NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp: Georgia-based Flock Safety Opens New 97,000-Square-Foot Manufacturing Facility

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Georgia-headquartered Flock Safety, a leading safety technology solutions provider, is opening a new manufacturing facility in Smyrna. The new 97,000-square-foot facility will ultimately create an estimated 210 new jobs over the next three years and represents an investment of approximately $10 million. Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp joined Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley, Flock Safety Chief People Officer Paige Todd, Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton, Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce CEO Katie Kirkpatrick, Cobb County Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer, and other state and local leadership to celebrate the ribbon cutting.

    “In Georgia, we foster a business environment where innovative companies can get off the ground and grow into leaders in their industry while operating in safe communities,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Flock Safety is a great example of the success that approach has created, and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone with them. We look forward to many years of partnership with Flock Safety in their efforts to help keep Georgians safe.”

    Flock Safety was founded in Georgia in 2017, and the company currently supports more than 250 jobs in the state. Over 300 law enforcement agencies and 100 businesses in Georgia have deployed Flock Safety’s technology to solve and reduce crime. Flock Safety launched its Drone as First Responder system last year upon the acquisition of Aerodome, a leader in rapid response drones for public safety.

    “We feel fortunate to have our roots in Georgia, the state that is undisputedly the leader in the American aerospace industry, and are proud to invest further by creating hundreds of advanced manufacturing and aviation jobs locally,” said Garrett Langley, Founder and CEO of Flock Safety. “Drone as First Responder technology stands to transform emergency response, and these made-in-America, NDAA-compliant drones will have a transformative impact on the local communities we aim to serve.”

    Flock Safety’s new facility in Smyrna is dedicated to the production of the company’s advanced public safety tools, including Drone as First Responder technology as well as refurbishing damaged devices and assembling solar panels. Hiring for the new facility is underway now, with projections to meet full operations in 2027. Interested individuals can learn more about working at Flock Safety and apply at www.flocksafety.com/careers.

    “Smyrna’s convenient location and diverse talent pool make the city an ideal environment for corporate innovation opportunities,” said Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton. “We appreciate Flock’s confidence in Smyrna and welcome them to our community.”

    “We are thrilled to welcome Flock Safety to Cobb County,” said Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, Cobb County Board of Commissioners. “We have been early partners with Flock Safety by deploying their public safety technology, and I am happy to see this relationship evolve in our community, with its ready workforce and a business environment supportive of their commitment to innovation in public safety technology. We are certain the dynamic energy of Cobb’s business climate and quality of life for residents will add to Flock Safety’s success.”

    “Flock Safety’s expansion is yet another Georgia business success story. This growth in Cobb County shows why companies that start here stay, put down roots, and keep thriving,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, President & CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “With our unmatched talent, innovation, and pro-business environment, the expansion strengthens Flock Safety’s ability to leverage technology to make our communities safer.” 

    Senior Regional Project Manager Caroline Kinchler represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this project in partnership with the City of Smyrna, Cobb County Economic Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Power, and SelectCobb.

    “Aerospace products – Georgia’s No. 1 export – come in all shapes and sizes, from jets and turbines to cutting-edge innovations like Flock Safety’s Drone as First Responder technology,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Georgia’s strength in aerospace innovation and manufacturing is driven by strategic investments in education and a collaborative, business-friendly environment. Congratulations to Flock Safety on launching the first of its aerospace-focused manufacturing operations, and to Cobb County and the greater metro Atlanta community on this exciting milestone.”

    About Flock Safety

    Flock Safety is a leading safety technology platform, helping communities thrive by taking a proactive approach to crime prevention and security. The company’s end-to-end hardware and software suite unites cities, law enforcement, businesses, schools, and neighborhoods in a nationwide public-private safety network. Flock is trusted by more than 5,000 communities, 4,500 law enforcement agencies, and 1,000 businesses to deliver real-time intelligence while upholding the highest standards of privacy, data integrity, and responsible innovation. Visit www.flocksafety.com for more info.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Canberra tourism industry wins big at national awards

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Staffed by VisitCanberra, the CRVC at Commonwealth Park offers an exceptional experience for visitors and locals alike.

    The ACT has won seven awards at the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.

    Gold awards

    The Canberra Region Visitors Centre (CRVC) was named best Visitor Information Service in Australia, leading the awards for the Territory’s tourism industry.

    Staffed by VisitCanberra, the CRVC at Commonwealth Park offers an exceptional experience for visitors and locals alike.

    It attracts 220,000 visitors each year, many of whom head to the CRVC as their first port of call.

    Two other local entrants won gold at the Awards. They are:

    • the National Capital Authority for the Lights on the Lake event, in the Events and Festivals category
    • the Royal Australian Mint in the Cultural Tourism category.

    Silver awards

    • The Museum Shop at the National Museum of Australia took home silver in the Tourism, Retail and Hire Services category
    • Alivio Tourist Park won silver for Caravan and Holiday Parks
    • Jamala Lodge won silver for Unique Accommodation

    Bronze award

    • The National Arboretum was awarded bronze in the Ecotourism category.

    Ongoing success

    Canberra’s tourism industry is unique. The past year has seen record leisure and visiting friends and family (VFR) numbers, and the Territory’s events, venues and business continue to provide new and enticing experiences for visitors.

    As a result of the industry’s hard work, Canberra is on track to grow the value of tourism to the ACT economy to $4 billion by 2030.

    This focuses on the ACT Government’s tourism 2030 strategic vision of a thriving, sustainable destination that benefits Canberrans.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: First-ever Canberra Monopoly game hits shelves

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Featuring everything from Floriade to Mooseheads, the game captures the essence of the ACT.

    Canberra is getting its own version of the world’s most popular game.

    The first-ever official Monopoly Canberra edition was developed with the help of Canberra residents.

    It pays tribute to everything that’s unique to the region – from Floriade to the Belconnen Owl.

    Locally themed squares replace the likes of Mayfair and Park Lane, and circles have been added to the board’s design to reference Canberra’s infamous abundance of roundabouts.

    “For years, Canberra has been on the list of cities we’ve wanted to honour with its own custom Monopoly board, but we’ve wanted to get it just right,” Dale Hackett from Winning Moves, the makers of custom Monopoly Boards, said.

    “It’s been such a privilege to develop this edition over the past year, inspired by suggestions from locals, to create a game we think Canberra residents and tourists alike will truly be proud of.”

    The custom Canberra-themed squares and cards include:

    • Brown: Australian National Botanic Gardens, Cockington Green Gardens
    • Light Blue: Canberra Theatre Centre, National Museum of Australia, National Portrait Gallery
    • Pink: Yarralumla Play Station, GoBoat, National Dinosaur Museum
    • Orange: Floriade, Enlighten, Canberra Balloon Spectacular
    • Red: Canberra Outlet Centre, Old Bus Depot Markets, Westfield Belconnen
    • Yellow: BrodBurger, Mooseheads, Akiba
    • Green: Canberra Airport, University of Canberra, Royal Australian Mint
    • Dark Blue: Australian War Memorial, Parliament House
    • Local Icons: Belconnen Owl, Telstra Tower, Lake Burley Griffin, GIO Stadium Canberra
    • Utilities: Icon Water, ActewAGL.

    The new Monopoly: Canberra edition is available now at all retailers throughout the ACT.

    The Monopoly game first hit shelves in 1935. Since then, it has been played by more than 1 billion people.

    Today, the game is adored all around the world, played in 114 countries and enjoyed in over 47 languages.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: More affordable rentals for Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The 54 new units will be affordable rentals and include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

    The ACT Government is investing in the delivery of more affordable rental properties in Woden.

    Marymead CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn will deliver a 54-unit build-to-rent development in Curtin.

    This is supported by the ACT Government’s $60 million Affordable Housing Project Fund.

    All 54 units will be affordable rentals and include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

    Construction is expected to begin in mid-2025 and be completed by mid-to-late 2026, pending planning approvals.

    The Government established the Affordable Housing Project Fund in 2023 to grow the supply of affordable rental properties in Canberra and strengthen the community housing sector.

    The Curtin development is one of six projects identified for support under the fund. Others include:

    • a CHC Australia and Canberra Southern Cross Club 140-unit build-to-rent project in Phillip, which will include 70 affordable rental units; and
    • the Government’s $4.5 million contribution to the Ginninderry women’s housing initiative – a partnership between Housing Australia and CHC Australia as part of a joint venture to deliver the first women’s housing build-to-rent-to-buy pilot program.

    In total, the six projects are expected to deliver up to 280 new affordable rental properties in Canberra.

    These will contribute to the Government’s commitment to deliver 600 additional affordable rentals by 2025–26.

    “Marymead CatholicCare is extremely excited to partner with the ACT Government and the Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn’s North Woden Parish to deliver a brand new affordable rental development in Curtin,” Marymead CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn CEO Anne Kirwan said.

    “This project has been five years in the making, and we have worked closely with the ACT Government to support this initiative and enable the Archdiocese to be able to use its own land to meet a growing need within our community – housing.

    “This build will increase rental supply in the ACT for individuals and families who earn less than $100,000 and who are experiencing rental distress,” Anne said.

    Community housing providers and landholders are encouraged to submit proposals to access the Affordable Housing Project Fund.

    They can do this via the Government’s request for proposal process, which closes on 9 April 2024.

    More information is available on the Government’s Housing website.

    Build to rent, which is aimed at increasing the supply of rental properties available for long-term tenure, is an important part of the Government’s ACT Housing Strategy to improve rental supply and affordability.

    With the Canberra population on track to reach half-a-million people by 2027, the project will help ensure the right mix of housing options for a growing city.

    The Government will announce further community housing partnerships for affordable build-to-rent projects soon.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Kids of all ages will find something they enjoy at the upgraded Burrumarra Avenue playground.

    Gungahlin locals – with two legs and four – will soon have even more places to play.

    Kids are now enjoying the upgraded Burrumarra Avenue playground in Ngunnawal. The CaseyCommunity Recreation Park is well on its way and work will soon begin on the new dog park in Franklin.

    Burrumarra Avenue playground, Ngunnawal

    The suburb’s only fully fenced playground, the upgraded space provides more fun and accessible play opportunities for all ages and abilities.

    These include:

    • nature play with balancing elements
    • new all-abilities equipment with a timber double swing and spinner
    • junior fort with slide and climbing elements catering to ages 0–13
    • toddler (ages 0–4) play opportunities such as a double-rocker, seesaw and platypus sculpture
    • picnic tables, shelter and seating
    • four new trees and landscaping including mulched garden beds
    • Ngunnawal artwork and play elements.

    Find out more at builtforcbr.act.gov.au

    Casey Community Recreation Park

    Work continues on the Casey Community Recreation Park, which is scheduled to open around the middle of this year.

    The park is really taking shape with all play equipment now installed and construction continuing for the installation of the multi-purpose court, accessible toilet facilities and the picnic areas, as well as the carpark upgrades.

    The park will offer  a wide range of new recreation facilities, including:

    • shade structures, BBQ and picnic areas
    • play equipment for all abilities
    • design emphasising nature play
    • accessible toilet facilities
    • a multi-purpose court for different sports
    • a cricket net
    • a flying fox
    • 12 new parking spaces, including one accessible space, plus surface upgrades and new lighting
    • grassed areas including an amphitheatre and open play spaces.

    Find out more at builtforcbr.act.gov.au

    Franklin dog park

    Construction will soon begin on the new Franklin dog park.

    This is expected to take about nine months to complete.

    Conveniently located near the new community recreation park on the corner of Oodgeroo and Nullarbor avenues, it will feature:

    • an agility area with play elements
    • an irrigated grass area for ball and frisbee play
    • deciduous trees for canopy cover.

    Find out more on the City Services website.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Take a virtual tour of the new CIT Woden campus

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A new video has been released to showcase this state-of-the-art public education and transport hub.

    Construction is ramping up at CIT Woden with Canberrans invited to suggest names for the three public green spaces surrounding the main building.

    A new video has also been released to showcase this state-of-the-art public education and transport hub. This helps the community picture these new areas and understand how the campus will interact with the new public transport interchange.

    View the new fly-through video.

    The first of the three public spaces is a 169-metre-long boulevard running east-west. It features native landscaping and forms a critical pedestrian link between the interchange and the town centre. This central corridor will include a series of spaces for public seating, outdoor dining, and retail frontage.

    Situated at the northern end of the CIT Woden campus is a sunny 3700 square metre break out space for students and the public to enjoy. It includes canopy trees and gardens providing wind and sun protection, as well as dog clean-up facilities.

    The third public space at the western end is a welcoming 1295 square metre plaza. It is surrounded by a mix of native and non-native planting and features a gathering and ceremony space. There is also seating with charging ports, accessible paths and featured paving.

    Naming these spaces is an opportunity to connect people and places. It will also help to provide signage and wayfinding for students, staff and visitors across the CIT Woden Campus.

    The following themes are a guiding framework to help the public to think about possible names.

    • First Nations
    • Innovation
    • Education

    The community can put forward names under a single theme for all three public spaces or mix and match spaces, themes, and names.

    Canberrans can submit their naming suggestions on the ACT Government’s YourSay page. You can also present their ideas in person at pop-up information sessions being held at Westfield Woden, CIT Reid and CIT Bruce.

    A short-list of names will be reviewed by the CIT Woden place naming committee including representatives from First Nations advisory groups. The chosen names will be revealed later this year.

    With CIT Woden Campus opening in 2025, the community won’t have to wait long to start enjoying the public plazas and green spaces around the precinct.

    Place naming consultation will run until the end of April 2024. Place naming consultation will run until the end of April 2024.

    To submit your names visit www.yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/cit-campus-woden/citcampuswoden-placenaming.

    For further information on the CIT Woden Campus project visit www.builtforcbr.act.gov.au.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Proposed Dickson Shops upgrade revealed

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The design proposes a series of spaces that encourage socialisation and conversation.

    The draft design for the Dickson Shops upgrade is now available to view. The ACT Government is seeking feedback and suggestions from the community.

    The design enhances the unique identity and character of Dickson shops while providing much needed upgrades and improvements.

    Here are some of the elements included in the design:

    Safety and pedestrian experience

    The designs include enhanced lighting, upgraded paving and widened footpaths. Circulation spaces for pedestrians are included, with more seating opportunities and bicycle parking.

    The project proposes widening the pedestrian link from Cowper Street to the post office. It will also consider ways to improve the pedestrian crossing on Badham Street.

    Community connection

    Providing spaces for the community to gather and socialise is main feature of the design.

    It proposes decluttering Taglietti Square (the library plaza) and other courtyards. This would create more spacious, accessible and adaptable areas for small events and activities. This approach also supports outdoor dining.

    The design for the area south of the post office includes opportunities for incidental play. This will help to create a family-friendly space that is safety distanced from traffic.

    Existing artworks have been retained and repurposed in the proposal. The landscape design visually aligns with the iconic Dickson Heritage Library, designed by Enrico Taglietti.

    The plans propose reusing existing bricks as a feature in the paving design. This supports sustainability and respects the history of the area.

    Large mature trees have been kept and there is more greenery to mitigate urban heat.

    Consultation is open until 23 April 2024, with construction expected to begin in 2025.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2024 Canberra Gold Awards winners announced

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Gold Awards recipient Margaret Constance was one of the first Avon ladies in Canberra and went on to work in the Supreme Court for 25 years.

    Each year, the Chief Minister’s Canberra Gold Awards recognise the unique contributions of individuals and groups who have lived or operated in the ACT for 50 years or more.

    This year, 71 individuals and 15 groups were awarded. Over the last half-century, each of them has shaped not only our city, but the people who live here. Whether that’s placing an instrument in a musically-gifted student’s hands for the first time, raising a family in Canberra, or leaving a mark on an industry.

    While the awards celebrate Canberra’s history, there was much recognition of the people who have helped shape our future: the teachers, principals and programs supporting the city’s schools.

    Leanne Fisher was born in Canberra in 1963 and has worked for the Department of Education for 20 years.

    “I’m just about to retire in three weeks’ time, it’s a nice way to finish,” she said.

    Paul Branson, Principal of Belconnen High, was also born in Canberra and is a self-titled “product of public schools”. Educated at Hackett Primary, Dickson College and the Australian National University, Paul was nominated for his contribution to public schooling.

    “There’s lots that I love about Canberra, lots of things happen here. I know people say it’s boring, but that’s not true at all,” Paul said.

    “Someone once said to me, Canberra thinks you’re boring too!”

    The ACT Instrumental Music Program was one of the groups that received a Gold Award. Now in it’s 51st year, the program is part of ACT public schools.

    “We were nominated by a former student,” former principal Naida Blackley said.

    “It’s about providing opportunities for students to access musical instruments in a group learning situation.”

    Many awards recipients spoke of their love of the city, and in particular, their love of Lake Burley Griffin.

    Margaret Constance’s arrival predated the construction of the now-iconic landmark.

    “In 1962, we moved to the newly developed Red Hill, and there were still sheep grazing on the perimeter,” she said.

    “I saw the building of the National Library, the High Court, the Portrait Gallery, and the lake. And I saw Woden and Belconnen Develop. They were the first suburbs – I think they were called satellite towns then.”

    Margaret was one of the first Avon ladies in Canberra and went on to work in the Supreme Court for 25 years.

    Ali Hosain was another Gold Award recipient who fondly recalls memories of Canberra being developed.

    “When we came, Canberra was not a very impressive place,” he said.

    “[Now] Canberra is so beautiful. We’ve travelled the whole world but there’s nothing like Canberra.”

    If you would like to nominate a person, group, or yourself, nominations are open year-round and can be made online.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Individuals Charged for Alleged Armed Robbery Spree

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

    LOS ANGELES—A federal grand jury returned an indictment Monday charging four individuals for their alleged involvement in an armed robbery spree in Oxnard, California.

    The following defendants are charged with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act):

    • Erasmo Jose Corral, 19, of Oxnard;
    • Wendy Xitlali Gutierrez, 21 , of Oxnard
    • Sylvia Martinez, 51 , of Oxnard and
    • Ramon Olvera, 29, of Oxnard

    According to the indictment, on January 4, 2025, Corral, Gutierrez, Martinez, and Olvera allegedly robbed a The Home Depot store in Oxnard, California and three days later, robbed a Walmart. According to court documents, on both occasions, Corral brandished a handgun and aimed it at store employees, as he and his co-conspirators fled with stolen items.

    Following the Walmart robbery on January 7, officers with the Oxnard Police Department located the suspects and conducted a traffic stop, resulting in the arrest of Corral and Gutierrez. During the search, officers reportedly discovered a loaded handgun in the vehicle that matched the handgun allegedly used in the robberies. Corral is not legally permitted to possess a firearm and ammunition because he was previously convicted of a felony and was on probation at the time of his arrest. Martinez and Olvera were arrested by officers with the Oxnard Police Department on March 29th and they were brought into federal custody yesterday.

    Corral was also charged with one count for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

    If convicted, Corral, Gutierrez, Martinez, and Olvera face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each Hobbs Act robbery count. Corral faces additional seven-year consecutive sentences for allegedly brandishing a firearm during each robbery, a statutory maximum of 15 years for felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and a statutory maximum 40 years for possession with intent to distribute at least 5 grams of methamphetamine. All defendants in this case are expected to remain in custody pending trial.

    The investigation is being conducted by the Ventura County Violent Crime Task Force, which includes the FBI, the Oxnard Police Department, and the Port Hueneme Police Department.

    Assistant United States Attorney Matt Coe-Odess is prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Butler County Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting Toddler on Snapchat, Faces 25 to 30 Years in Prison

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

    CINCINNATI – A Middletown man pleaded guilty in federal court in Cincinnati today to sexually exploiting a toddler in Snapchat videos.

    Daveion Wright, 32, was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024. His plea agreement includes a sentencing recommendation of 25 to 30 years in prison.

    According to court documents, on at least five instances in January 2024, Wright sexually exploited a 2-year-old victim, uploaded videos of the explicit conduct, and shared one video on Snapchat.

    For example, one 54-second video depicted Wright and an adult female having vaginal intercourse as the toddler victim pushed on Wright’s hips. The other videos showed Wright exposing the toddler’s anus and vagina while Wright had intercourse with the adult female.

    He will be sentenced at a future court hearing.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division and Middletown Police Chief Earl Nelson announced the guilty plea entered today before Senior U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Healey is representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Father and Son Executives Charged with Defrauding Sports Park Bondholders

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

    Former Chairman and CEO Raised More Than $280 Million Using Forged Documents and Fake Revenue Projections

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging RANDY MILLER, former Chairman and President of Legacy Sports, and his son, CHAD MILLER, former CEO of Legacy Sports, with engaging in a scheme to defraud investors of more than $280 million in two municipal bond offerings. RANDY MILLER and CHAD MILLER were arrested today and will be presented tomorrow in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan. 

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “As alleged, Randy Miller and Chad Miller swindled investors out of over a quarter of a billion dollars by selling municipal bonds they knew were backed by forgeries and lies. Municipal bonds fund critical public projects and investors rely on accurate financial disclosures to make informed decisions. This Office is committed to protecting the integrity of the public finance system. When individuals abuse that system and investors’ trust, we will hold them accountable.”

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “Fathers and sons have found shared bonds in sports for generation. Randy and Chad Miller allegedly chose to use a planned sports complex as a means to exploit and defraud investors.  The Millers allegedly executed the scheme using fraudulent documents to lie about the status of the proposed project in order to raise hundreds of millions of dollars which they used to enrich themselves.  The FBI will continue to ensure a level playing field by holding fraudsters accountable in the criminal justice system.”

    According to the allegations contained in the Indictment:[1]

    From November 2019 through May 2023, RANDY MILLER and CHAD MILLER engaged in a scheme to defraud investors in municipal bonds used to fund the development of a major sports complex in Mesa, Arizona called Legacy Park. The defendants worked together and with others to lie to potential bond investors about the interest sports organizations and other potential customers had in using or relocating to Legacy Park. The defendants and their associates forged and altered purported “binding” letters of intent and other documents from those potential customers to make it appear that the customers were committing to holding many events at Legacy Park, with a significant number of spectators, and agreeing to pay large fees – all far beyond what the organizations were considering, if they were considering Legacy Park at all. In some instances, RANDY MILLER and CHAD MILLER signed and directed others to sign customers’ names without the customers’ knowledge or permission. At other times the defendants copied and directed others to copy the signatures of other customers onto the fabricated letters, again without the customers’ knowledge or permission. As part of their scheme, the defendants forged documents on behalf of numerous persons and organizations, including an organization that promotes sports for disabled athletes.

    RANDY MILLER and CHAD MILLER presented the fraudulent documents to prospective bond investors and incorporated them into their solicitation materials by claiming that Legacy Park would be 100% occupied at opening and would generate nearly $100 million in revenue in its first year of operations, more than enough to cover the bond payments. 

    After the Legacy Park bonds were sold to investors, RANDY MILLER and CHAD MILLER used some of the proceeds to pay for personal expenses such as a home and SUVs. The defendants also paid themselves inflated salaries and withdrew hundreds of thousands of dollars in addition to their salaries.

    While the defendants enriched themselves, Legacy Park struggled to survive. The park opened in 2022, but within months failed to generate enough revenue to make the monthly bond payments, and by October 2022 it was in default. On May 1, 2023, the project filed for bankruptcy and was later sold for less than $26 million. Of those proceeds, less than $2.5 million went to repay the approximately $284 million owed to Legacy Park bondholders. Accordingly, because of the defendants’ fraud, bondholders were left with near total losses.

    *               *                *

    RANDY MILLER, 70, and CHAD MILLER, 41, both of Phoenix, Arizona, were both charged in the Indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and securities fraud, which carries a maximum term of five years in prison; one count of securities fraud and one count of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison; and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison.

    The mandatory minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge. 

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. Podolsky also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which has filed a parallel civil action. 

    The case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Courtney L. Heavey and Matthew R. Shahabian are in charge of the prosecution.

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Iranian Company and Two Iranian Nationals Charged with Conspiring to Provide Material Support to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and for Scheme to Procure U.S. Technology for Iranian Drones

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

    CEO and Commercial Manager of Iranian Company Charged in Connection with Conspiracies to Provide Material Support, Violate Export Control Laws and Commit Money Laundering

    BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, a complaint was unsealed charging Iranian nationals Hossein Akbari and Reza Amidi, and an Iran-based Rah Roshd Company (“Rah Roshd”), with conspiring to procure U.S. parts for Iranian Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (“UAVs”), also known as drones, conspiring to provide material support to the IRGC, a designated foreign terrorist organization, and conspiring to commit money laundering.  Akbari is the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Rah Roshd. Amidi is the company’s commercial manager and was previously the commercial manager of Qods Aviation Industries (“QAI”), an Iranian state-owned aerospace company.  They are both citizens of Iran and remain at large.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the charges.

    “As alleged in the complaint, the defendants conspired to obtain U.S.-origin parts needed to manufacture drones for military use in Iran and send those parts to Iran in violation of export control laws,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “The charges filed today demonstrate the commitment by my Office and our law enforcement partners to dismantle illicit supply chains and prosecute those who unlawfully procure U.S. technology in support of a foreign terrorist organization.  The IRGC and Qods Aviation Industries have been core players in the Iranian military regime’s production of drones, which threaten the lives of civilians, U.S. personnel, and our country’s allies.  These charges should serve as a warning to those who violate U.S. export control laws and who unlawfully seek to aid Iran’s drone program.”

    Mr. Durham expressed his appreciation to the FBI and the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) for their work on the case.  Today, OFAC sanctioned Akbari, Rah Roshd, and other companies and individuals for their roles in the sanctions-evasion scheme described in the complaint.  OFAC previously sanctioned Amidi.

    “Today’s charges lay bare how U.S.-made technology ended up in the hands of the Iranian military to build attack drones,” stated Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.  “The Justice Department will continue to put maximum pressure on the Iranian regime. We will relentlessly dismantle illicit supply chains funneling American technology into the hands of Iran’s military and terrorist organizations and pursue those complicit in operations that threaten our country.”

    “Hossein Akbari and Reza Amidi allegedly engaged in a multi-year conspiracy to obtain U.S. technology for use in Iranian made drones in violation of export laws and to provide material support to the IRGC—a designated terrorist organization,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia.  “The Iranian government has repeatedly demonstrated they are willing to violate the laws of our nation—this time utilizing dishonest businessmen who deliberately misrepresented themselves—in order to further their treacherous goals.  The FBI will continue to protect the national security and interests of the United States through vigorous enforcement of export control laws put in place to prevent sensitive U.S. technology from being obtained by hostile foreign governments.”

    As set forth in the complaint, Akbari and Amidi operate Rah Roshd, which procures and supplies advanced electronic, electro-optical, and security systems to the Government of Iran and designs, builds, and manufactures ground support systems for UAVs.  Akbari serves as the CEO and Managing Director of Rah Roshd, and Amidi serves as the Commercial Manager.  Rah Roshd’s clients include the IRGC and several Iranian state-owned aerospace companies and drone manufacturers, including QAI, Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (“MODAFL”), Shahed Aviation Industries Research Center (“SAIRC”), and Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group (SBIG).

    Between January 2020 and the present, Amidi and Akbari used Rah Roshd in furtherance of a scheme to evade U.S. sanctions and procure U.S.-origin parts for use in Iranian-manufactured UAVs, including the Mohajer-6 UAV.  At least one of those parts was manufactured by a Brooklyn, New York-based company (“Company-1”).  In September 2022, the Ukrainian Air Force shot down an Iranian-made Mohajer-6 drone used by the Russian military in Ukraine.  The drone recovered by the Ukrainian Air Force contained parts made by several U.S. companies, including Company-1.

    To facilitate their scheme, Amidi and Akbari falsely purported to represent companies other than Rah Roshd, including a company based in the United Arab Emirates (“Company-2”) and a company based in Belgium (“Company-3”).  The defendants used a “spoofed” email address with a misspelled version of Company-2’s name to communicate regarding the procurement of parts, including parts manufactured by U.S. companies.  The defendants also used various “front” or “shell” companies to pay for UAV parts and to obfuscate the true end destination and the true identities of the sanctioned end users, including QAI and the IRGC, which were acquiring U.S.-made parts through Rah Roshd.  Amidi and Akbari also used aliases to obfuscate their true identities in furtherance of the scheme.

    Additionally, the defendants conspired to provide material support to the IRGC by providing goods and services for the benefit of the IRGC’s military campaign. This included constructing military shelters, providing cameras and drone field hangers, and conspiring to procure drone parts as well as parts to operate drones, including “servo motors,” “pneumatic masts,” which are a component of the operation of the Mohajer-6 drone, and engines.  The investigation uncovered correspondence from the IRGC, signed by the head of the UAV Command for the IRGC’s Aerospace Force, thanking Rah Roshd for its work on behalf of the IRGC and praising Rah Roshd’s achievements in designing and manufacturing servo motors for defense equipment.  The letter included a quote from the Supreme Leader of Iran regarding the importance of self-sufficiency and domestic production to strengthen Iran’s economy and “disappoint the enemies of the Islamic Republic.”  The letter also noted continued efforts of Rah Roshd “in strengthening the defensive capabilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”  Both Amidi and Akbari possessed documents indicating that they had purchased servo motors for delivery to Iran, including a servo motor contained in the Mohajer-6 drone.  Akbari also emailed supply companies located in China and noted that he was purchasing parts for drones to be shipped to Iran.

    Finally, Amidi and Akbari conspired to commit money laundering.  They used at least three shell companies, all based in the United Arab Emirates, to pay a China-based company that sent invoices to Rah Roshd for the sale of motors.  Those payments were processed through U.S.-based correspondent bank accounts. The defendants also used two of these shell companies to pay a separate China-based company for the sale of pneumatic masts.

    Today’s actions were coordinated through the Justice and Commerce Departments’ Disruptive Technology Strike Force. The Disruptive Technology Strike Force is an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation states.

    The charges in the complaint are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section.  Assistant United States  Attorneys Nina C. Gupta and Lindsey R. Oken are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Rebecca Roth, along with Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Trial Attorney Charles Kovats of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. 

    The Defendants:

    HOSSEIN AKBARI (also known as “Danial Yousef” and “Danial White”)
    Age: 63
    Iran

    REZA AMIDI (also known as “Ali Rahmani”)
    Age: 62
    Iran

    RAH ROSHD COMPANY
    Tehran, Iran

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-MJ-114

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Meet the 2024 Canberra Citizen of the Year

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Hannah Andrevski, Roundabout Canberra founder and CEO and 2024 Canberra Citizen of the Year.

    Roundabout Canberra founder and CEO Hannah Andrevski has been named the 2024 Canberra Citizen of the Year in recognition of her commitment to supporting families in need.

    Hannah founded Roundabout Canberra in 2018 after trying to find a service where she could donate pre-loved belongings her children no longer needed.

    The Holt-based charity provides safe, essential baby and children’s items to families across the ACT and its surrounds. This year alone, Roundabout Canberra has helped hundreds of children and gifted thousands of items – with each family’s dignity always upheld.

    Items donated to Roundabout are cleaned, sorted and safety checked. From there, the charity works with more than 500 social workers and support workers from more than 100 organisations in Canberra and the surrounding regions to distribute the items to families in need.

    Locations that items are delivered to include:

    • public hospitals
    • women’s and domestic violence refuges
    • migrant and refugee support services and more.

    The name of the charity is more than just a nod to Canberra’s love of roundabouts. Roundabout reflects a mission to reduce waste and a commitment to a circular economy, where items are passed from one child to another.

    Hannah was a 2019 Westfield Local Hero and a nominee for the 2020 ACT Local Hero award. She also won the Galent Management Consulting Profound Influence Award at the 2019 Volunteering Awards, Canberra Region.

    “It’s hard to express how much this award means to me,” Hannah said.

    “I’m a very proud and passionate Canberran, having grown up here, and now raising my own family here. I care deeply about our community and want to play a role in making it a better place for all of us to live.

    “It’s a privilege to get to do what I do – to provide much needed support to families in our community in a way that upholds their dignity.”

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New operating theatres for Canberra Hospital

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The new theatres are equipped with a range of advanced features aimed at revolutionising surgical practices in the ACT.

    The ACT Government has unveiled the 22 new operating theatres in Canberra Hospital’s Critical Services Building.

    The new building is on track to open later this year.

    As well as the new theatres, the Critical Services Building will include a bigger emergency department, expanded intensive care unit and new inpatient wards.

    The theatres are equipped with a range of advanced features aimed at revolutionising surgical practices in the ACT.

    These include:

    • an Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (iMRI) Suite, providing surgeons with real-time images of the brain during procedures
    • three hybrid theatres equipped with cutting-edge angiography and CT angiography systems to support a variety of vascular surgeries and guided procedures
    • two Interventional Radiography Suites, relocated from Building 12 to the Critical Services Building, offering a comprehensive range of diagnostic and interventional services
    • 16 digital operating theatres.

    Access to the latest technology will improve image quality and resolution in the hospital’s operating theatres.

    This will lead to more precise diagnoses and improved patient outcomes.

    The new hospital building will significantly improve patient flow and experience, according to Dr Lance Lasersohn, Clinical Director of Anaesthetics for Canberra Health Services.

    “I’m excited about the technology’s co-location with angiography and the new technologies that will be available in the new building, which will make work more exciting for the workforce and enable the hospital to accommodate more patients.”

    The theatres are located on level 3 of the Critical Services Building, within the Perioperative Unit, which also features:

    • two spacious waiting areas
    • a Day Surgery Unit with 40 beds for admissions and post-operative care
    • a recovery area
    • a discharge lounge.

    Staffing within the Perioperative Unit will be expanded to manage the operation of the new theatres and improve patient flow.

    Recruitment efforts are currently underway, with Canberra Health Services implementing a range of strategies and initiatives aimed at targeting and attracting healthcare workers to the ACT.

    The operating theatres are connected to the Sterilising Services Unit via dedicated lifts. This improves efficiency by facilitating the swift transfer of instruments between clean and dirty areas.

    A Patient Transfer Link bridge has also been added to the Critical Services Building. This provides a private clinical connection between the new and existing hospital buildings. It enhances hospital efficiency and patient privacy by separating clinical pathways from public areas.

    One of the new operating theatres

    Recovery bays

    Recovery bays

    Children’s waiting area in the Perioperative Unit

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Embracing the ASbA option

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Young Canberran Poppy Chalmers is now working as a training and business administration officer.

    A desire to work in health care has seen Poppy Chalmers embrace success via an Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA).

    Poppy’s story is like many who choose a Vocational Education and Training pathway.

    She knew she didn’t want the university pathway but felt unsure which direction to take.

    In 2022, she started an Australian School-based Apprenticeship program with Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA).

    The next year, she was named ACT Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year at the 2023 ACT Training Awards.

    She then went on to be a finalist at the 2023 Australian Training Awards.

    These awards recognise students’ commitment to formal studies at school and in the workplace.

    A VET pathway

    Poppy had previously taken on leadership roles at school. She was selected as a Year 6 leader in 2017 and as a Year 10 Indigenous Leader in 2021.

    “I am a natural leader and see myself in a leadership position. I have a lot of ideas. I’m not sure where I want to end up, but I know I have what it takes to get there,” Poppy said.

    She completed a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance under a new program in the ACT called the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Academy.

    “I didn’t particularly like school, it wasn’t something that I enjoyed. One of my friends got an ASbA in childcare and I thought that was cool, so I did a placement where she worked, and they offered me an ASbA,” Poppy said.

    Moving into health care

    “Though my school supported me to do the ASbA in childcare, I had always been interested in working in the health industry so when an Auntie from the Community reached out with an opportunity to do an ASbA in Allied Health through an Aboriginal company, I applied and was successful.

    “I wanted to be a nurse, my Auntie was a nurse, I had spent a lot of time in hospitals because my sister has cystic fibrosis. I even went to school at the hospital. I saw the positive impact that nurses, doctors, and the hospital had on us all,” Poppy said.

    Through the ASbA, Poppy got to experience what nursing and working in a hospital is all about and what is out there in terms of a future job in Allied Health. She is now employed as a training and business administration officer for Indigenous Allied Health Australia.

    Poppy says applying for the ASbA was seamless, with support available if she needed it.

    “The ASbA process showed me that there are so many other pathways to get to where I want to go. Doing this I saw that I can work in health without having to go to uni. I finished the Certificate III and was offered a job at the hospital as a social work assistant straight away,” she said.

    The path ahead

    Poppy graduated from college in 2023. She says the ASbA has given her self-confidence and redefined her idea of success.

    “The ASbA has given me a lot of direction, opportunity and such a great community. When I was younger, I wanted to be a nurse but now I’m not sure because I have so many opportunities. I’ve been told I can do anything I want. You work with what you have and take every opportunity you get,” she said.

    “I’m not ready for uni yet. I want to do a Cert IV in Business.

    “Success is not where you get to, it is how you got there, the path you took, what you learned and did. Success for me is to experience everything I get to do. I would have a goal, but I would focus on the journey,” Poppy said.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: CIT supports the electrification of Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    CIT’s Electric Vehicle Certificate III is the first course of its kind in Australia.

    Canberra is transitioning away from the use of fossil fuels and towards electrification, which means the future is looking different for Canberrans – particularly our tradies.

    According to ACT Government modelling, Canberra will need at least 1,290 extra electricians and 270 more electrical engineers before 2045.

    CIT is helping to ensure that the ACT has people who have the skills to install technology in homes and businesses. The institution is providing important future skills development, particularly in the electrical trades, to prevent local and national skills shortages.

    “In Canberra, we have the biggest concentration of electric vehicles to people,” Richard Lindsay, CIT automotive teacher and national VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year 2022, said.

    “What that means is that the demand on the servicing industry in Canberra is growing higher and higher by the month.

    “Being at the forefront of the transition with the Electric Vehicle Certificate III is definitely helping to make sure that the industry is ready for the increase in customer demand that is coming through,” Richard said.

    Until this year, CIT was the only training organisation in Australia delivering this course. Richard says that it is a point of pride for both students and the staff at CIT.

    “For the students going through the brand-new Certificate III, the thought of being some of the first fully qualified electric vehicle technicians in Australia is a huge thing for their status in the automotive industry. They’re going to be leaders in their field,” he said.

    The course is attracting attention from a broad range of students.

    “From an apprentice point of view, we’re seeing a big increase in interest, especially from students who may not have thought about a mechanical path previously,” Richard said.

    “Because the vehicles are so autonomous these days with the way they’re working, it’s definitely taking some more interest from the more tech-savvy kids that would have normally gravitated towards a gaming or IT path.”

    The ACT Government will propose to the Commonwealth that a new centre of excellence be established at CIT Fyshwick. The centre would expand CIT’s Electric Vehicle Training Centre to train more EV automotive technicians.

    Extra funding will support the feasibility of a broader Future Energy Skills Hub at CIT which will incorporate the centre of excellence and support the expansion of training in electrotechnology.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: The people keeping our community clean

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Craig Harrington and his team at the Allara Street depot look after the city.

    If you think keeping your house clean is a big effort, spare a thought for the cleaning and maintenance teams who keep Canberra tidy.

    Whether it’s your local shops or the city centre, it takes a big effort to keep Canberra clean and safe.

    Across Canberra, the ACT Government manages 90 shopping centres. Town centres and group centres are cleaned daily, while local shops vary from daily to three times a week.

    Canberra’s cleaning and maintenance teams start their day at 5am with daily responsibilities ranging from leaf blowing and street sweeping to cleaning toilets and emptying garbage bins.

    Other duties include:

    • picking up litter
    • cleaning surfaces
    • pruning bushes
    • lifting trees
    • pressure cleaning pavement
    • removal of graffiti
    • repairs to damaged street furniture
    • minor maintenance of garden beds.

    It’s a big job on any given day but after a big event, things can really pick up. This is especially the case for Craig Harrington and his team at the Allara Street depot, who look after the city.

    When Craig and his team begin their day, they don’t always know what challenges will await.

    “The whole day can be a challenge because you don’t know what you’re going to get until you get on site,” Craig said.

    However, Craig loves his job and the crew he works with.

    “I like the early starts, I like being out in the open, you’re meeting different people every day,” he said.

    He just asks the public to be respectful, give them plenty of space and give them a smile in recognition of the work they do.

    “The public could just be a little bit more aware that what we do, we have to do it,” he said.

    “But generally, when they see us they could just probably give us a smile and give us a bit of room so we can get on and do what we’re doing.”

    Find out more about the ACT Government’s regular maintenance program for local shops by visiting the City Services website.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: All Three Defendants Plead Guilty in Multimillion-Dollar Scheme to Defraud Automobile Auction

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

    NASHVILLE – On Monday, March 31, 2025, defendant Brian Baker, 53, of Mount Juliet, Tenn., pled guilty to all charges against him for a wire fraud and money laundering scheme to defraud an automobile auction business in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The other co-defendants, Stephanie Louise Baker, 54, of Mount Juliet, Tenn. and Jerry W. Hutchins, 50, of Dowelltown, Tenn., each pled guilty last week to all charges against them stemming from their involvement in the same wire fraud and money laundering scheme.

    “I commend the effort of the prosecutors from our office who are holding these thieves accountable for their crimes,” said Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. “We will continue to tirelessly seek justice for those affected by economic crimes here in our community.”

    “IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to unraveling intricate financial transactions and money laundering schemes where individuals attempt to conceal the original source of their money,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. “IRS Criminal Investigation, along with our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office, will vigorously pursue those individuals who willfully try to enrich themselves by fraudulent means.”

    “These defendants used fake transactions to operate a wire fraud and money laundering scheme to illegally enrich themselves,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “The FBI remains vigilant in the fight against fraud and will bring those who cheat and steal to justice.”

    The federal indictment, returned by the grand jury in October 2023, had charged Stephanie Baker and Brian Baker, who are married, and Hutchins with a wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. The indictment also charged all three defendants with substantive offenses for acts of money laundering.  According to the indictment, between February 2017 and November 2018, Stephanie Baker was the General Manager of the Dealers Auto Auction Group’s Murfreesboro auction location. Brian Baker and Jerry Hutchins each owned and operated used car dealerships and did business at the auction. The defendants devised a scheme to defraud Dealers Auto Auction Group, LLC by creating fake transactions to make it appear that the defendants’ businesses had sold cars at the auction and were entitled to receive funds from Dealers Auto Auction Group, when in fact the defendants had not sold vehicles at the auction. Based on the fake transactions, Stephanie Baker caused Dealers Auto Auction Group to issue checks to Brian Baker’s and Hutchins’ businesses. Then, on a rolling basis each month, the defendants would create additional fake transactions using the same vehicles in order to conceal the original fraud and avoid detection. Brian Baker and Hutchins then converted proceeds of the fraud scheme for their own personal use and benefit.

    As a result of this scheme, the defendants defrauded Dealers Auto Auction Group of more than $2 million.

    The three defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on September 11, 2025. The defendants face up to 20 years in prison for the wire fraud conspiracy, the money laundering conspiracy, and the concealment money laundering offenses, and up to 10 years in prison for domestic transaction money laundering. The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation in which the government seeks to forfeit any property derived from the proceeds of the crimes, including a money judgment in the amount of at least $2,041,170 from Stephanie Baker, $1,357,310 from Brian Baker, and $683,830 from Jerry Hutchins.

    This case was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Suedekum and Nani M. Gilkerson are prosecuting the case.

    # # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Orange, Texas, Man Guilty of Federal Violation in Investment Scheme

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

    BEAUMONT, Texas – An Orange, Texas man has pleaded guilty to a federal violation related to a fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Bradley Morgan Holts, 54, pleaded guilty on March 31, 2025, to wire fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn.

    According to information presented in court, Holts, a financial advisor and stockbroker, was previously a financial advisor at Capital One Bank and World Capital Brokerage. In 2021, Holts opened a bank account in the name “Bradley Morgan Holts dba Invesco Investment Texas” (ITT).  Using this account, Holts deceived investors intending to make investments in Invesco, Ltd., a global investment firm, and used the client funds for his own personal use.

    Holts faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing.  The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here only for informational purposes. The ultimate sentence will be determined by the court, based on advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

    This case is being investigated by FBI’s Beaumont Field Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Jackson and Reynaldo P. Morin.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Happy Valley-Goose Bay — Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP investigates vehicle crash, driver found in possession of opioids and cash

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Forty-four-year-old Darryl Dyson was arrested by Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP on March 28, 2025, for possession of opioids after crashing a vehicle in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

    At approximately 9:00 p.m. on Friday, police on patrol came upon a single-vehicle crash on Cabot Crescent. Dyson, who was operating a vehicle while suspended, was found in possession of a quantity of suspected morphine pills and nearly $3000.00 cash.

    He attended court on March 31, 2025, and was released on a number of conditions. Dyson is charged with the following criminal offences:

    • Possession of a controlled substance
    • Failure to comply with a release order
    • Operating a vehicle with a suspended licence

    The investigation is continuing with other charges possible. Dyson’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 15, 2025.

    RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: José Adolfo “Fito” Macías Villamar, Leader of Los Choneros Transnational Criminal Organization, Indicted in Brooklyn Federal Court on International Drug and Gun Charges

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

    A seven-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging José Adolfo Macías Villamar, also known as “Fito,” with international cocaine distribution conspiracy; international cocaine distribution; using firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; smuggling firearms from the United States; and straw purchasing of firearms conspiracy.  Since at least 2020, he has been the leader of Los Choneros, one of Ecuador’s most violent drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations.  The defendant is not in U.S. custody.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Derek Maltz, Acting Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); L.C. Cheeks, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Newark Field Division, Atlantic City Satellite Office (ATF); and Jonathan Carson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office (OEE), announced the charges.

    “As alleged, the defendant was a ruthless leader and prolific drug trafficker for a violent transnational criminal organization.  By leading the Los Choneros’ network of assassins and drug and weapon traffickers and importing potentially lethal quantities of cocaine into the United States, the defendant has caused great harm to his own country and the United States, which was the destination for the vast majority of Los Choneros’ cocaine shipments,” stated United States Attorney Durham.

    Mr. Durham praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s Andean Region – Quito, Country Office, Special Operations Division-Bilateral Investigations Unit and Latin America/Caribbean Section, Joint Interagency Task Force South; U.S. Southern Command; the Government of Ecuador; the New Jersey State Police Casino Gaming Bureau; and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations Atlantic City.  The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided significant assistance in this matter.

    “The indictment of José Adolfo Macías Villamar marks a significant strike against the violent networks that flood our communities with dangerous drugs like cocaine — a clear message that no one fueling this deadly trade is beyond the reach of justice. This case highlights the tireless efforts of DEA, alongside our partners in the United States and Ecuador,” stated DEA Administrator Maltz.  “We will continue to work across borders to dismantle the supply chain of violent, criminal networks, which underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking and cartel violence.”

    “This investigation and charges are a testament to the combined efforts of law enforcement and underscores the resolve of ATF and our federal, state, and local partners. Drug trafficking and the heinous crimes associated with violent criminal organizations have an insidious impact on the public and tear apart the fabric of our communities. We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal, across the U.S. and around the globe, to combat violence, drug distribution, and the illegal sale and possession of firearms to safeguard the safety and well-being of all,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Cheeks.

    “This indictment alleges the defendant and Los Choneros illegally smuggled firearms from the United States in furtherance of their violent drug trafficking operations,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office.  “The Office of Export Enforcement will continue its efforts alongside its law enforcement partners to pursue those who violate export laws, wherever they may be, worldwide.”

    As alleged in the indictment, from at least 2020 to 2025, Macías Villamar was the principal leader of Los Choneros, one of the most violent and powerful transnational criminal organizations in Ecuador.  Los Choneros, in partnership with the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, controlled key cocaine trafficking routes through Ecuador and operated a large-scale network responsible for the shipment and distribution of multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America through Central America and Mexico to the United States and elsewhere.  The vast majority of drugs trafficked by Los Choneros were imported into the United States.

    As the principal leader of Los Choneros, Macías Villamar employed members of the organization to carry out serious acts of violence on the organization’s behalf.  At Macías Villamar’s direction, Los Choneros committed violent acts towards law enforcement, Ecuadorian politicians, attorneys, prosecutors and civilians. Los Choneros obtained many of their firearms and weapons by illegally trafficking and exporting them from the United States.  As alleged, the defendant specifically employed individuals who purchased firearms, firearms components and ammunitions on Los Choneros’ behalf in the United States and then illegally smuggled them to Ecuador.

    Moreover, in furtherance of their drug trafficking operation, Los Choneros relied on “sicarios,” or hitmen, as well as corruption and bribe payments, to ensure protection and loyalty to Los Choneros. These “sicarios” regularly used military-grade weapons, like machine guns, AK-47 assault rifles and grenades to perpetrate violence, including murder, torture and kidnapping.  Macías Villamar and the Los Choneros organization have also been sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

    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 charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to life in prison.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section, and as part of the work of the Office’s Transnational Criminal Organizations Strike Force.  Assistant United States Attorneys Chand Edwards-Balfour and Lorena Michelen are in charge of the prosecution.

    The Defendant:

    JOSÉ ADOLFO MACÍAS VILLAMAR (also known as “Fito”)
    Age: 45
    Ecuador

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No.: 25-CR-114 (FB)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Waton Financial Limited Announces Closing of Initial Public Offering with Simultaneous Full Exercise of the Over-Allotment Option

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Waton Financial Limited (“WTF” or the “Company”), a British Virgin Islands-incorporated holding company that provides securities brokerage and financial technology services primarily through its Hong Kong subsidiaries, Waton Securities International Limited and Waton Technology International Limited, today announced the closing of its initial public offering of 4,375,000 ordinary shares, no par value per share (the “Ordinary Shares”), at a public offering price of $4.00 per share (the “Offering”) on April 2, 2025 (the “Closing Date”). The gross proceeds of the Offering were $17,500,000, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses. The Ordinary Shares began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “WTF” on April 1, 2025.

    On the Closing Date, the Company also closed the sale of an additional 656,250 Ordinary Shares, pursuant to the full exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters in connection with the Offering, at the public offering price of $4.00 per share. As a result, the Company has raised additional gross proceeds of $2,625,000, before deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses.

    The Offering was conducted on a firm commitment basis. CATHAY SECURITIES, INC. acted as representative of the underwriters for the Offering, with Dominari Securities LLC acting as co-underwriter (collectively, the “Underwriters”). Carey Olsen Singapore LLP, Han Kun Law Offices LLP and Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC acted as British Virgin Islands legal counsel, Hong Kong legal advisers and U.S. securities counsel, respectively, to the Company. Kaufman & Canoles, P.C. acted as U.S. securities counsel to the Underwriters for the Offering.

    The Offering was conducted pursuant to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-283424) previously filed with and subsequently declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 31, 2025. The Offering was made only by means of a final prospectus, copies of which may be obtained from Cathay Securities, Inc. at 40 Wall Street, Suite 3600, New York, NY 10005, or by telephone at +1 (855) 939-3888.

    This press release has been prepared for informational purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, and no sale of these securities may be made in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

    About Waton Financial Limited Inc. (“Waton”)

    Waton Financial Limited is a British Virgin Islands-incorporated holding company with operations primarily conducted through its wholly-owned subsidiaries in Hong Kong, Waton Securities International Limited and Waton Technology International Limited. Waton provides a suite of financial services, including securities brokerage, asset management, and software licensing and other support services, catering to a diverse clientele of retail and institutional investors. Waton leverages technology and a client-centric approach with the aim to deliver innovative and reliable financial solutions.

    CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Certain statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements” as defined under the federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “believe”, “plan”, “expect”, “intend”, “should”, “seek”, “estimate”, “will”, “aim” and “anticipate”, or other similar expressions in this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

    For further information, please contact:

    Waton Financial Limited 
    Investor Relations Department
    Email: ir@waton.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Farmington Couple Pleads Guilty in Violent Assault Case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington man has pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury, while his wife has pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting in connection with a violent assault in 2023.

    According to court records, on July 28, 2023, during an argument, Renauldo Sandoval, 40, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, slammed Jane Doe into a wall and strangled her, causing her to fall to the ground. Lisa Sandoval, 39, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, then pinned Jane Doe to the ground.

    At sentencing, Renauldo and Lisa both face up to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrinand Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Media Advisory: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Events

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C – In commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar is announcing NCVRW observances planned in the Eastern District of North Carolina for the week of April 6-12, 2025. Members of the public and media are invited to attend.

    • On Monday, April 7th, a Pinwheel Event will be held in Wilmington to honor and support crime victims and their families.

      • 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Community Justice Center (410 Princess Street, Wilmington, NC 28401).

        This event will feature a message of hope and inspiration from caretakers in a child exploitation case and is being held in partnership with A Safe Place.

    • On Tuesday, 8th the National Crime Victims’ Rights Ceremony will be held in Raleigh.

      • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the North Carolina State Bar Association (217 E. Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27601)

      • Registration is required for this event.

        This event is sponsored by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts and the Interagency Council.

    For additional information about this year’s NCVRW and how to assist victims in your own community, please visit the United States Attorney’s Office website.  For more ideas on how to support victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.ojp.gov.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Macon Man Sentenced to Prison for Robbing Credit Unions

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident who brandished a firearm during two bank robberies and an attempted bank robbery in 2022—causing victims to suffer panic attacks and stealing a total of $38,274—was sentenced to prison this week.

    Felix Cordes, 58, was sentenced to serve 97 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $38,274 by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on April 2. Cordes previously pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery on Jan. 2. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “Criminal offenders who instill fear in our community by conducting bank robberies will face consequences for their actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “Our office is committed to working with law enforcement to bring the most dangerous criminals to justice.”

    “Cordes terrified innocent employees and customers at three businesses throughout his crime spree,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “We are extremely grateful that no one was physically hurt or killed during these violent robberies and thankful that Cordes is off our streets receiving the sentencing he deserves.”

    “Felix Cordes was a ruthless and relentless criminal who possibly could have killed innocent bank employees had he not been stopped by the diligent work of investigators,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis. “We are grateful that justice is served, and he will be held accountable for spreading mayhem in our community.”

    According to the court documents and statements referenced in court, Cordes robbed MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union in Macon on April 2, 2022. Cordes attempted to disguise himself in overalls, a bandana and sunglasses. He approached the bank tellers on staff and brandished a handgun, ordering the tellers to “take the money out.” He went behind the counter, pulled cash out of two drawers, placed the money in a bag and left the scene. Some tellers experienced panic attacks from intimidation caused by Cordes. Cordes used some of the stolen money to purchase two cell phones at a Boost Mobile store.

    With the aid of an accomplice, Cordes robbed the Central Georgia Regional Credit Union in Macon on May 2, 2022. Wearing blue latex gloves and brandishing a firearm, he stole cash from the bank. He attempted to commit a third robbery on May 24, 2022, at another MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union location in Macon. This attempt was unsuccessful because bank staff saw Cordes and an accomplice–both wearing masks–approach the bank with a silver handgun drawn. The staff was able to lock down the bank and thwart the robbery attempt; no money was stolen. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence used by Cordes on April 6, 2022, and found a bandana matching the one seen on video during the first MidSouth Bank robbery video, blue latex gloves like those worn by Cordes during the second robbery, boxes corresponding to the cellphones purchased from Boost Mobile with the stolen money and a box of 9-millimeter ammunition. Cordes stole a total of $38,274 from the two credit unions.

    This case was investigated by FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom prosecuted the case for the Government.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Felon Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun and Oxycodone Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EVANSVILLE— Marquell T. Lockridge, 26, of Evansville, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to illegal possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.

    According to court documents, on November 1, 2024, at approximately 3:51 a.m., officers with the Evansville Police Department were dispatched to a Circle K gas station on a report of a disturbance in the parking lot. When officers arrived on scene, a woman in the parking lot claimed that Marquell Lockridge had pulled out a gun and pointed it at her. 

    Lockridge saw the officers walk toward him to investigate and jumped into his vehicle to flee the scene. However, he was unable to shift the car into drive. Officers commanded Lockridge to step out of the car. He eventually exited the vehicle, but then began running on foot and was quickly tased and arrested. 

    While officers were applying the handcuffs, Lockridge admitted that he had a loaded gun inside the front of his underwear. During a search of his person, officers located a plastic corner bag containing Oxycodone pills and approximately $20,227 in cash.

    Lockridge has been previously convicted of multiple crimes, including misdemeanor domestic battery in 2019, felony pointing a firearm at another in 2019, and felony theft of a firearm in 2022. These prior felony convictions prohibit him from ever legally possessing a firearm again.

    “Illegally armed felons are a preventable source of the gun violence that threatens our neighborhoods and takes far too many lives,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “A successful return to the community from prison requires compliance with the law, including never again possessing a gun. I commend the ATF and Evansville Police Department for keeping the community safe by getting this felon off the streets.”

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman. 

    Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller, who prosecuted this case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Shooting in Africville Added to Rewards Program

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for the shooting last year at the Africville National Historic Site during the annual reunion.

    This is the first time the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program is being used in relation to a major crime that is not a homicide or suspicious missing person case.

    “Gun violence in our communities is unacceptable. Everyone who came together to celebrate the rich culture and resilience of Africville that weekend had the right to feel safe,” said Becky Druhan, Attorney General and Minister of Justice. “This mass shooting event had and continues to have a serious and heartbreaking impact on the community, victims and their families. It also affected us as a province. I ask anyone who knows something to please come forward. You can help make our province safer and bring justice for the victims.”

    On the evening of July 27, 2024, hundreds of people were gathered to celebrate at the 41st annual Africville reunion when gunshots were fired, injuring five young people.

    Anyone with information should call the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program at 1-888-710-9090. People who come forward with information must provide their name and contact information and may be called to testify in court. All calls will be recorded.

    People who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers of Nova Scotia at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

    Quotes:

    “The Africville reunion was meant to be a place where people could come together and celebrate their history, culture and community. For a select few to bring violence into that event, causing serious injury and trauma to those in attendance, is unacceptable. I thank the Department of Justice for recognizing the importance of solving this case and adding it to the rewards program.”
    — Don MacLean, Chief, Halifax Regional Police

    Quick Facts:

    • the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program is an additional tool to help police gather information on unsolved crimes
    • the reward amount will be based on the investigative value of the information provided
    • including this case, there are now 119 active cases in the program
    • employees of law enforcement and correctional agencies are not eligible to collect this reward

    Additional Resources:

    Details about the case are available at: https://novascotia.ca/just/public_safety/rewards/case_detail_africville_shooting.asp

    Other cases under the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program are listed at: https://novascotia.ca/just/Public_Safety/Rewards

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rosanna Law starts Beijing trip

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law commenced her visit to Beijing today by calling on the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the State Council (HKMAO) and the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC).

    Miss Law briefed Director of the Hong Kong & Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the HKMAO Xia Baolong on the major work in the last four months and future plans of the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau.

    She expressed gratitude to Mr Xia and the HKMAO for their guidance and unwavering support. Mr Xia encouraged her to lead the bureau in taking forward its duties by staying innovative in utilising the rich resources of the city, particularly in tourism, to tell the good stories of Hong Kong.

    Miss Law then called on Minister of the GASC Gao Zhidan and briefed him on the preparatory work of the 15th National Games and the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games in Hong Kong.

    Emphasising that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches importance to the mega sports event co-hosted with Guangdong and Macau, she said it not only demonstrates Hong Kong’s ability in hosting major sports events but also deepens trilateral collaboration and promotes Greater Bay Area development, laying the foundation for hosting more mega events in future.

    Miss Law also visited the Museum of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and met the museum’s Director Li Zongyuan. Noting that it was her second visit to the museum, she said she had a stronger impression this time.

    Highlighting that Hong Kong is planning for the construction of a museum to showcase the achievements of the country, she expressed hope that support and professional guidance from the Museum of the CPC could be given in future exhibitions and collaborations.

    The culture chief also watched an evening performance by Wiener Symphoniker at the National Centre for the Performing Arts to experience high-level arts and cultural exchanges.

    Miss Law will continue her Beijing visit tomorrow.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 4 Chinese nationals sentenced for roles in complex fraud scheme, following multiagency investigation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    LOS ANGELES — Four Chinese nationals were sentenced to federal prison March 17 for participating in a complex identity theft scheme that sought to defraud multiple domestic retailers out of at least $1.2 million.

    As part of the scheme, the defendants stole the personally identifiable information of hundreds of victims — including Social Security numbers, dates of birth and home addresses — and used that information to make fake driver’s licenses to access credit in the victims’ names at large national retailers, including Ulta Beauty, Sephora, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Williams-Sonoma, Dillard’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.

    The defendants, all Chinese nationals, entered the United States under false pretenses.

    • Kar Kee “Steven” Cheung, 36, of Chino Hills, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of visa fraud, one count of possession of equipment used to manufacture false identification documents, and one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud.
    • Qian Guo, 37, of Chino Hills, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for one count of possession of equipment used to manufacture false identification documents and one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud.
    • Chongming “Ming” Wang, 28, of Temple City, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and one count of aiding and abetting access device fraud in excess of $1,000.
    • Jiaozhu “Yanny” Yan, 30, of Alhambra, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for one count of visa fraud.

    All four pleaded guilty on Jan. 6.

    The fifth defendant in this case, Sizhen “Rachel” Liu, 35, also of Chino Hills, was previously sentenced Jan. 6 to 50 months in federal prison for one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and one count of access device fraud in excess of $1,000.

    The sixth and final defendant, Hyun Woo “Scott” Jung, 30, of Ontario, pleaded guilty Feb. 10 to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and one count of possession with intent to use unlawfully five or more false identification documents. Jung is scheduled to be sentenced on May 5.

    The State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service is conducting the ongoing investigation. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI provided substantial assistance, in addition to support from the Alhambra Police Department, the Arcadia Police Department and the Bel Air, Maryland Police Department.

    Assistant United States Attorney Kim Meyer of the Violent and Organized Crime Section handled the prosecution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nashville Man Charged with Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm After Allegedly Pointing a Stolen Rifle at Police

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NASHVILLE – Isaiah Taivon Newsom a/k/a Isaiah Taivon Porterfield, 25, of Nashville, has been charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.

    “Dangerous felons who possess firearms and put police officers at risk will face swift justice,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “We will not tolerate potential violence against first responders and will seek full accountability for those putting our first responders in danger.”

    According to court documents, on March 25, 2025, detectives with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department were conducting covert surveillance near an address on Nashboro Boulevard. Detectives were parked in their unmarked police vehicles in several different areas of the apartment complex. One detective observed three people walk out of the breezeway near unit B, with one, later identified as Newsom, carrying what appeared to be a rifle.

    As they walked through the apartment complex, Newsom walked about fifteen feet away from another detective’s unmarked vehicle, stood near a tree, raised the rifle to his shoulder and pointed it at the detective, who was still in his vehicle. As the detective relayed Newsom’s actions to the other detectives in the area and they discussed a plan of action over the radio, Newsom walked past the front of the detective’s vehicle towards the passenger side and again pointed the rifle at the detective.

    As other detectives arrived in the area, Newsom moved towards the front of the detective’s vehicle and pointed the rifle directly at the detective. Although he was in an unmarked car, the detective was wearing a tactical vest with patches indicating he was a law enforcement officer, and he was equipped with a body worn camera. The detective activated his blue lights and a short burst of the siren, as he exited the vehicle and announced himself as a police officer. Newsom and the other two people then ran from the area. Detectives pursued Newsom on foot as he ran across a field and entered the wood line. Detectives set up a perimeter and, with the assistance of a K9 unit and the Metro Nashville Police Department aviation unit, took Newsom into custody.

    Detectives searched Newsom’s flight path and located a Windham Weaponry, WW-15, .223/5.56 caliber rifle which was later found to have been reported stolen from a Williamson County Sheriff’s Office marked patrol vehicle. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Newsom admitted to detectives that he had possessed the rifle.

    Newsom had previously been convicted of two counts of aggravated robbery and two counts of felony theft in Shelby County, Tennessee. Newsom served more than seven years in the Tennessee Department of Correction for his felony convictions.

    If convicted, Newsom faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

    This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Stephens is prosecuting the case.

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

    A complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    # # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –