NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI: Prospect Park Announces Private Placement Closing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Prospect Park Capital Corp. (the “Company”) is pleased to announce the closing of a non-brokered private placement (the “Offering”) of common shares (each, a “Common Share”) for gross proceeds of $165,000 through the issuance of 165,000,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.001 per share. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for operational, general and administrative purposes. The Common Shares issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a four-month hold in accordance with applicable Canadian securities law.

    Three of the four directors of the Company participated in the Offering accordingly such transactions are each a “related ‎party transaction” as ‎defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ‎‎(“MI 61-‎‎101”). The transactions were exempt from the formal ‎valuation ‎requirements of MI 61-101 since none ‎of the securities of the Company are listed on a stock ‎exchange specified in ‎section 5.5(b) thereof, and from the minority ‎shareholder approval requirements ‎of MI 61-101 pursuant to 5.7(1)(b) and/or 5.7(1)(e) of MI 61-101.‎

    The Company’s board of directors now consists of four individuals, namely, James Greig, Toby Pierce, Alla Krutous and Ivan Riabov, and the Company’s audit committee now consists of James Greig, Toby Pierce, and Alla Krutous. Mr. Riabov is now the Chief Financial Officer. The board wishes to thank former director Anthony Zelen and former Chief Financial Officer Malcolm Davidson for their efforts over the last few challenging years and wishes them success in their future opportunities.

    The Company also announces that effective June 3, 2025, it has, in accordance with regulatory requirements, appointed Horizon Assurance LLP as its auditor henceforth. The Company thanks DNTW Toronto LLP for their past professional service and support. In accordance with National Instrument 51-102, a notice of change of auditor, together with the required letters from the successor auditor and the former auditor have been filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.com).

    In addition, the Company has called an annual general and special shareholders’ meeting (the “Meeting”) for July 21, 2025. At the Meeting, amongst other things, management of the Company will be seeking shareholder approval for a share consolidation; confirmation of an amended and restated By-Law No. 1; and approval of a new equity incentive plan. Additional information relating to the matters to be conducted at the Meeting will be included in the management information circular of the Company which will be available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ prior to the Meeting.

    For more information please contact: James Greig
      Chief Executive Officer
      Prospect Park Capital Corp.
      Tel: (778) 788-2745

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s Statement on Adriana Smith

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Adriana Smith’s Family Was Denied the Right to Make Medical Decisions for Months, After She Was Declared Brain Dead, Due to Georgia Abortion Ban

    Pressley Joins Williams, Jacobs in Introducing Resolution Condemning Anti-Abortion Laws that Denied Smith’s Dignity and Human Rights

    Adriana’s Son Chance was Delivered via Postmortem Emergency C-Section and Adriana Will be Taken Off Life Support

    Resolution Text (PDF)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) released the following statement on the tragic case of Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old Georgia mother who was declared brain dead in February and had been kept on artificial life support without her family’s consent. The Georgia hospital where Adriana died indicated that the state’s extreme abortion ban mandated Adriana remain on life support because she was 9 weeks pregnant at the time of her death. On Friday, June 13, 2025, her infant son, named Chance, was born prematurely at approximately 4:41 a.m. via a postmortem emergency Cesarean section. Chance weighs about 1 pound, 13 ounces and is currently in the NICU. Adriana is being taken off life support today.

    “Adriana Smith was a beloved daughter, a devoted mother, and a compassionate nurse denied dignity and basic human rights,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus. “She and her family were failed by a broken system that ignored her pain and then forced them to endure months of trauma under cruel, dehumanizing laws. These laws stripped Adriana of her dignity and denied her family the right to make deeply personal medical decisions. I hope their experiences compel Congress and the states to finally end cruel abortion bans, end fetal personhood laws, and confront the Black maternal morbidity crisis once and for all. I am proud to join Congresswoman Williams and our colleagues on this resolution to honor Adriana’s life, uplift her family, and recommit ourselves to fighting for reproductive freedom, Black maternal health, the right to abortion care and the bodily autonomy of every person who calls this country home. We join Adriana’s family members in praying for strength for baby Chance and mourning the loss of Adriana.”

    In light of this solemn update, Congresswoman Pressley joined Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51) in introducing a resolution recognizing the deeply disturbing case of Adriana Smith.

    The resolution calls for urgent legislative and policy changes to protect the rights, autonomy, and dignity of pregnant people — particularly Black women, who are disproportionately impacted by systemic medical neglect and restrictive anti-abortion laws.

    “I extend my sympathies to Adriana Smith’s family as they spend their final moments with Adriana on their terms. Adriana Smith deserved better at every point of this tragedy. Her family, along with baby Chance, remain in my family’s prayers as they navigate life after this unimaginably devastating situation that Georgia’s laws imposed on them. From my service in the State Senate when the LIFE Act was passed in 2019, I know that the bill was drafted in a way that created uncertainty among medical providers and my constituents in Georgia’s 5th District about what is permitted under the law and how the law would be enforced. The clear intention of this was to create a chilling effect on doctors providing essential maternal healthcare services and on patients seeking lifesaving medical treatment. We are now seeing this lack of clarity result in unimaginable cruelty to Adriana Smith and her family,” said Congresswoman Nikema Williams.

    “My heart breaks for Adriana Smith, her family, and new baby Chance, who had to enter the world this way. Georgia’s fetal personhood law denied Adriana Smith’s family the ability to say goodbye to her on their own terms,” said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs. “Instead, she was kept on life support, breathing through machines for nearly four months to serve as an incubator. Women are worth more than their ability to get pregnant and give birth – we are human beings who should be trusted to make our own health care decisions. It’s devastating that Adriana is the latest casualty of our nation’s Black maternal health crisis and anti-abortion laws – but let’s ensure she’s the last. This needs to be the watershed moment to end anti-abortion and fetal personhood laws and guarantee the rights and dignity of everyone to make the best health care decisions for themselves and their families.”

    Adriana Smith, a nurse and mother, sought medical care for symptoms, including an extreme headache, in early February but was not given adequate treatment. She returned the next day as her condition worsened and was declared brain dead while nine weeks pregnant on February 19. She has been kept on artificial support until her pregnancy reaches 32 weeks and the fetus can be delivered, meaning her bodily functions will have been supported for more than 5 months. Due to Georgia’s LIFE Act and uncertainty surrounding fetal personhood laws, Emory University Midtown Hospital began maintaining Adriana’s bodily functions without consent from her family.

    The resolution urges the government to:

    • Repeal state laws that ban or criminalize abortion and abortion-related services;
    • Repeal laws that exclude pregnant people from having their advance directives come into effect;
    • Clarify how anti-abortion and fetal personhood laws should be interpreted in medical settings;
    • Reaffirm and guarantee autonomy and dignity to pregnant people over their lives, well-being, and medical needs.

    While Georgia’s Attorney General has stated that nothing in the LIFE Act explicitly mandates keeping a brain-dead patient on life support, the lack of a formal legal opinion or prosecutorial guidance leaves families and doctors in limbo.

    Anti-abortion laws deprive people who can become pregnant of their autonomy by prioritizing the life of the fetus over the health, medical decisions, and rights of the pregnant person — a dehumanizing practice that violates their civil rights and reinforces systemic control over their bodies.

    Out of fear of criminalization, family separation, or mistreatment like what Adriana Smith is experiencing, many pregnant people avoid healthcare settings even when they desire care, putting their health and the health of their fetus at risk.

    The resolution declares that the House of Representatives stands with Adriana Smith’s family in their efforts to return dignity and justice to their family, condemns giving fetuses rights and taking them away from pregnant people in our laws, and condemns the troublingly common experience that Black women face in medical settings of having their pain not given full credence or treatment.

    A copy of the resolution text can be found here.

    On June 5, Rep. Pressley delivered an impassioned speech on the House floor demanding justice for Adriana Smith and sharing her family’s story. Pressley connected the horrific mistreatment of Adriana Smith to the brutal history of medical violence Black women have faced in America for centuries.

    Last month, as Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, Rep. Pressley and Co-Chair Diana DeGette (CO-01) released a statement calling for the state of Georgia and the hospital in question to respect the fundamental rights of Adriana Smith and her family and condemned GOP abortion bans.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrests, assets restraints following Police operation targeting Greazy Dogs MC

    Source: New Zealand Police

    NZ Police have this week dealt a significant blow to the manufacture and supply of methamphetamine by the Greazy Dogs MC in western Bay of Plenty this week, with the arrest of several members and associates of the gang, and the restraint of more than $1.5 million of assets.

    On 17 – 18 June, Police carried out 35 search warrants at properties across Tauranga, including the Greazy Dogs MC pad. Those arrested as a result of these warrants include senior members of the Greazy Dog MC, including the national vice president and the sergeant at arms.

    “The arrests and asset restraints this week mark the successful culmination of a National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) operation that began in late 2024,” says Detective Inspector Albie Alexander.

    “This operation – Operation Kingtide – identified the Greazy Dogs MC as controlling the methamphetamine supply across the western Bay of Plenty, through local manufacture.”

    Search warrants executed located firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, chemicals and equipment used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, cannabis and approximately $25,000 in cash.

    In addition, Police’s Asset Recovery Unit has restrained more than $1.5 million of assets to date, including two residential properties, two cars and three motorcycles.

    Further search warrants are being carried out this week and more arrests and charges are likely.

    “With the arrest of these senior gang members and the seizure of their equipment and assets, I’m confident we have dealt a significant blow to the Greazy Dogs’ methamphetamine operation, and the supply of methamphetamine in the western Bay of Plenty,” says Detective Inspector Alexander.

    “Police will continue to focus on the enforcement and disruption of such criminal groups, who are dealing primarily in the sale and supply of methamphetamine into our most vulnerable communities.”

    Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Tim Anderson, has welcomed the arrests of the Greazy Dogs MC members and associates, saying he has seen first-hand the immense harm that methamphetamine causes in communities in Bay of Plenty and across New Zealand.

    “The Greazy Dogs MC, as with other gangs involved in the supply of methamphetamine in New Zealand, are in this for the money. They don’t care about the enormous damage the drug is doing to families in our communities, even though many of them are parents themselves. All they are interested in is how much money they can make for themselves and their associates.”

    Working alongside the officers undertaking enforcement action this week has been the team from the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) programme, which takes a multi-agency approach to help address the social conditions that feed the emergence or growth of organised crime, and the harms that flow from it.  

    Op Manawaroa (Resilience) has run alongside Operation Kingtide and is led by Bay of Plenty ROCC, with assistance from other ROCC regions including Eastern, Southern and Porirua.

    “What this looks like in practice is officers and senior advisors from our ROCC team visiting homes after search warrants have been executed, looking to engage and support families and whānau of those arrested,” Superintendent Anderson.

    “Our local ROCC team, with the support of other Police harm prevention work groups, local agencies, iwi and community partners, will continue to work with families and whānau of those affected. This is a long-term approach to prevention and in response to mitigating and preventing further harm and offending.”

    Arrest and charge details to date:

    25-year-old Tauranga man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine

    34-year-old Mt Maunganui man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine for supply

    34-year-old Papamoa man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession for supply of methamphetamine

    33-year-old Mt Maunganui man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for supply, and conspiring to supply cocaine

    37-year-old Tauranga man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine for supply.

    MEDIA ADVISORY:

    Detective Inspector Albie Anderson and Superintendent Tim Anderson will be available to speak to media at Tauranga Police Station at 1pm today. 
    Media wishing to attend are asked to report to the front counter of the police station by 12.50pm.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF: Warnock, Ossoff Secure Over $14 Million in Federal Funding for Georgia Airports through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF: Warnock, Ossoff Secure Over $14 Million in Federal Funding for Georgia Airports through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

    Southwest Georgia Regional Airport in Albany will receive $1,757,262 for infrastructure improvements
    Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport will receive $11,398,769 for taxiway upgrades, road construction, and more
    Additional communities receiving federal funding include BLAIRSVILLE, BUTLER, CANON, COCHRAN, MONROE, PEACHTREE CITY
    Senator Warnock: “Georgia is one of the most important aviation states in the nation, and I will always be committed to ensuring our economy and infrastructure can reach new heights”
    Senator Ossoff: “Georgia’s airports are a key driver of job creation and economic competitiveness. Alongside Senator Reverend Warnock, we are pleased to announce this funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law for airport upgrades across the State of Georgia”

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) announced new federal investments to upgrade Georgia’s airports through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation championed by the senators for its investments in Georgia. Senators Warnock and Ossoff announced airports in Savannah, Albany, and six additional communities across Georgia will receive a total of $14,107,485 for infrastructure upgrades. The federal funding will be used for taxiway and runway upgrades, road construction, a planning study, and more.

    “This new investment is a testament to the good we can accomplish when we center the people in policymaking,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Georgia is one of the most important aviation states in the nation, and I will always be committed to ensuring our economy and infrastructure can reach new heights.”

    “Georgia’s airports are a key driver of job creation and economic competitiveness. Alongside Senator Reverend Warnock, we are pleased to announce this funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law for airport upgrades across the State of Georgia. Our bipartisan infrastructure law will continue to deliver long-overdue upgrades to Georgia’s infrastructure for years to come,” said Senator Ossoff. 

    More information on these federal grants can be found below:

    Locality Airport Description Amount
    Albany Southwest Georgia Regional Airport Taxiway upgrades, pavement upgrades $1,757,262
    Blairsville Blairsville Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $159,000
    Butler Butler Municipal Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $110,000
    Canon Franklin-Hart Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $201,744
    Cochran Cochran Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $159,000
    Monroe Cy Nunnally Memorial Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $159,000
    Peachtree City Atlanta Regional Falcon Field Runway infrastructure upgrades $162,710
    Savannah Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport Taxiway upgrades, road construction, planning study, expanded apron space $11,398,769

    A longtime champion for Georgia’s aviation industry, last year Senator Warnock secured provisions in the FAA Reauthorization law that will help transform the aviation industry, including provisions to bolster the aviation workforce pipeline and invest in our aviation economy. In May 2025, Senators Warnock and Ossoff announced more than $13 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade and help maintain Georgia’s regional airports. Last summer, Senator Warnock toured Gulfstream headquarters in Savannah, Georgia, as well as Savannah Tech’s Crossroads Aviation Campus to meet with current students who are training to work at Gulfstream or in Georgia’s aviation economy. In 2023, Senator Warnock visited Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to review progress on federally funded projects, including construction of a security checkpoint expansion. In April 2023, Senator Warnock met with local aviation workers and leaders at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport in Chamblee, Georgia to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing workers on the frontlines of the aviation industry; following his visit, the Senator introduced the AIRWAYS Act to strengthen the aviation workforce by recruiting and training future industry workers from all zip codes. Additionally, in 2022 Senators Warnock and Ossoff secured $13.5 million to update nine airports across Georgia, including Augusta Regional Airport and Columbus Airport. The awards announced today were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included at least $619 million for Georgia’s airports to improve efficiency, upgrade terminals, and more. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF: Warnock, Ossoff Secure Over $14 Million in Federal Funding for Georgia Airports through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF: Warnock, Ossoff Secure Over $14 Million in Federal Funding for Georgia Airports through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

    Southwest Georgia Regional Airport in Albany will receive $1,757,262 for infrastructure improvements
    Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport will receive $11,398,769 for taxiway upgrades, road construction, and more
    Additional communities receiving federal funding include BLAIRSVILLE, BUTLER, CANON, COCHRAN, MONROE, PEACHTREE CITY
    Senator Warnock: “Georgia is one of the most important aviation states in the nation, and I will always be committed to ensuring our economy and infrastructure can reach new heights”
    Senator Ossoff: “Georgia’s airports are a key driver of job creation and economic competitiveness. Alongside Senator Reverend Warnock, we are pleased to announce this funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law for airport upgrades across the State of Georgia”

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) announced new federal investments to upgrade Georgia’s airports through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation championed by the senators for its investments in Georgia. Senators Warnock and Ossoff announced airports in Savannah, Albany, and six additional communities across Georgia will receive a total of $14,107,485 for infrastructure upgrades. The federal funding will be used for taxiway and runway upgrades, road construction, a planning study, and more.

    “This new investment is a testament to the good we can accomplish when we center the people in policymaking,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Georgia is one of the most important aviation states in the nation, and I will always be committed to ensuring our economy and infrastructure can reach new heights.”

    “Georgia’s airports are a key driver of job creation and economic competitiveness. Alongside Senator Reverend Warnock, we are pleased to announce this funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law for airport upgrades across the State of Georgia. Our bipartisan infrastructure law will continue to deliver long-overdue upgrades to Georgia’s infrastructure for years to come,” said Senator Ossoff. 

    More information on these federal grants can be found below:

    Locality Airport Description Amount
    Albany Southwest Georgia Regional Airport Taxiway upgrades, pavement upgrades $1,757,262
    Blairsville Blairsville Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $159,000
    Butler Butler Municipal Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $110,000
    Canon Franklin-Hart Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $201,744
    Cochran Cochran Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $159,000
    Monroe Cy Nunnally Memorial Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $159,000
    Peachtree City Atlanta Regional Falcon Field Runway infrastructure upgrades $162,710
    Savannah Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport Taxiway upgrades, road construction, planning study, expanded apron space $11,398,769

    A longtime champion for Georgia’s aviation industry, last year Senator Warnock secured provisions in the FAA Reauthorization law that will help transform the aviation industry, including provisions to bolster the aviation workforce pipeline and invest in our aviation economy. In May 2025, Senators Warnock and Ossoff announced more than $13 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade and help maintain Georgia’s regional airports. Last summer, Senator Warnock toured Gulfstream headquarters in Savannah, Georgia, as well as Savannah Tech’s Crossroads Aviation Campus to meet with current students who are training to work at Gulfstream or in Georgia’s aviation economy. In 2023, Senator Warnock visited Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to review progress on federally funded projects, including construction of a security checkpoint expansion. In April 2023, Senator Warnock met with local aviation workers and leaders at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport in Chamblee, Georgia to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing workers on the frontlines of the aviation industry; following his visit, the Senator introduced the AIRWAYS Act to strengthen the aviation workforce by recruiting and training future industry workers from all zip codes. Additionally, in 2022 Senators Warnock and Ossoff secured $13.5 million to update nine airports across Georgia, including Augusta Regional Airport and Columbus Airport. The awards announced today were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included at least $619 million for Georgia’s airports to improve efficiency, upgrade terminals, and more. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Changes to stalking Bill important step for women’s safety

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Parliament today took an important step to improve women’s safety with the Government moving closer to Labour’s position on how stalking should be defined in law.

    “Stalking should be a crime. It can make a victim feel extremely unsafe and insecure, and in some cases result in serious assault, or even death,” Labour police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said.

    “The tragic murder of Farzana Yaqubi highlighted the urgent need for change. The Independent Police Conduct Authority found that more should have been done to protect her. We owe it to Farzana, and to every other person who has lived in fear, to ensure stalking is taken seriously.

    “The Justice Committee has now reported back a Bill that would make stalking a standalone offence, with key changes that reflect the recommendations of women’s advocates and parts of my Member’s Bill.

    “One important change is the threshold for what constitutes stalking. Originally the Government bill required three incidents within a year, something victims’ advocates warned was too high. It has now been amended to two acts over two years, more closely matching the definition Labour proposed in our Member’s Bill.

    “This is a constructive step forward. It shows that when parties listen to experts and work collaboratively, we can make better laws that protect people.

    “I will continue to work with advocates to strengthen protections for victims and ensure the law keeps pace with the realities of stalking and harassment,” Ginny Andersen said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Changes to reserve allocations

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    What are the changes?

    From 7 December 2024, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Legacy Retirement Product Commutations and Reserves) Regulations 2024External Link (the Regulation) changes the way allocations from reserves count towards an individual’s contribution caps.

    Before 7 December 2024, certain reserve allocations by a complying superannuation plan for an individual counted towards the individual’s concessional contributions cap. This could result in excess concessional contributions for the individual.

    From 7 December 2024, the Regulation:

    • counts those allocations towards the individual’s non-concessional contributions cap instead of their concessional contributions cap
    • updates the drafting used to describe those allocations, and
    • excludes from the non-concessional contributions cap an additional class of reserve allocation (from a pension reserve), making allocations of that class effectively ‘uncapped’.

    These changes are not limited to reserves associated with legacy pension products (although the changes may be applicable to such reserves).

    See Other concessional and other non-concessional contributions for more information on when reserve allocations by Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) funds will need to be reported.

    Reserve allocations before 7 December 2024

    Before 7 December 2024, 2 classes of reserve allocation counted towards the concessional contributions cap:

    1. A particular allocation of an assessable contribution.
    2. Any other allocation (‘a capped allocation’) that did not fall within various specified exclusions.

    In other words, for allocations other than assessable contributions (the first class mentioned above), a ‘catch-all’ mechanism counted towards the concessional contributions cap all allocations that did not fall within the specified exclusions (the second class mentioned above).

    The exclusions (‘excluded allocations’) did not count towards the concessional contributions cap, with the result that they could be made without contribution cap taxation consequences for the member.

    Capped allocations before 7 December 2024

    An allocation was a capped allocation unless it was an excluded allocation. The excluded allocations were:

    • a certain type of rollover superannuation benefit
    • an amount of applicable fund earnings transferred from a foreign super fund included in the assessable income of the plan
    • a refund of excess capped fees and costs charged to a member
    • a ‘fair and reasonable allocation’, which could be made from any kind of reserve (subject to fund rules and regulatory requirements), being an allocation
      • made to each member of the fund, or each member of a class of member
      • for which the amount allocated was less than 5% of the value of the member’s interest at the time of allocation, and
      • that would not have been assessable income of the fund if it were made as a contribution
    • the following types of pension reserve allocation
      • an allocation to satisfy a pension liability
      • an allocation on the commutation of an income stream, except as a result of the death of the primary beneficiary, to the recipient to commence another income stream as soon as practicable
      • certain allocations on the commutation of an income stream as a result of the death of the beneficiary.

    Reserve allocations from 7 December 2024

    From 7 December 2024, the Regulation counts capped allocations towards the non-concessional contributions cap instead of the concessional contributions cap. The mechanism for counting allocations has not changed: a reserve allocation counts towards the non-concessional contributions cap it if does not fall within specified exclusions.

    Each class of exclusion specified for the concessional contributions cap before 7 December 2024 has been specified for the non-concessional contributions cap from that date. This means types of allocations that fell within those exclusions before 7 December 2024 continue to be uncapped if made from that date. The Regulation makes no change to the treatment of allocations of certain assessable contributions, which continue to count towards the concessional contributions cap.

    The drafting of the ‘fair and reasonable’ and ‘pension reserve’ exclusions in the Regulation has been updated. As a result, the exclusions do not mirror those specified for the concessional contributions cap word-for-word. One class of excluded allocation – ‘pension reserve allocation except as a result of death – after commutation to commence another income stream’ – is not explicitly specified as an exclusion for the purposes of the non-concessional contributions cap, because it falls within a new pension reserve exclusion discussed below (‘excluded cessation allocation’).

    The table below lists these exclusions for the concessional contributions cap and their non-concessional contributions cap equivalents (legislative references are to the Income Tax Assessment (1997 Act) Regulations 2021 (ITAR (1997 Act) 2021).

    Table: Excluded allocations before and from 7 December 2024

    Class of excluded allocation

    Exclusion from counting towards concessional contributions cap – before 7 December 2024 (repealed)

    Exclusion from counting towards the non-concessional contributions cap – from 7 December 2024

    Fair and reasonable allocation

    Former subsection 291‑25.01(4)

    Subsection 292-90.02(2)

    Pension reserve allocation – to satisfy pension liability

    Former paragraph 291‑25.01(5)(a)

    Subsection 292-90.02(3)

    Pension reserve allocation except as a result of death – after commutation to commence another income stream

    Former paragraph 291‑25.01(5)(b)

    Subsection 292-90.02(4)

    Pension reserve allocation after death – to discharge pension reserve liabilities as a result of death

    Former subparagraph 291‑25.01(5)(c)(i)

    Subsection 292-90.02(5)

    Pension reserve allocation after death – paid as lump-sum and death benefit

    Former subparagraph 291‑25.01(5)(c)(ii)

    Subsection 292-90.02(6)

    Counting allocations towards the non-concessional contributions cap instead of the concessional contributions cap will affect the amount that can be allocated to some individuals without incurring contribution cap taxation consequences.

    For example, some individuals have a nil non-concessional contributions cap. If a reserve allocation counts towards the individual’s non-concessional contributions cap in those circumstances, the amount of the allocation will exceed their non-concessional contributions cap.

    Example: remediation payment allocations

    A superannuation fund maintains an operational risk reserve, the purpose of which includes the remediation of amounts wrongly charged to member accounts.

    As part of one such remediation exercise, amounts are allocated to a class of members in the fund on 1 January 2025 in a manner that does not satisfy:

    • the ‘fair and reasonable’ allocation exclusion, or
    • any other exclusion from the non-concessional contributions cap.

    As the allocations were made for those members on or after 7 December 2024, they count towards the amount of the members’ non-concessional contributions for the 2024–25 financial year.

    End of example

    New class of excluded allocation from 7 December 2024

    From 7 December 2024, the Regulation also excludes another broad class of pension reserve allocation for an individual. An allocation (an ‘excluded cessation allocation’) from a reserve of a complying superannuation plan for an individual is excluded if:

    • the reserve is a pension reserve of the plan
    • the reserve is used to discharge all or part of a liability of the plan to pay a superannuation income stream benefit from a superannuation income stream of which the individual is the recipient
    • the superannuation income stream is commuted or ceases
    • the commutation or cessation is not a result of the death of the primary beneficiary
    • the amount is allocated from the reserve for the individual as a result of the individual having been (before the commutation or cessation) the recipient of the superannuation income stream, and
    • where the reserve relates to more than one superannuation income stream, the allocation is fair and reasonable having regard to
      • for each superannuation income stream that has not been commuted or ceased – the value of the interest that supports the superannuation income stream, and
      • for each superannuation income stream that has been commuted or ceased – the value of the interest, that supported the superannuation income stream, immediately before the superannuation income stream was commuted or ceased.

    Definition of pension reserve

    From 7 December 2024, the Regulation provides that a reserve is a pension reserve of a complying superannuation plan at a particular time if the reserve is used at that time solely for the purpose (the ‘pension liability purpose’) of enabling the plan to discharge all or part of its pension liabilities (contingent or not) as soon as they become due. This definition is relevant not only for excluded cessation allocations, but also for the other excluded allocations (other than fair and reasonable allocations).

    In addition:

    • under the Regulation, certain allocations made as a result of commutation or cessation of a superannuation income stream are deemed to be a use of a reserve for a pension liability purpose, and
    • under transitional rules provided by the Regulation, certain allocations are disregarded in working out, for the purposes of excluded cessation allocations, whether a reserve is a pension reserve at a time occurring after commencement.

    The new definition of pension reserve and the 2 additions above are only relevant for determining excluded allocations from 7 December 2024. They do not apply when determining whether a reserve is a ‘pension reserve’ for the purposes of determining whether allocations are excluded from counting toward the concessional contributions cap before that date.

    Allocations deemed to be for a pension liability purpose

    From 7 December 2024, the Regulation provides, for the avoidance of doubt, that certain allocations (‘a deemed pension purpose allocation’) to a superannuation income stream recipient after the commutation or cessation of that income stream are taken to be made for the pension liability purpose: see subsection 292-90.02(8) of the ITAR (1997 Act) 2021. This ensures a reserve does not cease to be a pension reserve as a result of such allocations, including in at least the 2 following situations:

    • The active reserve situation – where the reserve is, apart from the deemed pension purpose allocation, a pension reserve because it is used solely for the purpose of discharging pension liabilities relating to one or more other income streams. The deemed pension purpose ensures the reserve continues to be a pension reserve after a deemed pension purpose allocation when continuing to discharge pension liabilities. Otherwise, the deemed pension purpose allocation and subsequent allocations to discharge pension liabilities would count towards the non-concessional contributions cap.
    • The dormant reserve situation – where the reserve is, apart from the deemed pension purpose allocation
      • not being used for the purpose of discharging pension liabilities (because all income streams the reserve previously supported have been commuted or ceased), and
      • used for no other purpose.

    In the dormant reserve situation, the deemed pension purpose allocation does not prevent the reserve from ceasing to be a pension reserve for the purpose of making further cessation allocations.

    There is no requirement that a deemed pension purpose allocation must be made within a specific period after the relevant commutation or cessation. If all other requirements for the allocation to be excluded are otherwise met, the allocations can be made long after the commutation or cessation.

    Example: dormant reserve

    A reserve established and used to support a single superannuation income stream:

    • commenced on 1 July 2005, and
    • ceased on 1 July 2020.

    Between the cessation of the income stream and 6 December 2024, the reserve was not used for any purpose. After 7 December 2024, the trustee allocates the remainder of the reserve to the recipient of the former income stream in circumstances that satisfy all other requirements to be an excluded cessation allocation.

    The allocation itself is deemed to be for a pension liability purpose. As a result, the reserve is a pension reserve at the time of the allocation.

    End of example

    Disregarded allocations

    The Regulation also contains a transitional provision. That provision disregards certain allocations made before 7 December 2024 in working out whether a reserve of a complying superannuation plan is a pension reserve for the purposes of making excluded cessation allocations.

    If one or more allocations before that date are the sole reason the reserve doesn’t otherwise meet the pension reserve definition for that purpose, disregarding the allocations ensures the definition is met.

    An allocation from the reserve is disregarded if:

    • the reserve was used for the purpose of enabling the plan to discharge all or part of a liability of the plan to pay a superannuation income stream benefit from a superannuation income stream
    • the superannuation income stream was commuted or otherwise ceased
    • the allocation was made after the commutation or cessation, and
    • immediately before the commutation or cessation, the reserve was a pension reserve.

    In the case where the reserve only ever supported one income stream, if the above criteria are met, allocations after the income stream commuted or otherwise ceased and before 7 December 2024 are disregarded.

    In the case where the reserve was used to support more than one superannuation income stream, allocations made after the above requirements are met for the first time in relation to any of those income streams and before 7 December 2024 are disregarded. In effect, this could result in all allocations from the reserve occurring after that commutation or cessation being disregarded, even while the other income streams were still being supported by the reserve.

    Example: fair and reasonable allocations disregarded

    A reserve was established and used to support 2 lifetime pensions: income stream A and income stream B. Both commenced on 1 July 2005. Income stream A ceased on 1 July 2015, and income stream B ceased on 1 July 2020. The reserve met the definition of a pension reserve immediately before 1 July 2015. Between 1 July 2020 and 6 December 2024, fair and reasonable allocations were made to all members, but the reserve was otherwise used for no other purpose during that time.

    After 7 December 2024, the trustee allocates a part of the reserve to the recipient of former income stream A in circumstances that satisfy all requirements for that allocation to be an excluded cessation allocation. In particular, the fair and reasonable allocations do not prevent the reserve from satisfying the requirement that it be a pension reserve because the transitional provision disregards all allocations between 1 July 2015 and 6 December 2024.

    The cessation allocation itself is also deemed to be for a pension liability purpose. As a result, the reserve does not cease to be a pension reserve for the purposes of the Regulation because of the allocation, which may be relevant if a subsequent excluded cessation allocation is made to the recipient of former income stream B.

    End of example

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Relaxed commutation rules for legacy retirement products

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Changes to commutation restrictions

    From 7 December 2024, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Legacy Retirement Product Commutations and Reserves) Regulations 2024External Link (the Regulation) temporarily relaxes commutation restrictions for certain retirement income stream products (known as legacy retirement products).

    Before 7 December 2024, providers of certain legacy retirement products had to ensure that those products could not be commuted under the relevant fund rules, contract, or terms and conditions of the product (the fund or product rules), except in limited circumstances.

    The Regulation relaxes this restriction so that the relevant fund or product rules can also allow the products to be fully commuted within the 5-year period beginning on 7 December 2024 and ending on 6 December 2029.

    What can be commuted

    The affected products that can be commuted are:

    • lifetime annuities and pensions, being products that meet the meet the standards in subregulations 1.05(2) or 1.06(2) of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 (SISR), if the fund that purchases or provides consideration for the benefit (in the case of annuities) or provides the benefit (in the case of pensions)
      • is not a defined benefit fund, or
      • is a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF), or
      • was, when the benefit commenced to be paid and at all earlier times, a small APRA fund
    • life expectancy annuities and pensions, being products that meet the standards in subregulations 1.05(9) or 1.06(7) of the SISR
    • market-linked annuities and pensions, being products that meet the standards in subregulations 1.05(10) or 1.06(8) of the SISR, or subregulation 1.07(3A) of the Retirement Savings Accounts Regulations 1997.

    While the affected products are described as legacy retirement products, and many commenced before 20 September 2007, there is no requirement in the Regulation that the affected products must have commenced before a particular date.

    The Regulation relaxes a restriction on what fund or product rules can allow: it does not change fund or product rules themselves. Fund or product rules may need to be changed by the fund or provider to allow commutation before a recipient can commute without the fund breaching those rules.

    Example 1: lifetime pension in an SMSF

    Rebecca starts receiving a lifetime pension from her SMSF on 1 July 2003. That pension is provided under fund rules that meet the standards in subregulation 1.06(2) of the SISR.

    On 1 January 2025, the trustee amends the fund rules to allow full commutation within the 5-year period beginning on 7 December 2024 of lifetime pensions it provides.

    On 1 March 2025, Rebecca fully commutes her lifetime pension. The commutation complies with the standards in the Regulation.

    End of example

    Example 2: market-linked pension in an SMSF

    Isaac starts receiving a lifetime pension from his SMSF on 1 July 2003. On 1 July 2020, that lifetime pension is fully commuted and the resulting lump sum is used to directly purchase a market-linked pension from the same fund in circumstances that do not breach subregulation 1.06(2) of the SISR. The market-linked pension is provided under fund rules that meet the standards in subregulation 1.06(8) and regulation 1.07C of the SISR.

    On 1 January 2025, the trustee amends the fund rules to allow full commutation within the 5-year period beginning on 7 December 2024 of market-linked pensions it provides. After that amendment, Isaac fully commutes his market-linked pension. The commutation complies with the standards in the Regulation.

    End of example

    What happens when a legacy retirement product is commuted

    If an affected legacy retirement product is commuted, in most cases the resulting entitlement can be dealt with by the former recipient in the same way as an entitlement from the commutation of most other superannuation income streams. Generally, the entitlement must be allocated to the member’s account and then can be:

    • subject to preservation rules and payment standards
      • used to commence another income stream (if the individual has sufficient transfer balance cap space), or
      • paid as a lump sum
    • retained in the fund, in ‘accumulation phase’
    • dealt with in a combination of the above ways.

    In some cases, there may be other restrictions on how the entitlement can be dealt with. For example, if the legacy retirement product is a death benefit income stream, the entitlement may need to be paid from the fund to the recipient and not retained in the fund to comply with fund rules and requirements of the SISR.

    Possible tax and social security consequences

    Both the commutation of an affected legacy retirement product and any subsequent dealings with the resulting entitlement will also have taxation consequences for the former recipient. For example:

    • the commutation of the legacy retirement product will result in a transfer balance account debit for the former recipient, and
    • the commencement of another superannuation income stream will result in a transfer balance account credit for that individual.

    Many affected legacy retirement products are treated differently to account-based superannuation income streams for transfer balance cap purposes. For example, special valuation methods for determining transfer balance account debits and credits may be applicable.

    Commuting a legacy retirement product may also have social security implications. Individuals may need to seek financial advice before making decisions about their legacy retirement products to avoid unintended taxation and social security consequences.

    Reserves associated with legacy retirement products

    Some superannuation funds may have reserves associated with affected legacy retirement products. From 7 December 2024, the Regulation also changes the way that allocations from reserves are treated for taxation purposes, including but not limited to allocations from reserves associated with legacy retirement products. For further explanation of those changes, see Changes to reserve allocations.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Delays SH1 Silverdale

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Southbound motorists are advised to expect delays on State Highway 1 north of Auckland.

    Two cars collided around 10.10am between the Silverdale and Oteha Valley Road offramps.

    There are no reports of injury although one of the vehicles is badly damaged.

    Police are at the scene and ask motorists to be patient as there are long queues of traffic at the accident scene.

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON THE ARREST OF COMPTROLLER BRAD LANDER

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Know Your Immigration Rights

    If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

    Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

    Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

    Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

    The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

    Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What They Are Saying About Trump & Republicans’ Tax Giveaway To The Wealthy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Yesterday Senate Republicans unveiled their version of legislation to extend and expand the Trump tax cuts for the wealthy. While scores for their altered bill are still forthcoming, the changes from the House-passed version are unlikely to significantly alter that bill’s distributional effects, which would result in the largest transfer of wealth from working people to the rich from a single law in American history.

    As a reminder, here are some of the stories that legislation generated:

    Wall Street Journal: GOP Megabill Boosts Wealthy Households While Hurting Poor, CBO Says

    New York Times: Trump’s Big Bill Would Be More Regressive Than Any Major Law in Decades

    CBS: GOP Tax Bill Could Cost Low-Income Americans $1,600 Per Year, CBO Says

    Associated Press: GOP Tax Bill Would Cost Poor Americans $1,600 A Year And Boost Highest Earners By $12,000, CBO Says

    CNN: The 10 Richest Americans Got $365 Billion Richer In The Past Year. Now They’re On The Verge Of A Huge Tax Cut

    Washington Post: GOP Tax Bill Could Hurt The Poorest Households More Than It Helps Them

    Bloomberg: Trump Tax Bill Would Help the Richest, Hurt the Poorest, CBO Says

    Reuters: Trump Tax Bill Poses Limited Benefits, Higher Costs For Lower-Income Americans

    New York Times: G.O.P. Tax Bill May Hurt the Lowest Earners and Help the Richest

    NPR: The GOP’s Massive Bill Would Benefit The Rich The Most — While Hitting The Poor

    Financial Times: Donald Trump’s Tax Bill Would Be A Boon For Richest Americans, Says Watchdog

    Politico: Wealthy Gain, Low-Income People Lose From GOP Megabill, Analysis Finds

    CNBC: House Republican Tax Bill Favors The Rich — How Much They Stand To Gain, And Why

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Laredo investigation results in the guilty plea of a Mexican illegal alien admitting to transporting child sexual abuse material across state lines to Mexico

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    LAREDO, Texas – A illegal alien from Mexico pleaded guilty Tuesday to transportation of child pornography following an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

    Raul Velasco-Leon, 39, plead guilty to transporting child sexual abuse material on June 17.

    “This guilty plea is a critical step in holding Velasco-Leon accountable for the disturbing crimes he committed,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Laredo Acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mauro Lopez. “HSI remains committed to identifying, investigating and bringing to justice those who exploit children. We will continue working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure predators face the full consequences of their actions and that victims are not forgotten.”

    According to court documents, on March 12, Velasco-Leon was traveling from Tennessee and approached the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge attempting to enter Mexico. While on the primary lane, authorities selected Velasco-Leon for further inspection and referred him to secondary. They conducted a search of his belongings and found what appeared to be a piece of youth-sized clothing with the words “Girl Power” tucked inside a jean pocket. Law enforcement also discovered multiple electronic devices, including 10 USB flash drives, two cell phones and a laptop. On one of the devices, they discovered six files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of minor victims approximately 10 years of age. The files contained approximately five photographs and one video that contained CSAM. The five images, displayed via video chat, depicted female minor victims showing their genital areas. The video had a split screen with the adult male, later determined to be Velasco-Leon, masturbating while the top of the screen displayed a montage of CSAM including a female minor victim being forced to perform oral sex on an adult male.

    Velasco-Leon admitted he had been engaged in a video chat and when he saw the CSAM, he would watch and screen record it.

    Judge will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Velasco-Leon faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    Velasco-Leon remains in custody pending sentencing.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine A. Cortez from the Southern District of Texas is prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tougher sentences ahead as Three Strikes returns

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Repeat violent and sexual offenders are officially on notice Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says.

    “Tougher penalties are now in place as the Three Strikes law comes into force today and the message is clear.  If you commit serious violent or sexual offences, expect to face increasingly severe consequences.  New Zealanders have had enough – they want safer streets, safer homes, and a justice system that puts victims first,” Mrs McKee says.

    The Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Act 2024 restores the regime scrapped under the previous government and is a central pillar in the Coalition’s drive to restore law and order and protect the public.

    Under the Act:

    • Offenders convicted of any of 42 serious violent or sexual offences – including new crimes like strangulation and suffocation – will face escalating penalties with each conviction.
    • First strike: A formal warning.
    • Second strike: No parole.
    • Third strike: Maximum sentence without parole.

    For example, someone convicted of murder at second or third strike will face a minimum of 17 or 20 years behind bars with no early release.

    The Act provides for some judicial discretion to prevent manifestly unjust outcomes. It also sets out principles and guidance to help the courts apply the law and allows a limited benefit for guilty pleas to spare victims further trauma and reduce court delays.

    “Importantly, previous strike warnings still count if they meet the new sentencing threshold – ensuring serious repeat offenders can’t escape accountability. The Ministry of Justice has published guidance to help affected individuals, and their lawyers check for active strikes,” Mrs McKee says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pressley, Crane, Min, Burlison Demand 23andMe Protect Sensitive Consumer Data Prior to Any Sale

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Lawmakers Call for Company to Obtain Customers’ Consent Before Including Their Data in Bankruptcy Sale

    Text of Letter

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), along with Congressmen Eli Crane (R-AZ), Dave Min (D-CA), and Eric Burlison (R-MO) sent a letter to 23andMe demanding they ensure that no individual’s data—identified or de-identified—will be retained, transferred, or sold without their affirmative consent prior to any bankruptcy sale. Last week, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Pressley  slammed 23andMe for exploiting people’s DNA and demanded the company protect their private information.   

    “Genetic data is among the most intimate and sensitive personal information to exist, and 23andMe has proven inadequate in fulfilling its responsibility to protect it,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to 23andMe Co-Founder Anne Wojcicki and interim CEO Joe Selsavage. “People deserve and require a clear choice about how their data will be handled going forward.”

    In her June 10 testimony before the House Oversight Committee, Ms. Wojcicki shared that “a threat actor had gained access to a limited number of individual 23andMe accounts” in October 2023. In reality, nearly seven million people—roughly half of 23andMe’s customers—had their personal and genetic data exposed in a major data breach.

    “This is not a ‘limited’ incident, but a systemic failure of data protections and accountability,” the lawmakers continued. “Now, this same data is at the heart of ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. The mass confusion and fear this has caused—including the crashing of 23andMe’s website as nearly two million users rushed to delete their accounts—has undermined trust in the company’s ability to handle this information.”

    The lawmakers requested that 23andMe provide additional details on their ability and willingness to contact each of their 15 million customers—prior to any sale—and obtain their explicit consent to opt-in to having their data included in any transaction.

    Last week, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley slammed 23andMe for exploiting people’s DNA and private information following a severe data breach and bankruptcy, and demanded 23andMe require the explicit, informed consent of each of their customers before including their data in any bankruptcy sale. Full video of her hearing question line is available here.

    A copy of the letter can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE San Diego case results in indictment of alleged members of major Guatemalan drug trafficking organization

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    SAN DIEGO – A federal grand jury indictment was unsealed June 13 in San Diego alleging that 13 Guatemalan nationals are part of a Guatemala-based cocaine trafficking organization operating out of La Mesilla and Democracia, Huehuetenango, Guatemala, which is on the Guatemala-Mexico border. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    The indictment was returned on May 31, 2019. Among the individuals charged are Baldemar Calderon-Carrillo, aka “Don Valde,” and his son, Walfre Donaldo Calderon-Calderon, aka “El Teniente Jr.”

    On June 13, special agents with ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Diego received information that Calderon-Carrillo, the lead defendant in the indictment, had been killed during a June 8 shootout with Mexican authorities. U.S. agents continue to obtain information confirming the details of Calderon-Carrillo’s death. Video of the incident was posted on various news outlets and on social media showing Mexican law enforcement in a shootout with members of a drug trafficking organization.

    In January 2023, one of Calderon-Carrillo’s sons, Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon, aka “Panon,” who is charged in the same indictment, was arrested in Paris, France. Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon was extradited to the United States from France in March 2024 and pleaded guilty in February to international cocaine distribution conspiracy charges.

    As part of his plea agreement, Calderon-Calderon admitted that since at least 2017, up to and including May 31, 2019, he conspired with others to distribute cocaine in Guatemala and elsewhere, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States.

    Calderon-Calderon admitted that he participated in the distribution of large quantities of cocaine in Guatemala on behalf of a drug trafficking organization based in La Mesilla, Huehuetenango, Guatemala. From Huehuetenango, the cocaine was transported to co-conspirators operating near the Guatemala-Mexico border, into Mexico, and ultimately smuggled into the United States. As part of his plea agreement, Calderon-Calderon admitted that the conspiracy involved at least 550 kilograms of cocaine. On May 30, Calderon-Calderon was sentenced to 87 months in prison.

    The remaining defendants charged in the indictment are fugitives.

    Defendants

    • Baldemar Calderon-Carrillo, aka “Don Valde”, 67, Guatemala
    • Amado Calderon-Calderon, aka “Don Juan”, 46, Guatemala
    • Walfre Donaldo Calderon-Calderon, aka “El Teniente Jr.”, 43, Guatemala
    • Ceidner Ivan Calderon-Villatoro, aka “Chene”, 35, Guatemala
    • Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon, aka “Panon”, 45, Guatemala
    • Boris Brandon Calderon-Villatoro, aka “Leon”, 31, Guatemala
    • Fredy Estuardo Villatoro-Calderon, aka “Nalo”, 31, Guatemala
    • Juan Carlos Escobedo-Herrera, aka “Ducati”, 34, Guatemala
    • Marvin Waldemar Mendez-Aldana, aka “Don Pelado”, 44, Guatemala
    • German Zaldana-Lima, aka “Gorgo”, 50, Guatemala
    • Arnoldo Bexsael Morales-Aguilar, aka “Bex”, 57, Guatemala
    • Ranferi Godinez-Vasquez, aka “Chilo”, 31, Guatemala
    • Maximo Morales-Godinez, aka “Max”, 37, Guatemala

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mokhtari.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and French authorities provided substantial assistance to secure the arrest and extradition of Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police issue appeal for missing teenager Alexander

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police is seeking information on the whereabouts of Alexander, who is missing in the Waiatarua area.

    The 15-year-old was reported missing to Police at about 8.30pm on Monday night, after he failed to return home from school.

    Alexander was dropped off at Henderson High School where he was last seen at about 8.15am on 16 June.

    Police have since established he did not attend school that day.

    Enquiries have been underway since Monday evening into his movements, and Police is now issuing a public appeal.

    Police believe that since Alexander was last seen, he has returned to his home address in Oratia and taken camping equipment and other necessities.

    Alexander did not show up to a planned meeting with friends on Monday night.

    Search and Rescue staff are deploying to carry out searching around parts of Waiatarua where he frequents.

    Alexander is an avid outdoor adventurer and loves spending time in the bush.

    It is out of character for him to not return home or let his family know of his whereabouts.

    Police and Alexander’s family have concerns for his welfare.

    Alexander is described as 180 centimetres tall, of medium build with light brown straight hair.

    Anyone with information about Alexander’s whereabouts is asked to contact Police immediately on 111.

    People can also update Police online or call 105 using the reference number 250616/4732.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Update 5: Alberta wildfire update (June 17, 3 p.m.)

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in Support of City of Huntington Beach Lawsuit Against Unconstitutional California Immigration Law

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Today, the Department of Justice filed a Statement of Interest in support of the City of Huntington Beach which wishes to cooperate with federal immigration authorities but is prevented from doing so by an unconstitutional California law. On January 7, 2025, the City of Huntington Beach, Huntington Beach City Council, Police Chief, and Sherrif, sued the State of California, Governor Gavin Newsom, and California Attorney General Robert Bonta over the unconstitutional “California Values Act” (CVA).

    “California’s existing state law is designed to interfere with local jurisdictions that want to carry out immigration enforcement,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “As this week’s violence in Los Angeles demonstrates, the safe administration of immigration enforcement is both paramount and under threat – laws that undermine immigration enforcement at great risk to agents and citizens must not stand.”

    California’s CVA violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution by prohibiting and obstructing federal immigration authorities from cooperating with local law enforcement authorities to carry out federal immigration law. Congress has specifically authorized the use of detainer requests which permit CBP and ICE to work with local law enforcement agencies. Contrary to law, the CVA prohibits local law enforcement agencies from honoring ICE detainer requests or from arresting, detaining, or holding individuals in custody based on civil immigration warrants.

    This is the latest Statement of Interest the Department of Justice has filed challenging state interference with immigration enforcement.

    Read the full Statement of Interest.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in Support of City of Huntington Beach Lawsuit Against Unconstitutional California Immigration Law

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Today, the Department of Justice filed a Statement of Interest in support of the City of Huntington Beach which wishes to cooperate with federal immigration authorities but is prevented from doing so by an unconstitutional California law. On January 7, 2025, the City of Huntington Beach, Huntington Beach City Council, Police Chief, and Sherrif, sued the State of California, Governor Gavin Newsom, and California Attorney General Robert Bonta over the unconstitutional “California Values Act” (CVA).

    “California’s existing state law is designed to interfere with local jurisdictions that want to carry out immigration enforcement,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “As this week’s violence in Los Angeles demonstrates, the safe administration of immigration enforcement is both paramount and under threat – laws that undermine immigration enforcement at great risk to agents and citizens must not stand.”

    California’s CVA violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution by prohibiting and obstructing federal immigration authorities from cooperating with local law enforcement authorities to carry out federal immigration law. Congress has specifically authorized the use of detainer requests which permit CBP and ICE to work with local law enforcement agencies. Contrary to law, the CVA prohibits local law enforcement agencies from honoring ICE detainer requests or from arresting, detaining, or holding individuals in custody based on civil immigration warrants.

    This is the latest Statement of Interest the Department of Justice has filed challenging state interference with immigration enforcement.

    Read the full Statement of Interest.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta: Environmental Justice Initiatives Remain Legal and Necessary

    Source: US State of California

    Today’s guidance provides clarity and affirms the legality and necessity of environmental justice initiatives in the face of the federal government’s attacks

    OAKLAND— California Attorney General Rob Bonta today co-led a coalition of 12 attorneys general in issuing a multistate guidance affirming the necessity and legality of environmental justice initiatives. The guidance clarifies that despite the Trump Administration’s recent efforts to mislabel and undermine these critical efforts, public and private entities can still lawfully engage in environmental justice work to ensure a healthy environment for all people to live, play, work, learn, and worship in.  

    “Making it harder for Americans to breathe safe air and drink clean water is not ‘making America great or healthy again.’ Yet, the Trump Administration continues to undermine protections aimed at helping every American, no matter their zip code, to breathe safe air, drink clean water, and live in a healthy environment,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I, alongside attorneys general nationwide, are making it crystal clear with today’s guidance that the Administration does not have unilateral legal authority to dismantle policies and laws that protect our communities. We assure the public – including local governments, community-based organizations, individuals, and businesses – that environmental justice initiatives remain lawful and critically important. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to work with advocates, local leaders, and partners across the country to ensure that no community is left behind in our fight for a healthier, more just future.”

    Efforts to Advance Environmental Justice Remain Essential  

    Environmental justice – which has its roots in our country’s civil, economic, labor, and immigrants’ rights movements – aims to ensure that every person has equal access to clean air, clean water, safe and healthy food, a healthy and sustainable environment, and protection from the impacts of climate change.

    At the California Department of Justice, we believe that every Californian should have the opportunity to live in a healthy and safe environment. However, low-income communities and communities of color suffer disproportionate exposure to pollution and corresponding health impacts from that exposure. Due to the legacies of racial segregation, redlining, and disinvestment, persistent environmental and public health disparities are still prevalent today.

    These excessive environmental and public health burdens are also exacerbated by climate change, which is causing environmental dangers that lead to greater instability, economic hardship, and shortened life spans. Environmental justice initiatives aim to overcome these disparities, developing solutions to persistent harms and advancing public health, safety, well-being, and prosperity across communities. 

    Recent Federal Actions Do Not Impact the Legality of Environmental Justice Efforts 

    Since day one, the Trump Administration has issued Executive Orders and memoranda that aim to reverse course on environmental justice as a longstanding federal policy. The Administration has terminated environmental and climate justice programs and grants, discontinued environmental enforcement actions, and called for legal challenges to state environmental justice and climate laws. These actions distort the meaning and attempt to cast doubt on the legality of environmental justice work. 

    The President cannot change or dismantle laws passed by Congress, nor can his Executive Orders or agency memoranda alter the protections afforded by the U.S. Constitution and federal and state laws. In fact, civil rights and environmental laws support public and private efforts to advance environmental justice, as does the U.S. Constitution. 

    Through this guidance, the States assure private and public entities that they stand ready to implement and enforce the nation’s laws to advance environmental justice and will continue working in collaboration with communities and organizations to support and defend these efforts across the country. 

    Joining Attorney General Bonta in issuing this guidance, which was co-led by the attorneys general of Massachusetts and New York, are the attorneys general of Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont. .  

    To learn more about the California Department of Justice’s environmental justice, health, and equity efforts, please click here.

    The Office of Community Awareness, Response and Engagement (CARE) invites you to join a virtual CARE Community Briefing featuring California Attorney General Rob Bonta about the  Environmental Justice Guidance. Please click here to register.  

    A copy of the guidance can be found here.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Have you seen Mya?

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police is seeking information on the whereabouts of 17-year-old Mya.

    The teenager has been reported missing to Police from the North Shore area.

    She was last seen in the Takapuna area at around 1.45am on 17 June.

    Police have been working with Mya’s family and conducting enquiries across areas she is known to frequent.

    Those areas include Hauraki, Manly and Red Beach.

    There are ongoing concerns for Mya’s wellbeing and our priority is to locate her to ensure she comes back to family.

    Anyone who sees Mya or has information on her whereabouts should contact Police on 111.

    People can also update Police online or call 105 using the reference number 250617/6276.

    ENDS

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Continues to Hold Price Gougers Accountable, Files Charges Against LA Real Estate Agent

    Source: US State of California

    LOS ANGELES — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the filing of charges against a Southern California real estate agent for price gouging two families who were evacuated in the wake of the Pacific Palisades Fire. The investigation by the California Department of Justice revealed that after the Emergency Order was in place, the defendant increased the rental price by over 30% — including to tenants who eventually signed a lease. These increases exceeded the 10% limit laid out in Penal Code section 396. The charge carries a potential penalty of a $10,000 maximum fine and the possibility of 12 months in jail.  

    “Today, we’ve announced another price gouging charge, this time against a real estate agent for price gouging two families in the wake of the Pacific Palisades Fire. Profiting off Californians’ pain though price gouging is illegal and I will not stand for it,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I urge current or prospective tenants to share their stories directly with local authorities like the LA City Attorney or LA District Attorney, or our office by visiting oag.ca.gov/LAfires or calling our hotline at (800) 952-5225.”

    As part of Attorney General Bonta’s work to protect Californians following the Southern California wildfires, DOJ has also sent more than 750 warning letters to hotels and landlords who have been accused of price gouging. Working alongside our District Attorneys, City Attorneys, and other law enforcement partners, DOJ has opened active investigations into price gouging, fraud, scams, and unsolicited low-ball offers on property during the state of emergency.

    California law – specifically, Penal Code section 396 – generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds, by more than 10%, the price a seller charged for an item before a state or local declaration of emergency. For items a seller only began selling after an emergency declaration, the law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds the seller’s cost of the item by more than 50%. This law applies to those who sell food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials, and gasoline. The law also applies to repair or reconstruction services, emergency cleanup services, transportation, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations, and long- and short-term rental housing. Exceptions to this prohibition exist if, for example, the price of labor, goods, or materials has increased for the business. 

    Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in a one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Violators are also subject to civil enforcement actions including civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, injunctive relief, and mandatory restitution. The Attorney General and local prosecutors can enforce the statute.

    TIPS FOR REPORTING PRICE GOUGING, SCAMS, FRAUD AND OTHER CRIMES:

    1. Visit oag.ca.gov/LAfires or call our hotline at: (800) 952-5225.
    2. Include screenshots of all correspondence including conversations, text messages, direct messages (DMs), and voicemails
    3. Provide anything that shows what prices you were offered, when, and by whom.
    4. If you’re on a site like Zillow, you can also send screenshots of the price history and a link to the listing. 
    5. Include first and last names of the realtors, listing agents, or business owners you spoke to. Be sure to include phone numbers, email addresses, home and business addresses, websites, social media accounts.
    6. Don’t leave out any information that can help us find and contact the business or landlord.

    Californians who believe they have been the victim of price gouging should report it to their local authorities or to the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/LAfires. To view a list of all price gouging restrictions currently in effect as a result of proclamations by the Governor, please see here.

    A copy of the complaint can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mexican national gets 110-month prison sentence for trafficking cocaine, illegally reentering the US following federal investigation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    CAMDEN, N.J. — A Mexican national was sentenced for trafficking cocaine into the United States following a federal investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Newark.

    Anastacio Santiago Chaparro, also known as Arnoldo Urquidez, 41, of Mexico, was recently sentenced to 110 months’ imprisonment for trafficking cocaine at the U.S. District Court of New Jersey in Camden. In February, Santiago Chaparro pleaded guilty to an indictment of those charges and illegal reentry by a convicted felon.

    “Santiago Chaparro is a criminal alien who has ties to a dangerous drug trafficking organization based out of Sinaloa, Mexico, and has disregarded our nation’s immigration law by repeatedly crossing the border illegally,” said ICE HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “This sentence highlights our whole-of-government approach to dismantle the flow of illicit drugs into America and hold criminals accountable for their role in poisoning our communities. We commend our partners in the DEA and Customs and Border Protection who supported HSI’s investigation that led to Santiago’s sentencing along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of New Jersey.”

    HSI Newark also credited HSI’s Special Operations Unit and the New Jersey State Police for their support in the investigation leading up to the sentencing.

    According to the investigation, on Nov. 6, 2023, ICE HSI Newark arrested Santiago Chaparro while he was caught transporting a backpack that contained over 10 kilograms of cocaine. Santiago Chaparro admitted that the cocaine was intended for distribution. Additionally, Santiago Chaparro had been deported from the United States to Mexico three times and previously sustained a conviction for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, an aggravated felony.

    In addition to Santiago Chaparro’s prison sentence, he was ordered three years of supervised release on each charge and ordered to cooperate with ICE regarding his deportation proceedings.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Western Balkan General and Special Chief Prosecutors meet in Tirana for the Second Consultative Forum

    Source: Eurojust

    17 June 2025|

    The second Regional Western Balkan Consultative Forum organised by the Western Balkans Criminal Justice Project in cooperation with the General Prosecution Office of Albania, took place on 17 June 2025 in Tirana. The Western Balkan General and Special Chief Prosecutors convened to discuss common experiences and challenges, and to highlight the importance of international cooperation in the fight against organised crime. 

    The Consultative Forum urged for stronger regional collaboration and promoted direct exchanges among Western Balkan partners. Participants reaffirmed their shared objectives in combating crime and emphasised the supportive roles that Eurojust and the WBCJ Project can provide to authorities in the region.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Leads Resolution Supporting Israel’s Strikes to End Iran’s Nuclear Capabilities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), alongside Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), introduced a resolution reaffirming the United States’ steadfast support for Israel as it works to dismantle the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities and defends its citizens from ongoing Iranian attacks.

    Additional cosponsors of this resolution include Representatives Don Bacon (NE-2), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-5), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-10), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-6), Chris Smith (NJ-4), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-5), Randy Feenstra (IA-4), Tom Barrett (MI-7), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Robert Aderholt (AL-4), and Elise Stefanik (NY-21). The resolution was also supported by FDD Action, JINSA, AJC, AIPAC, and Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI).

    For decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran has actively pursued a nuclear weapons program in direct violation of international agreements while funding terrorism, threatening the existence of Israel, and fueling instability throughout the Middle East. Despite bipartisan diplomatic efforts across multiple U.S. administrations, Iran has consistently obstructed inspections, expelled international monitors, and advanced its uranium enrichment to levels dangerously close to weapons-grade. On Friday, June 13th, the International Atomic Energy Agency declared Iran in breach of its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

    This resolution underscores the United States’ full support for Israel’s recent targeted actions to degrade the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure,  which protects not only Israel but also the United States and the free world. It reaffirms the vital importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance and makes clear that the pursuit of a nuclear-armed Iran will not be tolerated.

    “This bipartisan resolution reaffirms the United States’ unwavering support for Israel’s right to self-defense and for its bold, courageous efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program once and for all. The U.S.-Israel partnership remains unshakable, and this resolution sends a clear and unified message: we will work together to ensure the Iranian regime is never able to obtain a nuclear weapon,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

    The Islamic Republic of Iran has made clear time and time again its intent to ‘annihilate’ Israel and attack the United States and has funded direct military attacks on Israel and the United States for decades. It’s regrettable that Iran’s decades of violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) which it signed has led us to a point where this is necessary. The only thing more dangerous than this war is an Ayatollah with access to nuclear weapons. Israel could not wait until Iran had a stockpile of nuclear weapons ready to be launched,” said Congressman Sherman.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Former Fulton County Jail Sergeant Charged with Federal Civil Rights Violations and Falsifying Reports

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    A six-count indictment was unsealed today in the Northern District of Georgia charging former Fulton County Jail Sergeant, Khadijah Solomon, 47, with using excessive force by repeatedly deploying tasers against compliant, non-resisting pretrial detainees on three separate occasions in January 2025 and writing false reports about each of the incidents.

    “The Civil Rights Division has zero tolerance for law enforcement officers who abuse public trust through excessive force and concealing their misconduct,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We will vigorously safeguard the constitutional rights of all individuals, including those in custody, and ensure accountability in this case.”

    “Law enforcement officers in this district perform their duties professionally and honorably, but those who abuse their power will be held accountable for their unlawful conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia. “On three occasions, Khadijah Solomon allegedly tased Fulton County Jail detainees without a legitimate purpose, causing each of them pain and injury. Abuses of power of this kind are unconstitutional, erode our community’s trust, and will be prosecuted.”

    Solomon faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each federal civil rights violation, and 20 years in prison for each false report. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia and Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case based on a referral from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bret Hobson and Brent Gray for the Northern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Briana M. Clark of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Spanish National Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Export U.S. Military-Grade Radios to Russian Government End Users

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Bence Horvath, 47, a Spanish national living in the United Arab Emirates, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with conspiring to illegally export U.S.-origin radio communications technology to Russian end users without a license.

    Horvath pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to unlawfully export goods to Russia. U.S. District Court Judge John D. Bates scheduled sentencing for Sept. 30.

    According to court documents, beginning at least around January 2023, Horvath and others initiated discussions with a small U.S. radio distribution company about procuring and exporting to Russia U.S.-manufactured military-grade radios and related accessories. Over the next several months, Horvath continued his efforts to secure those items, which he intended to transship to Russia via a freight forwarder in Latvia.

    As part of the conspiracy, Horvath purchased 200 of the military-grade radios and intended to export them to Russia. But he was not successful, as U.S. Customs and Border Protection detained the shipment, preventing the radios from falling into the hands of prohibited Russian end users.

    Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service Southeast Field Office, and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California provided valuable assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Tortorice and Maeghan Mikorski for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Sean Heiden of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Fulton County Jail Sergeant Charged with Federal Civil Rights Violations and Falsifying Reports

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A six-count indictment was unsealed today in the Northern District of Georgia charging former Fulton County Jail Sergeant, Khadijah Solomon, 47, with using excessive force by repeatedly deploying tasers against compliant, non-resisting pretrial detainees on three separate occasions in January 2025 and writing false reports about each of the incidents.

    “The Civil Rights Division has zero tolerance for law enforcement officers who abuse public trust through excessive force and concealing their misconduct,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We will vigorously safeguard the constitutional rights of all individuals, including those in custody, and ensure accountability in this case.”

    “Law enforcement officers in this district perform their duties professionally and honorably, but those who abuse their power will be held accountable for their unlawful conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia. “On three occasions, Khadijah Solomon allegedly tased Fulton County Jail detainees without a legitimate purpose, causing each of them pain and injury. Abuses of power of this kind are unconstitutional, erode our community’s trust, and will be prosecuted.”

    Solomon faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each federal civil rights violation, and 20 years in prison for each false report. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia and Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case based on a referral from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bret Hobson and Brent Gray for the Northern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Briana M. Clark of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $6.5 million in stolen goods seized in 2025, California leads in nationwide organized retail crime crackdown

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jun 17, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced that this year, the state recovered 113,245 stolen items worth nearly $6.5 million. In May alone, arrests were up almost 130%, stolen assets recovered were up 65%, and the value of the items recovered was up nearly 49% from April.

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that from January to May, the state’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force conducted 331 investigations, 629 arrests, and recovered 113,245 stolen items valued at nearly $6.5 million. 

    Spearheaded by the California Highway Patrol, the Organized Retail Crime Task Force, through coordination with local law enforcement agencies and other partners, has been involved in over 3,800 investigations, resulting in the arrest of more than 4,400 suspects and the recovery of nearly 1.4 million stolen goods, valued at over $58 million since 2019.

    In California, we value our public safety and back our business community. Organized retail crimes have no place in our society and I’m proud of the work our CHP officers do up and down the state to protect our families and communities.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Using arresting tools made available in part because of the Governor’s organized retail crime package he passed last year and ongoing commitment to public safety, compared to April, organized retail crime enforcement has gone up in all areas in May:

    • 120 Investigations: Up 131% 
    • 246 Arrests – Up 130%
    • 72,454 stolen assets recovered – Up 66%
    • $2,046,084 in assets recovered – Up 49% 

     Leading the nation

    As part of the coordinated national organized retail crime blitz, from May 26 to 30, the CHP conducted high-visibility enforcement operations throughout the state – arresting 90 individuals, recovering nearly $153,000 worth of stolen merchandise, and identifying multiple suspects linked to organized crime rings operating in and beyond California. 

    The CHP joined more than 100 law enforcement agencies and major retailers for this multi-day effort to investigate and intercept criminal activity in shopping centers, malls, and high-traffic retail areas throughout California.

    “Retail theft doesn’t stop at state lines—and neither do we,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “By working together with our law enforcement partners and retailers nationwide, we are sending a clear message: if you come to California to steal, we will be here to stop you.”

    The blitz, coordinated out of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, coordinated an effort across 28 states to seize stolen vehicles, narcotics, weapons and other goods. 

    These efforts reinforced the importance of intelligence sharing, real-time coordination, and proactive enforcement in deterring retail theft.

    Crime dropped significantly last year

    According to an analysis of Real Time Crime Index data by the Public Policy Institute of California, violent crime dropped by 4.6% and property crime dropped by 8.5% in 2024, compared to 2023. Overall, the decreases in violent and property crimes in California were similar to those seen by law enforcement agencies in other states – property crime went down by 8.5% in California and 8.4% elsewhere. 

    Stronger enforcement. Serious penalties. Real consequences.

    California has invested $1.1 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve public safety. In 2023, as part of California’s Public Safety Plan, the Governor announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history, an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.

    Last August, Governor Newsom signed into law the most significant bipartisan legislation to crack down on property crime in modern California history. Building on the state’s robust laws and record public safety funding, these bipartisan bills offer new tools to bolster ongoing efforts to hold criminals accountable for smash-and-grab robberies, property crime, retail theft, and auto burglaries. While California’s crime rate remains at near historic lows, these laws help California adapt to evolving criminal tactics to ensure perpetrators are effectively held accountable.

    As part of the state’s largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime, Governor Newsom announced last year the state distributed $267 million to 55 communities to help local communities combat organized retail crime. These funds have enabled cities and counties to hire more police, make more arrests, and secure more felony charges against suspects. 

    Saturating key areas 

    Working collaboratively to heighten public safety, the Governor tasked the CHP to work with local law enforcement areas in key areas to saturate high-crime areas, aiming to reduce roadway violence and criminal activity in the area, specifically vehicle theft and organized retail crime. Since the inception of this regional initiative, there have been over 7,300 arrests, more than 5,000 stolen vehicles recovered and over 350 firearms confiscated across Bakersfield, San Bernardino and Oakland.

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  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: Crime and policing bill an attack on our ‘proud legacy of protest’

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Amnesty International stages powerful ‘human timeline’ highlighting over 100 years of protest  

    From suffragettes to Bristol Boycott: a legacy of defiant movements  

    The Crime and Policing Bill seeks to further erode right to protest    

    Amnesty International has organised a ‘human timeline’ outside Parliament to highlight Britain’s ‘proud history of defiant movements’, ahead of the Report stage debate on the Crime and Policing Bill on the 17th June. It is the fourth anti-protest bill introduced in Parliament in just four years.  

    The proposed legislation would give police sweeping new powers, including the ability to ban face coverings at protests, impose restrictions on protests based on vague rules around being in the ‘vicinity’ of religious buildings, and compel people, including protesters, on limited visas to leave the country if they receive a police caution.   

    The bill follows last year’s Criminal Justice Bill, part of the former government’s sustained crackdown on peaceful protest. Protesters now face increasing criminalisation, with some receiving prison sentences for nonviolent action that exceed those given for serious violent crimes. 

    The protest outside Parliament today features real-life activists and actors representing key historical movements and holding placards: 

    • The Suffragettes  

    “They told us to stay at home, but we won women the right to vote” 

    “They called us ‘terrorists’ but we helped bring about a fairer society” 

    “They called us naive, but we advocated for a safer world” 

    “They called us ‘irresponsible’, but we helped to make racial discrimination in employment unlawful” 

    “They called us “deviants”, but we won equal rights and respect” 

    “They called us annoying but we tackled discrimination against people with disabilities” 

    “They called us powerless, but we continue to expose the injustice of housing in the UK” 

    “They called us eco-mobs, but we made it impossible to ignore the plight of our planet” 

    • Black Lives Matter  

    “They called us ‘thugs’ but we continue to uncover institutional racism” 

    “They call us hate marches, but we won’t stop campaigning against apartheid and genocide” 

    By demonstrating the breadth of protest over the past 100 years, and the rights and freedoms that were won, the stunt shows their true power in making the world a better, more equitable place. 

    Kerry Moscogiuri, Amnesty International UK’s Director of Campaigns, said:  

    “The UK has a legacy of defiant movements – where demonstrations both large and small, have shaped a fairer and more just society. 

    “From the Suffragettes  and the Anti-Apartheid Movement to the Bristol Bus Boycott or the UK’s first Pride march, these protesters faced fierce resistance in their time. Yet today, we celebrate the rights and freedoms they fought so hard to win. 

    “The new Crime and Policing Bill is the fourth piece of legislation in as many years aimed at clamping down on our right to protest. It’s yet another example of the Government attacking our ability to hold them to account beyond the ballot box – undermining our freedom of speech. Had such laws existed in the past, many of the historic protests we now celebrate might not have been possible. 

    “We have a proud history of protest and we must continue on that path, not follow the tide of authoritarian laws that’s undermining freedom globally.” 

    A spokesperson for Grenfell United, said:  

    “The power of protest should never be forgotten. Our Silent walks serve both to remember those we lost, and to show that Grenfell issues are not localised, they are a national problem. Building safety affects thousands of people across the country, whether leaseholder, private or social housing tenant, and our gatherings show those responsible the pace of change is too slow, and the risk to life too high. 

    “The Crime and Policing Bill is part of a growing trend on the crackdown of the right to protest. This is a deeply concerning trend for communities who turn to protest as a result of the grave injustices they have faced. By walking in our thousands each year, we show those in power we will never forget what was done to us, what needs to happen, and that the nation is behind us in our fight for Justice” 

    MIL OSI NGO –