NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Al Green Holds Press Conference to Address Controversial Slur by a Colleague Calling Him “Boy,” and Referring to His Cane as a Weapon, along with the Use of an LGBTQ+ Slur

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Houston, TX)—On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Congressman Al Green will host a press conference after receiving multiple requests for an interview concerning his cane and his colleague referring to him as “boy” and the LGBTQ+ community as “fairies.” Congressman Green will address these issues at a press conference today because he believes that these slurs merit a response. 

    The following will be in attendance Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Houston City Councilwoman – District D, Tiffany Thomas, Houston City Councilwoman – District F, Jeffrey Boney, Missouri City Councilman – District B, Alice Chen, Stafford City Councilwoman, Mayor Pro Tem, Erica Lee Carter, Representative from Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis’s Office Pct. 1, Dr. Sergio Lira, President, Greater Houston LULAC 4967, Judson Robinson, President, Houston Area Urban League, Bishop James Dixon, President, NAACP Houston Branch, Josh Mica, The Caucus Trustee, Dr. James Douglas, Thurgood Marshall School of Law Professor/Former Dean, Former President of Texas Southern University, Nabila Mansoor, President, Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition (TMAC), Dr. Sergio Lira, President, Greater Houston LULAC 4967, Representative from FIEL Houston, Representative from The Normal Anomaly, and others. 

    Click here to watch the Facebook live stream of the event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Dismantles Active Identity Theft Mill and Organized Retail Scheme Spanning Seven California Counties

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    LOS ANGELES – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced filing of felony charges against three people involved in a suspected identity theft mill, where stolen identities were utilized in an organized retail crime scheme. The scheme involved suspects applying for store credit cards using stolen identities, then using those credit lines to purchase merchandise with no intention to pay them back. The scheme was carried out in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties.

    “I am committed to using the full force of the California Department of Justice to fight organized retail crime both in the field and in the courtroom,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “This was not a one-off shoplifting offense, it was a malicious, coordinated scheme. These crimes hurt our businesses and pose a serious threat to our communities. I am thankful to Signet Jewelers as well as our local and state law enforcement partners for their collaboration in the battle against organized retail crime. We will not give up until we put a stop to this criminal activity all together.”

    “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is deeply committed to tackling organized retail crime through strategic multiagency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and targeted enforcement,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Detective Division Chief Joe Mendoza. “By working closely with our local, state, and federal partners, we continue to strengthen our efforts, disrupt criminal networks, protect both businesses and our communities, while holding individuals accountable.”

    “These arrests are the result of excellent collaboration between HSI, private industry, state and local law enforcement partners,” said HSI Orange County Assistant Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bracken. “HSI will work tirelessly with our partners in California to ensure that those who commit fraud will be held accountable.”

    From March 2023 to July 2023, the defendants fraudulently obtained over $100,000 worth of merchandise from high end retail stores and Harbor Freight retailers. This investigation began with a referral from a Signet Jeweler’s Corporate Fraud Investigator, and was led by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) with collaboration form Homeland Security Investigations, Santa Maria Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol and Westminster Police department.  
     
    As a result of the investigation, a 34-count felony complaint was filed against three defendants by DOJ. The charges include organized retail theft, grand theft, and identity theft of 13 victims. The Attorney General has made fighting organized retail crime a top priority and asks the public to submit complaints and tips at https://oag.ca.gov/bi/retail-crime.
     
    A copy of the criminal complaint in today’s case is available here.

    Photos related to this investigation can be found here, here and here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s tariffs: poor workers in countries like Cambodia will be among the biggest losers

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sabina Lawreniuk, Principal Research Fellow, University of Nottingham

    I Love Coffee dot Today/Shutterstock

    Politicians and economists have been pretty vocal in their response to the ongoing saga of Donald Trump’s tariffs. But much less has been heard from the world’s poorest workers about how they will be affected.

    For when the US president first set out his reciprocal tariffs – later paused for 90 days – some of the highest rates were for countries like Vietnam (46%), Bangladesh (37%) and Cambodia (49%).

    These are places that make huge amounts of the clothes we wear, and even the reduced 10% tariff could be a big blow to their economies – and the people who depend on them.

    Because aside from the well known sweatshop conditions suffered by many workers in these places, brands and manufacturers often offset new costs by passing them on to workers in the form of lower wages and higher demands.

    This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as “social downgrading”, was seen during the pandemic, when garment workers around the world faced mass layoffs and even worse working conditions to protect corporate profits when consumer demand decreased.

    And those working conditions are already challenging. The minimum wage for one of Cambodia’s 1 million garment workers (from a total population of 16 million) is just US$208 (£155.50) per month.

    Around 80% of those workers are women, whose wages often support children and elderly parents, who don’t have the security of a state pension safety net.

    It is these workers and their families who may end losing the most in Trump’s trade war. But they are used to geopolitics affecting their everyday lives, having suffered the impact of tariffs fairly recently – from the EU.

    In 2020, Cambodia’s duty-free, quota-free access to the EU market (usually granted to developing countries) was partially revoked as a punitive response to human rights concerns. Tariffs averaging 11% were added to some product lines, mostly clothing and footwear, which covered about 20% of Cambodia’s total exports to the EU.

    The Cambodian government immediately responded by cutting public holidays and workplace benefits to try offset any increase in costs.

    It has since slowed the rate of minimum wage growth to below inflation. Both actions slashed real wages and made the challenge of economic survival even harder for those who depend on the industry.

    Now, as Trump’s latest tariffs take hold – even at the lower rate of 10% – many garment and footwear industry workers will fear for their jobs.

    But even those “lucky” enough to keep them will face mounting pressures to produce more, and more quickly, to offset rising costs – at the direct expense of their own financial security and wellbeing.

    The idea that tariffs will ultimately bring jobs back to the US ignores that fact that these jobs – precarious, underpaid and frequently dangerous – are not the kind of jobs that any American would want.

    International supply chains are deeply embedded.
    PX Media/Shutterstock

    Supply chained

    And the evidence suggests that if even if they did want them, international manufacturing supply chains are more deeply embedded than people might think.

    After the EU imposed its tariffs on Cambodia for example, brands could have looked to circumvent those added costs by relocating production. As it turned out, the volume of trade between Cambodia and the EU has remained steady since – because sometimes there’s no alternative.

    With Cambodia, companies have not been willing or able to shift production to competitors like Bangladesh, Myanmar or Sri Lanka, partly due to the political volatility in those countries.

    Added to this is the fact that clothes production has become highly specialised geographically. Cambodia’s distance from the EU means it focuses mainly on seasonal fashion “basics” such as T-shirts and knitwear.

    Closer countries like Turkey and Morocco concentrate on the latest fast fashion trends, as their shorter shipping routes mean they can be quicker to respond to changing tastes.

    It is not that easy to unsettle the systems and markets that are already in place.

    As a result, in the global garment industry at least, Trump’s tariffs may not trigger a complete restructuring of the world’s supply chains. In the short term, they are instead likely to cause great uncertainty, reducing investors’ appetite for long-term planning, and reducing their confidence.

    Orders may slow and prices may rise. And Cambodians making the world’s T-shirts and trainers will face even more pressure on their wages and working conditions.

    Sabina Lawreniuk receives funding from UKRI through a Future Leaders Fellowship (grant ref MR/ W013797/1).

    – ref. Trump’s tariffs: poor workers in countries like Cambodia will be among the biggest losers – https://theconversation.com/trumps-tariffs-poor-workers-in-countries-like-cambodia-will-be-among-the-biggest-losers-254408

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Indiana Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by March Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON –The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for Indiana small businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by the severe storms and tornadoes occurring March 15. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Mike Braun on April 10.

    The disaster declaration covers the primary counties of Harrison and Orange, which are eligible for both physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). The declaration covers the adjacent counties of Crawford, Dubois, Floyd, Lawrence, Martin and Washington in Indiana, and as well as Hardin, Jefferson, Meade in Kentucky.

    Small businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.  

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.  

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.  

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s mitigation loans.”

    SBA’s EIDL program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

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

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Beginning Monday, April 28, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Harrison and Orange counties to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.  

    The DLOC hours of operation are listed below:

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)

    Harrison County

    Harrison Government Center  

    245 Atwood St.  

    Corydon, IN 47112

    Opening: Monday – April 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Closed: Sunday

    Permanently Closing: Saturday, May 10, 2 p.m.

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)

     Orange County

     Orleans Town Hall

    161 E Price Ave.  

    Orleans, IN 47452

    Opening: Monday – April 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Closed: Sunday

    Permanently Closing: Saturday, May 10, 2 p.m.

    Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.

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

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical damage is June 23, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is January 22, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Newtonville — Update: Kings District RCMP charge Newtonville man with additional firearms offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Kings District RCMP has charged a man with additional firearms offences following the execution of a search warrant in Newtonville.

    On April 19, RCMP officers responded to a report of unsecured firearms at a property on Jehill Davidson Rd. Upon arrival, officers also observed chemicals and materials consistent with the manufacturing of explosives at the scene. To ensure their safety and that of the public, the officers exited the residence, and the large rural property was secured.

    A methodical search of the area began later that day. Investigators from the Kings District General Investigation Section were assisted by the RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit (EDU), the Valley Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit (SCEU), Shelburne RCMP SCEU, Yarmouth RCMP SCEU, West Hants District RCMP, Annapolis County District RCMP, RCMP Federal Policing investigators, and RCMP Forensic Identification Services. Out of precaution, due to potentially volatile substances being stored at the scene, fire services were on standby.

    During the search, RCMP officers seized three rifles, four shotguns, ammunition, and components that could be used to make explosives. Samples of the chemicals were seized for analysis before a third party contractor safely disposed of the substances.

    The search of the property was concluded on April 23.

    “At the scene, officers were faced with a complex situation involving unidentified chemicals that could be dangerous,” says Supt. Jason Popik, District Policing Officer, Southwest Nova RCMP District. “However, with the assistance of specialized policing services and our interoperability with our partners, a safe and thorough search of the property was completed.”

    Shawn Bradley, 53, has been charged with:

    • Possession of Explosive
    • Careless Use of Firearm (7 counts)
    • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose (7 counts)
    • Unauthorized Possession of Firearm (7 counts)
    • Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited Weapon or Restricted Weapon (3 counts)
    • Possession of Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized (7 counts)
    • Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized (3 counts)
    • Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition

    Bradley was remanded into custody on April 22. He appeared in Windsor Provincial Court today and remains in custody.

    The investigation led by the Kings District General Investigation Section is ongoing.

    Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is asked to call Kings District RCMP at 902-542-3817. To remain anonymous, contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    File #: 2025-514892

    Note: The Valley Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit is comprised of members of the Kings District RCMP and the Kentville Police Service.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Jordan joins regional push to sideline Islamist opposition

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rory McCarthy, Associate Professor in Politics and Islam, Durham University

    The Jordanian authorities have banned the Muslim Brotherhood, the largest opposition movement in the kingdom, in a major new crackdown. On Wednesday April 23, security forces raided Brotherhood offices, confiscating assets and property, and outlawed all of the group’s activities.

    One week earlier, 16 Brotherhood members were arrested for allegedly plotting attacks on targets inside Jordan using rockets and drones. The Brotherhood, whose members Jordanian interior minister Mazen al-Faraya says “operate in the shadows and engage in activities that could undermine stability and security”, has denied any links to the attack plots.

    The ban on the Brotherhood, an Islamist movement that wants a greater role for religion in public life, comes at a time when the Jordanian government is facing intense pressure over the war in Gaza.

    The Brotherhood organised months of demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinians. It has also been vocal in its support for the Palestinian armed group Hamas, and has demanded the cancellation of Jordan’s peace treaty with Israel.

    At the same time, Jordan’s King Abdullah II has come under heavy pressure from the Donald Trump administration in the US to resettle Palestinians from the occupied Gaza Strip and West Bank. If he were to agree, the move would risk being seen as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause.

    The Jordanian authorities have had an uneasy relationship with the Brotherhood since the late 1980s, when the kingdom’s political system opened up. They have looked to curb its influence.

    In 2016, the Brotherhood’s headquarters in the capital, Amman, was closed and its assets were transferred to a new organisation called the Association of the Society of the Muslim Brotherhood, known as the “permitted” Muslim Brotherhood. As ideological splits emerged in the movement, the authorities have tried to exploit internal divisions.

    The latest crackdown represents a striking repressive turn. It marks a shift away from containing the movement to excluding it from public life.

    Yet the Brotherhood remains popular. In September 2024, the Islamic Action Front, the political party affiliated with the movement, surprised observers by winning parliamentary elections. It took 31 seats in the 138-seat parliament, securing victory in constituencies across the country in its best election performance in more than three decades.

    Its success was largely down to the Brotherhood’s demonstrations in support of Palestinians. These demonstrations resonated in Jordan, where around half the population is of Palestinian origin. The party also benefited from changes in the electoral laws prior to the election, which gave more weight to political parties and less to independent candidates.

    But under Jordan’s authoritarian system, the king holds most of the power, especially in internal security and foreign affairs. The palace tightly controls political life. So the Islamic Action Front was not invited to join the new government, which is made up of pro-monarchy parties.

    The key question now is whether the authorities will also ban the Islamic Action Front, despite its electoral gains.

    Conflict with the crown

    Even before the latest crackdown, Islamists in Jordan feared a confrontation with the authorities. Many suspected the palace wanted to close the Brotherhood movement and leave a weakened party that might be more easily contained.

    During a visit to Jordan shortly after the elections in September, one senior Islamic Action Front figure told me: “They [the monarchy] just want a party in a superficial form. A party without any presence.”

    Although the Brotherhood had been under pressure, it was still able to operate most of its activities. Senior party members even took part in a royal committee on “political modernisation” in 2021, which drew up reforms to change the electoral laws to strengthen political parties.

    Yet many in the Brotherhood feared a confrontation with the palace was coming. One senior Brotherhood figure told me in October 2024: “The Brotherhood is a vast, widespread organisation with a social and a political presence. A clash between the state and the Brotherhood would have negative effects on society and on the legitimacy of the political system.”

    Jordan’s Brotherhood is not alone in facing a crisis. Other Islamist organisations across the region are experiencing political setbacks, more than a decade after the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings seemed to offer them new opportunities.

    In Tunisia, where a democratic transition has been sharply reversed since 2021, dozens of leaders from the Islamist Ennahda party have been jailed.

    The arrests were part of a broad wave of repression against regime critics, including politicians, judges, lawyers and human rights activists. Ennahda, which spent a decade in government between 2011 and 2021, has suffered internal splits.

    In Morocco, the Justice and Development party, an Islamist party which also spent a decade in government from 2011, suffered a heavy defeat in the most recent elections in 2021.

    The party’s losses were partly a result of restrictions at the time of the vote. These included new rules about how seats were apportioned and the fact that some party candidates were disqualified from running.

    But the losses were also because of internal disputes after Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani signed a normalisation agreement with Israel in 2020 to avoid a confrontation with the monarchy, which controls foreign affairs.

    In Kuwait, parliament was suspended in 2024 because the ruling emir, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, complained about political gridlock. This kept all opposition parties, including Islamists, out of the political process. And in Algeria, Islamist parties have been co-opted or marginalised since the bitter civil war of the 1990s.

    Opinion polls show that many people in the Middle East want to see a significant role for religion in public life. But rulers across the region are increasingly wary of Islamist parties, which want not only to introduce a more conservative social agenda but to challenge undemocratic regimes.

    Rory McCarthy receives funding for his academic research from the British Academy and the Leverhulme Trust.

    – ref. Jordan joins regional push to sideline Islamist opposition – https://theconversation.com/jordan-joins-regional-push-to-sideline-islamist-opposition-255243

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Project 2025 became the blueprint for Donald Trump’s second term

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dafydd Townley, Teaching Fellow in US politics and international security, University of Portsmouth

    Throughout the 2024 presidential election campaign, Donald Trump denied claims he intended to shape his second administration’s policies around Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s blueprint for a renewed conservative America. But despite his repeated denials, Trump 2.0 has adopted much of Project 2025 into the White House’s agenda.

    The Heritage Foundation, the right-wing Washington think tank which published Project 2025, has provided policy guidance for Republican presidents since the Reagan administration. Despite the foundation’s longevity, Project 2025 has met with opposition from many quarters.

    The 900-page publication, Mandate for Leadership: the Conservative Promise, was published in 2023. It went largely under the radar until Democrats and civil liberty champions established Stop Project 2025 during the presidential campaign. Essentially, Project 2025 consists of policy recommendations for each department of the executive branch.

    The project has several broad objectives. It aims to reassert presidential power by removing federal agencies’ independence and appointing political loyalists rather than career civil servants. It sets out to dismantle the administrative state by cancelling initiatives and projects that do not match conservative aims.

    It reinforces traditional conservative family values and rolls back on LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights. It removes regulatory constraints aligned with climate and environmental protections and weakens consumer protection laws. And it calls for increased deportations of illegal aliens and the imposition of harsh immigration restrictions.

    Even before he had taken office, Trump and his team sought to replace career-long specialists in federal agencies with those that matched his own beliefs. His transition team used Project 2025 to guide its appointment of officials for the forthcoming administration. Reports quoting insiders within Trump’s team say that the team consulted a database of Trump loyalists created by the Heritage Foundation to fill vacancies.

    Contributors to Project 2025 were also appointed to key roles. These have included including border tsar, Tom Homan, and CIA director John Ratcliffe. Brendan Carr, the Trump-appointed chairman of the Federal Communications Committee, wrote a chapter of Project 2025 on the committee.

    The principal author of Project 2025, Russ Vought, has been appointed as director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) – the nerve centre of the federal government’s expenditure. Vought’s influence within the administration has led one journalist to call him “the real mastermind behind Trump’s imperial presidency”.


    How is Donald Trump’s presidency shaping up after 100 days? Here’s what the experts think. If you like what you see, sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter.

    The alignment of Trump’s policy decisions and Project 2025’s objectives continued after he was inaugurated on January 20. The raft of executive orders issued by Trump during the first few weeks reflected many of Project 2025’s ambitions.

    CNN analysed the 53 executive orders signed by Trump in his first week as president and concluded that 36 of those orders mirrored proposals within the Heritage Foundation’s brief. The alignment spread across numerous departments.

    Trump’s controversial reciprocal tariffs on US imported goods match Project 2025’s desire for free trade and its belief that the World Trade Organization’s most favoured nation principle is unfair. Although both Trump tariffs and Project 2025 have a foundation in economic nationalism, Trump has favoured a broad and aggressive approach compared to Project 2025’s more targeted aims.

    The savings to federal expenditure proposed by Doge, the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk, are also broadly covered within the paper. A theme running throughout Project 2025 is ensuring value for taxpayers by reducing unnecessary government expenditure.

    But while a large amount of Project 2025 has already been incorporated into the administration’s policies, there is still a significant number of recommendations and initiatives that remain to be implemented.

    What’s still to come?

    While Trump has already ended the use of federal taxpayer dollars to fund or promote elective abortion through Executive Order 14182, Project 2025 calls for stronger initiatives to support a pro-life position by threatening to withhold funding to states if they fail to adhere to new guidelines. These penalties could be incurred through states failing to report to the Center for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) data on how many abortions take place within the state, for example.

    The administration has also not yet matched Project 2025’s calls for increasing the defence budget to 5% of GDP. Earlier this month, however, Trump and his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, promised that their next budget proposal would include a $1 trillion defence budget. Hegseth posted on X that the money would be spent on ‘lethality and readiness.’

    Trump’s recent criticisms of the refusal by Federal Reserve chair, Jerome Powell, to lower interest rates might suggest that he agrees with Project 2025’s criticism of the Federal Reserve and its recommendation that it be abolished. But the market’s negative reaction to Trump’s attack on Powell looks likely to end any prospect of eradicating the Fed.

    Perhaps a greater concern to Americans is Project 2025’s designs for social security. As part of the focus on fiscal stability, the authors of Project 2025 have recommended that the retirement age be increased from 67 to 69. Social security reforms have been discussed by the administration but yet to be put into place.

    When questioned, Republican legislators have stopped short of telling constituents that Social Security is safe from change. After all, Trump maintained that he has no plans to either reduce social security payments or increase the retirement age.

    However, just this week, Trump and Doge have announced cuts to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the body that administers payments. This has led to concerns for the former SSA director, Martin O’Malley, who suggested that the cuts would mean that future payments of vital benefits might be delayed.

    Where the administration turns next is unclear. There are hundreds of policy recommendations within the 900-page document, some of which have been implemented in full, others only in part.

    Nonetheless, Project 2025 has acted as a blueprint for much of the new Trump administration’s policies, even though the White House has shown some reluctance to incorporate all of the recommendations within the project.

    There are signs, however, that the administration has not yet finished with Project 2025 and that the conservative wishlist continues to influence the administration’s policymaking decisions.

    Dafydd Townley 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. How Project 2025 became the blueprint for Donald Trump’s second term – https://theconversation.com/how-project-2025-became-the-blueprint-for-donald-trumps-second-term-255149

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McClellan Announces 2025 Women of Excellence Award Winners

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    Washington, D.C. –Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced the winners of the Second Annual Women of Excellence Awards. The awards recognize outstanding women or women’s organizations residing, studying, working, or serving Virginia’s Fourth District that have made a profound impact on the district and have meaningfully contributed to their communities. 

    “I am excited to recognize the work these incredible women have done to make Virginia’s Fourth District a better place,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Women shaped our Commonwealth — and our nation — from the beginning, even when they have gone unseen and unnoticed. This year’s award recipients uplift our communities every day. They inspire me and remind us all that women can achieve.”

    Businesswoman of the Year – Monica Mueller

    Monica Mueller is Chief Strategy Officer of Softensity, a leading provider of software development and IT consulting services. As Softensity’s EVP, she spent five years transforming multiple departments, leveraging technology to streamline operations and improve performance.

    Non-Profit of the Year – Little Hands VA

    Little Hands Virginia’s mission is to ensure children in Central Virginia have essentials from birth to improve outcomes for life. They support families by providing items, like diapers, pack n’ plays for safe sleep, and strollers, to children newborn to three years old in need in Central Virginia.

    The Women of Impact in Education Award – Kayla Diaz

    Kayla Diaz is a Spanish-language interpreter for Colonial Heights Public Schools. While serving as a family resource coordinator at Colonial Heights Public Schools, she successfully advocated for the creation of a dedicated interpreter position translating conversations between school staff and families with developing English skills.        

    Women in Action Volunteer Award – Fatima Smith

    Fatima M. Smith is the founder of FMS Speaks, LLC, a platform through which she facilitates crucial conversations within institutions, government, and educational settings. She has committed herself to interpersonal violence prevention, child advocacy and more.

    The Dr. Gladys West Women in STEM Award – Pamela Bingham

    Pamela R. Bingham is a “social impact” environmental engineer and currently the Operations Manager for The Health, Environmental, and Economic Justice Lab in the University of Maryland School of Public Health.

    Law and Government Champion Award – Gray Montrose

    Gray Montrose is currently the Deputy Director of Land Conservation with the Capital Region Land Conservancy, a nonprofit land trust currently stewarding over fifteen thousand acres of priority forest, farm, and park land in central Virginia. Her role involves providing legal counsel to the organization and providing critical support to the development of new projects.

    Media and Communications Champion Award – Claudia Massey

    Claudia R. Massey is the co-founder of Patience for Patients, LLC, a non-medical homecare agency that provides personal care and companionship services to the geriatric population. She is a columnist for Diva Dynasty Magazine, a best-selling author, a radio host, and a TV host at Preach the Word Worldwide Network where she serves as their brand ambassador.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Letter to Chief Justice Roberts re: President Trump’s Smithsonian Institution Proclamation

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

    Dear Chief Justice Roberts:

    I write to express my strong opposition to President Trump’s Proclamation (the “Proclamation”), issued on March 27, which preposterously purports to restore “truth and sanity to American history” by censoring “improper ideology” at the Smithsonian Institution. It is imperative that you, along with your fellow Regents, continue the storied legacy of the Smithsonian that tells the American story honestly and completely. President Trump’s proclamation, which seeks to whitewash our history, is cowardly and unpatriotic. It must fail.

    The Smithsonian attracts tens of millions of visitors a year and works with the finest subject matter experts in virtually every field. The fact that the Proclamation prominently singles out the National Museum of African American History and Culture speaks volumes about Donald Trump’s actual motivation. To be clear: Black history is American history. It cannot and will not be erased.

    History is replete with dangerous efforts to manipulate cultural and historical narratives in order to consolidate power, including during twentieth-century regimes like those in the Soviet Union and 1930s Germany. That is not America. I strongly urge you to reject the Proclamation targeting the Smithsonian and to uphold the 175-year tradition that has made the Institution the preeminent museum, educational and cultural system in the world.

    Sincerely,

    Hakeem Jeffries
    Democratic Leader

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Boy jailed for murdering a boy in Islington

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A 17-year-old boy has been jailed for life for murdering teenager Deshaun James-Tuitt.

    The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons was previously found guilty on Wednesday, 5 February following a trial at the Old Bailey.

    On Friday, 25 April, a judge at the same court jailed the teenager for life, with a minimum term of 15 years in prison.

    Just before 21:00hrs on Thursday, 4 August 2022, officers encountered the victim in Highbury Fields, Islington. He ran towards them, saying: “Officer, I’ve been stabbed.”

    Despite the efforts of emergency services to save him, Deshaun, 15 died in hospital later that night.

    On the night he died, Deshaun had been at a birthday celebration at Highbury Fields with a large group of friends.

    The defendant – then aged 15 – travelled with a group of boys to the park on public transport. He wore a face covering, and was armed with a knife. His journey was documented on CCTV footage obtained by investigating officers.

    The defendant was seen robbing people in the park, resulting in an argument between him and Deshaun. The boy then stabbed Deshaun before running from the scene. A murder investigation was launched within Met Police’s Specialist Crime Command.

    Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said:

    “We carried out extensive CCTV enquiries in a bid to identify the youth who had travelled to Highbury Fields that night. Identifying him was a long and complex task.”

    “The boy was arrested on Wednesday, 10 August, 2022. A mobile phone was forensically downloaded and investigators recovered a chat from 8 August 2022, where he spoke of stabbing ‘Huntz’ – Deshaun’s nickname.

    DCI Yorke added: “The boy denied stabbing Deshaun, but it was clear that he had travelled to Highbury Fields that night, with a covered face, armed and looking for trouble.

    “There is no verdict that can give Deshaun back to his family. I sincerely hope that they find some comfort in today’s verdicts – my thoughts are with them.”

    The maternal side of Deshaun’s family said: “He [the victim] was my firstborn, and he would have been 18 years old. All my friends that I went to school with have their firstborn children – except me. To the person involved in the stabbing and taking his life: he didn’t deserve to die like that. I had a mental breakdown, and I will never be able to get over this.

    “I want you to know that Deshaun was a son, a brother, a grandson, a great grandson, a nephew and a cousin to so many on both sides of the family, so I want you to realise that he was a valuable member of our family. We won’t forgive or forget.

    “Deshaun, you can now rest in peace. Hopefully, justice will be served. Not only is Deshaun’s life lost, they who have done the crime will serve the time.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eight Guatemalan Nationals Indicted for Smuggling Illegal Aliens into the United States for Cash

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TULSA, Okla. – Eight Guatemalan nationals were indicted in court for allegedly being paid to smuggle illegal aliens into the United States from Guatemala, Mexico, and other countries in Central or South America, including Asia. The activity is alleged to have occurred over the past four years. Once across the Mexico border, the defendants would further help conceal and harbor aliens illegally across more than 24 states.

    “For the past four years, this illegal alien smuggling group has operated and laundered proceeds in the Northern District of Oklahoma,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “These defendants would not be in custody today without federal and state law enforcement working collaboratively, with prosecutors across the United States. The arrest and ongoing investigation surrounding these Guatemalan Nationals, and their conspirators not only protects the citizens in the Northern District of Oklahoma but also further protects lawful citizens across the United States.” 

    “ICE is committed to pursuing human smugglers regardless of their location or attempts to evade arrest,” said Travis Pickard, Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Dallas. “This indictment indicates the extensive nature of our human smuggling investigations and role in immigration enforcement. HSI’s special agents across several field offices have worked relentlessly to trace those transporting and harboring aliens from their countries of origin to their final destinations, effectively dismantling their illegal smuggling operations and money laundering schemes.”

    Cidia Marleny Lima Lopez, 39, and Ottoniel Castro Argueta, 33, were arrested today in Charlotte, North Carolina; Veronica Maribel Lima Lopez, 33, and Esvin Alexander Rodriguez Luis, 26, were arrested in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Ariz Obdulio Argueta, 28, and Cesar Rodolfo Garcia Argueta, 20, were arrested in Clarksville, Arkansas; Pedro Cucul Gualna, 25, was arrested in Sallisaw, Oklahoma; Carlos Enrique Ramos Caal, 30, was arrested in Flagstaff, Arizona. All are charged with conspiring to bring, transport, and conceal aliens in the United States.

    Ottoniel Castro Argueta and Cidia Marleny Lima Lopez are further charged with engaging in monetary transactions with the proceeds from the conspiracy.

    During the investigation, law enforcement discovered that the aliens being helped across the border did not have prior authorization to enter and reside in the United States. Once inside the United States, the defendants would help harbor the aliens in Oklahoma, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington.

    The indictment alleges that several associates in Central and South America accepted various forms of payment from the aliens to be brought into the United States illegally. While the investigation is still ongoing, the indictment shows that aliens paid roughly $5,000 per alien to enter the United States. Proceeds from the illegal aliens were laundered through mobile applications and banks across the United States, including the Northern District of Oklahoma.

    The Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Flagstaff, and Charlotte Homeland Security Investigations field offices; the Tulsa, McAlester and Greensboro, North Carolina Drug Enforcement Administration field offices; the Tulsa and Oklahoma City IRS field offices; the Tulsa and Oklahoma City U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations field offices; and the U.S. Marshals offices in the Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Middle District of North Carolina, and the Western District of Arkansas are investigating the case with the assistance of several state law enforcement agencies.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam McConney and David Nasar are prosecuting the case with assistance from the Eastern District of Oklahoma and the Western District of Oklahoma.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    This case was investigated and prosecuted as part of Operation Take Back America. The Homeland Security Task Force, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lame Deer man sentenced to 2 years in prison for trafficking methamphetamine on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BILLINGS – A Lame Deer man who distributed methamphetamine on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 24 months in prison to be followed by 6 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Shannon Tyrone Seminole, 50, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    U.S. District Judge Susan Watters presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that in the spring of 2022, law enforcement received reports that Shannon Seminole was selling methamphetamine on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. Agents arranged two controlled purchases from Seminole, one in December 2022 and the other in September 2023. Following the second buy, agents executed a search of Seminole’s residence. During the search, agents seized an airsoft pistol and an AR-15 upper receiver and bolt.

    In an interview, Seminole admitted to providing methamphetamine to the many drug users that helped him with his work. He admitted selling methamphetamine starting when he was released from jail three years prior. His source provided him with a regular supply of meth that he would sell. Seminole also admitted he carried firearms when selling drugs.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten prosecuted the case, and the investigation was conducted by the FBI.

    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.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ex-Congressman George Santos Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Santos Filed Fraudulent FEC Reports, Embezzled Funds from Campaign Donors, Stole Identities, Charged Credit Cards Without Authorization, Obtained Unemployment Benefits Through Fraud, and Lied in Reports to the U.S. House of Representatives

    Former Congressman George Anthony Devolder Santos was sentenced today by United States District Judge Joanna Seybert at the federal courthouse in Central Islip to 87 months in prison for committing wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.  As part of the sentence, Santos was ordered to pay restitution to his victims in the amount of $373,749.97 and $205,002.97 in forfeiture.  Santos pleaded guilty in August 2024.  

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI New York); and Anne T. Donnelly, Nassau County District Attorney announced the sentence.

    “Today, George Santos was finally held accountable for the mountain of lies, theft, and fraud he perpetrated.  For the defendant, it was judgment day, and for his many victims including campaign donors, political parties, government agencies, elected bodies, his own family members, and his constituents, it is justice,” stated U.S. Attorney Durham.  “To Mr. Santos and other dishonest individuals of that ilk, who lie, steal identities and commit frauds to get elected to public office, this prosecution speaks to the truth that my Office is committed to aggressively rooting out public corruption and that public officials who criminally abuse our electoral process will end up in a federal prison.”

    Mr. Durham expressed his appreciation to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General and the New York State Department of Labor, for their assistance.

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia stated, “Today, former United States Congressman George Santos is held accountable for his repeated criminal dishonesty – financing his election campaign with ill-obtained funds, stealing COVID unemployment benefits, and providing materially false information in his financial disclosure. Santos abused his authority to garner illicit donations and campaign support; ultimately betraying the public’s trust and violating our democratic systems.  May today’s sentencing emphasize the FBI’s continued commitment to dismantling any fraudulent scheme designed to unlawfully benefit those in positions of power.”

    “George Santos blatantly disregarded campaign finance laws and abused the trust of his constituents and contributors.  While he may have made a mockery of his position in public office, today’s sentencing is justice for those he has wronged.  CI New York proudly worked with the Eastern District of New York, the FBI and Nassau County DA’s office to ensure that Santos faces the consequences of his years of deception,” stated IRS-CI New York Special Agent in Charge Chavis.

    “George Santos spent his brief career in public service conning his donors and constituents until the deceit caught up to him and he was exposed as an opportunist and a fraud.  Today’s lengthy prison sentence is a just ending for a weaver of lies who believed he was above the law,” stated Nassau County District Attorney Donnelly. “Being elected to represent any community is accepting a solemn responsibility and a position of great trust. George Santos failed the people he was elected to represent in Nassau County and Queens.  He broke that trust and traded in his integrity for designer clothes and a luxury lifestyle. I will continue to work with my partners to root out public corruption and ensure that the crucial standards to which we hold our elected officials and public institutions are upheld.” 

    The counts to which Santos pled guilty relate to the following criminal scheme, as set forth in the superseding indictment:

    The Party Program Scheme

    During the 2022 election cycle, Santos was a candidate for the United States House of Representatives in New York’s Third Congressional District.  Nancy Marks, who pleaded guilty on October 5, 2023 to related conduct, was the treasurer for his principal congressional campaign committee, Devolder-Santos for Congress.  During this election cycle, Santos and Marks devised and executed a fraudulent scheme to obtain money for the campaign by submitting materially false reports to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), in which they inflated the campaign’s fundraising numbers for the purpose of misleading the FEC, a national party committee, and the public.

    The purpose of the scheme was to ensure that Santos and his campaign qualified for a program administered by the national party committee to provide financial and logistical support to Santos’s campaign.  To qualify for the program, Santos had to demonstrate, among other things, that his congressional campaign had raised at least $250,000 from third-party contributors in a single quarter.

    To create the public appearance that his campaign had met that financial benchmark and was otherwise financially viable, Santos and Marks agreed to falsely report to the FEC that at least 11 of their family members had made significant financial contributions to the campaign.  In fact, Santos and Marks both knew that these individuals had neither made the reported contributions nor given authorization for their personal information to be included in such false public reports.  In addition, Santos and Marks knew that the national party committee relied on FEC fundraising data to evaluate candidates’ qualification for the program, and agreed to falsely report to the FEC that Santos had loaned the campaign significant sums of money, when, in fact, Santos had not made the reported loans and, at the time the loans were reported, did not have the funds necessary to make such loans.  These falsely reported loans included one for $500,000 when in fact Santos had less than $8,000 in his personal and business bank accounts.

    Through the execution of this scheme, Santos and Marks ensured that Santos met the necessary financial benchmarks to qualify for the program administered by the national party committee.  As a result of qualifying for the program, the congressional campaign received significant financial support.

    As part of his plea agreement, Santos stipulated that he had engaged in the following additional criminal conduct, as set forth in the superseding indictment and other court filings, and agreed that this criminal conduct would be considered by the Court at the time of sentencing:

    The Credit Card Fraud Scheme

    Between approximately July 2020 and October 2022, Santos devised and executed a fraudulent scheme to steal the personal identity and financial information of contributors to his campaign.  He then repeatedly charged contributors’ credit cards without their authorization.  Because of these unauthorized transactions, funds were transferred to Santos’s campaign, to the campaigns of other candidates for elected office, and to his own bank account.  To conceal the true source of these funds and to circumvent campaign contribution limits, Santos falsely represented in FEC filings that some of the campaign contributions were made by other persons, such as his relatives or associates, rather than the true cardholders.  Santos did not have authorization to use their names in this way.  In furtherance of the scheme, Santos sought out victims he knew were elderly persons suffering from cognitive impairment or decline.

    Fraudulent Political Contribution Solicitation Scheme

    Beginning in September 2022, during his successful campaign for Congress, Santos operated a limited liability company (Company #1) through which he defrauded prospective political supporters.  Santos enlisted a Queens-based political consultant (Person #1) to communicate with prospective donors on Santos’s behalf.  Santos directed Person #1 to falsely tell donors that, among other things, their money would be used to help elect Santos to the House, including by purchasing television advertisements.  In reliance on these false statements, two donors (Contributor #1 and Contributor #2) each transferred $25,000 to Company #1’s bank account, which Santos controlled.

    Shortly after the funds were received into Company #1’s bank account, the money was transferred into Santos’s personal bank accounts—in one instance laundered through two of Santos’s personal accounts.  Santos then used much of that money for personal expenses.  Among other things, Santos used the funds to make personal purchases, including of designer clothing, to withdraw cash, to discharge personal debts, and to transfer money to his associates.

    Unemployment Insurance Fraud Scheme

    Beginning in approximately February 2020, Santos was employed as a Regional Director of a Florida-based investment firm (Investment Firm #1).  By late March 2020, in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States, new legislation was signed into law that provided additional federal funding to assist out-of-work Americans during the pandemic.

    In mid-June 2020, although he was employed and not eligible for unemployment benefits, Santos applied for government assistance through the New York State Department of Labor (NYS DOL), claiming falsely to have been unemployed since March 2020.  From that point until April 2021—during which time Santos was working and receiving a salary on a near-continuous basis, and throughout his first unsuccessful run for Congress—he falsely affirmed each week that he was eligible for unemployment benefits when he was not.  As a result, Santos fraudulently received more than $24,000 in unemployment insurance benefits.

    False Statements to the House of Representatives

    Santos, like all candidates for the House, had a legal duty to file with the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives a Financial Disclosure Statement (House Disclosures) before each election.  In his House Disclosures, Santos was personally required to give a full and complete accounting of his assets, income, and liabilities, among other things.  He certified that his House Disclosures were true, complete, and correct.

    In September 2022, in connection with his second campaign for election to the House, Santos filed a House Disclosure in which he vastly overstated his income and assets.  In this House Disclosure, he falsely certified that during the reporting period:

    • He had earned $750,000 in salary from the Devolder Organization LLC, a Florida‑based entity of which Santos was the sole beneficial owner;
    • He had received between $1,000,001 and $5 million in dividends from the Devolder Organization LLC;
    • He had a checking account with deposits of between $100,001 and $250,000; and
    • He had a savings account with deposits of between $1 million and $5 million.

    These assertions were false: Santos had not received from the Devolder Organization LLC the reported amounts of salary or dividends and did not maintain checking or savings accounts with deposits in the reported amounts.  Further, Santos failed to disclose that, in 2021, he received approximately $28,000 in income from Investment Firm #1 and more than $20,000 in unemployment insurance benefits from the NYS DOL.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section and the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division, along with the Public Integrity Section of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division.  Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Harris, Anthony Bagnuola, and Laura Zuckerwise, along with Trial Attorney John Taddei, are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Rachel Friedman and Dinora Orozco.

    The Defendant:

    GEORGE ANTHONY DEVOLDER SANTOS
    Age: 36
    Queens, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-197 (S-2) (JS)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met prepares for busy policing weekend

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Met is preparing for a busy weekend across London with a number of parallel public and ceremonial events, sporting fixtures and protests.

    Officers will be deployed both in central London and across the city in communities and at key venues.

    Saturday sees events to mark St George’s Day, the first of two FA Cup semi-finals, boxing at the Tottenham Stadium and a pre-planned protest by Just Stop Oil in Westminster.

    Sunday will see thousands of runners take part in both the mini marathon and the full London Marathon, as well as the second FA Cup semi-final.

    Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, who is leading the policing operation this weekend, said: “This is the sort of weekend where London comes to life as millions make plans to enjoy the city and the many events taking place.

    “Our role is to provide a reassuring presence, to ensure that events and other gatherings take place safely and securely, and to respond to any incidents or offences.

    “Where we’re dealing with protest we will intervene decisively if individuals cross the line into criminality. We will be keeping a close eye on any attempt to cause serious disruption and dealing swiftly with those intent on doing so.

    “I’d like to remind anyone attending an event this weekend to stay alert and keep your eyes and ears open. Report anything that doesn’t feel right, no matter how insignificant it might be, to a steward or an officer. If you’re in any doubt, please act.

    “I would like to thank the police officers and other members of the emergency services who will be on duty over the coming days. They are there to keep you safe. If you need help or have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to speak to them.”

    • Further information on how to watch the London Marathon, including details of transport options, can be found in this guide for spectators.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oregon Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Offense Related to Illegal Sexual Activity with Connecticut Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CANYON BEASLEY, 21, of Gresham, Oregon, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in Bridgeport to a child exploitation offense involving his engaging in an online relationship and unlawful sexual activity with a minor in Connecticut.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in approximately January 2023, Beasley began communicating with a minor victim in Connecticut primarily through text messaging and Snapchat.  In July 2023, he began requesting sexually explicit images and videos from the minor victim.  In August 2023, he learned that the minor victim was 13 years old.  For more than a year, Beasley and the minor victim exchanged sexually explicit images through these online platforms.  In June 2024, Beasley traveled to Connecticut to engage in sexual activity with the minor victim, and recorded the sexual activity using his phone.

    Beasley was arrested on September 30, 2024.

    Beasley pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

    Beasley is released on a $250,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.

    This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Cheshire Police Department and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo.

    This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Michigan Man Sentenced in Maryland to Five Years in Federal Prison for Tax-Refund Money Laundering Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    The conspirators used stolen personally identifiable information from identity theft victims located in Maryland

    Greenbelt, Maryland – Today, U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Jerome Brown, 42, of Detroit, Michigan, to five years in federal prison for his role in laundering money stolen from federal and North Carolina state-tax refunds. Additionally, Brown was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $604,889.64.  On January 28, 2022, Brown pled guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington, D.C. Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool, U.S. Secret Service (USSS) – Washington Field Office; Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS-OIG); and Acting Special Agent in Charge Colleen Lawlor, Social Security Administration (SSA-OIG) Office of Inspector General – Philadelphia Field Division.

    In his guilty plea, Brown acknowledged that from February through August 2020, he conspired with individuals in Nigeria and Michigan to launder wire-fraud proceeds. The co-conspirators placed the wire-fraud proceeds on Green Dot pre-paid debit cards.  Brown laundered the fraudulent funds by depositing them into bank accounts and cashing them out through ATM withdrawals and purchasing money orders and cryptocurrency.

    These fraudulent proceeds were comprised of stolen funds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR). The IRS and NCDOR administer federal and North Carolina state-revenue laws, respectively, and pay “tax refunds” to individuals who are entitled to them under the law.  At the time, these funds could be paid onto pre-paid debit cards.  Brown and his co-conspirators regularly cashed out these funds soon after the government agencies added funds to a card.

    Through the fraudulent scheme, one of Brown’s co-conspirators, who was working from Nigeria, and others, caused funds to be placed on the pre-paid debit cards. The co-conspirators registered the cards with Green Dot using stolen personally identifiable information (PII) from identity theft victims around the country, including in Maryland.

    Co-conspirators purchased the pre-paid debit cards in the United States and then sent the associated card information to the co-conspirator in Nigeria to receive the stolen government funds. The co-conspirators aided the fraudulent scheme by using stolen PII to file for false IRS tax refunds.  Additionally, the co-conspirators applied for NCDOR tax refunds and state unemployment insurance payments.

    The federal and state agencies then deposited the proceeds through ACH transfers directly onto the pre-paid debit cards.  After the funds were placed onto the pre-paid debit cards, the co-conspirator in Nigeria informed others, including Brown, that the funds were available on the cards.  In exchange for a commission, Brown and the other co-conspirators facilitated the cashing out of the cards and returned the remaining funds to the co-conspirator in Nigeria.

    Brown and the other co-conspirators took steps to conceal their identities, the money laundering conspiracy, and scheme to defraud. The co-conspirators attempted to hide the fraudulent scheme by enlisting others to make withdrawals from the cards, withdrawing from multiple locations, converting funds into cash rather than depositing them into bank accounts, and making money orders payable to other individuals.

    The defendant cashed out at least approximately $540,975.80 from pre-paid debit cards as part of the scheme. Brown kept approximately 40 percent of the proceeds, for a total of $216,390.36, and sent approximately $324,585.44 in Bitcoin to his co-conspirator in Nigeria.  The co-conspirators used the pre-paid debit cards to apply for at least approximately $1,255,761 in benefits from the IRS and $588,716 in benefits from the NCDOR.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the IRS-CI, USSS, DHS-OIG, SSA-OIG, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) – Detroit Division for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Wright and Darren Gardner who prosecuted the federal case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two North Dakota Men Charged with Credit Union Robbery in Eagle Butte, South Dakota

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PIERRE – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted two New Town, North Dakota, men with Credit Union Robbery.

    A federal grand jury indicted Jason Cook, age 40, and Conrad DeMarce, age 37, in April 2025. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 21, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

    The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

    On April 8, 2025, Cook and DeMarce are alleged to have taken money from the Black Hills Federal Credit Union in Eagle Butte by force, violence, and intimidation.

    The charge is merely an accusation and Cook and DeMarce are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    The investigation is being conducted by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen is prosecuting the case. 

    Cook and DeMarce were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been scheduled for June 30, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: International agreement to boost British business

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    International agreement to boost British business

    Businesses will save time and money on repetitive legal action thanks to new international rules coming into force across the UK on 1 July.

    • Agreement will cut delays and costs for UK businesses
    • UK judgments against foreign suppliers will be recognised by participating countries overseas
    • This will boost the UK legal sector and drive economic growth, part of the government’s Plan for Change

    Businesses will save time and money on repetitive legal action thanks to new international rules coming into force across the UK on 1 July.

    The UK Government signed up to the Hague 2019 Convention, which means other countries will more easily recognise and enforce UK court judgments in cross-border disputes – sparing firms from costly and repetitive court battles.

    Currently, if a UK business wins a case in a UK court against a company based in another country, business leaders face the threat of time-consuming enforcement processes or even identical legal action overseas for the same dispute – causing delays, increasing costs and creating confusion to the consumer.

    The new rules will provide a simpler enforcement route to existing complex systems, giving one clear consistent set of shared rules – that the UK helped shape – making the process easier for everyone.

    Streamlining the process will save businesses time and money, encourage foreign companies to use the UK’s world-class lawyers and courts to settle their disputes and grow the economy overall.

    Justice Minister, Lord Ponsonby, said:

    This Convention delivers real benefits for British businesses dealing with international disputes.

    As part of our Plan for Change we’re boosting UK firms’ confidence to trade by minimising legal costs and ensuring justice across borders, all while cementing Britain’s role as a global legal powerhouse committed to the rule of law.

    The Convention will enhance international legal collaboration. It will apply to judgments in civil and commercial matters, strengthening the UK’s position as a global hub for dispute resolution.

    The 2019 Hague Convention is already being applied by 29 parties, from Ukraine to EU countries, with Uruguay joining last year. This means UK civil and commercial judgments will be recognised and enforced in these nations and that the UK will recognise judgments made in their courts.

    With 91 members of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), a major multilateral forum for private international law rules which has produced numerous conventions including the 2019 Hague Convention, Hague 2019 has a potentially global reach. 

    The Convention will apply to judgments given in proceedings that commence on or after 1 July 2025 across the entire United Kingdom or in other participating countries.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

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

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    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 Global: Trump can’t decide who to blame for a failing peace deal that would only lead to further conflict

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham

    After a second consecutive night of deadly Russian air attacks – against the capital Kyiv on April 23 and the eastern Ukrainian city of Pavlohrad on April 24 – a ceasefire in Ukraine seems as unrealistic as ever.

    With Russian commitment to a deal clearly lacking, the situation is not helped by US president Donald Trump. He can’t quite seem to decide who he will ultimately blame if his efforts to agree a ceasefire fall apart.

    Before the strikes on Kyiv, Trump blamed Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, for holding up a deal by refusing to recognise Crimea as Russian. The following day, he chided Vladimir Putin for the attacks, calling them “not necessary, and very bad timing” and imploring Putin to stop.

    The main stumbling bloc on the path to a ceasefire is what a final peace agreement might look like and what concessions Kyiv – and its European allies – will accept. Ukraine’s and Europe’s position on this is unequivocal: no recognition of the illegal Russian annexation.

    This position is also backed by opinion polls in Ukraine, which indicate only limited support for some, temporary concessions to Russia. The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, also suggested that temporarily giving up territory “can be a solution”.

    The deal that Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff apparently negotiated over three rounds of talks in Russia was roundly rejected by Ukraine and Britain, France and Germany, who lead the “coalition of the willing” of countries pledging support for Ukraine.



    Read more:
    Could Trump be leading the world into recession?

    This prompted Witkoff and US secretary of state Marco Rubio to pull out of follow-up talks in London on April 24. These ended with a fairly vacuous statement about a commitment to continuing “close coordination and … further talks soon”.

    And even this now appears as quite a stretch. Coinciding with Witkoff’s fourth trip to see Putin on April 25, European and Ukrainian counterproposals were released that reject most of the terms offered by Trump or at least defer their negotiation until after a ceasefire is in place.

    Why is it failing?

    The impasse is unsurprising. Washington’s proposal included a US commitment to recognise Crimea as Russian, a promise that Ukraine would not join Nato and accept Moscow’s control of the territories in eastern Ukraine that it currently illegally occupies. It also included lifting all sanctions against Russia.

    In other words, Ukraine would give up large parts of territory and receive no security guarantees, while Russia is rewarded with reintegration into the global economy.

    It is the territorial concessions asked of Kyiv which are especially problematic. Quite apart from the fact that they are in fundamental breach of basic principles of international law – the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states – they are unlikely to provide solid foundations for a durable peace.

    Much like the idea of Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, to divide Ukraine like post-1945 Berlin, it betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of what, and who, drives this war.

    Recent London peace talks in April failed to make progress.

    Kellogg later clarified that he was not suggesting a partition of Ukraine, but his proposal would have exactly the same effect as Trump’s most recent offer.

    Both proposals accept the permanent loss to Ukraine of territory that Russia currently controls. Where they differ is that Kellogg wants to introduce a European-led reassurance force west of the river Dnipro, while leaving the defence of remaining Ukrainian-controlled territory to Kyiv’s armed forces.

    If accepted by Russia – unlikely as this is given Russia’s repeated and unequivocal rejection of European peacekeeping troops in Ukraine – it would provide at best a minimal security guarantee for a part of Ukrainian territory.

    What it would almost inevitably mean, however, is a repeat of the permanent ceasefire violations along the disengagement zone in eastern Ukraine where Russian and Ukrainian forces would continue to face each other.

    This is what happened after the ill-fated Minsk accords of 2014 and 2015, which were meant to settle the conflict after Russia’s invasion of Donbas in 2014. A further Russian invasion could be just around the corner once the Kremlin felt that it had sufficiently recovered from the current war.



    Read more:
    Ukraine deal: Europe has learned from the failed 2015 Minsk accords with Putin. Trump has not

    The lack of a credible deterrent is one key difference between the situation in Ukraine as envisaged by Washington and other historical and contemporary parallels, including Korea and Cyprus.

    Korea was partitioned in 1945 and has been protected by a large US military presence since the Korean war in 1953. After the Turkish invasion of 1974, Cyprus was divided between Greek and Turkish Cypriots along a partition line secured by an armed UN peacekeeping mission.

    Trump has ruled out any US troop commitment as part of securing a ceasefire in Ukraine. And the idea of a UN force in Ukraine, briefly floated during the presidency of Petro Poroshenko between 2014 and 2019, never got any traction, and is not likely to be accepted by Putin now.

    The assumed parallels with the situation in Germany after the second world war are even more tenuous. Not only did Nazi Germany unconditionally surrender in May 1945 but its division into allied zones of occupation was formally and unanimously agreed by the victorious allies in Potsdam in August 1945.

    Muddling up Potsdam and Munich?

    By the time two separate German states of East and West Germany were established in 1949, the western allies had fallen out with Stalin but remained firmly united in Nato and western Europe. So the west German state was firmly protected under the US nuclear umbrella.

    The agreements made in Potsdam didn’t have the same implication of permanence as the US suggestion to formally recognise Crimea as Russian territory. The suggestion was always that the allied forces would pull out of Germany at some stage, and restore the country’s sovereignty.

    Most importantly, the allies did not reward the aggressor in the war or create the conditions for merely a brief interruption for an aggressor’s revisionist agenda.

    After all, what has driven Putin’s war against Ukraine is his conviction that “the collapse of the Soviet Union was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century”.

    The Trump administration deludes itself that it is applying the lessons of Potsdam by recognising Russia’s territorial conquests in Ukraine and handing them over. Instead it is falling into the trap of the 1938 Munich Agreement. Negotiators in Munich tried, but failed, to avoid the second world war by appeasing and not deterring an insatiable aggressor – a historical lesson that doesn’t need repeating.

    Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

    Tetyana Malyarenko 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. Trump can’t decide who to blame for a failing peace deal that would only lead to further conflict – https://theconversation.com/trump-cant-decide-who-to-blame-for-a-failing-peace-deal-that-would-only-lead-to-further-conflict-254841

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Officers continue to investigate death of man in Southall

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Police are appealing for information following the death of a man in Southall, who is believed to be 65-year-old Michael O’Donnell.

    An investigation was launched into the circumstances of his death, which is being treated as murder.

    Officers are appealing to those who may have seen Michael within the last two months to come forward.

    While officers are yet to formally identify the victim, police are confident it is Michael.

    Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said:

    “Family liaison officers are supporting Michael’s family at this distressing time and my thoughts remain with them.

    “We continue to work diligently to gather evidence and establish what led to Michaels’ death and I would ask any local residents to take a careful look at these images to check whether they know him.

    “Have you seen him since Monday, 24 February either alone or with anyone else?

    “Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call police on 101 providing the reference CAD2369/23APR or online by visiting the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) Website.

    “Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

    Officers were called by the London Ambulance Service following concerns for the welfare of a man at 10:56hrs on Wednesday, 23 April in Samara Drive.

    Sadly, a man was found dead at the address.

    A 54-year-old man from Southall was arrested on suspicion of murder and preventing a lawful burial on Wednesday, 23 April. He remains in custody.

    A 28-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

    Report information via the MIPP portal or by calling 101: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25X64-PO1

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nebraska Woman Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine in the Pine Ridge Reservation and Rapid City

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Chadron, Nebraska, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

    Casey Lopez, age 51, was sentenced on April 21, 2025, to 20 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

    Lopez was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024 and pleaded guilty on January 17, 2025.

    Lopez and others distributed significant amounts of methamphetamine in Pine Ridge and Rapid City.  Lopez was a leader in the conspiracy, setting prices, organizing the distribution, and enabling a Mexican cartel to gain inroads into the Pine Ridge Reservation. In sentencing Lopez, Judge Schreier denounced how Lopez’ actions severely damaged the community. Judge Schreier also noted the drugs Lopez was distributing came from Mexican cartels and constituted 100% pure methamphetamine.

    This case was investigated by Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.

    Lopez was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following sentencing. 

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Francis Man Sentenced to 7 ½ Years in Federal Prison for Larceny in the Rosebud Indian Reservation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PIERRE – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a St. Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of Larceny. The sentencing took place on April 22, 2025.

    Larry White Lance, age 29 was sentenced to seven years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    White Lance was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2023. He pleaded guilty on January 29, 2025.

    The conviction stems from White Lance breaking into a home in St. Francis in June 2022 and steeling a tool chest, tools, and other property.

    This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.

    This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.

    White Lance was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Sees Increase of Government Impersonation Scams Targeting South Florida Residents

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    MIAMI—The FBI Miami Field Office is aware of a recent increase of scam attempts targeting South Florida residents. Callers identify themselves as a federal officer and typically instruct people to wire or mail “settlement” money or to assist law enforcement with an investigation against a bank. These calls are fraudulent, and call recipients should hang up immediately. Federal agencies do not call or email individuals threatening them to send money or to use their personal money as “bait” for a federal investigation.

    There are many versions of this government impersonation scam, but they are all variations of the same tactic. This type of scam has been around for years and targets people across the nation.

    “Criminals use law enforcement impersonation scams as a means of confusing and unnerving their intended victims in order to get them to act rashly,” said Supervisory Special Agent Michael Brown. “If you receive one of these calls, hang up, and report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.GOV). In the 2024 IC3 report released this week, Florida residents reported 1,579 impersonation scams with an estimated loss of over $12 million.”

    In addition, a scam phone call may seem legitimate because scammers can spoof caller ID information. It may appear the call is coming from a federal agency’s legitimate phone number or from Washington, D.C., or may show the name of a federal agency.

    To protect yourself from falling victim to this scam, be wary of answering phone calls from numbers you do not recognize. Do not send money to anybody that you do not personally know and trust. Never give out your personal information, including banking information.

    Anyone who feels they were the victim of this, or any other online scam should report the incident immediately at ic3.gov. More information about government impersonation schemes and other online fraud schemes can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes.

    For the latest annual report from the Internet Crime Complaint Center go here: https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2024_IC3Report.pdf

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: The education system should become a support for scientific and technological breakthrough

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Korsun Children’s Center, a branch of the Artek International Children’s Center, hosted a plenary session of the All-Russian Conference for heads of executive bodies of state power of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation responsible for education management. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov took part in the event.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko, speaking at the meeting, noted the symbolism of holding the event in Sevastopol, the city of Russian naval glory. He emphasized that the valor demonstrated by the defenders of Sevastopol during the Crimean and Great Patriotic Wars is forever inscribed in the history of Russia’s military glory.

    The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that on the eve of Victory Day and in the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland, it is important to remember the exploits of heroes past and present, so that they become an example of honor, dignity and love for the Motherland for children.

    “Unlocking the potential of young people, realizing their capabilities and raising patriots are the national goals set by President Vladimir Putin. On the way to this goal, the country faces various challenges, such as value threats, demographic risks and technological changes. The education system, according to the head of state, should be the support for the scientific and technological breakthrough that our country needs not only to maintain sovereignty at all levels, but also to achieve technological leadership. Russia is among the top ten countries in terms of education quality and among the top 8 countries in terms of scientific research. This is a very competitive environment, and we need to try hard to strengthen and maintain this leadership,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that at the beginning of the year, strategic and district sessions were held in all regions, where proposals from the regions for the draft text of the strategy were discussed and formed. In total, more than 1,000 proposals were collected and processed.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko expressed gratitude to the Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov for the effective organization of this work. He noted that strategic documents in the field of education are created in such a way that the field itself makes a contribution with its own hands. During these sessions, key challenges were formulated and, most importantly, the goal, mission, vision and values of the education system.

    During the meeting, Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke about the creation of a benchmark system of indicators for the education sector, which will become the basis for making management decisions.

    He emphasized that the need to build such a system is due to the fragmentation of indicators, research and statistical data currently existing in the field of education. The new approach will allow obtaining systematized and unified data.

    “Work on creating a benchmark system of indicators for the education sector is being carried out on the instructions of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. A special project has been launched at the Government Coordination Center, which should fully characterize the education system at all levels,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    The Deputy Prime Minister noted that as a result of the analysis of the diversity of indicators used in the field of education, the project developers identified over 25 thousand criteria. “It is obvious that no one person can understand 25 thousand parameters,” he added, emphasizing the importance of creating convenient and understandable analytical panels.

    The results of joint work at the All-Russian conference will form the basis of an action plan for the implementation of the Education Development Strategy, determining further steps for the development of the industry.

    Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov expressed gratitude to representatives of all subjects of the Russian Federation who took an active part in the project “Living Memory of Grateful Generations” in the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland and the 80th anniversary of Victory. He also proposed actively inviting students to participate in the celebratory events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, including the “Immortal Regiment” campaign.

    “This campaign should be held in every school, in person or online. Participation in the “No Statute of Limitations” project and communication with veterans are also important,” the head of the department said.

    In addition, Sergey Kravtsov announced changes that are planned within the framework of the organization of the educational process.

    “It is important that in each school, teaching is conducted in accordance with uniform educational programs, the number of hours is clear, and what students study is synchronized with the unified state exam,” the minister noted.

    He added that in 2026, an all-Russian school Olympiad in robotics with tasks on UAVs will be launched, and a “roadmap” for 2025–2026 for the introduction and teaching and methodological support of the subject “Spiritual and Moral Culture of Russia” (SMC) in schools has been approved.

    The All-Russian Conference of Heads of Executive Bodies of the Subjects of the Russian Federation Implementing Public Administration in the Sphere of Education is being held in Crimea from April 24 to 26. The event is a platform for professional dialogue, exchange of experience and formation of strategic decisions in the sphere of education. The business program includes practical seminars and strategic sessions. At the plenary session, the participants defined the vectors of development of education for the coming years.

    In addition, Dmitry Chernyshenko and Sergey Kravtsov launched the Year of Children’s Recreation in the Education System, announced by the Ministry of Education for 2025. This year will be special for the federal children’s centers “Artek”, “Orlyonok” and “Smena”, celebrating their anniversary.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Stevens Recognized as Most Effective Michigan Democrat

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

    Birmingham, MI – U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI) was recognized by the Center for Effective Lawmaking as the most effective Michigan Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives for the 118th Congress. 

    According to the analysis published in the Lansing State Journal, “Stevens was a sponsor on 26 pieces of significant or substantial legislation” and was the most effective Member of Congress “on science and technology issues.”

    “Being recognized as one of the most effective Members of Congress is an honor, but this is not about me — it’s about the people of Michigan and what we can achieve when we come together and fight for what’s right,” said Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI). “I will continue working tirelessly to strengthen Michigan’s manufacturing economy, create more jobs, and make sure that all of us, no matter where we live in our state, have the resources we need to thrive.”

    In total, six of Rep. Stevens’ bills passed the House of Representatives in the 118th Congress, including the unanimous passage of H.Res.793, a resolution calling on Hamas to immediately release hostages taken during the October 2023 attack on Israel. 

    Of these six, two bills and portions of a third bill were subsequently signed into law by President Biden. The FAA Severe Turbulence Research and Development Act of 2023, was signed into law as part of the 2024 FAA reauthorization and the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day Act and provisions from the Countering Wrongful Detention Act were included in the fiscal years 2024 and 2025 National Defense Authorization Acts respectively. 

    Retiring Senator Gary Peters was ranked as the most effective Senator for the 118th Congress.

    Read the full Lansing State Journal article here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Norfolk man sentenced to over eight years in prison for federal drug and firearms conviction

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced today to eight years and one month in prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; being a felon in possession of a firearm; and using and carrying a firearm during, in relation to, and in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

    According to court documents, from July 25, 2023, to Aug, 7, 2023, the Chesapeake Police Department (CPD) conducted four controlled purchases of narcotics and firearms from Donte Rodrick Mondy, aka Tae, 37. In total, Mondy sold a combined total of 2.9 grams of fentanyl and xylazine; 6.1 grams of fentanyl; 4.49 grams of fentanyl and xylazine; and 8.07 grams of parafluorofentanyl, cocaine, and xylazine.

    On Aug. 29,2023, investigators with CPD, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Norfolk Police Department, searched locations associated with Mondy, including his residence in Norfolk. Law enforcement detained Mondy as he left his residence. Investigators searched Mondy and a satchel he was carrying and recovered a loaded handgun; a cellphone; 81 capsules containing parafiuorofentanyl, cocaine, fentanyl, and xylazine; 104 counterfeit oxycodone tablets containing fentanyl; .96 grams of cocaine; and 3.33 grams of para-fluorofentanyl, cocaine, and xylazine.

    From Mondy’s Norfolk residence, investigators recovered indicia consistent with drug distribution; 1.3 grams of methamphetamine, a sifter, a digital scale, a handgun, a loaded magazine, and six bags of marijuana.

    Among other crimes, Mondy was previously convicted of felony possession of cocaine and assault and battery of a family member – third offense. As a previously convicted felon, Mondy cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ibrar A. Mian, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; and Mark G. Solesky, Chief of Chesapeake Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen.

    Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc W. West, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted the case.

    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.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-83.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: High-seas mariners sentenced to a decade in prison for violating Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NORFOLK, Va. – Two Nicaraguan nationals were sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute over two tons of marijuana on the high seas, in international waters in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, on board a stateless vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

    According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on Sept. 27, 2023, while on routine patrol in the Eastern Pacific, a maritime patrol aircraft located a go-fast vessel (GFV) in international waters 97 nautical miles southwest of Malpelo Island, Colombia. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) James (WSML 754), a National Security Cutter, was patrolling nearby and maneuvered to intercept the GFV.

    After requesting and receiving authority, Cutter James launched a helicopter, which first attempted to contact the GFV on a maritime channel, then activated its blue warning lights, fired three warning shots across the bow, and, as the vessel failed to yield, engaged a precision gunner to disable the GFV’s engines.

    A boarding team launched from the Cutter James and found three individuals onboard, including Maximo Zacarias, 43, Ismael Alexis Martinez, 30, and Bernacio Solares Ramon, 31. The boarding team determined the GFV, El Tanque, was without nationality. The team was authorized to recover 74 bales of marijuana, weighing a total of 4,610 pounds, and a five-gallon bucket containing electronics devices such as a GPS, SAT phone, ship-to-ship walkie-talkie, and other communication devices. Solares Ramon was in possession of paperwork with GPS coordinates for the routes of travel to near a Pacific island off the coast of Costa Rica.

    Zacarias and Solares Ramon were convicted by a federal jury on Aug. 23, 2025.

    Martinez pled guilty on Aug. 8 to possession with intent to distribute more than 1000 kilograms of marijuana on board a vessel. He was sentenced on Jan. 23 to two years and six months in prison.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Rear Admiral Joseph R. Buzzella, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District; Ibrar A. Mian, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division; and Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes. The Maritime and Counternarcotics Unit within the Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division provided substantial assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin M. Comstock, Eric M. Hurt, and Joseph E. DePadilla prosecuted the case.

    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.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-129.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indian Citizen Convicted of Submitting Fraudulent Immigration Application

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that yesterday, after a two-day trial before United States District Judge Joseph Laplante, a federal jury convicted Nasir Hussain, 31, a citizen of India who had been living in Orlando, Florida, of submitting a false statement of material fact on an immigration application, specifically an I-360 Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”) self-petition.  Immediately following his conviction at trial, Hussain was sentenced to time-served.

    Hussain has been in continual federal custody since his arrest in May of 2023 on a wire fraud conspiracy charge.  The wire fraud case proceeded to trial in October 2024, resulted in a jury verdict of guilty, which was subsequently set aside by the Court via a judgment of acquittal.  The United States has entered a notice of appeal of the judgment of acquittal and that appeal remains pending.

    According to court records and evidence presented at trial in the immigration fraud case, Hussain traveled to Connecticut in October of 2021 for the purpose of entering a sham marriage to a United States Citizen.  Hussain never saw the woman prior to nor after the date of the wedding.  After the wedding, Hussain paid for insurance policies in the name of his “wife,” subscribed to magazines in her name, and ordered merchandise in her name, all to manufacture evidence that Hussain and his “wife” were living together at his Orlando residence.  After manufacturing this evidence, Hussain went to an urgent care facility, and falsely claimed he was abused by his “wife.”  Hussain thereafter caused the submission of the evidence he had manufactured, along with medical records, to the United States Immigration and Citizenship Office in support of an I-360 VAWA self-petition, claiming he was the spouse of an abusive U.S. citizen with whom he had been cohabitating at his Orlando apartment.   The evidence at trial, including testimony of his “wife” and former roommates, established beyond a reasonable doubt that Hussain’s “wife” never lived in Florida as he had claimed, and therefore could never have abused him as he alleged.  Had Hussain’s immigration package been successful, he would have been awarded a VAWA visa and potentially Lawful Permanent Residence status in the United States.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the investigatory work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  At trial, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle M. Arra and Jonathan A. Ophardt represented the government.  Hussain was represented by Kevin Henry, Esq.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MOJ response to The Victims’ Commissioner’s report into the Crown Court backlog

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    MOJ response to The Victims’ Commissioner’s report into the Crown Court backlog

    The Ministry of Justice’s response to the Victims’ Commissioner’s report into the impact of the Crown Court backlog.

    Documents

    Ministry of Justice Response to The Victims’ Commissioner’s report into the Crown Court backlog

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    Details

    This is the Ministry of Justice’s response to The Victims’ Commissioner’s report: Justice delayed: The impact of the Crown Court backlog on victims, victim services and the criminal justice system.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 April 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –