NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Announces Convictions of Defendants for Trafficking Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and 150,000 Packets of Fentanyl and Heroin

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the convictions of all 31 defendants previously charged for their roles in two major drug trafficking networks in Central New York and the North Country as part of an investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) and the Syracuse Police Department (SPD). The investigation led to the seizure of more than 150,000 envelopes containing fentanyl or a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, the value of which exceeded $500,000, as well as nearly a pound of methamphetamine and one-quarter kilogram of cocaine. All 31 members of the drug trafficking rings, who operated in Onondaga, Oswego, Cortland, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence counties, have pleaded guilty. As part of their guilty pleas in Onondaga County Court, the defendants have also forfeited over $25,000 connected to their drug trafficking and two vehicles used to transport and distribute narcotics.

    “This investigation successfully took down two drug trafficking rings that put communities throughout New York at risk by distributing deadly amounts of fentanyl,” said Attorney General James. “My office works every day to protect New Yorkers from opioids, and that includes bringing fentanyl traffickers to justice. I thank all of our partners in law enforcement for their support in this investigation, and I will continue to go after anyone who tries to flood our communities with dangerous drugs.”

    The investigation included covert physical surveillance, thousands of hours of electronic surveillance, and multiple search warrants, aimed at rooting out heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine dealers operating in Onondaga and Oswego Counties and elsewhere. In November 2023, Attorney General James announced that the 31 individuals were charged with 192 crimes in two separate indictments related to drug trafficking and weapons offenses. 

    Indictment One

    The first indictment outlined the activity of the “Castro Group” – which was led by Bayron Castro, a/k/a “Hov” – and charged 23 people with 150 counts for their roles in selling narcotics to customers residing in Onondaga, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Cortland Counties. The investigation recovered over 100,000 glassine envelopes containing fentanyl and heroin that Castro was storing and distributing from inside suitcases in a Syracuse apartment. Castro pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree and on February 5, 2025, he was sentenced to 12 years in state prison, to be followed by five years of post-release supervision.

    The investigation revealed that Castro procured significant quantities of fentanyl from a supplier in Bronx County, Luis Miguel Joaquin. Joaquin was sentenced to eight years plus five years of post-release supervision after pleading guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree. Castro and his associates were accused of supplying narcotics to their co-defendants, including several alleged Bricktown gang members who were distributing fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine throughout Onondaga, Oswego, Cortland, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence Counties.

    Indictment Two

    The second indictment outlined the activity of the “Pettiford Group” – which was led by Edward Pettiford, a/k/a “Buster” – and charged eight individuals with 42 counts for their roles in selling narcotics and methamphetamine and related events in Onondaga and Oswego Counties. The investigation of this group revealed that alleged Bricktown member Malik Evans was distributing narcotics in Onondaga and Oswego Counties, and that Evans was supplied by Henry Townsend, a/k/a “Henrock,” and Brycedon James, a/k/a “Doodak,” both of whom were supplied by Pettiford.

    Pettiford pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to six years in prison plus three years of post-release supervision. During the course of the investigation, defendant Henry Townsend fired a gun while seated in a vehicle in his driveway on West Newell Street, Syracuse, striking an innocent civilian across the street. Townsend has pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree in conjunction with that shooting, as well as Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, and he was sentenced to 12 years in prison plus five years of post-release supervision.

    “Law enforcement is never stronger than when we work together, nor is it more feared by those who decide to peddle death on our streets through narcotics like fentanyl and heroin,” said Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile. “This major drug investigation is a prime example of our strength through collaboration — from investigation through prosecution.”

    “These convictions speak volumes to the tremendous interagency coordination and cooperation necessary to get illegal drugs off our streets,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “As a result of the commitment among our law enforcement partners, two major drug trafficking operations have been shut down. These drugs destroy communities and put lives at risk, and I want to thank our members, the Office of the Attorney General, and all our law enforcement partners for their tenacious dedication to tracking illegal drugs and intercepting them at their source.

    The following guilty pleas have been entered and sentences imposed:

    • Deion Bradley of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. He was sentenced to three and a half years in prison plus two years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Bayron Castro, a/k/a “Hov”, of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree and was sentenced to 12 years in prison plus five years of post-release supervision and has forfeited two vehicles;
       
    • Jose Cosme of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon Third Degree. He was sentenced to three years in prison plus five years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Jean Carlos Cruz of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to five years in prison plus three years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Miguel Cruz, a/k/a “G,” of Liverpool, NY pleaded guilty to Conspiracy in the Second Degree and was sentenced to five to ten years in prison;
       
    • Lamell Davis, a/k/a “Melly,” or “O’Melly,” a/k/a “Felix,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and will receive a ten-year prison sentence;
       
    • Johnathan Delgado, a/k/a “Green Eyes,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. He was sentenced to four and a half years in prison plus three years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Malik Evans, a/k/a “Leek,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Attempted Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to five years in prison plus three years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Chad Firenze, of Granby, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to two years in prison plus two years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Terrah Frederick, of Adams Center, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to four years in prison plus two years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Jaidyn Freeman, a/k/a “Jaido,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to five years in prison plus two years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Shawn Gifford, a/k/a “Nani,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to three and a half years in prison plus two years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Michael Hudgins, of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree and was sentenced to five years of probation;
       
    • Xavier Jackson, of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to three years in prison plus three years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Brycedon James, a/k/a “Doodak,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to two and a half years in prison plus two years post-release supervision;
       
    • Emmanuel Jenkins, a/k/a “Lean,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Attempted Tampering with Physical Evidence and was sentenced to time served;
       
    • Kwamea Jenkins, of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to six years in prison plus two years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Luis Miguel Joaquin, of the Bronx, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree and was sentenced to eight years in prison plus five years of post-release supervision;
       
    • David Kalet, of Port Byron, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to four years in prison plus three years of post-release supervision;
       
    • James Kelley, of Liverpool, NY pleaded guilty to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. His sentence is pending;
       
    • Christopher Lanzafame, of Baldwinsville, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree and was sentenced to five years of probation;
       
    • Docciana Mack, of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree and was sentenced to five years of probation;
       
    • Devine Mobley, Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to three and a half years plus two years post-release supervision;
       
    • James Odom, of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to five years of probation;
       
    • Edward Pettiford, a/k/a “Buster,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to six years in prison plus three years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Keenan Scott, a/k/a “Kasey,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to four years in prison plus two years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Jamar Sheppard, a/k/a “Ski,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree and was sentenced to three years in prison plus two years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Carlos Torres, of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Attempted Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. His sentence is pending;
       
    • Henry Townsend, a/k/a “Rock,” a/k/a “Henrock,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. He was sentenced to12 years in prison plus five years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Jeffrey Walts, of Central Square, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and was sentenced to two and a half years in prison plus three years of post-release supervision;
       
    • Tevon Webb, a/k/a “Tay,” of Syracuse, NY pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree and was sentenced to 180 days in prison.

    The takedown marked another major drug bust in the Attorney General’s Suburban and Upstate Response to the Growing Epidemic (S.U.R.G.E.) Initiative, a law enforcement effort that brings together state and local law enforcement to target New York’s growing – and often violent – heroin, fentanyl, opioid, and narcotics trafficking networks. Since launching in 2017, SURGE has taken 991 alleged traffickers off the streets.

    The investigation brought together the resources of more than a dozen state, local, and federal enforcement agencies, including the SPD, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, City of Oswego Police Department, City of Fulton Police Department, New York State Police, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Cortland County Sheriff’s Office, the Metro-Jefferson Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Onondaga County Probation Department.

    The investigation was led by Syracuse Police Detective Travis Holmes and OAG OCTF Supervising Detective Tim MacConaghy, under the supervision of OCTF Assistant Chief Investigator John Monte and Deputy Chief Investigator Andrew Boss. The Attorney General’s Investigations Division is led by Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes.

    The case is being prosecuted by OAG OCTF Assistant Deputy Attorney General Geoffrey Ciereck, with the assistance of Legal Support Analyst Sean McCauley and OCTF Confidential Clerk Theresa Rowe, under the supervision of Upstate OCTF Deputy Chief Maria Moran. Nicole Keary is the Deputy Attorney General in Charge of OCTF. The Criminal Justice Division is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jose Maldonado. Both the Investigations Division and the Criminal Justice Division are overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Wins Case Against Google for Monopolies in Digital Advertising

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced a major court victory after the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia found that Google has violated the law by maintaining illegal monopolies in the digital advertising technology industry, stifling competition and harming website publishers, advertisers, and consumers. Attorney General James led a coalition of 17 attorneys general joining the Department of Justice (DOJ) to sue Google in 2023, seeking to stop Google’s anticompetitive conduct that threatens markets in the online advertising industry. 

    “Google’s monopolies allow it to soak up excessive profits, leaving less for the workers and businesses whose livelihoods depend on online advertising,” said Attorney General James. “Everyone from major news organizations to small independent bloggers has taken a financial hit because of Google’s conduct, making it harder to continue to offer free, high-quality content online for everyone. Today we won a major victory after a court found Google violated the law when it used its power and influence to limit competition. I look forward to continuing this case to deliver real change and restore competition to online advertising platforms that workers and businesses across the country rely on.”

    In January 2023, Attorney General James, DOJ, and the coalition of attorneys general sued Google for stifling competition in the advertising technology industry, harming website publishers, advertisers, and consumers. The lawsuit alleged Google’s market power allows it to control nearly every aspect of online ad sales, allowing it to extract higher fees from advertisers while paying lower amounts to publishers for their ad space. This conduct hurts consumers and web publishers by making it harder for websites to make enough money on their advertising inventory, preventing them from offering internet users content for free, without subscriptions, paywalls, or alternative forms of monetization.

    Today’s decision, issued by Judge Leonie Brinkema of the Eastern District of Virginia, found Google liable for violating antitrust law by acquiring and maintaining monopolies in the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets for open-web display advertising. The judge also found Google liable for unlawfully tying together its publisher ad server and its ad exchange and that Google harmed competition, its own customers, and Internet users by imposing anticompetitive policies that reduced quality and increased prices.

    A second phase of the trial to determine remedies for Google’s conduct will take place at a later date.

    This lawsuit is led by Attorney General James, the attorneys general of Virginia and California, and DOJ, along with the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Washington, and West Virginia.

    This matter is being handled for New York by Assistant Attorney General Morgan J. Feder of the Antitrust Bureau and Antitrust Bureau Chief Elinor Hoffmann. The Antitrust Bureau is a part of the Division of Economic Justice, which is overseen by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo and First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican Man Indicted for Re-Entry of Removed Alien

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSE GUADALUPE COCA-ESCALANTE, a/k/a “Lenin Romo”, a/k/a “Guadalupe Escalante,” (“COCA-ESCALANTE”) age 39, a native of Mexico, was indicted on April 11, 2025, for re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8 United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.

    According to the indictment, COCA-ESCALANTE was found in the United States on September 26, 2024, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on December 8, 2016.

    COCA-ESCALANTE faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for re-entry of a removed alien.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit  is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DES MOINES, Iowa – Three men were sentenced to federal prison for their role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

    According to public court documents, three men were involved in fentanyl distribution in the Des Moines metro throughout 2024: Chuol Peter Mai, 32, of Des Moines, Rickey Raymone Hayes, also known as “Dee,” of Des Moines, formerly of Detroit, and Keith Holliday, 35, of Detroit. In 2024, law enforcement purchased fentanyl pills from Mai using a confidential informant. Mai introduced the confidential informant to Hayes, Mai’s drug source of supply. Hayes directed Holliday to distribute the fentanyl pills to the confidential informant. In June 2024, Hayes’ vehicle and Des Moines residence were searched and law enforcement located more than $21,000 in cash in his vehicle, and a firearm and more than 200 grams of fentanyl at his residence.

    Mai was sentenced on April 2, 2025 to 60 months in federal prison. After completing his term of imprisonment, Mai will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release.

    Hayes was sentenced on March 28, 2025 to 150 months in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release.

    Holliday was sentenced on April 17, 2025 to 60 months in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

    United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Duxbury Man Charged With Distribution of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Duxbury man was arrested and charged on April 14, 2025 for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

    Daniel Debreczeni, 34, was charged with one-count of possession of child pornography. Debreczeni was arrested at his place of employment and made his initial appearance in federal court in Boston. He has been detained pending a detention hearing on April 23, 2025.

    According to the charging document between Nov. 29, 2023 and Dec. 12, 2023, Debreczeni distributed three videos containing child pornography by posting the videos on a file sharing site. The children in the three videos appeared to be between approximately two, three and eight years old.

    The charge of possession of child pornography, and distribution of child pornography, provide for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Duxbury and Quincy Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Haven Gang Member Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    DONELL ALLICK, JR., also known as “D-Nice,” 26, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 240 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his participation in a violent New Haven street gang and a murder in September 2022.

    Today’s announcement was made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, the ATF, FBI, DEA and New Haven Police Department, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, investigated a gang war between members and associates of the Exit 8 street gang and rival gangs in the Hill section and other areas of the city.  The Exit 8 gang is named after the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven.  Recently, younger members of Exit 8 are identifying themselves with the word “Honcho,” which is derived from the street name of an Exit 8 member who was murdered on Quinnipiac Avenue in February 2020.

    The investigation revealed that Allick and other members of the Exit 8 gang engaged in drug trafficking, used and shared firearms, and, since June 2018, have committed at least three murders and 16 attempted murders.  Exit 8 members and associates also stole vehicles, at times from outside of the state, and used those stolen vehicles when committing acts of violence.  Gang members also promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their narcotics distribution and acts of violence through text messaging and the use of social media applications and websites including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.

    On August 1, 2024, Allick pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, including acts of violence, narcotics trafficking, and gun sales, and specifically admitted that, on September 16, 2022, he and others shot Kenneth Cloud, 46, who was sitting on the porch of an Atwater Street residence in New Haven.  The victim was paralyzed as a result of the shooting and died approximately three months later.  Forty-three shell casings were found at the scene of the shooting.  Ballistics analysis revealed that 19 had been fired from a handgun later found in Allick’s vehicle, and 24 had been fired from a handgun later found inside Allick’s residence.

    Allick has been detained since his arrest on November 10, 2022.  On July 15, 2024, Judge Bolden sentenced him to 115 months of imprisonment in a separate federal case.  Allick’s 240-month sentence will run concurrently with his 115-month sentence.

    This investigation was conducted by the ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven Police Department, the Hamden Police Department, and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis and Rahul Kale.

    This prosecution was part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

    PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

    Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities.  Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.

    OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader of Detroit Gang Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy and Money Laundering

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

    DETROIT – A 34-year-old Shelby Township man, Martaze Davis, was sentenced to 20 years in prison today for trafficking methamphetamine and laundering drug proceeds, Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced.

    Beck was joined in the announcement by Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Drug Enforcement Administration, Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Charles E. Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Detroit Field Divisions.

    Davis was a leader in a Detroit gang, 42 Hustle Boys. The 42 Hustle Boys and a rival gang, the Seven Mile Bloods, engaged in a longstanding and deadly feud. This investigation and prosecution, which began in 2023, focused on Davis’s leadership of a drug conspiracy that sent members to California to purchase methamphetamine brought into the United States from Mexico and transport it across the United States for distribution in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Tennessee.

    On October 24, 2023, Davis and codefendant Alexander Polanco, 28, conspired to load a rental car occupied by codefendants Taneeya Richard, 25, and Dejon Howard-Henderson, 24, with 38.9 kilograms of methamphetamine. The following day, officers stopped the rental car in Texas and seized the methamphetamine. Davis also laundered drug proceeds through his personal and business bank accounts intending to conceal the nature and source of the proceeds.

    “Our office vigorously pursues drug traffickers, including gang leaders and members, who push dangerous drugs like methamphetamine into our communities with indifference to the tragedy it inflicts. Thanks to the outstanding teamwork among the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and U.S. Attorney’s Office, a dangerous drug trafficker and money launderer has been removed from our streets,” stated Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck.

    “Bringing members of violent street gangs to justice is one of our top operational priorities in the DEA Detroit Division. Mr. Davis and his 42 Hustle Boys co-conspirators are responsible for fueling untold suffering by funneling massive amounts of methamphetamine into areas already hard-hit by the opioid crisis.  Today’s sentence sends another clear message to drug trafficking organizations that their criminal behavior will not be tolerated and will be met with consequences,” said Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Drug Enforcement Administration.

    “Today’s sentencing of Martaze Davis represents a significant victory in our ongoing fight against organized crime and drug trafficking in Detroit,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office. “This case underscores the powerful collaboration between the FBI, DEA, and Detroit’s IRS Criminal Division. Together, we remain steadfast in our mission to disrupt criminal networks, dismantle money laundering operations, and protect our communities. The removal of Mr. Davis, a dangerous Detroit gang leader, from the streets is a pivotal step in safeguarding Michigan and ensuring the safety of all its residents. Our combined efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to keeping Detroit and the surrounding areas free from criminal activity.”

    “The laundering of illegal drug profits is as important and essential to drug traffickers as the very distribution of their illegal drugs. Without these ill-gotten gains, the traffickers could not finance their organizations,” said Charles Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “We will continue to be relentless in our mission to dismantle drug trafficking organizations and bring the criminals who run them to justice.”

    The Honorable Sean F. Cox sentenced Davis to 20 years in prison.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by AUSA Paul Kuebler.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florissant Sex Offender Admits New Child Pornography Offense

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

    ST. LOUIS – A registered sex offender from Florissant, Missouri on Wednesday admitted possessing child sexual abuse material.

    Christopher A. Wheetley, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography. He admitted that 470 images and one video containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) were found on his computer, as well as internet searches consistent with an interest in CSAM. The computer also contained 1,081 images and four videos in which children appeared to be depicted but their ages could not be determined.

    The CSAM was found on the computer after a St. Louis County Police Department detective conducting an online “peer-to-peer” investigation discovered CSAM on Sept. 12, 2023, that was linked to an IP address that traced back to Wheetley’s home. That home was the subject of an earlier investigation after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on Nov. 10, 2020, received a cyber-tip that 40 files containing CSAM had been uploaded to Kik in October from an IP address matching Wheetley.

    The day before the tip was received, Wheetley pleaded no contest to one count of possession of child pornography in California Superior Court in Pomona. When detectives arrived at his Florissant address to investigate the tip, he was in California to complete his term of probation for the child pornography conviction.

    Because Wheetley was previously convicted of distribution of child pornography, he faces at least 15 years in prison for the crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and Wheetley’s lawyer will recommend 15 years at the time of his sentencing, which is set for July 17.

    The St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Hayes is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Prison for Trafficking 230 Pounds of Methamphetamine and Five Pounds of Fentanyl

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

    FRESNO, Calif. — Isaac Abraham Sandoval Lopez, 36, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff to four years and nine months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, on June 26, 2024, officers stopped Sandoval Lopez for a traffic infraction while driving northbound on Interstate 5 in Fresno County. A subsequent search of his car revealed several bags, suitcases, and backpacks throughout the car containing different types of narcotics. In total, officers seized approximately 230 pounds of methamphetamine, 5 pounds of fentanyl, and 2 pounds of heroin.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the California Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Justice Prevails in Landmark Antitrust Case Against Google

    Source: US State of California

    Today the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice prevailed in its second monopolization case against Google. In United States et al. v. Google, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia held that Google violated antitrust law by monopolizing open-web digital advertising markets. According to the Court, Google “harmed Google’s publishing customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web.”   

    “This is a landmark victory in the ongoing fight to stop Google from monopolizing the digital public square,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will continue taking bold legal action to protect the American people from encroachments on free speech and free markets by tech companies.”

    “The Court’s ruling is clear: Google is a monopolist and has abused its monopoly power,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Google’s unlawful dominance allows them to censor and even deplatform American voices. And at the same time, Google destroyed and hid information that exposed its illegal conduct. Today’s opinion confirms Google’s controlling hand over online advertising and, increasingly, the internet itself. I am extraordinarily proud of the dedicated public servants whose tireless efforts led to today’s decision.”

    Today’s decision follows a 15-day trial in September 2024 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. In January 2023, the Justice Department, along with Attorneys General of several states and the Commonwealth of Virginia, filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Google for monopolizing key digital advertising technologies, referred to as the “ad tech stack,” that website publishers depend on to buy and sell ads that reach millions of customers. As alleged in the complaint, through a series of acquisitions and anticompetitive auction manipulation, Google subverted competition for over 15 years. As a result of Google’s anticompetitive and exclusionary conduct, its ad tech competitors were neutralized or eliminated.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Department of Justice Prevails in Landmark Antitrust Case Against Google

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Today the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice prevailed in its second monopolization case against Google. In United States et al. v. Google, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia held that Google violated antitrust law by monopolizing open-web digital advertising markets. According to the Court, Google “harmed Google’s publishing customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web.”   

    “This is a landmark victory in the ongoing fight to stop Google from monopolizing the digital public square,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will continue taking bold legal action to protect the American people from encroachments on free speech and free markets by tech companies.”

    “The Court’s ruling is clear: Google is a monopolist and has abused its monopoly power,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Google’s unlawful dominance allows them to censor and even deplatform American voices. And at the same time, Google destroyed and hid information that exposed its illegal conduct. Today’s opinion confirms Google’s controlling hand over online advertising and, increasingly, the internet itself. I am extraordinarily proud of the dedicated public servants whose tireless efforts led to today’s decision.”

    Today’s decision follows a 15-day trial in September 2024 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. In January 2023, the Justice Department, along with Attorneys General of several states and the Commonwealth of Virginia, filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Google for monopolizing key digital advertising technologies, referred to as the “ad tech stack,” that website publishers depend on to buy and sell ads that reach millions of customers. As alleged in the complaint, through a series of acquisitions and anticompetitive auction manipulation, Google subverted competition for over 15 years. As a result of Google’s anticompetitive and exclusionary conduct, its ad tech competitors were neutralized or eliminated.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta: Latent Print Match Leads to an Arrest in a 2016 Cold Case Homicide

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, April 17, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    FRESNO— California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto today announced the California Department of Justice (DOJ) provided a latent print match that has led to an arrest for the brutal 2016 murder of 68-year-old Gurcharan Singh Gill who was stabbed to death while he worked at a Central Fresno convenience store.
     
    “I am incredibly proud of the endless hours of behind the scenes work our Bureau of Forensic Services put into this case,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “We are hopeful that this arrest will bring justice and closure to this devastating case. Thank you to our partners at Fresno Police Department Office and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. This arrest proves that when we work together, we get results.”
     
    “This case is a powerful example of collaboration. The California Department of Justice was instrumental in the investigation of this murder,” said Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto. “From their initial response to the crime scene the night of the murder, to the relentless work of their forensic experts that was instrumental in identifying our suspect through latent print analysis — a breakthrough that revived a 2016 homicide investigation. Without the dedication and expertise of DOJ personnel, we wouldn’t be here today announcing this progress.”

    “Mr. Gill was the victim of a senseless and violent act, and for nearly a decade, his family has carried the weight of unanswered questions,” said Fresno County District Attoreny Lisa Smittcamp. “Today, we announce criminal charges that represent a significant step toward justice. This outcome is the result of an unwavering commitment by our office, in close coordination with the Attorney General’s Office, the FPD, and the Department of Justice’s forensic team, whose recent identification of a fingerprint match at the crime scene was pivotal. Although the defendant was a juvenile at the time of the offense, the severity of this crime demands accountability. We will continue to pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law, regardless of how much time has passed.”
     
    On New Years Day, an unknown suspect entered the Fresno convenience store that Mr. Gill was working at. The suspect beat and stabbed Mr. Gill then robbed the store. Once Fresno Police Department arrived, Mr. Gill had succumbed to his injuries and DOJ was called to process the scene for physical evidence. According to surveillance video, the suspect was seen placing his palm on the glass countertop in the store and touching many surfaces. DOJ was able to obtain latent prints and DNA, but they yielded no matches in the respective databases.
     
    Recently, the suspect got arrested in Stanislaus County and his palm prints were collected. After nine years, there was finally a match. Fresno Police Department located the suspect in Modesto area, and he has been arrested. The case is being prosecuted by the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. 
     
    A fact sheet outlining the work of the DOJ Bureau of Forensic Services can be found here.
     
     
     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Carthage Man Pleads Guilty to Burglary

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jackson, MS – On April 17, 2025, a Leake County man pleaded guilty to burglarizing the Red Water Day Care located in the Red Water Community of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

    According to court documents, in May of 2024, John Edward Tubby, Jr., 34, burglarized the day care, taking multiple electronic devices. Tubby was indicted by a federal grand jury in December of 2024.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi, made the announcement.  The Choctaw Police Department investigated the case.

    Tubby is scheduled to be sentenced in July and faces a maximum penalty of seven years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian K. Burns and Kevin J. Payne prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lawler Calls Out Schumer’s Shameful Lies And Failed Service After 50 Years in Elected Office

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Pearl River, N.Y. – 4/17/2025… Today, in response to Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s rally in Rockland County, where he falsely – and without evidence – accused Congressman Mike Lawler of cutting Medicaid, Rep. Lawler called Sen. Schumer “an inveterate liar” with a shameful record of putting partisan politics ahead of what’s best for New Yorkers. 

    “When Chuck Schumer got to Washington, D.C., our national debt was less than one trillion dollars, and today it’s $36 trillion and climbing with no end in sight. Any New Yorker – including the press – who takes him seriously on budget and spending issues should have their head examined,” said Rep. Lawler. “After 50 years in elected office, I wouldn’t trust Chuck Schumer to run a lemonade stand, let alone the federal government. No wonder he’s petrified of AOC.”

    Rep. Lawler specifically refuted bogus claims made by Sen. Schumer related to Medicaid. 

    “I have never and will never vote to cut Medicaid benefits for eligible recipients who rely on this program. Period. Full stop. Any accusation to the contrary is a lie and Sen. Schumer knows it,” added Rep. Lawler. “The difference between Sen. Schumer and me is that he wants to continue wasting billions of dollars providing Medicaid to illegal immigrants, who should be cut off immediately, and able-bodied young adults who would rather scam the system than try to find a job. Schumer is the reason our country is going broke, and New Yorkers pay the nation’s highest taxes. Instead of lying about me, he should be forced to answer for that.”

    Rep. Lawler also criticized Schumer over a host of other key issues. 

    Notably, that Senator Schumer blocked the Antisemitism Awareness Act during the 118th Congress, legislation that garnered overwhelming bipartisan support in the House, which combats the alarming rise in antisemitism nationwide. Schumer reportedly caved to pressure from the radical fringe of his party, choosing party politics over protecting Jewish communities.

    That Schumer was unable to advance any funding bills last year, forcing the House into repeated Continuing Resolutions for FY2025. As a result, important projects in New York, like clean water upgrades, public safety programs, and infrastructure improvements, have since been delayed.

    “When you look up ‘failed career politician’ in the dictionary, Sen. Schumer’s picture should be right next to it,” concluded Rep. Lawler. 

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Charged With Illegal Reentry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Fraidi Perez-Bartolon, age 34, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on April 16, 2025, by a federal grand jury on the charge of illegally reentering the United States after having previously been removed.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Perez-Bartolon was previously removed from the United States on June 2, 2012, through Calexico, California, and it is alleged that he was subsequently found in the United States without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country.  The indictment also alleges that on April 14, 2025, Perez-Bartolon was encountered in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. 

    The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 2 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bridgeport Gang Member Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    JAHAZ LANGSTON, also known as “Haz,” 25, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 188 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a violent Bridgeport street gang.

    Today’s announcement was made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder, and other acts of violence.  Langston was a member of the Original North End (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gangs, including the East End gang, the East Side gang, and the PT Barnum gang.  O.N.E. members also robbed drug dealers, customers, and others, sold narcotics, and stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut, often using the cars to commit crimes.  They frequently used social media to promote and coordinate their criminal activities.

    Text messages and social media posts reviewed during the investigation confirmed that Langston possessed and sold narcotics and firearms, stole vehicles, and was involved in related violent criminal activity alongside other O.N.E. members and associates.

    The investigation also determined that Langston and fellow O.N.E. member Amire Newsome conspired to murder rival gang members and, on March 7, 2021, shot and severely injured the mother of two rival gang members as she drove her vehicle on I-95.

    O.N.E. members committed other violent crimes, including murder.

    Langston has been detained since his arrest on July 20, 2021.  On September 13, 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity.

    Approximately 47 members and associates of multiple Bridgeport-based gangs have been convicted of federal offenses stemming from this investigation, which has solved eight murders and approximately 20 attempted murders.

    Newsome pleaded guilty on August 16, 2023, and awaits sentencing.

    This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, Waterbury Police Department, and Naugatuck Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Stephanie T. Levick, and Rahul Kale.

    This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

    PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 

    Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities.  Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.  If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.

    OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Danville Man Sentenced to 30 Years In Prison for Fentanyl Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony D. Bressi, age 53, of Danville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 15, 2025, to 30 years’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, from 2016 through June 2019, Bressi manufactured over 150 kilograms of fentanyl at a lab in East Buffalo Township, Union County, PA. Bressi would then distribute fentanyl and fentanyl analogues to two distributors: Terry Harris, in Philadelphia, PA and Damonico Henderson, in the Cleveland, Ohio area.  Bressi, Harris and Henderson developed their drug conspiracy in federal prison where Bressi had been serving a 20-year sentence for manufacturing methamphetamine and explosives.

    Bressi was convicted by a jury on November 4, 2024, after a week-long trial.  Harris and Henderson previously pleaded guilty to their role in the conspiracy. Both Harris and Henderson were sentenced to 10 years in prison. 

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorneys Geoffrey MacArthur, Jeffrey St. John, and Alisan Martin prosecuted the case.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee against Torture Praise France’s Engagement with the Review Process, Ask about Prison Overcrowding and Excessive Use of Force by the Police

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee against Torture today concluded its consideration of the eighth periodic report of France under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, with Committee Experts praising the State’s engagement with the review process, and raising questions about prison overcrowding and excessive use of force by the police.

    Abderrazak Rouwane, Country Co-Rapporteur and Committee Expert, commended France’s strong engagement with the review process, with the participation of a large, high-level delegation, the national human rights institution and civil society.

    Mr. Rouwane said conditions in French prisons were very concerning, with serious overcrowding. There were over 79,000 prisoners, although there were only 61,000 prison places, and there were reports of rodent, cockroach and bedbug infestations, poor sanitation facilities, and a lack of penitentiary staff.  What measures were in place to prevent prison occupancy from exceeding 100 per cent?

    Jorge Contesse, Country Co-Rapporteur and Committee Expert, said excessive use of force by French police officers at road checks and during protests had in certain cases led to serious injury and death.  A 2017 law allowed police officers to fire on civilians if they believed that they posed a significant threat, which reportedly influenced the rise in deaths caused by police officers since 2017.  What measures were in place to prevent excessive use of force by the police?

    Introducing the report, Isabelle Rome, Ambassador for Human Rights, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France and head of the delegation, said France was working to fight against prison overcrowding and improve prison conditions.  The Ministry of Justice was developing alternatives to incarceration, strengthening early release mechanisms and constructing prison buildings to create 15,000 additional places.  Some 6,500 new places had been created and 17 new detention facilitates had been established thus far.

    The delegation added that a 2019 law scrapped prison terms of less than one month, while a 2021 law strengthened mechanisms for early release such as bail and a 2023 law promoted alternatives to detention, such as house arrests with electronic tags and community service

    On excessive use of force by police officers, Ms. Rome said various training activities had been conducted for State officials on human rights and the prevention of violence. The police code of ethics stated that force was to be used only when necessary and proportionate to the seriousness of the threat.  France had also reformed its doctrine of policing demonstrations, guaranteeing the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly.

    The delegation added that the judiciary imposed proper sanctions for cases of excessive use of force, including imprisonment.  There were 350 cases of excessive use of force in 2021.  In 96 per cent of convictions, perpetrators were imprisoned; the average prison term was 15 months.

    In closing remarks, Erdogan Iscan, Committee Vice-Chair and acting Chair for the dialogue, expressed appreciation for the delegation’s active engagement in the constructive dialogue.  The Committee’s recommendations would aim to improve the implementation of the Convention in the State party and eliminate obstacles.

    In her concluding remarks, Ms. Rome said that the Committee’s painstaking work would inspire the State party in its future endeavours.  Its recommendations would be closely scrutinised by the State party.  France would continue to promote the Convention and combat torture around the world.

    The delegation of France consisted of representatives from the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Overseas Territories; Ministry of the Interior; Ministry of Justice; Ministry of the Armed Forces; Ministry of Health and Prevention; French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons; and the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee will issue concluding observations on the report of France at the end of its eighty-second session on 2 May.  Those, and other documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, will be available on the website of the session.  Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, and webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.

    The Committee will next meet in public on Wednesday, 23 April at 10 a.m. to consider the third periodic report of Turkmenistan (CAT/C/TKM/3).

     

    Report

    The Committee has before it the eighth periodic report of France (CAT/C/FRA/8).

    Presentation of Report

    ISABELLE ROME, Ambassador for Human Rights, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France and head of the delegation, said respect for human rights and the prohibition of any act of torture or inhuman and degrading treatment were priorities in France’s foreign policy.  On the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the President made concrete commitments, such as the organisation of the ninth World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Paris in 2026.  On the fortieth anniversary of the Convention in 2024, France issued a statement reaffirming its support for the universalisation and implementation of the Convention and its Optional Protocol. Together with its partners, France organised the first World Congress on Enforced Disappearances in Geneva at the end of January 2025. 

    As a member of the Global Alliance for Torture-Free Trade, France would continue to support the development of an international and binding legal instrument on trade in goods which could be used for capital punishment or torture.  While France already applied European provisions on such trade, regulating trade in such goods at the international level would be a crucial step towards eradicating torture and ill-treatment globally.

    France had strengthened its public policies regarding torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment since its last report in 2020.  Various training activities for State officials on human rights and the prevention of violence had been increased.  The Code of Ethics of the National Police and the National Gendarmerie stated that force was to be used only within the framework set by law, only when necessary, and proportionate to the seriousness of the threat.  Judicial authorities investigated the most serious cases of alleged crimes and misdemeanours by police officers.  The State had also reformed its doctrine of policing demonstrations, guaranteeing the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

    The legal framework guaranteed the right of persons in police custody to notify any person of their choice, the right to a doctor, the right to silence, and the right to be immediately assisted by a lawyer.  France was also working to fight against prison overcrowding and improve prison conditions.  It adopted a preventive remedy mechanism in April 2021 to guarantee the right to respect for dignity in detention and a decree in June 2023 on legal aid.  In addition, the Ministry of Justice was developing alternatives to incarceration, strengthening early release mechanisms and constructing prison buildings to create 15,000 places.  Measures had been put in place to increase access to psychiatric care in prisons and to control the use of solitary confinement.  The policy to combat suicide in prisons was bearing fruit, and measures to prevent and punish gender-based violence against intersex and transgender people had been implemented.  Further, at psychiatric establishments, structural reforms and significant financial measures had been taken to strengthen care and the training of caregivers.

    The immigration law of January 2024 introduced several significant advances: the creation of “France asylum” spaces and territorial chambers of the National Court of Asylum, simplification of immigration litigation, more effective protection of the most vulnerable asylum seekers, the cessation of detention of families with minors, and the creation of a fine for employers who used the work of foreigners without a residence permit in France.

    France was under no obligation under the Convention to remove the statute of limitations on the offence of torture.  However, the offence of torture as a predicate offence of the crime against humanity remained imprescriptible.

    In December 2023, France presented its third national plan to combat the exploitation and trafficking of human beings, for the years 2024 to 2027, consisting of 60 measures, the follow-up of which would be coordinated by an interministerial committee.  The Central Office for the Repression of Trafficking in Human Beings had also developed a strategy to combat the prostitution system and sexual exploitation.

    France was more committed than ever to the fight against discrimination, hate crimes and hate speech, in particular acts committed online.  A national unit for the fight against online hate was created within the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office in 2020.  The National Plan for Equality developed for the period 2023-2026 included concrete and ambitious actions to eradicate the scourge of hatred and violence.  In May 2024, the President announced the creation of a new non-governmental organization, the Christchurch Call Foundation, to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.  A May 2024 law was also introduced to regulate the digital space to strengthen the repression of hate speech.

    In New Caledonia, the Government had been particularly active to guarantee the safety of people during the recent riots.  Emergency measures, for the benefit of the economic world and local authorities, had been deployed.  The working mission set up by the Head of State was engaging in dialogue with the local political forces, in the spirit of the Nouméa Accords.  In Mayotte, France had carried out operations aimed at restoring public order and combatting illegal immigration, and had accelerated the processing of asylum applications.  It was also heavily mobilised in the aftermath of Cyclone Chido. France remained committed to supporting the people of Mayotte in this ordeal by mobilising all the resources necessary for reconstruction and the restoration of daily life.

    Nine years after France’s last examination before this Committee and five years after the publication of its national report, France was staying the course to ensure that progress was made in the fight against torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, in France and internationally.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    JORGE CONTESSE, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said France’s Criminal Code criminalised torture but did not specifically define the crime. The State needed to integrate a definition that was in line with article one of the Convention.  Why was the State party reluctant to have a stand-alone definition of torture, unlike other common law countries?  What court rulings had included specific definitions of torture? Why had France refused to remove the statute of limitations on torture crimes unless the crime was a crime against humanity?

    Reportedly, there were excessive delays in police informing detainees of their rights, particularly for arrests after demonstrations.  There were reports of excessive arrests to dissuade protesters.  Police custody lasted up to 48 hours, but this could be extended to 96 hours for serious offences.  The Committee was concerned by reported plans to increase the length of police custody, and reports of excessive handcuffing and poor training of police on custody regulations.  Was training on police ethics provided only on recruitment or continuously?  Was training provided on the Istanbul Protocol? Were there plans to introduce tools to monitor torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in police custody?

    Excessive use of force by French police officers at road checks and during protests had in certain cases led to serious injury and death.  What measures were in place to prevent excessive use of force?  One man of African descent had died in 2016 following arrest, and no one had been held accountable.  There were grounds to believe that there was a lack of proper training on excessive use of force.  A law of 2017 allowed police officers to fire on civilians if they believed that they posed a significant threat.  This law had reportedly influenced the rise in deaths caused by police officers since 2017.  Had the State party implemented measures to address racism in the police force?  What were the findings of the 2024 thinktank established to assess the increase in incidents of excessive use of force? What measures were in place to prevent excessive use of force by the police and what penalties were issued to perpetrators?

    In New Caledonia, eight Kanak protesters were killed by French officials under the state of emergency.  A large number of protesters were arrested and many claimed to have been beaten by police officers.  Why were detained persons taken to mainland France?  Why did the State party refuse to recognise the rights of indigenous peoples on French territory?

    Restrictions on immigration had reportedly increased due to a recent law on immigration control.  The fast-tracked procedure introduced by this law gave asylum seekers less time to prepare their cases.  What was the State party’s view of these legal changes?  How were lawyers who represented asylum seekers chosen and how was their performance assessed?  There were concerns about unlawful deportations and failure to respect the rights of asylum seekers.  France had forcibly expelled over 3,500 asylum seekers without sufficiently assessing the risks that they faced in their home countries.  What measures were in place to prevent forced expulsions? Would the State party respect the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights in this regard?  How many appeals had been made against forced removals and what were their outcomes?

    State law was clear that French courts could prosecute people pursuant to the Convention for torture crimes committed outside of France; why did the same provisions not apply on crimes committed domestically?  France had called for the arrest of the President of the Russian Federation under the Rome Statute in 2024 but had stated that the President of Israel was immune to the International Court of Justice’s arrest warrant.  Why did its position differ for these two leaders?

    ABDERRAZAK ROUWANE, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, welcomed that the State party had provided detailed responses to the list of issues.  He also commended France’s strong engagement with the review process, with the participation of a large, high-level delegation, the national human rights institution and civil society.

    Nothing justified the violence that had been seen since Sunday in prisons against penitentiary staff in France, but conditions in prisons were very concerning, with serious prison overcrowding.  There were over 79,000 prisoners in France, although there were only 61,000 prison places. The overcrowding rate was 150 per cent on average, and one prison had a rate of over 300 per cent.  There had been a 5.6 per cent increase in pre-trial detainees in 2024 compared to 2023.  There were reports of rodent, cockroach and bedbug infestations in prisons, poor sanitation facilities, a lack of access to natural light, and a lack of penitentiary staff. 

    What measures were in place to develop a law to prevent prison occupancy from exceeding 100 per cent?  Detainees were not informed about the complex complaints’ mechanisms available.  What measures would the State party take to bolster non-custodial alternatives and reduce the use of pre-trial detention? How did the State party ensure that full body searches were only conducted when necessary and prevent excessive night surveillance activities?  What was the legal framework related to body searches, night searches, and the complaints mechanism for prisoners?

    Prison overcrowding inhibited prisoners’ access to medical services.  Detainees needed to send written advanced requests for medical check-ups and there was a high rate of cancellation of medical transfers due to logistical difficulties.  Detainees with psychosocial disabilities were disproportionately represented in prisons. What steps had been taken to improve access to medical services in prisons and to prevent the incarceration of persons with psychosocial disabilities?  The number of suicides in places of deprivation of liberty in 2024 had increased compared to 2023, despite measures implemented to prevent them. How many investigations had been opened into suicides, and how many staff had been convicted related to prison deaths?

    Disciplinary seclusion measures were reportedly excessively used in places of deprivation of liberty.  How was the State party addressing this issue?  The law provided a maximum duration of solitary confinement for up to 30 days. What measures would the State party take to ban solitary confinement for minors aged between 16 and 18 and persons with psychosocial disabilities? 

    Maximum security wings had been established for persons accused of terrorism that were tantamount to solitary confinement.  Detainees were systematically handcuffed when guards carried out random checks and there were frequent full body searches.  What measures were in place to increase human contact for persons in these wings and to protect their rights?  How would the State party prevent the unnecessary detention of persons with disabilities and ensure that such people had access to the necessary support and facilities that they needed?

    Police custody facilities were small and inappropriate, with overcrowding, poor sanitation facilities, unwashed blankets and lack of access to drinking water.  In one case, a detainee had spent the night handcuffed to a waiting bench rather than being placed in a cell.  How would the State party ensure that handcuffs were used only as provided for in law, improve detainment facilities, and strengthen training for police officers on detainees’ rights?

    The Committee welcomed the 2024 ban on administrative detention for children.  However, administrative detention centres increasingly resembled prisons, with poor facilities, insufficient provision of food, and wire cages for detainees.  How would the State party improve conditions in administrative detention and prevent the detention of unaccompanied minors in Mayotte?

    There were 112 holding areas at ports on French territory.  Some 8,600 persons were held in these areas in 2023, where conditions were reportedly worsening.  There was no separation of men, women and children, and it was hard for detainees to access health care and psychological care, leading to suicides.  There were also reports of detained persons being subjected to violence.  How would the State party encourage civil society organizations and oversight bodies to visit these areas?  How would it improve conditions and access to support services and prevent the detainment of children in these areas?

    There were around 500 incidents reported to the Ombudsman in 2023 related to the excessive use of force by police officers.  Administrative penalties had been issued to police officers in around 40 cases.  The rate of prosecutions for such cases had fallen between 2016 and 2021.  Why was this?  The Committee was concerned by the increase in the use of tasers.  Three people were seriously injured in 2023 by tasers.  A 30-year-old man’s heart had stopped twice after police used a taser on him.  How did the State party ensure that the use of tasers followed principles of proportionality?

    Another Committee Expert cited reports that police identity checks disproportionately targeted persons belonging to racial and ethnic minorities, particularly Black and Arab persons.  Would the Government take measures to ensure that police used stop-and-search measures in strict compliance with international law?  What oversight was there of these practices?

    One Committee Expert asked about measures to properly investigate cases of sexual violence and to strengthen support services for victims of sexual violence and incest. There were reports of mothers being criminalised for child abduction in cases where they sought to protect their children from abusive fathers.  How would the State prevent the prosecution of mothers in such cases?  Could the State party provide information on investigations into cases of sexual violence committed by French troops in the Central African Republic?  What safeguards were in place to ensure consent for medical procedures on intersex persons?

    A Committee Expert asked about pre-deployment training provided to French peacekeepers on international humanitarian law.  What training did police receive on the use of tasers and other equipment?  The United Nations General Assembly had called on States to prevent and prohibit trade in equipment for the purposes of torture. What legal and policy measures were in place in this regard?

    One Committee Expert said that in recent years, the Government had initiated fewer investigations into trafficking and prosecuted fewer traffickers.  Enforcement authorities reportedly continued to arrest child victims of forced begging and deport undocumented minors from Mayotte without investigating whether they were victims of trafficking.  How was this being prevented?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said France believed that the Criminal Code covered the provisions of the Convention; there was thus no need to revise it.  There was a 2022 court of cassation ruling that included a definition of torture that was in line with that of the European Convention on Human Rights.  The crime of torture was not time-barred when it was part of a crime against humanity or genocide.  The statute of limitations lasted for 20 years from the commission of the crime; the State party believed that this was long enough.

    There had been major reforms to police custody legislation that allowed for immediate access to lawyers from the moment of detention.  Persons in detention could inform third parties of the detention and needed to be immediately informed of their rights.  Police custody was rendered void if it did not respect legal regulations.  It could not exceed 24 hours, but could be extended by courts in certain situations, such as in cases of drug trafficking and terrorism due to the complex nature of investigations.  Preventative arrest was illegal in France.

    Respect for human dignity and hygiene in places of deprivation of liberty was a priority for the State party.  It was modernising police detention facilities, installing floor heating, and expanding cell sizes.  The Police Commissioner and the Head of the Gendarme Brigade were responsible for ensuring appropriate detention conditions and regular cleaning.  There were regular inspections of the gendarmerie and police stations.  The percentage of blankets that had been washed had increased between 2016 and 2021, and single-use blankets were also being used.  Water was not available in cells for security reasons, but police were required to provide water to detainees when they asked for it. Persons were not to be placed in cells with blocked toilets.  Around 90 per cent of facilities had hygiene kits.

    There was initial training for police and gendarmerie officers on regulations related to arrests, ethics and appropriate use of force, and additional training was provided to officers upon promotion.  Officers who handled weapons needed to go through training each year on rules related to the use of weapons.  Work psychology programmes had been set up that promoted de-escalation and delaying the use of weapons.  Victims’ associations provided testimony during training courses. 

    The national training college for prison guards provided theoretical training on European legislation on human rights and the use of force, and virtual reality helmets were used in practical training for guards on preventing violence.  Prison guards were trained to build positive relationships with inmates and to use non-violent means of resolving conflicts. Persons who conducted hearings of asylum seekers were trained on the Istanbul Protocol and on identifying victims of torture.  A Government body had been established that focused on issues of torture and trauma in asylum assessments.

    Police and the gendarme were guided by the Criminal Code, which gave them the right to decide whether to handcuff an individual based on the threat that they posed and the flight risk.  Training taught officers how to observe and read situations and to follow technical guidelines.  Handcuffing to a fixed point could only be done when necessary to prevent persons in custody from becoming a danger to themselves or police.  Handcuffing persons lying on their stomach was prohibited in 2021.

    Tear gas was not recommended to be used in closed areas such as football stadiums.  There was rigorous training on tear gas, flash-ball launchers and tasers, which could not be used on moving vehicles.  Police were bound to provide immediate assistance to persons struck by these weapons.  Sonar grenades were used to disperse crowds rather than explosive devices. There was post-facto judicial oversight on the use of these devices.

    Police could only carry out identity checks if there was a suspicion of illegal or threatening behaviour or an arrest warrant.  Body searches sometimes needed to be carried out during identity checks to check for weapons.  Only officers of the same sex could carry out such searches and there was post-facto judicial oversight.

    State agents received ongoing training on the appropriate use of force.  The 2017 law spelled out the rules on the appropriate use of force, respecting the principles of necessity and proportionality. There were 5,300 assaults on police in 2023.  In 2015 and 2016, many police officers had been killed; this number had reduced each year since.

    Law enforcement officials’ activity was monitored by plaintiffs, external oversight bodies and superiors.  Members of the public could report illegal behaviour via various channels; some 6,000 complaints had been received in 2024.  Investigations were carried out into all complaints, and prosecutions or administrative actions were taken to respond to failings.  Close to 600 police officers had been sanctioned in 2024. The judiciary imposed proper sanctions for cases of excessive use of force, including imprisonment.  There were 350 cases of excessive use of force in 2021.  In 96 per cent of convictions, perpetrators were imprisoned; the average prison term was 15 months.

    Racial and facial profiling were prohibited.  Complaints related to racial profiling and discriminatory identity checks represented only a small percentage of complaints against police.  Officers were required to explain why identity checks were carried out and to wear body cameras when carrying out checks.

    Training was provided to prison staff at juvenile detention centres on responding to violent situations.  Prison guards were not allowed to use any form of violence against detainees. Force could only be used when necessary and needed to be proportionate.  Excessive use of force was reported to the judiciary for investigation.  Accused guards could be suspended and their salary withheld.

    The rights of irregular migrants were systematically respected in administrative detention centres. People placed in these centres were deemed to be a threat to public order; half of the people in these centres had served prison sentences.  All cases of excessive use of force by officials were subject to judicial oversight.

    New Caledonia had been trying to develop its institutional framework.  Some stakeholders had been expressing their discontent with this process, giving rise to protests in spring 2024, in which hundreds of people were injured.  There were 14 deaths, including deaths of two gendarmes.  Hundreds of firearms were fired at police officers, and hundreds of people who participated in the protests were subsequently subjected to prison sentences.  A minister for the overseas territories had since been appointed and would promote a peaceful emancipation process.

    All persons’ rights were protected in France, regardless of their cultural and racial heritage.  French authorities paid special attention to the needs and desires of persons living in its overseas territories, including related to health, education and land rights. The legal framework was reconciled with customary laws in Guyana and New Caledonia by customary councils of indigenous peoples.  Authorities supported these bodies and sought to increase their resources.

    Deaths of migrants could be attributed to traffickers and businesses that exploited migrants’ suffering.  Some 73 migrants had died in the English Channel.  Law enforcement officials sought to prevent deaths of migrants at sea. When foreign citizens posed threats to the country, they could be extradited.  Appeals to extraditions could be lodged within 24 hours of the decision.  Qualified legal experts represented foreigners that lodged appeals.  The principle of non-refoulement was respected by France in extradition procedures.  Risks of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment were taken into consideration by officials at all stages of proceedings. France sought guarantees from receiving countries that extradited persons would not be subjected to torture.

    The overall prison occupation rate was 131 per cent as of 2025.  The Ministry of Justice had rolled out a voluntary prison regulation policy.  A 2019 law scrapped prison terms of less than one month, while a 2021 law strengthened mechanisms for early release such as bail.  A 2023 law promoted alternatives to detention, such as house arrests with electronic tags and community service.  There was a programme in place to add 15,000 prison places.  Some 6,500 new places had been created and 17 new detention facilitates had been established thus far.  In 2024, 18 million euros were allocated to renovation and maintenance of overseas prisons.  In Mayotte, Cyclone Chido had caused damage to detention facilities; funds had been allocated to ensure repairs and to reduce overcrowding in these facilities.

    French law established strict conditions for the detention of minors.  Minors aged 16 to 18 could only be held in solitary confinement for three to six days, or in single person blocks from five to seven days. Seclusion did not restrict their access to family visits or medical and education services.  The number of suicides in prisons had increased in recent years; it was around 140 in 2024.  The increase was proportionate to the increase in the prison population. An action plan for preventing suicides had been drafted in 2023.  The State had provided over 1,800 prison staff with training on preventing suicide and a hotline had been established to report detainees’ suicide risks.

    All detainees were provided with healthcare that was of the same quality of that of the general population free of charge.  Each place of deprivation of liberty had a healthcare clinic.  The State party was encouraging student doctors to carry out internships at prisons, and to try job sharing between hospitals and prison clinics.

    All sexual relationships with children aged 14 or younger were considered to be rape.  When persons reported sexual violence by partners, anti-family violence units carried out investigations and judicial action was taken against perpetrators.

    There was currently a legal debate raging in France related to the obligation to cooperate with the rulings of the International Criminal Court.  French courts would rule on this issue, reviewing arrest warrant requests and the immunities that applied to officials. 

    France trained military staff who were to be deployed overseas on international humanitarian and human rights law, including the prohibition of torture.  Allegations of abuse citing members of the French armed forces were handed over to judicial authorities for investigation.  Constant assessments of human rights protections by French armed forces were conducted in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross.  France applied internationally determined sanctions and embargos on goods that could be used for capital punishment and torture.

    A bioethics law was adopted in 2021 and six centres specialised in caring for intersex children had been set up.  Experts made proposals regarding treatment and therapy for intersex children.  The aim was to avoid abusive therapy. Assessments were well received by surgeons and families.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    JORGE CONTESSE, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, asked if France planned to take measures to incorporate the complete prohibition of torture in domestic law and prevent superior orders from being used as a defence for the act. Were superiors held accountable for subordinates’ actions if they were aware of them?  It was striking that France refused to define torture in its legislation or to remove the statute of limitations on it.  Why was this?  Had there been cases in which individuals had sought to lodge torture cases after the statute of limitations had elapsed?

    In one case of a killing by police, it seemed that there was there was no immediate threat to officers when they fired on a person.  Had the concept of “imminent threat” intentionally been removed from the 2017 law?  Why had killings by police reportedly increased five-fold since the introduction of the law?  There was a large discrepancy between the number of cases of racial profiling recorded by the State and the number reported by civil society.  Why was this?

    Leaders of indigenous independence movements had reportedly been held in seclusion in New Caledonia for more than 300 days.  Was this information credible?  Why had persons who were detained in New Caledonia transferred to the mainland? Did transferred persons consent to such transfers?  Dialogue was needed to advance toward emancipation in New Caledonia.  How did the State party ensure that the best legal experts provided counsel to persons who came before asylum authorities?

    The International Criminal Court specified that Heads of State did not enjoy immunity from arrest warrants.  How did France understand its obligations to the Court?

    ABDERRAZAK ROUWANE, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said that the dialogue had been fruitful.  The Committee welcomed the recent survey undertaken on hate crimes conducted in 2023, which found that more than three-fifths of these crimes concerned racial discrimination.  The Committee welcomed measures adopted in the national anti-racism plan to eliminate racism; what results had been achieved by the plan?  What follow-up had the State party carried out on the Ombudsperson’s recommendations concerning medical procedures on intersex persons? The Ombudsperson had called for the prohibition of flash-ball launchers; had this been enacted?

    Other Committee Experts asked questions on reports of excessive use of physical restraints in psychiatric institutions, monitoring of such institutions, and strategies to increase the number of qualified medical personnel and prevent violence against children in them; measures to ensure that the definition of rape in the Criminal Code was in line with international standards; and steps taken to ensure the safety of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons in detention.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the Criminal Code stated that persons were held criminally responsible for carrying out orders that were clearly unlawful.

    There was complete withdrawal of parental authority when a parent posed a risk to children. Various judicial bodies collaborated to assess cases of parental abduction and domestic violence.

    The 2017 law on internal security specified that weapons could only be used when strictly necessary and after verbal orders were given.  Police considered the imminence of danger when acting.  State figures suggested that there had been a 44 per cent increase in deaths caused by police since the adoption of the 2017 law, not a five-fold increase.

    Professional lawyers were appointed to defend asylum seekers.  It was not up to the French Government to give instructions regarding how cases of transfer from New Caledonia to the mainland were handled. The Government had been working to improve detention conditions in New Caledonia.

    Full body searches could only be used as a last resort measure.  Searches into cavities were banned.  Training on body searches was provided for prison staff.  Some 48 cases had been brought against prison staff for repeated searches.  There was an awareness raising campaign in place on promoting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons in prison.  Transgender persons were placed in vulnerable wings only as a last resort.  Reports of discrimination or sexual violence against these persons were investigated.

    There was administrative, medical and judicial oversight of psychiatric institutions. Reforms that were undertaken in 2021 ensured that authorised institutions had the necessary equipment and resources.  Doctors needed to obtain authorisation to carry out non-consensual medical procedures and there was judicial oversight of such procedures and of hospitalisations.

    The law on rape covered non-consensual contact with genitals.  In 2021, the act of ordering rape was considered a crime.

    Concluding Remarks

    ERDOGAN ISCAN, Committee Vice-Chair and acting Chair for the dialogue, expressed appreciation for the delegation’s active engagement in the constructive dialogue. The multilateral system was facing a political and financial crisis and it was important to reacknowledge the value of the United Nations Charter.  The dialogue was an essential tool for this process.  The Committee’s recommendations would aim to improve the implementation of the Convention in the State party and eliminate obstacles in this regard. It would identify three recommendations for immediate follow-up within a year.

    ISABELLE ROME, Ambassador for Human Rights, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France and head of the delegation, thanked the Committee for the high-quality dialogue.  The Committee’s painstaking work would inspire the State party in its future endeavours.  France was a living democracy and could only move forward.  The Committee’s recommendations would be closely scrutinised by the State party, including regarding the statute of limitations. The legal reforms implemented by the State party aimed to strengthen the rights of all persons in France, including those in detention.  There was no tolerance for discrimination.  France would continue to promote the Convention and combat torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment around the world.

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

     

    CAT25.006E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: How DHS is Combating Child Exploitation and Abuse

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Fact Sheet: How DHS is Combating Child Exploitation and Abuse

    very day, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leads the fight against online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA)

    As part of the Department’s critical mission to combat crimes of exploitation and protect victims, we investigate these abhorrent crimes, spread awareness, collaborate with interagency and international partners, and expand our reach to ensure children are safe and protected

    “At the Department of Homeland Security, our mission is to protect the American people, and that includes protecting our children

    The internet has completely changed how we connect, but it has also opened new doors for predators who want to harm our kids,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

    “It’s a topic that should unite all of us, and I appreciate the opportunity to highlight the work of Homeland Security Investigations and all that they do to combat online child exploitation

    ”
    DHS battles online CSEA using all available tools and resources department-wide, emphasizing its commitment to the Department’s homeland security mission to “Combat Crimes of Exploitation and Protect Victims

    ” In recognition of President Trump’s proclamation designating April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, DHS is committed to raising awareness of these heinous crimes, preventing child exploitation and abuse, and bringing perpetrators to justice

    As part of the Department’s ongoing work in this area, today DHS is celebrating the one-year anniversary of Know2Protect, the U

    S

    government’s first prevention and awareness campaign to combat online CSEA

     
    Between April 2024 and February 2025:

    DHS launched Know2Protect®, a first of its kind national public awareness campaign to combat online CSEA

    The campaign enhances the Department’s capabilities to combat online CSEA by partnering with the private sector to deliver its awareness messaging and coordinating federal efforts to confront and prevent this growing epidemic

    The Department has successfully entered into over 20 Know2Protect® Memoranda of Understanding with leading technology companies, national and international sports leagues, youth-serving organizations and nonprofits, and other private sector partners to raise awareness of this crime and help children stay safer online

    DHS increased the footprint of law enforcement partners at the DHS Cyber Crimes Center (C3) to enhance coordination across all DHS agencies and offices to combat cyber-related crimes and further the Department’s mission to combat online CSEA

    Several partners are collocated and work together every day at the DHS C3, including the United States Secret Service (USSS), U

    S

    Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the United States Marshals Service (USMS),      U

    S

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS)

     
    The Blue Campaign, part of the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking, hosted 170 national trainings on the indicators of forced labor and sex trafficking and how to report these crimes with more than 24,000 participants from the federal government, non-governmental organizations, law enforcement, and other external stakeholders

    DHS identified and rescued 1,567 child victims of online CSEA through the work of HSI and made 4,460 arrests for crimes involving online CSEA

    Learn more in the U

    S

     Immigration and Customs Enforcement Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report
    HSI and ERO have instituted a collaborative operational initiative to locate unaccompanied alien children (UAC) released from the care and custody of the U

    S

    Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement (HHS-ORR)

    The UAC initiative   identifies and locates UACs to ensure immigration obligations are met, and investigate any potential indicators of forced labor, sex trafficking, or other exploitation

    To accomplish this work, DHS coordinates with law enforcement at home and abroad to enforce and uphold our laws, protects victims with a victim-centered approach that prioritizes dignity and respect, and works to stop this heinous crime through public education and outreach

    Enforcing Our Laws
    DHS works with domestic and international partners to enforce and uphold the laws that protect children from abuse

    The Department works collaboratively with  Department of Justice prosecutors, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U

    S Marshals, INTERPOL, Europol, and other international law enforcement partners to arrest and prosecute perpetrators

    DHS increased U

    S

    government and law enforcement efforts to combat financial sextortion, a crime targeting children and teens by coercing them into sending explicit images online and extorting them for money

    From FY22 to FY24, HSI received more than 4,900 CyberTipline reports related to sextortion predators from Côte dʼIvoire

    From these reports, 652 children have been identified and supported by HSI

    In an effort to combat this crime, HSI sent special agents to Côte d’Ivoire to provide online CSEA training to local law enforcement and supported local law enforcement efforts in locating and apprehending offenders residing there

    The CCHT works alongside the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to identify and pursue the recovery of underage victims of sex trafficking

    The CCHT emphasizes victim identification operations which allows HSI field offices to rescue these children while implementing a victim centered approach

    The CCHT supports HSI field operations throughout the investigation and prosecution of these traffickers and their networks

    DHS partnered with 61 regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces to investigate people involved in the online victimization of children, including those who produce, receive, distribute and/or possess child sexual abuse material, or who engage in online sexual enticement of children

    DHS researched and developed modern tools and technologies that equip domestic and international law enforcement partners with advanced forensic capabilities to accomplish their mission to identify victims and apprehend child sexual abusers

    The Science and Technology Directorate developed StreamView, a digital forensics and data analytics tool designed to assist law enforcement in effectively addressing child exploitation cases

    By aggregating, organizing, and analyzing investigative leads, StreamView enables investigators to determine crime locations, identify victims, and bring perpetrators to justice more efficiently

    Since May 2023, StreamView has identified and rescued over 133 child and adult victims, dismantled more than 29 criminal networks, generated over 600 leads and referrals, and arrested of over 120 criminal actors

    The platform has also contributed to 10 convictions and 8 life sentences, significantly improving Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) investigations

    The U

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    Secret Service provides forensic, technical, and investigative assistance to NCMEC and state/local/tribal law enforcement in cases involving missing and exploited children

     Support includes polygraph examinations, age progression/regression, composite sketches, audio/image/video enhancement, speaker identification/recognition, questioned document analysis, fingerprint development and examination, geospatial information mapping system, digital forensics

    U

    S

    Customs and Border Protection screens all undocumented unaccompanied children and other arriving minors for indicators of abuse or exploitation, human trafficking, extraterritorial sexual exploitation of children, sexual predators involved in crimes of exploitation, and all suspected criminal cases are referred to HSI

    Transportation Security Administration (INV) Special Agent Polygraph Examiners provide their expertise to advance investigative and prosecutorial efforts in support of child sexual exploitation investigations

    INV developed evidence of child sexual exploitation and/or abuse in 15 criminal specific and pre-employment examinations

    INV Special Agent Polygraph Examiners, assigned to its Special Operations Division, conduct examinations on behalf of INV, HSI, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, federal and local law enforcement agencies

    In a case involving a child victim, an INV Special Agent Polygraph Examiner administered a specific issue polygraph examination, which resulted in the arrest of an individual attempting to solicit a child and identified six other victims ranging in age from 5-16 years of age

    Protecting and Supporting Victims

    The Angel Watch Center (AWC) within DHS C3 proactively identifies U

    S

    persons traveling abroad who have been convicted of sexual crimes against children

    By using travel related information and publicly available state sex offender registries, the AWC notifies destination countries of these individuals’ pending arrivals to help prevent potential child sex tourism and other forms of exploitation

    The HSI AWC sent over 4,800 travel notifications to foreign governments on convicted, registered U

    S

    child sex offenders, leading to over 900 denials of entry

    These efforts build international cooperation to ensure all countries are safe from sexual predators

    In July 2023, HSI launched the first U

    S

    -based international victim identification surge, “Operation Renewed Hope (ORH)

    ” To date, there have been three yearly operations: ORHI, ORHII, and ORHIII, to identify and rescue child victims of online exploitation

    In these operations, HSI and its domestic and international partners work on child sexual abuse material contained in HSI holdings, teams expertly comb through and analyze unidentified series of child sexual abuse material to identify children and offenders and create lead packages for appropriate investigative partners in furtherance of associated law enforcement actions

    In the Spring of 2025, HSI conducted ORHIII, which resulted in 386 probable identifications and 56 victims who have been identified and rescued

    Once victims of child exploitation are identified and/or rescued, the HSI Victim Assistance Program (VAP) supports them and their non-offending caretaker(s) by using highly trained forensic interview specialists to conduct victim-centered and trauma-informed forensic interviews

    In addition, VAP’s victim assistance specialists provide resources to victims such as crisis intervention, referrals for short and long term medical and/or mental health care and contact information for local social service programs and agencies to assist in the healing process

    HSI provides short-term immigration protections to human trafficking victims, including victims of child sex trafficking

    U

    S

    Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants immigration benefits to eligible child victims of human trafficking, abuse, and other crimes, including T nonimmigrant status, U nonimmigrant status, and immigrant classification under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

    Educating and Increasing Public Awareness

    The Know2Protect® campaign has garnered over 518 million impressions across various media platforms, in large part due to donated advertising from signed partners and other partner activations

    The top visited pages on Know2Protect

    gov are Take Action, How2Report, and Know the Threats

    Project iGuardian is the official in-person educational program of the Know2Protect campaign

    Led by HSI, Project iGuardian offers in-person presentations designed to inform children, teens, parents, and trusted adults on the threat of online CSEA, how to implement preventive strategies, and report suspected abuse to law enforcement

    Since the start of FY24, more than 400 special agents have been trained to give Project iGuardian presentations

    In FY24, HSI gave more than 1,100 presentations to more than 122,000 children, teens, parents, and teachers domestically and internationally

    These presentations yielded more than 75 victim disclosures and 77 investigative leads for online CSEA

    So far in FY 25, HSI has given more than 760 iGuardian presentations to over 69,000 children and adults, which have yielded more than 41 victim disclosures and 13 investigative leads

    In April 2024, the Blue Campaign announced a partnership with rideshare company Lyft to train their drivers, who interact with millions of riders per year, on how to recognize indicators of human trafficking among their passengers, and how to report it

      From July to September 2024, Blue Campaign collaborated with NCMEC to promote human trafficking awareness across various social media platforms, targeting both minors and those who work with minors

    The campaign garnered more than 2 million impressions on Twitch, 14 million on Facebook, 3million on Snapchat, and 4 million through display ads

    The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) covers child sexual exploitation and abuse awareness in its Human Trafficking lesson plan

    In FY2024, FLETC trained nearly 4,400 individuals in human trafficking awareness

    USSS Childhood Smart Program Ambassadors educated more than 112,000 children, parents, and teachers across 31 states and the District of Columbia about how to prevent online child sexual exploitation and child abduction

    The Childhood Smart Program provides age-appropriate presentations to children as young as five as well as to adults

    Presentations focus on internet and personal safety as well as other topics such as social media etiquette and cyber bullying

    The HSI Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center trained more than 800 individuals across the interagency on female genital mutilation or cutting, a severe form of child abuse and a crime under federal law when done to individuals under the age of 18

    The Blue Campaign Blue Lightning Initiative, part of the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking, trained more than 260,000 aviation personnel to identify potential traffickers and victims of forced labor and sex trafficking, to include child sex trafficking, and report their suspicions to law enforcement in FY 2023

    The Initiative added 31 new partners this past year, raising its total partners to 136 aviation industry organizations, including its first two official international partners

    The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency administers SchoolSafety

    gov, an interagency website that includes information, guidance and resources on a range of school safety topics

    SchoolSafety

    gov includes a child exploitation section that houses more than 60 resources to help school communities identify, prevent and respond to child exploitation

    Since its launch in January 2023, child exploitation section has been viewed more than 35,600 times

    What You Can Do and Resources Available

    Visit  www

    Know2Protect

    gov to access free resources to understand the threats of online CSEA and learn preventative strategies to stop future victimization

    Request an educational presentation tailored for school children and trusted adults:

    Visit SchoolSafety

    gov for resources to help educators, school leaders, parents, and school personnel identify, prevent, and respond to child exploitation

    Learn more from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

    Visit https://www

    dhs

    gov/blue-campaign for resources about how to prevent, identify and report human trafficking

     
    How to report suspected online child sexual exploitation and abuse in the United States:
    Contact your local, state, campus, or tribal law enforcement officials directly

    Call 911 in an emergency

    If you suspect a child has been abducted or faces imminent danger, contact your local police and the NCMEC tip line at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)

    If you suspect a child might be a victim of online child sexual exploitation, call the HSI Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423 and report it to NCMEC’s CyberTipline

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Marks One-Year Milestone of Know2Protect® Campaign, Strengthening Nationwide Efforts to Combat Online Child Exploitation

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Marks One-Year Milestone of Know2Protect® Campaign, Strengthening Nationwide Efforts to Combat Online Child Exploitation

    ASHINGTON D

    C

    –  Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) celebrated the one-year anniversary of its Know2Protect: Together We Can Stop Online Child Exploitation™ public awareness campaign

    Since its inception, the Know2Protect campaign, housed within the DHS Cyber Crimes Center (C3), has had a profound impact, reaching millions through traditional and digital media channels

    The campaign has empowered young people, parents, educators, corporations, and community leaders with essential resources to prevent and report online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA)

    “At the Department of Homeland Security, our mission is to protect the American people, and that includes protecting our children

    The internet has completely changed how we connect, but it has also opened new doors for predators who want to harm our kids,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

    “It’s a topic that should unite all of us, and I appreciate the opportunity to highlight the work of Homeland Security Investigations and all that they do to combat online child exploitation

    ”
    The threat of online child exploitation has never been bigger or more sophisticated

    DHS increased the footprint of law enforcement partners at C3, last year, to enhance coordination across all DHS agencies and offices to combat cyber-related crimes and further the Department’s mission to combat online CSEA

    In 2024, U

    S

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) identified and arrested nearly 5,000 individuals involved in online CSEA, while also recovering over 1,700 child victims

    In the same year, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received more than 20 million reports of online child sexual abuse material

    By providing comprehensive tools on Know2Protect

    gov, the campaign has become a powerful force in raising awareness about the severe risks children face online, while emphasizing prevention, safety measures, and offering critical support for survivors

    Since its inception last year, the campaign has made a tangible impact through its outreach efforts—resulting in 128 victim disclosures and over 90 investigative leads in the fight against online child exploitation

    Know2Protect’s work to coordinate federal efforts to combat online child exploitation and abuse has made an astounding impact across the world

    The campaign has achieved more than a half a billion (683M) impressions online, with 18% of the impressions coming from donated advertising dollars from campaign partners such as Google, Snapchat, X, Lamar, Meta and Roblox

    “We all have a responsibility to protect children from online exploitation,” said Head of Global Government Affairs at X, Romina Khananisho

    “As the global town square, X is proud to partner with DHS’ Cyber Crimes Center to support the Know2Protect campaign

    We commit to raising awareness about all the tools available to combat child exploitation and encourage all our users to join us in this critical mission by sharing the information with your communities

    ”
    Expanded Partnership Efforts
    The K2P campaign’s success is fueled by partnerships with leading technology companies, major sports leagues, youth-serving organizations, law enforcement associations and other private sector partners

    These collaborations have expanded Know2Protect’s reach, delivering its vital message to young people across social media platforms, sporting events, and community organizations, ensuring it resonates wherever they live, learn, and play

    Past and current partners like Snap, Meta, X, and Roblox have played a crucial role in disseminating safety messages to their vast user bases, while NASCAR and the NFL have supported the campaign by integrating Know2Protect PSAs and other materials into their events

    “Snap congratulates the Department of Homeland Security on the first anniversary of its impactful Know2Protect public awareness campaign,” said Jacqueline Beauchere, Global Head of Platform Safety at Snap Inc

    , the parent company of Snapchat

    “Snap was the first entity to support the campaign in 2024, commissioning bespoke research, offering free ad space on Snapchat for educational campaign materials, and creating a fun Snapchat Lens to promote learning and engagement

    We applaud and join in the Department’s efforts to educate youth, parents, policymakers, and others about the risks of child sexual exploitation and abuse both online and off

    ”  
    “At Meta, we’ve spent over a decade building tools to fight criminals who try to exploit young people online,” said Meta’s Global Head of Safety, Antigone Davis

    “To complement our in-app protections and make them even more effective, it’s important that young people also feel confident to spot the signs of online harm and know where to go for help

    That’s why we’ve also been focused on educational campaigns for teens and parents, and why we’re proud to continue supporting the Department of Homeland Security’s vital Know2Protect campaign as it moves into its second year

    ”
    Education and Support
    Know2Protect’s educational initiative, Project iGuardian, provides direct training to schools, community groups, and organizations to help identify and address online safety risks

    As the official in-person training program of the Know2Protect campaign, Project iGuardian is led by Homeland Security Investigations and offers presentations to children, teens, parents, and trusted adults

    Since its re-launch in October 2023, Project iGuardian has conducted nearly 2,000 presentations, reaching over 200,000 people both domestically and internationally

    “We know it is critical to provide children, parents, and caregivers with access to resources and information on how to report crimes targeting children online,” said Director of Global Programs at Google

    org, Amanda Timberg

    “We are proud to once again donate Google Search and YouTube ad credits to promote the Department of Homeland Security’s Know2Protect campaign to raise awareness on the issue and to help children stay safe online

    ”
    More Accomplishments
    The campaign has achieved several notable milestones over the last year, including:

    2024 Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards Finalist for its 90-second PSA

    2024 Homeland Security Today Holiday Hero Award where the campaign was honored with the Most Innovative Campaign to Combat Child Exploitation

    2024-2025 school year #Back2School sub-campaign, featuring engaging and educational resources for teens and family members in the form of crossword puzzles, word searches, Project iGuardian coloring pages, a first day of school picture sign, Family Online Safety Agreement, Internet Safety Checklist, and printable safety posters and tipsheets for schools to display in classrooms and hallways

    The release of nine new videos, including the widely popular 90-second PSA on the dangers of online CSEA, which has accumulated 6

    8 million views on YouTube and 14

    8 million impressions through TV advertising

    Other key releases include the Sexting and Sextortion PSA, as well as 15- and 30-second PSAs highlighting how quickly online interactions can take dangerous turns

    These have also aired on the NFL Network and at NASCAR events, significantly extending the reach of the Know2Protect message

    The campaign also recently released a 60-second PSA focusing on how online exploitation happens and why we need the public’s help

    The launch of the K2P Kids and Teens Portal, a dedicated space for children and teens aged 10 and up, offering age-appropriate tips and resources to help them protect themselves online

    The impactful activation of partnerships across the technology, sports, social media, and gaming industries, including:

    Snapchat Lens activation

    K2P activations at high-profile events like the Daytona 500, NASCAR Talladega 24, NFL Flag Championship 2024, MLB and MLS All-Star Games 2024, having a presence at the NFL Super Bowl Experience and a NASCAR Kids newsletter feature

    Scouting America and Know2Protect unveiled a special Project iGuardian scouting patch that honors the commitment of scouts who attend the DHS-led online safety training and who pledge to keep themselves and others safe online

    Upcoming Initiatives
    Know2Protect is taking bold steps to further amplify its impact and continue the fight against online CSEA

    Upcoming initiatives and events will provide even more opportunities for individuals and organizations to get involved and take action, including:

    A Project iGuardian presentation livestream on X for parents, trusted adults and teens, hosted by country music star John Rich — tune in April 23 at 8 p

    m

    EST and learn how you can help keep children safe online

    Be sure to follow @Know2Protect on X so you don’t miss it!
    June marks Internet Safety Month and there’s no better time to reinforce the importance of setting healthy online boundaries

    Know2Protect’s #DigitalBoundaries sub-campaign continues DHS’s momentum to educate and empower children, teens, parents and trusted adults to prevent and combat online CSEA by setting healthy online boundaries during the summer months when kids will have time to spend online

    In August 2025, the campaign will launch Pledge2Protect, the official, nationwide call-to-action of the Know2Protect campaign

    The goal of Pledge2Protect will be to galvanize communities to take action by taking the pledge to prevent crimes of exploitation targeting kids online

    Parents, teens and kids will have the opportunity to take the pledge, receive age-appropriate resources, and share that knowledge with others by passing the pledge

    It’s time to move from awareness to action—help us prevent online exploitation and implement life-saving strategies

    A variety of previously signed partners are expected to continue their official partnership with Know2Protect

    Know2Protect welcomes its new partnerships with X, American Camp Association, Panini America, Kodex and Simple Learning Systems

    “As we mark the one-year anniversary of the Know2Protect campaign, it’s clear that protecting children from online exploitation demands a united, collective effort,” said Noem

    “I urge more organizations to join us in this urgent mission—because every partnership brings us one step closer to eradicating this devastating crime

    ”
    Know2Protect is working hand-in-hand with private sector leaders, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to execute this nationwide campaign

    Learn more about becoming an official Know2Protect partner

    “Know2Protect is not just about raising awareness—it’s about sparking real, impactful change,” Noem said

    “Backed by our powerful partnerships, this campaign is equipping communities with critical tools to protect children from online predators while also safeguarding against exploitation before it happens

    Together, we are making a tangible difference in the fight to prevent further victimization

    ”
    Early intervention is critical

    If you suspect a child may be a victim of online CSEA, call the Know2Protect Tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW (5669) or visit the NCMEC CyberTipline™

    If you believe a child has been abducted or is in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement and the NCMEC Tipline at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Department of Justice Releases Report on Officer-Involved Shooting of Samuel Arredondo

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), today released a report on the death of Samuel Arredondo, who was involved in an officer-involved shooting in Joshua Tree, California on January 11, 2023. The incident involved deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBCSD). The report is part of the California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) ongoing efforts to provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. The report provides a detailed analysis of the incident and outlines DOJ’s findings. After a thorough investigation, DOJ concluded that criminal charges were not appropriate in this case. 

    “This was a tragic situation with a tragic outcome,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I sincerely hope this report provides the community and Mr. Arredondo’s family with the answers they’ve been waiting for. The California Department of Justice aims to partner with law enforcement to build a just and equitable legal environment, ensuring that the rule of law is upheld, and justice is accessible to everyone.”

    On January 11, 2023, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to a call regarding Mr. Arredondo harassing a woman and attempting to break into her house. When the first deputy arrived, Mr. Arredondo had just broken a window and refused to comply with the deputy’s orders. Mr. Arredondo turned towards the deputy, raised his hands while holding a black object, and yelled, “Die.” The Deputy shot at Mr. Arredondo.  A second deputy arrived, and Mr. Arredondo turned and went into the house through the broken window. When Mr. Arredondo subsequently reappeared in the corner of the window and was in a shooting stance, the second deputy fired at him and hit him. Mr. Arredondo then succumbed to his injuries. 

    Under AB 1506, which requires DOJ to investigate all incidents of officer-involved shootings resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian in the state, DOJ conducted a thorough investigation into this incident and concluded that there is insufficient evidence to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the deputies involved acted without the intent to defend themselves and others from what each of them reasonably believed to be the imminent risk of death or serious bodily injury. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of the officers. As such, no further action will be taken in this case. 
    As part of its investigation, DOJ has identified five policy recommendations related to this incident. The first recommendation is that SBCSD update their dispatcher communications policy. Dispatch radio communication with the deputies regarding the location of the reporting party, while dispatch had the reporting party on the line, would have provided the deputies with information about their field of fire regarding the suspect when having to make crucial split-second decisions. Therefore, it is recommended that SBCSD expand the Communications Policy Manual to include the way circumstances and information must be relayed by dispatch during emergency traffic. The second recommendation is that SBCSD require deputies who have participated in officer-involved shootings to be placed in separate patrol vehicles when waiting for transportation to the station and when being transported to the station. This revision will prevent deputies from discussing the incident with each other prior to their attorney consultation and interview with Homicide Detail investigators.

    The third recommendation is that SBCSD revise their policy to ensure that witnesses are to refrain from speaking or communicating with one another about the incident until after they have provided their statements to law enforcement. This addition to the policy will help preserve each witness’ recollection of the incident and will ensure that their statements are based on their own personal knowledge, free of hearsay and influence.

    The fourth recommendation is that SBCSD install digital in-car video systems. The fifth recommendation is that SBCSD update their body worn camera policy. 

    A copy of the report can be found here. 
     
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurates a national dialogue on ‘Self-Empowerment through Inner Awakening’ for security forces personnel at Abu Road, Rajasthan

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurates a national dialogue on ‘Self-Empowerment through Inner Awakening’ for security forces personnel at Abu Road, Rajasthan

    Brahma Kumari Sansthan has created a wonderful environment of simplicity, abstinence and cooperation in the world through sacrifice, penance and its brilliance

    Brahma Kumari Sansthan is working as an ambassador of Indian culture by taking the message of peace and dialogue to the whole world

    Prime Minister Modi Ji has done the work of giving our Vedic tradition to the whole world by celebrating International Yoga Day on 21st June

    Today, crores of people in the world are walking the path of yoga, meditation and spirituality; this will become the path of world peace in the coming times

    For the last 25 years, the efforts of Brahma Kumaris to reduce the stress of security personnel and lead them towards peace are commendable

    Pujya Lekhraj Kripalani Ji established Brahma Kumari Sansthan and turned each one’s soul into a lamp to help them walk on the path of light

    Posted On: 17 APR 2025 6:56PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah today inaugurated a national dialogue on ‘Self-Empowerment through Inner Awakening’ for security forces personnel in Rajasthan. Many dignitaries including Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma were present on the occasion.

    In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that Brahma Kumaris are working to light a lamp of peace and spiritual practice in every human being across the world through yoga and meditation. He said that efforts are made here to awaken the goodness within every person and they have been doing it for a long time now. He added that one can feel an amazingly peaceful atmosphere when they arrive here and it is because of the spiritual energy existing in this place.

    Shri Amit Shah said that when one finds a Guru in personal life, he is able to lead the path of righteousness and there are many examples of it. He said that some people do such work that it turns every person’s soul into a lamp and help them walk on the path of light. He said that by establishing Brahma Kumari, Lekhraj Kripalani Ji made a big call to make every person’s soul a lamp and move forward on the path of light, which is having a huge impact on the society today.

    Union Home Minister said that Brahma Kumaris have worked to create a wonderful environment of simplicity, abstinence and cooperation across the world through their sacrifice, penance and brilliance. He said that two programs have taken place here simultaneously today – first, the launch of the theme of the year 2025-26 of the Brahma Kumari Sansthan, ‘Meditation for World Unity and World Faith, and, second, the inauguration of the national dialogue on self-empowerment through inner awakening of security force personnel.

    Shri Amit Shah said that after 75 years of independence, our country has come a long way and has become the fifth largest economy in the world and in a few years we will become the third largest economy. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we are aiming to become the leader in every field in the world on the centenary of independence in 2047. He said that India’s goal should be to take forward our traditions, that have the ability to lead to world brotherhood, connect the soul of every human with the divine and lead every life on the path of virtue, and organizations like Brahma Kumari are doing well in this direction.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the nation’s safety today is the result of the immense sacrifice and dedication of our security forces. He acknowledged the tireless efforts of our personnel who guard the borders under the most challenging conditions. He emphasized that in matters of internal security, the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and state police forces work diligently to uphold law and order and protect the vulnerable — a responsibility that often brings significant stress. Highlighting the importance of mental and emotional well-being, he said that helping security personnel find peace in their mind, body, and soul is a crucial mission. In this regard, he praised the Brahma Kumaris for their commendable efforts over the past 25 years in reaching out to security forces, alleviating their stress, and promoting inner peace, which in turn contributes to a stronger and more secure nation.

    Shri Amit Shah highlighted India’s ancient tradition of harmonizing the mind, body, intellect, and soul through yoga and spirituality. He said that this legacy has long guided us on the path of knowledge, progress, and thoughtful policymaking to solve complex problems. He noted that today India continues to share this timeless wisdom with the world. He emphasized that the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the idea that the whole world is one family—originated from India’s Upanishads, which embraced a global sense of unity and belonging. Shri Shah added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India took a significant step in promoting its Vedic heritage globally by establishing International Yoga Day on 21st June. He added that today millions around the world are embracing yoga, meditation, and spirituality as a way of life. He expressed confidence that this path will increasingly become a foundation for global peace in the years to come.

    Union Home Minister said that the profound knowledge of the soul, God, and the cycle of creation received by Pujya Lekhraj Kripalani Ji came to be known as “Brahma,” and the Brahma Kumaris organization was founded to share this spiritual wisdom with the world. He highlighted the vital role of women in this mission, noting that for generations, the divine feminine has been revered, and women have been at the heart of the Brahma Kumaris’ leadership and service. He emphasized that true change in the world begins with self-transformation—only when an individual transforms from within can they inspire change in others. Guided by this principle, the Brahma Kumaris have spread powerful and positive thoughts around the world. The Home Minister praised the organization for promoting values such as celibacy, vegetarianism, de-addiction, simplicity, and meditation. Through these practices, they help individuals connect the soul with God and realize their inner nature as pure, peaceful, and eternal beings—all in an accessible and relatable way. He said that through the strength of womanhood, the Brahma Kumaris have become ambassadors of Indian culture, spreading the message of peace, dialogue, and spiritual harmony across the globe.

    *****

    RK/VV/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2122524) Visitor Counter : 40

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “HK SciFest 2025” opens with over 100 science programmes to spark public’s curiosity about scientific world (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         “HK SciFest 2025”, organised by the Science Promotion Unit of the Hong Kong Science Museum (HKScM), will be held from tomorrow (April 18) to April 27. The HKScM is collaborating with over 50 partners, including government departments, universities and science organisations, launching over 100 science programmes, including science workshops, lectures, seminars, film screenings, and site visits. Most activities are free, and members of the public are welcome to join.
     
         “HK SciFest” is one of the largest popular science events in Hong Kong. Addressing the opening ceremony today (April 17), the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan, said although Hong Kong is geographically small, the city has generated numerous scientific research initiatives and innovations that benefit the global community. Notable examples include optical fibre networks which are capable of receiving and transmitting vast amount of information in a wink, and non-invasive prenatal diagnosis that provides safer and more accurate assessments to detect the risk of genetic disease in fetuses. With the theme of “Local Contributions in Science”, this year’s “HK SciFest” aims to showcase the vibrant ecosystem of scientific research in Hong Kong, and the collective efforts of local science institutions and organisations in popularising scientific knowledge and driving the development of science and technology through a wide range of programmes.
          
    Other officiating guests today included the Chairperson of the Science Sub-committee of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Alexander Wai Ping-kong, and the Museum Director of the HKScM, Mr Lawrence Lee.
     
    Part of the Ground Floor Exhibition Hall of the HKScM will be converted into a “Science Bazaar” with more than 10 activity booths, where members of the public can enjoy a fun and educational science experience. Activities include a virtual autonomous vehicle driving game, a drone display, a virtual reality game to tour Geoparks in Hong Kong, local animal specimens, and learning how to identify the authenticity of gems using scientific methods. There will also be hands-on science demonstrations, mini-exhibitions and mini-workshops.
     
    Other highlighted activities of the festival include Croucher Science Week, which will invite science communicators from around the world to host onsite science performances and workshops to explore techniques for coral propagation and reef rehabilitation and to assemble a model electric tricycle. In addition, lectures about saving sea turtles in Hong Kong and the application of artificial intelligence in daily life, film screenings of sci-fi films “Interstellar” (2014) and “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” (2001), guided tours at the Volcano Discovery Centre, and much more. For details of the activities and registration, please visit www.hk.science.museum/scifest2025/?lang=en. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice-President’s Address at the Valedictory Function of the 6th Rajya Sabha Internship Program, New Delhi (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 17 APR 2025 5:09PM by PIB Delhi

    Very good morning to all of you.

    Well, you are privileged, now the group is 175. Very special group and this is Rajya Sabha interns 6th session. Now we have taken a decision to have a structured platform that will generate connectivity and this platform will cater to the people at large all information about legislation in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.

     I’ll work out with the Hon’ble Speaker and in about two months time we will launch it. So people of the country will have the benefit to have authentic information from a sanctified platform about Members of Parliament and right from Constituent Assembly debates to the current ones. You will also have access to archives that are privy to Indian Parliament.

     Therefore, as a very special group you will act as ambassadors. When this group during my tenure will reach a figure of 500 the geographical spread out the regional penetration inclusivity will be reflected in every facet of human life and this will help you, boys and girls to be in connect with one another. It will be nothing less than a batch of Indian Civil Service officers. Two of the people are present here PC Modi, Secretary General and Rajit Punhani, Secretary Rajya Sabha.

     Boys and girls India was a nation in the world for thousands of years dominating culture civilisation values economy. We were a world power, we were known as Vishwa Guru. Our institutes of excellence Nalanda, Takshila to name just few attracted global talent, they learned from us, they gave to us. We were constituting at one point of time one-third of global economy.

    Things went wrong somewhere but soothing parties gratifying parties the last decade or so has generated an ecosystem of hope and possibility. India has witnessed a growth in economy that is globally applauded by world institutions. India has had such massive phenomenal infrastructure jump that we are feeling it every day. People centric policies technological penetration has gone up to the villages and therefore, India today is the most aspirational nation in the world and this is good for planet Earth.

     We are home to one-sixth of humanity, we are aspirational, it’s a challenge to us. Boys and girls before me are the most vital stakeholders in governance and in democracy you are the future. Our youth demographic dividend is envy of the world. We are a vibrant democracy, mother of democracy. Democracy at all levels constitutionally structured but when things are going upward we are bound to face headwind. There will be forces inimical to the interest of Bharat. They will try to operationalise mechanisms give wings to wrong narratives invidious designing of sinister mechanisms to run down our national growth taint, tarnish and diminish our constitutional institutions. Therefore, every young mind in the country has to be alert has to be discerning has to question, because this questioning is vital because it is sublimity and vitality of democracy.

     We must learn to challenge situations which we find are not in consonance with our rich culture our democratic principles and that is how we will contribute in the maintenance, sustaining of our growth trajectory. So all of you boys and girls will have to think and scratch your heads is everything alright? Am I worried? And today therefore, my focus singularly will be on the role of the citizen, role of the youth.

     Let me take incidents that are most recent they are dominating our minds an event happened on the night of 14th and 15th of March in New Delhi at the residence of a judge, for seven days no one knew about it. We have to ask questions to ourselves. Is the delay explainable? Condonable! Does it not raise certain fundamental questions? Ordinary situations define rule of law things would have been different. It was only on 21st March disclosed by a newspaper that people of the country were shocked as never before.

     They were in some kind of limbo deeply concerned and worried at this explosive, alarming explosive thereafter, fortunately in public domain we had input from authoritative source the Supreme Court of India and input indicated culpability. Input did not lead to doubt that something was amiss; something required to be investigated.

     Now the nation waits with bated breath, the nation is resting because one of our institutions to which people have looked up always with highest respect and deference was put in the dock. It is now over a month even if it is can of worms, even if there are skeletons in the cupboard, time to blow up the can, time for its lid to go out and time for the cupboard to collapse. Let the worms and skeletons be in public domain so that cleansing takes place, not for a moment I will ever say that we must not give premium to innocence.

     Democracy is nurtured, its core values blossom, human rights are taken at a high pedestal when we believe in innocence till the guilt is established.  Therefore, I must not be misunderstood for casting aspersions on any individual but then in a democratic nation purity of its criminal justice system defines its direction investigation is required.

     Boys and girls, no investigation under law is in progress at the moment because, for a criminal investigation the initiation has to be by an FIR ‘First Information Report’ it is not there. It is law of the land that every cognizable offence is required to be reported to the police and failure to do so, failure to report a cognizable offence is a crime. Therefore, you all will be wondering why there has been no FIR the answer is simple.

     An FIR in this country can be registered against anyone, any constitutional functionary including the one before you. One has only to activate the rule of law no permission is required but if it is judges their category FIR cannot be state way registered it has to be approved by the concerned in judiciary but that is not given in the Constitution. Constitution of India has accorded immunity from prosecution only to the Hon’ble President and the Hon’ble Governors so how come a category beyond law has secured this immunity because the ill effects of this are being felt in the mind of one and all.

     Every Indian young and old young and old is deeply concerned, if the event had taken place at his house the speed would have been electronic rocket. Now, it is not even a cattle cart. A question we must think, there is a committee of three judges investigating the matter but investigation is domain of the executive. Investigation is not the domain of judiciary. Is the committee under constitution of India? No. Is this committee of three judges having any sanction under any law emanating from Parliament? No. What can the committee do, committee can at the most make a recommendation. Recommendation to whom and for what the kind of mechanism we have for judges, the only action finally that can be taken is by the Parliament, when proceedings of removal are initiated a month has passed more than that and investigation requires speed, expedition, preservation of incriminating material. As a citizen of the country and holding position which I do, I am concerned. Are we not diluting rule of law? Are we not answerable to? ‘We the people’ who gave us the Constitution.

     Therefore, I would strongly urge everyone concerned to examine this as a test case, what legitimacy and jurisdictional authority does this committee possess. Can we have separate law made by a category and the law made by that category dehors constitution, dehors Parliament. 

    The committee report according to me inherently lacks legal standing तो क्या हम ऐसे हालात में आ गए की समय के साथ यह बात चली जाएगी? लोगों के दिल पर इस घटना से गहरी चोट लगी है। लोगों का विश्वास डगमगा गया है। 

    There was a survey conducted recently and the survey indicated it was by a media house that public confidence in the institution of judiciary is dwindling. It is fundamental for success of democracy that is three fundamental pillars Legislature, Judiciary and Executive are above board, they are transparent, they are accountable, they exemplify to the people at large. 

    The highest standards to be emulated and therefore the principle of equality equality before law has been disregarded. It is fundamental to our democracy, it is nectar of our democracy time for us to enforce it. 

    This is in March, still we are groping in dark the tunnel is getting longer and longer and light is not visible as to what will happen. Normal human tendency to forget an event because other events overtake us, this is not one such incident. 

    I beseech everyone concerned to be highly alert proactive and restore authority of the constitution. 

    Boys and girls, let me take to you early this year on January 27, 2025 a seven member LOKPAL Bench headed by a former supreme court judge ruled. It possesses jurisdiction to investigate corruption complaints against High Court judges. Suo Moto cognisance was taken and mind you, if you go to other judicial dispensations in other countries that have democracies thriving Suo Moto cognisance is unknown to me and then it was a state on one ground independence of judiciary this independence कोई कवच नहीं है This independence is not some kind of impregnable cover against enquiry, investigation probe. 

    Institutions thrive with transparency with there being probe the surest way to degenerate an institution or an individual is to give total guarantee, there will be no enquiry, no scrutiny, no probe how can we take this situation. These are serious issues. 

    Let me tell you where it started. The Constitution  framers were very wise people. People who deeply believed in national welfare. They debated for 18 sessions for a little less than 3 years. There was no confrontation, there was no disturbance, no disruption, there was dialogue, debate, discussion and deliberation. They had very contentious issues but they framed one rule, the judges will be appointed under article 124 and a consultation board was used. 

    Boys and girls, you know the word consultation lexicon defines it, consultation is not concurrence, consultation is consultation article 124 was very specific and with respect to article 124 we have a very important discourse by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and B.R. Ambedkar who did a great job in giving us this constitution and I quoting him, this was with regard to the question of the concurrence of Chief Justice and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar says “I think, to allow the Chief Justice practically a veto upon the appointment of judges is really to transfer the authority to the Chief Justice which we are not prepared to vest in the President or the Government of the day. I therefore think that is also a dangerous proposition.” but in the second judge’s case, in 1993, the court interpreted consultation will be read as concurrence. Can it be done? 

    The two words boys and girls are different, but the bench did not notice that the Indian constitution uses these words, consultation and concurrence in the same article, Article 370, with respect to the then state of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 has both expressions in the same sub-articles.

    How can these two words used differently by the Supreme, by the constituent assembly members in the constitution can be read differently? It was done. Now, the situation is engaging attention of everyone and it is our obligation as citizens of this country to think about how things have to evolve. I have no doubt parliament cannot script a judgement of a court. I have no doubt about it. 

    Parliament can only legislate and hold institutions including Judiciary and Executive accountable, but judgement writing, adjudication is the sole prerogative of judiciary  as much legislation is that of the parliament. But are we not finding this situation getting challenged? I am saying so because very frequently we are finding that executive governance is by judicial orders, when executive, the government is elected by people, the government is accountable to parliament, the government is accountable to the people at election.

    There is a principle of accountability in operation. In parliament you can ask questions, critical questions, because the governance is by the executive but if this executive governance is by judiciary, how do you ask questions? Whom do you hold accountable in election? Time has come when our three institutions, Legislature, Judiciary and Executive must blossom, and they blossom best, and best for the nation, only when they operate in their own area. Any incursion by one in the domain of the other poses a challenge, which is not good. It can upset the upper card. The relationship between these three must be wholesome, soothing, one of deep understanding, coordination not to show authority.

    Historically and also presently in many nations, judges speak through their judgments, and only through their judgments. Those good old days are gone now. We are having totally a different spectacle. A courtroom was the ultimate place from where a judge would pronounce his order but now the situation is judges are venturing out on public platforms, on media platforms. Even in terrain which is challenging and not their own, I only expect the legislature will operate from parliament theatre, judges will operate from their courtrooms, and executive will do its work as envisioned by the Constitution.

    The problem started, I should come, because an event had taken place recently. I am dealing with only contemporary issues. An event had taken place recently on the release of a book, and the focus of the book by a former judge of the Supreme Court was on Basic Structure. The day was chosen as 14th April, associated with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The  former judge of the Supreme Court, and illustrious author of the book referred to 13th April. He narrated an incident that had taken place on 13th April at Jallianwala Bagh before independence, where our people were killed, massacred, injured, and by our own people, led by General Dyer and then he came to the doctrine of basic structure, that this cannot happen now because of this doctrine. Examine for a moment the doctrine Keshvanand Bharti  gave to us. 

    Thirteen judges of the Supreme Court assembled. The judgement was on 24th April, 1973 and this, according to the author, is our saviour. But after we had this basic structure doctrine, a Prime Minister to save a seat imposed emergency on 25th June, 1975. The judge has forgotten. The audience has forgotten. It was supposed to be engaging discourse, inquisitorial. No one asked a question. कि यह जो अवतार था, यह जो अमर था, जो ऐसी घटनाओं पर अंकुश लगा देगा और जिसका इतना महामंडन किया जा रहा था जलियांवाला बाग के रेफ़रेंस में वह भूल गए ताज़ा इतिहास को 24 अप्रैल, 1973 और आप देखिए, 2 साल पूरे होते ही emergency was clamped on 25th June. Lakhs of people were put behind the bars and there it was up to 21st March, 1977. Lakhs of people! With this basic structure Supreme Court ruled, you have no fundamental right in emergency. This is so much for your tribute to basic structure. The impregnability of basic structure was so demolished to pieces by the highest court of the land. 

    Reversing judgments of nine high courts, that in one voice held, fundamental rights cannot be on hold during emergency. There has to be access to judiciary. The highest court of land, a former judge, being author of the book, eulogising the doctrine, the complete bulwark against assault on citizen rights, was so oblivious of what happened during his lifetime. 

    Just imagine, we are being sold these narratives at a critical time, because we don’t ask questions. I wish somebody in the audience should have asked the question, what happened to your basic structure doctrine in 1975? Then there should have been the next question. 1st June 1984, what happened in Delhi? Our freedom loving people, they were singled out in thousands. What happened at the Golden Temple? What I am saying is, don’t take these narratives at face value. These narratives are dangerous narratives. These narratives must be exposed by discerning minds like young people. You must learn to question, because we have iconized people through mechanism which is not rational.

    We have given celebrated status to people without examining, we think what they say is right. No one asked the author, while he was judge of the Supreme Court, why the collegium system did not work. We must learn to ask questions, because in democracy, this is our most basic right. If you don’t ask questions to me, you will not be doing your duty. Therefore, in 1975 the number will go to 500. It will be that square which will be asking questions also. We don’t have to be overcritical. We don’t have to be confrontationist but we have to believe in the nation under all situations. 

    My worries were at a very highest level. I never thought in my life I will have the occasion to see it. President of India is a very elevated person. President takes oath to preserve, protect and defend the constitution. This oath is taken only by president and her appointees, the governors.

    Everyone, the Prime Minister, the Vice-President, the ministers, the parliamentarians, the judges, they take oath to abide by the constitution but to defend the constitution, to preserve the constitution, to protect the constitution, that is the oath of the president of India. The supreme commander of the armed forces, boys and girls, if you look at the Indian constitution, when parliament is defined, according to you parliament is Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha – No. 

    Parliament, the first part is the president, second and third are Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. There is a director to the president by a recent judgement. Where are we heading? What is happening in the country? We have to be extremely sensitive. 

    It is not a question of someone filing a review or not. We never bargained for democracy for this day. President being called upon to decide in a time-bound manner and if not, it becomes law. So we have judges who will legislate, who will perform executive functions, who will act as super Parliament and absolutely have no accountability because law of the land does not apply to them.

    Let me tell you boys and girls, every parliamentarian, and why parliamentarian? Every candidate in any election to Assembly or Parliament is required to declare assets. They just don’t do it. Some do, some don’t. Time has come, that we reflect deeply. I am not here to join an issue. I am proud of Bharat that is rising as never before, the rise is unstoppable. I am proud of the ecosystem in the country of hope and possibility. Buoyant economy, infrastructure unbelievable, Global reputation of the Prime Minister, never heard. Indian Prime Minister will be a global leader of that level. India is respected all over. We therefore have to be extra cautious that these forces that are active, you have to analyse them. 

    I do not wish to take on an individual. I have respect for all but then we have to be analytical mind, discerning mind. We cannot have situation where you direct the President of India and on what basis the only right you have under the Constitution is to interpret the Constitution under Article 145(3). There it has to be five judges. 

    Boys and girls. When Article 145(3) was there, the number of judges in the Supreme Court was eight. Five out of eight, now five out of 30 and old. But forget about it. The judges who issued mandamus virtually to the President and presented a scenario it will be law of the land. Have forgotten the power of the Constitution. 

    How can that combination of judges deal with something under Article 145(3) is preserved? It was then for five out of eight. We need to make amends in that also now. Five out of eight would mean interpretation will be by majority. Five constitutes more than majority in eight but leave that aside. 

    Article 142 has become a nuclear missile against democratic forces. Available to judiciary 24×7. Boys and girls, why I am talking to you? You are the future. You are the stakeholders. I am not addressing only you, I am addressing the entire youth of the country. In IITs, in IIMs, institutes of excellence, colleges, universities, schools. We have to believe in the nation. We have to believe in the power of we the people. And the power is reflected only through representatives, we have lost track. 

    The good thing is the government policies are yielding results. People-centric policies are rewarding to the ordinary man. The ordinary man has a bank account today, a toilet in the house, an internet connection, a gas connection, an electric connection. Has health facilities and education facilities close by. Has connectivity by bus, by train, by air. He is getting the feel of development. 

    Let us resolve this day that our democracy is dependent only on constitution and constitution expects all its organs to optimally perform for larger good in concert and coordination, and in their respective domains. It is not a question of one institution being at a higher position but certain things are very clear. 

    Judges are appointed only and only by the president and parliament is the sole authority to take action against them. It is therefore time for us not to be in reaction mode. It is very easy to start a narrative, oh, the Vice-President of the country has said so. 

    I appeal to you media in particular. I am saying it out of pure heart. I am a foot soldier of judiciary. I have given four decades of my precious life to judiciary. Three decades as senior advocate. Whenever it comes to challenge to judiciary, I am always on the side of judiciary. We are proud of our judiciary. It has global recognition. Our judges have gifted talent but something about it needs notice.

    I have no doubt the wisdom of our judges will rise to the occasion and there will be evolution of self-regulation. I firmly believe, whether it is legislature or judiciary, self-regulation is the most effective regulation. Idea is not to join issue. Idea is never to engage into argumentation. Idea is not to have adversarial relationship. Idea is to have a meeting ground. Idea is to ensure that what our founding fathers visualised about constitution, our institutions, we bring that to lustre, to shine, to ultimate performance for larger good. 

    Boys and girls, I chose these events because they were recent but two events I must hint at you. When I reflected on book release function, author being a former Supreme Court judge, I brought emergency contextually because the rise was placed on doctrine of basic structure evolved in Keshwanand Bharti in 1973 but let me tell you two events that have taken place recently.

    They are only to invite your attention from that perspective. One was Samvidhan Divas, because every Bharatiya must know why we celebrate Samvidhan Divas. We are celebrating it for last one decade and Samvidhan Hatya Divas because you boys and girls have no idea the kind of traumatic experience our citizens suffered during emergency.

    The impressions on young boys and girls, children, when their parents nationalistic mind, many of them became Ministers, Chief Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, and Prime Ministers later on, were detained without any cause, with no access to judiciary. Therefore, on these two days you must devote yourself, think within and act accordingly. 

    Well I am sure you would have had rewarding experience being connected with one another. By end of the year or early next year, we will be having a get together in Delhi of all the participants till then. So you will have the occasion to intermingle also but on the platform that is being created, be in touch with one another. Whenever you travel to a place, where you find an internist from that place, try to connect with him or her. That will be rewarding experience. 

    Start sharing your ideas and thoughts because ideation alone is gift of democracy. You have to ideate. The power of ideation, the power of an idea, will define our progress trajectory.

    I wish you well. 

    Thank you so much. 

    *****

    JK/RC/SM

    (Release ID: 2122452) Visitor Counter : 82

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah addresses the CRPF Day Parade-2025 in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah addresses the CRPF Day Parade-2025 in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh

    Union Home Minister pays tribute to 2,264 CRPF personnel on behalf of the grateful nation, recalling their supreme sacrifice for the security of the country

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Centre has taken several welfare measures for all CAPFs

    CRPF personnel have always made the supreme sacrifice to maintain the unity and integrity of the country

    The dreaded Naxalites shudder at the sight of CRPF’s Cobra Battalion

    Due to CRPF, naxals who dreamt of spreading red terror from Pashupatinath to Tirupati, are today confined to 4 districts

    CRPF will play the biggest role in making the country free from Naxalism

    CRPF has established more than 400 Forward Operating Bases in Naxalism-affected areas in the last 5 years, due to which Naxal violence has reduced by more than 70% in 10 years

    After the abrogation of Article 370, the task of conducting the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir peacefully and without firing a single bullet was accomplished by CRPF and other security forces

    CRPF is the largest paramilitary force not only in India but in the world

    Posted On: 17 APR 2025 3:41PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addressed the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Day Parade as the Chief Guest at Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh today. Many dignitaries including Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Director General, CRPF were present on the occasion.

    In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation recalled the supreme sacrifice made by 2,264 CRPF personnel for the security of the country and paid tribute to them on behalf of the grateful nation. He said that India is moving towards becoming leader in the world in every field by 2047 and the sacrifices of martyred CRPF personnel have significantly contributed in achieving this goal. Shri Shah said that the immortal saga of bravery of CRPF martyrs will be inscribed in golden letters in the golden book of 100 years of independence. He said that the CRPF personnel have always made supreme sacrifice to maintain the unity and integrity of the country. That is why the presence of CRPF personnel at the places of unrest builds the confidence that they will certainly emerge victorious.

    Shri Amit Shah said that after the formation of the government for the second term under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2019, it was decided that the foundation day of all the security forces would be celebrated in different parts of the country. Under the decision, this annual parade of CRPF is being organized in Neemuch today. He said that the contribution of the CRPF cannot be seen separately from the country’s security. Union Home Minister stated that whether it is fighting terrorists in Kashmir, maintaining peace in the Northeast, or limiting the activities of ruthless Naxals to only four districts, our CRPF personnel have made a significant contribution in all these areas.

    Union Home Minister said that CRPF was formed in 1939 under the name of Crown Representative Police. The work of giving this force its current new form and flag was done by the country’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He said that Sardar Patel not only established CRPF and gave it the flag but also did the work of clearly identifying its charter. CRPF has completed a long glorious journey on the path shown by Sardar Patel. He said that today about 3 lakh CRPF jawans are deployed for the peace and security of the country in 248 battalions, 4 zonal headquarters, 21 sector headquarters, 2 operational sector headquarters, 17 ranges and 39 administrative ranges. Shri Shah said that CRPF has the pride of being the largest paramilitary force not only in India but in the world.

    Shri Amit Shah said that in the 76-year history of independence, there have been numerous occasions when CRPF protected the country’s honour and pride. He said that on 21 October 1959, CRPF soldiers were martyred while fighting the Chinese army in Hot Spring, Ladakh and that is why all the police forces of the country celebrate 21 October every year as Police Smriti Diwas. He said that in 2018, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has proudly immortalised the martyrdom of Hot Spring by building the National Police Memorial in memory of the martyred policemen and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) across the country.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that in 1965, CRPF soldiers were posted at Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch who gave a befitting reply to the Pakistan Army and that is why every year on 9th April, the whole country celebrates Shaurya Diwas. He said that in 2001, the Parliament House, a symbol of our democracy, was attacked by terrorists which was foiled by CRPF. Similarly, in 2005, there was a terrorist attack on Shri Ram Janmabhoomi and CRPF foiled the attack and kept the temple safe. Shri Shah said that the Naxalites who dreamt of spreading red terror from Pashupatinath to Tirupati are today confined to 4 districts, the biggest contribution in this is of CRPF. He said that the biggest role and contribution of CRPF will be in making the country free from Naxalism. The dreaded Naxalites tremble on seeing the CRPF’s Cobra Battalion coming. He said that under the leadership of Cobra Battalion, other CRPF soldiers have made a huge contribution towards eliminating Naxalism. Home Minister said that by March 31, 2026, Naxalism will be eliminated from the country forever and this goal has been set on the strength of CRPF.

    Shri Amit Shah said that whether it is maintaining peace in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 or ensuring peaceful conduct of every election, CRPF jawans have performed their duty with a true heart everywhere. He said that after the removal of Article 370, assembly elections were held in Kashmir and at that time people had many kinds of apprehensions, but our CRPF and other security forces ensured security and neither was there any news of a single booth being looted nor of firing of even a single bullet. Shri Shah said that this is a very big achievement. He said that CRPF has established more than 400 forward operating bases in Naxal-affected areas in the last 5 years and due to this, Naxal violence has reduced by more than 70 percent in 10 years.

    Union Home Minister said that CRPF personnel have worked to establish peace under the United Nations peacekeeping missions in many places including Sri Lanka, Haiti, Kosovo and Liberia. He said that till date CRPF has received a total of 2708 different medals which is the highest among all CAPFs. He said that whether it is Amarnath Yatra, Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, security of Ramjanmabhoomi, security of Krishna Janmabhoomi or the occasion of Maha Kumbh, CRPF personnel have contributed their full efforts in maintaining law and order with promptness everywhere.

    Shri Amit Shah said that CRPF has implemented many campaigns like Swachh Bharat, Har Ghar Tiranga, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Swachhata Hi Seva, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam very well and has also proved that CRPF is always on alert mode to work for the country and society. He said that a target of planting 5 crore saplings in the last 5 years was set by all CAPFs. The Home Minister said that under this campaign, he himself planted the first sapling at the CRPF Group Center in Gurugram, the one-croreth sapling was planted at the CRPF Nanded campus, the four-croreth sapling was planted at the CRPF camp in Uttar Pradesh, and today, by planting over 6 crore saplings, all CAPFs have worked to raise awareness about the environment.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India has taken several steps for the welfare of all CAPFs. He said that air courier service was started in 7 remote areas of the country and recently the Government of India has also announced the Eighth Pay Commission for continuous improvement in salaries and allowances. He said that more than 42 lakh Ayushman CAPF cards have been given under which thousands of hospitals are available today for CAPF personnel and their families. He said that under the housing scheme, the housing satisfaction ratio has increased by about 9.5 per cent, an effort has been made to provide vacant houses to 6.5 lakh CAPF personnel by launching the CAPF e-Housing web portal and more than one lakh houses have also been allotted. He said that now women are also being recruited in the forces and 124 barracks have been approved for them, out of which 109 have been built and the Home Ministry has decided to build 450 more barracks. Shri Shah said that under the Pradhan Mantri Scholarship Scheme, educational facilities have been provided to the children of CAPF personnel, the Central Ex-gratia has been made scientific, the disability ex-gratia has been increased by 50 per cent and the Central Police Welfare Stores have also been made more people-oriented through 119 Master Stores and 1794 Sub-Stores.

    *****

    RK/VV/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2122404) Visitor Counter : 59

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special traffic arrangements for Tin Hau Festival

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Police will implement special traffic arrangements in various districts to facilitate the celebration of Tin Hau Festival.

    Yuen Long
    ———- Southbound carriageway of Po Yip Street between Hong Yip Street and Yuen Long On Lok Road;
    – Yuen Long On Lok Road between Po Yip Street and Wang Chau Road;
    – Wang Chau Road;
    – Tung Lok Street between Yuen Long On Ning Road and Fook Tak Street;
    – Tai Kiu Road;
    – Sau Fu Street;
    – Kik Yeung Road;
    – Yuen Long On Ning Road between Wang Chau Road and Ma Miu Road;
    – Ma Miu Road; and
    – Wang Tat Road between Shui Pin Wai Interchange and Fung Chi Road, except for franchise buses.- Yau San Street between Kin Lok Street and Hop Yick Road;
    – Westbound Kin Lok Street;
    – Kin Yip Street;
    – Hop Yick Road;
    – Kin Tak Street; and
    – Tai Tong Road between Shung Ching San Tsuen and Hop Yick Road.- Kau Yuk Road between Tai Tong Road and Fung Nin Road;
    – Ma Tin Road between Kau Yuk Road and Ma Tong Road;
    – Yuen Long Tai Yuk Road between Kau Yuk Road and Ma Tin Road;
    – Yuen Long On Hing Street;
    – On Leung Lane;
    – On Hong Road;
    – On Chun Lane;
    – Ma Tong Road and Ma Tin Road between Sai Yu Street and Yuen Long Tak Yuk Road; and
    – Tai Shu Ha Road East between Ma Tong Road and Tai Shu Ha Tin Hau Temple.- Kin Yip Street between the entrance/exit of the car park of Fung Ting Court and its junction with Kin Lok Street will be re-routed one way northbound from 8am on April 20 until completion of the procession.- Car park of Town Park Road North outside Yuen Long Stadium;
    – Ma Tin Road;
    – Wang Fat Path;
    – Kin Tak Street;
    – Yan Lok Square;
    – Hung Min Court;
    – On Leung Lane;
    – On Hong Road; and
    – On Chun Lane.——— San Tak Street;
    – Tuen Mun Heung Sze Wui Road between Castle Peak Road –San Hui and Pui To Road;
    – Choi Yee Bridge Road;
    – Tsing Yin Street;
    – San Tsing Street;
    – Ho Pong Street (except buses and green minibuses entering Tuen Mun Station Public Transport Interchange);
    – Ming Ngai Street;
    – Luk Yuen Street;
    – Yan Ching Street;
    – Tak Ching Circuit; and
    – Westbound Pui To Road between Tuen Mun Heung Sze Wui Road and Tin Hau Road.- Hung Cheung Road from its southern junction with San Ping Circuit to its junction with Tin Hau Road;
    – San On Street from its southern junction with Hung Cheung Road to a point about 30 metres north of the same junction;
    – Southbound Hung Cheung Road between its northern and southern junctions with San Ping Circuit;
    – San Hop Lane; and
    – Hing Wong Street from its junction with Hung Cheung Road to a point about 30 metres north of the same junction.- Northbound Ho Pong Street.- Traffic along southbound Castle Peak Road – San Hui heading for westbound Pui To Road can be diverted via southbound Castle Peak Road – Castle Peak Bay, westbound Tuen Hing Road, southbound Tuen Mun Road, westbound Wong Chu Road and northbound Tsing Wun Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Tuen Mun Road heading for Yip Wong Road can be diverted via Tsing Tin Interchange, westbound Tsing Tin Road, southbound Ming Kum Road and southbound Tsing Wun Road;
    – Traffic along northbound Tuen Mun Road heading for Yip Wong Road can be diverted via westbound Wong Chu Road, southbound Lung Mun Road, eastbound Lung Mun Road, northbound Lung Chak Road and eastbound Lung Chak Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Tuen Mun Road heading for westbound Pui To Road can be diverted via Tsing Tin Interchange, westbound Tsing Tin Road and southbound Tsun Wen Road;
    – Traffic along northbound Tuen Mun Road heading for westbound Pui To Road can be diverted via westbound Wong Chu Road and northbound Tsing Wun Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Tuen Mun Road heading for San Ping Circuit can be diverted via Tsing Tin Interchange, westbound Tsing Tin Road, southbound Tsun Wen Road, westbound Pui To Road and southbound Hung Cheung Road;
    – Traffic along northbound Tuen Mun Road heading for San Ping Circuit can be diverted via westbound Wong Chu Road, northbound Tsing Wun Road, northbound Ming Kum Road, eastbound Shek Pai Tau Road, southbound Tsun Wen Road, westbound Pui To Road and southbound Hung Cheung Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Pui To Road can be diverted via southbound Tuen Mun Heung Sze Wui Road, eastbound Tuen Hing Road, southbound Tuen Mun Road, westbound Wong Chu Road and northbound Tsing Wun Road; and
    – Traffic along northbound Tuen Mun Heung Sze Wui Road can be diverted via eastbound Pui To Road, northbound Tuen Mun Road, Tsing Tin Interchange, westbound Tsing Tin Road and southbound Tsun Wen Road.- Car park on San Wo Lane;
    – Northbound Tuen Mun Heung Sze Wui Road opposite to San Hui Playground;
    – Tsing Yin Street;
    – Car park on Tsing Yin Street;
    – San Tsing Street;
    – Ho Pong Street;
    – Car park on Ho Pong Street;
    – Luk Yuen Street;
    – Yan Ching Street; and
    – Tak Ching Circuit.———— Eastbound Cha Kwo Ling Road between Wing Fook Street and Wai Yip Street will be closed; and
    – Vehicles heading for eastbound Cha Kwo Ling Road will be diverted via the unnamed slip road leading from Cha Kwo Ling Road to Wai Yip Street, westbound Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong Ferry Concourse Access Road, eastbound Wai Yip Street and eastbound Cha Kwo Ling Road.——— Seven metered parking spaces (meter no. 28671B, 28672A, 28672B, 28673A, 28673B, 28674A and 28674B) on Tai Au Mun Road outside Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club will be suspended; and
    – Four metered parking spaces (meter no. 28249A, 28249B, 28250A and 28250B), four motorcycle parking spaces and a coach parking space on Tai Au Mun Road near Po Toi O Chuen Road will be suspended.- Nin Chun Street will be re-routed one way northbound;
    – Man Nin Street from its western junction with Yi Chun Street to its junction with Nin Chun Street will be converted into two-way traffic; and
    – Traffic along Man Nin Street heading for Po Tung Road will be diverted via northbound Nin Chun Street and westbound Man Nin Street.- Metered parking spaces on Yi Chun Street (meter no. 28091B, 28093A, 28093B, 28094A, 28094B, 28095A, 28095B, 28096A, 28096B, 28117A, 28117B and 28118B);
    – Metered parking spaces on Po Tung Road (meter no. 28025A, 28025B and 28027A); and
    – All motorcycle parking spaces opposite to Mona Fong Government Clinic on Man Nin Street, thirteen temporary motorcycle parking spaces will be provided at Man Nin Street near the promenade.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Secures Ad Tech Antitrust Win Against Google

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, April 17, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    Decision finds Google abused control of its ad technology, in violation of antitrust law 

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued the following statement after a federal judge ruled that Google willfully acquired and maintained an unlawful monopoly of publisher ad servers and ad exchanges in United States et al. v. Google. The court further found that Google unlawfully tied its publisher ad server and its ad exchange together and imposed anticompetitive policies on its customers in order to establish and protect its monopoly power in these two markets. In 2023, Attorney General Bonta joined the U.S. Department of Justice in suing Google, claiming that the company leverages control over the technologies through which web display ads are bought and sold, driving out competition and receiving profits that far exceed what could be sustained in a competitive market.

    “Advertising is key to a business’s success, and Google has been playing unfairly in the advertising space. Google’s illegal control over ad tech markets has hurt consumers, small businesses, and website creators, increased prices for advertising products, reduced competition for advertising technologies, and has stifled creativity in a space where innovation is crucial,” said Attorney General Bonta. “As the fifth largest economy in the world, California has an outsized role in protecting competition and a vibrant economy where business can thrive on merits, not on illegal business practices — today, we’ve done just that.”

    Following today’s decision, the parties will return to court, where the judge will hear arguments and evidence regarding potential remedies for Google’s conduct. California, the U.S. Department of Justice, and coalition states seek to block Google’s anticompetitive practices and impose a remedy to both deny Google the fruits of its unlawful conduct and to prevent further harm to competition in the future. 

    Attorney General Bonta is committed to protecting consumers and competition in the technology industries. In August 2024, Attorney General Bonta issued a statement following a federal judge’s ruling that Google maintained an unlawful monopoly of internet search services and general search text ads. In September 2022, Attorney General Bonta sued Amazon, alleging that the company stifled competition and increased prices across California through anticompetitive contracting practices. 

    ANTITRUST AND YOU:

    Antitrust enforcement is an essential component of a healthy economy. Competitive marketplaces established through antitrust vigilance help consumers by ensuring fair prices for goods and services, an array of products to choose from, quality goods and services, and the steady introduction of innovative new products. As part of the Attorney General’s commitment to enforce antitrust laws, the California Department of Justice has just launched its new Antitrust Complaint Form! Please click here to report anticompetitive conduct that potentially violates the antitrust laws.

    A copy of the decision can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California launches streamlined online permitting process to fast-track critical wildfire safety projects

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 17, 2025

    What you need to know: Following Governor Newsom’s state of emergency proclamation to protect communities from catastrophic wildfire, a new online fast-track process now makes it faster to get state-level approvals – in as little as 30 days – for critical forest and vegetation management projects.

    SACRAMENTO – A new online streamlining request process cuts bureaucratic red tape and now makes it faster to get state approval to implement forest and vegetation management projects, which are critical to reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires. This new process will shorten project approvals to as little as 30 days – saving a year or more of review and red tape for more complicated projects.

    This builds on consecutive years of intensive and focused work by the State of California to confront the severe ongoing risk of catastrophic wildfires, and most recently Governor Newsom’s emergency proclamation. Full information on project eligibility and the suspension request form are available here.

    The new process to accelerate critical wildfire safety projects advances some of the essential actions identified in the Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force’s ambitious 25 key deliverables for 2025, and builds on statewide efforts to move fast to prepare communities ahead of peak wildfire season by promoting key safety measures such as hardening homes and creating defensible space.

    Peak fire season is still ahead of us, yet this year has already been marked by some of the most destructive wildfires in California’s history. We need to move faster and go bigger.

    This new streamlined process, which builds on historic investments and nation leading actions to confront catastrophic wildfires, cuts red tape to fast-track more wildfire projects than ever before.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Faster permitting without compromising environmental protections

    The new process will allow practitioners across the state to move faster without compromising important environmental protections. A new Statewide Fuels Reduction Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) has been developed to enable critical wildfire safety projects to proceed expeditiously while protecting public health and the environment. The EPP requires applicants to comply with best management practices and measures to minimize impacts to environmental resources while completing fuels reduction projects, ensuring the safeguarding of water and air quality, tribal cultural resources, and special-status species and their habitats.

    Expanding prescribed and cultural fire

    In addition to streamlining permitting, leaders from across the state have already come together in response to the Emergency Proclamation to start developing recommendations on specific actions to expand and expedite the implementation of prescribed and cultural fire. On April 11, a virtual briefing provided an overview on the execution of the Proclamation and provided the public an opportunity to share recommendations for expanding beneficial fire. 

    Building on unprecedented progress

    New, bold moves to streamline state-level regulatory processes builds long-term efforts already underway in California to increase wildfire response and forest management in the face of a hotter, drier climate. A full list of California’s progress on wildfire resilience is available here. 

    Highlights of achievements to date include:

    • Historic investments — Overall, the state has more than doubled investments in wildfire prevention and landscape resilience efforts, providing more than $2.5 billion in wildfire resilience since 2020, with an additional $1.5 billion to be allocated from the 2024 Climate Bond.
    • On-the-ground progress — More than 2,200 landscape health and fire prevention projects are complete or underway, and from 2021-2023, the State and its partners treated nearly 1.9 million acres, including nearly 730,000 acres in 2023.
    • Increasing transparency — The Governor’s Task Force launched an Interagency Treatment Dashboard to display wildfire resilience work across federal, state, local, and privately managed lands across the State. The Dashboard, launched in 2023, provides transparency, tracks progress, facilitates planning, and informs firefighting efforts.
    • Hardening communities — Adding to California’s nation-leading fire safety  standards, Governor Newsom signed an executive order to further improve community hardening and wildfire mitigation strategies to neighborhood resilience statewide. Since 2019, CAL FIRE has awarded more than $450 million for 450 wildfire prevention projects across the state and conducts Defensible Space Inspections on more than 250,000 homes each year.
    • Leveraging cutting-edge technology — On top of expanding the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet, CAL FIRE has doubled its use of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and the state is utilizing AI-powered tools to spot fires quicker.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Apr 17, 2025

    News What you need to know: California’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force recovers nearly 41,000 stolen items valued at $4.4 million, leading to 383 arrests.  SACRAMENTO – Citing ongoing progress to takedown organized retail crime statewide, Governor Gavin Newsom…

    Apr 16, 2025

    News What you need to know: California today filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s authority to unilaterally enact tariffs, which have created economic chaos, driven up prices, and harmed the state, families, and businesses. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom…

    Apr 15, 2025

    News What you need to know: The passage of Proposition 1 by California voters adds rocket fuel to Governor Gavin Newsom’s transformational overhaul of the state’s behavioral health system. These reforms refocus existing funds to prioritize Californians with the most…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $4.4 million stolen goods recovered, 383 arrests made in three months

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 17, 2025

    What you need to know: California’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force recovers nearly 41,000 stolen items valued at $4.4 million, leading to 383 arrests. 

    SACRAMENTO – Citing ongoing progress to takedown organized retail crime statewide, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that since January, the state’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force conducted 211 investigations which led to 383 arrests and the recovery of nearly 41,000 stolen goods valued at $4.4 million.

    Spearheaded by the California Highway Patrol, the Organized Retail Crime Task Force in March alone made 174 arrests and recovered $2,134,742 in stolen assets. 

    “The state remains committed to supporting businesses through continued retail theft enforcement, which month after month yields strong results. I thank the California Highway Patrol and others in our Organized Retail Crime Task Force for instilling a sense of safety and support at California’s storefronts.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The CHP coordinates with local law enforcement statewide to take down organized retail theft operations. During a notable incident in February, CHP officers busted an organized retail theft ring in the Bay Area, recovering stolen merchandise valued at more than $779,000. In March, thanks to quick coordination and real-time tracking, the CHP apprehended a suspect involved in the theft of 137 beauty items in Lincoln, which resulted in an over $19,000 in stolen goods seized and $10,000 in store damage. Every seizure is cataloged and photographed, and if the retailer it was taken from can be identified, it is returned as soon as possible. 

    New data suggests violent and property crime went down in 2024. According to an analysis of Real Time Crime Index data by the Public Policy Institute of California, property crime dropped by 8.5% and violent crime dropped by 4.6% in 2024, compared to 2023. Burglary and larceny also went down by 13.6% and 18.6%, respectively, compared to pre-pandemic levels. 

    “The CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force teams have demonstrated exceptional dedication and coordination, leading to significant disruptions of criminal networks targeting California’s businesses,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Their proactive investigations, strategic partnerships, and relentless pursuit of offenders have resulted in numerous arrests and recoveries, restoring a sense of safety and accountability in our communities.”

    Since the inception of this task force in 2019, the CHP has been involved in over 3,700 investigations, leading to the arrest of approximately 4,200 suspects and the recovery of over 1.3 million stolen goods valued at more than $56 million.

     

    Cracking down on retail theft

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

    California law provides existing robust tools for law enforcement and prosecutors to arrest and charge suspects involved in organized retail crime — including up to three years of jail time for organized retail theft. The state has the 10th toughest threshold nationally for prosecutors to charge suspects with a felony, $950. 40 other states — including Texas ($2,500), Alabama ($1,500), and Mississippi ($1,000) — require higher dollar amounts for suspects to be charged with a felony.

    Saturating key areas 

    Working collaboratively to heighten public safety, the Governor tasked the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to work with local law enforcement areas in key areas to saturate high-crime areas, aiming to reduce roadway violence and criminal activity in the area, specifically vehicle theft and organized retail crime. Since the inception of this regional initiative, there have been nearly 6,000 arrests, about 4,500 stolen vehicles recovered and nearly 300 firearms confiscated across Bakersfield, San Bernardino and Oakland.

    Stronger enforcement. Serious penalties. Real consequences.

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

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

    Recent news

    Apr 16, 2025

    News What you need to know: California today filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s authority to unilaterally enact tariffs, which have created economic chaos, driven up prices, and harmed the state, families, and businesses. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom…

    Apr 15, 2025

    News What you need to know: The passage of Proposition 1 by California voters adds rocket fuel to Governor Gavin Newsom’s transformational overhaul of the state’s behavioral health system. These reforms refocus existing funds to prioritize Californians with the most…

    Apr 15, 2025

    News What you need to know: The First Partner released the final report of a working group tasked with developing recommendations for policymakers, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and the judicial system in order to better support survivors of sexual assault….

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whitbourne — Update: More than 7 million contraband cigarettes seized from overturned tractor trailer

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    More than 7 million contraband cigarettes were seized by Whitbourne RCMP in response to an overturned tractor trailer that occurred earlier this week on Route 202.

    Following extensive efforts to retrieve the contraband tobacco that was located after RCMP executed a search warrant on the truck and trailer, officers were able to determine the quantity of contraband tobacco to contain more than 7,423,000 cigarettes. Additionally, a case of pre-rolled illicit cannabis was located and seized.

    This quantity of contraband tobacco represents a loss of more than $2.4 million that could have been used to help support many provincial government services throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

    The investigation is continuing. A 53-year-old Ontario man faces charges under the Excise Act 2001, and is under investigation for charges under the Revenue and Administration Act and Cannabis Act.

    Background:

    https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2025/whitbourne-rcmp-responds-tractor-trailer-crash-route-202-trailer-full-contraband

    MIL Security OSI –