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Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Leonardo Villar-Gómez: Speech – XVIII Asofondos Congress

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Good morning to all Asofondos Congress attendees. I extend a special greeting to my esteemed fellow panelists in this opening session: Mr. Juan David Correa, President of the Board of Directors of the Association; the Minister of Labor, Mr. Antonio Sanguino; and the Financial Superintendent, Mr. César Ferrari.

    I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Andrés Velasco and Daniel Wills, President and Technical Vice-President of Asofondos, respectively, as well as to all the members of the Association, for their kind invitation and the opportunity to participate in this vital forum.

    On this occasion, I will first share Banco de la República‘s perspective on Colombia’s macroeconomic and monetary outlook. Additionally, I will conclude my remarks with reflections on the Bank’s role in administering the Contributory Pillar Savings Fund, established by the Congress of the Republic as part of the pension reform approved last year.

    It is important to clarify that the views I will present today do not necessarily reflect the position of the Bank’s Board of Directors, nor do they represent the opinions of its individual members, who may hold differing interpretations on some issues I will address.

    On the Bank’s autonomy and essential objectives

    I would like to begin by addressing recent allegations directed at the Board of Directors, particularly some of its members, regarding alleged political motivations behind the decision made on Monday, March 31 to keep interest rates unchanged. My response to these claims is a strong reaffirmation of the institutional integrity of the Board, which operates strictly on technical grounds and within the clear constitutional mandate of safeguarding the purchasing power of the peso in tandem with general economic policy.

    It is essential to emphasize that none of the Board Members, except for the Minister of Finance, represent any particular government or political opposition. The Constitution is unequivocal on this matter. Article 372 explicitly states: “The members of the Board of Directors shall exclusively represent the interests of the Nation.”

    I have had the distinct honor of serving as member of the Board of Directors of Banco de la República for the past twelve years and, more recently, for over four years as Governor. I can state with absolute clarity and conviction that throughout these sixteen years, I have never witnessed any Board Member-or the Board as an institution-act with any motivation other than pursuing what is best for the country and its people. Our sole objective has always been to fulfill the constitutional mandate of preserving the purchasing power of the peso while ensuring that this goal aligns with the highest possible level of sustainable economic growth and employment.

    In this endeavor, the Board has been fortunate to rely on what I consider to be the most highly qualified team of economists in the country. Every decision the Board makes is preceded by a comprehensive recommendation document prepared by this technical staff. While these recommendations are not necessarily adopted in full, they serve as a crucial point of reference, providing the strongest available evidence to guide Board Members in making informed decisions. Ultimately, each vote is cast with the highest level of diligence, in adherence to the constitutional mandate, and with an unwavering commitment to the nation’s best interests.

    Over the past 25 years, throughout this century, the Board has implemented its mandate to preserve the currency’s purchasing power through an inflation-targeting strategy. This approach seeks to maintain inflation at approximately 3%, with a flexible exchange rate and a very short-term interest rate as the primary policy instrument.

    When inflation exceeds the target, it becomes necessary to uphold a contractionary monetary policy to bring it back under control. However, the short-term economic cost of such a policy-reflected in reduced productive activity-can be more pronounced and prolonged under certain conditions. This occurs, for instance, when prices and wages are heavily indexed to past inflation. Similarly, factors that elevate country risk premiums-such as global uncertainty or political idiosyncrasies, such as rising public debt or fiscal deficits exceeding expectations-can further complicate monetary policy efforts.

    Under these circumstances, the burden on monetary policy intensifies as it seeks to steer inflation back to its target while restoring the conditions necessary for more substantial and sustainable economic growth in the medium and long term.

    Colombia’s recent adjustment process: a success story

    The high policy interest rates maintained over the past three years reflect a deliberately restrictive monetary policy necessary in response to a significant inflationary shock-one that affected most economies worldwide between 2021 and 2023. Our policy response, characterized by elevated interest rates, entailed notable short-term costs regarding its impact on aggregate demand and productive activity. However, these costs were considerably lower than many had anticipated. Contrary to some forecasts, the economy did not enter a recession, and the observed slowdown in productive activity did not hinder the current unemployment rate from standing below pre-pandemic levels.

    Concurrently, this restrictive monetary policy effectively contributed to a substantial reduction in inflation-more than eight percentage points-bringing it down from its peak of 13.4% to the current level of 5.3%. Additionally, the domestic demand imbalances that had manifested in a current account deficit exceeding 6% of GDP in 2022 were significantly corrected, reducing the deficit to just 1.8% of GDP by 2024. The technical staff now projects that this deficit will rise slightly to 2.4% of GDP in 2025, reflecting clear signs of recovery in domestic demand. Even so, the projected deficit remains well below its level three years ago, leaving the economy less reliant on external financing and less vulnerable to abrupt changes in domestic and international conditions-an especially important factor given our current uncertainties.

    I believe that this macroeconomic adjustment process has been successful. It is particularly noteworthy that, within this context, we are witnessing an evident recovery in economic activity. Growth is expected to reach 2.8% in 2025, a rate that compares favorably with forecasts for many regional economies and more advanced economies, including the United States and several European nations.

    According to data from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), domestic demand grew by 4.4% in real terms in the last quarter of 2024. Similar growth rates are expected in 2025, providing the foundation for the projected recovery in GDP. This improvement is also reflected in labor market indicators, including the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate recorded last February, which was the lowest for any month since April 2017.

    Undoubtedly, the reduction in policy interest rates implemented by this Board between December 2023 and December 2024 played a key role in supporting the recovery of domestic demand, productive activity, and employment.

    Why do interest rates remain relatively high?

    At this point, it is essential to emphasize that our monetary policy interest rates remain at levels indicative of a contractionary monetary stance. Both nominal and real interest rates are currently higher than what the Bank’s technical staff considers neutral and desirable in the medium and long term-conditions in which inflationary pressures are absent and the economy grows close to its potential rate.

    In this context, I would like to reiterate a point I have made publicly on multiple occasions: I consider that interest rates lower than those currently in place would be desirable. Moreover, I am convinced that there is consensus among all members of the Bank’s Board of Directors on this matter.

    Why do we maintain interest rates that we deem contractionary and higher than what would be ideal in the medium and long term? The reason is that, despite our success in significantly reducing inflation from its peak in March 2023, the pace of disinflation in Colombia has been slower than in many other countries in the region and around the world, where inflation has already returned to the target ranges set by their central banks. This slower adjustment is primarily due to the high degree of price and wage indexation in Colombia and other idiosyncratic and circumstantial factors that have complicated the disinflation process.

    Furthermore, the process of lowering interest rates-which we all wish to continue-had to be temporarily halted during the last two Board meetings in January and March. This decision was driven by a slowdown in the pace of inflation’s convergence toward the target, alongside factors that exerted upward pressure on inflation expectations and international interest rates relevant to Colombia’s external financing. Notably, the rise in long-term interest rates in global markets coincided with an increase in Colombia’s country risk spreads. The latter occurred in a context where fiscal deficit figures significantly exceeded forecasts, and public debt as a percentage of GDP was rising at a rate well above what is consistent with macroeconomic stability.

    When comparing Colombia with other Latin American countries that, like us, follow a target inflation strategy, we observe that nations such as Perú, Uruguay, Paraguay/span>, and Costa Rica have made greater progress in reducing interest rates. This has been possible because inflation in these countries has already returned to the target ranges established by their respective central banks. In the case of Chile, inflation remains slightly above its target range due to specific factors related to public utility tariffs. However, inflation expectations suggest that by the end of 2025, Chile will be very close to its target of 3%-the same target set by Colombia.

    The experiences of the region’s two largest economies, México and Brazil, are particularly relevant to our analysis. In México, inflation currently stands at 3.7%, within the target range of 3% ± 1 percentage point. This allowed the Mexican Central Bank to lower its monetary policy interest rate last week from 9.5% to 9%. It is worth noting, however, that even after this reduction, the real ex-post policy rate (the difference between the nominal rate and observed inflation) remains at 5.3% (9% – 3.7%), significantly higher than Colombia’s current level of 4.2% (9.5% – 5.3%).

    The case of Brazil is particularly striking and serves as an important reference for the risks Colombia faces. Inflation in Brazil is currently at 5.1%, slightly lower than in Colombia. The Brazilian Central Bank had been making steady progress in lowering its monetary policy interest rate, reducing it from 13.75% in August 2023 (slightly above Colombia’s at the time) to 10.5% by mid-2024. However, concerns over the country’s fiscal situation in the latter half of 2024 led to a sharp depreciation of the real and rising inflation expectations. In response, the Central Bank was forced to rapidly reverse course, raising the policy rate from 10.5% to its current level of 14.25%. In real ex-post terms, this rate is nearly five percentage points higher than Colombia’s. Additionally, the Brazilian Central Bank has signaled to markets that further rate hikes may be necessary in the coming months. Fortunately, Colombia has not faced such a scenario recently, and clearly, avoiding such a situation remains a priority.

    In Colombia, inflation remains above the 3% target set by the Central Bank. The technical staff’s central forecast for year-end 2025 places inflation above the tolerance range of ±1 percentage point around the target, as announced by the Board last November. If this projection materializes, 2025 would mark the fifth consecutive year in which the inflation target is not met. This would pose a challenge to the credibility of the inflation-targeting framework, which relies on the firm anchoring of inflation expectations as a key element of its effectiveness. Unfortunately, recent analysts’ surveys suggest that inflation expectations among many economic agents have risen in recent months and remain above the target level.

    The combination of deteriorating inflation expectations, fiscal risks in Colombia, and uncertainty surrounding the global economy-exacerbated by the trade tensions triggered by the United States-led the majority of the Board to decide last Monday to maintain the pause in the process of reducing the policy interest rate. As stated in the press release following that meeting: “The decision to maintain the interest rate unchanged reflects a cautious approach to monetary policy, anticipating new information in the coming months that will provide further evidence on the feasibility of additional rate cuts. This decision reaffirms the Board’s commitment to achieving convergence with the inflation target in the context of recovering economic growth.” I believe this statement clearly conveys our expectations moving forward.

    The role of Banco de la República in administering the pension system’s Contributory Pillar Savings Fund

    Before concluding, I would like to address the role that Banco de la República will play in administering the pension systems’ Contributory Pillar Savings Fund (FAPC), as established by the reform approved last year by Congress.

    As you know, Law 2381 of 2024 stipulates that, within the contributory pillar, pension contributions from all workers will include an average premium component administered by Colpensiones, covering contributions on incomes between 1 and 2.3 times the legal monthly minimum wage. Since a portion of these contributions currently goes to the individual savings component, this change will significantly increase the resources received by Colpensiones once the reform takes effect. However, in the long term, this situation will reverse, as Colpensiones’ pension obligations will eventually surpass the resources it collects.

    To address this, the law mandates that the temporary surplus of funds received by Colpensiones-expected to last for two or three decades-be allocated to the Contributory Pillar Savings Fund (FAPC). Congress also determined that Banco de la República would be responsible for administering this Fund. The resources administered through the FAPC will be channeled into capital markets via professional asset managers, generating returns that will help the government meet future pension obligations.

    Currently, even before the reform is enacted, Colpensiones operates with a significant deficit, requiring substantial transfers from the national government. These transfers are included in the annual national budget and contribute to the fiscal deficit. The creation of the FAPC, administered by Banco de la República, has been structured to ensure that its funding is adjusted in a way that neither affects the national government’s current pension expenditures nor undermines aggregate savings in the economy.

    It is essential to underscore that the temporary surplus of resources allocated to the FAPC will be insufficient to meet future pension obligations. According to the projections outlined in the bill, the Fund is expected to be fully depleted by 2070, at which point the government will need to allocate additional resources to cover the resulting deficit. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the pension system will likely require adjustments to key parameters, particularly in retirement ages and contribution rates. The necessity of these reforms remains unchanged and is in no way diminished by Banco de la República’s role as a financial resource manager.

    A little over a month and a half ago, on February 13, I addressed this very auditorium during the Treasury Congress of the Banking Association, stressing the urgency of issuing the government decree regulating the FAPC’s operation. I noted that without the prompt issuance of this decree, it would be impossible to establish the fundamental elements necessary to begin administering the Fund on time, as mandated by law for July 1.

    Banco de la República’s team worked intensively and constructively with officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Financial Regulation Unit (URF) throughout the last months of 2024, expecting that by year-end, the decree would be in place, allowing us to begin developing the institutional and financial framework required for the Fund’s timely launch. Unfortunately, the process has been significantly delayed. In late February, a version of the decree was released for public consultation, which contained multiple provisions that had not been previously disclosed to the Bank, some of which were inconsistent with the law. Consequently, we submitted a detailed letter on March 7 highlighting our many concerns. Fortunately, several of these observations were taken into account by the Ministry of Finance and the URF, for which we are grateful. A revised draft was published for further comments last Friday, March 28. However, as of yesterday, we had to submit another letter reiterating key concerns that had not yet been addressed, raising the possibility that the decree’s issuance could be further delayed or that it may not fully resolve our outstanding issues. I mention these dates to convey the pressing urgency we currently face in securing the regulatory framework needed to fulfill our legal mandate, which takes effect in less than three months.

    Only once the regulatory decree is issued can we move forward with drafting and signing the FAPC administration contract between the government and the Bank. This will allow us to initiate the selection and hiring of the first administering entities responsible for overseeing the resources, which are expected to accumulate at a rate of approximately 1.4 trillion pesos per month starting July 1. Among many other matters, the contract must explicitly establish that Banco de la República will administer the FAPC’s resources in its capacity as the government’s fiscal agent, as it does with other funds. It will provide the necessary technical and operational infrastructure while ensuring a strict separation between the Fund’s resources and the Bank’s own, both in budgetary and accounting terms. Furthermore, the administration of these resources will adhere to principles of prudence and diligence, as is standard in fiduciary mandates, with responsibility over the means rather than specific financial outcomes.

    The law establishes a Steering Committee as the highest authority of the FAPC, composed of three government representatives and four independent experts appointed by the Board of Directors of Banco de la República. However, the selection process for these four experts can only begin once the corresponding regulatory decree is in place. The draft decree published for public observations last Friday incorporated the Bank’s proposal for a transition period, during which the Bank could operate under provisional rules, investing resources in moderate-risk portfolios similar to those currently administered by the AFPs. Nonetheless, the challenge of establishing these delegated portfolios within such a short timeframe remains considerable.

    Several regulatory elements still require definition. In particular, I want to highlight three pressing issues.

    1. First, a provision included in the latest draft of the decree must be revised, as it allows for the use of savings accumulated in the FAPC to make payments under the contributory and semi-contributory pension frameworks. This pertains to the decumulation of the Fund, which should be explicitly regulated in a separate decree concerning generational sub-accounts-an essential regulation that is still pending. The law stipulates that this decree must undergo review and include a binding opinion from the Fund’s Steering Committee, which has not yet been established. Consequently, incorporating mechanisms for decumulating the Fund’s resources in the decree currently under discussion would not only be premature but also contrary to the law.
    2. For Banco de la República, as administrator of the FAPC, it is essential to clarify which Government entity will be responsible for the Fund’s accounting and which will oversee the corresponding auditing functions. After the bill was approved in the Senate and debated in the House of Representatives, the Bank highlighted the need for such clarity. While many House and government representatives showed willingness to make the necessary adjustments, procedural constraints in the legislative process prevented them. Given these circumstances, the government must define these key accounting and resource oversight aspects through a regulatory decree.
    3. Regarding hiring delegated administrators during the transition period, it is imperative that government regulations establish clear limits on their remuneration in strict accordance with the law. Specifically, compensation should be structured as a fee based on the balance administered rather than as a percentage of the base income for contributions, as proposed in the version published last Friday. The latter approach is inapplicable for resources that do not correspond to individual contributions. Additionally, certain sections of the draft decree contain inconsistencies regarding the nature of the FAPC, treating it as if it were a savings fund for individual contributions-an interpretation that does not align with its legal framework.

    Banco de la República remains fully committed to collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and efficient implementation of the new pension system and the successful launch of the Contributory Pillar Savings Fund. However, I must reiterate the urgency of establishing adequate regulations, without which we simply will not be able to fulfill the mandate assigned to us by law.

    Thank you very much. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Would be street racers warned of consequences of breaching ban

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    It comes after another individual admitted being in contempt of court following an incident of street racing, also known as car cruising, in Bearwood, Smethwick in late March.

    Qamar Hussain, of William Road, Smethwick, appeared before the High Court in Birmingham on Thursday 25 April and admitted racing against another vehicle along the Hagley Road between Wolverhampton Road and Bearwood Road. He received a 21 day custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £2,950.30 in costs.

    The High Court injunction, led by the City of Wolverhampton Council on behalf of Dudley Council, Sandwell Council and Walsall Council and supported by West Midlands Police, prohibits people from participating in, as a driver, rider or passenger, street racing; from promoting, organising or publicising gatherings; or from participating as a spectator.

    The injunction covers the whole of the boroughs of Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall and anyone found to be breaching it will be in contempt of court and may be imprisoned, fined or have their assets seized. They may also be ordered to pay the council’s legal costs of any hearing.

    Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Digital and Community, said: “The existence of the street racing injunction is widely known across the Black Country, but we are still seeing occasional incidents such as the one which occurred in Smethwick in March.

    “As we have seen once again, the court will not hesitate to take tough action against anyone who breaches the injunction.

    “We know that street racing activity typically increases with the lighter nights and warmer weather of spring and summer, and anyone who is thinking of taking part in this wholly anti social activity should recognise the severe consequences that they will face.”

    Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, added: “Street racing puts people’s lives at risk and can lead to tragedies on our roads.

    “This is the 10th person we have taken to court for breaching the injunction by racing on Sandwell’s roads, and we will continue to work in partnership with the police and other Black Country councils to respond to people’s concerns and protect our communities.”

    For more information about the street racing injunction, including copies of the latest documentation and court orders, including very recent orders made on 29 and 30 April, please visit the street racing pages of the applicants – Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell, or Dudley – which are in the process of being updated.

    Incidents of street racing in Wolverhampton should be reported via asbu@wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk and in Sandwell at Report anti social behaviour, or to West Midlands Police on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

    Police are also inviting members of the public to submit dash cam or mobile phone footage of street racing events or dangerous driving via its Op Snap website.

    The High Court originally granted the full and final injunction in February 2024 with the injunction and power of arrest remaining in force until at least 2027 subject to annual review, the next of which is scheduled to take place on 26 February, 2026 at the High Court of Justice, King’s Bench Division, Birmingham District Registry at Birmingham Civil and Family Justice Centre, The Priory Courts, 33 Bull Street, Birmingham, B4 6DS.

    Any existing defendants who wish to file any evidence in respect of the review hearing should do so no later than 14 days before the hearing by writing to FAO: Black Country Car Cruise, Legal Services, City of Wolverhampton Council, Civic Centre, St Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton WV1 1RG, emailing litigation@wolverhampton.gov.uk or calling 01902 556556.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Two charged following a fatal stabbing in Walworth

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    UPDATE:

    A third man has been charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of Giovanny Rendon Bedoya in Walworth on Monday, 14 April.

    Brian Villada-Hernandes, 19, (26.02.2006) of St James’s Crescent, Lambeth, will appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 2 May.

    Two men charged and another arrested following a fatal stabbing in Walworth on Monday, 14 April.

    Joseph Jimenez, 21 (14.08.2003) of no fixed address was charged on Tuesday, 23 April with the murder of 21-year-old Giovanny Rendon Bedoya.

    He was remanded into custody and appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 23 March. He appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday, 25 April.

    Angel Gonzales Angulo, 19 (24.08.06) of Camberwell Church Street, SE5 was arrested on Wednesday, 23 April and was charged on Thursday, 24 April of murder. He appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 25 March. He will next appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 29 April.

    On Friday, 25 April a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder, he remains in police custody.

    On Monday, 14 April at 21:16hrs police were called to Hillingdon Street, SE17 following reports of a stabbing.

    Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service who treated 21-year-old Giovanny Rendon Bedoya for stab injuries.

    Sadly, despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead on scene.

    Giovanny’s next-of-kin continues to receive support and updates from specialist officers.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: School road safety operation results

    Source: New South Wales – News

    South Australia Police detected multiple speeding, licence and drug offences during a state-wide operation focussed on road safety around school zones.

    Operation Return to School was conducted from Monday 28 to Tuesday 29 April around pick up and drop off times. It focussed on the safety of children and pedestrians around schools at the commencement of a school term.

    Police detected:

    • 37 speeding offences
    • 28 other offences including parking and stopping offences
    • 13 licence and vehicle registration offences
    • Two drug driving offences.

    Police also defected four vehicles.

    Officer in Charge, Traffic Services Branch Superintendent Shane Johnson said police will not tolerate drivers putting vulnerable school children at risk.

    “Drivers are reminded that the speed around school zones is 25 kilometres per hour when children are present and this is for everyone’s safety,” Superintendent Johnson said.

    “During school hours there will be increased traffic in these areas and the lower speed limit provides drivers with more time to react and stop if they need to.

    “Reduced speed limits apply regardless of whether children are on the road, footpath, median strip or on a bicycle.

    “The 25 kilometres per hour speed limit also applies when school crossing lights are flashing and when passing a school bus that has stopped to pick up or drop off children.

    “Speeding drivers are reminded that they not only risk a fine but could cause a serious injury or death.”

    An incident of note involved a 40-year-old woman of Taperoo who tested positive for drug driving within the vicinity of a school zone.

    Drivers can revise speed limits on the My Licence SA website here.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal workplace incident, Te Anau

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    One person has died following a workplace incident at a Manapouri Te Anau Highway premises this afternoon.

    Police were called to the address about 3.30pm.

    Sadly the person died at the scene.

    The death will be referred to WorkSafe and the Coroner.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Transnational Narcotics Trafficker Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Saipan, MP – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that Ye Fang, aka “BATU”, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), was sentenced by Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona in District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands to 25 years imprisonment, after being convicted of Conspiracy to Possess over 500 Grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(a)(1).  The court also ordered 5 years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment fee.  He was also ordered to report to immigration officials for deportation proceedings upon release from prison.

    Ye Fang arrived in the CNMI from China in 2016 under a tourist visa waiver program.  After his waiver term elapsed, he remained on Saipan where he ran a birth tourism business for three years.  Ye Fang hosted at least 200 women and their families from China so that pregnant women could give birth on island.  He later began trafficking methamphetamine.

    In November 2022, CNMI police executed a search warrant at Ye Fang’s home.  They seized more than one kilogram of methamphetamine.  A CNMI arrest warrant was issued, but Ye Fang remained a fugitive, escaping from Saipan by boat and traveling to Guam in the summer of 2023. From Guam, Ye Fang continued to organize methamphetamine trafficking in the CNMI.  In September 2023, he arranged the shipment of methamphetamine hidden inside lava lamps, which were sent to Saipan from California.  The packages were intercepted by CNMI Customs, who coordinated with the DEA to conduct a controlled delivery.  That resulted in the arrest of co-conspirator Liang Yang, another out of status PRC national.  A total of eight pounds of liquid methamphetamine was seized.

    Ye Fang eventually fled Guam in November 2023 via commercial airline using the identification of another person.  He then traveled to Palau, where he organized the murder of another PRC citizen.  In January 2024, Ye Fang and three others were arrested in Palau for that crime.  Ye Fang pled guilty to manslaughter in March 2024 and was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.  In May 2024, he was extradited to the CNMI where he pled guilty to the lava lamp drug scheme.

    “Law enforcement has brought Ye Fang’s Indo-Pacific crime spree to an end,” stated United States Attorney Anderson.  “He will now serve many years in a United States prison with other high-risk offenders.  Every day of his sentence is day made safer for the people of the CNMI. We will continue to use our resources to combat transnational criminals and protect our communities from perpetrators of violent crime.”

    “Methamphetamine is potent and highly addictive. This synthetic stimulant has contributed to the overdose crisis facing America. DEA, along with federal and international partners, are in lockstep in our commitment to combat drug networks,” said Anthony Chrysanthis, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Los Angeles Field Division, which oversees Saipan. “We will vehemently pursue all criminals who flood our communities with this poison.”

    “Today’s sentencing is the direct result of sustained commitment and collaboration between the FBI and our law enforcement partners,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “Mr. Fang led a violent, transnational narcotics trafficking organization; his crimes significantly contributed to the ongoing drug epidemic facing America and plaguing our island communities. The FBI—standing in resolve with our local, state, and federal partners—is prepared to confront and disrupt these dangerous criminal organizations, wherever they may operate.”

    “The conviction of Mr. Fang is a testament to HSI’s enduring commitment to keep harmful substances out of Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Island,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas. “Understanding the damage that illegal narcotics do to our communities, we will stop at nothing to hold those accountable for their contributions to drug trafficking within our islands.”

    “As the law enforcement and security arm of the U.S. Postal Service, the safety of postal employees and the public is our top priority,” said Inspector in Charge Stephen Sherwood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  “Anyone who misuses the U.S. Postal Service will be held accountable for their actions. I would like to thank our federal and local law enforcement partners, including our task force partners from the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, Guam Police Department, and Army National Guard Counterdrug Program.”

    This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshal Service for extradition, CNMI Customs, CNMI Department of Public Safety, Republic of Palau Bureau of Public Safety, and in collaboration with the CNMI Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Justice Office of International Affairs, and the Republic of Palau.

    Assistant United States Attorney Albert S. Flores, Jr., and former Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Kost prosecuted this case in the District of the Northern Mariana Islands.

    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 (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Two in custody following alleged Tasman Highway evade

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Two in custody following alleged Tasman Highway evade

    Friday, 2 May 2025 – 4:00 pm.

    Two people remain in custody and are assisting police with their inquiries following an alleged evade incident in Southern Tasmania earlier today.
    Significant police resources were deployed after a vehicle allegedly evaded police at Colebrook just after 12.30pm.  
    The Westpac Rescue Helicopter assisted by safely maintaining observations and reducing the risk posed to the public and police. 
    A blue Ford Courier ute was observed by the helicopter allegedly driving dangerously on the highway, travelling on the incorrect side of the road and into oncoming traffic.
    The ute was successfully spiked by police before the alleged offenders were provided with another vehicle by a person known to them and they were again detected driving erratically in a silver Ford Laser.
    The alleged offenders were safely taken into custody at Brighton just before 2pm after their sedan crashed into another vehicle and they unsuccessfully attempted to carjack another vehicle.  
    The driver and passenger of the vehicle the alleged offenders crashed into were taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital as a precaution.
    Investigations are ongoing and police would like to thank members of the public who reported the vehicles during the incident.
    Anyone with information about a blue Ford Courier ute or a silver Ford Laser driving dangerously on the Tasman Highway in the Colebrook, Lindisfarne or Risdon Vale areas between 12.30pm and 2pm should contact police on 131 444 and quote ESCAD 185-02052025
    Dash cam footage can be uploaded here

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Voluntary surrender program exceeds gaming machine reduction target

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 02/05/2025

    Two venues have gone completely gaming machine free and 296 gaming machine authorisations have been surrendered since March 2024 as part of the ACT Government’s voluntary surrender program.

    The voluntary electronic gaming machine surrender program, which ended yesterday, successfully reduced the number of machines in the territory to less than 3500.

    With the success of the voluntary surrender program the number of machine authorisations in the ACT has decreased by almost 30 per cent from 4,956 in 2018 to 3494 today.

    As part of the program, both The Statesman Hotel in Curtin and the Canberra Bowling Club in Forrest have voluntarily surrendered all of their gaming machine licenses.

    Minister for Gaming Reform, Dr Marisa Paterson, expressed gratitude to the venues for their participation in the voluntary surrender process, but emphasized that there is still significant work ahead.

    “The government has met its commitment to reduce poker machine authorisations in the ACT to 3,500 by 1 July 2025, and we remain dedicated to further reducing that number to 1,000 by 2045,” Minister Paterson said.

    “I commend the licensees who have embraced the opportunity to participate in the voluntary surrender scheme. This is a crucial step in diversifying their revenue streams away from a reliance on revenue from electronic gaming machines.

    “It’s especially pleasing to see some venues taking the opportunity to go pokie-free, providing great examples to the community and club sector that there is a strong future for clubs without machines.”

    The $5.145 million voluntary surrender program offered venues $15,000 for each gaming machine authorisation surrendered, with $20,000 per authorisation for venues that gave up all of their gaming machines.

    A total of 28 different venues surrendered gaming machine authorisations as part of the program. The Vikings Group and Canberra Southern Cross Club Group both led the way with 40 surrenders each, and the Canberra Raiders Sports Club Group surrendered 38.

    “The ACT Government remains committed to reducing gambling-related harm, and we will continue working with local clubs to build a sustainable industry – one that fosters community connections without depending on gambling revenue,” Minister Paterson said.

    The ACT Government last month opened a tender to conduct the Independent inquiry into the future of the ACT clubs industry. The tender closes on 20 May, with a report due back to government in early 2026.

    Quotes attributable to Canberra Bowling Club President, David Kimber:

    “The Canberra Bowling Club is using the revenue from surrendering our poker machines to help strengthen the club’s future.

    “We have invested some of the returns into a live music setup, including a stage, PA system and curtains, and have plans for a large deck to provide an outside hospitality space.

    “We are also taking this opportunity to bring forward a review of our medium to long-term future. We are looking at how we make ourselves sustainable, and what sort of club we will be with alternatives to pokies and gambling. We recognise the need to build on our bowls-related revenue. The increased cash reserve creates opportunities that we might not otherwise have had to invest in new strategic directions and broaden our sources of revenue.”

    – Statement ends –

    Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New agreement strengthens severe weather warning capability across NSW & ACT

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services



    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 02/05/2025

    The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) and the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) have signed an agreement to ensure consistent cross-border warnings for severe weather events.

    Under this agreement the NSW SES will now incorporate the ACT in severe weather warnings that affect the wider region. These warnings will be issued under the Australian Warnings System, a nationally consistent approach to warnings across Australia.

    This means that if members of the community look at the NSW SES website or the Hazards Near Me NSW app they will soon be able to see severe weather warnings for both NSW and the ACT.

    With the agreement being signed this week, these changes will be implemented over the next few months and in place for the next storm season.

    The Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson, welcomes this agreement and the benefits it will have for the ACT.

    “Given that the ACT is surrounded by New South Wales, strong collaboration with our cross-border partners is crucial for the benefit of our community. This agreement between the NSW SES and ESA highlights the power of sector cooperation, enhancing the way our community receives timely and effective warnings.

    “A strong relationship is founded on trust and mutual support. Once again, our NSW counterparts are demonstrating this commitment, which will not only enhance the effectiveness of severe weather warnings but also strengthen the long-term partnership between us.”

    Quotes attributable to ESA Commissioner, Wayne Phillips

    “Storms and other high-risk weather events are not bound by borders and our warnings for them shouldn’t be either. This agreement will provide the ACT community more opportunities to be alerted and take action to stay safe in emergencies.

    “I would like to thank the NSW SES for their commitment and cooperation to working to protect all communities through consistent, targeted and timely warnings. The NSW SES have and always will be a close partner of the ESA and agreements such as this show how strong our relationship is, which I know will only grow over time.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM

    “Storms and floods don’t stop at state and territory boundaries. This is an important step forward to ensure people can access information whether they are travelling within the ACT or NSW. NSW SES is delighted to continue to work with the ESA to help keep communities informed and safe.”

    – Statement ends –

    Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Nowhere to go for robbery offenders

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police had eyes in many places, arresting a group of offenders following an aggravated robbery in Titirangi last night.

    The trio were eventually arrested in Takanini after being tracked across the region.

    Waitematā CIB’s Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie says offenders arrived at a dairy on Titirangi Road just after 8.30pm.

    “The offenders attempted to steal a range of items from the store, including the till, but only managed to take some food items.

    “During the course of the offending, the store worker was knocked to the ground and threatened with a weapon, but was not injured.”

    Both offenders fled in a vehicle from the scene.

    A Police camera operator soon located this vehicle travelling on Portage Road.

    “The camera operator was able to guide the Police helicopter to its location, where it took over observations,” Detective Senior Sergeant Goldie says.

    “It was seen travelling onto the South-Western motorway where it failed to stop for a unit.”

    The vehicle was successfully spiked on Porchester Road, before eventually coming to a stop.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Goldie says three occupants fled from the vehicle and were soon arrested by Police.

    Those arrested include the 20-year-old driver and two passengers, aged 13 and 14.

    The driver faces charges of aggravated robbery, dangerous driving and failing to stop.

    A 14-year-old has also been charged with aggravated robbery.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rosanna Law visits Riyadh

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law, after concluding her trip in the United Arab Emirates, commenced her visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

     

    Miss Law paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Chang Hua. She briefed Mr Chang on her visit to the UAE during the last three days, noting that the trip combined cultural exploration and artistic exchange, fostering a deeper understanding of the country’s inclusive values.

     

    After remarking that the visit marked a promising beginning for strengthening mutual ties between Hong Kong and the UAE, particularly in enhancing cultural dialogue, Miss Law shared with Mr Chang the latest initiatives aimed at boosting tourism in Hong Kong, and emphasised the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s interest in Hong Kong’s horse racing tourism.

     

    In the afternoon, she met Diriyah Gate Development Authority Chief Marketing Officer Kiran Haslam. In addition to exchanging views on cultural heritage preservation, they explored potential investment and business opportunities. Miss Law also toured the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site.

     

    Earlier in the day, she visited the Saudi National Museum where she viewed artistic and historical exhibits.

     

    Miss Law departed for Hong Kong tonight.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New Police Security Officers reporting for duty

    Source: New South Wales – News

    It was a particularly happy Friday for 14 new Police Security Officers (PSOs) who today graduated from the South Australia Police Academy.

    Nine men and five women bring a diverse range of backgrounds and experience to the role, including from retail, administration, disability work and as a prison officer.

    Ranging in age from 19 to 45 years, today’s graduates from PSO Qualification Program 6 provide an invaluable boost to SAPOL’s Police Security Services Branch.

    Following weeks of training in law and procedure, communications, and operational safety the new PSOs will now be posted to a variety of metropolitan locations, including high risk and critical infrastructure sites.

    Hannah is looking forward to ensuring the safety and security of government buildings, assets and people, while working closely with police officers.

    “I like the idea of every day being different and the range of pathways and opportunities,” she said.

    “I applied for SAPOL as soon as I turned 18. Prior I was working at a supermarket as a front-end supervisor, while also balancing out university and studying early childhood education.

    “I enjoy going to the gym, running and being active. I also have a passion for playing footy.”

    During her time at the academy, Hannah has gained confidence in her abilities.

    “I found the first few weeks of written exams stressful, but overcame that and passed the exams,” she said.

    “Out phase was a great experience and helped me relate to my academy learning.”

    Fellow graduate Nikhil worked in Victorian corrections as a prison officer and played indoor cricket before making the move to South Australia and joining SAPOL.

    “This experience developed my communication in conflict resolution and resilience skills which I found very helpful throughout the training and will continue to benefit me as a PSO,” he said.

    “The opportunity for personal growth and development, career stability and job security, a healthy work/life balance, and chance to contribute meaningful safety to the community are reasons why I applied to SAPOL.

    “The application process was thorough, but smooth, and it was encouraging to see the support offered throughout the recruitment process.”

    The support of mentors and course mates enabled Nikhil to overcome initial challenges, particularly with firearms training.

    “We built a strong team culture, checking in on each other regularly, offering support and help during assessments, exams and celebrating each other’s successes,” he added.

    “I have become more resilient, confident and better at managing high-pressure situations calmly and professionally.”

    Hannah hopes to one day become a police officer and to join Dog Operations Unit, while Nikhil aims to develop his skills as a PSO and eventually explore opportunities in operational support units.

    If you are looking for job security, career progression pathways and a chance to make a real difference in local communities visit Achievemore – Join Us (police.sa.gov.au)

    Nikhil and Hannah are among 14 new Police Security Officers to graduate today from the South Australia Police Academy.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: National Day of Prayer, 2025

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-center”>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
    A PROCLAMATION
    From the earliest days of our Nation’s journey, America has been guided by the grace of Almighty God.  Beginning with the opening prayer at the First Continental Congress in 1774, our faith has perpetually stood as the summit of our strength, the source of our unity, and the fount of our greatness.  This National Day of Prayer, we thank God for His endless blessings ‑- and we ask Him to grant us fortitude, wisdom, and a renewed spirit of justice as we continue the work to save our country and restore our national promise.
    Across every chapter of our grand American story — from General George Washington’s humble prayer at Valley Forge to Reverend Billy Graham’s legendary rallies in the heart of Manhattan to the somber National Prayer Service in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, our greatest leaders have always recognized the necessity of faith, prayer, and devotion to God.  As President Washington famously stated in his seminal Farewell Address, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” 
    For these reasons, my Administration is fighting to defend America’s longstanding legacy of prayer, faith, and trust in God.  As President, I proudly established Task Forces to eradicate religious bias by combatting anti-Semitic, anti-Christian, and additional forms of anti-religious bias.  They are charged with the mandate to identify and eliminate all anti‑religious policies, practices, and conduct in executive departments and agencies.  In addition, I established the White House Faith Office in order to strengthen our families and to protect our religious freedom.  I will never waver in safeguarding the right to religious liberty and protecting God in our public square.
    Nine months ago on July 13, 2024, my faith took on new meaning.  An assassin’s bullet came within a quarter of an inch of ending my life.  In that instant, as Secret Service crowded around and knocked me to the ground, I felt what seemed to be the supernatural hand of God.  I believe that God spared my life for a reason — to save our country and restore America to greatness.  It serves as a sacred reminder of our Creator’s infinite goodness, guidance, and grace.
    Through America’s victories and defeats, triumphs and setbacks, and periods of peace and times of war, the divine force of prayer has unfailingly sustained our people, our culture, and our beloved Nation.  It was faith that guided our ancestors across turbulent waters to Plymouth Rock.  It was faith that inspired our Founding Fathers to put in writing those immortal words, “All men are created equal.”  It is faith that freed our Nation from the clutches of tyranny nearly 250 years ago, and it is faith that has rescued our freedom from forces of evil time and time again.
    This National Day of Prayer, we recognize that the true strength of the American spirit has always been found in churches, chapels, pews, parishes and synagogues, and the hearts and souls of our citizens of faith.  Today and every day, we bow our heads in prayer to thank God for His countless gifts and to ask for His divine protection.  Above all, we acknowledge that prayer is the foundation of our past, the guiding hand of our present, and the light of our future.
    In 1988, the Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, called on the President to issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer, “on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.”
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2025, as a National Day of Prayer.  I encourage all Americans to observe this day, reflecting on the blessings our Nation has received and the importance of prayer, with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities in their houses of worship, communities, and places of work, schools, and homes.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, 2025

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-center”>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
    A PROCLAMATION
    Day and night, firefighters are on the front lines, rushing into danger and risking their lives to protect fellow citizens.  Tragically, not every hero makes it home.  The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, held in Emmitsburg, Maryland, commemorates the volunteer and professional firefighters who, over the past year, have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
    Thousands will gather to honor the lives and legacies of the fallen, to support the Fire Hero Families, to grieve and share memories, and to strengthen bonds between those who uniquely understand both the enduring pride and the profound loss of their loved ones.  Across the country, brave men and women demonstrate heroism each day, willingly placing themselves in harm’s way for the benefit of others.  We are indebted to every American who chooses this noble profession — this solemn calling — in spite of the inherent risks.
    There are pivotal moments in American history in which the awe-inspiring bravery and professionalism of firefighters stand forever imprinted on our memory.  On September 11, 2001, firefighters rushed into the smoke and flames of the twin towers following the horrific terrorist attacks.  In January of this year, firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fury of the deadly and destructive wildfires that raged through southern California.  These phenomenal efforts make us proud and grateful for those who stand in the gap for our safety.  
    One firefighter will forever hold a profound place in my life — Corey Comperatore, who lost his life shielding his family from the barrage of assassin’s bullets that pierced the air during my rally last July in Butler, Pennsylvania.  His bravery and selflessness on that fateful day exemplify the dedication and courage that define America’s cadre of firefighters. 
    The First Lady and I are grateful for the devotion of all who serve their communities and our country in this extraordinary way.  Firefighters often enter our lives only when something has gone catastrophically wrong, yet they stand ready every day to protect our people and communities.  This National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, we remember the American patriots who gave their lives in service to others, and pray for the courageous families who carry on in their absence.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 3 through May 4, 2025, as National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.  On Sunday, May 4, 2025, in accordance with Public Law 107-51, the flag of the United States will be flown at half-staff at all Federal office buildings in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. 
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Loyalty Day and Law Day, U.S.A., 2025

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-center”>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
    A PROCLAMATION
    The rule of law is the capstone of our constitutional order and the crown jewel of the American way of life.  Beginning with the ratification of the Constitution, people and nations near and far have looked to the United States as a guiding light of liberty and justice.  As our Nation commemorates Law Day, U.S.A., and Loyalty Day, we reaffirm our loyalty to the Constitution, and we renew our pledge to preserve and protect our glorious inheritance of fairness, equality, and freedom against all threats, foreign and domestic.
    For centuries, the world has revered America for its devotion to the timeless principle of equal justice under the law.  Tragically, in recent years, our constitutional heritage faced an existential threat from a political class that abandoned justice in favor of political retribution.  Under the previous administration, Federal law enforcement agencies outrageously allowed violent criminals to roam our streets with impunity while targeting parents, churchgoers, political opponents, and ordinary citizens.  This weaponization of our Government is a threat to our sovereignty and is antithetical to our Nation’s most sacred principles, reminiscent of evil communist regimes.
    This erosion of the American justice system ended the moment I took the oath of office.  Under my leadership, our Federal law enforcement agencies are again being guided by the cornerstone American principles of fairness and impartiality — and the constitutional rights of every American citizen are being swiftly restored.
    As we continue the work to restore justice in our courtrooms, order on our streets, and respect for our laws, we solemnly remember the more than 100 million victims of communism in the 20th century whose lives were viciously taken, and we stand in solidarity with the innumerable people across the world currently under captivity by communist leaders.
    First proclaimed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1955, Loyalty Day was inaugurated to directly counter commemorations of May Day — which was frequently celebrated by communist groups — and to serve as a beacon of hope to all those still blighted by the horrors and injustices of communism and tyranny.  To this day, America is a living reminder that the precepts of our Nation’s Founding will always transcend the evils wrought by communism and dictatorship.  As President Ronald Reagan famously remarked in his 1989 Farewell Address, our Nation stands before the entire world as a “tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace.”
    For nearly 250 years, the United States had proudly carried forth a grand tradition of legal and political thought stretching back to the earliest days of Western civilization.  Today, we acknowledge that our commitment to the constitutional rule of law is our pride, our glory, and an enduring source of American greatness.  We recognize that love of country requires loyalty to country — and that a Nation without the free and impartial rule of law is not a Nation at all.  Above all, we vow to usher in a new era of justice, integrity, and honor in our culture, in our courtrooms, and in our halls of Government.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2025, as Loyalty Day, and in accordance with Public Law 87–20, as amended, as Law Day, U.S.A.  I call on all Americans to observe this day by reflecting upon the importance of the rule of law in our Nation and displaying the flag of the United States in support of this national observance, as well as by learning more about the proud history of our Nation.  I urge all Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings and grounds on this day.
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name Release, Fatal Crash, Owhata

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can now release the name of the man who died in a two-vehicle crash on Te Ngae Road, Owhata, on Friday 25 April.

    He was Shubhkarman Singh, 33, of Owhata.

    Police extend their condolences to his loved ones at this difficult time.

    All occupants involved in the crash have been identified. The Police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrests made following Hastings gang-related tangi

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Inspector Caroline Martin, Hawke’s Bay Area Prevention Manager

    Hawke’s Bay Police monitored a gang-related tangi taking place in the Hastings area today.

    During the tangi gang insignia breaches and traffic offending were identified.

    Police made a number of arrests and seized and impounded three vehicles involved in the tangi.

    Where breaches and traffic offending were not able to be dealt with at the time by Police, information has been collated to assist with further follow up action. Police will not tolerate unlawful activity, and will be working to hold people to account.

    Police encourage the public to report any instances of unlawful activity to police so we can take appropriate action. If you have any information in relation to the tangi today please contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105.

    Please reference file number 250502/1280.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New Zealand condemned for failing to make ICJ humanitarian case over Gaza genocide

    Asia Pacific Report

    The advocacy group Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa has condemned the New Zealand government fpr failing to make a humanitarian submission to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings at The Hague this week into Israel blocking vital supplies entering Gaza.

    The ICJ’s ongoing investigation into Israeli genocide in the besieged enclave is now considering the illegality of Israel cutting off all food, water, fuel, medicine and other essential aid entering Gaza since early March.

    Forty three countries and organisations have been submitting this week — including the small Pacific country Vanuatu (pop. 328,000) — but New Zealand is not on the list for making a submission.

    Only Israel’s main backer, United States, and Hungary have argued in support of Tel Aviv while other nations have been highly critical.

    “If even small countries, such as Vanuatu, can commit their meagre resources to go to make a case to the ICJ, then surely our government can at the very least do the same,” said PSNA national co-chair Maher Nazzal.

    He said in a statement that the New Zealand government had gone “completely silent” on Israeli atrocities in Gaza.

    “A year ago, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were making statements about how Israel must comply with international law,” Nazzal said

    NZ ‘avoided blaming Israel’
    “They carefully avoided blaming Israel for doing anything wrong, but they issued strong warnings, such as telling Israel that it should not attack the city of Rafah.

    “Israel then bombed Rafah flat. The New Zealand response was to go completely silent.

    Nazzal said Israeli ministers were quite open about driving Palestinians out of Gaza, so Israel could build Israeli settlements there.

    PSNA co-chair Maher Nazzal  . . . New Zealand response on Gaza is to “go completely silent”. Image: Asia Pacific Report

    “And they are just as open about using starvation as a weapon,” he added.

    “Our government says and does nothing. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had nothing to say about Gaza when he met British Prime Minister Keir Stamer in London earlier in the month.

    “Yet Israel is perpetuating the holocaust of the 21st century under the noses of both Prime Ministers.”

    Nazzal said that it was “deeply disappointing” that a nation which had so proudly invoked its history of standing against apartheid and of championing nuclear disarmament, yet chose to “not even appear on the sidelines” of the ICJ’s legal considerations.


    ICJ examines Israel’s obligations in Occupied Palestine.  Video: Middle East Eye

    “New Zealand cannot claim to stand for a rules-based international order while selectively avoiding the rules when it comes to Palestine,” Nazzal said.

    “We want the New Zealand government to urgently explain to the public its absence from the ICJ hearings.

    “We need it to commit to participating in all future international legal processes to uphold Palestinian rights, and fulfil its ICJ obligations to impose sanctions on Israel to force its withdrawal from the Palestinian Occupied Territory.”

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 2, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 2, 2025.

    Unexpected humour and reflections on a complex past: my top 5 films from the 2025 German Film Festival
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claudia Sandberg, Senior Lecturer, Technology in Culture and Society, The University of Melbourne Foreign audiences often associate German cinema with tragedy, trauma and death. Certainly, major historical events such as the second world war and the Fall of the Berlin Wall — cornerstones of German film —

    Explainer: what mental health support do refugees and asylum seekers get in Australia?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Philippa Specker, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Refugee Trauma and Recovery Program, School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock When Australia signed the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention, it committed to providing protection to people who have fled war, persecution and human rights violations. Refugees

    Dark money: Labor and Liberal join forces in attacks on Teals and Greens for Australian election
    Teals and Greens are under political attack from a new pro-fossil fuel, pro-Israel astroturfing group, adding to the onslaught by far-right lobbyists Advance Australia for Australian federal election tomorrow — World Press Freedom Day. Wendy Bacon and Yaakov Aharon investigate. SPECIAL REPORT: By Wendy Bacon and Yaakov Aharon On February 12 this year, former prime

    How the US ‘war on woke’ and women risks weakening its own military capability
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bethan Greener, Associate Professor of Politics, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a visit with Michigan Air National Guard troops, April 29. Getty Images With US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s “proud” cancellation this week of the military’s Women, Peace

    What are the symptoms of measles? How long does the vaccine last? Experts answer 6 key questions
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Phoebe Williams, Paediatrician & Infectious Diseases Physician; Senior Lecturer & NHMRC Fellow, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney fotohay/Shutterstock So far in 2025 (as of May 1), 70 cases of measles have been notified in Australia, with all states and territories except Tasmania and the Australian Capital

    Logging devastated Victoria’s native forests – and new research shows 20% has failed to grow back
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Maldwyn John Evans, Senior Research Fellow, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University Old growth mountain ash forest in the Maroondah water supply catchment, Victoria. Chris Taylor Following the end of native logging in Victoria on January 1 2024, the state’s majestic forests might be

    Schools today also teach social and emotional skills. Why is this important? And what’s involved?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kristin R. Laurens, Professor, School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology DGLImages/Shutterstock The school curriculum has changed a lot from when many parents and grandparents were at school. Alongside new approaches to learning maths and increasing attention on technology, there is a compulsory focus on

    As Dutton champions nuclear power, Indigenous artists recall the profound loss of land and life that came from it
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Josephine Goldman, Sessional Academic, School of Languages and Cultures, Discipline of French and Francophone Studies, University of Sydney Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s promise to power Australia with nuclear energy has been described by experts as a costly “mirage” that risks postponing the clean energy transition. Beyond this,

    Grattan on Friday: Key markers on the bumpy road to this election
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra When we look back, we can see the road to election day has had a multitude of signposts, flashing red lights, twists, turns and potholes. Some came before the formal campaign; others in the final countdown days; some have been

    NZ doctors defend nationwide strike action over recruitment
    By Ruth Hill, RNZ News reporter Striking senior New Zealand doctors have hit back at the Health Minister’s attack on their union for “forcing” patients to wait longer for surgery and appointments, due to their 24-hour industrial action. Respiratory and sleep physician Dr Andrew Davies, who was on the picketline outside Wellington Regional Hospital, said

    Gallery: Doctors, health workers challenge NZ government over national crisis
    Asia Pacific Report Thousands of senior hospital doctors and specialists walked off the job today for an unprecedented 24-hour strike in protest over stalled contract negotiations and thousands of other health workers protested across Aotearoa New Zealand against the coalition government’s cutbacks to the public health service Te Whatu Ora. In spite of the disruptive

    The Coalition’s costings show some savings, but a larger deficit than Labor in the first two years
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Bartos, Professor of Economics, University of Canberra The Coalition’s policy costings have been released, just two days ahead of the federal election. The costings show the Coalition would run up a larger budget deficit than Labor in the first two years of government, but make a

    Tourism to the US is tanking. Flight Centre is facing a $100m hit as a result
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anita Manfreda, Senior Lecturer in Tourism, Torrens University Australia Doubletree Studio/Shutterstock Flight Centre, one of the world’s largest travel agencies, has warned it could lose more than A$100 million in earnings this year, citing weakening demand for travel to the United States. In a statement to the

    The rise of right-wing Christian populism and its powerful impact on Australian politics
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elenie Poulos, Adjunct Fellow, Macquarie University As Australians cast pre-poll votes in record numbers, it is not only political parties and candidates who are trying to influence votes. Australian Christian Right (ACR) groups have produced “scorecards” that rate party policies according to so-called Christian values. And they

    Election quiz: have you been paying attention?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Digital Storytelling Team, The Conversation We’re at the tail end of five weeks of intense campaigning for the federal election. The major and minor parties, as well as independents, have thrown a slew of policies at the Australian people, most of which we’ve catalogued in our Policy

    Major YouGov poll has Labor easily winning a majority of seats in election
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne A YouGov MRP poll has Labor clearly winning a majority of seats in the federal election – 84 of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives.

    Which medications are commonly prescribed for autistic people and why?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hiran Thabrew, Senior Lecturer in Child Psychiatry and Paediatrics, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Arlette Lopez/Shutterstock Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition. Someone may have social and communication differences, sensory issues and/or restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour or interests. There has been increased awareness and an expanded

    How do candidates skirt Chinese social media bans on political content? They use influencers
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fan Yang, Research fellow at Melbourne Law School, the University of Melbourne and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society., The University of Melbourne This election, social media has been a major battleground as candidates try to reach younger voters. As Gen Z and

    Who would win in a fight between 100 men and 1 gorilla? An evolutionary expert weighs in
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Renaud Joannes-Boyau, Professor in Geochronology and Geochemistry, Southern Cross University Hung Hung Chih/Shutterstock The internet’s latest absurd obsession is: who would win in a no-rules fight between 100 average human men and one adult male gorilla? This hypothetical and strange question has taken over Reddit, TikTok, YouTube

    The global costs of the US-China tariff war are mounting. And the worst may be yet to come
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kai He, Professor of International Relations, Griffith University The United States and China remain in a standoff in their tariff war. Neither side appears willing to budge. After US President Donald Trump imposed massive 145% tariffs on Chinese imports in early April, China retaliated with its own

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: This NZ law aims to give people with criminal convictions a ‘clean slate’. It’s not working

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Plum, Senior Research Fellow, Auckland University of Technology

    Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock

    If you own a business, would you be willing to hire a person who has been convicted for a crime? Give them a chance when a background check shows they have a criminal record?

    The answers matter for both individuals and communities. For people who have paid their debt to society, rejoining it can hinge on getting a second chance without being judged on their past.

    It is not something they can really hide. Employers often conduct criminal background checks as part of the hiring process. People with criminal records face high levels of stigmatisation, making it harder to reenter their communities and make money legally.

    The thorny question of what to do with people with convictions when it comes to employment has been considered by policymakers and justice campaigners around the world.

    In the United States, more than 27 states have introduced “Ban the Box” legislation. While each law is unique, by and large they have eliminated the requirement to provide criminal background information in job applications.

    And a number of countries, including New Zealand, have implemented clean slate initiatives which help conceal criminal records for people who meet certain criteria.

    Our new research looks at whether New Zealand’s clean slate scheme increases the job prospects for eligible people.

    The clean slate reform was introduced as the Criminal Records Act in 2004. People who were previously convicted of minor offences can now have their criminal records automatically concealed if they can maintain a conviction-free record for seven years after their last sentence.

    The regulation excludes people who were involved in a serious offence (such as sexual misconduct) or who received a particularly punitive sentence (such as incarceration or an indefinite disqualification from driving).

    The Criminal Records Act allows eligible people with a conviction to wipe their slate clean seven years after their last sentencing.
    Shutterstock

    Clean slate and the labour market

    Our research started with the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI), hosted by Statistics New Zealand (StatsNZ). This is a repository of records provided by different public and private agencies, including court charge data from the Ministry of Justice and tax records from Inland Revenue.

    StatsNZ uses specific characteristics of individuals (such as name and birth date) to identify them across the different datasets. This enables researchers to track the same individual’s data footprint across different administrative records.

    We used court charges data on all men convicted between 1992 and 2003 who had fulfilled the clean slate eligibility criteria. We then linked this pool of people with their Inland Revenue records to measure their employment and earnings.

    To identify the labour market impact of the clean slate policy, we compared the employment and earnings of those who completed their seven-year rehabilitation period (the treatment group) with individuals who become eligible some time later (control group).

    Limited benefits of clean slate scheme

    Our analysis found the clean slate scheme has no relevant impact on the likelihood of eligible individuals finding work. This could result from the length of time required between sentencing and being eligible for a clean slate. Seven years could simply be too long.

    But the clean slate scheme did create at least a 2% increase in eligible workers’ monthly wages and salaries – equivalent to a NZ$100 hike for an individual with an average monthly salary of $5,000.

    The increase in monthly earnings appears to be greater for workers with a stronger commitment to working and for those who remain with one company for longer periods.

    Global patterns

    The labour market effects of concealing past convictions have also been explored in the US. Recent research looked at a policy enacted in Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Bexar County, Texas. Mirroring our own results, the authors do not find any relevant impact on gaining employment.

    Our findings indicate the concealment of past convictions through New Zealand’s clean slate scheme might happen too late to make a huge difference. But there are changes that can be made to improve work outcomes for people who have completed their sentences.

    This could include following the example of countries such as Finland, where access to criminal histories is much more restricted. In Finland, the background check has to be directly relevant to the job requirements. For example, the law allows checks for someone applying to work in the financial sector who was convicted of fraud.

    There would also be benefits from looking at the eligibility criteria for New Zealand’s clean slate scheme.

    Currently, it only applies to people who committed a minor offence. But policymakers should consider whether it makes sense to expand the policy to people who committed more serious crimes but managed to turn their life around. Making this change would allow people to reap the benefits of working without stigma.

    All that said, the government’s current “tough on crime” stance makes change unlikely, with a focus on the cost of crime rather than what happens after punishment has been completed.

    Kabir Dasgupta is affiliated with the Federal Reserve Board. The opinions expressed in this article does not reflect the views of the the Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Reserve System.

    Alexander Plum does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. This NZ law aims to give people with criminal convictions a ‘clean slate’. It’s not working – https://theconversation.com/this-nz-law-aims-to-give-people-with-criminal-convictions-a-clean-slate-its-not-working-254687

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Celebrate Canberra Tree Week 2025!

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Canberra’s annual celebration of trees is back from Saturday 3 May to Sunday 11 May 2025 with many free events across the ACT to encourage Canberrans to admire, celebrate and learn more about the importance of our urban trees.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gun Trafficker Sentenced to 135 Months in Prison for Robbing ATF Agent with Machine Gun

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Jonathan Manuel Flores was sentenced in federal court today to 135 months in prison for his role in an illegal firearms business and for robbing an undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent at gun point during a machine gun deal gone wrong.

    ATF special agents were conducting a months-long investigation into the trafficking of privately manufactured firearms, commonly referred to as “ghost guns,” and guns modified with illegal auto conversion devices that transform everyday firearms into dangerous machine guns, when the defendant decided to rob an undercover ATF special agent, instead of selling the agent the firearm.

    During that deal on February 17, 2023, ATF special agents conducted an undercover operation in San Diego to purchase a Glock pistol with a full auto conversion device, commonly known as a “Glock Switch,” for $2,400.

    In a meeting in the parking lot of Walmart on Murphy Canyon Road, the defendant insisted that the gun deal take place in the backseat of his car. The undercover agent got into the back seat of the defendant’s parked car as requested. When the undercover agent entered the car there were two other individuals seated in the driver’s seat and front passenger seat of the car. Once inside the car, Flores showed the agent a Glock pistol with an extended magazine inserted and a machinegun conversion device installed.

    Although the agent asked to hold the firearm, Flores insisted the agent show and count the money first. As the undercover agent finished counting $2,000 in cash, the defendant pulled back the slide on the pistol to make it ready to shoot and pushed the muzzle into the undercover agent’s ribcage. He then said, “Get the f—- out of the car dog before I smoke you” while grabbing the cash from the agent’s hand. The agent successfully exited the vehicle. Flores and his two companions fled. Flores was later apprehended with the assistance of the San Diego Police Department.

    “This robbery is a stark reminder of the extreme danger our agents face every day in their efforts to keep illegal firearms off our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “We are grateful for our law enforcement partners working to keep these dangerous firearms out of the hands of felons.”

    “ATF’s core mission is to protect the public by investigating and apprehending the most violent offenders in our communities,” said ATF Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Kenny Cooper. “It is an honor to work with our state, local, and federal partners to successfully carry out our public safety mission.” Cooper thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the El Cajon Police Department, and San Diego Police Department for working with ATF in the investigation, apprehension, and successful prosecution of Jonathan Manuel Flores.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evangeline Dech and Alicia Williams.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 23cr00512CAB                                 

    Jonathan Manuel Flores                                  Age: 20                                   Chula Vista, CA

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Assault on a Federal Officer with a Deadly or Dangerous Weapon – 18 U.S.C. § 111(b)

    Maximum Penalties: Twenty Years in prison; $250,000 fine

    Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence – 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) 

    Maximum Penalty: Mandatory minimum seven years to life in prison, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed as to Count 5; $250,000 fine

    Engaging in the Business of Dealing Firearms Without a License – 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1)(A), 923(a), and 924(a)(1)(D); Aiding and Abetting – 18 U.S.C. § 2

    Maximum penalties: Five years in prison; $250,000 fine 

    INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prosecutors in CDCA Charge 45 Defendants with Being Illegal Aliens in U.S. Following Removal – a 3,755% Increase from Previous Year

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Federal prosecutors in the Central District of California this week criminally charged 45 defendants who allegedly illegally re-entered the United States following removal, bringing the total number of defendants charged with this crime since January 20 of this year to 347, a year-over-year increase of 3,755%, the Justice Department announced today.

    The defendants charged were previously convicted of felonies before they were removed from the United States, offenses that include attempted burglary and forgery.

    Since the change in administration this year, federal prosecutors in the seven-county Central District, which includes Los Angeles, have aggressively pursued criminal illegal aliens. In comparison, federal prosecutors in 2024 charged a total of nine defendants with Title 8 United States Code § 1326 – illegal re-entry following removal. In 2023, the office charged eight such defendants.

    “The government has a duty to protect its citizens,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “During the prior administration, this office abdicated its duty by effectively failing to prosecute any illegal re-entry cases. Those days are over. Criminal illegal aliens will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “The difference in numbers is staggering,” said United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd M. Lyons. “Since January 20, this jurisdiction has prosecuted 347 illegal aliens for reentering the United States after removal — but last year, there were only nine of these prosecutions. That’s a 3,755% increase in just over a quarter of the time. Partnerships between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ICE, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the FBI play a critical role in ensuring that individuals who pose threats to public safety are removed from our communities.”

    The crime of being found in the United States following removal carries a base sentence of up to two years in federal prison. Defendants who were removed after being convicted of a felony face a maximum 10-year sentence and defendants removed after being convicted of an aggravated felony face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.

    The recently filed cases include the following defendants:

    • Paulino González-García, 26, of Mexico, was charged via a federal criminal complaint with being an illegal alien found in the United States after removal. González-García was removed in 2018 and has two prior state convictions in Santa Barbara County Superior Court for driving under the influence (DUI). He is in state custody and charged with a third DUI offense. Assistant United States Attorney Christina A. Marquez of the Domestic Security and Immigration Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.
    • Ricardo Cruz-García, 31, of Mexico, was charged via a federal criminal complaint with being an illegal alien found in the United States following removal. Cruz-García was removed in 2019. He has a 2018 conviction for attempted burglary and 2019 convictions in Orange County Superior Court for possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, and forgery. Assistant United States Attorney Christina A. Marquez of the Domestic Security and Immigration Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.

    Federal prosecutors this week also charged the following defendant:

    • José Rosales Ramírez, 27, of Mexico, was charged via a federal criminal complaint with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Ramirez was caught with possession of two firearms because of his involvement in an incident in Compton where it is alleged that he shot at a moving vehicle. Assistant United States Attorney Christina A. Marquez of the Domestic Security and Immigration Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.

    A criminal complaint contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating these matters.

    These cases are 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 (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rochester man going to prison for 15 years on gun and drug charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Shawnle McClary, 49, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who handled the case, stated that between 2021 and January 17, 2024, McClary conspired with Timothy Jackson, Jr. a/k/a T a/k/a T-Rock, Gary Fuller a/k/a G, Felicia Collins a/k/a Keisha and others to sell cocaine and fentanyl. McClary regularly packaged cocaine for sale, and transported quantities of cocaine and fentanyl from a stash location at residences on Forester Street to stash and/or sale locations on Angle Street in Rochester. On January 17, 2024, law enforcement searched numerous locations in Rochester utilized by members of the conspiracy as well as McClary’s Mobile Drive residence in the Town of Greece. During the searches, approximately 805 grams of cocaine, 210 grams of fentanyl, 223 grams of cocaine, $7,682 in cash, seven loaded firearms, and drug paraphernalia were seized.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Padilla, Murray, Wyden, West Coast Ports Sound Alarm on Trump’s Tariffs That Are Leaving Shelves Bare, Forcing Painful Layoffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    WATCH: Padilla, Murray, Wyden, West Coast Ports Sound Alarm on Trump’s Tariffs That Are Leaving Shelves Bare, Forcing Painful Layoffs

    WATCH: Padilla highlights importance of California’s ports in powering national economy
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) hosted a virtual press call alongside Port of Long Beach Chief Executive Officer Mario Cordero and other West Coast port leaders to sound the alarm on the dramatic decline of container ships making the trip to West Coast ports and the harmful consequences of Trump’s reckless tariffs across the American economy: price hikes, layoffs, empty store shelves, and more. These tariffs will devastate California’s ports, including the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach — which receive 40 percent of the nation’s imports — impacting the entire U.S. economy.
    A new forecast by Apollo Global Management contends that the U.S. economy is on the verge of a self-inflicted recession as a result of Trump’s April 2 “Liberation Day” tariff policies. Apollo predicts the slowdown of container ships will lead to a sharp decrease in trucking demand by mid-to-late May, which will subsequently result in supply shortages and lower sales for retailers. Apollo predicts layoffs will occur across trucking and retail industries and that the U.S. economy will fall into a recession by this summer.
    The West Coast Senators raised serious concerns about these warning signs for the economy and urged their Republican colleagues to join them in asserting Congressional authority over tariffs to put an end to Trump’s trade war and reverse the economic damage already inflicted by the President before it’s too late.
    “California’s Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are keystones for the success of not just our state’s economy, but our national economy. So when the San Pedro Bay ports and other West Coast ports send warning signs about the damage of Trump’s tariffs, we know they’re really warning signs for our country,” said Senator Padilla. “The drop in cargo volume caused by Trump’s tariffs will mean empty shelves when products don’t reach our stores, rising prices on everything from groceries to clothes to cars, and undoubtedly, more Americans out of work. While today, it’s Western ports — we know it will only be a matter of weeks before the ripple effect causes pain across the nation.”
    “We are already seeing the consequences of Trump’s tariffs at our ports: fewer ships from across the Pacific, means less cargo at our ports, less cargo at our ports means less goods for our truckers to transport—and that ultimately means bare shelves for our retailers and the American consumer,” said Senator Murray. “Our ports know better than anyone that supply chains do not reset in an instant. The time to reverse these Republican tariffs was the same day they were announced. Every day This Republican Congress refuses to reject these tariffs is a day they are actively enabling Trump’s pro-recession agenda and higher taxes on every American. Congress needs to take the matches away from the President who is setting fire to the economy. Democrats are going to make sure Republicans continue to feel the pressure until this Congress takes action and overrides this President.”
    “Oregon knows firsthand that Trump’s tariff chaos is already hurting small businesses and drying up markets for red-white-and-blue products,” said Senator Wyden. “Speaking with small businesses and workers all over Oregon last week, every single one warned of damage from tariffs in the near future. West Coast senators will be on the front lines pushing back against these senseless Republican tariffs.”
    “As one of America’s largest ports, Long Beach moves more than $300 billion in cargo every year to and from every congressional district, supporting 2.7 million jobs. Due to the new trade policies, we are about to see a shift from cargo surge to cargo slowdown in the supply chain, and this will have a real impact on the American economy. For workers across the country whose jobs depend on cargo moving through the Port of Long Beach – dockworkers, truckers, logistics workers, retailers, farmers, factory workers – any sort of long-term, sustained downturn in shipments caused by the tariff will be detrimental to the job market. I remain hopeful that leaders in our nation’s capital recognize the significance of the goods movement industry and will take necessary action to ensure America’s economy can thrive,” said Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach.
    “Cargo volume at the nation’s busiest port will drop by about one-third next week,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director, Gene Seroka. “That means fewer jobs along with rising prices for consumers and businesses. Additionally, counter tariffs are having a severe impact on American agricultural exporters. We need agreements quickly with our trading partners that benefit and support the U.S. economy and supply chain.”
    The Port of Los Angeles — the largest port in the United States — expects imports to drop by 35 percent in just two weeks, and the Port of Long Beach expects similar declines.
    Senator Padilla is strongly opposed to Trump’s policies that will raise costs across the board for millions of working-class families. During a speech on the Senate floor yesterday, Senator Padilla similarly criticized Trump’s cruel tariffs and their impacts on the San Pedro ports, emphasizing the devastation they will cause American families and the national economy. He supported Senator Wyden’s resolution yesterday to undo Trump’s tariffs, which received Republican support but narrowly failed 49-49 after Vice President Vance’s tiebreaking “no” vote. Padilla also recently proposed a concurrent resolution that would simply demand basic transparency by requiring that any tariff used to offset tax cuts for the wealthy be explicitly written into the Republicans’ partisan budget reconciliation bill.
    Senator Padilla has consistently fought to secure federal funding to support and protect California’s nationally leading ports. Last year, he announced that the San Pedro Ports would receive more than $112 million through the FY 2024 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan for critical construction upgrades and operations and maintenance activities. He has also consistently pushed for funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for California’s ports, including over $283 million for the Port of Long Beach in 2023, $94 million in port infrastructure grant funding in 2022, and over $57 million in 2021.
    Video of Senator Padilla’s remarks is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schakowsky, Matsui, Bonamici, 63 House Democrats Demand Answers on the Disbandment of the Administration for Community Living

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Doris Matsui (CA-07), and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) led 63 House Democrats in a letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressing their strong opposition to the elimination of the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the unjustified termination of nearly half of the agency’s workforce. 

    “Established in 2012, the ACL was created to eliminate fragmentation in federal programs for aging and disability populations, improve access to quality healthcare and long-term services, and ensure consistent policies across federal agencies,” wrote the lawmakers. “ACL’s workforce plays a crucial role in managing and coordinating federal, state, and local programs aimed at helping seniors and people with disabilities remain healthy and thrive in their homes and communities.”

    “We are gravely concerned about your arbitrary directive to dismantle the ACL and urgently request answers to understand the wide-ranging consequences this decision will have upon the health and wellbeing of older adults and individuals with disabilities,” continued the Members. 

    This letter is in response to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announcement to end ACL’s critical programs across the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This month, a draft budget proposal outlining the proposed elimination of ACL’s Aging Programs and Nutrition and Disability Services Programs from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) was made public. 

    Full text of the letter can be found here. 

    This letter has been endorsed by Justice in Aging, National Health Law Program (NHeLP), National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA), USAging, Caring Across Generations, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, and National Association of Social Workers (NASW). 

    In addition to Reps. Schakowsky, Matsui, and Bonamici, the letter was also signed by Reps. Nydia Velázquez, Jill Tokuda, Lucy McBath, Nanette Diaz Barragán, Dwight Evans, Paul Tonko, Debbie Dingell, Jesús G. “Chuy” García, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Danny K. Davis, Salud Carbajal, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr.,  Eric Sorensen, Mark Pocan, Juan Vargas, Sean Casten, J. Luis Correa, Brittany Pettersen, Terri A. Sewell, Sarah McBride, Stephen F. Lynch, Rashida Tlaib, Gwen S. Moore, James P. McGovern, Andrea Salinas, Bennie G. Thompson, David Scott, Haley M. Stevens, Mikie Sherrill, Betty McCollum, Seth Magaziner, Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., Nikki Budzinski, Adam Smith, Hillary J. Scholten, Delia C. Ramirez, Ritchie Torres, Shri Thanedar, Troy A. Carter, Sr., Seth Moulton, Greg Landsman, Greg Stanton, Gabe Amo, Angie Craig, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Jennifer L. McClellan, Eugene Simon Vindman, Becca Balint, Lois Frankel, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Ro Khanna, LaMonica McIver, Kevin Mullin, Maggie Goodlander, Judy Chu, Chellie Pingree, Val Hoyle, George Latimer, Mary Gay Scanlon, Dave Min, Steve Cohen, Kelly Morrison, and Donald S. Beyer Jr.

                                                                     ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: South China Sea enters annual fishing moratorium

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

    GUANGZHOU, May 1 — At noon on Thursday, South China Sea waters north of the 12th parallel north entered a three-and-a-half-month annual fishing moratorium, according to China Coast Guard.

    The South China Sea branch of China Coast Guard, in conjunction with marine fishery law enforcement departments and public security authorities in Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan, has launched a special law enforcement operation for the 2025 South China Sea fishing moratorium to ensure its effective implementation.

    Before the moratorium began, task forces boarded fishing boats and patrolled docks to make known relevant laws and regulations to local fishermen, ensuring that all boats were returned to port, all crew members came ashore and all fishing nets were stored. Law enforcement vessels have also been dispatched to patrol the jurisdictional waters to establish a strict presence from the start of the moratorium.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON REPUBLICANS BEING FORCED TO CANCEL TWO BUDGET MARK-UPS AND DELAY THEIR TOXIC SCHEME

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

    Know Your Immigration Rights

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update, unexplained death, Woodridge

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Detective Inspector Haley Ryan:

    Police investigating the death of a person in Woodridge overnight are appealing for CCTV footage from the community.

    An investigation was initiated after a body was located inside a burnt-out vehicle on Ladbrooke Drive at around 11.40pm.

    Initial indications suggest the death is not suspicious and the death will be referred to the Coroner.

    Although the death is not considered to be suspicious, Police are appealing for CCTV footage to establish the events leading up to the incident.

    Police would like to hear from anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage in the surrounding streets, specifically Ladbrooke Drive and Woodridge Crescent.

    If you have information that may assist in Police’s enquiries, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or call 105.

    Please use the reference number P062417472.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Billings woman man sentenced to 4 years in prison on drug and gun charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BILLINGS – A Billings woman who sold methamphetamine and provided a firearm to a juvenile was sentenced today to 4 years in prison to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Ali Sage Hausmann, 26, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and false statement during a firearm transaction.

    U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that in 2022, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated Hausmann for purchasing a gun used by a juvenile during a home invasion. On May 9, 2022, two teenagers burglarized a home in Billings and one of them possessed a Beretta pistol during the burglary. ATF learned Hausmann bought the Beretta at Scheels in Billings one day before the home invasion, which one of the juveniles confirmed during an interview with law enforcement. Approximately two weeks after the burglary, Hausmann pawned the firearm.

    As part of the investigation into the firearm purchase, ATF obtained a search warrant for Hausmann’s Facebook account and learned she was selling methamphetamine. Agents also located messages confirming she purchased the firearm for the juvenile. On December 7, 2022, law enforcement seized 6.9 grams of meth from Hausmann’s residence, along with an additional firearm from her purse. Hausmann admitted to selling methamphetamine and to purchasing the gun for the juvenile.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the ATF and the Billings Police Department.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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