Source: Government of Greece
Due to the potential impact of hurricane Milton, the Consulate General will remain closed for the following three days.
In case of emergency, you may contact the Consulate at (813) 378-9503 or the Embassy of Greece in Wahington at (202) 578-3361.
Please stay safe and follow evacuation instructions.
Category: MIL-OSI
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MIL-OSI Europe: Announcement regarding the potential impact of hurricane Milton
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MIL-OSI USA: Seeking comments on proposed rule changes to parking permits, group facilities
Source: US State of Oregon
ALEM, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comment on a proposed rule change that would give the director greater flexibility to decide which parks charge a day-use parking permit fee.
The proposed rule change would require day-use parking permit fees at all state parks but give the director the ability to waive the fee. If adopted, the director plans to waive the fee at most parks.
Currently, 25 Oregon State Parks require a day-use parking permit fee, and those parks are identified in rule. Under the proposed rule change, the director would have the ability to implement parking permit fees as needed to help manage parking congestion, traffic and the impact on natural, cultural and recreation resources.
The collected fees could also help pay for ongoing operations and maintenance at some of the busiest parks. OPRD already announced an increase in some of its fees for 2025 to help keep pace with rising costs.
In addition, the proposed rules would expand the 25% out-of-state camping surcharge (recently expanded from RVs to all site types) to also include buildings and other facility rentals.
Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. November 1, 2024 and can be submitted:
A public hearing will be held for the public to provide comments.
Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in November for possible adoption. Any changes to parks that charge for parking permits could be effective as soon as Jan. 1, 2025.
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MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins’ Statement on the One-Year Anniversary of the October 7th Attacks on Israel
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Published: October 07, 2024Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued the following statement today to honor the anniversary of the October 7th, 2023 terrorist attacks on Israel:
“One year ago, today, the Iranian-backed terrorist group Hamas murdered 1,200 individuals, including Israeli-Americans, abducted 240 hostages ranging from 10 months to 85 years old, and viciously raped and mutilated Israeli women. These despicable acts of violence, which resulted in the largest loss of Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust, sadly continue with the brutal murder of six hostages just a few weeks ago.
“The alarming rise of antisemitism in America that followed these horrific attacks has no place in our society.
“Today, let us come together as we remember and honor the lives lost and pray for the safe return of those still held hostage by the Hamas terrorists.
“We must continue to support the only democracy in the Middle East, Israel, in its quest to eliminate Hamas and secure its borders from all terrorist threats. It’s not only in the interest of the surrounding region, but also in the interest of America and the world.” -
MIL-OSI Security: Vicksburg Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
Jackson, Miss. – A Vicksburg man pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Marquette Cornell McCroy, 42, was found in possession of a firearm in Vicksburg following a traffic stop. McCroy, who was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, had previously been convicted of a felony and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms.
McCroy threw the firearm on the ground as he attempted to flee the vehicle on foot.
McCroy is scheduled to be sentenced on February 6, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.
The Vicksburg Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway 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.
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MIL-OSI Security: Mississippi Man Charged in Sextortion Scheme Involving More Than 40 Victims
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man was arrested today in Jackson on federal charges relating to an alleged “sextortion” scheme that targeted multiple victims, including minors.
According to a nine-count indictment unsealed this week, Marquez Cameron Jones Weston, 22, allegedly operated a “sextortion” scheme in which he engaged in cyberstalking, interstate threats, extortion, attempted production of child pornography, and transportation of child pornography over the internet. As part of the scheme charged in the indictment, Weston attempted to and did extort money and nude and sexually explicit photographic images from at least 47 different identified female individuals over the internet, with more unidentified. Several of these females were minors. The indictment alleges Weston committed these crimes from July 2023 through February 2024.
“We are seeing a troubling increase throughout the nation of ‘sextortion’ as criminals, like this defendant, use information they gain through on-line communications, hacking, or other means to blackmail juveniles and other victims into giving them pornography,” said U.S. Attorney Todd Gee. “I encourage parents to be aware of who their children are communicating with on-line, and all internet users to be cautious about sharing their personal information on-line.”
“Today’s arrest demonstrates the steadfast commitment of the FBI, USAO and our law enforcement partners in protecting our communities from being victimized by sextortion,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff. “Marquez Cameron Jones Weston’s deliberate actions in targeting the innocence of our youth will not be tolerated. The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate and bring predatory individuals, like Mr. Weston, to justice.”
Weston made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew S. Harris of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.
In February, a federal grand jury named Weston in a separate indictment charging him with possession of child pornography. If convicted of that charge, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from the Sam Houston State University Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.
The FBI provides the following six tips on how people can protect themselves from sextortion schemes:
- Be selective about what you share online. If your social media accounts are open to everyone, a predator may be able to figure out a lot of information about you.
- Be wary of anyone you encounter for the first time online. Block or ignore messages from strangers.
- Be aware that people can pretend to be anything or anyone online. Videos and photos are not proof that people are who they claim to be. Images can be altered or stolen. In some cases, predators have even taken over the social media accounts of their victims.
- Be suspicious if you meet someone on one game or app and this person asks you to start talking on a different platform.
- Be in the know. Any content you create online—whether it is a text message, photo, or video—can be made public. And nothing actually “disappears” online. Once you send something, you don’t have any control over where it goes next.
- Be willing to ask for help. If you are getting messages or requests online that don’t seem right, block the sender, report the behavior to the site administrator, or go to an adult. If you have been victimized online, tell someone.
If you, your child, or someone you know is being exploited via sextortion, contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or report it online at the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Additional resources can found at Sextortion and Financially Motivated Sextortion — FBI. If you believe you are a victim in this particular case, please also contact the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi.
U.S. Attorney Todd Gee recently recorded an Internet Safety PSA warning about the dangers of online predators.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Couple Sentenced for Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control Acts Violations
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
NEW ORLEANS – JAVAN ROBINSON a/k/a “Diddy” (“ROBINSON”), age 61, and MICHELE COLEMAN (“COLEMAN”), age 57, both of New Orleans, were sentenced on October 1, 2024, by United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with the intent to distribute, cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 846, and 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(a)(1), 924(a)(2), 924(e)(1), and 924(c)(1)(A)(i) respectively. Specifically, ROBINSON was sentenced to 280 months of imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and a $700 mandatory special assessment fee. COLEMAN was sentenced to 97 months of imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and a $300 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, ROBINSON and COLEMAN conspired to distribute a quantity of cocaine within the Eastern District of Louisiana. After receiving information that both defendants were conducting narcotics transactions within Orleans Parish, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents and New Orleans Gang Task Force (NOGTF) members conducted surveillance, set up pole cameras, conducted controlled purchases, and executed search warrants on two residences associated with both defendants. Agents located multiple firearms, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, paraphernalia, and a large amount of money between those residences.
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.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
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MIL-OSI Security: Five Arrested, Accused of Targeting Elderly Victims in Tech Support Scam
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
ST. LOUIS – Five people have been arrested on an indictment that accuses them of stealing at least $8 million from elderly victims in at least ten states via a tech support scam involving gold bars.
Dariona Lambert, 22, Zhamoniq Stevens, 23, Chintankumar Parekh, 51, Mehul Darji, 41, and Sital Singh, 42, were each charged in a October 4 superseding indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Lambert, Stevens and Parekh were originally indicted on that charge in June.
Singh surrendered Monday in Newark, in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Parekh and Darji were both arrested last week in the Eastern District of Michigan. Lambert and Stevens were arrested on the initial indictment and have pleaded not guilty.
The indictment accuses the conspirators of contacting elderly victims via telephone calls and electronic messages, falsely claiming that the victims’ savings and retirement accounts had been compromised. They told their victims to transfer funds to the conspirators to keep their accounts secure, the indictment says. Sometimes, the transfers came via gold bars that had been bought by victims and then picked up by couriers working for the fraudsters, the indictment says. Couriers worked with a “handler,” who arranged transportation for the couriers and shipped the gold bars to others, the indictment says.
An 82-year-old St. Louis woman was one of the victims, having been told by scammers pretending to be from a computer software support team that her financial accounts had been compromised, the indictment says. They said she needed to pay money to prevent her funds from being stolen, the indictment says. The scammers had the victim open new bank accounts, transfer her money into those accounts and wire money overseas, in addition to buying about $250,000 worth of gold bars, the indictment says. On May 1, 2024, Lambert flew from Gainesville, Florida to St. Louis, the indictment says. Parekh rented a car and drove Lambert to a parking lot near the victim’s home, it says. Lambert then took an Uber to the victim’s home to retrieve the gold bars, but was intercepted by law enforcement agents, the indictment says. Lambert sent a warning message via WhatsApp to her conspirators, saying “police,” it says.
Lambert and Stevens were couriers, and were paid in cash, the indictment says. Parekh, Darji and Singh were handlers and travelled to victims’ residences in order to pick up gold bars, it says. Parekh worked as a handler in gold bar pickups from victims in Yuma and Scottsdale in Arizona; Placentia and La Jolla in California; Largo, Florida; Chapel Hill, N.C.; and Pittsburgh, Penn., the indictment says. Singh worked a handler in gold bar pickups from victims in Collierville, Tenn.; Universal City, Texas; and Greendale, Wisc., it says. Darji worked as a handler in gold bar pickups from the Scottsdale victims and received three separate FedEx packages containing gold bars obtained from the Largo victim, it says. Lambert worked as a courier in Scottsdale; Placentia; La Jolla; Largo; Universal City; Hanover, Mass.; and Erie, Penn., it says. Stevens worked as a courier in gold bar pickups from victims in Yuma; La Jolla; Collier; Largo; Greendale; Oxnard, Calif.; Long Island, N.Y.; and Cincinnati, Ohio, the indictment says.
“This case is another example of the FBI being able to stop the scam before a victim gets robbed out of his or her life savings,” said Special Agent in Charge Ashley T. Johnson of the FBI St. Louis Division. “We’ve been successful in protecting victims when family members, friends or businesses become suspicious and immediately notify the FBI in time for us to intervene.”
A motion seeking to have Parekh and Darji held in jail until trial says both are in the United States unlawfully, Parekh having overstayed his work visa and Darji having been removed from the country in 2014. When Parekh was alerted by Lambert that she had been apprehended by the police, he fled Missouri for Pittsburgh, Penn., it says.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The wire fraud conspiracy charge carries a penalty of up to 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine or both prison and a fine.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations in Tampa, Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is prosecuting the case.
If someone you know is a victim of a cyber scam, report it to the FBI. You can file the complaint online with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov or use 1-800-CALL-FBI.
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MIL-OSI Security: CISA and FBI Warn of Iranian-Backed Cyber Activity to Undermine U.S. Democratic Institutions
Source: US Department of Homeland Security
Fact sheet provides information on actors’ techniques and recommended mitigations for individuals and organizations associated with national political campaigns
WASHINGTON – The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) published a fact sheet today, How to Protect against Iranian Targeting of Accounts Associated with National Political Organizations. Actors affiliated with the Iranian Government’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are using social engineering techniques across email and chat applications probably to stoke discord and undermine confidence in U.S. democratic institutions. This fact sheet provides recommended actions to protect against this malicious activity.
IRGC actors target and compromise the personal and business accounts of Americans, in particular. individuals associated with national political organizations. They also target individuals and organizations working or have worked on issues related to Iranian and Middle Eastern affairs.
CISA and the FBI recommend mitigations and best practices that will help organizations and individuals strengthen their security and resilience, including keeping applications and operating systems updated, training staff to only use official accounts for business, and implementing phishing-resistant multifactor authentication (MFA).
“With FBI, CISA works to provide timely, actionable information that helps our partners reduce their risk from myriad threats,” said CISA Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity, Jeff Greene. “IRGC cyber actors pose an ongoing and escalating risk. We urge individuals and organizations associated with national political organizations or campaigns to review and implement actions in this joint fact sheet.”
The FBI and CISA continue to work closely to provide services and information to safeguard public and private sector and individuals.
For more information, please visit CISA’s Iran Cyber Threat and #Protect2024 webpages.
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About CISA
As the nation’s cyber defense agency and national coordinator for critical infrastructure security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the digital and physical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day.
Visit CISA.gov for more information and follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram.
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MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CYRUS ROLLINS (“ROLLINS”), age 41, of New Orleans, was sentenced om October 2, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter after previously pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). ROLLINS was sentenced to 97 months of imprisonment, three (3) years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, in August 2023, ROLLINS was arrested by New Orleans Police Department officers for distributing narcotics and carrying firearms in and around the Low Barrier Shelter, a homeless shelter in New Orleans. ROLLINS was found in possession of four firearms, as well as methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Kennedy of the Violent Crimes Unit.
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MIL-OSI Security: Secretary General thanks President of Finland for contributions to NATO and Ukraine
Source: NATO
On Tuesday (8 October 2024), during his first meeting with an Allied leader since taking office, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Finland’s many contributions to NATO and its strong support for Ukraine.
“Since Finland became a NATO Ally eighteen months ago, the Alliance has become stronger and Finland has become safer. Finland has highly capable military forces and cutting edge capabilities, and you are investing more than 2% of GDP in defence,” said Mr Rutte, during a joint press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels alongside Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
The Secretary General welcomed Finland’s decision to host a NATO battlegroup and a new headquarters to lead NATO land operations in the region, which will strengthen the Alliance’s deterrence and defence along the Eastern Flank and the High North.
The Secretary General and President Stubb also discussed Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.
“NATO must and will do more to help Ukraine,” Mr Rutte said, adding that Ukraine could be facing its toughest winter since the full-scale Russian invasion began, and that Russia continues to carry out strikes against critical energy infrastructure.
Mr Rutte noted that Finland has delivered more than 2 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine.
“What Finland is doing helps save lives. And the more military support we give, the faster this war will end,” he said.
While at NATO Headquarters, President Stubb also met with the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer.
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MIL-OSI Security: Evansville Woman Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Embezzling More Than $550,000 From Her Employer Over 15 Years
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
FBI Marks One Year Since October 7, 2023, Hamas Attack
The United States continues to be in a heightened threat environment, and the FBI is fully engaged to detect and stop any potential threats to the American people. As we mark one year since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East calls for vigilance by the FBI, our law enforcement partners, and members of the public.
ALEKSANDR RYZHENKOV
Conspiracy to Commit Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Computers; Intentional Damage to a Protected Computer; Transmitting a Demand in Relation to Damaging a Protected Computer; Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering
Capitol Violence
The FBI is seeking to identify individuals involved in the violent activities that occurred at the U.S. Capitol and surrounding areas on January 6, 2021. View photos and related information here. If you have any information to provide, visit tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
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MIL-OSI Security: Randolph Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud Schemes Involving Sober Home Client, Mass Save Program, and Mortgage Fraud
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
BOSTON – A Randolph man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his involvement in numerous fraud schemes involving sober homes in the Greater Boston area, the Mass Save Program and mortgage fraud.
Nicholas Espinosa, 38, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud conspiracy; one count of conspiracy to make false statements to a mortgage lending business (mortgage fraud conspiracy); 16 counts of wire fraud; six counts of unlawful monetary transactions (money laundering); and one count of making false statements to a mortgage lending business. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for March 11, 2025. Espinosa was arrested and charged in March 2023 along with alleged co-conspirator Daniel Cleggett.
According to the charging documents, Cleggett was the founder of the sober home business, A Vision From God LLC (AVFG), with locations in in Boston, Wakefield, Quincy and Weymouth under trade names including Brady’s Place, Lakeshore Retreat and Lambert House. Espinosa managed the day-to-day affairs of Cleggett’s business.
Espinosa, and allegedly Cleggett, along with a sober home client entered into a conspiracy to defraud a New York-based family trust that was paying for the client’s room and board at Brady’s Place in Quincy. Specifically, Espinosa, and allegedly Cleggett, overcharged the family trust for room and board by up to $12,500 per month by submitting false and fraudulent invoices to the family trust. Espinosa, and allegedly Cleggett, would then issue “refund” checks to the client in furtherance of the fraud scheme.
According to the charging documents, from approximately October 2019 to December 2021, Cleggett personally, and through straw purchasers including Espinosa, purchased the three residential properties in Weymouth and Boston to use as sober homes. Espinosa falsely represented that one of these properties was intended to be purchased as a primary residence for himself when, in reality, it was intended to be a sober home.
In addition to the sober home business, Cleggett operated numerous insulation contracting companies that participated in the Mass Save Program: Green Save Energy Corporation; Environmental Construction Objective Inc. (ECO); Green Giants, LLC; and Insulation Situation, LLC. Mass Save is a Massachusetts public/private partnership sponsored by gas and electric utility companies that funds energy conservation projects and improvements via energy efficiency funds charged to Massachusetts residents’ utility bills.
Specifically, Green Save and ECO received millions of dollars for residential insulation work from a lead vendor company under the Mass Save program. It is alleged that, from 2018 through mid-2021, Green Save and ECO fraudulently billed the vendor company for required permits that were not actually obtained. Green Save and ECO were ultimately terminated from participating in the company’s program in June 2021, and Cleggett was banned from participating in the Mass Save program. In response to this, Espinosa, and allegedly Cleggett and others, formed Green Giants as a new lead vendor with the same company under a straw owner. As a result, Espinosa, and allegedly Cleggett, obtained a total of $509,326 in payments from the company to Green Giants, despite a ban from participating in the Mass Save program.
The charges of wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of making false statements to a mortgage lending business provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of unlawful monetary transactions provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Kingston, Randolph and Quincy Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Mulcahy and Dustin Chao of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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MIL-OSI Security: Maui Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Explosive Device and Powders
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Clare E. Connors announced that Robert Francis Dumaran, 47, of Kahului, Maui, pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to possessing explosive powders as a convicted felon and possessing an unregistered destructive device. Dumaran’s sentencing is set for February 2, 2025, before United States District Judge Jill A. Otake.
According to court documents and information presented in court, Dumaran admitted he attempted to detonate a homemade firework at the intersection of Lono Avenue and Hina Avenue on Maui, Hawaii, during either the late evening of July 22, 2024, or the early morning of July 23, 2024. Dumaran’s homemade firework contained black powder (gunpowder) and flash powder. As a convicted felon, Dumaran was prohibited from possessing explosives. The Maui Police Department (“MPD”) discovered and rendered safe Dumaran’s homemade firework in the morning of July 23, as reported in a prior press release.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) later searched Dumaran’s residence and discovered an improvised hand grenade. Dumaran admitted he crafted and possessed that grenade for use as a defensive weapon capable of causing destruction and death.
Dumaran is not charged in connection with improvised explosive devices recovered on August 7, 2024, in Kula, Maui or the August 8, 2024 explosion in Pukalani, Maui.
The case was investigated by the FBI and MPD. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan D. Slack and Wayne A. Myers are prosecuting the case.
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MIL-OSI Security: Merrillville Doctor Sentenced to Prison and Ordered to Pay Restitution
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
FBI Marks One Year Since October 7, 2023, Hamas Attack
The United States continues to be in a heightened threat environment, and the FBI is fully engaged to detect and stop any potential threats to the American people. As we mark one year since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East calls for vigilance by the FBI, our law enforcement partners, and members of the public.
ALEKSANDR RYZHENKOV
Conspiracy to Commit Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Computers; Intentional Damage to a Protected Computer; Transmitting a Demand in Relation to Damaging a Protected Computer; Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering
Capitol Violence
The FBI is seeking to identify individuals involved in the violent activities that occurred at the U.S. Capitol and surrounding areas on January 6, 2021. View photos and related information here. If you have any information to provide, visit tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
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MIL-OSI Security: Ocala Man Indicted for Armed Robbery
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
Ocala, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of a two-count indictment charging Johnisaac Felix (22, Ocala) with interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. If convicted of the robbery offense, Felix faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. The firearm offense carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 7 years, up to life, in federal prison which must be served consecutively to any prison term imposed for the robbery.
According to the indictment, on June 16, 2024, Felix robbed an employee of gas station in Ocala using actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury to the employee. During that robbery, Felix also brandished a firearm.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ocala Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Callaos.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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MIL-OSI Security: California Tax Preparer Sentenced for Preparing False Returns
Source: United States Attorneys General 7
A California man was sentenced yesterday to six years in prison for preparing false tax returns for clients.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Salvador Gonzalez, of Corona, operated for more than a decade Grace’s Lighthouse Resource Center Inc., a return-preparation business.
During that time, on thousands of returns he prepared for clients, Gonzalez consistently claimed false deductions like charitable donations and medical expenses, which reduced the amount of income taxes his clients paid. Gonzalez also directed his clients to create sham corporations and fraudulently deduct personal expenses — such as their mortgage, car and utility payments — as business expenses on the tax returns filed for these phony corporations. These fabricated losses flowed through to the clients’ individual income tax returns, thereby fraudulently reducing the amount of individual income taxes they paid.
In total, Gonzalez caused a tax loss to the IRS of at least $28 million.
In addition to his prison sentence, the court ordered Gonzalez to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $403,908 in restitution to the United States.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Lauren K. Pope of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli A. Alcaraz for the Central District of California prosecuted the case.
Consistent with the plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Tax Section filed a civil complaint against Gonzalez in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The complaint seeks to permanently enjoin Gonzalez from preparing, assisting in, directing or supervising the preparation or filing of federal tax returns, amended tax returns or other related documents or forms for others. The civil complaint alleges that over a period of years, Gonzalez prepared tax returns that understate the federal income-tax liability of his customers using a scheme which has harmed the United States, the IRS, his customers and the public. Yesterday, Gonzalez consented to the entry of the civil judgment and permanent injunction.
Taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant against unscrupulous tax preparers. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. The IRS also offers tips to recognize tax scams and fraud.
In the past decade, the Justice Department has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page.
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MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Applauds Biden-Harris Administration Final Rule to Replace Lead Pipes Within 10 Years, New Funding to Deliver Clean Drinking Water
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)
HOUSTON, TX – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) released the following statement in response to the Biden-Harris Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes over the next decade:
“I commend the Biden-Harris Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency for heeding the call of my colleagues and I urging them to finalize the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). This decisive action will help tackle the serious issue of lead contamination in our drinking water and will help protect the health and safety of our communities, especially in my district and across Texas.
“Lead in drinking water irreparably harms the health of children and adults and disproportionately impacts lower-income communities. This rule requires that lead pipes be located and replaced within the next 10 years, which is a crucial step toward making sure that every family, regardless of where they live, has access to clean, safe drinking water. It will also strengthen testing requirements to help prevent future harm and ensure families are informed about both the risks they face, and the steps being taken to address them. Safe drinking water should never be in question—it’s a basic human right,” said Congresswoman Garcia.
Alongside the LCRI, EPA announced $2.6 billion in newly available drinking water infrastructure funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congresswoman Garcia proudly voted for. Additionally, 49% of the funding must be provided to disadvantaged communities as grant funding or principal forgiveness that does not have to be repaid.
The LCRI will also require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold for communities to take action on lead in drinking water to protect people from lead exposure.
In September, Congresswoman Garcia signed onto a letter with her colleagues calling on the Biden-Harris Administration to finalize the LCRI to immediately and urgently remove the estimated nine million service lines across the country that contain lead.
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MIL-OSI Security: NH Learning Solutions Corporation Agrees to Pay $975,000 to Resolve False Claims Act Suit for Allegedly Inflating Post 9/11 GI-Bill Tuition Benefits
Source: United States Attorneys General
The Justice Department announced today that NH Learning Solutions Corp. (NHLS) has agreed to pay $975,000 to resolve allegations that it submitted false claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for inflated educational assistance benefits under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Post-9/11 GI Bill). The United States filed suit against NHLS under the False Claims Act (FCA) in December 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Detroit-based NHLS provided technology-focused, non-college degree programs at locations across the Midwest and Northeast.
“The Post-9/11 GI Bill was designed to support the educational needs of our veterans, not to permit schools to illegally profit at the expense of the American taxpayers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement shows that the Justice Department will hold schools accountable for violating program requirements and submitting inflated claims for payment.”
“The Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are part of our nation’s promise to the brave men and women who have served our country,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “My office is committed to protecting the integrity of our federal programs to ensure the assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries.”
“Safeguarding Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit funds reserved for deserving veterans remains a priority, and our investigators are working diligently in the field to ensure these programs are not exploited for financial gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Gregory Billingsley of the VA’s Office of Inspector General (VA OIG)’s Central Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the Justice Department for its efforts in this investigation.”
Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the VA pays tuition and fees directly to qualifying schools on behalf of enrolled students. For veteran students properly enrolled in a course, the VA pays the actual net cost for tuition and fees charged by the school, after it has applied any scholarships, waivers, grants or other assistance designed to defray the cost of tuition and fees, which is known as the “last payer rule.” The rule ensures that the VA is the payer of last resort and receives the benefit of any tuition-based, financial support available to a student.
The government’s amended complaint alleged that NHLS knowingly submitted false claims for inflated tuition and fees, in violation of the last payer rule, at five NHLS locations in Illinois, Ohio and Michigan. More specifically, the government alleged that NHLS repeatedly reported tuition and fees to the VA on student invoices, where it failed to deduct the tuition scholarships, grants or waivers it provided to certain veterans, thereby causing the VA to overpay NHLS for educational assistance benefits under the Post-9/11 GI-Bill for these veterans.
The lawsuit is captioned United States v. NH Learning Solutions Corp. No. 2:22-cv-13045 (EDMI). The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, with substantive assistance from VA OIG.
Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Wilson of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony C. Gentner for the Eastern District of Michigan handled the matter.
The claims asserted against defendant are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
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MIL-OSI USA: NH Learning Solutions Corporation Agrees to Pay $975,000 to Resolve False Claims Act Suit for Allegedly Inflating Post 9/11 GI-Bill Tuition Benefits
Source: US State of North Dakota
The Justice Department announced today that NH Learning Solutions Corp. (NHLS) has agreed to pay $975,000 to resolve allegations that it submitted false claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for inflated educational assistance benefits under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Post-9/11 GI Bill). The United States filed suit against NHLS under the False Claims Act (FCA) in December 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Detroit-based NHLS provided technology-focused, non-college degree programs at locations across the Midwest and Northeast.
“The Post-9/11 GI Bill was designed to support the educational needs of our veterans, not to permit schools to illegally profit at the expense of the American taxpayers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement shows that the Justice Department will hold schools accountable for violating program requirements and submitting inflated claims for payment.”
“The Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are part of our nation’s promise to the brave men and women who have served our country,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “My office is committed to protecting the integrity of our federal programs to ensure the assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries.”
“Safeguarding Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit funds reserved for deserving veterans remains a priority, and our investigators are working diligently in the field to ensure these programs are not exploited for financial gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Gregory Billingsley of the VA’s Office of Inspector General (VA OIG)’s Central Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the Justice Department for its efforts in this investigation.”
Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the VA pays tuition and fees directly to qualifying schools on behalf of enrolled students. For veteran students properly enrolled in a course, the VA pays the actual net cost for tuition and fees charged by the school, after it has applied any scholarships, waivers, grants or other assistance designed to defray the cost of tuition and fees, which is known as the “last payer rule.” The rule ensures that the VA is the payer of last resort and receives the benefit of any tuition-based, financial support available to a student.
The government’s amended complaint alleged that NHLS knowingly submitted false claims for inflated tuition and fees, in violation of the last payer rule, at five NHLS locations in Illinois, Ohio and Michigan. More specifically, the government alleged that NHLS repeatedly reported tuition and fees to the VA on student invoices, where it failed to deduct the tuition scholarships, grants or waivers it provided to certain veterans, thereby causing the VA to overpay NHLS for educational assistance benefits under the Post-9/11 GI-Bill for these veterans.
The lawsuit is captioned United States v. NH Learning Solutions Corp. No. 2:22-cv-13045 (EDMI). The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, with substantive assistance from VA OIG.
Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Wilson of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony C. Gentner for the Eastern District of Michigan handled the matter.
The claims asserted against defendant are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
Settlement
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MIL-OSI USA: California Tax Preparer Sentenced for Preparing False Returns
Source: US State of California
A California man was sentenced yesterday to six years in prison for preparing false tax returns for clients.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Salvador Gonzalez, of Corona, operated for more than a decade Grace’s Lighthouse Resource Center Inc., a return-preparation business.
During that time, on thousands of returns he prepared for clients, Gonzalez consistently claimed false deductions like charitable donations and medical expenses, which reduced the amount of income taxes his clients paid. Gonzalez also directed his clients to create sham corporations and fraudulently deduct personal expenses — such as their mortgage, car and utility payments — as business expenses on the tax returns filed for these phony corporations. These fabricated losses flowed through to the clients’ individual income tax returns, thereby fraudulently reducing the amount of individual income taxes they paid.
In total, Gonzalez caused a tax loss to the IRS of at least $28 million.
In addition to his prison sentence, the court ordered Gonzalez to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $403,908 in restitution to the United States.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Lauren K. Pope of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli A. Alcaraz for the Central District of California prosecuted the case.
Consistent with the plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Tax Section filed a civil complaint against Gonzalez in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The complaint seeks to permanently enjoin Gonzalez from preparing, assisting in, directing or supervising the preparation or filing of federal tax returns, amended tax returns or other related documents or forms for others. The civil complaint alleges that over a period of years, Gonzalez prepared tax returns that understate the federal income-tax liability of his customers using a scheme which has harmed the United States, the IRS, his customers and the public. Yesterday, Gonzalez consented to the entry of the civil judgment and permanent injunction.
Taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant against unscrupulous tax preparers. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. The IRS also offers tips to recognize tax scams and fraud.
In the past decade, the Justice Department has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page.
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MIL-OSI Canada: The CBSA announces over 60 methamphetamine seizures bound for export to Australia
Source: Government of Canada News
The CBSA announced over 60 seizures of methamphetamine in British Columbia destined for export to Australia between March and August 2024.
October 8, 2024 Richmond, British Columbia Canada Border Services Agency
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to protecting our communities by preventing harmful drugs from crossing our borders and combating transnational organized crime.
Today, the CBSA announced over 60 seizures of methamphetamine in British Columbia destined for export to Australia between March and August 2024. These seizures include 397 kg of crystal methamphetamine and 1,278 litres of liquid methamphetamine, which combined represents approximately 8 million individual doses.
- On March 12, 2024, Border Services Officers from the Metro Vancouver District seized 194 kg of methamphetamine at the Tsawwassen Container Examination Facility.
- Between the months of April and August 2024, Border Services Officers at the Vancouver International Mail Centre seized a combined 85 kg of methamphetamine in 54 separate incidents.
- Between the months of May and August 2024, Border Services Officers at Vancouver International Air Cargo Operations seized a combined 93 kg of methamphetamine.
- In July 2024, Border Services Officers at Vancouver International Passenger Operations seized a combined 25 kg of methamphetamine in two separate incidents.
These significant seizures can be attributed to the collaboration of multiple CBSA units, including teams in the Metro Vancouver District, the Vancouver International Mail Centre, the Vancouver International Airport, the Pacific Region Intelligence Section, along with the collaboration and contributions from our domestic and international law enforcement partners.
The investigation of these seizures was referred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in British Columbia, who worked with the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Border Force.
“International drug smuggling is a threat to the safety and security of our communities. The seizures announced today are examples of how the CBSA works with domestic and international partners to disrupt criminal networks and keep illegal drugs off our streets.”
– The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs
“The successful seizures of a combined 397 kg and 1,278 litres of methamphetamine is a testament to the exemplary work and investigative expertise shown by Border Services Officers, intelligence officers, analysts and liaison officers. I want to recognize the collaborative efforts of our partners, including the RCMP and Australian Federal Police, for their hard work and dedication to public safety.”
– Nina Patel, Regional Director General, Pacific Region, Canada Border Services Agency
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MIL-OSI USA: Former Nurse Pleads Guilty in Connection with Diverting Fentanyl from ICU Patient
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3
Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney’s Office
District of New HampshireFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 7, 2024CONCORD – A Northfield woman pleaded guilty today in federal court for diverting fentanyl from an ICU patient at Concord Hospital, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Lisa Richardson, 48, pleaded guilty to one count of Tampering with Consumer Products. U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2025.
On December 30, 2022, while working as a nurse at Concord Hospital, Richardson removed a quantity of fentanyl from an intravenous line bag inserted in an Intensive Care Unit patient. She then replaced the fentanyl with saline. The defendant was not assigned to the patient’s care as part of her duties as a nurse.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Food & Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration jointly led this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Ward is prosecuting the cases.
Law enforcement in the District of New Hampshire has utilized resources to enforce federal laws in connection with the diversion of dangerous narcotics by medical professionals. In July 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office settled a $300,000 civil action with Catholic Medical Center to resolve allegations they violated the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”), by failing to keep accurate records of controlled substances, which enabled a nurse anesthetist to steal hundreds of doses of fentanyl over the course of a year. In June 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office settled a $2 million civil action with Cheshire Medical Center for their failure to fulfill obligations under the CSA, which enabled a nurse to steal twenty-three intravenous bags of fentanyl solution from an automatic medication dispensing machine. Also in June 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office settled a $300,000 civil action with PillPack by Amazon, a pharmacy, to resolve allegations that they violated the CSA, which risked the division of drugs that are often abused in our communities.
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: BNZ launches new anti-scam tool to lock scammers out of online banking
Source: BNZ statements
BNZ is rolling out its latest anti-scam and fraud measure, launching an ‘online banking lock’ feature which gives customers the ability to disable all online banking activity and lock access to their online banking if they suspect a scammer has gained access to their accounts.
“BNZ is continually looking for new ways to enhance protection for customers and combat criminal scammers,” says BNZ’s Head of Financial Crime Ashley Kai Fong.
“While anyone who thinks they’re being scammed should call their bank straight away, this new tool – available in the BNZ app – gives customers the ability to lock their online banking while they’re making the call, potentially speeding up the process to lock their accounts and shut scammers out,” says Kai Fong.
Once the online account lock is activated, it disables all current internet banking and BNZ mobile account activity and locks all access.
To prevent scammers from regaining access, customers will need to verify their identity at a BNZ branch to regain access to their accounts.
Customers will still be able to use their cards online, instore and at ATMs while their account is locked, unless they have also chosen to block their card. To minimise disruption, scheduled payments, like rent or mortgage payments, will still go out as scheduled.
Kai Fong says BNZ invests tens of millions of dollars every year in scam and fraud protection measures.
“While there is no silver bullet in the fight against scammers, this is another tool in the anti-scam and fraud toolbox to help protect our customers. It’s just one of a number of new features, BNZ has introduced, including:
- introducing a way for customers to verify their identity through the BNZ app when prompted by a BNZ staff member to confirm it is the bank calling
- introducing additional two-factor authentication (2FA) within internet banking for high-risk actions such as changing personal contact details, creating a new payee, editing an existing payee, or making payments to unsaved payees. This is required regardless of whether a customer has already completed 2FA in their current session.
- deploying ID readers in branch to help identify fraudulent documents
Kai Fong says customers also have a role to play in keeping themselves safe from scams and fraud:
- keeping account details, passwords and pin numbers safe
- never clicking on links or attachments sent by someone you don’t know or that seem out of character for someone you do know
- keeping your computer and phone security software up to date
- contacting your bank as soon as possible if you think you’ve been scammed
Top tips to stay scam savvy – BNZ will never:
- email or text you links to online banking and ask you to log in
- send you a text message with a link to a website, or link to call us
- ask you for information about your PIN number, bank account number, or password
- ask you to verbally share the authentication codes sent to you by text or email, even with a BNZ staff member
- ask you to transfer money to help catch a scammer or a bank employee who is scamming customers
- send you a text message about account issues with a link to log in
- ask you to download software to access your Internet Banking remotely
- use international phone numbers to call or send you notifications.
The post BNZ launches new anti-scam tool to lock scammers out of online banking appeared first on BNZ Debrief.
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MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Expressions of Interest: Havre des Pas Lido and Concession08 October 2024 The Minister for Infrastructure, Connètable Andy Jehan, has published an expressions of interest document for the Havre des Pas Lido and Concession. The Government welcomes interest from operators who… Read more
Source: Channel Islands – Jersey
08 October 2024
The Minister for Infrastructure, Connètable Andy Jehan, has published an expressions of interest document for the Havre des Pas Lido and Concession.
The Government welcomes interest from operators who wish to manage the Havre des Pas open seawater pool and its associated concession facility.
This historic and iconic coastal destination, situated in one of Jersey’s most scenic locations, provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the Island’s community life and visitor economy.
The Government is seeking an operator committed to ensuring inclusive, year-round, mixed-use access to this public asset.
The facility should serve the diverse needs of the Island, including families, recreational swimmers, fitness enthusiasts and social groups while enhancing Jersey’s appeal to the local community and visitors.
Minister for Infrastructure, Connètable Andy Jehan said:
“The Havre des Pas Lido is a vital public asset, and we want to hear from individuals, businesses, and community groups who would be interested in potentially operating the Lido for the benefit of the community. We are willing to listen to expressions of interest for the operation of the whole site, or for part of the Lido.
“This is an important step towards ensuring the year-round inclusive community use of the Havre des Pas Lido, and it will assist us in identifying potential future uses. We are open to all ideas and options, provided that they are built around the interests of the Island community, and especially Islanders living in St Helier. We are confident in creating an exciting future for Havre des Pas and look forward to working in partnership with interested parties to achieve our vision.
“A formal tender process will then follow at the conclusion of this expression of interest process.”
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Steely joint operation lands half a tonne of methamphetamine
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
A joint Customs and Police operation has swooped on New Zealand’s second largest importation of methamphetamine, concealed in steel beams.
Both agencies descended on a rural Waikato property in darkness early on Friday morning, with two men visiting from Australia being arrested in the process of deconstructing the beams.
Customs earlier located the concealment of 515 kilograms of methamphetamine within the hefty steel beams in early September, after being sent from the United States.
Customs’ intelligence gathering and associated targeting prompted further investigation of the shipment, which uncovered inconsistencies in some of the 42 steel beams.
Customs’ Sea Cargo Inspections Facility officers x-rayed selected items in the consignment and conducted other additional examinations which led to the discovery of the large amount of methamphetamine.
Under Operation Girder, Police’s National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) have worked alongside Customs to identify the group responsible, with warrants being executed across Auckland and the Waikato over recent days.
All up five men, aged between 31 and 51, have been arrested. All initially appeared in the Auckland District Court on Friday, facing charges relating to the importation and supply of methamphetamine.
One of these men has been charged with unlawful possession of firearms after a military-style semi-automatic rifle and ammunition were recovered.
The two men arrested in the Waikato on 4 October are New Zealand passport holders but reside in Australia.
Detective Inspector Colin Parmenter, from the National Organised Crime Group, says the seizure is a significant disruption to the wider drug market operating within New Zealand.
“The significant amount seized in this operation is another demonstration of the Police and Customs partnership and commitment to the disruption and dismantling of transnational organised drug networks.
“It’s estimated that this shipment would have gone on to produce 25.7 million individual doses of this destructive drug, and preventing this harm is a key motivation for our staff.
“The organised criminal groups looking to profit from this type of offending will continue to be a key focus of our attention and resources.
This seizure is yet another example of the work being carried out to make New Zealand more resilient to transnational organised crime, Detective Inspector Parmenter says.
Investigations will continue and further arrests cannot be ruled out.
Customs says the operation shows law enforcement in New Zealand continues to successfully combat transnational organised crime.
“Customs’ intelligence gathering and targeting have played a critical role in detecting this smuggling attempt and identifying people responsible,” Customs’ Group Manager Intelligence, Investigations and Enforcement, Terry Brown, says.
“This joint operation has yielded intelligence that will lead to further enforcement opportunities for Customs and Police and has prevented more than $570 million in harm to New Zealand communities and our economy.
“The method and scale of this smuggling operation clearly illustrate the amount of efforts organised crime groups are willing to go to but our seizure and the arrests Police have made equally show the skill and determination investigations and enforcement teams will apply to detect, disrupt and dismantle these criminal efforts,” Mr Brown says.
Anyone with suspicions about possible smuggling should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or Customs confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768).
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
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MIL-OSI USA: Peters, Stabenow Introduce Legislation to Grant Federal Recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced legislation that seeks to grant federal recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians (GRB). In addition to granting federal recognition to the GRB, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act would make its members eligible for benefits and services provided by the federal government, including tuition, health care, and housing assistance. U.S. Representative Scholten (D-MI-03) has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
The GRB is a native sovereign nation with agreements with the federal government dating back to 1795. The GRB originally included 19 bands of Ottawa people who lived along the Grand River and other waterways in southwest Michigan. Today, most of the GRB’s membership resides in Kent, Muskegon, and Oceana counties.
“For decades, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians has been working to gain federal Tribal recognition,” said Senator Peters. “This bill would finally give them the recognition they deserve, bringing federal resources to its members and protecting their Tribal lands for future generations.”
“The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians have deep roots in Michigan going back generations,” said Senator Stabenow. “The tribe is recognized by the State of Michigan, but not by the Department of Interior. This legislation would finally grant federal recognition to this tribe.”
“On behalf of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, I thank Sen. Peters and the delegation members who introduced and co-sponsored this bill. After decades of delays, this bill brings renewed hope that our Tribe will achieve federal recognition and our members will gain access to the resources they deserve, including critical funding for social services, education, housing, elder care, exercising our treaty rights and weighing in on federal legislation that impacts tribes. We are grateful to Sen. Peters for his leadership and dedication to justice for the Grand River Bands,” said Ron Yob, Chairman of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians.
This legislation is supported by community partners and local government leaders including the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds; the West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters and Service Trades; and other key stakeholders throughout Michigan. Rep. Scholten’s House companion legislation is supported by Reps. John Moolenaar (R-MI-02), Dan Kildee (D-MI-08), Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), Lisa McClain (R-MI-09), Tim Walberg (R-MI-05), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-07), and John James (R-MI-10).
Peters and Stabenow have previously led efforts to support Tribal communities across Michigan. In August, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced legislation authored by Peters that would require the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to accept requests from Tribal governments to receive Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) Declarations. Last year, the Senate unanimously passed legislation introduced by Peters and Stabenow to settle the longstanding land claims of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) and clear the title of current landowners in the community. The bill authorizes federal funds through the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) that may be used by the KBIC for governmental services, economic development, natural resource protection, and land acquisition.
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MIL-OSI Germany: Deutsche Bundesbank updates impact of Basel III reform package
Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English
Implementation in the EU of the Basel III reform package will lead to a 3.3% increase in minimum required capital (MRC) by 2030 for a sample of 36 German financial institutions. The Bundesbank calculated this result in a study based on data from large institutions in particular. Once the transitional arrangements cease to apply in 2033, the institutions in the sample are expected to see a 10.9% increase in MRC. The study published today[1] thus broadly confirms the results of the previous year. It corroborates the finding that the German banking sector will be well able to handle the impact of the revised Basel III reform package.
It should be noted that the sample is dominated by large banks which use internal models and that small and medium-sized institutions are extremely underrepresented. A rough extrapolation for Germany’s banking sector as a whole shows that increases in the range of 8% can be expected by 2033 (see the chart). Specifically, this translates to an aggregate increase in tier 1 MRC of €30 billion up to 2033. By way of comparison, the banking system currently holds around €165 billion in common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital above the required amount.© Deutsche Bundesbank
(only in German)
Since 2011, the Bundesbank has been examining the impact of the Basel III reform package in conjunction with the European Banking Authority (EBA) and the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS). The 25th such exercise was carried out for the reporting date of 31 December 2023, with a total of 36 institutions from Germany participating.
The study reports that full phase-in of the Basel III reform package would lead to an 8.7% increase in MRC.[2] This calculation is based on the BCBS methodology, which solely includes the internationally standardised G-SII buffer and the capital conservation buffer. In contrast to this, the aforementioned results relating to EU implementation include the national O-SII buffers and the Pillar 2 requirements.
Notes to editors: In parallel with the Bundesbank, the EBA and the BCBS published their Basel III monitoring reports on 7 October 2024. The quantitative impact study for the EU (EBA) covers 159 institutions from 30 countries and the report at the international level (BCBS) encompasses 180 institutions from 26 countries.
Footnotes:
The final amendments to the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR III, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1623/oj) and Capital Requirements Directive (CRD VI, http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1619/oj) were published in the Official Journal of the European Union in June 2024. CRR III becomes binding as of 2025.
The increase is down 4.8 percentage points from the previous year’s impact analysis. One reason for these changes as against the previous year is the 2023 introduction of the G-SII buffer for the leverage ratio in the EU. -
MIL-OSI USA: Van Orden, Landsman Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Support for Veterans
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin 3rd)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH), Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), and Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen suicide prevention and mental health support for veterans. TheWhat Works for Preventing Veteran Suicide Actwill require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish establish clear and measurable objectives and implement best practices for suicide prevention pilots and grant programs that would allow for more effective data collection.
“We are still losing record numbers of our veterans everyday to suicide,” said Rep. Van Orden. “Until we do everything we can to prevent veteran suicide, we are not doing enough. I am proud to stand with Rep. Landsman in introducing this bipartisan legislation to ensure VA is directing their efforts to the most effective suicide prevention treatments and programs. Our vets had our backs in when they were in uniform. We must do everything we can to have theirs now.”
“This bill will save countless lives,” said Rep. Landsman. “Too many veterans are dying by suicide every day, and we have to do more to prevent it. Many veterans are dealing with severe mental health issues and deserve the best care possible. If we focus the VA’s resources on the most effective programs, we can make a significant impact in reducing these heartbreaking and entirely unacceptable rates of veteran suicide.”
“Veteran suicide is a crisis we cannot afford to overlook, especially as the numbers continue to climb,” said Rep. Luttrell. “As someone who served alongside many of these brave men and women, I am committed to ensuring we bring this number down and eventually to zero. This bill will help us understand which programs are truly working, so we can maximize on those efforts and save lives.”
“The crisis of veteran suicide demands all of our best efforts, and that means using proven and effective tactics and tools to save lives,” said Rep. Deluzio. “I’m glad to partner with Congressman Landsman to create more guidelines for suicide prevention pilots and outreach through the VA. I will never stop fighting to protect and serve my fellow veterans.”
To read the full bill text, click here.
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MIL-OSI USA: Pallone Announces Over $44 Million in Federal Funding to Replace Lead Pipes in New Jersey
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced today that New Jersey will receive more than $44 million in federal funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to replace lead pipes. This funding, which Pallone secured through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help modernize aging water systems and tackle the critical issue of lead contamination in the state.
Lead exposure, particularly for children, has been linked to developmental delays and cognitive issues. This new federal funding will prioritize the removal of hazardous lead service lines, supporting ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of families in schools, homes, and communities throughout New Jersey.
“As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I led the charge to include substantial investments in clean water infrastructure, like the funding being announced today,” said Pallone. “Safe drinking water is a basic human right, yet right now, millions of American families cannot trust the water coming out of their taps. This funding is a major win for New Jersey and a crucial step toward ensuring every community has access to clean, safe drinking water. We’re delivering real results to protect families and improve water quality across the state.”
As part of this initiative, the EPA also announced today the new Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) rule, which requires water systems across the country to identify and replace all lead service lines within 10 years. Additionally, the EPA announced $2.6 billion in funding for drinking water infrastructure projects nationwide. The $44 million investment for New Jersey will strengthen the state’s ability to remove lead service lines, ensuring that communities statewide—especially those most affected by outdated infrastructure—can rely on safe, clean drinking water.
For more information on the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements and funding opportunities available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, visit www.epa.gov/lead-copper-rule.
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MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE helps Moldova move towards more energy efficient building sector
Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
The building sector is the largest consumer of energy in the Republic of Moldova, representing 53 per cent of final energy consumption in 2022, with public sector buildings accounting for less than one-fifth and residential buildings for the rest. The crucial aspect that influences energy efficiency is the aging building stock as 72 per cent of buildings were constructed between 1951 and 1990, and nowadays lack modern energy efficiency measures.
These statistics underscore the significant role that buildings play in energy demand, overshadowing other sectors such as transport (30 per cent) and industry (8 per cent), and highlight the urgency of addressing energy consumption in the building sector amid the energy crisis.
The International Forum on “Innovative Solutions for Scaling Up Energy Efficiency in Buildings” held in Chisinau on 3-4 October 2024, aimed at addressing this challenge by connecting the best technologies and practices for building new and retrofitting older assets, through innovative business models and identifying the needed investments for a more sustainable energy future in Moldova.
At the Forum, UNECE shared its extensive experience on the strategic vision and the necessary policy interventions to improve energy efficiency, which would involve:
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Comprehensive regulatory frameworks in place, encompassing energy efficiency standards, building codes, and market structures that facilitate the electrification of key sectors like heating and transportation. These frameworks create a solid foundation for transitioning to cleaner energy systems while promoting the widespread adoption of energy-efficient technologies. Buildings, as essential components of future energy systems, play a critical role by not only consuming energy but also helping to balance energy demand and supply through on-site generation and active participation in the electricity market.
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Guaranteeing access to modern energy-efficient technologies, with implementation strategies adapted to local conditions, such as the cost of capital, resource availability, and skill levels of the local workforce. This approach ensures that solutions are both economically feasible and effective in a longer term.
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Tackling the behavioural barriers to fully unlock the energy efficiency potential and ensure broader adoption of available solutions. This includes addressing habits, perceptions, and resistance to change that often hinder the adoption of new technologies and practices.
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Development of a national talent strategy, focusing on the training of future workers, enhancing the skills of the current workforce, and developing retention programmes. Such a strategy is vital as it ensures that a capable and knowledgeable labour force is available to support the transition to a more energy-efficient economy.
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Bridging the digital divide, as many modern energy-efficient technologies rely on digital tools and infrastructure not only for their proper functioning, but importantly for seizing the system-wide optimization potential. Without equitable access, certain population groups could fall behind.
UNECE continues to assist its member States in scaling up energy efficiency, which is crucial to meeting global sustainability goals, supporting environmental protection, social inclusion, and economic development.
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