NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI Security: Harbour Grace — Harbour Grace RCMP responds to vehicle crash; driver flees from police in another vehicle and is arrested

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Harbour Grace RCMP responded to a vehicle crash near Hearts Desire that occurred on April 15, 2025. The driver of that vehicle fled the scene in another vehicle. Both drivers were arrested.

    Shortly before 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Harbour Grace RCMP received the report of the crash. As officers were attending, information received indicated that the driver of the vehicle was departing the crash in another vehicle. Police observed the described vehicle in the oncoming lane, traveling at a high rate of speed head-on towards the marked police vehicle. The police vehicle swerved to avoid a collision as the suspect vehicle passed by.

    Police turned the patrol vehicle around to attempt a traffic stop and observed the suspect vehicle pull into a residential driveway in Hearts Content. Officers pulled into the driveway, blocking the possible exit and the suspect vehicle reversed into the marked police vehicle. The driver of this vehicle, a 23-year-old woman, showed signs of drug impairment. She was arrested for impaired operation, flight from police and dangerous operation.

    The driver involved in the Hearts Desire crash, a 26-year-old man, was unlicensed and was operating a vehicle without insurance or registration. He remains under investigation for multiple offences under the Highway Traffic Act.

    The woman was transported to the detachment where a drug recognition evaluation was completed. Officers await the results of the testing to determine if charges of drug impaired driving are appropriate. She also remains under investigation for flight from police, dangerous operation and assault with a weapon. Charges are anticipated.

    No one was injured.

    The investigation is continuing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ambitious changes to Canadian conservation law are needed to reverse the decline in biodiversity

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Trevor Swerdfager, Practitioner-In-Residence, Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo, University of Waterloo

    Canada’s biodiversity is in decline. Globally, climate change, urbanization, overexploitation of resources and habitat loss are combining to drive biodiversity loss across all ecosystems.

    The recent biodiversity assessment of the Americas, from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, documents these trends. Domestically, the 2024 State of Canada’s Birds Report points to falling bird populations over time, while a 2020 World Wildlife Fund report emphasized similar declines across the full range of plants, animals and other living organisms in Canada.

    Put simply, Canada’s efforts to reverse this decline are not succeeding.

    The State of Canada’s Birds Report 2024 shows that some bird populations have declined dramatically.
    (Government of Canada/Birds Canada)

    Laws protecting biodiversity

    There is a foundational reason for our subpar progress in conserving biodiversity: the poor state of biodiversity law in Canada.

    Laws matter. They codify societal values and priorities, define acceptable behaviours and establish the government programs and institutions needed to tackle complex problems. Canadian biodiversity law is neither meeting today’s challenges nor positioning us for the future.

    Federally, biodiversity laws include: the Fisheries Act (1868); Migratory Birds Convention Act (1917); Canada National Parks Act (CNPA, 1930); Canada Wildlife Act (1973); Forestry Act (1985); Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Inter-provincial Trade Act (1992); Oceans Act (1997); Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act (2002); and the Species At Risk Act (2002).

    Over the years, important additions to these acts include habitat and sustainability provisions to the Fisheries Act in 1977 and 2019 respectively, and a 2011 amendment to the CNPA, requiring that National Parks be managed to ensure their “ecological integrity.”

    Nevertheless, several of the laws are pre-date the Second World War and all pre-date the internet, climate change and current biodiversity science.

    Whooping cranes are considered endangered, and are protected under the Species at Risk Act.
    (Shutterstock)

    Disconnected approach

    Canadian biodiversity laws evolved through multiple unconnected legislative events over 150 years. They legislatively fragment the environment into separate components and fracture accountability into multiple agencies. They entrench program silos fostering conflicting departmental priorities and operational inefficiencies.

    They establish no biodiversity goals, reporting mechanisms or mandates for biodiversity science. Their structures impedes public data sharing and transparency, dissuades Indigenous engagement and consistently sparks federal-provincial tensions.

    They contain no mechanisms for translating Canada’s commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework into legal or programmatic action.

    Nothing on the horizon suggests that these shortcomings will be addressed through new leadership, new policy or plain old good luck. On the contrary, these laws seem destined to yield the same sub-optimal outcomes.

    The Jefferson salamander is listed as endangered by both federal and provincial legislation.
    (iNaturalist/evangrimes), CC BY

    Meeting the challenge

    If we are to meet current and future biodiversity conservation challenges, we must develop a new legislative approach. This approach should support the creation of modern biodiversity programs and institutions and drive integrated, transparent and inclusive decision-making.

    Our work suggests that we need a single unified law for biodiversity: a Canadian Biodiversity Conservation and Protection Act (CBCPA). A new act of this kind would replace the existing nine laws and could usefully include:

    1. Principles requiring — not just encouraging — nature-positive programs emphasizing biodiversity, science, ecosystems, transparency, accountability and inclusivity.

    2. Mandated biodiversity target and objective setting, including those of the Global Biodiversity Framework. This should also include reporting measures that offer actionable insights into program effectiveness and delivery improvement opportunities.

    3. Requirements for the use and public documentation of science in decision-making, including the requirement that all government biodiversity data should be made available to the public.

    4. Establishment of governance arrangements embracing Indigenous rights and interests, as well as mechanisms to bring conservation communities together around collective actions, facilitated by a new Biodiversity Conservation Fund.

    5. Creation of a Biodiversity Conservation Agency to fuse the existing four agencies into one, and establish clear ministerial accountability and a stronger voice for biodiversity in Cabinet.

    6. Operational elements governing the establishment and operation of protected areas, the management of fish and migratory birds, and the protection and recovery of species at risk in a cohesive and mutually reinforcing manner.

    A CBCPA would dramatically improve policy and regulatory certainty for industry. It would drive program cohesion and efficiency, build trust in government decision-making and facilitate intra- and inter-governmental collaboration. It would remove key obstacles to biodiversity conservation success and create the societal conditions so urgently needed to reverse biodiversity decline in Canada.

    This would obviously be an ambitious legislative project replete with substantive policy and political challenges. But the importance of biodiversity to Canada’s ecological, economic and social well-being is difficult to overstate. Maintaining the legislative status quo or adopting minimalist incrementalism is unwise.

    As we transform our economic and trade systems in Canada to grapple with climate change, a fundamental shift in how we conserve and protect biodiversity is equally vital. This is a time for ambition, not apathy.

    Derek Armitage has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

    Trevor Swerdfager 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. Ambitious changes to Canadian conservation law are needed to reverse the decline in biodiversity – https://theconversation.com/ambitious-changes-to-canadian-conservation-law-are-needed-to-reverse-the-decline-in-biodiversity-252781

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Inclusion Awards recipients announced

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Ravi Krishnamurthy accepts the Leader in Inclusion award from Mark Mulligan of Icon Water.

    In brief

    • Winners of this year’s Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards have been announced.
    • The Awards celebrate people with disability who are leaders in the community.
    • The six award winners are listed in this story.

    Recipients of the Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards have been announced.

    The Awards celebrate people with disability who are leaders in the Canberra community.

    They recognise those who improve the experiences of people with disability in the workplace, business and community.

    The nomination process

    Anybody can nominate someone in one of the six award categories.

    Nominees can be:

    • individuals
    • teams
    • local businesses
    • community organisations

    Self-nominations are also welcome.

    The judging process

    The judging panel includes:

    • people with disability
    • awards sponsors
    • ACT Inclusion Council members
    • members of the Canberra business community.

    “It is wonderful to see the achievements of all the winners… They are taking us one step closer to a truly inclusive capital,” ACT Inclusion Council Chair Mr David Smith said.

    The winners

    Leader in Inclusion – Ravi Krishnamurthy
    Ravi has been a relentless force for change in the Canberra community for more than 20 years.

    Excellence in Inclusive and Innovative Employment Practices – The Apollo Neurodiversity Program
    This program offers neurodivergent people a career in ICT within the Australian Public Service.

    Excellence in Collaborating with people with Disability – Safer Me Safer You Project Advisory Group
    Safer Me Safer You Project Advisory Group, by Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT, has set a benchmark for inclusive co-design.

    Excellence in Access and Inclusion – Netball ACT’s 2024 All Abilities Netball program
    Netball ACT’s 2024 All Abilities Netball program has enabled people with disability to play netball in a mainstream competition, making sport more inclusive.

    Excellence in Innovation and Impact – Derek Brewer
    Derek is the founder of Panache Special Needs Driver Training Program. This supports neurodivergent learner drivers and other learner drivers with disability.

    Sue Salthouse Award for Championing Human Rights and Equality – Renée Heaton
    Renée is a powerful advocate and leader. She has led the ACT Disability Reference Group for almost four years.

    Congratulations to the winners and all nominees.

    View the list of finalists and winners on the ACT Inclusion Council website.

    Read more like this:

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Parkersburg Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Charleston Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization and Violating Supervised Release

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Anthony Michael Mowery, 48, of Parkersburg, was sentenced today to nine years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and violating supervised release.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, from in or about January 2024 to in or about May 2024, Mowery conspired with others in a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine in the Charleston area. Mowery facilitated meetings during which his co-conspirators exchanged large quantities of methamphetamine for distribution.

    On May 5, 2024, Mowery arranged for co-conspirator Michael Dale Cain to travel to Charleston for the purpose of picking up approximately 3 pounds of methamphetamine from another co-conspirator, Kirt Ray King, that Cain intended to transport to Parkersburg and distribute to others. After Cain acquired the methamphetamine, he was stopped by law enforcement officers who searched his vehicle, seized the methamphetamine, and arrested Cain.

    Mowery has a long criminal history that includes prior convictions for unlawful assault, assault, battery, child abuse, destruction of property, and fleeing from an officer. At the time of this offense, Mowery was serving a term of supervised release as a result of his July 5, 2018, conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Today’s sentence includes two years in prison, to run concurrently to the nine-year sentence imposed by the Court, for committing a crime while on supervised release.

    Mowery is among four individuals indicted by a federal grand jury in the DTO conspiracy. All four pleaded guilty. Cain, 49, of Parkersburg, was sentenced on January 29, 2025, to eight years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. King, 48, of Charleston, pleaded guilty on January 27, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2025. Co-defendant John Wayne Harkless, 46, of Charleston, pleaded guilty on November 20, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2025.

    Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

    United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentences. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case.

    The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-95.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Man Indicted for Federal Assault Charges

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man has been charged by indictment with assault following an alleged incident that left the victim with severe injuries.

    According to court records, on September 23, 2023, Emerson Hayes, 61, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted John Doe with a knife, causing serious bodily injury.

    Hayesis charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Hayes faces up to 10 years in prison.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: First Lady Melania Trump: 2025 White House Easter Egg Roll

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    Today’s Easter Egg Roll was filled with family, joy, and tradition – a beautiful reminder that when we come together with open hearts, love and harmony truly shine. The White House’s South Lawn came to life and created cherished memories which will last for generations.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrC_TYnt_VM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Independent review turns to tackling Britain’s biggest crime

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Independent review turns to tackling Britain’s biggest crime

    Jonathan Fisher KC has begun work on part 2 of his Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences.

    Photo: Getty Images

    Better protections for the British public against fraud, and tougher enforcement against the perpetrators, will be the goals of the first independent review carried out in 40 years into the UK’s fraud laws.

    Jonathan Fisher KC has begun work on part 2 of his Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences which marks the first independent review of fraud legislation in the UK since 1986. During this time, the nature and scale of fraud has evolved considerably, with fraud now constituting over 40% of all offences recorded by the Crime Survey for England and Wales.

    Where Lord Roskill’s 1986 review focused mostly on the serious fraud committed by corporate entities, the huge increase in fraud offences over the last decade has come at the expense of ordinary consumers and small businesses, targeted by highly organised gangs, many of them based overseas.

    The resulting harm to society is severe, with fraud against individuals in England and Wales alone recently estimated to cost more than £6.8 billion every year.

    Fraud has also been transformed by the impact of modern technology, with the increasing use of artificial intelligence to create scambots, deepfakes, and websites impersonating established businesses and public authorities. Fraud gangs have the ability to target tens of thousands of Britons every hour through social media, email and telephone, and only need to persuade a small fraction of those individuals to fall for their scams in order to make millions of pounds.

    The Home Office will place these emerging threats at the heart of its new, expanded fraud strategy to be published later this year, but it will also be vital to have the independent analysis provided by Jonathan Fisher KC to inform the response required from government, law enforcement and industry. And with international cooperation to disrupt threats a key national security commitment within its Plan for Change, the government is also building a united global response as part of its strategy to tackle fraud.

    Part 2 of the Fisher Review will therefore examine the largest challenges faced by law enforcement in bringing criminals committing fraud offences to justice in England and Wales. Specifically, it will consider key issues in each following stage of the fraud life cycle:

    • detection and reporting
    • disruption
    • investigation
    • prosecution and offences
    • courts
    • penalties
    • rehabilitation

    This follows the publication of part 1 of Jonathan Fisher KC’s review, Disclosure in the Digital Age, which recommended a range of measures to modernise the disclosure system and free up police time, and which is now being taken forward by the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General’s Office.

    Fraud Minister Lord Hanson said:

    Fraud is a crime which can devastate lives, and I am determined to do everything possible to bring these criminals to justice.

    I welcome Jonathan Fisher KC’s review which will help us expand our knowledge base about how to better detect, disrupt and deter fraudsters and deliver a swifter justice for the victims, as part of our Plan for Change.

    The government is determined to continue our fight against this appalling crime, and I look forward to the outcome of this important review.

    Attorney General Lord Hermer KC said:

    Fraud is one of the most pernicious crimes. The criminals driving these schemes are using ever more sophisticated tactics to scam their victims. It is crucial that our criminal justice system keeps pace. 

    Fraud doesn’t discriminate against age, gender or sex and it leaves victims suffering financial loss and emotional distress. I welcome this independent review of fraud and look forward to considering any findings as part of our Plan for Change.

    Independent Review Chair, Jonathan Fisher KC said:

    With the advances in digital technology, it has become much easier for fraudsters to avoid detection, and indeed prosecution, outright.

    This review aims to scrutinise the main challenges in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting fraud offences, and what can be done to better equip law enforcement to deliver swifter justice for victims.

    I am greatly appreciative of the criminal justice system-wide engagement since the launch of this independent review and for the continued encouragement as I turn my focus to examine fraud offences.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First new affordable homes completed on former eyesore pub site in Bilston

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The Happy Wanderer pub on Green Lanes was subject to arson attacks and anti social behaviour since closing in 2017 due to poor trade.

    It was demolished by the previous owner in September 2021, with the site aligned to City of Wolverhampton Council’s Vacant Properties Taskforce work to bring derelict sites back into use.

    Black Country Housing Group (BCHG) seized the opportunity to purchase the land for affordable housing to rent, with Keon Homes constructing 13, 2 and 3 bedroom houses, and 6, 1 bedroom flats.

    This week, the first 9 houses were handed over to BCHG ready for the first tenants to move in at the end of this month.

    Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Linda Leach, was invited to see the first of the finished homes alongside City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing, Councillor Steve Evans.

    Councillor Evans said: “This is a prime example of the work we are doing through our vacant properties taskforce to bring derelict sites back into use to create a better environment for all.

    “Our planners worked hard with the previous owners of this site, encouraging them to make it safe and remove the risk of further anti social behaviour for the benefit of the local community in Bilston.

    “We were delighted to see Black Country Housing Group and Keon Homes come on board to progress the site for much needed affordable housing and seeing the first completed homes being handed over is great for everyone; supporting residents and boosting the local economy.”

    Black Country Housing Group Chief Executive Designate, Adrian Eggington, said: “We are pleased to have built 19 brand new homes in Bilston, Wolverhampton, working in partnership with Keon Homes and City of Wolverhampton Council, supported by grant funding from Homes England.

    “The mixture of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom affordable rented homes provide high quality, much needed homes which are highly energy efficient, giving the new occupiers a comfortable and affordable living experience as well as reducing overall environmental impact. Our new customers are thrilled to be moving in over the next few weeks.”

    Jim Woodsford, Planning and Pre-Development Manager at Keon Homes, said: “Providing much needed affordable homes on an otherwise redundant site is fantastic news for the area, especially given the site’s previous issues of anti social behaviour.

    “We have worked with the planning team at Wolverhampton Council from an early design inception stage to create a family friendly development that we can all be proud of. Delivering affordable family homes is at the very heart of what we do at Keon Homes and we hope future residents enjoy the fruits of everyone’s hard work.”

    The development has also been supported by West Midlands Police’s Secured by Design (SBD) initiative to meet high standards in preventing crime.

    West Midlands Police Force Design Out Crime & Crime Reduction Manager, Mark Silvester, said: “Bilston Green Lanes is another fantastic new housing development and is testament to the support and collective work we have done with Wolverhampton Council, highlighting their continued dedication to creating safe and sustainable communities within the city.

    “Secured by Design offers numerous benefits by focusing on integrating security measures from the outset of building projects, leading to reduced crime rates, increased public confidence, and cost effective solutions.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Homes fit for heroes: Raft of new measures to improve military family housing

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Homes fit for heroes: Raft of new measures to improve military family housing

    Living conditions for families in military housing will be transformed under a new Consumer Charter, as Defence Secretary John Healey promised to “stop the rot” in military housing.

    Defence Secretary John Healey visits military housing

    • New Consumer Charter for families in military homes, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.
    • Measures will include higher move-in standards, more reliable repairs, renovation of the worst homes, and a named housing officer for every family – all in place before the one-year anniversary of 36,000 military homes being brought back into public ownership.
    • Pledge comes alongside the announcement of an independent, expert team appointed to help deliver a rapid Defence Housing Strategy – with work already underway.

    The Charter will be part of a new Defence Housing Strategy, to be published later this year, which will set out further plans to improve the standard of service family homes across the country.

    Under the Charter, basic consumer rights, from essential property information and predictable property standards, to access to a robust complaints system, will be rapidly introduced. These will be underpinned by new, published satisfaction figures, putting forces families front and centre.

    The wider Defence Housing Strategy – overseen by the Defence Secretary and the Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns – will also turbocharge the development of surplus military land, creating opportunities for Armed Forces homeownership. It will further support the delivery of affordable homes for families across Britain as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    It follows the Government’s landmark deal, completed in January, to bring back 36,000 military homes into public ownership, reversing a 1996 sale described by the Public Accounts Committee as “disastrous”, and saving the taxpayer £600,000 per day by eliminating rental payments to a private company.

    The announcement follows the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge to deliver “homes for heroes” and means that under this government, support will be there for veterans at risk of homelessness. This included removing local connection tests for veterans seeking social housing, meaning as of November, veterans will have access to the housing support they need.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

    Our Armed Forces serve with extraordinary dedication and courage to keep us safe. It is only right that they and their families live in the homes they deserve.

    For too long, military families have endured substandard housing without the basic consumer rights that any of us should expect in our homes. That must end and our new Consumer Charter will begin to stop the rot and put families at the heart of that transformation.

    We cannot turn around years of failure on forces housing overnight, but by bringing 36,000 military homes back into public ownership, we’ve already taken greater control and are working at pace to drive up standards. This is about providing homes fit for the heroes who serve our nation, and I’m determined to deliver the decent, affordable housing that our forces families have every right to expect.

    The new Consumer Charter will include the following commitments: 

    • A strengthened move-in standard so families can have confidence that the home they are moving into will be ready on time and will be clean and functional.

    • Improved, clearer information for families ahead of a move, including photographs and floor plans of all homes when a family applies for housing.

    • More reliable repairs, including an undertaking to complete urgent repairs within a set timeline consistent with Awaab’s Law, and a new online portal for service personnel to manage repairs.

    • Raising the minimum standard of forces family housing with a new programme of works targeted at the worst homes, with up to 1,000 refurbished as a downpayment on the broader programme of renewal to be set out in the Defence Housing Strategy.

    • Better and clearer communication for families, including a named housing officer for every service family who they can contact for specific housing related queries.

    • A new, simpler complaints process that will shorten the process to two stages in line with industry best practice, so that service personnel and families have a quicker resolution, backed up by the new Armed Forces Commissioner.

    • Modernising policies to allow more freedom for families to make improvements, giving them a greater sense of pride in their homes.

    These improvements will be in place by the one-year anniversary of the announcement to buy back military homes last December, with final detail to be set out in the Defence Housing Strategy following consultation with military personnel and their families.

    Many of the commitments in the Charter will be achieved by driving better performance – and better value for the taxpayer – from existing suppliers of maintenance and support for service family housing.

    The new standards will be underpinned by new published customer satisfaction measures and enhanced accountability so families can have confidence in the improvements being made. This will sit alongside an independently conducted stock survey, as recommended by the Kerslake review of military housing which was published last year.

    The Defence Housing Strategy will be driven by an independent review team whose members have been announced today, and which will be chaired by former Member of Parliament and housing expert Natalie Elphicke Ross OBE, drawing on expertise from industry and forces families.

    In the meantime, the Defence Secretary and the Minister for Veterans and People have instructed the MOD to immediately plan improvements for the new Consumer Charter, as part of a short-term action plan to enhance the family homes after years of neglect.

    Natalie Elphicke Ross, Chair of the Defence Housing Strategy Review said:

    Our pride in our armed forces must include pride in our military homes. Delivering better housing, boosting home ownership opportunities for service personnel and improving the experiences of service families will be at the heart of our work.

    David Brewer, Chief Operating Officer of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said:

    We are dedicated to making changes that will bring real improvements to the lives of families living in military homes and the plans set out in the new charter are an important step towards doing this.

    The advisory team, announced today, brings together an exceptional group of individuals, who through their expertise and experience will help ensure our housing strategy maximises benefits, not just to families living in military homes, but to communities and industry more widely.

    Antony Cotton MBE said:

    Our Armed Forces community are the backbone of our society, so improving the standard of service family housing is essential if we are to continue to retain and recruit the soldiers, sailors and aviators that protect us selflessly, every day. I welcome this consumer charter as a starting point to give our military families an improved service, and homes they deserve.

    Background

    The members appointed to the Defence Housing Strategy review team are: 

    • Chair, Natalie Elphicke Ross OBE, Director and Head of Housing at The Housing & Finance Institute. Previously Natalie chaired the New Homes Quality Board on standards and redress for customers of new build homes, co-chaired the Elphicke-House Report 2015 on the role of local authorities in housing supply and served as an expert adviser on the development of the national strategy for estate regeneration. A former law firm partner specialising in housing finance, Natalie’s experience includes advising central and local governments, lenders, developers and housing associations on financing, structuring and delivering homes across all tenures.

    • Bill Yardley, Chair of McCarthy Stone Shared Ownership Limited. Bill serves as Chair of a regulated residential development company and is a Non- Executive Director at the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, in the Houses of Parliament and at the Surrey Property Group Limited. He has previously worked at board level in the public and private sectors in residential development, regulated housing, property investment, education and the NHS and has been a public member of Network Rail and chaired a charity. Bill has also served as a Crown Representative and on the Government Construction Board.

    • Cat Calder, Housing Specialist, Army Families Federation. Cat is a housing professional with over 13 years of experience advocating for improved living conditions for families in military accommodation. She has held key positions within the Army Families Federation and has direct experience of military housing, having previously lived in service family accommodation for a number of years.

    • Nigel Holland, former Divisional Chair, Taylor Wimpey and Non-Executive Director of The Riverside Group. Formerly a Divisional Chair of Taylor Wimpey, one of the UK’s largest residential developers. Nigel is also a Non-Executive Director of The Riverside Group, a major provider of affordable housing, care and support services in England and Scotland, with more than 75,000 homes in management. He has a wealth of experience in the homebuilding industry, leading large-scale developments in the UK and overseas. 

    • Alex Notay, Chair and Commissioner, Radix Big Tent Housing Commission. Alexandra is an internationally recognised expert on housing, placemaking and ESG. She has 20 years’ strategic advisory and investment experience across four continents and in August 2024 took over as Chair of the Radix Big Tent Housing Commission. Until July 2024 she was Placemaking and Investment Director at Thriving Investments, the fund and asset management arm of Places for People Group, overseeing a UK-wide residential strategy.

    • James Hall, Housing and Land, Greater London Authority. James has over a decade’s experience in housing and development, working with the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. He worked extensively on strategy, policy and communications in Westminster and Whitehall, and most recently worked at the Greater London Authority on housing policy and delivery.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Aggravated robbery – Wagaman

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Wagaman on Monday afternoon.

    Around 2:45pm, police received reports that three youths had allegedly robbed a store in a shopping centre along Wagaman Place with one of the youths jumping behind the counter to threaten a staff member with an edged weapon.

    The group then allegedly stole a quantity of alcohol and cigarettes before fleeing the scene in a black Toyota Hilux.

    Police attended the scene; a crime scene was established, and investigations are ongoing.

    Strike Force Trident urge anyone with information in relation to the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500041477. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Aggravated assault – Woodroffe

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force have arrested a 29-year-old male in relation to an aggravated assault in Woodroffe yesterday afternoon.

    Around 3:15pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received reports of a female exiting a Toyota Hilux on Chung Wah Terrace and sitting on the foot path in a distressed state, whilst the Hilux pulled up next to her.

    An unknown member of the public, driving a white single cab utility, stopped to assist the female and spoke to the male driver of the Toyota Hilux from which she had exited.

    The male driver of the Toyota Hilux subsequently left the scene, and the female victim left on foot. 

    Around 3:50pm, the JESCC received further reports indicating that the male and female party had been involved in an altercation at a residence in Woodroffe earlier in the afternoon, where the male is alleged to have assaulted the female and forced her into his vehicle.

    Initial investigations have found the male and female are known to each other and there is no apparent ongoing risk to the public.

    Police later located and arrested a 29-year-old male who remains in custody with charges expected to follow.

    Investigators believe the male who stopped to assist in the vehicle pictured may be able to assist in the investigation.

    Police urge anyone in the area between 2:50pm and 3:15pm with dash-cam footage or CCTV to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500041492. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Easter Long Weekend Wrap Up – Territory Road Policing and Operation Tuglo

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force were out in force over the Easter long weekend with multiple high visibility operations across the NT.

    The Territory Road Policing Division set up 56 Random Breath Test stations and conducted 484 mobile random breath tests throughout the Territory, with over 5,071 road users breath tested. Of that number, 41 people tested positive to alcohol and 25 tested positive to drugs from the 131 drug tests conducted.

    Road Policing issued 373 traffic infringement notices and provided 72 cautions, the majority of these interactions were related to speeding and persons not wearing seatbelts. Additionally, speed cameras checked 19,234 vehicles, capturing 491 for speeding.

    Superintendent Rick Magree said, “We know that people are four times more likely to die on Territory roads than the national average. With the increased traffic on the road over the Easter long weekend, comes increased risk.

    “Overall, most people were well behaved and enjoyed their long weekend responsibly, However It’s disappointing that a number of drivers still made poor choices in relation to the Fatal Five, predominantly with drink and drug driving as well as speeding.

    “With the upcoming long weekend Territorians can expect to see the Road Policing Division out with an increased presence keeping everyone safe on our roads.”

    In addition to the increase in RBT stations across the Territory, Operation Tuglo was commenced across Darwin, Adelaide River and Alice Springs, targeting the transportation of dangerous drugs, weapons and other illegal items via the air and road in the NT.

    Operation Tuglo conducted high visibility screening of passengers on commercial flights arriving at Darwin and Alice Springs airports as well as vehicles travelling along the Stuart Highway.

    Thirty-nine commercial flights with over 6,600 passengers and their luggage were screened using drug, firearm and explosive detection dogs. Fortunately, no illicit substances or illegal items were detected.

    Over 135 vehicles were screened with drug detection dogs with 80 vehicle searches resulting in seizure of 2.76kg of cannabis, 2kg of Kava, 28 litres of spirits all destined for remote restricted communities. Five stolen motor vehicles were also apprehended in Adelaide River.

    Additionally, one illegal firearm fashioned from a 22. calibre rifle was seized from a vehicle in Adelaide River.

    The operation resulted in three arrests, five Traffic Infringement Notices, two defect notices, and 10 people were issued with a Notice to Appear.

    Superintendent Lee Morgan said, “I want to commend all the officers involved in this significant operation.  

    “While the results from the airport checks were reassuring, the findings at the Adelaide River roadblock were disappointing.

    “The discovery and seizure of an illicit firearm is a serious matter, and that alone makes the operation worthwhile.

    “We remain committed to disrupting the supply of dangerous drugs and illicit substances into our communities.

    “Our focus will continue to be on those who traffic illicit substances into the Territory and specifically into remote areas, where some of our most vulnerable people reside.

    “Those who seek to profit from the harm of others, particularly the vulnerable, are a blight on our society and will be relentlessly pursued.

    “As a whole the Territory enjoyed a safe and responsible long weekend.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for witnesses – Domestic violence – Katherine

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating an alleged domestic violence assault that occurred in a community in Katherine on Friday.

    Around 1am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a 16-year-old female had been assaulted by her partner at a community residence in Katherine.

    Police and St John Ambulance attended, with the 16-year-old located and conveyed to hospital with multiple stab wounds to her back and injuries consistent with being stomped on. She remains in hospital in a stable condition after being transferred to Darwin.

    Police have identified the 17-year-old male partner as a person of interest, and efforts are currently underway to locate him.

    Police urge anyone who witnessed the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500040300. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Drug offences – Gapuwiyak

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 32-year-old male for drug offences in Gapuwiyak on 8 April 2025.

    Police conducted a lawful search at a residence in the community where they located and seized a commercial quantity of kava, drug paraphernalia and a quantity of cash.

    The 32-year-old male who is unlawfully in Australia, was arrested and subsequently charged with Supply kava – commercial quantity, Possess kava – commercial quantity, Possess property commission of offence and Resist police in execution of duty.

    He appeared in Darwin Local Court earlier this month and was remanded to re-appear in Darwin Local Court on 1 May 2025.

    Acting Superintendent Daniel Bell said “Local officers worked collaboratively with many community members and stakeholders to identify the offending and enable a swift response.

    “The supply of illicit substance in vulnerable remote communities has devastating effects. Police will continue to target those who seek to gain benefit from the supplying and selling of these substances and ensure that offenders are held to account.”

    Anyone with information on the supply of illicit substances into communities are urged to call police on 131 444 or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Online Casinos in New Zealand: Top Real Money Casino Goes To 7Bit Casino, Rated by Experts!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the 7Bit Casino. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

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    Disclaimer and Affiliate Disclosure

    General Disclaimer
    This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only, not legal or financial advice. Content is based on research and public information as of April 2025. No warranties are made regarding accuracy. Users must verify information before acting.

    Casino and Gambling Disclaimer
    Online gambling carries financial risks and is not suitable for all. Ensure you’re of legal gambling age in New Zealand. Gambling laws vary, and it’s your responsibility to comply. We don’t promote gambling; participation is at your risk. 7Bit Casino is a third-party platform, and we’re not liable for losses or issues.

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    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bea2fdb2-713f-4dd8-8c6a-9388de5cd240

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Private car drivers urged to choose suitable Child Restraining Device under mandatory requirements (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Transport Department (TD) today (April 22) reminded parents, guardians or private car drivers to choose and use a suitable Child Restraining Device (CRD), such as a child safety seat, that is appropriate for children’s body size and complies with relevant standards to reduce the risks of being killed or seriously injured in traffic accidents, thereby enhancing protection for children and passenger safety.

         Starting from November 1, 2025, unless child passengers aged below 8 reach a body height of 1.35 metres, they must use a CRD in private cars, regardless of whether they are sitting in the front or rear seats. Passengers aged 8 or above, or those with a body height of at least 1.35m, must either use a CRD or wear an adult seat belt. Otherwise, the driver must not drive the car on any road.

         A spokesman for the TD said, “When choosing a CRD, parents, guardians or private car drivers carrying a child passenger should accord top priority to the height and/or weight range for which the product is suitable. They should also look for any markings indicating compliance with national or international standards recognised. For enquiries, they should consult the manufacturer or retailer on the product standards to meet legal requirements.”

         Of note, after a collision such as a traffic accident, CRDs may show no visible signs of damage on the surface, but their internal structure may have been damaged, reducing their protective effectiveness, and they should not be used again. In addition, when purchasing second-hand CRDs, it is difficult to guarantee that the product has not been hit. For those used by relatives or friends, one should ascertain whether they have been dropped or bumped.

         Apart from conventional types of child safety seats, there are various types of portable CRDs, such as seat belt adjusters, wearable safety restraint vests and foldable boosters, available in the market for selection. Yet, as portable CRDs do not have protective pads and seat backs on both sides, their protection capabilities in side-impact collisions are in general not as good as those of child safety seats.

         The TD has launched a designated page on CRDs (www.td.gov.hk/en/road_safety/crd) coupled with infographics on the Agent T Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AgentT.hk) to set out details of the legal requirements and standards concerned. The TD will continue to work with the Police, the Road Safety Council and the Consumer Council to step up relevant publicity and public education. Members of the public may call the TD’s hotline (2804 2600) for details.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Public Service Commission Announces Final Results of Civil Services Exam 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 22 APR 2025 2:25PM by PIB Delhi

    Based on the result of the written part of Civil Services Examination, 2024 held by the Union Public Service Commission in September, 2024 and the interviews for Personality Test held in January-April, 2025, following is the list, in order of merit, of candidates who have been recommended for appointment to:

    (i) Indian Administrative Service;

    (ii) Indian Foreign Service;

    (iii) Indian Police Service; and

    (iv) Central Services, Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’.

    2. A total number of 1009 candidates have been recommended for appointment as per following break-up:

    GENERAL

    EWS

    OBC

    SC

    ST

    TOTAL

    335

    (incl.

    10 PwBD-1,

    05 PwBD-2,

    11 PwBD-3 & 05 PwBD-5)

    109

    (incl.

    Nil PwBD-1,

    01 PwBD-2,

    Nil PwBD-3 &

    Nil PwBD-5)

    318

    (incl.

    02 PwBD-1,

    02 PwBD-2,

    03 PwBD-3 &

    03 PwBD-5)

    160

    (incl.

    Nil PwBD-1,

    Nil PwBD-2,

    Nil PwBD-3 & 01 PwBD-5)

    87

    (incl.

    Nil PwBD-1,

    Nil PwBD-2, 02 PwBD-3 & Nil

    PwBD-5)

    1009

    (incl.

    12 PwBD-1,

    08 PwBD-2,

    16 PwBD-3 & 09 PwBD-5)

     

    3. In accordance with Rule 20 (4) & (5) of the Civil Services Examination Rules 2024, the Commission is maintaining a consolidated Reserve List of candidates as under:

    GENERAL EWS OBC SC ST PwBD-1 TOTAL 115 35 59 14 06 01 230

    4. Appointment to the various Services will be made according to the number of vacancies available with due consideration to the provisions contained in the Rules for the Examination. The number of vacancies reported by the Government to be filled is as under:

    SERVICES GEN EWS OBC SC ST Total

    I.A.S. 73 18 52 24 13 180

    I.F.S. 23 05 13 09 05 55

    I.P.S. 60 14 41 22 10 147

    Central Services Group ‘A’ 244 57 168 90 46 605

    Group ‘B’ Services 55 15 44 15 13 142

    Total 455 109 318 160 87 1129*

     

    * includes 50 PwBD vacancies (12 PwBD-1, 08 PwBD-2, 16 PwBD-3 & 14 PwBD-5)

    5. The candidature of 241 recommended candidates has been kept provisional.

    6. Result of 01 candidate has been kept withheld.

    7. UPSC has a “Facilitation Counter” near Examination Hall in its campus. Candidates can obtain any information / clarification regarding their examinations / recruitments on the working days between 10:00 hours to 17:00 hours in person or over telephone Nos. 23385271 / 23381125 / 23098543. Result will also be available on the U.P.S.C. website i.e. http//www.upsc.gov.in. Marks will be available on the website within 15 days from the date of declaration of result.

    Highlights

    The final result of Civil Services Examination (CSE), 2024 has been declared today, the 22 nd April, 2025.

    Highlights of the result are following:

    The Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2024 was conducted on 16th June, 2024. A total of 9,92,599 candidates applied for this examination, out of which 5,83,213 candidates actually appeared in the examination.

    A total of 14,627 candidates qualified for appearance in the Written (Main) Examination which was held in September, 2024. Out of these, 2,845 candidates qualified for the Personality Test of the examination.

    Eventually, a total of 1009 candidates (725 men and 284 women) have been recommended by the Commission for appointment to various Services.

    Among the finally qualified candidates, the top five comprise three women and two men. Ms. Shakti Dubey (Roll No. 0240782) has secured the first position in the Civil Services Examination, 2024. She qualified the examination with Political Science & International Relations as her optional subject. She has done her graduation (B.Sc.) in Biochemistry from the University of Allahabad.

    Ms. Harshita Goyal (Roll No. 0101571), a graduate (B.Com.) from MS University of Baroda, secured second rank with Political Science & International Relations as her optional subject.

    Sh. Dongre Archit Parag (Roll No. 0867282), a graduate (B.Tech.) in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from VIT, Vellore stood third in the rank with Philosophy as his optional subject.

    Ms. Shah Margi Chirag (Roll No. 0108110), B.E. in Computer Engineering from Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad, secured fourth rank with Sociology as her optional subject.

    Sh. Aakash Garg (Roll No. 0833621), B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, secured fifth rank with Sociology as his optional subject.

    The top 25 candidates comprise 11 women and 14 men. Their educational qualifications range from graduation in Engineering, Humanities, Science, Commerce, Medical Science, and Architecture from premier institutions of the country such as IIT, NIT, VIT, JNU, University of Delhi, and University of Allahabad.

    The top 25 successful candidates have opted for a wide range of optional subjects in the Written (Main) Examination, including Anthropology, Commerce & Accountancy, Geography, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science & International Relations, Public Administration, Sociology, and Literature of Tamil Language.

    The recommended candidates also include 45 Persons with Benchmark Disability, comprising 12 Orthopedically Handicapped, 08 Visually Challenged, 16 Hearing Impaired, and 09 with Multiple Disabilities.

    Click here to see Result in English

    Click here to see Result 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Journalismfund Europe – E-001475/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001475/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Petr Bystron (ESN)

    Journalismfund Europe is a non-profit organisation based in Brussels that focuses on providing financial support to journalists across Europe. This organisation presents itself as independent; however, according to information available on its website, Journalismfund Europe receives funding from a source called the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, through the Stichting Veronica organisation. Journalismfund Europe is also co-funded by the EU, specifically by the Commission’s Creative Europe programme.

    Therefore, we would like to ask:

    • 1.How much funding did Journalismfund Europe receive through the Commission’s Creative Europe programme, and what is the Commission aiming for?
    • 2.To what extent is the Commission aware of financial support given to Journalismfund Europe by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project?
    • 3.How does the Commission ensure that the funding provided to Journalismfund Europe aligns with the principles of democracy, transparency and political neutrality?

    Submitted: 9.4.2025

    Last updated: 22 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Problems with the security company responsible for EUPOL COPPS – E-001477/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001477/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Özlem Demirel (The Left)

    The employees of the security company responsible for the European Union Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) have temporarily stopped working because they have not been paid. The security company’s tasks include monitoring the movements of mission members.

    • 1.Which security company is responsible for EUPOL COPPS and what specific tasks does it perform?
    • 2.For how long and for what reason did the staff stop work?
    • 3.How and for how long exactly have the security tasks been covered in the meantime?

    Submitted: 9.4.2025

    Last updated: 22 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Woman bitten on hands by dingo on K’gari

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 22 Apr 2025

    Visitors to K’gari are being urged to never walk alone after a woman was bitten on the hands by a dingo near the Winnam camping area around 10:30am on 17 April 2025.

    Rangers are investigating an incident that left the woman with two lacerations to the middle fingers on both hands.

    The woman had walked away from the camping area to the ocean when she was quickly approached by five dingoes, with a tagged dingo lunging at the woman and biting her on the hands.

    The Queensland Ambulance Service treated the woman on K’gari, and she was advised to see a doctor.

    People at the camping area had previously received be dingo-safe education from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers.

    It is believed the pack of dingoes were hanging around the camping area after getting access to a large amount of unsecured food from a different campsite earlier this week.

    Rangers provided further be dingo-safe advice to campers in the area and will conduct additional patrols over the weekend.

    Residents and visitors to the island must be aware of the risks, and should always walk in groups, carry a stick and keep food and rubbish secured.

    Report any concerning dingo encounters by calling 07 4127 9150 or emailing dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au

    Visitors to K’gari are reminded to Be dingo-safe! at all times:

    • Always stay close (within arm’s reach) to children and young teenagers
    • Always walk in groups and carry a stick
    • Never feed dingoes
    • Camp in fenced areas where possible
    • Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
    • Lock up food stores and iceboxes (even on a boat)
    • Never store food or food containers in tents, and
    • Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.

    For more information go to K’gari dingoes.

    Media contact:                  DETSI Media Unit on (07) 3339 5831 or media@des.qld.gov.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met officers make 15 arrests in operation targeting shoplifting gang

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Officers made 15 arrests in a Met Police operation to disrupt an organised shoplifting gang operating in south-west London.

    Eight shops were raided after they were suspected of buying items such as food and alcohol that had been stolen from major retailers and selling them on at lower prices.

    After marking 5,000 items with synthetic DNA officers were able to identify and recover around £150,000 worth of stolen goods.

    The Met is prioritising neighbourhood policing, putting more officers in local teams to tackle issues that matter most to Londoners, like shoplifting. Officers are working closely with local business owners across the capital to crack down on the most prolific shoplifters who cause the fear to retail workers and have negative impacts on local communities.

    Sergeant James Burke, from the Met’s neighbourhood policing team in south-west London, said:

    “Shoplifting pushes up prices for customers and often results in retail workers being verbally and physically abused. It also funds the drug trade and contributes to anti-social behaviour and violence.

    “The local officers in my neighbourhood team have put in months of hard work alongside impacted businesses to trial new tactics to drive down shoplifting in the area and have delivered impressive results here.”

    “The Met is focussed on targeting those involved in co-ordinating this activity and by disrupting their operation we are confident we can reduce offending and the impact it has on communities across London.”

    On Wednesday, 9 April more than 100 officers from across the Met took part in targeted activity at eight off licences or newsagents in Merton and Wandsworth. They also searched a house in Cheam.

    The operation followed months of planning to identify offending patterns by working with retailers and analysing crime reports.

    In a first for the Met, officers marked the most commonly stolen items, such as alcohol and chocolates, with SelectaDNA.

    Each mark is unique and can be traced back to the original store which means officers can return to gather more evidence, such as CCTV and victim impact statements to help bring prosecutions.

    Officers also found several own-brand items that had been made for particular supermarkets available for sale in the shops.

    Ten men, aged between 23 and 64, and three women, aged between 39 and 45, were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. They have since been bailed pending further enquiries.

    A further two men, both aged 48, were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods in separate activity on Thursday, 17 April. They were also bailed.

    Searches were carried out at shops in:

    • Fernlea Road, Mitcham
    • Balham High Road
    • Kingston Road, Wimbledon
    • London Road, Tooting (x2)
    • Christchurch Road, Wimbledon
    • Church Road, Mitcham
    • Tooting High Street

    As part of the operation officers also searched a barber’s shop in Tooting High Street and a residential property in Sandy Lane, Cheam.

    Further enquiries are taking place and anyone with information about suspected offending is asked to call 101 and speak to the South West Basic Command Unit about Operation Zoridon.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia had a national reckoning over domestic violence, but where’s the focus this election?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Professor (Practice), Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University

    For most of this federal election campaign, politicians have said very little about violence against women and children.

    Now in the fourth week of the five-week campaign, Labor has released its “commitment to women” announcement. The Coalition has also flagged it will have something to say on the topic before polling day.

    Much of Labor’s announcement is about what the party has already done to address women’s safety, including funding already committed under the National Plan To End Violence Against Women and Children. The announcement concedes “there is much more to do” and highlights extra spending on financial abuse and perpetrator interventions specifically.

    But the fact domestic, family and sexual violence hasn’t been more central to the election campaign is surprising. Less than 12 months ago, following rising community outrage after the killing of a number of women, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared violence against women and children a national crisis.

    Over the past week, the killing of several women in different circumstances, allegedly by men’s violence, has been a reminder of the persistence of this national crisis.

    In an election that’s largely focused on cost of living, this epidemic of violence should also be front and centre.
    The scale and impact of this violence is profound – cutting across culture, age, geography and class. It causes immediate and long-term harm and costs the country an estimated $26 billion annually.

    Why haven’t we heard much?

    An obvious explanation might be that violence against women has already been addressed by successive governments – that enough has been done. Others may argue that it’s been overshadowed by more politically “pressing” issues.

    Some may even suggest it’s because of a broader political shift away from gender equality commitments, influenced by anti-DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) sentiment that has gained traction internationally.

    Perhaps a more generous explanation is that the lack of political attention stems from fear of getting the response wrong. The domestic and family violence sector can be fraught with complexity, with different ideas about what should be prioritised.

    The national prevention agenda has faced critique in recent months. Scrutiny of whether we are on the right path should always be welcomed, but division is unhelpful.

    Complexity should never be an excuse for inaction. Instead, this moment requires political courage and clarity. A declaration of a national crisis is merely rhetoric if it’s not followed by meaningful actions and measurable commitments.

    Beyond election cycles

    It’s crucial the next federal government delivers a response to domestic violence that’s commensurate with the scale of the problem. This requires a significant increase in investment across the entire ecosystem to boost service availability and accessibility.

    This means moving beyond one-off or short-term funding to ensure sustainability across the system, including for crisis response and early intervention initiatives. Consistency of services is needed to disrupt the cycle of intergenerational harm, to understand what works in engaging people who use violence, and to promote long-term recovery.



    Read more:
    What works to prevent violence against women? Here’s what the evidence says

    There should also be improved collaboration between levels of government. For too long, the siloed approach has impeded progress. The National Partnership Agreement provides a solid foundation for this.

    Evidence shows strengthening coordination across agencies and jurisdictions will help identify more women and families at risk of violence. Information-sharing arrangements will also help keep them safer across state and territory boundaries. System failures and blindspots can cost lives.

    What else would help?

    If elected, Labor has committed to focusing on ending financial abuse and expanding interventions for people who use violence. This means increased funding for perpetrator interventions, including electronic monitoring of high-risk offenders and earlier interventions for young people who use violence.

    These intiatives are welcome, but the list of actions needed extends well beyond these commitments.

    Fully funding frontline services is a crucial start. This must include services for children and young people experiencing and escaping violence in their own right, and services across rural and remote communities. There’s limited support available in these areas.

    Ensuring access to culturally appropriate and trauma-informed services for communities disproportionately affected by violence is also key.

    First Nations leaders, practitioners, academics and victim-survivor advocates should be resourced to deliver the dedicated First Nations National Plan and to fully implement the First Nations National Action Plan. This is especially important for First Nations communities, including in the Northern Territory, where calls for increased funding have long been made.

    The support service workforce, which has a high turnover and burn-out rate, must be better supported, including through ongoing professional development and capability training.

    In recent weeks, others have called for a national strategy for people who use violence.

    Measuring progress is key

    Regardless of specific policy commitments, we should be transparently monitoring and evaluating progress on addressing violence. This is the backbone of any effective policy response – without data, we are blind to what works, what doesn’t, and where to focus efforts.

    The first national plan was criticised for failing to do this comprehensively. We are at risk of repeating the same mistake.

    While this responsibility sits within the functions of the inaugural Commissioner for Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, it has yet to eventuate beyond the information included in the commission’s yearly reports to parliament.

    Regardless of who forms government – whether majority or minority – it’s imperative domestic, family and sexual violence remains front and centre in national policymaking. This is not an issue that can wait for the “right time” or for conditions to be more favourable. Women’s and children’s lives depend on it.

    The National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line – 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

    Kate has received funding for research on violence against women and children from a range of federal and state government and non-government sources. Currently, Kate receives funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS), the South Australian government, Safe Steps, Australian Childhood Foundation, and 54 Reasons. This piece is written by Kate Fitz-Gibbon in her role at Monash University and Sequre Consulting, and is wholly independent of Kate Fitz-Gibbon’s role as chair of Respect Victoria and membership on the Victorian Children’s Council.

    Hayley has received funding for research on violence against women and children and criminal justice-related issues from a range of federal and state government and non-government sources. Currently, Hayley receives funding from ANROWS, and the ACT Justice Reform Branch.

    – ref. Australia had a national reckoning over domestic violence, but where’s the focus this election? – https://theconversation.com/australia-had-a-national-reckoning-over-domestic-violence-but-wheres-the-focus-this-election-253718

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Haast Highway closed following crash

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Haast Highway/State Highway 6 is closed near Paringa following a crash.

    The two-vehicle crash was reported at about 4:50pm.

    One person has been seriously injured.

    The road is expected to be closed for a significant period of time.

    Detours are in place and motorists are advised to expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens propose long overdue Council Tax revaluation to make wealthy pay more

    Source: Scottish Greens

    22 Apr 2025 Housing

    The wealthy should pay more to fund local services.

    More in Housing

    Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer has lodged proposals for Scotland’s first Council Tax revaluation in over 30 years.

    The current Council Tax system is based on property values from 1991. As a result, most people are now in the wrong band.

    Many of those living in smaller and less valuable homes currently pay more than they should. Conversely, the richest people living in the largest properties often pay far less than they would if accurate property values were used.

    The Scottish Greens are confident that the proposal, which is being made as an amendment to the upcoming Housing (Scotland) Bill, would not only make the system fairer, it could also raise vital funds for local services like schools and social care.

    If the amendment is passed, a revaluation exercise would be completed by 1st April 2029. Measures have been included to support those on low and fixed incomes.

    Mr Greer said:

    “The Council Tax is based on property values from before I was even born and as a result, it is now completely broken. We wouldn’t tolerate most people paying the wrong rate of income tax, but that is exactly what has been allowed to happen here after 34 years.

    “The wealthiest people in the most valuable houses are getting off with an absolute steal. They pay far less than they should, whilst far too many ordinary households pay much more.

    “It may sound dry, but the Council Tax is crucial to funding schools, social care, bin collections and other local services. It should never have been allowed to become this completely broken.”

    Mr Greer added:

    “This system was a quick and dirty replacement for Thatcher’s hated Poll Tax. Everyone has agreed for years that it must be replaced completely. Despite this, the Scottish Government has lacked the courage to actually make that change.

    “The Scottish Greens have made some important changes recently, including doubling Council Tax for second homes to help tackle the housing crisis. However, we know that total reform is urgently needed. That can’t happen without ditching the 1991 property valuations and bringing the system into this century.

    “Those with the broadest shoulders and in the biggest houses should be paying more than those less privileged to fund the local services we all rely on.”

    Council Tax reform is championed by the Tax Justice Scotland network, whose members include Oxfam, the Scottish Trade Unions Congress, the Church of Scotland and the Scottish Women’s Convention.

    The Institute for Fiscal Studies described Scotland’s Council Tax as ‘ripe for reform’ in a report published earlier this year.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The rise of Brazil’s fuel mafias and their gas station money laundering machines

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Robert Muggah, Richard von Weizsäcker Fellow na Bosch Academy e Co-fundador, Instituto Igarapé

    Brazil’s federal police recently pulled back the curtain on a criminal web that had infiltrated the country’s fuel distribution chains. What looked like ordinary gas stations were, in fact, outposts of a vast laundering machine, washing dirty money with diesel and ethanol. According to Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski, more than 1,000 service stations across the country were overseen by organised crime syndicates.

    The plot thickened when Rio de Janeiro’s state police launched raids against the so-called “fuel mafia”, dismantling a racket that sold millions of liters of adulterated fuel. In the process, they revealed a network of ghost companies churning out fake invoices.

    Crime moves into the fuel sector

    Across Brazil organised crime is diversifying beyond narcotics, arms trafficking into the biofuel and fossil fuel sectors. Criminal factions with names such as the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), Comando Vermelho (CV), and militia groups made-up of retired and active duty police are expanding into fuel theft, smuggling, tax evasion, and money laundering. The pivot by Brazil’s criminal underworld underscores their adaptability in exploiting legitimate markets.

    Fuel theft is hardly new to Brazil. The country’s top fuel distributors – Ale, BR, Ipiranga, and Raizen – have warned of criminal infiltration. But the costs of these illegal activities are significant. According to ICL, an industry group, illegal profits generated by gas stations amounted to $23 billion reais($3.89 billion) in 2021.

    A 2022 study by the Brazilian Public Security Forum (FBSP) revealed that criminal organisations generated approximately 146.8 billion reais (around $25.4 billion) from sectors including fuel, gold, cigarettes, and beverages far surpassing the revenues from cocaine trafficking.

    Meanwhile, a 2024 assessment found that the costs of cargo-theft, fuel-related robberies and fraud generated annual losses of $29 billion reais. Vibra Energia estimated that roughly 13 billion liters of fuel were being traded through “irregular” means a year.

    Fake gas stations, adulterated fuel, and tax fraud

    Organised criminal groups employ multiple strategies to exploit the fuel sector. The most common involves the use of “pirate” gas stations — outlets that flout safety standards and sell adulterated and stolen fuel. Police have exposed hundreds of gas stations linked to individuals indicted or convicted for fuel-related offenses since 2015. In 2019, for example, BR purged its retail network of 730 stations nationwide suspected of involvement in “irregularities”.

    By 2023, the PCC reportedly extended its influence to five ethanol plants and approximately 1,100 of São Paulo’s 9,000 gas stations. And in 2024, police claimed that as many as 30 gas stations in Rio de Janeiro were under PCC control. Meanwhile, the National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) reported that violations related to the use of methanol — a toxic substance commonly used to adulterate fuels—increased by over 73 percent compared to the previous year.

    Fraud and tax evasion are also common in the fuel sector. In Brazil, fuel taxes on ethanol vary from state to state. These discrepancies create incentives for enterprising criminals to purchase fuel from low-tax jurisdictions and resell in high-tax states to station owners who charge higher tax and pocket the difference.

    A 2019 study by FGV estimated that fuel-related tax evasion generated 7.2 billion reais ($1.3 billion), with major rewards for petrol station owners that laundered funds. There are also schemes that involve tax fraud in fuel production and illegal diesel imports. One prominent case involved Copape, a company that sold fuel below market price by evading import taxes and manipulating its product. The company was later shut down amid allegations of ties to the PCC.

    Another common strategy involves outright theft by installing clandestine taps and siphoning fuel from pipelines. This practice often leads to significant economic losses and poses environmental hazards and public safety risks. The process usually involves precise “insider” knowledge of pipeline networks. In 2019, for example, Petrobras identified over 261 such incidents in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo alone.

    The direct targeting of personnel and infrastructure has also occurred. In 2019, for example, more than 40 people were arrested in Rio de Janeiro in 2019 suspected of extorting and murdering Petrobras contactors. The group was described as highly organised with separate divisions for intimidating targets, tapping pipelines, transporting stolen fuel, and monitoring police movements. Stolen fuel can be sold on to asphalt companies, underground gas owners, and others.

    The entrenchment of organised crime in biofuels such as sugar and palm oil has resulted in confrontations with state authorities. In August 2024, 59,000 hectares of São Paulo’s sugarcane plantations were ravaged by fires resulting in losses of over 1 billion reais. Authorities suspect that the PCC orchestrated arson attacks as retaliation against government measures targeting their involvement in the adulterated fuel trade.

    And in February 2025, police in Rio de Janeiro revealed that operators of an illegal gambling (jogo do bicho) network were financing the criminal extraction of oil from underground pipelines. Proceeds were used to acquire equipment, rent fuel transport vehicles, and pay off personnel. In Rio, and elsewhere in Brazil, such activities undermine the rule of law, distort markets, and erode public trust.

    Technology-enabled solutions to disrupt fuel theft

    Preventing and disrupting infiltration of organised crime into the fuel sectors is challenging. Legal proceedings are often protracted. Efforts by fuel distributors to terminate franchise agreements with non-compliant operators are often stymied by prolonged court battles. The sophistication of Brazil’s criminal organisations also complicates enforcement efforts including their blending of illicit activities with legitimate business.

    At a minimum, federal and state authorities need to track gas stations and pipelines that are implicated in crime. Advanced tracking technologies that improve transparency in the fuel supply chain. And these solutions need to be bolstered by intelligence sharing across jurisdictions. One promising response comes from Brazil’s National Institute of Metrology (Inmetro) which has expanded its inspections of fuel pumps and product quality.

    Companies like Petrobras have ramped up their security measures to protect pipelines, refineries, transportation systems, and petrol stations. Advanced surveillance systems, including drones and sensor-based technology, are now being used by its subsidiary, TransPetro, to monitor pipeline integrity.

    Specialised response teams have also been established to detect and contain illegal taps. Petrobras and Transpetro have also increased collaboration with federal and state security forces to target organised crime cells involved in fuel theft and trafficking.

    In especially high-risk areas, particularly near major refineries such as Duque de Caxias in Rio de Janeiro, joint operations with law enforcement have resulted in arrests and the seizure of illegal equipment used to tap pipelines.

    Petrobras has invested in internal compliance, audit mechanisms, and fuel traceability systems to track product movement and prevent insider threats and diversion to illicit markets. The company has also partnered with regulatory agencies like the (National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels, or ANP) to tighten oversight over gas stations and transport companies suspected of facilitating the resale of adulterated or stolen fuel.

    Legislation and regulation is also needed to increase penalties for criminality in the fuel sector. Legal reforms, including a new bill approved in April 2025 targets companies that systematically evade taxes. Another bill is being explored that would mandate real-time electronic reporting of fuel sales and storage to ANP in order to increase traceability.

    A new Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry focusing on the relationship between organised crime and fuel is also about to be launched. Federal police, together with the financial intelligence unit (COAF) and tax authorities are also preparing a broad investigation into related activities.

    Addressing the infiltration of organised crime into Brazil’s biofuel and fossil fuel sectors requires more than enforcement — it demands a coordinated national strategy backed by industry cooperation. Enforced compliance, empowered regulators, transparent supply chains, and worker protections are essential. Without urgent and sustained action, organised crime will continue siphoning off Brazil’s future, weakening one of its most vital sectors.

    *Katherine Aguirre, senior researcher at Igarape Institute, contributed to this article

    Dr. Robert Muggah is the co-founder of the Igarapé Institute, an independent “think and do tank” that develops research, solutions and partnerships to address global public, digital and climate security challenges. Dr. Muggah is also a principal of the SecDev Group, and an advisor to the United Nations, the IMF and the World Bank. An advisor to AI start-ups and a climate tech venture firms, Dr. Muggah has experience developing new technologies and testing AI systems for security and governance.

    – ref. The rise of Brazil’s fuel mafias and their gas station money laundering machines – https://theconversation.com/the-rise-of-brazils-fuel-mafias-and-their-gas-station-money-laundering-machines-254422

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plans for potential LFC victory parade

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Plans are in place for a victory parade if Liverpool Football Club wins the UEFA Champions League Final on Saturday.

     If Jurgen Klopp’s team triumph, the City of Liverpool will formally invite the club to hold a victory parade on Sunday 2 June.

     The date has been requested by Liverpool Football Club.

    Due to the major logistical challenges needed to arrange a parade of this scale, the announcement is being made in advance so residents and businesses in the city can prepare.

    The Champions League parade would take place when Liverpool is staging two major events – River Festival Liverpool and the Bordeaux Wine Festival – which are already expected to attract tens of thousands of people to the waterfront.

    It would start at 4pm, and would see the Liverpool FC team parade their newly acquired trophy on an open top bus, along Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage Waterfront.

    The route starts at Allerton Maze and will travel north bound on Queens Drive towards the Fiveways roundabout and Rocket flyover. From there it will journey along:

    • Queens Drive
    • Mill Bank
    • West Derby Road
    • Islington
    • Leeds Street
    • The Strand
    • Route finishes at Blundell Street

    The River Festival Liverpool event would start earlier than advertised on Sunday to accommodate a parade – around 10.30am.

    Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “Anyone who is a football fan can’t help to have been impressed by Liverpool’s performance this season – whatever their allegiance. The twists and turns have kept us all gripped and as a result it is going right down to the wire. We can’t wait until the result to plan for a parade because it is a complex logistical challenge with many partners involved and simply can’t be organised overnight.

    “Whichever team you support, there is no doubting the positive impact sporting success for each of our clubs has on the city, not just economically but also in terms of a feel-good factor. It rightly generates huge pride and attracts massive international attention. If the Reds win, they will receive a well-deserved heroes’ welcome and we will put on a show to make the city proud.

    “Even though the Champions League parade would potentially take place on an already busy day in the city, we are working closely with LFC, Merseyside Police, and our travel partners to ensure that all events taking place on June 2 run smoothly and safely so everyone can enjoy our city, and everything it has to offer.”

    The parade is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of people, so the city council is issuing key advice for fans:

    • Use the full length of the route. The open top bus won’t be stopping so take advantage of the full length of the route from Queens Drive all the way to The Strand.
    • Decide which part of the route you want to wait at and arrive in plenty of time.
    • Be patient – it is impossible to predict how long it will take the team bus to travel along the route.
    • Due to the number of people coming in to and out of the city, there will be significant demands on public transport, with queuing likely.

    Motorists are advised that the city centre is expected to be extremely busy, and with this in mind they should plan their journeys in and out of the city carefully.

    As crowd volumes increase, it is expected that there will periodic closures of the Queensway Tunnel, as the parade passes close by, and an extended closure of the dock branch exit.

    Superintendent Paul White, said: “In the event of the parades taking place there will be a large number of police officers on the streets throughout the city, who will be providing a reassuring presence and making sure fans can enjoy the parades in safety.

    “The parade route has been planned to give residents the opportunity to celebrate Liverpool’s success. Road closures will be put in place by Liverpool City Council in order to allow the parades to take place. This will ultimately cause some disruption to local traffic and public transport routes. Despite this, the intention is to keep disruption to a minimum so fans, locals and visitors can enjoy the events and explore Liverpool safely and freely.

    “Those intending to go tare advised to use public transport and to check timetables. Motorists are advised to check road closures and available parking prior to the events.”It is expected there will be significant disruption around the parade route travel advice is available at www.merseytravel.gov.uk  to help spectators, workers and residents plan their journeys in advance.

    Key points include:

    • Consider walking, cycling or use public transport wherever possible.
    • Be prepared for some changes to services, particularly for bus due to delays and diversions.
    • Allow time for and plan your journey. The transport network is expected to be very busy before and after the parade.
    • Check timetables – be prepared for some changes to services, particularly bus for which some diversions will be in place.
    • The Mersey Ferries are a good cross river option, with regular services running between Seacombe and Liverpool – check www.merseyferries.co.uk for journey times on the day of travel.
    • Passengers travelling on the Wirral line before, during and after the parade should get on and off at Liverpool Central, and Northern Line passengers should use Moorfields. These stations are best set up to manage significant numbers of people.

    Wayne Menzies Merseytravel’s Head of Rail and Chair of the Major Events Transport Board, said: “Liverpool will be extremely busy and through the sheer volume of people and the need for road closures, there will be disruption to the transport network. Both parade-goers and people needing to get home from work need to be aware of that and plan ahead, also keeping an eye on the latest travel information.

    “We have been working closely with Liverpool FC, transport operators, Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police and other partners to ensure that we are doing all we can to help people get to the parade and home again safely.”

    ‘Live’ travel updates and alerts will be available from Merseytravel at www.merseytravel.gov.uk, or via the journey planner app, and on Twitter @Merseytravel, #LFCparade

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash: Mamaku

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can confirm one person has died following a crash on State Highway 5, Mamaku.

    The single vehicle crash was reported at about 3:50pm.

    The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

    State Highway 5 remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit conduct a scene examination.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 5, Mamaku closed following crash

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    State Highway 5 is closed just north of Mamaku following a crash.

    The single vehicle crash between Galaxy Road and Barker Road was reported at about 3:50pm.

    Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

    State Highway 5 is expected to remain closed for some time.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area, and expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Two men before the courts on unlawful hunting charges

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Two people are before the courts after Police executed two search warrants at addresses in Te Karaka, in relation to unlawful hunting in the region.

    The warrants were executed on Thursday 17 April, resulting in Police locating and seizing a firearm, ammunition, and a large amount of cannabis.

    Two men, aged 32 and 40, are due to appear in the Gisborne District Court tomorrow (23 April), facing charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, unlawful hunting and cultivating cannabis.

    Poaching and unlawful hunting continues to be an ongoing issue across the wider district, not only for personal safety reasons but also for the flow on effect from the damage caused to the forestry and farmers properties.
    These two arrests are a pleasing result, and Police will continue to work hard to hold offenders to account.

    Police urge anybody who has been a victim of poaching to make a report to Police via 105.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Delays following crash on SH1, Dome Forest

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Emergency services are responding to reports of a two vehicle crash on State Highway 1 in Dome Forest.

    The crash, near Sheepworld Farm Park, was reported to Police just before 2.30pm.

    Early indications suggest there are no serious injuries.

    Both north and southbound lanes are blocked

    Diversions are in place and motorists are advised to expect delays.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –