Noosa North Shore waste transfer station.

    “Campers and day visitors will now be able to drop off their empties at the Containers for Change pod, and the funding can be donated to Cooloola Coast Care,” Ms Mansfield said.

    “This funding is important for Cooloola Coast Care and will be used to help manage stranded sea life, beach clean-up activities and pest management programs.

    “Having less bins near the camping areas will ensure a cleaner, nature-based holiday, a reduction in smells and less rubbish dumped in the dunes.

    “The improvements to waste management will help protect the stunning natural environment and will boost the visitor experience.

    “Our protected areas are not just destinations. They are living, breathing areas that our community love.

    “By removing waste from the beach and donating their empties, people can ensure the Cooloola recreation area remains pristine for future generations.”

    The new Noosa North Shore waste transfer station will also include large bins for solid waste and infrastructure for portable toilet waste. The waste transfer station on Freshwater Road (off Rainbow Beach Road) will take solid and recyclable waste.

    Bins will continue to be available for Inskip campers at Sarawak West, M.V. Sarawak, M.V. Beagle, M.V. Natone and S.S. Dorrigo camping areas. Bins are not provided at Dorrigo South and Pelican Bay camping areas.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MHRA seizes 7.7 million doses of illegal medicines and removes hundreds of illegal online listings as part of Operation Pangea

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    MHRA seizes 7.7 million doses of illegal medicines and removes hundreds of illegal online listings as part of Operation Pangea

    Operation Pangea brings together health regulators, customs authorities, law enforcement agencies, and private sector partners to tackle the threat posed by global criminal networks

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has seized almost eight million doses of illegal medicines as part of an annual global coordinated operation to tackle the illegal online sale of medicines and medical devices.

    Operation Pangea, coordinated by Interpol and involving around 90 countries, is the world’s largest initiative of its kind. It brings together health regulators, customs authorities, law enforcement agencies, and private sector partners to tackle the threat posed by criminal networks operating in the global supply of illegal medicines.

    This year’s operation took place between December 2024 and May 2025. Working with law enforcement partners, the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU) seized 7.7 million doses of illicit medicines with an estimated value of £17.2m. Among the products seized in the UK were various prescription-only medications including powerful painkillers, anti-depressants and sleeping pills.

    The CEU also coordinated several arrest operations, denied gangs access to almost £1.4m in criminal profits, and removed 367 websites and social media accounts offering medical products to the public illegally.

    Do not self-prescribe.

    Self-diagnosis and self-medication can be very dangerous. If you have a concern about your health, seek advice from a healthcare professional and only obtain medicines from a trusted source.

    Visit the #FakeMeds website for tools and resources to help people purchase medication or medical devices safely online.

    Andy Morling, who heads the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU), said:

    Criminals trade in illegal medicines for no other reason than to make money. Not only are these people breaking the law, but they also have no regard for your health.

    Buying medicines from unverified sources, online or elsewhere, means there is no guarantee that the products are safe or effective. Some can contain dangerous or illegal ingredients that could result in severe illness, addiction or even death.

    People also need to be aware that turning to illegal online sellers can leave them exposed to bank fraud and identity theft.

    This year’s operation is another example of how the MHRA and its international partners are joining forces to tackle the criminal gangs causing so much misery and harm around the world.

    Notes to editors

    • Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from a medicine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, either through the Yellow Card website or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.
    • The MHRA’s Accredited Financial Investigators are authorised by the National Crime Agency under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). They support investigations by tracing, freezing, and confiscating assets linked to crime, including money laundering and the illegal supply of medicines. Their work includes seizing cash, valuable items, and freezing bank accounts or cryptocurrency suspected of criminal origins. The Home Office’s Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS) allows a proportion of the proceeds of crime recovered under POCA, to be redistributed to agencies involved in the asset recovery process. The Home Office encourages agencies to invest ARIS funds to drive up performance on asset recovery or, where appropriate, to fund local crime fighting priorities for the benefit of the community.
    • Operation Pangea is a global initiative coordinated by INTERPOL that targets the illegal online sale and distribution of unlicensed and counterfeit medicines and medical devices. Involving police, customs, health regulators, and private sector partners across approximately 90, the operation aims to protect public health by disrupting criminal networks and raising awareness of the dangers of buying medicines from unregulated sources.
    • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks. 
    • The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care. 
    • For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 59: UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    UN Human Rights Council 59: UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

    Thank you Mr Vice President and Special Rapporteur for your report on your visit to the UK in February last year under the previous Government. I have listened carefully to your comments this morning.

    Tackling violence against women and girls, both domestically and internationally, is a top priority for the UK.

    Special Rapporteur, we note that you highlighted several positive elements of the UK’s domestic response, including:

    • robust legislation covering sexual violence, domestic abuse and modern slavery and human trafficking;
    • criminal offences covering female genital mutilation and forced marriage;
    • measures taken to prevent and improve employers’ responses to workplace harassment;
    • an expansive definition of domestic abuse, which includes emotional abuse, coercive or controlling behaviour and economic abuse and recognises that children can be victims of domestic abuse;
    • measures to tackle technology-facilitated violence, particularly the Online Safety Act 2023; and
    • the strength of civil society organisations.

    Nevertheless, we recognise that there are several areas for improvement that are relevant to the Special Rapporteur’s comments on the UK, such as:

    • ensuring the sustainable provision of services for women affected by violence and abuse;
    • ensuring children under the age of 16 receive effective safeguarding and support when they experience teenage relationship abuse; and
    • ensuring more comprehensive and richer data is collected about these crimes and the individuals who commit and experience them.

    We must also ensure sustainable and long-term resources for the implementation of policies and legislation across the four nations of our United Kingdom. Three devolution settlements – one each for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – stipulate matters that are the responsibility of the UK Parliament and others that are the responsibility of the devolved legislatures. It is right that approaches can be tailored to the specific needs of each nation. Nevertheless, the four governments can and will work together to ensure a coherent and effective framework for the safety and security of people across our United Kingdom.

    Mr Vice President,

    The manifesto on which our current Government was elected last summer included the ambition to halve levels of violence against women and girls in a decade – an ambitious aim that requires a transformative approach across government, public services, the private sector and charities.

    Since last year’s election, the Government has introduced several important measures to improve protection for victims of violence against women and girls and ensure perpetrators are held accountable. These include:

    • the rollout of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders in selected areas and the introduction of “Raneem’s Law” strengthening the police’s response domestic abuse by embedding specialists in emergency service control rooms in specific areas;
    • a new package of measures to tackle stalking, including a review of legislation and introducing statutory guidance to set out the process by which the police should release information identifying online stalkers to their victims; and
    • £13 million for a new National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection, to improve the policing response.

    This year, our Government will publish a new strategy which will set the strategic direction and concrete actions to deliver on that Manifesto pledge to halve levels of violence against women and girls in a decade. This will be underpinned by an evidence-based theory of change to ensure that our approach is informed by the best available evidence.

    Finally, while I have the floor, we note your latest thematic report, Special Rapporteur. We are not going to make a separate statement in relation to that report but I would like to express our support to the joint statement Colombia will deliver today on the use of established terms such as gender-based violence.

    Thank you both.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Island Community Explores Pathways To Strengthen Energy Reliability

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy to Communities Program Helped Edgartown, Massachusetts, Plan for a Microgrid To Support Municipal Buildings in Emergencies

    There is no bridge to the island of Martha’s Vineyard from mainland Massachusetts: If you want to get there, you have to take a ferry or plane. The island’s remote nature does not discourage tourists from visiting the small town of Edgartown—its population balloons from 5,000 to 25,000 during the warm summer months. But it does present problems for addressing power outages year-round.

    When the tourists pack up their beach umbrellas and head back home, hurricanes and nor’easters are soon to follow. Without easy access to mainland resources, residents need independent, resilient energy sources to weather such storms.

    “Our long-term plan is to make our municipal facilities sufficiently resilient so that we won’t have to worry about power during emergencies,” said Edgartown Energy Committee Associate Alan Strahler. Strahler has been working with the committee since 2017 to identify projects to enhance energy efficiency and resilience. “Our goal is to provide up to seven days of local independent operation of emergency facilities during power outages in both winter and summer.”

    To reach this goal, Edgartown plans to develop microgrids at town buildings. In a microgrid, the buildings can be powered by solar photovoltaics (PV), battery energy storage, grid power, or a backup generator. The microgrid normally selects the cheapest energy source, but when grid power goes out, it operates independently using the remaining energy sources.

    In pursuing this plan for its community, Edgartown sought expertise from researchers through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Energy to Communities (E2C) program. E2C’s Expert Match offers a three- to four-month technical assistance program that pairs communities with researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and other national laboratories to help them address near-term energy goals.

    “Edgartown wants to create its first microgrid designed to support town buildings in power outages,” said Amanda Krelling, a researcher with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and lead for Edgartown’s Expert Match support. “Microgrids would create more security and safety for their residents while they potentially have to wait for someone off of the island to come fix the outage.”

    Generating Options Tailored to Community Needs

    The community applied to E2C Expert Match with a microgrid location in mind: the Edgartown Highway Department and its adjacent campus.

    “We wanted to understand how we could describe a project that would be worth the investment and have the proper benefits in terms of energy generation, resilience, and savings from a quantitative perspective,” Strahler said.

    The campus consists of five buildings, ranging from 300 square feet to 10,000 square feet. Krelling began the analysis process with collection and review of available building data, including utility bills, building materials, satellite imagery, and even roof color.

    “Roof color can affect energy consumption. Light-colored roofs reflect more solar radiation and dark-colored roofs absorb more,” Krelling said. “So, it is an important detail to consider when you are modeling electric loads for buildings.”

    The highway garage building is one of several buildings that can accommodate solar panels on the Edgartown Highway Department campus. Photos from Edgartown Highway Department

    The building data that Krelling collected helped her calibrate models for the Distributed Energy Resources Customer Adoption Model (DER-CAM). DER-CAM describes changes in building energy loads through different generation options and allows users to optimize the portfolio, size, and placement of distributed energy resources based on specific goals.

    Using DER-CAM, Krelling created generation options based on four strategies, moving from lowest generation potential to the highest. The first strategy, with a PV capacity of 27 kilowatts and no battery storage, focused solely on meeting electrical loads during power outages and reducing energy cost during normal conditions. Strategy two, with 84 kilowatts of PV capacity and 62 kilowatt-hours of battery capacity, and strategy three, with 270 kilowatts of PV capacity and 40 kilowatt-hours of battery capacity, could each support independent building operation during both power outages and normal conditions. Strategy four maximized the total solar PV installation area available with a PV capacity of 429 kilowatts and battery capacity of 39 kilowatt-hours and generated excess energy to be sold to provide town income.

    “Developing solar on an island isn’t always easy because of the limited space. You have to look at the use case of the location and how you can align it with the solar project,” said Edgartown Energy Committee Associate Erich Mettler, who has a professional background in development and operation of utility-scale solar projects. “The Expert Match team did a good job of looking at those different use cases and actually finding ways to make the facility work better.”

    Providing Crucial Insight for Decision-Making

    DER-CAM modeling provided projections for energy generation, cost, and revenue for all four generation strategies, laying out how each could potentially work for the community. This data ultimately gave Edgartown the information they needed to pursue next steps for the microgrid, including studies to further explore and outline the technical feasibility and design. While Expert Match does not directly assist communities with the process of applying for grants, the analysis provided can contribute to a successful application—as it did for Edgartown.

    “We used this information in a grant application for an engineering study of the possible microgrid, and we wound up getting it,” Strahler said, referring to a $30,500 grant received through DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. “I really think one of the reasons we got it is because Expert Match had done all the homework for us. It was a wonderful education and joy for me working with the team, getting the results, and seeing how the modeling worked.”

    The energy generation projected in these strategies also provides an avenue for the community to continue building up the site with additional capabilities, such as an electric vehicle charging station. Further analysis through Expert Match showed that the microgrid’s energy resources could even accommodate a heat pump for space heating of the main building without significantly diminishing the microgrid’s renewable energy output or altering the electric load.

    “It is a very enriching experience to work with these communities,” Krelling said. “Even though this was only an initial analysis, you can see how excited they are about this idea. Our work gave them insight into how they can move forward.”

    The Edgartown energy committee hopes that the lessons learned from this project will go on to benefit the five other towns of Martha’s Vineyard.

    “The island has several energy committees, and if this is successful, I hope that they would look at doing projects similar to this,” Mettler said. “I think this effort can elevate thinking about ways to be more efficient in our energy usage in our community.”

    Expert Match applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Learn more about all of E2C’s program opportunities and apply on the E2C Expert Match webpage.

    E2C connects community-based groups, local governments, utilities, and other organizations with national laboratory experts to close the gaps between communities’ energy ambitions and real-world deployment. The technical assistance offered through E2C can offer meaningful insights around energy decision-making to help communities achieve resilient, abundant, reliable, secure, and affordable energy systems that embody local and regional priorities. For example, E2C analysis can provide insights on the costs and benefits of electric vehicles, geothermal systems, or capturing and storing solar energy. Such analysis provides community-specific information on the funding and support needed to bring energy projects to fruition.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Releases 2024 Hate Crime Report, Highlights Continued Efforts to Combat Hate in California

    Source: US State of California

    Amidst increase in reported hate crimes, urges agencies across California to recommit themselves to taking action 

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today released the 2024 Hate Crime in California Report and highlighted information and resources to support ongoing efforts across the state to combat hate. Reported hate crime events in California have increased by 2.7% from 1,970 in 2023 to 2,023 in 2024. In particular, reported hate crimes against our LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities have increased, and too many communities continue to be unacceptably targeted by hate. Amidst this increase in reported hate crime offenses and events, Attorney General Bonta urges local partners and law enforcement to review the resources highlighted today and to recommit themselves to taking action.

    “There is absolutely no place for hate in California. Transparent and accessible data is a critical part of understanding where we are and how we can end hate crimes in our communities,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Everyone has a part to play as we continue to fight intolerance in California, and I urge leaders up and down the state to review the data and resources available and recommit to standing united against hate. The California Department of Justice remains steadfast in our commitment to continue working with law enforcement, elected leaders, and community organizations across California to keep our communities safe.” 

    The California Department of Justice has collected statewide data on hate crimes since 1995. Under California law, a hate crime is a criminal act committed in whole or in part because of a victim’s actual or perceived disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or association with someone with one or more of these characteristics. If you believe you or someone you know has been the victim of a hate crime, notify local law enforcement and consider taking the following steps:  

    • If you are in immediate danger, call 911 and if needed, seek medical attention.
    • Write down the exact words that were used and take note of any other relevant facts.
    • If safe to do so, save all evidence and take photos.
    • Get contact information for other victims and witnesses.
    • Reach out to community organizations in your area that deal with hate crimes or incidents.

    Hate crimes are distinct from hate incidents, which are actions or behaviors motivated by hate that may be protected by the First Amendment right to freedom of expression. Examples of hate incidents include name-calling, insults, and distributing hate material in public places. If a hate incident starts to threaten a person or property, it may become a hate crime. Hate crimes can be reported to the California Civil Rights Department’s CA v. Hate online portal at any time in 15 languages or by calling the CA v. Hate hotline at (833) 866-4283 or 833-8-NO-HATE, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and talking to a trained civil rights agent in over 200 languages. Outside of those hours, people can leave a voicemail or call 211 to report a hate incident and seek support from a professional trained in culturally competent communication and trauma-informed practices. 

    Historically, hate crime data has generally been underreported and the California Department of Justice recognizes that the data presented in its reports may not adequately reflect the actual number of hate crime events that have occurred in the state. Caution should be used when comparing 2024 hate crimes data to prior years, as not all agencies were able to submit a full year of data for 2024. For more information, please reference the “Understanding the Data, Characteristics and Known Limitations” section in the report. 

    Some of the key findings from the 2024 Hate Crime in California Report include: 

    • Reported hate crime events increased 2.7% from 1,970 in 2023 to 2,023 in 2024.
    • Hate crime offenses increased 8.9% from 2,359 in 2023 to 2,568 in 2024.
    • The number of victims of reported hate crimes increased 8.2% from 2,303 in 2023 to 2,491 in 2024. 
    • Reported hate crime events involving a racial bias decreased 0.6% from 1,017 in 2023 to 1,011 in 2024. 
    • Anti-Black bias events remained the most prevalent, despite a 4.6% decrease from 518 in 2023 to 494 in 2024. 
    • Anti-Asian bias events decreased 4.8% from 125 in 2023 to 119 in 2024. 
    • Reported hate crime events involving a religion bias increased 3% from 394 in 2023 to 406 in 2024. 
    • Anti-Jewish bias events rose from 289 in 2023 to 310 in 2024, an increase of 7.3%.
    • Anti-Islamic (Muslim) bias events fell from 40 in 2023 to 24 in 2024. 
    • Between 2023 and 2024, hate crime events motivated by sexual orientation bias increased by 12.3% from 405 in 2023 to 455 in 2024, anti-transgender bias events increased by 12.3% from 65 in 2023 to 73 in 2024, and anti-LGBTQ+ bias events increased by 13.9% from 2023.
    • From 2023 to 2024, the number of hate crimes referred for prosecution increased from 679 in 2023 to 818 in 2024. Of the 818 hate crimes that were referred for prosecution, 506 cases were filed by district attorneys and elected city attorneys for prosecution. Of the 506 cases that were filed for prosecution, 327 were filed as hate crimes and 179 were filed as non-bias motivated crimes.

    In California, it is considered a hate crime if you are targeted because of your actual or perceived nationality, including your immigration or citizenship status. Earlier this year, Attorney General Bonta released updated guidance and resources on hate crimes for law enforcement, prosecutors, and the victims of these crimes in preparation for a potential increase in violence against immigrants as a result of President Trump’s xenophobic rhetoric. These resources include an updated law enforcement bulletin on laws prohibiting hate crimes, a hate crimes rapid response protocol for the deployment of DOJ resources, guidance to prosecutors to help strengthen hate crimes prosecution enforcement, and a fact sheet to help Californians understand their rights and protections under hate crime laws. These, and other resources can be found on oag.ca.gov/HATECRIMES.  

    Attorney General Bonta launched the Racial Justice Bureau, which, among other things, supports the California Department of Justice’s broader mandate to advance the civil rights of all Californians by assisting with new and ongoing efforts to combat hate and bias. Beginning in 2021, the Attorney General began proactively engaging with local city leaders in the biggest cities in California through roundtables in San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, Riverside, Long Beach, Santa Ana, San Jose, Stockton, Anaheim, Bakersfield, Fresno, and Irvine. More broadly, the Attorney General is deeply committed to responding to the needs of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities and, in July 2021, also launched the Office of Community Awareness, Response, and Engagement to work directly with community organizations and members of the public as part of the effort to advance justice for all Californians.

    DOJ’s Office of Community Awareness, Response, and Engagement will host a virtual Community Briefing on Wednesday, July 30th at 1pm PT to share highlights and findings from the report. People interested can register here: https://doj-ca.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_vDq6h0e1TbKG3D-DWByjfQ#/registration

    Members of the public can further explore the most recent hate crime data on OpenJustice.

    The 2024 Hate Crime in California Report can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Sunday to Announce Charges in Central Pa.-Based ‘Chop Shop’ Operation

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    June 26, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

    ADVISORY – Attorney General Sunday to Announce Charges in Central Pa.-Based ‘Chop Shop’ Operation

    WHAT:
    Attorney General Dave Sunday will announce charges in a high-level, central Pennsylvania-based “chop shop” and fraud organization. The organization deployed a number of different schemes to defraud and steal, including the theft of rental vehicles that were then dismantled and retitled for black market sales.

    Attorney General Sunday and Pennsylvania State Police will discuss the charges, how the sophisticated criminal organization operated, and how their crimes impacted Pennsylvanians.

    WHO:
    Dave Sunday, Attorney General of Pennsylvania
    Captain James A. Reinard, Pennsylvania State Police
    Other partners TBD

    WHEN & WHERE:
    1 P.M., Thursday, June 26, 2025

    Office of Attorney General
    16th Floor, Strawberry Square
    Harrisburg, Pa. 17120

    MEDIA RSVP:
    Credentialed media must RSVP to press@attorneygeneral.gov. Media may arrive beginning at 12:30 P.M. (You are required to check in with security on first floor.)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Rosen Secure Close to $34 Million to Support Nevada’s Rural Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced that the Department of the Interior (DOI) has awarded $33,801,823 to Nevada counties under the Payments of Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program. PILT payments support government services – including firefighting, law enforcement, road construction, and public education – primarily in rural counties.

    “Nevada’s rural communities rely on PILT funding to complete projects and carry out critical services,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I am pleased to announce this funding – close to a million more than last year – to ensure local governments across the Silver State can continue to deliver for families that call our rural counties home.”

    “I’m committed to making sure that Nevada receives its fair share of federal funding to help support local law enforcement, bolster public education, and fund critically-needed infrastructure repairs,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to have helped secure more than $33 million in PILT funding this year to support rural communities across Nevada so they can afford essential services that benefit our state and help Nevadans succeed.”

    PILT payments are federal payments to local governments that help offset losses in property taxes due to non-taxable federal lands within those governments’ boundaries. PILT payments help local governments carry out vital services including firefighting and police protection, construction of public schools and roads, and search-and-rescue operations. The payments are made annually for tax-exempt federal lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (all agencies of the DOI), the U.S. Forest Service (part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture), federal water projects, and some military installations. A full breakdown of the FY2025 PILT payments by county is available here.

    Senator Cortez Masto is fighting to expand the PILT program for low-population counties to secure even more funding for Nevada’s rural communities in the future. In March, she introduced the bipartisan Small County PILT Parity Act, which would allow counties with populations under 5,000 to receive increased PILT payments to create parity with larger counties where per capita funding increases as population decreases. In Nevada, five counties would qualify for increased funding under that bill: Esmeralda, Eureka, Lincoln, Mineral, and Storey.

    Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen are champions for Nevada’s rural communities, working across the aisle to deliver for families. They have also ensured rural Nevada communities have better access to federal funds and services through the Rural Partners Network. In the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, they secured funding for rural schools and over $460 million for broadband. Cortez Masto also made sure the law included her legislation to help rural counties with internet access at local schools and streamline federal broadband funding to improve internet access for rural areas. Cortez Masto has led legislation to support key tourism and outdoor industries in every corner of Nevada through economic development.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Reinventing Legal Transaction Management: Legatics Powers Data-Driven Firms

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Legatics, the legal tech company transforming how legal transactions are run, announces the release of its latest whitepaper: The hidden value of legal transaction data. The whitepaper explores how law firms can turn the overlooked data in legal deals into a competitive advantage, driving smarter, faster, and more collaborative transactions and a vision for how firms can make use of increasing volumes of data in the future.

    As legal operations grow increasingly complex, law firms are seeking tools that not only streamline deal execution but also surface insights from the process itself. In this new whitepaper, Legatics lays out how deal data – often buried in emails, spreadsheets, and static checklists – can be harnessed to improve efficiency, transparency, and decision-making.

    Amid a wave of legal tech transformation, many firms still struggle to capitalize on the wealth of data generated throughout transactions. As David Cunningham, Chief Innovation Officer at Reed Smith, explains in the recent Lexis Nexis Legal Tech Trends 2025 report: “Firms have relied on lagging financial indicators to run and tune the business but will increasingly invest in a more complete set of data and leading, rather than lagging, business measures.”

    Legatics meets this need head-on by capturing deal data and surfacing trends that help legal professionals refine strategy and increase efficiency across future matters.

    “Deal management has the potential to generate fascinating data,” said Anthony Seale, CEO of Legatics. “We’re helping firms move toward a model where every transaction generates value not just for the matter at hand, but for the firm’s broader strategy.”

    The insights in this whitepaper offer law firms a blueprint and future vision for using existing workflows to generate new value, without requiring a total overhaul of how deals get done.

    Download the whitepaper: The hidden value of legal transaction data

    About Legatics
    Legatics is a legal transaction management platform that streamlines how lawyers collaborate and close deals. With real-time permissioned checklists, status dashboard, signature management and closing set automation, Legatics provides clarity, reduces risk, saves time that is typically written-off, and enhances the client experience.

    We are trusted by the world’s leading law firms, including many of the AmLaw 100, UK top 100 and Chambers Band 1 ranked law firms globally and have had matters originate in over 60 countries.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d55d1061-a554-4a74-b950-636004a2d2a2

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man found guilty of murdering a teenage boy in Hainault sword attack

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man who attacked a schoolboy with a sword and injured police as they bravely pursued him in Hainault has been convicted of murder.

    Daniel Anjorin was just 14 when he was murdered in the street in the brutal rampage in April last year, which also saw several members of the public and two Met Police officers seriously injured.

    Following a complex investigation by Met homicide detectives, Marcus Arduini Monzo, 37 (11.04.88) of Satanita Close, Canning Town, appeared for a trial which started on Tuesday, 3 June and lasted for just over three weeks.

    At the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 25 June, Monzo was found guilty of seven offences, including murder, three counts of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm (having been cleared of the more serious count of attempted murder), aggravated burglary and possession of an offensive weapon.

    Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, who leads policing in the East Area where this incident happened, said outside court this afternoon:

    “The horrific events on 30 April last year in Hainault sent shockwaves through our community and had a devastating and lasting impact on so many.

    “First in our thoughts is Daniel Anjorin – a talented, gentle, bright young man. A much-loved son and brother, brutally murdered simply walking to school at what should have been the start of a normal day at the start of a promising life.

    “Marcus Monzo set out that morning under the influence of cannabis, with a clear intention to kill a number of people.

    “It didn’t matter who they were and sadly, he targeted Daniel in a cowardly and brutal attack.

    “A number of other local people were also attacked, seriously injured and threatened that day – and I would like to acknowledge their bravery and resilience in giving evidence in this case.

    ”As we heard in court, police officers and paramedics were on the scene within minutes of Monzo assaulting Daniel.

    “I am in no doubt that the actions of those officers who arrived to pursue and attempt to detain Monzo saved lives and prevented more harm.

    “I commend them for their extraordinary bravery – some setting out to deal with that call before their shift had even begun.

    “PC Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield bravely pursued Monzo through a series of alleyways while he was armed with a sword.

    “The injuries Monzo inflicted on her were brutal and life-changing.

    “Inspector Moloy Campbell was also seriously injured while attempting to detain Monzo.

    “These officers are a credit to the Metropolitan Police Service and we continue to support them during their recovery.

    “Many officers on scene that day put their lives on the line and put their duty to protect others above their own personal safety.

    “This is what our police officers do every day and they deserve our respect and admiration – we should never take this for granted.

    “This has been an incredibly complex investigation and our detectives have been meticulous, compassionate and professional throughout.

    “We thank the witnesses who were no doubt terrified by the harrowing scenes and who have made a vital contribution to our investigation.

    “Finally, and most importantly, I would like to pay my respects to Daniel’s family.

    “There are no words, really, to express how sorry we are for your loss or how much admiration we have for your courage and dignity.

    “It is hard to comprehend the unimaginable pain that you must have suffered in the last year.

    “I can only hope today’s verdict brings some semblance of justice and relief, and you are now able to grieve in some peace.

    “Our thoughts remain with all those who have been impacted by this terrible incident.”

    The series of brutal attacks started at 06:45hrs on Tuesday, 30 April 2024 with the attempted murder of a 33-year-old man as he was walking to work from Hainault station.

    Police started receiving reports at 06:52hrs that a van had collided with the fence of a house in Thurlow Gardens and that someone had been stabbed.

    Officers were on the scene within minutes.

    CCTV would later show Monzo deliberately driving a grey van into his first victim, catapulting him into a nearby garden.

    Monzo pursued the man, slashing him in the neck with a Samurai sword before he bravely escaped.

    Monzo then turned his attention to innocent schoolboy Daniel who was walking down the quiet, residential street he lived on.

    He was wearing his school sports clothes, backpack and headphones and had just waved goodbye to his mother.

    Daniel was attacked by Monzo from behind just after 07:00hrs, moments after police had started receiving reports of the earlier collision.

    Later during the investigation, police would gather witness statements which would describe Monzo running up behind Daniel and swinging the sword towards him.

    Officers took further statements from witnesses who helped build a picture of the scene before emergency services arrived.

    Body worn video on officers showed them deploying PAVA incapacitant spray in the direction of Monzo, before PC Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield was seen chasing him with a Taser down an alley, where he ruthlessly injured her.

    She suffered a fractured skull and life-changing injuries, including severe nerve damage.

    Monzo then gained entry to a family home, where a man was asleep with his wife and child, assaulting the father before running into a waiting group of officers outside.

    Several other officers continued their pursuit of the killer and brought the rampage to a close by Tasering him and recovering his sword within 22 minutes.

    Monzo was arrested at the scene.

    Police set up an extensive crime scene covering all six incidents, which were forensically examined across the route Monzo had run.

    Specialist officers were deployed to search the area, as well as photograph the scene and forensically lift key evidence, such as the Monzo’s van, where they found Daniel’s backpack.

    Officers conducted a search of Monzo’s home where they recovered two air pistols, and a number of mobile phones which were downloaded and reviewed.

    They also found a quantity of cannabis which the defence referenced as a factor in the defendant’s psychotic episodes, where he suffered schizophrenia-like symptoms.

    Detectives built enough evidence to charge Monzo on Wednesday, 1 May 2024.

    He pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon with respect to a Katana Sword and possession of an offensive weapon with respect to a Tanto Katana Sword at the Old Bailey on Friday, 2 May.

    He will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 27 June.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man found guilty of murdering a teenage boy in Hainault sword attack

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man who attacked a schoolboy with a sword and injured police as they bravely pursued him in Hainault has been convicted of murder.

    Daniel Anjorin was just 14 when he was murdered in the street in the brutal rampage in April last year, which also saw several members of the public and two Met Police officers seriously injured.

    Following a complex investigation by Met homicide detectives, Marcus Arduini Monzo, 37 (11.04.88) of Satanita Close, Canning Town, appeared for a trial which started on Tuesday, 3 June and lasted for just over three weeks.

    At the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 25 June, Monzo was found guilty of seven offences, including murder, three counts of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm (having been cleared of the more serious count of attempted murder), aggravated burglary and possession of an offensive weapon.

    Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, who leads policing in the East Area where this incident happened, said outside court this afternoon:

    “The horrific events on 30 April last year in Hainault sent shockwaves through our community and had a devastating and lasting impact on so many.

    “First in our thoughts is Daniel Anjorin – a talented, gentle, bright young man. A much-loved son and brother, brutally murdered simply walking to school at what should have been the start of a normal day at the start of a promising life.

    “Marcus Monzo set out that morning under the influence of cannabis, with a clear intention to kill a number of people.

    “It didn’t matter who they were and sadly, he targeted Daniel in a cowardly and brutal attack.

    “A number of other local people were also attacked, seriously injured and threatened that day – and I would like to acknowledge their bravery and resilience in giving evidence in this case.

    ”As we heard in court, police officers and paramedics were on the scene within minutes of Monzo assaulting Daniel.

    “I am in no doubt that the actions of those officers who arrived to pursue and attempt to detain Monzo saved lives and prevented more harm.

    “I commend them for their extraordinary bravery – some setting out to deal with that call before their shift had even begun.

    “PC Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield bravely pursued Monzo through a series of alleyways while he was armed with a sword.

    “The injuries Monzo inflicted on her were brutal and life-changing.

    “Inspector Moloy Campbell was also seriously injured while attempting to detain Monzo.

    “These officers are a credit to the Metropolitan Police Service and we continue to support them during their recovery.

    “Many officers on scene that day put their lives on the line and put their duty to protect others above their own personal safety.

    “This is what our police officers do every day and they deserve our respect and admiration – we should never take this for granted.

    “This has been an incredibly complex investigation and our detectives have been meticulous, compassionate and professional throughout.

    “We thank the witnesses who were no doubt terrified by the harrowing scenes and who have made a vital contribution to our investigation.

    “Finally, and most importantly, I would like to pay my respects to Daniel’s family.

    “There are no words, really, to express how sorry we are for your loss or how much admiration we have for your courage and dignity.

    “It is hard to comprehend the unimaginable pain that you must have suffered in the last year.

    “I can only hope today’s verdict brings some semblance of justice and relief, and you are now able to grieve in some peace.

    “Our thoughts remain with all those who have been impacted by this terrible incident.”

    The series of brutal attacks started at 06:45hrs on Tuesday, 30 April 2024 with the attempted murder of a 33-year-old man as he was walking to work from Hainault station.

    Police started receiving reports at 06:52hrs that a van had collided with the fence of a house in Thurlow Gardens and that someone had been stabbed.

    Officers were on the scene within minutes.

    CCTV would later show Monzo deliberately driving a grey van into his first victim, catapulting him into a nearby garden.

    Monzo pursued the man, slashing him in the neck with a Samurai sword before he bravely escaped.

    Monzo then turned his attention to innocent schoolboy Daniel who was walking down the quiet, residential street he lived on.

    He was wearing his school sports clothes, backpack and headphones and had just waved goodbye to his mother.

    Daniel was attacked by Monzo from behind just after 07:00hrs, moments after police had started receiving reports of the earlier collision.

    Later during the investigation, police would gather witness statements which would describe Monzo running up behind Daniel and swinging the sword towards him.

    Officers took further statements from witnesses who helped build a picture of the scene before emergency services arrived.

    Body worn video on officers showed them deploying PAVA incapacitant spray in the direction of Monzo, before PC Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield was seen chasing him with a Taser down an alley, where he ruthlessly injured her.

    She suffered a fractured skull and life-changing injuries, including severe nerve damage.

    Monzo then gained entry to a family home, where a man was asleep with his wife and child, assaulting the father before running into a waiting group of officers outside.

    Several other officers continued their pursuit of the killer and brought the rampage to a close by Tasering him and recovering his sword within 22 minutes.

    Monzo was arrested at the scene.

    Police set up an extensive crime scene covering all six incidents, which were forensically examined across the route Monzo had run.

    Specialist officers were deployed to search the area, as well as photograph the scene and forensically lift key evidence, such as the Monzo’s van, where they found Daniel’s backpack.

    Officers conducted a search of Monzo’s home where they recovered two air pistols, and a number of mobile phones which were downloaded and reviewed.

    They also found a quantity of cannabis which the defence referenced as a factor in the defendant’s psychotic episodes, where he suffered schizophrenia-like symptoms.

    Detectives built enough evidence to charge Monzo on Wednesday, 1 May 2024.

    He pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon with respect to a Katana Sword and possession of an offensive weapon with respect to a Tanto Katana Sword at the Old Bailey on Friday, 2 May.

    He will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 27 June.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Parkersburg Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

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

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Aaron Lee Mitter, 39, of Parkersburg, pleaded guilty today to distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 11, 2024, Mitter sold approximately 24.52 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for $280. As part of his guilty plea, Mitter admitted to the transaction. Mitter further admitted to selling an unregistered privately made firearm, commonly known as a “ghost gun,” and a magazine capable of holding 45 rounds of ammunition that day for $400.

    On July 17, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Parkersburg apartment where Mitter was staying at the time. Officers seized approximately 45.67 grams of methamphetamine in the apartment during the search. Mitter admitted that he intended to use some of the seized methamphetamine and distribute the rest.

    Mitter is scheduled to be sentenced on September 22, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

    Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, and the Parkersburg Police Department.

    United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum is prosecuting the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-182.

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Parkersburg Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

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

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Aaron Lee Mitter, 39, of Parkersburg, pleaded guilty today to distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 11, 2024, Mitter sold approximately 24.52 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for $280. As part of his guilty plea, Mitter admitted to the transaction. Mitter further admitted to selling an unregistered privately made firearm, commonly known as a “ghost gun,” and a magazine capable of holding 45 rounds of ammunition that day for $400.

    On July 17, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Parkersburg apartment where Mitter was staying at the time. Officers seized approximately 45.67 grams of methamphetamine in the apartment during the search. Mitter admitted that he intended to use some of the seized methamphetamine and distribute the rest.

    Mitter is scheduled to be sentenced on September 22, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

    Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, and the Parkersburg Police Department.

    United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum is prosecuting the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-182.

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rockford Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison on Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges

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

    ROCKFORD — A Rockford man has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine and possessing a loaded firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. 

    JOVINO RAMIREZ, 35, pleaded guilty earlier this year to knowingly and intentionally possessing cocaine and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and possessing a loaded handgun in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. On Monday, U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston sentenced Ramirez to 78 months in federal prison.

    Ramirez admitted in a plea agreement that following a traffic stop in May 2024 he was in possession of a bag containing 19.1 grams of cocaine and 1.9 grams of methamphetamine, which he tried to conceal during his encounter with the police.  He also possessed a loaded handgun beneath the driver’s seat of his vehicle.  Ramirez admitted he intended to sell the cocaine that he possessed.

    The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher C. Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.  The Illinois State Police provided assistance in the investigation.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew M. Rosati and Lisa R. Munch.

    Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rockford Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison on Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges

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

    ROCKFORD — A Rockford man has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine and possessing a loaded firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. 

    JOVINO RAMIREZ, 35, pleaded guilty earlier this year to knowingly and intentionally possessing cocaine and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and possessing a loaded handgun in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. On Monday, U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston sentenced Ramirez to 78 months in federal prison.

    Ramirez admitted in a plea agreement that following a traffic stop in May 2024 he was in possession of a bag containing 19.1 grams of cocaine and 1.9 grams of methamphetamine, which he tried to conceal during his encounter with the police.  He also possessed a loaded handgun beneath the driver’s seat of his vehicle.  Ramirez admitted he intended to sell the cocaine that he possessed.

    The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher C. Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.  The Illinois State Police provided assistance in the investigation.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew M. Rosati and Lisa R. Munch.

    Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses. 

    MIL Security OSI –