NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawaii Woman Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud and Tax Fraud

    Source: US State of California

    A Hawaii woman pleaded guilty yesterday to defrauding her mortgage lender and conspiring to defraud the IRS by fraudulently obtaining a tax refund and then thwarting the IRS’ efforts to recoup it.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Hannah Heart, of Honolulu, conspired with others to file a false 2014 individual income tax return in her name. As part of the conspiracy, Heart’s co-conspirators created a fake tax form purportedly issued by a mortgage lender to Heart, which she attached to her return. The form falsely reported that Heart had received income from a financial institution of more than $2.4 million, from which over $1.2 million in taxes had been withheld. As a result, Heart filed a tax return that falsely claimed she was entitled to a $464,904 refund, which the IRS paid.

    When the IRS began trying to collect the fraudulent refund from Heart, she took several steps to thwart the IRS. For example, Heart deposited the refund check into a trust bank account and immediately transferred most of the balance to a separate bank account, both of which she controlled. She also sent numerous false, fraudulent, and frivolous letters to the IRS in response to IRS communications.

    In addition, Heart helped another co-conspirator defraud the IRS using the same scheme. Heart and her co-conspirator deposited a second fraudulently obtained $1 million refund check from the IRS, payable to the co-conspirator.

    In total, Heart caused a tax loss to the IRS of $1,618,985.54.

    Heart also defrauded her mortgage lender, conspiring with others to do so. Heart took out a mortgage for her home in 2006 and stopped making payments in 2010 toward her mortgage. The mortgage lender initiated foreclosure proceedings in 2022 against Heart. In response, a co-conspirator sent the lender a fictitious document purporting to be a check for the full amount due for Heart’s mortgage. The lender initially accepted the check but later rejected it as fraudulent. Afterwards, Heart sent mail to the lender demanding that it accept the fraudulent check as full payment of her remaining balance.

    In total, Heart intended to defraud the mortgage lender of $2,066,522.22.

    Heart will be sentenced at a later date. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the charge of mail fraud and a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the charge of conspiracy to defraud the IRS. She also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson for the District of Hawaii made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and FBI are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Sarah Kiewlicz and Megan Jones of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Paris Yates for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Founder of Haitian Orphanage Sentenced to 210 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing Boys in his Care

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    A Colorado man was sentenced today to 210 years in prison for sexually abusing numerous children at the orphanage he founded and directed in Haiti.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Michael Karl Geilenfeld, 73, most recently of Littleton, founded St. Joseph’s Home for Boys — a home for orphaned, impoverished, and otherwise vulnerable children in Haiti — in 1985 and operated it for more than two decades. During this time, Geilenfeld repeatedly traveled from the United States to Haiti, where he sexually abused the boys entrusted to his care. He also physically and emotionally abused the children in the home, including through physical assault and other forms of punishment.

    In February 2025, a federal jury convicted Geilenfeld of one count of traveling in foreign commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct and six counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place between 2005 and 2010. Each of the six counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct relates to a separate victim who was a child at the time of the offense.

    At trial, these six victims testified about the sexual abuse they suffered at the hands of Geilenfeld and the devastating impact it had on them, as did other victims — now adults — who were not the subject of the charged offenses. Victims and witnesses also described the physical abuse Geilenfeld inflicted on his victims and the manipulation that he employed to keep his operation running and financially supported by others.

    “The defendant’s sustained sexual, physical, and emotional abuse of some of the most vulnerable children in the world is intolerable,” said Matthew Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This prosecution demonstrates the Department’s commitment to securing justice for children harmed by criminals who travel abroad from the United States to commit their crimes. We thank our partners for working with us to ensure that the defendant can never harm another child.”

    “This sentencing marks the end of a case built on the courage of survivors and the dedication of investigators,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “For decades, Geilenfeld used his position of trust and access to exploit vulnerable children under the guise of humanitarian work. We are grateful to those victims who came forward to report their abuse. The FBI is committed to pursuing those who commit crimes against children no matter where they occur or how long ago they were committed.”

    U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and FBI investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Jessica L. Urban and Eduardo Palomo of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lacee Monk for the Southern District of Florida prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hawaii Woman Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud and Tax Fraud

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    A Hawaii woman pleaded guilty yesterday to defrauding her mortgage lender and conspiring to defraud the IRS by fraudulently obtaining a tax refund and then thwarting the IRS’ efforts to recoup it.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Hannah Heart, of Honolulu, conspired with others to file a false 2014 individual income tax return in her name. As part of the conspiracy, Heart’s co-conspirators created a fake tax form purportedly issued by a mortgage lender to Heart, which she attached to her return. The form falsely reported that Heart had received income from a financial institution of more than $2.4 million, from which over $1.2 million in taxes had been withheld. As a result, Heart filed a tax return that falsely claimed she was entitled to a $464,904 refund, which the IRS paid.

    When the IRS began trying to collect the fraudulent refund from Heart, she took several steps to thwart the IRS. For example, Heart deposited the refund check into a trust bank account and immediately transferred most of the balance to a separate bank account, both of which she controlled. She also sent numerous false, fraudulent, and frivolous letters to the IRS in response to IRS communications.

    In addition, Heart helped another co-conspirator defraud the IRS using the same scheme. Heart and her co-conspirator deposited a second fraudulently obtained $1 million refund check from the IRS, payable to the co-conspirator.

    In total, Heart caused a tax loss to the IRS of $1,618,985.54.

    Heart also defrauded her mortgage lender, conspiring with others to do so. Heart took out a mortgage for her home in 2006 and stopped making payments in 2010 toward her mortgage. The mortgage lender initiated foreclosure proceedings in 2022 against Heart. In response, a co-conspirator sent the lender a fictitious document purporting to be a check for the full amount due for Heart’s mortgage. The lender initially accepted the check but later rejected it as fraudulent. Afterwards, Heart sent mail to the lender demanding that it accept the fraudulent check as full payment of her remaining balance.

    In total, Heart intended to defraud the mortgage lender of $2,066,522.22.

    Heart will be sentenced at a later date. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the charge of mail fraud and a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the charge of conspiracy to defraud the IRS. She also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson for the District of Hawaii made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and FBI are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Sarah Kiewlicz and Megan Jones of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Paris Yates for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Malachi Allah Darden

    Source: US Marshals Service

    NOTICE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT: Before arrest, verify warrant through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). If subject is arrested or whereabouts known, contact the nearest U.S. Marshals Service office, American Embassy/Consulate, call the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or submit a tip using U.S. Marshals Service Tips.

    For More Information Scan Code Above.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Halifax Regional Municipality — RCMP stops ten impaired drivers on second weekend of Canada Road Safety Week

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    As part of Canada Road Safety Week, over the Victoria Day weekend RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment arrested 7 impaired drivers and suspended the licences of an additional 3 drivers in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

    On May 16, RCMP officers stopped five drivers that exhibited signs of impairment including:

    • While officers were conducting a check point on Hwy. 7 in Porters Lake, they arrested a driver for impaired operation of a conveyance. He was transported to a nearby RCMP detachment where he provided breath samples of 100mg% and 90mg%.
    • At approximately 8:52 p.m., officers responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a Chevrolet Camaro the struck aa transit shelter on Cobequid Rd. The driver who exhibited signs of impairment was arrested and subsequently provided breath samples of 110 mg% and 120mg% at an RCMP detachment. He will be facing impaired driving charges.
    • At 10:47p.m., on Cobequid Rd., officers observed a driver who attempted to avoid a police check point. He was subsequently stopped, displayed signs of impairment and was arrested. Breath samples of 240 mg% and 240mg% were later provided by the man. He was later released and will be charged with Impaired Operation of a conveyance.
    • At approximately 11:38 p.m., an officer conducting traffic enforcement completed a traffic stop, in Cole Harbour, after observing driving evidence consistent with signs of impairment. The driver refused to provide a breath sample. He was arrested and will be charged with Refusal to Comply with a Demand.
    • At approximately 12:59 a.m., an RCMP officer conducted a traffic stop on a Ford F-250 that was towing a trailer in Lower Sackville. The driver, who displayed signs of impairment failed a roadside alcohol screening test. After resisting arrest, he was transported to a nearby RCMP detachment where he provided breath samples of 70 mg%. He was issued a 7-day license suspension and will be charged with resisting arrest.

    On May 17, at approximately 7:56 p.m., while conducting a traffic checkpoint in Terence Bay, a driver showed signs of impairment. He provided a breath sample roadside into an Approved Screening Device (ASD) which resulted in a “warn”, indicating blood alcohol concentration above the provincial limit of 50 mg%. He was issued a 7-day licence suspension.

    On May 18, at 10:37 p.m. a Halifax Regional Detachment Traffic Services member was travelling on highway 101 when he noticed a vehicle rapidly approaching from the rear of his patrol vehicle. A traffic stop was subsequently initiated. During the investigation, it was determined that the driver was a new driver. When he provided a roadside breath sample, it indicated 41mg% of alcohol in his system. The driver was issued a summary offence ticket for speeding and given a 24-hour suspension. New drivers are not permitted to have alcohol in their system.

    Later night, at 11:57 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop in Cole Harbour. The vehicle had extensive front-end damage. The driver, who was arrested for impaired driving, subsequently provided a breath sampled of 220mg% and 210mg%.

    Two additional drivers were also arrested after leaving licenced establishments in the Bedford area. They will be facing charges of Impaired Operation of a Conveyance.

    If you suspect an impaired driver, it’s an emergency; call 911.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford Pushes for Threat Assessment of All Drones Found Near US Borders

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
    WASHINGTON, DC – Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Chair of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Border Management, Federal Workforce and Regulatory Affairs, and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Border Drone Threat Assessment Act. The bill would require a complete threat assessment of unmanned aircraft systems at or near the international borders of the United States, and a unified response across agencies.
    “When American airspace is violated by cartels and bad actors, America should be able to defend itself. We need a clear strategy to counter unmanned aircraft systems that cartels use and that threaten border security,” said Senator Lankford. “As we address these threats and consider using our own drone technology, we must prioritize Americans’ privacy and maintain transparency about the threats along our border.”
    “Drone technology is rapidly evolving, and in the wrong hands, it can pose risks to our national security,” said Senator Kelly. “With this bill, we’re working to stay ahead of that threat, keeping Arizona families and our country safe.”  
    Background
    In recent years, Border Patrol and other agencies have noticed a growing increase of unmanned aircraft systems flying near or across our borders. This bill would require all agencies that have a say over enforcement at our borders to collaborate on threat assessment and countermeasures to mitigate threats effectively.
    In 2023, Lankford introduced The Protecting the Border from Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act, aimed at strengthening efforts to counter unauthorized drone activity along the southern border. The legislation called for coordinated action among the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and Defense, along with the Federal Aviation Administration, to develop a comprehensive strategy. It also emphasized the importance of transparency regarding drone-related threats, and prioritized protecting Americans’ privacy as both foreign drone threats and the use of U.S. drone technologies are addressed.
    You can read the exclusive in the Daily Caller HERE, and can read the full text of The Border Drone Threat Assessment Act HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Labrador Announces Conviction of Idaho Falls Man for Possession of Child Pornography

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom AG Labrador Announces Conviction of Idaho Falls Man for Possession of Child Pornography

    BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador has announced that Alonzo Baltazar, 23, was convicted of three (3) counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child by Possession of Sexually Exploitative Material (Child Pornography). The Possession of Sexually Exploitative Material is a felony punishable by up to ten (10) years in prison. Baltazar was sentenced on May 12, 2025 by Bonneville County District Judge Dane Watkins, Jr.   “While no sentence can undo the harm caused, this conviction is an important step toward justice,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Our ICAC Unit remains committed to identifying offenders, supporting local investigations, and doing everything in our power to protect Idaho’s children from exploitation.” In approximately February of 2024, the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit received a CyberTip that an account belonging to Baltazar had uploaded three video files containing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). After obtaining search warrants, officers searched Baltazar’s home and digital devices. Those devices were submitted for forensic examination to the Idaho Falls Police Department. The forensic examination of the devices found 5,056 files containing CSAM, 33 of which appeared to be artifacts related to the original files identified in the CyberTip. Many of these files depicted minor children, both male and female, as young as approximately three (3), and some of these files depicted children engaged in sex acts with adults.At sentencing, prosecutors for the State recommended a prison sentence of ten (10) years, where Baltazar would be eligible for parole after three (3) years in prison. Defense counsel for Baltazar recommended a probation sentence. Judge Watkins sentenced Baltazar to a total of five (5) years in prison and ordered that he be eligible for parole after two years. Baltazar will have to register as a sex offender pursuant to Idaho law.  The investigation was led by Detective Jared Mendenhall with the Idaho Falls Police Department who serves in the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit. Detective Mendenhall and the Idaho Falls Police Department were assisted by various agencies, including the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, the Pocatello Police Department, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General James Haws.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Co-Leads Bipartisan Coalition Urging Congress to Pass Legislation to Prevent Youth Substance Abuse

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today co-led a bipartisan coalition of 40 other attorneys general from across the country in calling on Congress to pass the Youth Substance Use Prevention and Awareness Act, bipartisan legislation to reduce youth drug use through research-based public education campaigns and strategic community outreach. In a letter to Democratic and Republican leadership in the House and Senate, Attorney General James and the coalition emphasize the importance of proactive, science-based prevention efforts at a time when young people face increased risk of exposure to dangerous narcotics like fentanyl and xylazine.

    “Too many young people know firsthand just how deadly drugs like fentanyl can be,” said Attorney General James. “As the opioid epidemic continues to tear apart families and communities, attorneys general remain on the front lines protecting our youth, and we need all levels of government to help fight back. The Youth Substance Use Prevention and Awareness Act is a commonsense bipartisan measure that will provide significant resources to help save lives and educate young people about the dangers of drug use.”

    The legislation, introduced by U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), would amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide targeted federal funding for public service announcements (PSAs), youth-led campaigns, and other outreach tools that help prevent early substance use. All campaigns funded under the bill must be grounded in evidence, designed for cultural relevance, and adapted to meet the specific needs of local communities.

    Attorney General James and the coalition argue that youth substance use remains a growing public health and safety concern, especially amid a rise in fentanyl-related overdoses and the increasing availability of synthetic drugs. Research consistently shows that young people who begin using drugs at an early age are more likely to develop long-term substance use disorders, and the consequences can be devastating for families, schools, and communities.

    The Youth Substance Use Prevention and Awareness Act would fund a range of efforts to better reach young people with timely, credible, and accessible information, including:

    • Culturally relevant PSAs tailored specifically to youth;
    • Youth-led PSA contests to drive peer-to-peer engagement and creativity;
    • Federal grants for outreach across TV, radio, social media, streaming platforms, and other media; and
    • Annual reporting requirements to measure reach and effectiveness, ensuring transparency and accountability.

    The letter is led by Attorney General James and the attorneys general of Connecticut, New Hampshire, and South Dakota. Joining the letter are the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and American Samoa. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former President of Asphalt Paving Company Sentenced for Bid Rigging

    Source: United States Attorneys General 11

    A former senior executive of a Michigan asphalt paving company was sentenced yesterday to six months in prison and a $500,000 fine for his role in a multiyear conspiracy to rig bids for asphalt paving services contracts in Michigan.

    Daniel L. Israel, former president of Pontiac-based Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI), pleaded guilty in October 2023 to conspiring with Al’s Asphalt Paving Company Inc. (Al’s Asphalt), and employees from those companies, to rig bids in each other’s favor. Israel is one of seven individuals that have been charged as part of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the asphalt paving services industry. Three companies also have been charged as part of the investigation, which to date has resulted in over $8.2 million in criminal fines.

    “Economic crime — like bid rigging — is no less harmful than violent crime,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Both inflict deep, lasting harm on our communities and disenfranchise those who believe in the American dream. As the defendant admitted, he conspired to eliminate competition to further enrich himself and his accomplices. The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will continue to ensure that individuals who cheat and deprive the public of the benefits of competition are incarcerated.”

    “This sentencing marks an important milestone in holding accountable those responsible for this flagrant bid rigging scheme,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Licari of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG), Midwestern Region. “We remain committed to working closely with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who undermine fair competition and violate federal antitrust laws.”

    According to court documents, the co-conspirators coordinated each other’s bid prices so that the agreed-upon losing company would submit intentionally non-competitive bids. These bids gave customers the false impression of competition when, in fact, the co-conspirators already had decided among themselves who would win the contracts. Israel participated in the conspiracy from March 2013 through November 2018.

    Israel’s former employer, ASI, and another former ASI executive also pleaded guilty in January 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy with Al’s Asphalt. Al’s Asphalt and two of its executives previously pleaded guilty in January and October 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy. ASI was sentenced in August 2024 to pay a fine of $6,500,000.

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office, DOT-OIG, and U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office is prosecuting the case.

    Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stewiacke — RCMP investigates fatal motorcycle crash in Stewiacke

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Colchester County District RCMP is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred in Stewiacke.

    On May 21, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Colchester County District RCMP, fire services, and EHS, responded to a report of a motorcycle crash on Hwy. 2, between Main St. and George St. RCMP officers learned that the motorcycle was travelling on the highway when it left the roadway and went into the ditch.

    One rider, a 46-year-old woman from Salmon River, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver, a 61-year-old man from Shubenacadie East, was transported to hospital by EHS with life-threatening injuries.

    A collision reconstructionist attended the scene; the investigation is ongoing.

    The highway was closed for several hours but has since reopened.

    Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this difficult time.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Premier Congratulates Singapore Prime Minister on Re-Election

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, May 23 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday sent a congratulatory message to Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on the occasion of his re-election to the post.

    As Li Qiang noted, China and Singapore are friendly neighbors and important cooperative partners with healthy dynamics of development of relations and fruitful results of cooperation in various fields, which has greatly contributed to the advancement of the modernization process in both countries.

    The congratulations said that both sides also maintain coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs and make positive contributions to peace, stability, prosperity and development of the region.

    The Chinese leader expressed his willingness to work with Liu Wong and take the 35th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties as an opportunity to further deepen mutual political trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges, jointly safeguard multilateralism and the free trade system, promote new achievements in China-Singapore relations as a comprehensive, high-quality, future-oriented partnership, and strengthen prosperity and stability in the region. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former President of Asphalt Paving Company Sentenced to Prison for Bid Rigging

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    A former senior executive of a Michigan asphalt paving company was sentenced yesterday to six months in prison and a $500,000 fine for his role in a multiyear conspiracy to rig bids for asphalt paving services contracts in Michigan.

    Daniel L. Israel, former president of Pontiac-based Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI), pleaded guilty in October 2023 to conspiring with Al’s Asphalt Paving Company Inc. (Al’s Asphalt), and employees from those companies, to rig bids in each other’s favor. Israel is one of seven individuals that have been charged as part of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the asphalt paving services industry. Three companies also have been charged as part of the investigation, which to date has resulted in over $8.2 million in criminal fines.

    “Economic crime — like bid rigging — is no less harmful than violent crime,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Both inflict deep, lasting harm on our communities and disenfranchise those who believe in the American dream. As the defendant admitted, he conspired to eliminate competition to further enrich himself and his accomplices. The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will continue to ensure that individuals who cheat and deprive the public of the benefits of competition are incarcerated.”

    “This sentencing marks an important milestone in holding accountable those responsible for this flagrant bid rigging scheme,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Licari of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG), Midwestern Region. “We remain committed to working closely with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who undermine fair competition and violate federal antitrust laws.”

    According to court documents, the co-conspirators coordinated each other’s bid prices so that the agreed-upon losing company would submit intentionally non-competitive bids. These bids gave customers the false impression of competition when, in fact, the co-conspirators already had decided among themselves who would win the contracts. Israel participated in the conspiracy from March 2013 through November 2018.

    Israel’s former employer, ASI, and another former ASI executive also pleaded guilty in January 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy with Al’s Asphalt. Al’s Asphalt and two of its executives previously pleaded guilty in January and October 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy. ASI was sentenced in August 2024 to pay a fine of $6,500,000.

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office, DOT-OIG, and U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office is prosecuting the case.

    Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Founder of Haitian Orphanage Sentenced to 210 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing Boys in his Care

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Colorado man was sentenced today to 210 years in prison for sexually abusing numerous children at the orphanage he founded and directed in Haiti.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Michael Karl Geilenfeld, 73, most recently of Littleton, founded St. Joseph’s Home for Boys — a home for orphaned, impoverished, and otherwise vulnerable children in Haiti — in 1985 and operated it for more than two decades. During this time, Geilenfeld repeatedly traveled from the United States to Haiti, where he sexually abused the boys entrusted to his care. He also physically and emotionally abused the children in the home, including through physical assault and other forms of punishment.

    In February 2025, a federal jury convicted Geilenfeld of one count of traveling in foreign commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct and six counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place between 2005 and 2010. Each of the six counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct relates to a separate victim who was a child at the time of the offense.

    At trial, these six victims testified about the sexual abuse they suffered at the hands of Geilenfeld and the devastating impact it had on them, as did other victims — now adults — who were not the subject of the charged offenses. Victims and witnesses also described the physical abuse Geilenfeld inflicted on his victims and the manipulation that he employed to keep his operation running and financially supported by others.

    “The defendant’s sustained sexual, physical, and emotional abuse of some of the most vulnerable children in the world is intolerable,” said Matthew Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This prosecution demonstrates the Department’s commitment to securing justice for children harmed by criminals who travel abroad from the United States to commit their crimes. We thank our partners for working with us to ensure that the defendant can never harm another child.”

    “This sentencing marks the end of a case built on the courage of survivors and the dedication of investigators,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “For decades, Geilenfeld used his position of trust and access to exploit vulnerable children under the guise of humanitarian work. We are grateful to those victims who came forward to report their abuse. The FBI is committed to pursuing those who commit crimes against children no matter where they occur or how long ago they were committed.”

    U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and FBI investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Jessica L. Urban and Eduardo Palomo of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lacee Monk for the Southern District of Florida prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former President of Asphalt Paving Company Sentenced for Bid Rigging

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A former senior executive of a Michigan asphalt paving company was sentenced yesterday to six months in prison and a $500,000 fine for his role in a multiyear conspiracy to rig bids for asphalt paving services contracts in Michigan.

    Daniel L. Israel, former president of Pontiac-based Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI), pleaded guilty in October 2023 to conspiring with Al’s Asphalt Paving Company Inc. (Al’s Asphalt), and employees from those companies, to rig bids in each other’s favor. Israel is one of seven individuals that have been charged as part of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the asphalt paving services industry. Three companies also have been charged as part of the investigation, which to date has resulted in over $8.2 million in criminal fines.

    “Economic crime — like bid rigging — is no less harmful than violent crime,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Both inflict deep, lasting harm on our communities and disenfranchise those who believe in the American dream. As the defendant admitted, he conspired to eliminate competition to further enrich himself and his accomplices. The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will continue to ensure that individuals who cheat and deprive the public of the benefits of competition are incarcerated.”

    “This sentencing marks an important milestone in holding accountable those responsible for this flagrant bid rigging scheme,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Licari of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG), Midwestern Region. “We remain committed to working closely with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who undermine fair competition and violate federal antitrust laws.”

    According to court documents, the co-conspirators coordinated each other’s bid prices so that the agreed-upon losing company would submit intentionally non-competitive bids. These bids gave customers the false impression of competition when, in fact, the co-conspirators already had decided among themselves who would win the contracts. Israel participated in the conspiracy from March 2013 through November 2018.

    Israel’s former employer, ASI, and another former ASI executive also pleaded guilty in January 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy with Al’s Asphalt. Al’s Asphalt and two of its executives previously pleaded guilty in January and October 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy. ASI was sentenced in August 2024 to pay a fine of $6,500,000.

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office, DOT-OIG, and U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office is prosecuting the case.

    Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former President of Asphalt Paving Company Sentenced to Prison for Bid Rigging

    Source: US State of Vermont

    A former senior executive of a Michigan asphalt paving company was sentenced yesterday to six months in prison and a $500,000 fine for his role in a multiyear conspiracy to rig bids for asphalt paving services contracts in Michigan.

    Daniel L. Israel, former president of Pontiac-based Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI), pleaded guilty in October 2023 to conspiring with Al’s Asphalt Paving Company Inc. (Al’s Asphalt), and employees from those companies, to rig bids in each other’s favor. Israel is one of seven individuals that have been charged as part of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the asphalt paving services industry. Three companies also have been charged as part of the investigation, which to date has resulted in over $8.2 million in criminal fines.

    “Economic crime — like bid rigging — is no less harmful than violent crime,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Both inflict deep, lasting harm on our communities and disenfranchise those who believe in the American dream. As the defendant admitted, he conspired to eliminate competition to further enrich himself and his accomplices. The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will continue to ensure that individuals who cheat and deprive the public of the benefits of competition are incarcerated.”

    “This sentencing marks an important milestone in holding accountable those responsible for this flagrant bid rigging scheme,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Licari of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG), Midwestern Region. “We remain committed to working closely with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who undermine fair competition and violate federal antitrust laws.”

    According to court documents, the co-conspirators coordinated each other’s bid prices so that the agreed-upon losing company would submit intentionally non-competitive bids. These bids gave customers the false impression of competition when, in fact, the co-conspirators already had decided among themselves who would win the contracts. Israel participated in the conspiracy from March 2013 through November 2018.

    Israel’s former employer, ASI, and another former ASI executive also pleaded guilty in January 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy with Al’s Asphalt. Al’s Asphalt and two of its executives previously pleaded guilty in January and October 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy. ASI was sentenced in August 2024 to pay a fine of $6,500,000.

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office, DOT-OIG, and U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office is prosecuting the case.

    Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Durbin Lead Call for Inspector General to Investigate Emil Bove’s Abuse of Prosecutorial Power at DOJ’s Civil Rights Division 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Constitution Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee, and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) referred Emil Bove III to the Office of Inspector General. Senators asked Inspector General Michael Horowitz to investigate Mr. Bove’s potential abuse of prosecutorial authority within the Civil Rights Division. 
    Public reporting indicates that Mr. Bove used intimidation tactics to stymie protected rights of students, including freedom of speech and freedom of association. Mr. Bove reportedly instructed career prosecutors in the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division to obtain a membership list of a student group at Columbia and investigate those students. After career prosecutors raised concerns about whether such actions violated the Constitution, Mr. Bove reportedly demanded prosecutors file for search warrants for the list. A magistrate judge twice rejected this request, finding the investigation initiated at Mr. Bove’s direction lacked probable cause. He then, purportedly, ordered FBI agents to intimidate protestors by putting on their raid jackets and stand in a phalanx formation.  
    “If these reports are accurate, Mr. Bove has abused his prosecutorial and supervisory authority to retaliate against protected First Amendment activity for the purpose of furthering President Trump’s political agenda,” the Senators write. “This matter must be reviewed by the Office of Inspector General (OIG). While we acknowledge that DOJ views attorney misconduct as the province of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), OPR is apparently not available to pursue this matter. Since the constructive removal of Jeffrey Ragsdale as Director and Chief Counsel, OPR has no publicly-known leadership, and our understanding is that the office has been shuttered completely. OIG is thus the only available avenue for oversight of attorney professional misconduct.” 
    The letter, led by Senator Welch and Ranking Member Durbin, was signed Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). 
    Read the letter here and below:  
    Dear Inspector General Horowitz:  
    We write to express our concern about grave allegations that Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove III violated the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Justice Manual, flouted his ethical responsibilities, abused the powers of his office, and exceeded the constitutional limitations on prosecutorial power by initiating pretextual criminal investigations against students at Columbia University and premising investigative steps on protected constitutional activity.  
    According to public reporting, Mr. Bove sought to have career prosecutors in DOJ’s Civil Rights Division obtain a membership list of a student group at Columbia and investigate its members. Prosecutors resisted this request due to the Justice Manual’s prohibition on initiating criminal investigations based on protected constitutional activity, such as freedom of association. These career prosecutors then learned Mr. Bove allegedly sought this list to share with immigration agents, creating a fear that the investigation was a pretextual effort to intimidate students engaged in First Amendment expression with threats of detention and deportation. Separately, Mr. Bove reportedly attempted to employ a different intimidation tactic, instructing Federal Bureau of Investigation agents on the Joint Terrorism Task Force to don their raid jackets and stand in a phalanx near protestors on Columbia’s campus. 
    Subsequently, Mr. Bove ordered prosecutors to obtain a search warrant for the nonpublic data associated with the student group’s Instagram account, based on the premise that the account was used to make a threat—despite the assessment of career prosecutors that the identified statement did not meet the legal definition of a threat. No prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York signed the warrant application, despite the action being brought in their jurisdiction, reportedly due to the same concerns shared by the career prosecutors in the Civil Rights Division. 
    Ultimately, Mr. Bove’s requested warrant application was rejected twice, once on initial review and again on reconsideration, by a federal magistrate judge for failing to establish probable cause. The nature of the second rejection appears to indicate further abuses because the magistrate judge imposed a special condition: if DOJ seeks to refile this search warrant application before another federal judge, they must include a transcript of the sealed discussions of these initial efforts. If these reports are accurate, Mr. Bove has abused his prosecutorial and supervisory authority to retaliate against protected First Amendment activity for the purpose of furthering President Trump’s political agenda.  
    This matter must be reviewed by the Office of Inspector General (OIG). While we acknowledge that DOJ views attorney misconduct as the province of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), OPR is apparently not available to pursue this matter. Since the constructive removal of Jeffrey Ragsdale as Director and Chief Counsel, OPR has no publicly-known leadership, and our understanding is that the office has been shuttered completely. OIG is thus the only available avenue for oversight of attorney professional misconduct.  
    Moreover, concurrent jurisdiction exists between OIG and OPR, particularly where misconduct creates waste, fraud, and abuse. The alleged abuse of power and unethical behavior in question involves the type of misconduct that extends beyond an attorney’s professional responsibilities and falls under the jurisdiction of OIG. In this extraordinary circumstance, we urge you to exercise existing concurrent jurisdiction to investigate all alleged misconduct. 
    Sincerely,  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison Names Leadership Team, Reorganizes Criminal Division

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison announced today the appointment of a new executive leadership team to guide the District of New Mexico’s mission, along with a restructuring of the Albuquerque office’s Criminal Division to best advance the Administration’s priorities.

    Mr. Ellison named Kimberly Brawley as First Assistant U.S. Attorney, overseeing the Criminal, Civil, and Administrative Divisions. Ms. Brawley joined the office in 2007 and has worked across all sections of the Criminal Division. From 2013 to 2018, she supervised the General Crimes Section, which handled violent crimes, firearms offenses, narcotics, and immigration cases.   Since 2018 she has prosecuted white collar, national security, and civil rights cases.  Ms. Brawley earned her B.A. with honors from New Mexico State University and graduated cum laude from the University of New Mexico School of Law.  Before becoming an Assistant U.S. Attorney, she clerked for the office and practiced civil defense litigation in the private sector.

    Christopher McNair will serve as Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney. Mr. McNair joined the office 2018 and has primarily handled firearms, violent crime, and immigration offenses. Mr. McNair graduated magna cum laude from the University of New Mexico School of Law and earned his B.A. from the University of New Mexico.

    Roberto Ortega has been appointed as Chief of the Civil Division. Mr. Ortega has over 35 years of legal experience, including 25 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. He has prosecuted a wide range of federal criminal cases and now focuses on defending the United States in civil litigation. Mr. Ortega holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Stanford University and a Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law. He is also an active community leader, having served on several local boards, including the UNM Alumni Association and the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation. He and his wife, Dr. Loretta Cordova de Ortega, have four children.

    Niki Tapia-Brito will lead the Albuquerque Office’s Criminal Division as Chief. Ms. Tapia-Brito joined the office in 2011, after serving for 10 years as a prosecutor in the 7th and 2nd Judicial District Attorneys’ Offices.  Throughout her career with the office, Ms. Tapia-Brito has prosecuted federal cases in the Indian Crimes, Violent Crimes, Civil Rights and Public Integrity sections.  Ms. Tapia-Brito earned her B.A. from Stanford University and a JD at University of New Mexico School of Law.

    In the Las Cruces Branch Office, Richard Williams will serve as Chief of the Criminal Division. He joined the office in 2001 as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and became an Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2002. From July 2008 to July 2022, Mr. Williams served in supervisory roles, including Deputy Branch Chief and Section Supervisor. Throughout his career with the office, he has led numerous criminal investigations and prosecutions involving immigration, firearms, narcotics, money laundering, murder and other violent crimes, white-collar offenses, and various federal violations. He has also argued multiple appeals before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, securing two successful topside appeals. In recognition of his appellate work, Mr. Williams received the EOUSA Director’s Award for Superior Performance in 2010. Before joining the office, he practiced commercial litigation as an associate at Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. in Houston, Texas. Mr. Williams earned his J.D. with honors from the University of Texas School of Law and his B.A. cum laude from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. He grew up in Fort Worth, Texas.

    Paige Messec will continue to serve as the Chief of the Appellate Division, which she has headed since 2018. Ms. Messec joined the office in 2008 and served in the Immigration, General Crimes, and White Collar sections of the Criminal Division before moving to the Appellate Division in 2015. She received her undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Georgetown University and law degree cum laude from Harvard Law School. Before joining the office, she clerked for Judge Harris L Hartz on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

    Jeremy Peña has been appointed as Senior Litigation Counsel for the Albuquerque Criminal Division. Mr. Peña joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2011, starting in the General Crimes Section and moving to the White Collar Section that same year. In 2014, he received the U.S. Attorney’s Award for the trial conviction of Sheriff Thomas Rodella.  He has prosecuted some of the Office’s most complex cases, including Ayudando Guardians and the recent trial conviction of Solomon Peña.  Mr. Peña graduated from Pomona College and the University of Chicago Law School.  He was an Assistant District Attorney for five years before becoming an AUSA.

    In the Las Cruces Branch Office, Terri Abernathy will continue to serve as Senior Litigation Counsel for the Criminal Division, a position she has held since 2010. In this role, Ms. Abernathy is responsible for coordinating the training of Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Las Cruces Office. She has been with the office since 2000 and serves as the District’s Border Security Coordinator. Over her 25-year career, Ms. Abernathy has prosecuted complex narcotics cases and more than a thousand immigration cases. Before joining the office, she clerked for Circuit Judge Bobby R. Baldock of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and is a graduate of Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri.

    In addition to his executive leadership team, Mr. Ellison announced a restructured Criminal Division in the Albuquerque Office, now organized into four sections:

    • Narcotics and Organized Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine Ramirez and Deputy Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Lou Mattei.
    • White Collar Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Federici.
    • Violent and General Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Hurtado and Deputy Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mysliwiec.
    • Indian Country Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew McGinley.

    The Las Cruces Branch Office is organized into two sections:

    • Organized and General Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Joni Stahl.
    • Violent and General Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Armijo.

    Public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. With this new leadership team in place, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to vigorously enforcing the law, protecting our communities, and upholding the rights of all New Mexicans. The office will continue to collaborate closely with local, state, tribal, and federal partners to address violent crime, combat drug trafficking, and strengthen border security. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously Deported Mexican National Indicted For Illegally Possessing Firearm After Shots Fired From Vehicle

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Hilario Diaz-Velazquez (32, Mexico) with illegal reentry after deportation and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. If convicted, Diaz-Velazquez faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.

    According to court records, on March 30, 2025, the Palmetto Police Department responded to a call for service regarding shots fired on 14th Street in Palmetto. An officer from the Palmetto Police Department witnessed gunshots from a vehicle, and officers arrested the vehicle’s occupants. The occupants were arrested on state charges and two firearms were seized from the vehicle. One of the occupants was identified as Diaz-Velazquez. A review of Diaz-Velazquez’s immigration history showed that he was previously deported from the United States on November 26, 2012.

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

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.          

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Palmetto Police Department, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Files Forfeiture Action to Recover $6.7 Million in Stolen Funds

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.—The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) filed a civil forfeiture action to recover more than $6.7 million in funds alleged to be proceeds of a financial fraud scheme.

    “Civil forfeiture is a powerful and important tool in cases like this, and it allows the government to move quickly to seize the stolen funds, seek legal ownership of them, and then promptly return them to the victims,” said Katie de Villiers, Chief of the Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Division for the District of Oregon. “This was only possible here because the crime was reported to law enforcement. The most important takeaway for the public is that if you find yourself the victim of a similar scam, do not delay in contacting law enforcement.”

    As alleged in the forfeiture complaint, in February 2025, the City of Portland was targeted by a business impersonation scheme. The scammer, posing as an employee of a company contracted by the city, gained access to a payment system and changed the contractor’s bank account information to an account provided by the scammer. In March 2025, the City of Portland notified law enforcement that a payment intended for the contractor had been diverted to an unauthorized bank account.

    On April 16, 2025, the USAO and FBI sought and obtained a federal seizure warrant. The same day, the FBI executed the warrant and seized $6,748,680 of fraudulently-obtained funds. The FBI was able to swiftly seize proceeds of the crime, which were still located in the unauthorized account.

    Federal law enforcement uses civil forfeiture to recover proceeds of a crime and attempt to return those proceeds to victims quickly. This is especially important in online-related scams where scammers are often overseas and unable to be identified, hindering a criminal prosecution and forfeiture.

    The case was investigated by the FBI and Portland Police Bureau. The civil forfeiture action is being handled by Julia E. Jarrett and Katherine A. Rykken, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

    The accusations in the complaint, and the description of the complaint, constitute only allegations that certain property is subject to forfeiture. The United States must prove, by a standard of preponderance of the evidence, that the property is subject to forfeiture.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Joint CBSA and OPP investigation leads to arrest and charges for drug importation and trafficking

    Source: Government of Canada News

    May 23, 2025
    Ottawa, Ontario

    A 47-year-old was arrested and is facing drug related charges after a joint investigation involving the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

    On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the CBSA conducted a secondary inspection of a package from Italy arriving at the Ottawa International Airport. Testing determined the contents was heroin.

    The CBSA requested assistance from the OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU).

    On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the joint investigation resulted in the execution of a search warrant by CSCU members, as well as members of the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and CBSA, at a residence on Red Castle Ride, in the Manotick area of Ottawa. One person was arrested the scene.

    Harvinder Singh Malhi of Ottawa has been charged under the Controlled Drug and Substance Act with:

    • Import Schedule 1 substance
    • Possession a of Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking

    The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa on June 24, 2025.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Steven Zalewski

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of Steven Zalewski, who was declared dead on October 9, 2023 after a motor vehicle incident involving a member of the Dewitt Police Department (DPD) in Dewitt, Onondaga County. Following a thorough investigation, which included review of DPD reports, interviews, and body-worn camera footage, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the involved DPD officer caused Mr. Zalewski’s death or committed a crime, and therefore criminal charges are not warranted in this case.

    On the evening of October 9, a DPD officer was driving in a marked police car while responding to a residence in Dewitt. The officer was driving on Bridge Street, a multi-lane roadway with four southbound lanes and four northbound lanes separated by a concrete median, with a speed limit of 40 MPH. The officer was traveling southbound in the lane closest to the median at 28 MPH when he drove over Mr. Zalewski, who was lying on the ground. Mr. Zalewski was pronounced dead at the scene.

    In New York, proving criminally negligent homicide requires proving beyond a reasonable doubt that a person caused a death when they failed to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk that death would occur; that the failure to perceive the risk was a gross deviation from a reasonable person’s standard of care; and that the person engaged in blameworthy conduct. In this case, the investigation could not determine whether Mr. Zalewski had already been struck by another vehicle, or in fact had already died, when the officer’s car ran over him. In addition, there is no evidence that the officer was speeding, driving while distracted, or impaired by drugs or alcohol. The body-worn camera shows that the officer was not using his phone or any equipment in the police car. While toxicology testing showed that the officer was on a prescription medication, there is no evidence that it affected his ability to operate his patrol vehicle.

    In this case, the evidence does not establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer’s conduct was a gross deviation of the standard that would have been observed by a reasonable person in the same circumstances, or that the officer consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk of death. Therefore, OSI concluded that there was insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges.

    Determining the possibility of alcohol impairment is an essential component of investigating vehicular crashes. In this case, the officer was never administered a Portable Breath Test (PBT) and was not asked to provide a blood sample for two and a half hours after the incident. While there is no evidence that the officer driving the car was impaired by drugs or alcohol, OSI recommends that all patrol officers and supervisors be trained in the administration of PBTs and field sobriety tests so that any on-duty or off-duty police officer, or any civilian, involved in a motor vehicle collision can be tested as close to the time of the collision as practicable to ensure the most accurate results. OSI also recommends that when a motor vehicle collision results in serious physical injury or the death of another person, police agencies should ask the involved officer to voluntarily consent to toxicology testing.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Increased Police Patrols During Memorial Day Weekend

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul announced increased New York State Police and local law enforcement patrols to combat drunk, impaired and reckless driving as Memorial Day celebrations get underway. This annual STOP-DWI traffic enforcement detail, which is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, and runs through 11:00 p.m. on Monday, May 26, 2025. Memorial Day is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year and police will be out in force to remove impaired and reckless drivers from our highways.

    “Public safety is my top priority and my Administration is committed to ensuring travelers are safe on our roadways this holiday weekend,” Governor Hochul said. “Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer and a busy travel season – I urge all motorists to drive responsibly and if you are celebrating, make a plan to get yourself or your guests home safely. New York State has zero tolerance for impaired driving.”

    Drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols by State Police along with local and county law enforcement agencies during this holiday weekend. Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of this crackdown to more easily identify motorists who are violating the law. CITE vehicles allow the Trooper to better observe driving violations. These vehicles blend in with traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.

    To help ease travel during the busy holiday weekends, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended beginning 6:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23 through 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27.

    Drivers should be aware some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. The construction suspension aligns with New York State’s Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work.

    New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “For many New Yorkers, Memorial Day marks the start of the summer travel season which means additional traffic and increased risks on our roadways. As we take time to honor those who died in service to our county, we encourage all motorists to make safety their number one priority.  Drive sober, put down your smart phone, and slow down and move over if you see emergency vehicles or highway workers on the side of the road. Troopers will remain vigilant in keeping the roadways safe throughout the holiday weekend.”

    New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Governors Traffic Safety Committee Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “This weekend we will remember the many servicemembers who sacrificed their lives so we could enjoy our freedom. Don’t lose that freedom to a DWI arrest, crashing your vehicle or injuring yourself or others. With so many options for ensuring you have a safe and sober ride home, there’s absolutely no excuse to drive impaired.”

    New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “As we enjoy a long weekend with friends and family this coming Memorial Day, let us remember and honor the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice to safeguard our nation’s freedom.  We are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice. In an effort to ensure the safe flow of traffic over this weekend, the State Department of Transportation will be suspending all non-emergency construction activities. I urge the traveling public to put your phones down and pay attention to the task at hand – driving.  In addition, please drive sober and alert, slow down and move over for all vehicles, obey speed limits and do your utmost to help everyone reach their destinations safely this weekend.”

    New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “As the summer travel season begins, we urge motorists to make safety a priority. Suspending construction activities over the holiday weekend will help people get to their destinations with fewer delays, but we remind motorists our employees and emergency personnel will still be out assisting motorists. It’s imperative that motorists remain alert, slow down and move over for vehicles on the side of the road. We thank our partners at New York State Police Troop T for patrolling the Thruway and keeping motorists safe.”

    During last year’s initiative, law enforcement officers issued 30,031 citations including 4,791 tickets for speeding and 1,421 arrests for impaired driving.

    Drivers must follow the state’s Move Over Law, which was expanded in March 2024 to require drivers to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped along the roadway. The Thruway Authority and New York State Department of Transportation urge drivers to stay alert while driving, slow down and move over when they see a vehicle on the side of the road. The lives of employees, roadway workers and emergency personnel depend upon it.

    Text stops, including park-and-ride facilities, rest stops, service areas and parking areas along state highways support the state’s effort to reduce distracted driving. 

    The Thruway Authority reminds drivers that all but one service area located on the Thruway from the lower Hudson Valley to the Pennsylvania State line are open. The final of the 27 service areas constructed as part of the $450 million redevelopment project located on I-87 southbound will open later this year. Fuel services remain open at all locations. Drivers can view the service areas and plan their stops on the Thruway Authority’s website and on the free mobile app, which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app also provides drivers direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Drivers can also sign up for TRANSalert emails, which provide the latest conditions along the Thruway.

    Travelers can also check NYSDOT’s 511NY before traveling by calling 5-1-1, visiting the 511 website, or downloading the free 511NY mobile app on iTunes or Google Play. The free service allows users to check road conditions, view 2,219 traffic cameras and link to air and transit information. The app features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction.

    This initiative is partially funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC). The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation remind drivers that their  “Have a Plan” mobile app, is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties, and a way to even report a suspected impaired driver.

    New York State Sheriffs’ Association Chautauqua County Sheriff and President James Quattrone said, “As we take some time this Memorial Day to honor and remember those servicemembers who are no longer with us, let’s do so in a safe and smart way.  This weekend is also the unofficial start of summer and many will be spending time over the next few months outdoors, traveling, and enjoying the nice weather.  There are times when people are not able to drive after their picnics, parties, and events.  Don’t put yourself or others in danger…have a plan to not drive impaired.  The Sheriffs of New York State honor our servicemembers and want you to enjoy this weekend and the upcoming summer by being safe and sober behind the wheel.”

    New York State Association of Chiefs of Police President and City of Batavia Police Department Chief Shawn Heubusch said, “The New York State Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to support the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee’s Memorial Day enforcement campaign. This initiative is a critical reminder that safety on our roadways is a shared responsibility. Increased enforcement during this high-traffic holiday period helps prevent impaired driving, reduces crashes, and ultimately saves lives. We stand with our law enforcement partners across the state in making New York’s roads safer for all.”

    State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “On a weekend meant for celebrations with friends and family, no one should have to worry about their safety on the road. I want to thank Governor Hochul and our New York State Police for their efforts to combat impaired driving and make sure everyone gets home safely this Memorial Day weekend.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman David Scott Requests $40 Million in FY2026 Community Project Funding Priorities for Georgia’s 13th District

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

    WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), a senior member of the House Agriculture and House Financial Services Committees, announced a list of fifteen Community Project Funding priorities in the 13th Congressional District for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations cycle.

    Each Fiscal Year, Members of Congress can request Federal funding from the House Committee on Appropriations for up to fifteen community projects in their home districts. As part of that process, Congressman David Scott solicited requests through stakeholder meetings and member level engagement and submitted the list of projects outlined below. These Federal dollars provide vital resources to improve transportation and water infrastructure, enhance public safety, and help veterans access lifesaving health care.

    “In every vote I cast and every bill I fight for, my focus is simple: delivering results for the people I represent in the 13th District,” said Congressman David Scott. The nearly $40 million in Federal funding I have requested are going directly back into our neighborhoods—to repair roads, modernize schools, expand access to clean water, and create good-paying jobs. These priorities represent crucial investments in infrastructure and services that will strengthen our communities and bolster local economies for Georgians. I look forward to working closely with officials from across the district on each request to ensure we address the needs of the hard-working families we serve.”

    Congressman Scott’s project include:

    Project Name: City of Jonesboro Pedestrian Improvements Project
    Explanation of Request: The City of Jonesboro would use this funding to make pedestrian improvement in high-traffic areas, including the installment of sidewalks, adding pedestrian crosswalks, installment of ADA accessibility features, lighting, and turnup/turndown walls as required to tie with existing grades.

    Project Name: Rockdale Veterans Transportation Assistance Project
    Explanation of Request: Rockdale County would use this funding to purchase a new vehicle to supplement its Veteran Transportation Program, which assists honorably discharged Rockdale County veterans of any age with trips to the Veterans Hospital in Decatur and the VA clinics in Stockbridge and Covington.

    Project Name: Newton County Sheriff Department Equipment Project
    Explanation of Request: The Newton County Sheriff’s Office would use this funding to purchase ten FAP-30 FBI-certified LES fingerprint sensors that would be used for mobile applications such as roadside stops, crime scene investigations, and serving warrants. Together, this equipment would give the law enforcement agency the capability to fingerprint offenders and victims efficiently and quickly.

    Project Name: Henry County Panola Road Resurfacing Project

    Explanation of Request: Henry County would use this funding to resurface 3.5 miles of Panola Road from Fairview Road to State Route 155. Panola Road serves as a critical east-west connection in northern Henry County, providing access to commercial areas, the City of Stockbridge, and the nearby Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

    Project Name: Gwinnett County Walton Court Booster Station
    Explanation of Request: The Gwinnett County Board of Supervisors would use this funding to upgrade the booster station facility, including installing a standby power source and updating the existing electrical system. This project with ensure that Gwinnett County residents will have adequate access to drinking water.

    Project Name: Newton County Salem Road Utility Relocation Project
    Explanation of Request: The Newton County Water and Sewage Authority would use this funding to relocate 15,640 feet of critical water main, 75 valves, 26 fire hydrants, and 1,050 feet of 10-inch sewer piping to accommodate proposed improvements to State Route 162 in Newton County.

    Project Name: Clayton County Police Department Precinct Anti-Crime Taskforce Project
    Explanation of Request: The Clayton County Police Department would use this funding to purchase and outfit fifteen police cruisers which will conduct gang enforcement operations, surveillance, and offender apprehension. The police cruisers would be outfitted with lighting and siren systems as well as hardware kits that support the Police Department’s in-car cameras.

    Project Name: Lawrenceville Police Department Equipment and Technology Update Project
    Explanation of Request: The Lawrenceville Police Department would use the funding to purchase four standard police cruisers which would conduct high-visibility enforcement, first-aid kits, trauma bags, mechanical breaching kits, a hydraulic breaching kit, a reusable training breach door, 16’ telescopic ladders, public safety camera trailers,  Bluetooth communication equipment, safety barriers, ballistic shields, gas masks, and tactical camera kits.

    Project Name: City of Conyers Technology and Equipment for Strategic Preparedness Project
    Explanation of Request: The City of Conyers Police Department would use this funding to purchase a mobile command vehicle and LTE-enabled portable radios to improve officer preparedness during large-scale incidents, high-threat situations, hostage rescue, and disaster response while enhancing the safety of first responders and civilians.

    Project Name: MARTA Securing Rail and Bus Facilities Project
    Explanation of Request: MARTA would use this funding to install anti-climb, anti-cut fencing around at bus yards and rail yard facilities to prevent unauthorized access to hazardous and dangerous areas.

    Project Name: Rockdale River Trail Connector Project
    Explanation of Request: Rockdale County would use this funding to connect two disconnected portions of the Rockdale River Trail. Connection these two portions of the trail would provide greater access to centers of business, downtown Conyers, recreational opportunities, and the Monastery of the Holy Spirit.

    Project Name: Oxford Haygood Avenue Water Main Replacement Project
    Explanation of Request: The City of Oxford would use this funding to disconnect the existing iron water main, install a new resilient water main, and reconnect water services lines to ensure residents of the City of Oxford have necessary access to drinking water.

    Project Name: Jonesboro Enhancing Law Enforcement and Public Safety Project
    Explanation of Request: The City of Jonesboro Police Department would use this funding to purchase one portable message board trailer, three portable LED light tower trailers, one speed detection trailer, thirty stop sticks, four rapid ID devices, four alcohol detection services, eight police cruisers, ten laptops, thirty body cameras, and twenty-six in-car cameras. This equipment will improve officer reporting, access to real-time information, and public communication during public emergencies.

    Project Name: Alcovy Road Transmission Main Replacement Project
    Explanation of Request: Newton County would use this funding to install 4,200 linear feet of 36-inch water main to replace the existing transmission lines. This project would ensure potable water for nearly all residents of Newton County.

    Project Name: Gwinnett County Harvest Gwinnett Mobile Kitchen Project
    Explanation of Request: Gwinnett County would use this funding to purchase a 16-foot box truck with a lift for its “Live Healthy Gwinnett” initiative. The box truck with allow the county to more easily transport its mobile kitchens across cities and rural areas in the county.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of George Floyd Anniversary, Pressley Reintroduces Suite of Bills to Transform Criminal Legal System, Improve Police Accountability

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

    People’s Justice Guarantee | Ending Qualified Immunity Act | Andrew Kearse Act

    WASHINGTON – Today, ahead of the five-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) reintroduced the People’s Justice Guarantee (PJG), the Ending Qualified Immunity Act, and the Andrew Kearse Accountability for Denial of Medical Care Act – a suite of bills that collectively will help build a fair, equitable, and just legal system in America, and improve police accountability.

    “It’s been nearly five years since George Floyd was murdered, and our families and communities continue to be plagued and destabilized by the overlapping crises of mass incarceration, police brutality, and overcriminalization,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “As we approach this somber anniversary and weather an unprecedented assault on Black and brown communities from the Trump Administration, I’m proud to reintroduce bold legislation and continue our push toward accountability, healing, and our collective liberation.”

    The People’s Justice Guarantee is a comprehensive, decarceration-focused resolution that outlines a framework for a fair, equitable and just legal system. The resolution, developed in close partnership with activists, advocates, and those most impacted by criminal and racial injustice, calls for an ongoing and participatory “people’s process” that centers the dignity and expertise of those impacted by the carceral state. The PJG is rooted in five guiding principles – shared power, freedom, equality, safety, and human dignity – and specifically calls for (1) decarceration and the dramatic reduction of jail and prison populations; (2) eliminating wealth-based discrimination and corporate profiteering; (3) transforming the experience of confinement; and (4) investing in historically impacted communities.

    The Ending Qualified Immunity Act, which Rep. Pressley is introducing alongside Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), would eliminate the unjust and court-invented doctrine of qualified immunity and restore the ability for people to obtain relief when state and local officials, including police officers, violate their legal and constitutionally secured rights. The lawmakers’ bill would permit civil lawsuits against public officials, in their personal capacity, to hold them accountable for their wrongdoing.

    “On the five-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, we must never forget that true justice requires that victims of police brutality and their families get their day in court,” said Senator Markey. “But all too often, qualified immunity impedes victims from holding government officials accountable. Qualified immunity is a flawed and judge-made doctrine that shields law enforcement officers from being sued for wrongdoing. For decades, courts have been gutting the landmark civil rights law, the Civil Rights Act of 1871, which allows victims of abuse at the hands of state and local officials to vindicate their rights in court. We must hold accountable the public officials who abuse their positions of trust in our communities.”

    The Andrew Kearse Accountability for Denial of Medical Care Act, which the Congresswoman is introducing alongside Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) would hold law enforcement officers criminally liable for failing to obtain medical assistance to people in custody experiencing medical distress. The bill is named after Andrew Kearse, a 36-year-old Black man who on May 11, 2017 died of a heart attack in the back of a police cruiser after begging a police officer for help. Instead of providing Mr. Kearse with medical assistance, the officer dismissed his pleas and waited precious minutes until after Mr. Kearse became nonresponsive to call for medical assistance. Despite failing to seek potentially life-saving care for Mr. Kearse, the officer involved was not charged with a crime.

    “If an officer denies life-saving medical care for people in their custody, they should be held accountable,” said Senator Warren. “This bill is a step towards justice for Andrew Kearse and all who died a preventable death while in custody.”

    Full text of the People’s Justice Guarantee resolution is available here.

    A copy of the Ending Qualified Immunity Act can be found here.

    A copy of the Andrew Kearse Act can be found here and a summary is available here.

    Congresswoman Pressley has introduced over a dozen pieces of precise legislation informed by the People’s Justice Guarantee to fundamentally redefine what justice looks like in America, including the Ending Qualified Immunity Act and Andrew Kearse Accountability for the Denial of Medical Care Act.

    Congresswoman Pressley also led calls in Congress for President Biden to use his clemency authority to address mass incarceration and has applauded the President for granting clemency to thousands of people and commended him for commuting the death sentences of 37 individuals on federal death row.

    • In June 2023, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12)unveiled the Housing for Formerly Incarcerated Reentry and Stable Tenancy (Housing FIRST) Act, bold legislation to help people who are formerly incarcerated and those with criminal histories access safe and stable housing.
    • In May 2023, Rep. Pressley reintroduced her Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act to improve maternal health care and support for pregnant individuals who are incarcerated. It was originally introduced in March 2020 and reintroduced in February 2021 as part of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Package—a suite of 12 bills aimed at addressing the Black maternal health crisis.
    • In May 2023, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA-31), Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus, requested the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to research post-traumatic prison disorder and share findings related to prevention and treatment for people returning from behind the wall.
    • In April 2023, Rep. Pressley and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) re-introduced their Ending Qualified Immunity Act, legislation that would eliminate the unjust and court-invented doctrine of qualified immunity and restore the ability for people to obtain relief when state and local officials, including police officers, violate their legal and constitutionally secured rights. Rep. Pressley originally introduced the bill in June 2020 with Rep. Justin Amash (L-MI) and reintroduced it with Sen. Markey in March 2021.
    • On April 6, 2023, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Hank Johnson led 25 of their colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus in calling on Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation to address racial disparities in traffic enforcement.
    • In April 2023, Rep. Pressley, in partnership with Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Ilhan Omar (MN-05), re-introduced the Ending PUSHOUT Act, their legislation to end the punitive pushout of girls of color from schools. It was originally introduced in December 2019 and reintroduced in March 2021.
    • In March 2023, Rep. Pressley, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35) and 27 Members of Congress, alongside more than 300 advocacy organizations and community leaders, reintroduced the New Way Forward Act, a landmark piece of legislation that addresses some of the most harmful provisions of immigration law that drive racist enforcement practices, expanded incarceration in immigration detention centers, and unjust deportations. It was originally introduced in December 2019 by Reps. Chuy Garcia (IL-04), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Karen Bass (CA-37) and was reintroduced in January 2021.
    • In March 2023, Rep. Pressley and her colleagues re-introduced the Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act to stop federal entities’ use of facial recognition tools and prohibit federal support for state and local law enforcement entities that use biometric technology. They reintroduced the bill in June 2021.
    • In December 2022, the House passed Congresswoman Pressley’s amendment to strengthen maternal health care for people who are incarcerated.
    • In December 2021, Rep. Pressley unveiled the Fair and Independent Experts in Clemency (FIX Clemency) Act, historic legislation to transform our nation’s clemency system and address the mass incarceration crisis.
    • In March 2021, Rep. Pressley sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland urging him to consider H. Res. 266, the People’s Justice Guarantee, as a framework for embedding justice in our criminal legal system and building integrity in the Department of Justice (DOJ). 
    • In February 2021, October 2020, Congresswoman Pressley reintroduced the Mental Health Justice Act with Reps. Katie Porter (CA-45), Tony Cardenas (CA-29), and Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), to support the creation of mental health first responder units that would be deployed in lieu of law enforcement when 911 is called due to a mental health crisis. The lawmakers originally introduced the legislation in October 2020.
    • In January 2021, she reintroduced the Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act of 2021 with Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) to prohibit the use of the death penalty at the federal level, and require re-sentencing of those currently on death row. The lawmakers originally introduced the bill in July 2019.
    • In August 2020, she introduced the COVID-19 in Corrections Data Transparency Act with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and others, requires federal, state, and local prisons and jails to collect and publicly report COVID-19 data. The legislation was reintroduced in 2021.
    • In July 2020, she introduced the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act with Reps. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), to prohibit federal funds to support the increased presence of police in K-12 schools and supports school districts that invests in counselors.
    • In June 2020, she introduced the Dismantle Mass Incarceration for Public Health Act with Reps. Tlaib (MI-13) and Barbara Lee (CA-13) to require decarceration to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in prisons and jails.
    • In June 2020, she introduced the Andrew Kearse Accountability for Denial of Medical Care Act with Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Ed Markey (D-MA), to hold police officers criminally liable for denying care to those in medical distress.
    • In May 2020, she introduced a resolution with Reps. Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Karen Bass (CA-37) and Barbara Lee (CA-13) to condemn any and all acts of police brutality, racial profiling, and militarization and over-policing of Black and brown communities.  
    • In July 2019, she introduced the No Biometric Barriers Housing Act with Reps. Yvette Clarke (NY-09) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-13) that would prohibit the use of biometric recognition technology in most public and assisted housing units funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), protecting tenants from biased surveillance technology. 
    • In June 2019, in conjunction with Gun Violence Awareness Month and the 5th Annual National Gun Violence Awareness Day, she introduced a resolution to honor survivors of homicide victims by establishing National Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Labrador Letter: Idaho Cracks Down on Online Child Predators

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom Labrador Letter: Idaho Cracks Down on Online Child Predators

    Dear Friends,
    One of the most important responsibilities of the Idaho Attorney General’s Office is to protect children from online exploitation. As technology evolves, so do the tactics of those who wish to do harm. That is why our Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is one of the most active and vital units in my office. In April, that commitment led to real results.
    Through a statewide enforcement effort known as Operation Unhinged, the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested 12 individuals for crimes involving the online exploitation of children. That number is twice the arrests made during the same month    last year. Seventeen residential search warrants were executed, and three cases have been accepted for federal prosecution. The remaining cases will move forward in Idaho state courts. Several additional investigations are ongoing as forensic experts continue to review the seized devices.
    The Task Force does more than just make arrests; we prosecute the crimes as well. The sentences we obtain are not just numbers. Each conviction represents a child who was protected, a predator who was apprehended, and a community that is now a little bit safer.
    When I became Idaho’s Attorney General, I learned from my team that our ICAC Task Force was facing a backlog of more than 1,400 tips. That was unacceptable. We took swift action to reform the structure and response protocols and hire additional personnel with funding from the Legislature. Today, ICAC responds to new tips within 24 hours. That change has made a real difference in protecting children and stopping abuse before it escalates. In fact, Idaho made more ICAC-related arrests last year, 55, than in the previous three years combined.
    Operation Unhinged was also Idaho’s contribution to a national proactive enforcement campaign that intensifies efforts during the months when children are more vulnerable online. But here in Idaho, we did more than just make arrests. We expanded community outreach, with ICAC attending 53 public safety events in April alone. Nearly 1,400 Idahoans participated in these events, gaining the tools they need to help keep children safe online. At the same time, our team trained 106 law enforcement professionals to better detect and investigate internet crimes against children.
    We also invested in advanced tools to meet evolving threats. One of our most effective new assets is Badger, Idaho’s newest Electronic Storage Detection K9 and a certified therapy dog. Badger is trained to locate hidden digital storage devices, such as thumb drives or SD cards, that criminals often attempt to conceal. During April’s operation, Badger helped locate crucial evidence in eight search warrants. He also participated in seven public presentations, providing both educational engagement and emotional support to our officers and the communities we serve.
    On the legal front, Idaho is leading the way. Last year, the Legislature passed House Bill 465, which criminalizes the use of artificial intelligence to generate child sexual abuse imagery. This new law equips our prosecutors with the tools they need to confront modern forms of exploitation and makes Idaho one of the first states in the country to respond to this emerging threat.None of these achievements would be possible without the dedicated cooperation of our law enforcement partners. Operation Unhinged involved agencies from every part of Idaho, including local police departments, county sheriffs, and federal partners such as the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations. I am grateful to each of them for standing with us in this mission.
    This work is not easy. It requires emotional strength and constant vigilance. But there is no more important calling than protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities. As Attorney General, I will continue to ensure our office has the tools, the talent, and the tenacity to carry out this mission.
    If you suspect a child is being exploited online, please contact your local police, call the ICAC Unit at (208) 947-8702, or file a report at www.cybertipline.com. To access internet safety resources or request a presentation in your community, visit ICACIdaho.org.
    Idaho is not just enforcing the law. We are leading a charge to protect our children and preserve their futures. We will never back down.
    Best regards,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor announces Trump Administration appointees for Wage and Hour Division

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced five political appointees for the Wage and Hour Division, including an acting administrator and four policy advisors. 

    The team will help Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling put the American worker first by carrying out the division’s critical mission to promote and achieve compliance with labor standards that protect and enhance the welfare of the nation’s workforce. 

    Donald M. Harrison III began serving as acting administrator of the division on April 1, 2025. Before joining the department, Don held several positions with the Alabama Department of Workforce, formerly the Alabama Department of Labor, including general counsel and deputy secretary. Prior to serving in Alabama’s state government, Don worked for nine years as an attorney in private law practice in Birmingham. Don has a B.S. from Auburn University and holds a J.D. from University of Alabama School of Law.

    Caroline Brown serves as a senior policy advisor. Prior to this appointment, Caroline spent her career at Fisher & Phillips LLP where she developed expertise in federal and state wage laws. She received her B.S. from the University of Florida and her J.D. from Nova Southeastern University. 

    W. Glenn Viers serves as a senior policy advisor. From Atlanta, Glenn previously provided legal advice as the vice president & general counsel of the Hillstone Restaurant Group Inc. for more than three decades, overseeing wage and hour, OSHA, EEO compliance, and governmental affairs. He began his legal career practicing labor and employment law with Alston & Bird LLP after clerking for Hon. J. L. Edmondson on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit in Atlanta. He received his J.D. from the Wake Forest University School of Law.

    Garrett Buttrey serves as a senior policy advisor. Before joining the department, he was chief counsel of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and practiced law in the private sector, focusing on labor and employment matters. He received his B.A. from the University of Tennessee and J.D. from George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School.

    Dana M. Deason, PHR, SHRM-CP serves as a policy advisor. She has over twenty years of experience in the private sector. Before joining the department, she held several senior management positions with Arkansas-based transportation companies, focusing on labor relations and human resources compliance. She received her B.A. from Westminster College.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Deliberations of the Committee on Petitions in 2023 – P10_TA(2025)0114 – Thursday, 22 May 2025 – Brussels

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on the outcome of the Committee on Petitions’ deliberations,

    –  having regard to Articles 10 and 11 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU),

    –  having regard to Articles 20, 24 and 227 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) on the right of EU citizens and residents to bring their concerns to the attention of Parliament,

    –  having regard to Article 228 TFEU on the role and functions of the European Ombudsman,

    –  having regard to Article 44 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union concerning the right to petition the European Parliament,

    –  having regard to the provisions of the TFEU relating to the infringement procedure and, in particular, to Articles 258 and 260 thereof,

    –  having regard to the concluding observations of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of 21 March 2025 on the combined second and third periodic reports of the European Union,

    –  having regard to Rules 55 and 233(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

    –  having regard to the report of the Committee on Petitions (A10-0063/2025),

    A.  whereas the purpose of the annual report on the outcome of the Committee on Petitions’ deliberations is to present an analysis of the petitions received in 2023 and of relations with other institutions, as well as to present an accurate picture of the objectives achieved in 2023;

    B.  whereas in 2023, Parliament received 1 452 petitions, which represents an increase of 16,2 % compared to the 1 217 petitions submitted in 2022 and of 4,0 % compared to the 1 392 petitions registered in 2021; whereas the total amount of petitions received continues to be significantly lower than the peak reached in 2013 and 2014, when Parliament received 2 891 and 2 715 petitions, respectively;

    C.  whereas in 2023, the number of users supporting one or more petitions on Parliament’s Petitions Web Portal was 26 331, which represents a considerable increase compared to the 22 441 users recorded in 2022 (both numbers are considerably lower than the 209 272 supporters recorded in 2021); whereas the number of clicks in support of petitions also increased slightly in 2023, reaching a total of 29 287 (compared with 27 927 in 2022 and 217 876 in 2021);

    D.  whereas however, the overall number of petitions remains modest in relation to the total population of the EU, revealing that efforts still need to be stepped up to increase citizens’ awareness of their right to petition and the possible usefulness of petitions as a means of drawing the attention of the institutions and the Member States to matters that affect and concern citizens directly; whereas in exercising the right to petition, citizens expect the EU institutions to provide added value in finding a solution to their problems;

    E.  whereas the criteria for the admissibility of petitions are laid down in Article 227 TFEU and Rule 232(1) of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, which require that petitions must be submitted by an EU citizen or by a natural or legal person who is resident or has a registered office in a Member State and is directly affected by matters falling within the EU’s fields of activity;

    F.  whereas of the 1 452 petitions submitted in 2023, 429 were declared inadmissible and 13 were withdrawn; whereas the high percentage (29,55 %) of inadmissible petitions in 2023 confirms that there is still a widespread lack of clarity about the scope of the EU’s areas of responsibility; whereas in order to reduce the number of inadmissible petitions, efforts still need to be made to clarify further the scope of the EU’s fields of activity;

    G.  whereas the Committee on Petitions (PETI) played a significant role in combating discrimination against Romanian and Bulgarian citizens during the period in which their countries had not yet joined the Schengen area; whereas PETI made a key contribution in advocating equal treatment and addressing the unjustified barriers faced by these citizens; whereas the starting point was Petition 0004/2023, submitted by Răzvan Eugen Nicolescu on behalf of the ‘Asociația pentru Energie Curată și Combaterea Schimbărilor Climatice’, as well as the subsequent plenary resolution on accession to the Schengen area, adopted under Rule 227(2) of the Rules of Procedure(1);

    H.  whereas the right to petition Parliament is a fundamental right of EU citizens, offering both citizens and residents an open, democratic and transparent mechanism to address their elected representatives directly; whereas this essential tool empowers citizens to actively and effectively participate in the life of the Union; whereas through petitions, EU citizens can complain about failures to implement EU law and help detect breaches of EU law;

    I.  whereas Parliament is the only EU institution directly elected by EU citizens; whereas the right to petition the European Parliament is one of the fundamental rights of EU citizens and residents and it allows them to address their elected representatives directly; whereas many persons with disabilities lack equal access to information and communication due to the limited availability of accessible formats and due to the fact that national sign languages are not recognised as part of the EU’s multilingualism; whereas Parliament has long been at the forefront of the development of the petitions process internationally and has the most open, democratic and transparent petitions process in Europe, allowing petitioners to participate actively and effectively in its activities, whereas in exercising the right to petitions, citizens expect the EU institutions provide added value, cooperating with the Commission and Member State authorities, in solving their problems;

    J.  whereas the information submitted by petitioners in their petitions and during committee meetings, along with the Commission’s assessments and the replies from the Member States and other bodies, also provide valuable input for the work of other parliamentary committees, given that admissible petitions are forwarded to the relevant committee for an opinion or for information; whereas, therefore, petitions can also play a role in the legislative process, providing concrete feedback on the impact of EU policies and enabling policies to address emerging needs;

    K.  whereas the activities of the Committee on Petitions are based on the input provided by petitioners, enabling Parliament to enhance its responsiveness to complaints and concerns relating to respect for fundamental EU rights and compliance with EU legislation in the Member States; whereas petitions are therefore a useful source of information on instances of misapplication or breaches of EU law, enabling an assessment of the application of EU law and its impact on the rights of EU citizens and residents; whereas in 2023 fundamental rights were one of the three most important concerns of all petitioners; whereas, in the context of the structured dialogue with the Commission, the Committee on Petitions called on the Commission to fight discrimination in the European Union, including through initiatives to guarantee equal rights and to strengthen measures against all forms of discrimination, including those based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, disability, age, religion or belief and sexual orientation;

    L.  whereas according to Article 17 TEU the Commission should ensure the correct application of the Treaties and of measures adopted pursuant to them; whereas the Commission’s strategic approach to addressing issues raised in petitions must be fully consistent with the Treaties in order to ensure the most effective follow-up of petitions, aiming at guaranteeing full and timely protection of citizens’ rights arising from EU law;

    M.  whereas each petition must be considered and examined carefully, efficiently, impartially, fairly and transparently, in line with the standards set in Article 41 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union on the Right to good administration; whereas all petitioners have the right to receive a reply informing them about the decision on admissibility and follow-up actions taken by the committee within a reasonable period of time, in their own language or in the language used in the petition; whereas timely and effective responses by the Commission and Member States to the issues raised in the petitions, along with solutions for redress, where appropriate, contribute to strengthening the trust citizens place in the Union and its policies;

    N.  whereas the Committee on Petitions attaches the utmost importance to the examination and public discussion of petitions at its meetings; whereas petitioners have the right to present their petitions and frequently take the floor in the discussion, thereby actively contributing to the work of the committee; whereas in 2023, the Committee on Petitions held 10 committee meetings, at which 191 petitions were discussed with 114 petitioners present and actively participating by taking the floor;

    O.  whereas the main subjects of concern raised in petitions submitted in 2023 related to the environment, fundamental rights, personal matters and justice;

    P.  whereas when adopting its meeting agenda, the Committee on Petitions pays attention to petitions and topics with a high degree of relevance for discussion at EU level and to the need to maintain a balanced geographical coverage of topics according to the petitions received;

    Q.  whereas 82,4 % of the petitions received in 2023 were submitted via Parliament’s Petitions Web Portal, which is a slight increase compared to 2022 (79,05 %), thus reconfirming it as by far the most used channel for citizens to submit petitions to Parliament;

    R.  whereas in February 2023, the Petitions Web Portal was revamped and relaunched to align it with current expectations and make it easier for residents of the Member States to exercise their right to submit petitions to Parliament; whereas the updated Petitions Portal 2.0 integrated seamlessly with Parliament’s web publishing tool, enabling faster and simpler content updates and new features (including seven ‘Quick Start Guides’ that provide clear, step-by-step instructions for submitting, tracking and supporting petitions); whereas a new search engine powered by elastic search technology enhanced the user experience by delivering more accurate results efficiently leading to the new portal’s prioritising a truly citizen-centred approach; whereas during 2023 all petitions were prepared and published in a timely manner, within a few days of their adoption, and all internal and external requests for support on the use and content of the Petitions Portal were replied to successfully, in a timely manner and in all languages;

    S.  Whereas in 2023, the Committee on Petitions (PETI) held four fact-finding visits, during which Members travelled to Romania to examine the management and the protection of the brown bear population and illegal logging, to Donegal (Ireland) to investigate the use of defective mica blocks in construction in Ireland and to Catalonia (Spain) to assess in situ the language immersion model in Catalonia; whereas PETI members were also part of a joint delegation from the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and PETI that travelled to New York to attend the 16th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD COSP);

    T.  whereas under Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, the Committee on Petitions is also responsible for relations with the European Ombudsman, who investigates complaints about maladministration within the institutions and bodies of the EU; whereas the previous European Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly, presented her annual report for 2022 to the Committee on Petitions at its meeting of 27 June 2023;

    U.  whereas the Committee on Petitions is a member of the European Network of Ombudsmen, which also includes the European Ombudsman, national and regional ombudsmen and similar bodies in the Member States, the candidate countries and other European Economic Area countries, and which aims to promote the exchange of information about EU law and policy, and to share best practice;

    1.  Emphasises Committee on Petition’s fundamental role in protecting and promoting the rights of EU citizens and residents by ensuring that petitioners’ concerns and complaints are examined in a timely, effective and appropriate manner and that petitioners are informed about the actions taken and progress made on their petitions; recalls that all petitions are treated through an open, democratic and transparent petition process;

    2.  Commends the essential work done by the Committee on Petitions on the petitions concerning the Akamas Peninsula, the most biodiverse area in Cyprus, which has for decades experienced repeated systemic violations of the Habitats Directive(2) and the Birds Directive(3), in an overall context of a lack of effective and legally binding measures to protect this area and in view of recent plans brought forward by the Cypriot competent authorities, with devastating effects on the area’s very fragile natural ecosystems, in violation of EU environmental legislation; underlines that, following the Committee on Petitions’ work on this matter, on 13 March 2024 the Commission decided to bring Cyprus before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) for the Cypriot authorities’ failure to comply with the Habitats Directive; regrets that in the time that has passed since that decision – over one year – the Commission has not submitted a file to the CJEU, and has thus failed to officially start legal proceedings;

    3.  Underlines the key work performed by the Committee on Petitions on the protection of workers’ rights against discrimination and the abuse of fixed-term contracts in the public sector in Italy; appreciates that the Commission took into due account the very sound legal documents provided by the petitioners, which were carefully assessed in various meetings of the Committee on Petitions, when it decided to bring Italy before the CJEU for failing to end the abusive use of fixed-term contracts and discriminatory employment conditions, in breach of Council Directive 1999/70/EC;

    4.  Commends the PETI Committee for considering Petition 1168/2023, submitted by Mihai Igna on behalf of the Association ‘Together We Bring Prosperity’, which calls for the restitution of Romania’s national treasure and historical archives currently held in Russia; emphasises the profound historical significance of this debate for all Member States that have been historically impacted by Russia’s acts of looting, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, as it highlights the broader challenges related to cultural preservation and safeguarding national heritage during times of geopolitical conflict; stresses that the PETI Committee’s engagement with this issue demonstrates its commitment to upholding the rights of EU citizens and Member States, and protecting Romania’s historical legacy and supporting its legitimate claims on the international stage; recalls the subsequent plenary resolution concerning the return of Romanian national treasure illegally appropriated by Russia(4);

    5.  Reiterates the importance of a continuous public debate on the EU’s fields of activity in order to ensure that citizens are properly informed about the scope of the Union’s competences and the different levels of decision-making; calls for an EU-wide enhanced structured information and communication campaign to be carried out without additional cost (i.e., by using the current resources of the European Parliament Liaison Offices) in all EU official languages in collaboration with national and regional ombudsmen, NGOs, and educational institutions to increase awareness of petition rights among citizens from all Member States, particularly addressing rural and disadvantaged communities and marginalised groups, as well as remote islands and regions; proposes an expansion of outreach efforts free from additional costs through social media and local community events; emphasises the need for broader public awareness and awareness-raising campaigns, through the active involvement of communications services, to help increase citizens’ knowledge about their right to petition, as well as the scope of the EU’s responsibilities and the competences of the Committee on Petitions, with a view to reducing the number of inadmissible petitions and enhancing citizen engagement in the decision-making process; recommends improving the digital accessibility of the Petitions Portal, including through adaptations for people with disabilities and higher quality translations into all official EU languages; recommends exploring the potential of the existing IT tools in order to increase citizens’ support on the portal, including through redirecting options to relevant complaint mechanisms;

    6.  Recalls the European dimension of the Committee on Petitions, which can be addressed by citizens from all 27 Member States on issues that fall within the scope of the EU Treaties and EU law; believes that the Committee has a special responsibility to uphold this European dimension and to demonstrate the added value of European unity and integration to citizens; underlines that the European dimension must be based on solidarity, the promotion of social and economic rights, the protection of minority languages and cultures, and the active fight against climate change;

    7.  Points out that petitions constitute a unique opportunity for Parliament and the other EU institutions to directly connect with EU citizens and maintain a regular dialogue with them, particularly in cases where they are affected by the misapplication or breach of EU law; stresses the need for enhanced cooperation between the EU institutions and national, regional and local authorities on inquiries regarding the implementation of, and compliance with, EU law; believes that such cooperation is crucial to address and resolve citizens’ concerns over the application of EU law and that it contributes to strengthening the democratic legitimacy and accountability of the Union; calls, therefore, for the participation of Member States’ representatives in committee meetings and for timely and detailed responses to requests for clarification or information sent by the Committee on Petitions to national authorities; notes the increase in the number of petitions received in 2023 addressing structural disparities, including in remuneration and retirement income among population groups; calls for these concerns to be systematically analysed and addressed through coordinated action with the relevant committees and the Commission; further calls for enhanced protection and support for individuals exposed to abuse or exclusion who face obstacles in accessing appropriate support mechanisms and justice;

    8.  Recalls that petitions contribute considerably to the exercise of the Commission’s role as the guardian of the Treaties by providing citizens with an additional tool to report alleged breaches of EU law; stresses that constructive cooperation between the Committee on Petitions and the Commission through timely and detailed answers from the Commission, which are based on thorough examinations of the issues raised in petitions, is essential to ensure the successful treatment of petitions;

    9.  Reiterates its call on the Commission to provide legal clarifications on the key criteria underpinning its strategic approach to enforcing EU law and to regularly update the Committee on Petitions on developments in infringement proceedings and to ensure that the Committee on Petitions gets access to the all relevant documents on EU Pilot and infringement procedures and legislative initiatives that were launched based on petitions received; is of the opinion that increased transparency and regular feedback on the handling of ongoing infringement procedures by the Commission would be beneficial for the Committee’s follow-up of open petitions; welcomes the recent Commission initiative to include petitions in the search system of the infringement register of the Commission; stresses that it is important for the Commission to conduct timely investigations into petitions, highlighting violations of rights affecting a large number of citizens and residents within the EU and to consult, where appropriate, the relevant national ombudsman; expresses its concerns about the way the Commission is handling some infringement procedures launched against Member States, including those related to issues raised in many petitions; encourages the Commission to put in place all necessary measures to improve transparency and effectiveness of its management of infringement procedures, which can be perceived as opaque by citizens;

    10.  Calls on the Commission to assess whether the national authorities are taking the necessary measures to respond to citizens’ concerns, as expressed in their petitions, where cases of failure to comply with EU law occur, and to launch infringement procedures where necessary; emphasises that timely and proactive action by the Commission in cases of breaches of EU law is crucial to prevent such breaches, which could undermine citizens’ trust in European institutions, becoming systemic in nature;

    11.  Recalls that freedom of expression is a fundamental pillar of European democracy; condemns any attempt to censor, marginalise or intimidate citizens or their elected representatives on the basis of their political opinions; stresses also that respect for the results of elections, at national and European level, is essential for maintaining citizens’ trust in the democratic process;

    12.  Emphasises the need for enhanced and more active cooperation between Member States and the Committee on petitions in order to unblock those petitions requiring prompt responses and reactions from the national authorities; recalls that the delayed responses of the Member States could have an impact on the timely resolution of issues raised by citizens and negative consequences for the solution of breaches of Union law; notes that the Member States should guarantee responses to petitions within the three-month deadline requested; stresses that improved coordination and dialogue would facilitate a more efficient handling of citizens’ concerns, prevent unnecessary delays and strengthen the effectiveness of the petition process;

    13.  Notes with concern that the recommendations issued by the Committee on Petitions in its report of 19 March 2024, following its mission to Catalonia, have not yet been fully implemented by the relevant educational authorities, particularly those concerning the protection of linguistic rights for all students and their families; expresses deep regret over the tensions encountered by members of the Committee during their visit to Barcelona from 18 to 20 December 2023, and calls for respectful dialogue and cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure that democratic institutions can carry out their mandates in a climate of mutual respect and understanding;

    14.   Strongly condemns the harassment and intimidation to which the official members of the Delegation of the Committee on Petitions were subjected during their fact-finding visit to Barcelona from 18 to 20 December 2023, with the aim of assessing in situ the language immersion model in Catalonia, its effects on families moving to and residing in the Autonomous Community, as well as on multilingualism and non-discrimination and the principle of the rule of law;

    15.  Regrets that the competent education authorities in the region have not implemented the recommendations issued by the Committee on Petitions in its report of 19 March 2024 following the mission, aimed at protecting the linguistic rights of students and their families;

    16.  Recalls that the e-Petition database is an essential internal tool that allows the members of the Committee on Petitions to access all necessary information in order to follow up on the state of play of each petition and to be able to make informed decisions on the treatment of the petitions; notes that the e-Petition database also plays an important role in communication with petitioners;

    17.  Recalls the Commission’s commitment to create an interinstitutional IT tool, together with Parliament, with which to share information and documents on all follow-up actions taken on petitions, such as infringement procedures, legislative proposals or replies by national authorities, thus enhancing the transparency and efficiency of the treatment of petitions, which, in a wider context, would contribute to increasing citizens’ trust in the EU institutions and the European project;

    18.  Recalls that cooperation with other committees in Parliament is essential for the comprehensive treatment of petitions, paying particular attention to petitions on gender equality, family diversity, environmental justice and the linguistic rights of minorities; notes that in 2023, 34 requests for opinion (corresponding to 31 petitions) and 223 requests for information were sent to other committees; notes that of the 34 opinions requested, only 25 answers were received by the end of 2023 (in 14 cases an opinion was provided, while in 10 cases the committee decided not to draft an opinion and on four occasions no official decision has been communicated); recalls that petitioners are informed of decisions to request opinions from other committees for the treatment of their petitions; underlines that parliamentary committees should step up their efforts to actively contribute to the examination of petitions by providing their expertise so as to enable Parliament to respond more swiftly and comprehensively to citizens’ concerns;

    19.  Believes that the petitions network is a useful tool for facilitating the follow-up of petitions in parliamentary and legislative work; trusts that regular meetings of the petitions network are crucial in order to ensure more visibility for the Committee on Petition’s activities and a better understanding of its work and mission, as well as to strengthen cooperation with the other parliamentary committees;

    20.  Underlines that the Committee on Petitions expressed its position on important issues raised in petitions by adopting its report on the outcome of the Committee on Petitions’ deliberations during 2022(5);

    21.  Highlights a slight decrease in the number of petitions submitted on external relations issues compared to 2022; notes that this could be explained by the new geopolitical context in 2023 and in particular a decrease in the number of petitions on the war in Ukraine and a significant increase in petitions dealing with the new conflicts in the Middle East; notes that the Committee on Petitions took account of citizens’ concerns about sanctions, security, conflict resolution, visa policy, progress of EU candidate countries, among other issues, putting on its agenda a number of petitions dealing in particular with questions related to the situation of refugees, in particular of children and on the situation of Venezuelan refugees in the EU; acknowledges the efforts of the committees already actively addressing these issues and emphasises that the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs should take note of these petitions in their deliberations;

    22.  Takes note that health, which was one of the main areas of concern for petitioners in 2022, appeared to continue to play an important role in 2023; notes, in particular, that the Committee on Petitions examined and discussed petitions on the ban on chemicals and heavy metals in children’s toys, on support for healthy and environmentally friendly food systems and lifestyles and on the implementation of EU regulations on added sugars in foods intended for infants and young children;

    23.  Draws attention to the significant number of petitions submitted and discussed in relation to citizens’ concerns over the reintroduction of border checks between some Member States raising the problematic aspect of limitation of the free movement of persons within the EU and other aspects such as the strengths and the weaknesses of the extension of the Schengen area; recalls that Member States may reintroduce internal border controls(6) in the event of a serious threat to public policy or internal security, or under exceptional circumstances threatening the overall functioning of the Schengen area; appreciates the significant role played by the Committee on Petitions, in particular the host of activities carried out, the adoption in committee of a short motion for a resolution on the accession to the Schengen area on 27 June 2023 and the related Parliament resolution, to strongly support the enlargement of the Schengen area to include Romania and Bulgaria the organisation of the public hearing on Schengen Borders on 18 July 2023 in association with the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs; welcomes the unanimous decision by the Council for the full membership of both countries of the Schengen area as of 1 January 2025 allowing the full exercise of the fundamental freedoms of the EU Single Market; emphasises that preventing Member States from joining the Schengen area despite fulfilling all necessary requirements was a discriminatory decision that lacked legal justification and severely affected many EU citizens;

    24.   Takes note of the sudden increase in petitions of Spanish origin in the second half of 2023 concerning the risks to the rule of law in Spain as a result of the Spanish Government’s intention to adopt an Amnesty Law contrary to constitutional and European law; deplores the attacks on the rule of law and the separation of powers carried out by the Spanish Government;

    25.  Underlines the work of the Committee on Petitions in connection with petitions relating to common rules on a single standard for hand luggage dimensions, highlighting citizens’ concerns about the inconvenience and discomfort caused by inconsistent rules on airline carry-on luggage and the resulting hidden costs; emphasises its call for compliance with a relevant European Court of Justice ruling in the context of the revision of EU air services legislation; points, in this regard, to the short motion for a resolution on standardised dimensions for carry-on luggage adopted by the Committee on Petitions on 20 September 2023 followed by the adoption of a resolution by single vote of the European Parliament on 4 October 2023; welcomes the fact that in November 2023 the Commission put forward a review of the passenger rights framework and a series of proposals designed to improve the experience of passengers and travellers, including the requirement of a limited number of common sizes and weights to reduce the confusion; notes with regret that passengers with disabilities are still facing too many barriers while travelling, especially in case of multimodal journeys; regrets that the public transport systems of many Member States do not comply with the requirements of United Nations Convention on the Rights for Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD);

    26.  Notes that environmental issues remained an area of serious concern for petitioners in 2023 with more than 21 % of petitions dedicated to environmental issues; regrets that some of these petitions allege incorrect implementation of EU legislation by the Member States, with some Member States already facing infringement procedures for the breach of EU environmental laws; notes that numerous petitions describe complaints about air quality, noise pollution, waste management/treatment, the deterioration of natural ecosystems and violation of the Habitats Directive in different Member States; highlights the public hearing on the state of implementation of the Habitats Directive organised on 24 May 2023; notes the work the Committee on Petitions continued to carry out in 2023 on the impact of climate change in different fields, not only in the environmental area, but also in the use of land, putting a number of petitions received on these topics on the agenda; points to the workshop on the impact of climate change on social security and the most vulnerable groups organised on 22 March 2023 and also to the presentation of the study on compensation for victims of climate change disasters on 18 July 2023;

    27.  Draws attention to the workshop organised by the Committee on Petitions on 25 January 2023 on transparency of pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products, which discussed transparency from the perspectives of patients and consumers, producers of medicinal products, and academic research; notes that the discussions focused on research and development costs of companies and information available on the prices paid for medicines, underlining the importance of transparency on these issues;

    28.  Stresses the importance of delivering on EU citizens’ expectations regarding the protection of the environment and urges the Commission, together with the Member States, to ensure the correct implementation of EU legislation in the environmental field, in particular in the field of illegal logging; points to the petitions on environmental issues, which reflect a growing public concern about the implications of climate change, requiring consistent enforcement of the existing EU environmental legislation by both the Commission and the Member States; stresses that addressing EU citizens’ expectations regarding the protection of the environment should be considered as important as taking into account the economic realities of each Member State; underlines that excessive regulations have a negative impact on emerging economies; highlights, therefore, that each Member State should be allowed to make decisions about its transition process and that environmental legislation should not hinder economic competitiveness;

    29.   Acknowledges the positive effects of the fact-finding visit to Romania from 15 to 18 May 2023 on the management and protection of the brown bear population; notes with regret, however, that there are still too many fatal accidents caused by brown bears in connection with humans and livestock, making further monitoring and cooperation with the national authorities necessary; underlines that the protection of human lives and security should always be the priority;

    30.   Following the fact-finding visit to Romania, stresses the need for a balance between wildlife protection and the citizens’ safety; underlines that each Member State should be allowed to take measures, including population control of the species, in order to prevent threats to the lives and property of its citizens;

    31.  Stresses the commitment of the Committee on Petitions to protect the rights of persons with disabilities; recalls the annual workshop of held by the Committee on Petitions on 29 November 2023 on the rights of persons with disabilities; recalls that its first part focused on how persons with disabilities dealt with the recent crises (energy costs, war, high inflation, etc.) and how EU measures helped to overcome these obstacles while the second part addressed the issue of how the European institutions have built inclusive communication with citizens with disabilities; also highlights, in this context, the adoption by the Committee of an opinion in the form of a letter on establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities on 29 November 2023; stresses that access to social security benefits for persons with disabilities falls under national responsibility and social coordination schemes, and that disputes should also be addressed through and respected by the judicial mechanisms in place and their competencies via the obligation of the exhausting of legal remedies, rather than through direct intervention by the Commission, in respect of the principle of subsidiarity; underlines as well in this context the imperative need for a full and consistent transposition of the European Accessibility Act and calls on the Member States to avoid further delays that hinder the rights of persons with disabilities; recalls that the Accessibility Act aims at improving the life of at least 87 million persons with disabilities, facilitating their access to, inter alia, public transport, banking services, computers, TVs, e-books and online shops;

    32.  Stresses the important contribution made by the Committee on Petitions to the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, as revealed by its treatment of a number of petitions on this sensitive topic; acknowledges, in this context, the efforts of Parliament’s services and notes that not just the best technical but the most accessible solution for deaf citizens must be found in order to communicate with them in their own mother tongue, in national sign languages; requests the modification of the Rules of Procedures in close cooperation with the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) in order to eliminate the mandatory exclusively written communication with citizens who are sign language users, deaf or hard of hearing so that, upon their request, they can use their sign language during the procedure; also highlights, in this context, the adoption by the Committee of an opinion in the form of a letter on establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities on 29 November 2023;

    33.  Underlines, furthermore, the specific protection role played by the Committee on Petitions within the EU in the framework of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities through its capacity to hear petitions and highlights the committee’s important ongoing work on petitions concerning disability-related issues; while noting a slight decrease in the number of petitions on disability in 2023 compared to 2022, stresses that the number nearly doubled compared to 2021; further points out that discrimination and access to public transport and employment, continue to be major challenges faced by persons with disabilities and emphasises the Committee’s special attention to the request for the European Disability Statute to recognise the rights of people with autism; welcomes the adoption of a short motion for a resolution on harmonising the rights of autistic people, emphasising the need to improve access to diagnosis, healthcare, education, employment, accessibility and provision of reasonable accommodation, legal capacity and lifelong community support including as regards culture and sport; draws attention, furthermore, to the particular role of the Committee on Petitions in safeguarding the rights of children and their parents, acknowledging numerous petitions received on children’s rights, which require special attention and action; recalls, in this context the provisions of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, in particular the Article 24 thereof on the rights of the child, to allow every child to maintain a personal relationship and direct contact with both of his/her parents, unless that is contrary to the child’s interests; reiterates as well the risk that families with autistic children are being targeted by offers of unproven, potentially harmful and illegal therapies and interventions which may amount to serious physical abuse of children;

    34.  Recalls the fact that relations with the European Ombudsman represent one of the responsibilities conferred on the Committee on Petitions by Parliament’s Rules of Procedure; welcomes Parliament’s constructive cooperation with the European Ombudsman, with whom the Committee on Petitions shares the objectives of ensuring the transparency, professionalism and integrity of the EU institutions vis-à-vis European citizens, as well as its involvement in the European Network of Ombudsmen; stresses the need to step up cooperation with the European Ombudsman in order to ensure a swift, impartial and transparent response to citizens’ complaints about any administrative malfunctioning within the EU institutions;

    35.   Underlines the key work performed by the Committee on Petitions on the protection of workers’ rights; underlines that several petitions received in this area were followed up by further actions such as the debate on the use of fixed-term contracts, as well as that on the European citizens’ initiative-turned petition ‘Good Clothes, Fair Pay’ focusing on the harmful situation of workers in the global garment and footwear industry, or the Parliamentary Question for Oral Answer on the Working conditions of teachers in the European Union, also having as its basis a petition received on this subject; reiterates the importance of ensuring fair working conditions and greater protection of workers in the EU, calling on the Member States and the Commission to effectively address concerns raised in petitions related to labour rights and trade unions; 

    36.   Recalls the European Parliament study on Homelessness in the EU which was commissioned by the Committee on Petitions and presented at its meeting in November 2023; notes that this study made an important contribution on this pressing social and economic challenge, which represents one of the most severe forms of societal exclusion, highlighting the need for a public policy change towards preventing homelessness in the first place, inter alia by providing secure and affordable housing; recalls that illegal squatting cannot be considered a solution to homelessness, as the right to property is enshrined in Article 17 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights; underlines that Member States should seek real solutions rather than promoting illegal squatting, as housing policy falls under the exclusive competence of the Member States;

    37.  Acknowledges the European Ombudsman’s regular contributions to the work of the Committee on Petitions throughout the year; firmly believes that the Union’s institutions, bodies and agencies must ensure consistent and effective follow-up to the recommendations of the Ombudsman;

    38.  Stresses that European citizens’ initiatives (ECIs) represent an important instrument for active citizenship and public participation; welcomes the discussion in some meetings of unsuccessful ECIs, which were sometimes subsequently reformulated as petitions, giving citizens the opportunity to present their ideas and hold a constructive debate, while contributing to their participation in the EU’s democratic processes; takes note of the significant number of new ECIs registered by the Commission in 2023, which shows that citizens are seizing the opportunity to use participatory instruments to have a say in policy and lawmaking processes; calls on the Commission to better engage with citizens and give adequate follow-up to successful ECIs; welcomes the important effort put in place to organise, in association with other committees, four public hearings on successful ECIs, which allowed the organisers to present the initiative’s objectives and engage with Members of the European Parliament and representatives of the European Commission; underlines that the Commission’s commitment to responding to valid ECIs is essential to maintaining citizens’ trust in the ECI as the most significant instrument of participatory democracy;

    39.   Urges the Commission to give due consideration to the parliamentary resolutions adopted on European Citizens’ Initiatives (ECIs) and to enhance its engagement with citizens, particularly by ensuring appropriate and effective follow-up to successful ECIs, thereby reinforcing the democratic process and ensuring that citizens’ voices are adequately reflected in EU policymaking;

    40.  Underlines that the Petitions Web Portal is an essential tool for ensuring a smooth, efficient and transparent petitions process; welcomes, in this regard, the improvements to data protection and security features that have made the portal more user-friendly and secure for citizens; stresses that efforts to make the portal more accessible must be continued, including making it more accessible for sign-language users and persons with disabilities; notes that the Petitions Web Portal has been one of the European Parliament’s most visited websites, thus serving as a first point of contact with Parliament for many EU citizens;

    41.   Recalls the European dimension of the Committee on Petitions, which can be addressed by citizens from all 27 Member States on issues that fall within the scope of the Union’s activities; believes that the Committee has a special responsibility to uphold this European dimension and to demonstrate the added value of European unity and integration to citizens and continue addressing issues related to violations of EU law, as well as loopholes and shortcomings in the provisions of existing EU law; believes that timely avoidance of petitions with clear national competences along with comprehensive explanations and instructions about alternative courses of action, where appropriate, could contribute to a constructive approach and an enhanced citizens engagement considers, in this context, that the European Parliament should increase its efforts to promote the role and work of its Committee on Petitions and raise awareness among all EU citizens of the possibility to address a petition to the European Parliament; recalls that due to the limited time allotted to committee meetings, most petitions are treated through written procedure; recalls, in this context, that all petitions received, including those in the area of international affairs, should be handled with the necessary transparency and impartiality; is of the opinion that the selection of petitions for discussion in committee should reflect a geographical and political balance of submissions received; believes, moreover, that geographical balance should also be sought when organising the committee’s fact-finding visits, yearly and over the course of each legislative term;

    42.  Welcomes the adoption of the short motion for a resolution on the creation of a European Capital of Local Trade(7) at the plenary session of January 2023; underlines that this achievement is an excellent result for the Committee on Petitions, noting that this project has been successfully included as a preparatory action in the 2024 budget, with a total budget of EUR 3 million; recalls that the project to create a European Capital of Small Retail (ECSR) was officially presented by the Commission in Barcelona in December 2023;

    43.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution and the report of the Committee on Petitions to the Council, the Commission, the European Ombudsman, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States, their petitions committees and their national ombudsmen or similar competent bodies.

    (1) OJ C, C/2024/3999, 17.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/3999/oj.
    (2) Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/1992/43/oj).
    (3) Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2009/147/oj).
    (4) OJ C, C/2024/6559, 12.11.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/6559/oj.
    (5) Adopted by Parliament as its resolution of 23 November 2023 on the outcome of the Committee on Petitions’ deliberations during 2022 (OJ C, C/2024/4220, 24.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/4220/oj).
    (6) Articles 25 to 30 of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (OJ L 77, 23.3.2016, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/399/oj).
    (7) OJ C 214, 16.6.2023, p. 2.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Need for full transparency and cooperation from the Commission in clarifying suspected money laundering by former Commissioner Reynders – E-001940/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001940/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mariusz Kamiński (ECR)

    On 7 May 2025, Parliament adopted a decision on discharge in respect of the implementation of the Commission budget for 2023. The amendment I drafted[1], adopted by Parliament, forms an integral part of the document. Paragraph 192 of the decision states that Parliament ‘expresses deep concern regarding reports of an ongoing investigation involving the former Commissioner for Justice, who is alleged to have been engaged, during his time in office, in money laundering activities involving funds of unknown origin; calls on the Commission to fully cooperate with the Belgian authorities and to urgently clarify whether these activities were in any way connected to his official duties within the Commission’[2].

    The fact that Parliament, in fulfilling its legal obligations to audit the Commission, deemed it necessary to address this issue in the budget document reflects the serious nature of the accusations, as well as the need for transparency and responsibility from the Commission.

    I therefore ask the Commission:

    • 1.Has the Commission conducted any internal investigations to determine whether the money laundering accusations are at all connected to Didier Reynders’s activities as a Member of the College of Commissioners?
    • 2.Has the Commission contacted the Belgian authorities in relation to this issue and has it received any information from Belgian investigators? Is the Commission actively working with Belgian law enforcement and, if so, to what extent?

    Given the importance of this matter as well as its potential consequences on EU citizens’ trust in EU institutions, I expect a prompt, clear and comprehensive reply.

    Submitted: 14.5.2025

    • [1] Amendment 32: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-10-2025-0074-AM-024-033_EN.pdf
    • [2] European Parliament decision of 7 May 2025 with observations forming an integral part of the decision on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section III – Commission, executive agencies and the ninth, tenth and eleventh European Development Funds (2024/2019(DEC)), https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-10-2025-0077_EN.pdf
    Last updated: 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Meetings with National Parliaments – Implementation of the Directive on Protection of Environment through Criminal Law – 04-06-2025 – Committee on Legal Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    2025.06.04_ICM_Env Law_banner.jpg © European Parliament

    The Committee on Legal Affairs, with the support of the Directorate for Relations with National Parliaments (DG PART), is organising an Interparliamentary Committee Meeting (ICM) on ‘Implementation of the Directive on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law’. The event will take place on 4 June 2025, from 14:30 to 16:30.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Workshop on Generative AI, on 28th Regime and ICM on Environmental Crimes Directive – Committee on Legal Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    Picture GenAI.PNG © Europarl

    At the meetings of 4 and 5 June 2025, JURI Members will host, with the Policy Department, a workshop on Generative AI and Copyright. The Workshop will be preceded by the presentation of a study on the same topic and will be followed by an exchange of views on the dossier Copyright and generative artificial intelligence – opportunities and challenges (2025/2058(INI)).

    At the same meeting, the JURI Committee will host, with the Policy Department, a workshop on the 28th Regime: a new legal framework for innovative companies and an interparliamentary meeting on the Implementation of the Directive on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law. Additionally, JURI Members will exchange views on the amendment of Regulation (EU) 2015/848 on insolvency proceedings to replace its Annexes A and B (025/0023(COD)) and will hear a reporting back to committee on the negotiations pursuant to Rule 75(3) by the rapporteur of the Compulsory licensing for crisis management and amending Regulation (EC) 816/2006 (2023/0129(COD)) dossier. Members will also vote on amendments in the opinion on establishing harmonised requirements in the internal market on transparency of interest representation carried out on behalf of third countries and amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937 (2023/0463(COD)) and will hear a presentation by EFRAG on its Work Plan 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –