Category: Law

MIL-OSI Security: Officer dismissed for assaulting woman

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

An officer has been dismissed without notice after a misconduct hearing concluded he had assaulted and threatened a woman he knew.

The hearing was held for PC Giovanni Mascia, attached to the East Area Command Unit, over allegations he assaulted and threatened the woman – who was known to him – between August 2022 and November 2022.

The incidents took place while PC Mascia was off duty.

The panel ruled that PC Mascia assaulted the woman on two separate occasions – in October and November 2022 – and that he threatened to kill her in October 2022. The panel also found that, on an unspecified date, PC Mascia threatened to destroy the woman’s property if she did not speak to him.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, from the East Area Command Unit, said: “PC Mascia’s behaviour was disgraceful, and fell far below the standards expected of Metropolitan Police officers.

“The panel found that it amounted to gross misconduct, and he has been immediately dismissed.”

PC Mascia will now be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list, banning him from employment with the police, local policing bodies, the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

MIL Security OSI –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Rustam Minnikhanov became an Honorary Doctor of SPbPU

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

A solemn ceremony of presenting the mantle and diploma of Honorary Doctor of SPbPU to Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov took place at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

The event was attended by honorary doctors of SPbPU: Vice-Governor of St. Petersburg Vladimir Knyaginin, General Director of the Scientific and Technical Center of Gazprom Neft Mars Khasanov, as well as the Director of the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Taliya Khabriyeva, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan Roman Shaikhutdinov and other honored guests. The ceremony began with the performance of the anthem of the Polytechnic University by the youth choir of SPbPU “Polyhymnia”.

Today is a ceremonial meeting of the Academic Council, dedicated to a very important historical event. You can talk about Rustam Nurgalievich for a long time, and still not reveal the breadth of soul, mind, intellect, talents that were given to him. It is a great honor and joy for us to see such a legendary person among polytechnics, – emphasized the rector of SPbPU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy.

The new honorary doctor was introduced by the Scientific Secretary of the Polytechnic Dmitry Karpov, who greeted the guests in the Tatar language. He reported that the members of the Academic Council of our university unanimously voted to award the title to Rustam Nurgalievich on November 27, 2023.

The long-standing and in every sense friendly interaction of our university with universities, enterprises and administrative institutions of Tatarstan is seen as one of the most convincing and positive symbols of the unity of our multinational and multi-confessional country. And just as the bear has become a significant symbol of a large, strong, powerful Russia since ancient times, the winged white leopard on the coat of arms of the Republic of Tatarstan is significant for us – a sacred symbol of purity of thoughts and heavenly protection, a symbol of nobility and rebirth, – noted Dmitry Karpov.

Under the leadership of Rustam Minnikhanov, the republic is actively developing: 6th place among the subjects of the Russian Federation in terms of gross regional product, 5th and 3rd in terms of industrial and agricultural production, 2nd in terms of construction scale. Today, Tatarstan produces over 7% of all Russian oil, produces over 40% of synthetic rubbers, and produces every third truck produced in the country. In the quality of life rating in 2024, the Republic of Tatarstan took 2nd place after Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Kazan today is one of the largest economic, industrial, scientific and cultural centers of our country, a popular tourist city that has a registered brand “Third Capital of Russia”. Elabuga, a city with more than a thousand years of history, has become a special economic zone “Alabuga”, recognized as the best in the country. Innopolis is one of four science cities in Russia, created from scratch, a special economic zone. Five Advanced Engineering Schools have been created in Tatarstan within the framework of a federal project.

Outstanding results are behind many significant awards of the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan. Rustam Nurgalievich has more than 40 orders, medals and badges of distinction – state, regional, departmental, public, religious, as well as dozens of certificates, gratitude from the President, honorary titles.

Rustam Minnikhanov is a holder of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland for his great contribution to solving socio-economic problems and many years of conscientious work, the holder of the Order of Alexander Nevsky for special personal services to the state and great contribution to strengthening the international authority of the Russian Federation, as well as the Stolypin Medal of the 2nd degree for services in solving strategic problems of the country’s socio-economic development and many years of conscientious work. A professional race car driver, Honored Master of Sports of the Russian Federation, multiple Russian autocross champion, Rustam Nurgalievich also makes a great contribution to the development of sports.

The robe and diploma of the Honorary Doctor of SPbPU are symbols that have a lot of meaning for our university, and for Rustam Nurgalievich personally, and for Tatarstan universities and enterprises, and for the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan, whose project group we are expecting for an internship in October of this year at the request of the President of the Academy Rifkat Nurgalievich Minnikhanov. I would like to especially note that the badge of the Honorary Doctor of the Polytechnic University of Rustam Nurgalievich turned out to be doubly symbolic: our university celebrated 125 years since its foundation, and the number of the badge that will be awarded is 125, – Dmitry Karpov emphasized.

The doctoral robe and cap were brought into the Academic Council hall by students in the uniform of the Polytechnic University of the early 20th century. Traditionally, the Polyhymnia choir performed the Gaudeamus anthem. Andrei Rudskoy presented Rustam Nurgalievich with a book about honorary doctors of the Polytechnic University, which has a page dedicated to the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan. As a sign of special respect, the book is also made in the Tatar language.

Rustam Minnikhanov expressed gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him.

It is a great honor for me to become an Honorary Doctor of the Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University, the leading university in the country, a world-class university. Mechanical engineering, the oil industry, energy, and IT are actively developing in the Republic of Tatarstan. In recent years, we have been working very closely with the Polytechnic University, collaborating in many areas, and are in touch with Andrey Ivanovich. This is for the benefit of everyone. Thank you very much, Rustam Minnikhanov said in his response.

After the ceremony, Rustam Nurgalievich met with students who came to study at SPbPU from the Republic of Tatarstan. The polytechnicians asked questions about employment opportunities and prospects for young specialists. They were interested in what measures are being taken in Tatarstan to attract graduates of technical universities, what bonus programs exist.

Polytechnic University is a world-class university, I have once again seen this today. You are very lucky to be studying at one of the best technical universities in Russia. We will be sincerely happy if you find a job in Tatarstan, which needs strong and well-trained personnel, the head of the republic emphasized.

The meeting participants left their contact details so that representatives of the relevant structures and services of the Republic of Tatarstan could contact them and provide detailed information. The students also suggested diversifying the menu of the Polytechnic donut shop with Tatar cuisine.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: City newsletter reaches new digital dimension

Source: South Australia Police

Today marks a new digital era for the City of Wanneroo, with the launch of our first What’s Happening digital newsletter!

Don’t worry – you’ll still receive your regular print version in the mail, but now it’s supported by an interactive online edition that takes readers behind the scenes, with video interviews, photo galleries and detailed updates on community projects.

Standing proud on the cover of the first edition for 2025 is 98-year-old, Jack Le Cras. The Navy veteran cemented into history by being one of the few Australians who witnessed Japan’s signing of the peace – officially marking an end to WWII in 1945.

Read his story recounting the end of the war or tap the play button for an extra tour of the Wanneroo RSL with Jack himself – uncovering the impressive museum collection.

Read all about progress on Dordaak Kepup library and youth innovation hub and hear a full rundown on what you’ll find at the new facility from Senior Project Manager, Mark Little.

Plus, there’s an easy overview of the East Wanneroo development over the next 40 years, exciting updates on the latest exhibitions at Wanneroo Museum and of course, the Kid’s Zone! Check your letterbox and flip through your physical copy, then check out the bonus content in the digital version here.

MIL OSI News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI: Capgemini acquires Delta Capita Group Limited’s subsidiary in the Netherlands to expand its Financial Crime Compliance services footprint in Europe
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Media relations:
Sam Connatty
Tel.: +44 (0)370 904 3601
sam.connatty@capgemini.com

Investor relations:
Vincent Biraud
Tel.: +33 1 47 54 50 87
vincent.biraud@capgemini.com

Capgemini acquires Delta Capita Group Limited’s subsidiary in the Netherlands to expand its Financial Crime Compliance services footprint in Europe

Acquisition will help Capgemini to further support European based banking, insurance and pensions firms to comply with critical ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) regulatory standards and complex local legislation

Paris, April 17, 2025 – Capgemini has acquired 100% of the share capital of Delta Capita BV and its fully owned subsidiary Delta Capita Academy BV, the Netherlands based subsidiary of Delta Capita Group Ltd. that specializes in Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) services. This acquisition, Capgemini’s second in 18 months in the FCC space, will position the Group as the global partner of choice for KYC and FCC transformation. It strengthens Capgemini’s European offerings in financial crime, risk management and regulatory compliance services, complementing its already strong capabilities in Romania, Poland, India and the UK. The acquisition signing and closing took place simultaneously on April 16.

Located in the Netherlands, Delta Capita BV and its fully owned subsidiary Delta Capita Academy BV comprise a team of 200+ KYC analysts and consultants all accustomed to operating within complex legal and regulatory frameworks. The team helps clients to take a strategic approach to regulation, specializing in Know Your Customer, anti-bribery & corruption, and risk management policy and control frameworks. Its client roster includes major banks, insurers and pension firms, all highly complementary to Capgemini’s.

The team’s deep-domain expertise coupled with its multi-lingual capabilities will enable Capgemini to provide 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd line of defense advisory and managed services capabilities in FCC. Notably, to meet growing demand among its European financial services clients for complex and standard regulatory services, as well as Dutch pension legislation.

“Financial crime compliance, by its very nature, requires an intimate knowledge of rapidly evolving local legislation. The acquisition of Delta Capita BV will position the Group as the global partner of choice in KYC transformation,” comments Kartik Ramakrishnan, CEO of Capgemini’s Financial Services and Group Executive Board Member. “Our end-to-end strategic business and technology services coupled with comprehensive KYC on, near and offshore capabilities, are complementary to this highly skilled Netherlands based team who will augment our European footprint for FCC. I am delighted to welcome them to Capgemini.”

“Financial crime mitigation, risk management and regulatory compliance are business critical for the financial services industry and firms are now seeking comprehensive solutions for their end-to-end FCC transformation and ongoing management,” said Tom Kastelein, CEO of Delta Capita BV. “Capgemini’s global scale, partner ecosystem and well-established financial services expertise, were a natural fit for our team in terms of complex project scope and global client base. We are very happy to be joining the Group.”

About Capgemini
Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.
Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

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The MIL Network –
April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Death following Austins Ferry crash

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Death following Austins Ferry crash

Thursday, 17 April 2025 – 3:47 pm.

Sadly, police can confirm a 13-year-old boy has died in Southern Tasmania.
The boy was a pillion passenger on a moped which crashed on Main Road at Austins Ferry on 11 April.
Following the crash the boy was taken to hospital in a critical condition and has since passed away.
Inspector Jason Klug said, “Our thoughts and condolences are with everyone affected by this young boy’s death.”
“To the teenagers in our community who are feeling the loss of their friend deeply, I encourage you to support each other and stay safe.”
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

MIL OSI News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Man and woman charged with child abuse and online child exploitation offences

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Man and woman charged with child abuse and online child exploitation offences

Thursday, 17 April 2025 – 4:27 pm.

A man and a woman from North-West Coast have been charged with serious child abuse and online child exploitation offences following an investigation by the Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET), a partnership between Tasmania Police and the Australian Federal Police.
On 18 February 2025, JACET officers executed a search warrant at a residence. During the search, investigators located child exploitation material on the man’s phone involving a young child known to both parties.
As a result of the investigation, the man has been charged with:
1. Possession, production and distribution of child exploitation material
2. Indecent assault
The woman has been charged with:
1. Possession, production and distribution of child exploitation material
2. Indecent assault
3. Penetrative sexual abuse of a young person (x2)
The man will appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court on 2 June 2025. The woman will appear in the Burnie Magistrates Court on 22 July 2025.
The child has been placed in alternative care and is receiving ongoing counselling and support services.
Reporting services:
This case represents some of the most confronting and abhorrent offending we investigate. It’s a stark reminder that child sexual abuse often occurs in places where children should feel safest, in their homes and among people they trust.
Police are committed to protecting children from harm and the partnership between AFP and Tasmania Police strengthens our capability to detect and disrupt offenders who betray the trust of the most vulnerable members of the community. We urge anyone with concerns or suspicions about child abuse, including online exploitation and grooming, to come forward.
How to report child abuse or online child exploitation:
1. If a child is in immediate danger, call 000
2. Contact Tasmania Police on 131 444
3. Contact Strong Families Safe Kids on 1800 000 123
4. Report anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au
5. Make an online report to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) at: https://www.accce.gov.au/report

MIL OSI News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Could you accidentally sign a contract by texting an emoji? Here’s what the law says
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer McKay, Professor in Business Law, University of South Australia

Parkova/Shutterstock

Could someone take you to court over an agreement you made – or at least appeared to make – by sending a “👍”?

Emojis can have more legal weight than many people realise. A search of the Australasian Legal Information Institute database reveals emojis have been part of evidence in at least 240 cases in the past few years.

Their use in texts and emails has been considered in unfair dismissals, wills, family law and criminal cases.

Australian law does not explicitly address the use of emojis in contracts. And although emojis have been accepted in evidence, the context in which they are used is always a crucial part of the picture.

Here’s what you need to know about what makes a contract under the law – and why you might want to be especially cautious with the “🤝” button.

Is it a casual agreement or a contract?

Contracts don’t have to be printed on paper and signed in a lawyer’s office.

In Australia, a contract is generally considered legally binding if it meets certain requirements. There has to be:
- an intention to create legal relations
- a clear unequivocal offer
- certainty and completeness of terms
- “consideration” – the price exchanged for the promise made
- clearly communicated acceptance
- no “vitiating factors” – things that could spoil the contract such as unconscionable conduct or duress.
Indeed, case law supports the notion that contracts can be partly oral and partly written. But the oral terms cannot contradict the terms of the written agreement.

Contracts can also incorporate graphics. The former chief justice of the High Court of Australia, Robert French AC, said in December 2017:

There is no reason in principle why pictorial contracts explained orally or supplemented textually or contextually could not be enforceable in the same way as any other contract.

Contracts don’t always have to be written.
PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

‘I hereby accept’

In contract cases, courts often use what’s called an objective test to consider whether a reasonable person would conclude the parties intended to create a binding contract.

In Australian law, parties to a contract must clearly communicate that they accept its terms.

Social and domestic agreements are presumed not to create legal intent, unless proven otherwise. But with extensive use of texts and emails with emojis now, there is less clarity about what is a social and domestic agreement.

Commercial and business contracts are presumed to have contractual intent. However, even in business contracts, emojis may be deemed to amount to acceptance, depending on the past behaviour of the parties.

That’s because many emojis are ambiguous.

In one situation, a thumbs up (👍) might mean “I have something”, but in another it could mean “I agree to it”. A smiley face is the same so context is crucial. The least ambiguous is arguably the handshake emoji – 🤝.

Careful of the handshake emoji – it generally signals agreement.
Yuri A/Shutterstock

The experience overseas

A number of cases from overseas show how emojis sent in response to an offer can lead to unintended contracting.

They can induce what the law calls “reasonable reliance” of one party on the other, more than “bare hope” an agreement can be relied upon. This can subject the sender to liability if that reliance is misplaced.

One 2023 case in Canada centred on a thumbs-up emoji sent in response to a proposal for the purchase of flax.

Here, the court ruled that the emoji did signify agreement to the terms, similar to a written signature. It had been habitually used between the buyer and seller in a longstanding business relationship.

Because of this repeated use, the court ruled, a reasonable bystander would conclude the emoji response created a binding agreement.

Borrowing a big boat

A subsequent case, in the United Kingdom, centred on an alleged four-year “charterparty” agreement to hire a large crude oil tanker called the “Aquafreedom” between Southeaster, its owners and the logistics company Trafigura.

Trafigura claimed a binding agreement to charter the ship had been reached, following a period of offers and counteroffers. But the vessel’s owner Southeaster disagreed. Trafigura claimed it had suffered about US$15 million in lost business as a result.

The evidence in this case was principally a bundle of written communications between the parties, including email, telephone and WhatsApp communications.

While the court ultimately ruled no contract had been entered into, it found that more informal communications used in evidence, including WhatsApp messages containing emojis, shouldn’t be given less weight than email communications.

The court found WhatsApp messages – including those with emojis – shouldn’t be disregarded.
BigTunaOnline/Shutterstock

What can you do?

Here are some helpful hints for navigating the use of emojis, especially when buying or selling anything, running your own business or sending messages at work:
- be careful when discussing services or purchase of goods over text
- when acknowledging receipt of a contract, it’s safest to clearly state that you will review the terms and get back to the sender
- do not use an emoji on its own
- do not use the handshake emoji
- keep business-like arrangements on a more formal footing.
Remember, context remains important and past behaviour is critical.

The author would like to acknowledge the contribution of Mark Giancaspro, senior lecturer in law at the University of Adelaide, for assistance in the preparation of this article.

Jennifer McKay receives research funding from CRC Race 2030.

– ref. Could you accidentally sign a contract by texting an emoji? Here’s what the law says – https://theconversation.com/could-you-accidentally-sign-a-contract-by-texting-an-emoji-heres-what-the-law-says-252287
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Lawsuits filed against cancellation of visas

Source: China State Council Information Office

Zhuo’er Chen is a student pursuing a master’s degree in architecture at the University of California, Berkeley. She is set to graduate next month. However, her student visa was suddenly terminated by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, on April 8.

It seems that thousands of students have had a similar experience.

According to a report by the Association of International Educators, as of Monday, there have been almost 1,300 reports of international students and scholars either having their visas revoked or their records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS, terminated. The affected include undergraduate, graduate and Optional Practical Training students.

Chen, joined by another three Chinese students whose visas were terminated, filed a federal lawsuit in the US District Court in the Northern District of California last week.

The suit alleges that “without notice, explanation, or any form of due process, ICE terminated the student status of individuals who have done nothing more than maintaining academic standing and complying with their visa requirements”.

Plaintiff Mengcheng Yu, who has lived in the United States since age 16, is also close to completing her master’s degree at Carnegie Mellon University. She is set to graduate in August this year.

Plaintiff Jiarong Ouyang is from University of Cincinnati, and Plaintiff Gexi Guo is a graduate of Columbia University currently residing in New York.

“This lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to halt this unlawful pattern of SEVIS record terminations, restore plaintiffs’ legal status, and prevent further irreparable harm to their educational trajectories, professional futures and immigration standing,” the lawsuit document stated.

The lawsuit named Kristi Noem, secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, or DHS, and Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE, as the defendants. The plaintiffs are represented by DeHeng Law Offices.

The plaintiffs challenge ICE’s actions “for being arbitrary, capricious and contrary to law, and assert that the lack of due process also violates their constitutional rights under the Fifth Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause”.

The lawsuit argues that DHS and ICE may unilaterally strip students of lawful status through SEVIS without legal authority, in defiance of regulatory limits, and without affording any procedural safeguards.

‘Abrupt and sudden’

Clay Zhu, one of the lawyers representing the students, said in a virtual meeting on Monday that they have received a lot of information from students “telling us about an abrupt and sudden cancellation of their F-1 visa and service records”.

He said a team of five lawyers worked overtime in the last five days to investigate the situation.

“There is no pattern based on the information I have right now. Some of the students have arrest records but have never been convicted. Some of them have minor traffic violations, and some of them have a very clean record. So, it is random to me, and there’s no explanation being provided by the agency as to why this is happening on a blanket scale. This is unprecedented,” Zhu said.

He said the termination of student status has been done in the past on a very individualized basis for failing to maintain full-time student status or being convicted of committing some kind of serious crime.

“Those basically are forcing the students to self-deport,” Zhu said. “They have to leave the country right away. Otherwise, they would incur the so-called unlawful presence under immigration law.”

“Our goal is, of course, not to just represent those four students. Our goal is to seek a nationwide temporary restraining order and also an injunction against this kind of practice. We’re trying to restore service records for all the affected students,” Zhu said.

Lawsuits have also been filed on behalf of the students whose visas were terminated without notice. Atlanta law firm Kuck Baxter filed a lawsuit representing 17 international students from several states.

Nineteen state attorneys general from Arizona, California, Michigan, New York and others have asked a federal judge to stop the Trump administration from canceling international student visas.

It appears that visa cancellation is not limited to international students. The Cougar, a news outlet at the University of Houston, reported on Sunday that a professor’s visa was terminated unexpectedly.

Without disclosing the identity of the professor, The Cougar reported that another professor had to step in for the rest of the semester while the issue was being resolved.

MIL OSI China News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: India

Source:

We’ve reviewed our advice for India and continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution. Higher levels apply in some areas.

Carrying or using a satellite phone or GPS-enabled devices (including emergency locator beacons) without official permission is illegal. You could be arrested or detained, receive a large fine, have the device confiscated and face significant travel delays (see ‘Local Laws’).

If you have had a baby in India, you must inform the FRRO and secure the appropriate travel document and Indian visa to remain legally in the country or to travel. Failure to comply could result in significant financial penalties by the FRRO (see ‘Travel’).

Travellers have been robbed and assaulted after consuming spiked drinks or food. Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning from consuming alcoholic drinks (see ‘Safety’).

MIL OSI News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Seventy-six new police officers en route to districts

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Commissioner Richard Chambers, members of the police executive and wing patron Don Mann congratulated the 76 graduating constables from Wing 383 today. Also attending and presenting a prize in absence of the Minister of Police was Mayor of Porirua Anita Baker.

Families and friends celebrated the newly attested police officers at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua this afternoon to acknowledge the successful completion of their initial training course.

There are some likeminded individuals in the wing with 19 of the graduates having family members currently working in police. Five officers worked for police in non-constabulary roles before choosing to become police officers.

Twenty two of them were born in other countries, with 15 of them speaking more than just English.

Many of the officers are top sports players and one of them was awarded the Minister’s prize for top of wing. Constable Casey Hales is a former New Zealand representative for White-water Canoe Slalom. She’s also a current member of the Paddle Ferns – the New Zealand Women’s Canoe Polo Team and has won several international titles. She is a current world champion, having won the 2024 World Championships just three weeks before beginning her police college journey last November. She will be competing in the upcoming World Games in China later this year.

“I have spent the better part of ten years dedicated to my sporting passion. It is a privilege to be a member of the Paddle Ferns – the New Zealand Women’s Canoe Polo team and represent New Zealand at multiple international competitions. After winning the 2024 World Championships it felt like the right time to put my paddle down for a bit and shift my energy to starting a career I have always dreamed of. “It’s an honour to be recognised as top of wing, and I had no idea I was capable of it, but I’ve been lucky enough to go through this journey supported by an amazing group of people,” says Casey.

Casey will be based in Eastern District alongside her sister and mentor Constable Tayla Hales.

Leadership Award winner Ethan Semple has also followed a sibling into the police service. Ethan’s brother inspired him to join police. “I was very proud of my brother when he joined the police a few years ago. I’d always felt called to join police myself but felt like I wasn’t ready. I was going from job to job for a few years, working with youth in Oranga Tamariki, security, and a few tradie jobs. I was never satisfied with what I was doing, always feeling like it wasn’t where I was meant to be. Last year the recruiter tapped me on the shoulder so I put my name forward. As I did so, I’d never felt so sure about any job I’d applied for, and coming into college I knew I was where I am meant to be.”

Ethan is deployed to Bay of Plenty District.

Ten officers will head to Southern District, while nine will head to Northland District, a large number at either end of the country.

The Northland-bound recruits is one of the biggest cohorts to head there in a long time. Regional recruiter Sergeant Joe Te Ao says it’s about making connections in the community and reaching out to people who you think may be a good fit to join police.
“I spotted a rugby referee who also worked as an instructor at the gym. I knew he would be great in the job. I approached him and suggested he give it a go, met him at the station, had a good chat and he applied the following week. I supported him throughout the whole process and he is now at police college on Wing 386. There’s also someone graduating today who was our plumber and it’s great to watch him graduate. These are just two of many excellent people who I’ve sought out and encouraged them to join,” says Joe.

District Commander Northland, Superintendent Matt Srhoj says having the new officers join them in a week will be great. “We’re really excited having the extra people coming on board. We’ve worked really hard to recruit them, and it’s good that we have filled a few gaps. Our staff up in Northland are very excited about this new team coming back.

Southern District’s ten new officers will be deployed throughout the region to Invercargill, Queenstown, Gore and Dunedin stations.

The rest of the wing are dispersed as follows:

Deployment:
Northland 9, Tāmaki Makaurau a total of 25 and broken down as follows: Auckland City – 9, Waitematā – 7, Counties Manukau – 9, Waikato – 5, Bay of Plenty – 6, Eastern – 3, Central – 3, Wellington – 7, Tasman – 3, Canterbury – 5, Southern – 10.

The new constables will start their first week of duty in their Police districts from Monday 28 April 2025 and will continue their training on the job as probationary constables.

All Awards:
Minister’s Award recognising top student: Constable Casey Hales, posted to Eastern District.
Commissioner’s Award for Leadership: Constable Ethan Semple, posted to Bay of Plenty District.
Patron’s Award for second in wing recognising second top student: Constable Kayla Massey-Borman, posted to Auckland City District.
Firearms Award: Constable Ricardo Lewis, posted to Waitematā District.
Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Award: Constable Jared Curtis posted to Bay of Plenty District.
Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award: Constable Jenna Dodd, posted to Counties Manukau District.

Demographics:

31.6 percent are female, 68.4 percent are male. New Zealand European make up 64.5 percent of the wing, with Māori 13.2 percent, Pasifika 6.6 percent, Asian 11.8 percent, LAAM 2.6 percent.

383 Wing Patron: Don Mann
Don Mann (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tūhoe and Tongan descent) is a highly regarded leader who has served in the public and private sectors, and was a New Zealand police officer for 13 years.
Don is the CEO of Pacific Media Network, a public service multimedia entity that serves a global Pacific audience, revitalising 10 Pacific languages while promoting Pacific culture and identity.
Before that role, Don was CEO of the Pacific Cooperation Foundation where he led indigenous economic development partnerships across the Pacific region. In 2014, Don established a corporate partnerships team at Auckland Council, playing a pivotal role in supporting Auckland’s economic development strategy.
As a former general manager of the New Zealand Warriors franchise Don helped lead the club to seven National Rugby League (NRL) finals series including two NRL grand finals. He is a previous winner of the Pacific Sport Administrator the Year award and was twice recognised at the Aotearoa Māori Sport Awards.
Don joined the New Zealand Police in 1984 and was awarded first prize for general excellence in Wing 92. During his 13 years of Police service he spent seven of those as a detective in Auckland CIB specialising in homicide investigation, sexual abuse and criminal intelligence.
He holds a Bachelor of Business from Massey University where he won awards for business leadership and market research. He is a member of the Institute of Directors and currently serves on the Boards of Literacy Aotearoa (as Co-chair), SkyCity Auckland Community Trust, and The Rising Foundation. Don is married to Louise, a former police officer of 17 years and a current Police employee.

Watch out for our Ten One story coming soon with more images and stories.
If you’re interested in joining police check out newcops.govt.nz

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI China: S. Korean police fail in attempt to conduct search, seizure at presidential office

Source: China State Council Information Office

Police officers are seen on duty near the presidential residence in central Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

South Korean police attempted to execute a search and seizure operation at the presidential office and residence of the ousted President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul on Wednesday, but were blocked by the presidential security officials and ultimately failed to proceed.

According to South Korean media outlets, the Presidential Security Service asserted that the targeted locations or items involved military or official secrets, thus refusing to permit the search. After a 10-hour standoff, the police decided to abort the operation.

The search by the police aimed to collect evidence related to Yoon’s attempt on Jan. 3 to obstruct the execution of an arrest warrant led by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials and the police.

To clarify the details about Yoon’s declaration of an emergency martial law on Dec. 3 last year, the police have attempted to conduct search and seizure operations at the presidential office and residence for several times, all of which ended without success.

MIL OSI China News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Aldinga Beach shark warning

Source: New South Wales – News

South Australia Police (SAPOL), in collaboration with partner agencies, is urging visitors to Aldinga Beach to be aware of increased local sightings of a great white shark.

Representatives from SAPOL, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA), Department for Environment and Water (DEW), Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT), and Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA) met this week to discuss additional risk mitigation measures.

Currently, a fixed wing shark patrol is conducting routine flights between 9am and 5.30pm, which will sound a siren when a shark is sighted.

Coinciding with the Easter long weekend, SAPOL’s Water Operations Unit and all partner agencies will have increased water patrols across inland and coastal locations and will pay particular attention to the Aldinga Beach area.

“We want the public to enjoy our beautiful beaches, but to do so safely,” Senior Sergeant Andrew Suter from SAPOL’s Water Operations Unit said.

“While authorities are monitoring the loitering shark in the vicinity of Aldinga Beach, we encourage beachgoers to be vigilant and adhere to all rules and regulations when on the water.”

Dr Michael Drew, Research Scientist with the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) said white sharks can unpredictably visit the near-shore coastal waters of South Australia at any time of year.

“The near-shore coastal marine environment is an important habitat for juvenile and sub-adult (<3-4m) white sharks as it provides access to preferred prey species, such as small-bodied sharks and rays, and larger fish species like Australian salmon and snapper,” he said.

Beachgoers are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid swimming near food sources like large schools of fish.

Swimmers should also consider not entering murky waters, deep channels, and areas next to deep water and river mouths.

SLSSA will continue stationing members at Aldinga Beach, and in addition to routine club patrol coverage, will have one jet rescue boat dedicated to patrolling the southern beaches over the Easter long weekend. A secondary jet rescue boat will be available on northern metropolitan beaches.

The southern SLSSA jet rescue boat will aim to provide coverage between 10am and 6pm.

Up-to-date hazard alert information for all South Australian beaches is available to the public via the BeachSafe platform: https://beachsafe.org.au.

BeachSafe is a nationally recognised tool that provides current information for every beach in Australia, including patrol services, hazards, and available facilities and weather conditions, swell, and tide information.

The platform is designed to assist the public in selecting the most suitable and safe location for their beach visit. Should SLSSA receive reports of shark sightings over the weekend, it will promptly update the relevant hazard alerts to the affected beaches via BeachSafe.

Additionally, PIRSA would like to remind the public that using blood, bone, meat, offal or animal skin (other than a fish, worm or insect) for berley is prohibited in SA waters and should be reported to the 24-hour Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065 522.

Fishers are advised that gear restrictions for metropolitan shark fishing apply from Outer Harbor to Lady Bay Shacks, south of Normanville. More information can be found at pir.sa.gov.au/fishing-sharks-rays or the Recreational Fishing App.

More information about reducing the risk of shark interactions is available at pir.sa.gov.au/reducing-shark-risks

For more information on boating rules and regulations, visit: South Australian boating safety handbook (marinesafety.sa.gov.au)

Report any suspicious behaviour to SAPOL by calling 131 444.

MIL OSI News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Minister for Faith underlines importance of religious harmony
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

World news story

UK Minister for Faith underlines importance of religious harmony

Lord Khan underscored the UK’s commitment to minority groups on a 3-day visit to Islamabad, including on visits to Faisal Mosque and St Joseph’s Cathedral.
He highlighted the UK’s work to establish over 1,000 community-led village forums, where communities come together to provide support to the most marginalised. These forums provide early interventions to resolve tensions before they escalate.

During his visit, Lord Khan met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister for Law and Human Rights Azam Tarar, Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and Government of Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs, Ramesh Singh Arora.

UK Minister for Faith, Communities and Resettlement, Lord Khan, said:

“This visit has been a wonderful reminder of the diversity across Pakistan, and the white in the flag representing religious minorities. Our close partnership is helping to keep both of our countries safe, tackling shared threats including climate change, serious crime and irregular migration.”

The Minister also spoke at the first Overseas Pakistanis Convention, an initiative by the Government of Pakistan to connect with overseas Pakistanis from nearly 60 countries. He reflected on his own personal deep connection with Pakistan, with heritage from Gujrat, and spoke about the importance of the 1.6 million Pakistani diaspora in the UK. He also noted the rich trading partnership, with over 200 British businesses operating in Pakistan.

For updates on the British High Commission, please follow our social media channels:

Twitter: @UKinPakistan JaneMarriottUK

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Published 17 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Budd Introduce Resolution Announcing “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week”

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Ted Budd (R-NC), co-chairs of the Next Generation 911 Caucus, introduced a bipartisan resolution designating April 13-19 as “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week” to recognize 9-1-1 dispatchers for their dedication and service as first responders to emergencies across the country. A companion resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Norma J. Torres (D-CA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).
“As a former prosecutor, I know what an important role public safety telecommunications professionals play in times of crisis,” said Klobuchar. “Recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week will help raise awareness about the lifesaving work these professionals do each and every day, and how we need to ensure 9-1-1 dispatchers are classified as the first responders that they are.”
“Public safety telecommunicators are on the front lines of emergency response, and are the ones who answer the call for those in need of life-saving aid. I am deeply grateful for their service to our communities in North Carolina and across the country, and I am proud to recognize them during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week,” said Budd.
“For 17 years, I was the voice on the other end of a 9-1-1 call—listening to people in their darkest moments, calming terrified parents, and guiding callers through life-or-death situations. Dispatchers are more than operators; they are lifelines, holding steady when everything else feels out of control,” said Rep. Torres. “Public safety telecommunicators give so much of themselves to protect others, and I urge my colleagues to stand with them and fight for the status and support they deserve.”
“When every second counts, it’s the voice of a public safety telecommunicator that begins the chain of survival. These professionals are more than a calm presence—they are highly trained experts who manage emergencies with speed, clarity, and composure under immense pressure. Having served as an FBI Special Agent, I know their decisions can mean the difference between life and death. Our resolution is about more than recognition—it’s a call to action. We must ensure these frontline heroes are properly classified, fully supported, and honored for the indispensable role they have in protecting our communities,”said Fitzpatrick.
Klobuchar has long been a leader in pushing to expand and improve emergency communications infrastructure and support first responders. In February, Klobuchar and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Enhancing First Response Act, which would appropriately recognize 9-1-1 dispatchers for the lifesaving nature of their work, improve our 9-1-1 emergency reporting system during natural disasters and subsequent recovery efforts, and bolster compliance with Kari’s Law, which Senator Klobuchar worked to pass into law in 2018 and requires the manufacturers of multi-line telephone systems to create systems that allow callers to reach 9-1-1 without dialing a prefix or postfix.
Full text of the Senate resolution can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Amended trade union bill gazetted

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill 2025 was published in the Government Gazette today.

The bill seeks to amend the Trade Unions Ordinance to strengthen the regulation of trade unions to safeguard national security and improve the trade union regulatory regime, thereby facilitating trade unions’ healthy development, the Government explained.

The Labour Department further elaborated that the proposed amendments will strengthen the statutory powers of the Registrar of Trade Unions to supervise and regulate trade unions to better fulfil the duty of safeguarding national security under the National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

At the same time, the amendments, giving due regard to Hong Kong residents’ freedom and right to form and join trade unions, will not adversely affect the operation of law-abiding trade unions, it stressed.

The bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first and second readings on April 30. Subject to the passage of the bill, the amendment ordinance will come into operation on the expiry of six months after the day on which it is published in the Gazette.

In the meantime, the department will further publicise and explain the amendments to trade unions in order to aid their understanding and compliance.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Easter and Anzac Day long weekend opening hours

Source: South Australia Police

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The City of Wanneroo acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land we are working on, the Whadjuk people. We would like to pay respect to the Elders of the Noongar nation, past, present and future, who have walked and cared for the land and we acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contributions made to the life of this City and this region.

TermsAll content © 2025 City of Wanneroo. 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo WA 6065 | Locked Bag 1, Wanneroo WA 6946

MIL OSI News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: ‘The pay is not worth the stress’: research finds 10% of lawyers plan to quit within a year

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vivien Holmes, Emerita Professor, Australian National University

Momentum studio/Shutterstock

No one goes into the legal profession thinking it is going to be easy. Long working hours are fairly standard, work is often completed to tight external deadlines, and 24/7 availability to clients is widely understood to be a norm, particularly in commercial and international practice.

But too often, the demands of law can create an unhealthy workplace environment. In 2021, the stress of high workloads, low job control, and risks of secondary trauma led SafeWork NSW to categorise legal work as “high risk” for fatigue hazards – putting it alongside night shift work, emergency services, and fly-in, fly-out roles.

To investigate this problem, we surveyed about 1,900 lawyers across Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia in March and April last year.

We asked them about their workplace culture and its impact on wellbeing, about their levels of psychological distress, and whether they had experienced disrespectful behaviours at work.

We also asked whether they intended to leave either their employer or the legal profession in the near future.

Their answers allowed us to identify the type of workplace culture that is harmful to lawyers’ wellbeing. Here’s why fixing this problem matters to us all.

Unhealthy environments

Among the professionals we surveyed, about half found themselves in a workplace culture with negative effects on wellbeing.

A third of this group said their workplaces were characterised by poor working relationships, self-interest and pressure to cut corners or bend rules.

Alarming numbers of lawyers currently want to leave their current employer or quit the profession entirely.
Pormezz/Shutterstock

These poorer workplace cultures involved higher levels of psychological distress and more disrespectful behaviours from superiors and coworkers.

They were also characterised by a lack of effective wellbeing supports such as mental health leave arrangements or workload allocation practices.

Long working hours were common. More than half of participants (53%) said they worked more than 40 hours per week and 11% said they put in more than 60 hours.

About a third of the lawyers we surveyed wanted to quit their firm, while 10% planned to leave the profession, within a year.

Society can’t afford to ignore this problem. Lawyer wellbeing can directly affect the quality of legal services and may even lead to disciplinary action against individual lawyers. All of this can undermine public trust and confidence in the justice system.

Workload ‘cannot be sustained’

We invited participants to explain why they intended to leave the profession. Their answers are telling.

One mid-career lawyer at a large firm said:

I am in my 11th year of practice working as a Senior Associate at a top-tier firm. To put it bluntly, the work rate at which I am currently operating, which is required to meet the billable targets and budgets set for us, cannot be sustained for my whole working life – it’s too much.

A small-firm junior lawyer talked of the workload issues described by many:

The pay is not worth the stress. I can’t sleep because I’m constantly worried about deadlines or making mistakes, and I got paid more when I was a bartender. I love the work, but it’s a very tough slog and damaging my own wellbeing – for what?

Our data showed junior lawyers take a lot of the pressure, reflected in higher-than-average levels of psychological distress. Equally concerning was the extent to which senior lawyers with practice management responsibilities also reported above average distress.

Our research also showed the challenges extended beyond private practice and into government, legal aid and corporate “in-house” settings.

As one mid-career legal aid lawyer put it:

Lack of debriefing and supports, lack of formal mentoring and supervision, mental health toll, high workload and poor workplace culture, lack of training and supports to deal with clients in crisis, [mean it’s] not [a] family-friendly profession.

The positives

There was also good news. Three themes stood out in the responses from the 48% who told us they worked in positive workplace cultures. This suggests where support should be targeted.

For nearly two thirds of our sample, having good colleagues was the most important wellbeing support. As one mid-career lawyer put it:

Informal support such as debriefing with colleagues has been most beneficial for me.

Good flexible working and (mental health) leave arrangements came across as the most important practical support employers could provide.

Good workload allocation practices – and a willingness from managers to “reach out to discuss work-life balance” – make a real difference to peoples’ experience.

Support from colleagues was the most important wellbeing support.
UM-UMM/Shutterstock

It matters to the rest of us

The legal profession and its regulators have been engaging with the wellbeing problem for a while now. Our findings suggest there is still more to be done.

For the profession as a whole we felt that there was still a need to develop greater understanding of the specific wellbeing needs of both junior lawyers and those managing them, as these are the two groups experiencing the most distress.

Legal regulatory bodies should work to better understand how economic drivers of legal practice, such as high workloads and billing expectations, can have negative consequences for wellbeing, and whether any regulatory levers could lessen these impacts.

The authors would like to acknowledge the significant contribution of Stephen Tang, clinical psychologist, in undertaking data analysis and coauthoring the original report.

This research was supported by the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner (VLSB+C), the Law Society of New South Wales, and the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia. Matched funding for the data analysis was provided by the VLSB+C and industry research seed funding from the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Melbourne.

– ref. ‘The pay is not worth the stress’: research finds 10% of lawyers plan to quit within a year – https://theconversation.com/the-pay-is-not-worth-the-stress-research-finds-10-of-lawyers-plan-to-quit-within-a-year-254699

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 17, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Thailand’s fragile democracy takes another hit with arrest of US academic

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Simpson, Senior Lecturer, International Studies, University of South Australia

Despite the challenges faced by local democratic activists, Thailand has often been an oasis of relative liberalism compared with neighbouring countries such as Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

Westerners, in particular, have been largely welcomed and provided with a measure of protection from harassment by the authorities. Thailand’s economy is extremely dependent on foreign tourism. Many Westerners also work in a variety of industries, including as academics at public and private universities.

That arrangement now seems under pressure. Earlier this month, Paul Chambers, an American political science lecturer at Naresuan University, was arrested on charges of violating the Computer Crimes Act and the lèse-majesté law under Section 112 of Thailand’s Criminal Code for allegedly insulting the monarchy.

Chambers’ visa has been revoked and he now faces a potential punishment of 15 years in jail.

The lèse-majesté law has become a common tool for silencing Thai activists. At least 272 people have been charged under the law since pro-democracy protests broke out in 2020, according to rights groups.

Its use against foreigners has, until now, been limited. No foreign academic has ever been charged with it. Because of the law, however, most academics in Thailand usually tread carefully in their critiques of the monarchy.

The decision to charge a foreign academic, therefore, suggests a hardening of views on dissent by conservative forces in the country. It represents a further deterioration in Thailand’s democratic credentials and provides little optimism for reform under the present government.

Thailand’s democratic deficit

Several other recent actions have also sparked concerns about democratic backsliding.

Following a visit by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to China in February, the government violated domestic and international law by forcibly returning 40 Uyghurs to China.

The Uyghurs had fled China a decade earlier to escape repression in the western Xinjiang region and had been held in detention in Thailand ever since. They now potentially face worse treatment by the Chinese authorities.

Then, in early April, Thailand welcomed the head of the Myanmar junta to a regional summit in Bangkok after a devastating earthquake struck his war-ravaged country.

Min Aung Hlaing has been shunned internationally since the junta launched a coup against the democratically elected government in Myanmar in 2021, sparking a devastating civil war. He has only visited Russia and China since then.

In addition, the military continues to dominate politics in Thailand. After a progressive party, Move Forward, won the 2023 parliamentary elections by committing to amend the lèse-majesté law, the military, the unelected Senate and other conservative forces in the country ignored the will of the people and denied its charismatic leader the prime ministership.

The party was then forcibly dissolved by the Constitutional Court and its leader banned from politics for ten years.

In February, Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission criminally indicted 44 politicians from Move Forward for sponsoring a bill in parliament to reform the lèse-majesté law. They face lifetime bans from politics if they are found guilty of breaching “ethical standards”.

Even the powerful former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, who is also the uncle of the current prime minister, is not immune from the lèse-majesté law.

He was indicted last year for allegedly insulting the monarchy almost two decades ago. His case is due to be heard in July.

This continued undermining of democratic norms is chipping away at Thailand’s international reputation. The country is now classified as a “flawed democracy” in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index, with its ranking falling two years in a row.

Read more:
Thailand’s democracy has taken another hit, but the country’s progressive forces won’t be stopped

Academic freedom at risk

The lèse-majesté law has always represented something of a challenge to academic freedom in Thailand, as well as freedom of speech more generally. Campaigners against the law have paid a heavy price.

The US State Department has provided a statement of support for Chambers, urging the Thai government to “ensure that laws are not used to stifle permitted expression”. However, given the Trump administration’s attacks on US universities at the moment, this demand rings somewhat hollow.

Academic freedom is a hallmark of democracies compared with authoritarian regimes. With the US no longer so concerned with protecting academic freedom at home, there is little stopping flawed democracies around the world from stepping up pressure on academics to toe the line.

The undermining of democracy in the US is already having palpable impacts on democratic regression around the world.

With little international pressure to adhere to democratic norms, the current Thai government has taken a significant and deleterious step in arresting a foreign academic.

In the future, universities in Thailand, as in the US, will find it harder to attract international talent. Universities – and the broader society – in both countries will be worse off for it.

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

– ref. Thailand’s fragile democracy takes another hit with arrest of US academic – https://theconversation.com/thailands-fragile-democracy-takes-another-hit-with-arrest-of-us-academic-254706

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Sarcone Announces Supervisory Appointments

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ALBANY, NEW YORK – United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III today announced two new senior supervisory appointments within the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Lisa M. Fletcher has been appointed Chief of the Criminal Division and Cyrus P.W. Rieck has been appointed Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division. Ms. Fletcher and Mr. Rieck join other senior managers that U.S. Attorney Sarcone has elected to retain in their positions, including First Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Hanlon; and Chief of the Civil Division Karen Folster Lesperance.

“I am pleased to make these appointments which I believe add great depth of experience and perspective to our decision-making to better serve the Northern District of New York and the mission of the Department of Justice,” said United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III.

Ms. Fletcher joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 1999 and prior to her appointment as Criminal Chief served as Deputy Criminal Chief and the Project Safe Childhood Coordinator. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ms. Fletcher served as an Assistant District Attorney in New York and Onondaga Counties. Ms. Fletcher is a 1986 graduate of Niagara University and a 1989 graduate of St. John’s University School of Law.

Mr. Rieck joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2014 and prior to his appointment as Deputy Criminal Chief, served a Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Rieck was an associate with Orrick, Herrington, and Sutcliffe, LLP; and a law clerk for Judge Paul A. Crotty of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. Mr. Rieck is a 2005 graduate of Tulane University and a 2008 graduate of the University of Miami Law School.

Mr. Hanlon joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2008 and prior to his appointment as First Assistant United States Attorney served as Criminal Chief, Deputy Criminal Chief and Narcotics Chief. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Hanlon served as an Assistant District Attorney in Rensselaer County. Mr. Hanlon is a 1992 graduate of SUNY Binghamton and a 1996 graduate of Albany Law School.

Ms. Lesperance joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2012 and prior to her appointment as Civil Chief served as Deputy Civil Chief. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ms. Lesperance was an associate with McCabe and Mack LLP and with Testa, Hurwitz and Thibeault LLP. Ms. Lesperance is a 1995 graduate of SUNY Albany and a 1999 graduate of Albany Law School.

MIL Security OSI –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Youths charged in relation to deliberately lit fires in Claremont

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Youths charged in relation to deliberately lit fires in Claremont

Thursday, 17 April 2025 – 11:15 am.

Police have charged a 17-year-old from Bridgewater, and a 16-year-old from Herdsmans Cove, in relation to deliberately lit fires in Claremont on 10 March.
Police will allege the youths deliberately lit fires which damaged recycling facilities at Claremont Plaza, and the door of a Claremont hall.
They were bailed to appear before the Youth Justice Court at a later date.
Police thank members of the community for the witness information provided which assisted the investigations.

MIL OSI News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Delays following truck crash, East Tāmaki

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Motorists are being advised to expect delays following a crash between two trucks in East Tāmaki.

Emergency services are responding to reports of the two vehicles colliding at the intersection of Highbrook Drive and El Kobar Drive, reported to Police at midday.

Early indications suggest one person has been injured.

Highbrook Drive is closed and diversions are in place between El Kobar Drive and Business Parade.

Motorists are being advised to expect delays or seek an alternative route.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stay safe on our roads this Easter

Source: New Zealand Government

Transport Minister Chris Bishop is encouraging all road users to make safe choices and be patient with other drivers while on the roads this Easter.
“Road safety is a responsibility we all share, and with more people travelling around the country over the long weekend, we need everyone to make safe choices when they’re driving to avoid deaths and serious injuries,” Mr Bishop says.
“Please check road and weather conditions before you travel, especially in areas affected by Cyclone Tam. Take care and drive according to the conditions – remember that wet roads are slippery, reduce speed, increase following distances, avoid sudden braking, and use headlights if visibility is poor.
“You can expect to see Police on the roads anywhere, anytime this weekend, undertaking increased breath testing, as well as monitoring speed and other driving behaviour. There is a zero-tolerance approach to people putting themselves and others at risk, so think twice before you get behind the wheel.
“Drive sober, wear your seatbelt, ensure you’re well rested, and stick to the speed limit. Simple decisions like putting on your seatbelt and avoiding distractions, such as cell phones, while driving make a big difference in keeping yourself and other people safe on the roads.
“We want everyone to enjoy this Easter spending time with their friends and family. Making safe choices on the roads will ensure everyone can travel and return home safely.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Police call for egg-cellent driving this Easter

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police call for egg-cellent driving this Easter

Thursday, 17 April 2025 – 9:53 am.

Tasmania Police’s Easter road safety blitz, Operation Safe Arrival, begins today, running statewide throughout the Easter holiday period.
Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said dangerous driving behaviours remain the top priority for enforcement.
“Tasmania Police will be actively looking out for everyone on our roads this Easter, and we’re calling on motorists to behave egg-cellently,” he said.
“Easter in Tasmania means colder and wetter weather is on the horizon, more people are travelling on our roads, and extra caution is essential to prevent crashes.”
“As a driver, reduced visibility and slippery roads demand slower speeds and an increased awareness of what’s going on around you.”
Operation Safe Arrival will feature both high-visibility and covert patrols across Tasmania’s highways, main roads, rural routes, and back streets.
“Sometimes you’ll see us – and sometimes you won’t, as we use both overt and covert measures,” said Assistant Commissioner Bodnar.
“My message today isn’t a new one; keeping Tasmanian roads safe is a mission for the whole community.”
“Play your part by adapting your driving to match changing weather conditions, obey the road rules and report dangerous driving when you see it.”
“Anyone who witnesses dangerous driving behaviour should report it immediately to police on 131 444 to enable officers to respond in a timely way.”
“If it’s an emergency or life-threatening situation call Triple Zero (000).”
“If you can’t report it at the time but have footage, submit it to the police evidence portal online.”
The evidence portal can be found at https://www.police.tas.gov.au/report/

MIL OSI News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Man charged with drug-related offences following search in Scottsdale

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Man charged with drug-related offences following search in Scottsdale

Thursday, 17 April 2025 – 9:53 am.

A 51-year-old man has been charged with multiple drug-related offences including trafficking in a controlled substance following a search at a residence in Scottsdale on Tuesday afternoon.
During the search, Scottsdale Police allegedly located approximately 1.5 kilograms of cannabis in various forms.
The man will be proceeded against for trafficking in controlled substance, supplying controlled plant products, cultivating controlled plants, possessing controlled plant products and possessing things used for the administration of a controlled drugs.
He will appear in the Scottsdale Magistrates Court at a later date.
Anyone with information about illicit substance is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppers.com.au – information and be provided anonymously.

MIL OSI News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: West Valley Man Accused of Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Honduran national living in Utah with federal drug crimes after 171 grams of heroin was seized during executed search warrants.

Jose Manuel Osorio-Dominguez, 31, of West Valley City, was charged by complaint on April 10, 2025.

According to court documents, since February 2025, detectives with the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force began investigating a drug trafficking organization. On April 8, 2025, a 2014 Toyota Corolla was stopped, and a search warrant was executed on the vehicle. Detectives identified Osorio-Dominguez as the driver and 53 grams of field-tested positive heroin was seized. A subsequent search warrant was executed in Taylorsville, Utah, and an additional 118 grams of field-tested positive heroin and $5,000 was seized. Osorio Dominquez was taken into custody.

Osorio-Dominguez is charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for April 18, 2025, at 1:15 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.

The case is being investigated jointly by the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Special Assistant United States Attorney Peter Reichman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.

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

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

MIL Security OSI –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Buffalo man pleads guilty to defrauding hundreds of victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Nicholas Janes, 26, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to mail fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that in May 2023, law enforcement learned of many suspicious United States Postal Service Express Mail overnight flat-rate envelopes being mailed to the defendant’s address in Buffalo. The envelopes were addressed to variations of Janes’s name, or what appeared to be different law offices. Most of the address labels were hand-written, and the envelopes were mailed by individuals residing throughout the United States. A search of Janes’s address in various consumer complaint databases revealed a pattern of alleged debt collection fraud victims from throughout the United States. The names “Nicholas Janes,” “Nicholas James,” “The Nichols Law Group,” “The Nicholas Law Group,” and variations of the business name, The Offices of Pachulski, Mueller and Barnes (Muler, Muller, Burns, etc.) were consistently associated with Janes’s address. The defendant also controlled business mailboxes in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he received mail as a result of the fraudulent scheme. That mail was then forwarded to his residence in Buffalo.

As part of his fraudulent scheme, Janes contacted various individuals from around the country by telephone, advising them that they had a debt due on an alleged unpaid loan. He claimed that he was a local sheriff’s deputy, and would threaten the victims with criminal charges, if they did not immediately repay the alleged debt owed. Janes also pretended to be an attorney at fictitious law firms, so victims thought they were negotiating with a legitimate entity. He advised victims to make payment by USPS money orders payable to him, and send them via USPS, Federal Express or United Parcel Service overnight service to various addresses that he controlled and monitored the mail.

In total, Janes victimized more than 500 people for $420,812.92.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 11, 2025, before Judge Sinatra.

# # # #

MIL Security OSI –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Ocean County Man Charged with Traveling to a Foreign Place to Engage in Sexual Conduct with a Minor

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man was arrested and charged with traveling to a foreign place to engage in sexual conduct with a minor, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

Jacob Bauer, 28, of Toms River, is charged by complaint with one count of traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and one count of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place. He made his initial appearance on April 2, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rukhsanah L. Singh in Trenton federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From December 1, 2023 through December 10, 2023, Bauer, then 27 years old, traveled from the United States to Norway to engage in sexual activity with a 14-year-old female. Once in Norway, Bauer, staying at a hotel, engaged in sexual activity with the victim on at least one occasion. After returning to the United States, Bauer communicated over social media platforms with the victim and others about his sexual activities with the victim. During those conversations, Bauer acknowledged the victim’s age and status as a minor. After members of an online community that Bauer was active in learned of his sexual activities with a minor, Bauer was “doxxed” (his public information published online) by members of that community.

“Public safety is my number one priority for New Jersey’s residents, and my office is laser focused on protecting children and ending their exploitation at the hands of abusers. The conduct here is as reprehensible as it is egregious: a then-27-year-old male took pains to plan international travel from New Jersey to Norway for the purpose of having sex with a 14-year-old girl. These charges underscore how we are standing up for the most vulnerable and will not tolerate the sexual abuse of children. I commend our partners at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, law enforcement members at the state and local levels, and our international partners who assisted with this investigation.”

U.S. Attorney Alina Habba

“We have federal laws protecting children because they cannot defend themselves,” said Newark FBI Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly. Most of these investigations go unnoticed because we do all we can to protect the innocent victims. However, the work FBI Newark agents and task force officers are doing should be heralded by all of us. Day in and day out – they are saving children who shouldn’t have to experience unspeakable horrors and abuse perpetrated by child sexual predators.”

Each of the charges, traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place, carries a potential maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Habba credited the special agents and task force officers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked the New Brunswick Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Vincent Sabo, the Manchester Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Antonio Ellis, the FBI Legal Attaché Office, U.S. Embassy, Copenhagen, Denmark, the FBI Legal Attaché Office, U.S. Embassy, Warsaw, Poland, the Jackson County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office, INTERPOL, the Norwegian Politiet, Troms District, the Norwegian Politiet, NC3 KRIPOS, and the Poland Policja CBZC, Central Cybercrime Bureau for their assistance in the investigation.

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

###

Defense counsel: Andrea Aldana, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender

MIL Security OSI –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Maryland Man Charged with Coercing and Enticing 18-Year-Old to Travel from Massachusetts to Maryland for Commercial Sex

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

According to court documents, the defendant has allegedly been victimizing teenage minors, paying them to travel and engage in sex acts with him

BOSTON – A 44-year-old Maryland man has been charged with allegedly coercing and enticing and 18-year-old to travel from Massachusetts to Maryland to engage in commercial sex. According to the detention brief filed today, the government allegedly also found evidence that the defendant has been victimizing minor males and young adults ranging in ages from 14–20 by paying the minors for Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and coercing and enticing some of them to travel to his penthouse condominium at the Four Seasons in Baltimore, and elsewhere, to engage in sex acts with him, which he videorecorded.

David Kaufman, 44, was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of knowingly persuading, inducing, enticing and coercing an individual to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution, and aiding and abetting. Kaufman appeared in federal court in the District of Maryland today and was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for 3 p.m. tomorrow afternoon. He will appear in the District of Massachusetts at a later date.

According to public filings, Kaufman coerced a victim to travel from Massachusetts on two occasions to visit his penthouse condominium at the Four Seasons in Baltimore, paying for the plane tickets. While there, Kaufman allegedly provided the victim with alcohol and drugs, including cocaine, until the victim was intoxicated. It is alleged that Kaufman would then persuade the victim to engage in sex acts, which Kaufman videotaped so that he could watch them later in order to get pleasure for himself. In exchange for the sex acts, it is alleged that Kaufman paid the victim with cash, electronic money transfers and gifts. For example, after he engaged in sex acts in February 2024, Kaufman bought the victim a Louis Vuitton bag.

Government filings contain evidence that Kaufman has also been victimizing minors ranging in age from 14–17 by paying them for CSAM and enticing them to travel to Baltimore and elsewhere to engage in sex acts with him, which Kaufman videorecords. Kaufman typically provides his victims with gifts and money in exchange for CSAM and sex acts.

If you have information or questions about this investigation, or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking or child exploitation, please contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.

The charges of coercing a person to travel for purposes of prostitution provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three 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 U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Maryland; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and the Baltimore Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torey B. Cummings and Craig E. Estes of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit are prosecuting the case.

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 –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Takanini Community Patrol on the beat

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Another set of eyes and ears are on patrol, with the launch of the much anticipated Takanini Community Patrol this week.

The patrol launches after an 18-month joint effort between Community Patrols of New Zealand (CPNZ) and NZ Police, with support from the Supreme Sikh Society. The new service includes two new community patrol vehicles to help prevent crime and reduce harm in the local area.

Counties Manukau District Commander, Superintendent Shanan Gray, says community patrols are invaluable to Police, keeping an eye on neighbourhoods and providing valuable intelligence to Police who cannot be everywhere at once.

“Police are aware of community concerns around some of the behaviour in the Takanini area, and have been working hard to make ensure our locals continue to feel safe.

“Our patrols have also focused on engaging with our community, but the issues aren’t something that Police alone can solve.

“We are continuing to work with both the community and our partner agencies to address any concerns and these volunteers are our eyes and ears and are part of the Police family.”

CPNZ chairman Chris Lawton says community patrols are made up of volunteers working with Police in their own community to help deliver a safer environment for everyone to live in.

“We would really like to thank Police staff at Counties Manukau South for their great work in helping to get this up and running, they are so invested in their community and it shows.

“Also of course a special thanks to Mahindra for the two vehicles, having access to these to continue to keep Takanini a safe place to live and work is vital.”

Mr Lawton says the official launch was also an opportunity to highlight the Pathways to Police program, which combines community patrol with active Police work.

“This dual role allows you to undergo comprehensive training while actively participating in Police operations, fostering a hands-on experience in law enforcement.”

For more information, go to www.cpnz.org.nz

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Plea to rural Canterbury drivers after two fatal crashes in two hours

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

In the 18 months to Monday, first responders had seen the result of crashes that killed 26 people around rural Canterbury.

By Tuesday, it was 28.

Inspector Peter Cooper, the Canterbury Rural Area Commander, is a 40-year veteran but says experience doesn’t make fatal crashes easier to deal with.

Ahead of the Easter weekend he’s urging motorists to take it slow and stay focused on their driving.

“Every one of those fatalities comes with a massive human toll, affecting the families and friends of the deceased, the motorists who are first on the scene, and the first responders – particularly the large number of them who are volunteers.

“Every death on the roads affects us all – it’s people in our rural community who are going to the deaths of people from their communities.”

Even for seasoned Police, seeing the effects of a crash on a person can be hard.

“In the space of two hours on Tuesday, the team that investigated a fatal crash in Culverden then had to attend the second fatal crash in Leithfield. It’s rough for everyone, and you’re seeing things nobody should have to see.”

Inspector Cooper didn’t want to dwell on the reasons for each crash – but he says drivers need to focus on driving safely rather than pushing themselves and their cars to the limits.

“If the weather’s bad like it’s meant to be this weekend, slow down. If you’re tired from driving, take rest breaks and take in the scenery.

“Drive like your life, and the lives of those you love, depends on it. When we say one death is too many, we mean it.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 17, 2025