NewzIntel.com

Category: Police

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Kwong Wah Hospital announces incident of nurse suspected to have been indecently assaulted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Kwong Wah Hospital announces incident of nurse suspected to have been indecently assaultedIssued at HKT 20:30

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

    The spokesman for Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) made the following statement today (June 3) regarding an incident of a nurse suspected to have been indecently assaulted:

    A nurse was suspected to have been indecently assaulted in a ward at around 12pm today. Upon receiving the report from the nurse, the hospital reported the incident to the Police immediately. A 78-year-old male patient was subsequently arrested by the Police in the ward.

    KWH is highly concerned about the incident. The hospital strongly condemns the suspected indecent acts against its staff, resolutely adopts a zero-tolerance attitude towards this incident, and will follow up seriously while fully co-operating with the Police’s investigation. The hospital has expressed sympathy and provided support to the nurse concerned.

    The hospital has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System.

    Ends/Tuesday, June 3, 2025
    Issued at HKT 20:30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appeal for information on missing man in Sheung Shui (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Police today (June 3) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Sheung Shui.

    Wong Sum-wah, aged 77, went missing after he was last seen in a shopping mall on Choi Yuen Road yesterday (June 2) afternoon. His family then made a report to Police.

    He is about 1.6 metres tall, around 60 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a square face with yellow complexion and short white hair. He was last seen wearing a dark blue checkered long-sleeved shirt, dark jeans and black shoes.

    Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories North on 3661 3115 or email to rmpu-ntn-1@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Police National Security Department arrests one man and four women

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force yesterday (June 2) arrested a man and four women, aged between 24 and 38, for “conspiracy to commit terrorist activities�.

    Investigation revealed that the arrested persons were allegedly involved in making police reports via telephone, email and instant messaging applications on multiple occasions between April 29 and May 13, including content which claimed to detonate bombs planted within various offices of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong and Kai Tak Sports Park, as well as seditious message which incited Taiwan independence and Hong Kong independence.

    Police conducted searches at the arrested persons’ residences with court warrants. Some electronic communication devices suspected to be involved in the case were seized.

    The arrested man is being detained for further enquiries. The four arrested women were released on bail pending further investigations.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Brisbane 2032 Games Coordination Commission Visit: A Collective Vision

    Source:

    Thank you Andrew for your kind introduction and welcome.

    It’s a pleasure to be here, and I thank the Brisbane 2032 OCOG for hosting this event. 

    I want to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet the Turrbal and Jagera peoples and pay my respects to Elders past and present.

    Together Australians stand on the shoulders of 1,600 generations of First Nations people, and that is our shared history.

    I also acknowledge to CO-Com, executives and the IOC delegation, particularly President-elect Kirsty Coventry and new Co-Com Chair Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski, who is all but a local… training under own Vicki Roycroft at the Brisbane Showgrounds… Mikee, please know, I view you as my Vicki Roycroft.

    Thank you to my fellow OCOG members, and AOC President Ian Chesterman and new CEO Mark Arbib… Mark’s presence means there are three Federal Sport Ministers in this room – what could go wrong.

    While our Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wishes he could be here this week with you, he has just returned from the Pope’s inauguration in Rome.

    If there is one sentence that resonates long after you leave Brisbane… I hope it is this –

    The re-election of the Albanese Government ensures Australia is absolutely committed to making the Brisbane Games – a great Games, for our athletes, for Queensland, Australia and the Pacific.

    There’s a quote from outgoing President Bach that has stuck with me and lights our path to 2032…

    “Like no other human activity, sport is about bringing people together in the spirit of friendship and respect. Sport always builds bridges, it never erects walls.”

    The Australian government views Brisbane 2032 as an amphitheatre for our athletes to bring people together for greater health and social cohesion from playground to podium. 

    Because sport makes us hug strangers. And we have evidence of that right below us – on that grass.

    I understand there is a tour of this stadium later today but this venue is so much more than turnstiles and corporate boxes.

    You see, for decades that grass behind you was only known for men clashing in violent rugby contests.

    Until we hosted the Women’s Football World Cup in 2023, when just down there, three seconds changed a nation.

    A moment when a young woman called Cortnee Vine, who learned to kick a ball in the outer suburbs of Brisbane, 10 kms north of here, curled a penalty past France’s goalkeeper to send Australia through to the World Cup semi-final. 

    Our greatest World Cup achievement.

    I was sitting just up there. I cried. I launched a ferocious hug on a bewildered Prime Minister that prompted Federal Police to hover.

    Cortnee’s goal speaks to why the 2032 Games must be about sporting Moments not monoliths.

    That moment and significant funding from the Australian government led to a ten per cent increase in women’s football participation post tournament.

    That match is among the top five most watched television programs in Australian history.

    In fact, four of those five are women’s sporting events, including Cathy Freeman’s 400 metre gold in Sydney.

    This September marks 25 years since those Sydney Games transformed Australia.

    Brisbane 2032 must and will drive even greater participation and social cohesion.

    As a key Games Delivery Partner, I want to assure the Games family the Australian Government is a steadfast partner and we thank the IOC for your esteemed leadership.

    Our immediate areas of focus include governance, infrastructure, impact and legacy.

    I know how dedicated the IOC is to fostering sport through the Pacific and note your recent trip to Guam – we share that same passion.

    We will make 2032 a north star for a more inclusive sport environment throughout the region and for our Pacific family.

    From the outset the Australian Government has backed Brisbane 2032.

    We provided more than $8.6 million to the Queensland Government to support its candidature bid and its only grown from there.

    Already, our 2032 funding commitment across infrastructure, transport, high performance, major events and grass roots has exceeded $16 billion dollars. 

    This includes more than $12.4 billion dollars in Games related transport, more than $3.4 billion dollars in Games venues and in the past 18 months alone almost a billion-dollar commitment to grass roots and high-performance sport.

    Crucially, we made a two year $489 million in Olympic and Paralympic sport as we head to LA28.

    This is the largest Olympic and Paralympic sport investment ever.

    This means that 95% of Olympic and Paralympic summer sports are receiving increased funding with an average increase of 64% per year, compared to the period leading up to Paris Games.

    More sports are being supported too, with an increase from 54 to 68 summer Olympic and Paralympic programs funded in the lead-up to LA.

    We have also increased our Direct Athlete Investment Scheme – DAIS – funding, boosting it to $41.4m across two years.

    DAIS is money in the athlete’s pocket so they can spend more time training and less time fundraising.

    This means more than 1000 Australian athletes now receive DAIS funding.

    Crucially we have also doubled the money going towards Paralympic sports with an extra $54.9m over the next two years.

    The is the largest commitment an Australian government has made to Para-Sport and will shift the balance of funding from 85 per cent able bodied and 15 per cent people with a disability, to 75 per cent able bodied and 25 per cent people with a disability.

    And, while it hasn’t been announced yet, the Federal Government will invest an additional $2.1m so our Paralympians can travel to Milan Cortina to chase gold. 

    We are determined to do more – because we know 3 in 4 Australians with a disability want to play sport but only 1 in 4 have the opportunity.

    While as Minister for Sport, I am first and foremost athlete-led.

    We have also made major infrastructure commitments including a record $249m for the Australian Institute of Sport to improve our national centre of excellence where our juniors and elites train. 

    This is the biggest investment in the AIS since the early 80’s – before Kirsty and I were born.

    This is on top of our $200m Play Our Way fund for women’s and girls sport infrastructure and programs – the largest ever sport funding package to build female changerooms and women-specific sporting environments.

    And… since we came to Government Labor has funded more than $80m in Major Events as well including the Canoe World Champs that the IOC’s own Jess Fox will star in later this year.

    The Albanese Government will also invest up to $3.435 billion in Games venues in a 50/50 partnership with the Queensland Government.

    BUT – we are also funding significant Games transport.

    $12.4 billion committed for transport projects in South East Queensland already identified by the Queensland Government as necessary for the Games.

    This includes faster rail, highway upgrades, and major connection pieces that support 2032.

    So this $16 billion commitment will revitalise the AIS, boost high‑performance sport, increase participation, reduce injuries, enhance guardrails and sport safety, fund legacy arenas and the connections that allow people to visit them while improving integrity for the benefit of all Australians.

    And recent news helps us all. Last week I was honoured to be named Minister for Communications, opening greater synergies for the world’s biggest media event.

    Sport and Comms is now in the infrastructure department, and already Sport Integrity Australia have flagged a goal to embed integrity as a design principle of sport infrastructure.

    We are also continuing work on our IOC Guarantees.

    As part of the candidature process to secure hosting rights, the Albanese Government committed to a range of operational support services.

    These include communications, national security, taxation, integrity, safety and safeguarding, and visa handling.

    We are committed to delivering on these guarantees, taking a coordinated approach across all involved departments to create solutions.

    These threads I’m discussing today are hemmed through Australia’s first ever ten-year plan for sport.

    Australia’s National Sport Strategy, Sport Horizon, will capitalise on sport’s power, and outlines my government’s priorities for this sector.

    It affirms our commitment to creating a safe, fair, and sustainable sector that grows participation, drives positive social change, grows our economy and strengthens international relationships.

    It emphasises the pursuit of gender equity.

    For the first time in Australian history, sporting boardrooms across Australia must meet gender equity targets or risk government funding being withdrawn.

    I have mandated our sports sector must achieve the following governance targets by no later than 1 July 2027:

    50% of all board directors are women and/or gender diverse 

    50% of board chairs are women and/or gender diverse 

    50% of specified board sub-committee members are women and/or gender diverse.

    Because we view sport as a transponder for social change. 

    As President Bach says, sport builds bridges, never erects walls.

    And… we must remember this – 

    The Games’ most valuable treasure – is its athletes. 

    It is not about politicians or political point-scoring.

    Our job is to work with Federations to create environments where brilliance thrives, and then… get out of the way.

    Our job is to enable athletic moments to replace monoliths in 2032.

    So that grass right there conjures the next Cortnee Vine.

    So the aquatic centre a kilometre away creates history like Kirsty did in Athens and Beijing. 

    So Victoria Park is an amphitheatre for our next Cathy Freeman gold medal euphoria.

    I was born and raised in this city… 

    I am not just determined, I am obsessed. Brisbane 2032 will be a great Games.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Admiral Rock — RCMP charges a man with sexual offences against a child

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    East Hants District RCMP has charged a man with sexual offences against a child that occurred in Admiral Rock.

    Yesterday, at approximately 3:20 p.m., RCMP officers responded to a report of abduction on Mosher Rd. Officers learned that two children were riding their bicycles when a man standing at the end of a driveway flagged them down. The man, whom the children did not know, grabbed one of them by the arm, entered the nearby residence with the child, exposed himself, and uttered threats.

    The child screamed and ran out of the home to get help. The two children were not physically injured.

    RCMP officers attended the residence where the incident occurred and arrested a 34-year-old man from Admiral Rock.

    Gregory McDonald has been charged with:

    • Kidnapping
    • Invitation to Sexual Touching
    • Indecent Act – Exposure
    • Assault
    • Uttering Threats

    The investigation is ongoing.

    File #: 2025-761776

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DACA recipient and another sentenced for scheme involving firearms destined for Mexico

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    McALLEN, Texas – Two men residing in Edinburg have been sentenced for their roles in the straw purchasing of firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Mario Elier Leal, 22, and Rodolfo Benitez-Garza, 24, pleaded guilty in 2024.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Leal to serve a total of 97 months in federal prison, while Benitez-Garza received 18 months. Benitez-Garza must serve three years of supervised release following the completion of his sentence. Lacking status in the United States, Leal is expected to face removal proceedings after serving his prison term.

    At the hearings, the court heard additional evidence that described how Benitez-Garza and Jesus Cristo Lopez purchased the firearms on behalf of Leal. Leal would provide the money and advise which firearms he wanted. The court noted Leal was aware the firearms were to be transported into Mexico, that he played a significant role in recruiting others to purchase firearms on his behalf and could be described as a coordinator.

    On July 12, 2024, authorities discovered a suspected straw purchasing attempt involving Benitez-Garza and Lopez who attempted to obtain three AK-47 variant rifles. Leal was circling the parking lot at that time and had previously visited the same location with Lopez.

    The investigation revealed Leal provided the money for the purchases and offered Benitez-Garza and Lopez approximately $300 for their assistance. Both falsely claimed the rifles were for personal use when they were actually intended for Leal.

    Evidence revealed Leal had recruited Lopez and directed him to find another individual. Surveillance captured Leal at multiple stores with others suspected of purchasing firearms on his behalf.

    Authorities have identified 13 other firearms suspected of being purchased for Leal. As a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipient, Leal is prohibited from owning a firearm per federal law.

    Benitez-Garza was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future while Leal will remain in custody.

    Lopez, 21, is set for sentencing in August.

    Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of Mission Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Felon Caught Twice with Guns and Drugs Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig on Tuesday sentenced a convicted felon who was caught twice with guns and drugs to 14 years in prison.

    Evidence and testimony during the February trial of Antonio Dixson, 37, of St. Louis, showed that Dixson was caught with two guns and drugs on Dec. 1, 2020, in Wentzville, Missouri. Dixson was in the rear seat of a Honda SUV that had fled from St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers two weeks earlier. When Dixson stepped out of the vehicle, a Glock pistol fell from his waist to the ground. A Taurus Judge revolver, loaded with two.45 caliber rounds and three .410 shotgun shells, was visibly protruding from his pocket. Police then found ammunition and drugs in his pockets. He had 31 tablets of clonazepam laced with PCP, 100 capsules containing a mixture of para-fluorofentanyl, fentanyl, and morphine, eight tablets containing fentanyl, 0.5 grams of cocaine and 5.5 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a sentencing memorandum says. He also had six cellular phones and over $700 cash. Due to COVID-era restrictions, Dixson was booked and released from custody, the memo says.

    Dixson was undeterred by the arrest, and was arrested again on Feb. 25, 2021, by St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers who spotted a Mercury Villager driving the wrong way on a one-way street. Officers found a .45 caliber Colt model 1911, a 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol, and drugs in Dixson’s pants pockets. Those drugs included tablets containing meth, 6.76 grams of crystal meth and 0.63 grams of cocaine base.

    Both the drugs and weapons Dixson possessed presented a great danger to the public, the memo says. Dixson has also repeatedly been convicted of various crimes and “remains unrepentant even now,” the memo says, adding that in the last 19 years, Dixson has spent more than 16 years either behind bars or under court supervision.

    In February, jurors found Dixson guilty of two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of a defaced firearm.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Wentzville Police Department and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Dunkel and Hal Goldsmith prosecuted the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wawa Assault in January 2022 Leads to Prison Term

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Charles Edwards, 49, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to eight years in prison yesterday for assaulting and pointing a gun at two individuals in a Wawa convenience store in Northwest, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

                Edwards was found guilty by a jury on January 2, 2024, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and other related offenses. The Honorable Errol Arthur sentenced the defendant on June 2, 2025, to the prison term. Following his term of imprisonment, the defendant will serve a period of three years of supervised release.

                According to court documents, in the early morning hours on January 22, 2022, Edwards got into an argument with another man near the Wawa. That man ran into the store to escape Edwards, but Edwards followed him and again confronted him. A Special Police Officer (SPO) working at Wawa escorted Edwards out of the store. Minutes later, Edwards went back to the store and again chased the man around the store, and then pulled out a loaded handgun and pointed it at both that man and the Wawa’s cashier who was standing in front of him. Edwards eventually left the store, and threatened the SPO, who was on the phone with 911.

                Edwards was arrested on a warrant on August 17, 2022, and has been in custody since.

                In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Toogun and Benjamin Helfand, who prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Romanian National Sentenced for Defrauding Banks and Leaving Hundreds of Banking Customers as Victims in His Wake

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE – A Romanian national illegally present in the United States who is described in court documents as being an “undeterred serial scammer” who left hundreds of victims in his wake after stealing and using their personal banking information has been sentenced to nearly three years in federal prison and will face deportation proceedings, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    Mario Demarco, a/k/a Marius Lupu a/k/a David Adamec, 30, pleaded guilty in January to a charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 33 months in federal prison to be followed by two years of supervised release. Additionally, Demarco was ordered to pay restitution totaling $16,567.06.

    An immigration detainer has been lodged by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    Court documents reflect that for more than two years, beginning in October 2022, Demarco traveled up and down the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic installing skimming devices on ATMs. These devices intercepted hundreds of customers’ debit card and banking information, which Demarco used to create fraudulent debit cards. The bogus cards were then used to make unauthorized cash withdrawals, attempted withdrawals, and purchases.

    Throughout the course of the conspiracy, Demarco installed skimming devices on at least ten ATMs and compromised at least 952 cards. Demarco owes restitution to fifteen different banks.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Taylor A. Dean and Ly T. Chin.

    The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Warwick, RI, Police Department, Cranston, RI, Police Department, East Greenwich, RI, Police Department, North Kingstown, RI,  Police Department, East Providence, RI, Police Department, Boston, MA, Police Department, New York City Police Department, and the Stratford, CT, Police Department.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Interrelated Drug Rings Taken Down in Series of Arrests Following Wiretap Investigation

    Source: US FBI

    Follows earlier arrests focused on dealers in International District and “the Jungle”

    Seattle – Fourteen people were indicted in late May and eleven were taken into custody in coordinated arrests last week as part of an ongoing investigation of drug traffickers with ties to drug trafficking in Seattle’s International District and homeless encampments, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. The defendants are charged in two separate indictments with trafficking cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine from California into the Western District of Washington.  In addition to searches of Washington locations, search warrants were executed in Oregon and Southern California. The defendants have detention hearings over the next few days.

    “The indictment of five defendants in January 2025 was just the first step,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. “Now we are prosecuting fourteen additional defendants. Law enforcement partners continued to pursue drug traffickers even after the initial arrests in January to address the importation of substances like fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into western Washington generally and the International District in particular.” 

    “For years, this criminal organization preyed on the homeless and drug addicted. They terrorized people living and working in the Chinatown-International District and South Seattle,” said Seattle Police Chief Shon F. Barnes. “I am proud of the work our detectives and federal partners have done to put these criminals behind bars where they belong.”

    The seven defendants named in the first indictment for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin are:

    Octavio Salazar Palma, 33, of Federal Way, Washington, a U.S. citizen

    Luis Soto Lara, 47, of Vancouver, Washington

    Juan Ramirez Recinos, 41, of Burien, Washington, sought by law enforcement

    German Juarez-Otanez, 34, Bothell, Washington, sought by law enforcement

    Alexander Emilio Cozza, 42, of Seattle

    Marco Antonio Bobadilla, 33, Pacific, Washington

    Isai Gamboa Pacheco, 55, of Everett, Washington

    The seven defendants in the second indictment for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine are:

    Daniel Ibarra Loera, 31, of Kent, Washington

    Jose Garcia Corona, 61, of Seattle

    Leonardo Rojas Cruz, 53 of Federal Way, Washington

    Oscar Omar Serrano Serrano, 31, of Algona, Washington

    Juan Lopez Roblero, 43, of Tukwila, Washington

    Giovanni Antonio Garduno Garcia, 46, of Issaquah, Washington

    Sang Su, 44, Seattle, a U.S. citizen, sought by law enforcement

    In this investigation in March 2025 alone, law enforcement seized 100 pounds of methamphetamine, 111 kilos of cocaine, 19 kilos of fentanyl powder, 250,000 fentanyl pills, and four kilos of heroin. The street value of the narcotics is nearly $3 million.

    “Thanks to the sustained investigative efforts of the FBI and our partners, we are continuing the work we began in November 2023 by first intercepting the flow of dose quantities of dangerous drugs into the International District and homeless encampments in Seattle,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Since January 2025, when we arrested five Washington-based members of this organization, we followed the investigation outside of Washington state as the traffickers made frequent trips into Oregon and California. We are now reaching sources of supply, further stopping these poisons—and the violence that accompanies them—from reaching our communities.”

    On May 29, 2025, law enforcement executed 16 search warrants in Federal Way, Vancouver, Everett, Pacific, Tukwila, Kent, Issaquah, Seattle, Woodlake California and Beaverton, Oregon.  Investigators seized more than seven kilograms of cocaine, 18 kilograms of methamphetamine, more than 57,000 fentanyl pills, and 17 firearms. They also seized more than $353,000 in cash

    Due to the quantities involved some of the defendants face mandatory minimum ten-year prison terms. Federal law enforcement is still determining the citizenship status of many of the defendants in this case.

    “This trafficking group was a major supplier of deadly drugs to the International District and other communities throughout the Seattle area,” said David F. Reames.  “The fentanyl powder and pills our team seized in this case could have yielded enough lethal doses to kill everyone in Seattle twice.  I am proud of our team and would like to thank the Seattle Police, the FBI, the IRS and the Washington National Guard Counterdrug program for their amazing partnership.”

    “Illegal drug trafficking devastates lives and affects us all. It is a huge issue that requires a forceful response,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Carrie Nordyke, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Seattle Field Office. “This investigation draws from the resilience of our communities, which drives the combined efforts of our law enforcement partners and of our agency. Together, we will push back and continue to make a positive, felt impact for all our friends and neighbors.”

    The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    The investigation was led by the FBI, Seattle Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with significant assistance from the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program (HIDTA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Washington National Guard Counterdrug Program. Investigators also worked with the Oregon State Police and Clark County, Washington Sheriff’s Office.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Casey Conzatti and Brian Wynne.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: South Texas stash house discovered by ICE Rio Grande Valley leads to the arrest of 16 illegal aliens

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    HARLINGEN, Texas — A suspected stash house in Mercedes, Texas, was uncovered June 2 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement resulting in the apprehension of 16 illegal aliens.

    On June 1, ICE received a tip from an anonymous caller reporting that multiple illegal aliens were being harbored at a residence in Mercedes. ICE contacted the Mercedes Police Department, which conducted a welfare check of the property. Authorities spoke to the owner of the property who admitted to harboring approximately 16 individuals inside the home.

    “This operation underscores the critical role that the public and local law enforcement partners play in identifying and disrupting human smuggling operations,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mark Lippa. “Transnational criminal networks continue to endanger lives for profit. ICE will relentlessly pursue those who exploit vulnerable individuals for financial gain.”

    The 16 individuals encountered were identified as nationals of Nepal, Albania, Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. Sixteen were taken into custody for immigration violations and another individual, a Mexican national, is being questioned for his role in human smuggling.

    The investigation remains ongoing. The enforcement action was supported by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations.

    Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activity or tips related to human smuggling by calling 866-347-2423 or by submitting an anonymous tip via the ICE online tip form.

    Follow HSI San Antonio on X at @HSI_SanAntonio to learn more about its enforcement efforts and investigations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Don Davis Statement on Snow Hill Board of Commissioners Voting to Reinstate Police Department

    Source: US Congressman Don Davis (NC-01)

    SNOW HILL, NC — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) released the following statement after the decision by Snow Hill commissioners to reinstate the Snow Hill Police Department:

    “The Snow Hill Board of Commissioners acted unitedly and decisively, voting 5 to 0 to stand with our police department. The vote reflects a deep commitment to the town’s well-being and will better serve the residents moving forward. By prioritizing public safety, Snow Hill is poised to be recognized not only as one of North Carolina’s most charming towns but also as one of our safest.”

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Commander dismissed from Met for second time

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A Metropolitan Police Commander has been dismissed from the service for a second time for refusing to take a drugs test.

    A misconduct hearing, led by an independent legally qualified chair, found the allegation proven against Commander Julian Bennett at the level of gross misconduct.

    Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: “I am enormously concerned that almost five years since this incident happened we have only now been able to dismiss Commander Bennett.

    “This should have been a simple matter. Commander Bennett has never disputed he refused a lawful order to take a drugs test. As a senior officer who had chaired misconduct hearings, Commander Bennett was highly experienced and knew full well what was required of him, yet he made a choice not to co-operate.

    “He has been suspended on full pay for an extraordinary length of time. I am sure Londoners will be as outraged as we are at the utter waste of public funds spent paying a senior officer to sit at home suspended and not work.

    “In the last few years the Met has been making greater use of accelerated misconduct hearings to fast-track cases where the evidence is irrefutable. This allows us to dismiss officers far more quickly. And while the Met is not responsible for all the delays in Commander Bennett’s matter, we are also working hard to expedite cases and cut bureaucracy.

    “I am confident a situation like Commander Bennett’s prolonged case would not happen again.”

    Commander Bennett was initially dismissed in October 2023 by a misconduct panel independent of the Met.

    The hearing heard that on 21 July 2020 he refused to provide a urine sample for a drugs test, having been informed there was reasonable cause to suspect he had taken drugs. On 24 July 2020 he was suspended from duty.

    The panel found that Commander Bennett had breached the standards of professional behaviour to the level of gross misconduct.

    Two further allegations were found not proven – that between February 2019 and 21 July 2020, while off duty, Commander Bennett smoked cannabis, and that he gave an untrue explanation for why he refused to take the drugs test.

    Commander Bennett then applied to the Police Appeals Tribunal, which is an independent process run by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime.

    In July 2024 the PAT quashed the dismissal decision and ordered a new hearing, on the technical basis that the panel had ruled on a matter that was not part of the allegations they were asked to consider.

    The Met considered a legal challenge by way of a Judicial Review but, after careful consideration and legal advice, decided Commander Bennett should face a fresh misconduct hearing.

    A date for a new hearing was set as quickly as possible in liaison with all parties.

    Commander Bennett has remained suspended throughout this process.

    He will be added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police and a number of police-related bodies.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pinedale Man Admits Guilt in Violent Knife Attack

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Pinedale man pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon after slashing a man’s throat during a confrontation.

    According to court records, on February 17, 2025, Laberto Curley, 25, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, used a knife to slash John Doe’s throat during a physical altercation, resulting is serious bodily injury.

    At sentencing, Curley faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Curley will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Worth Man Sentenced to 50 Years for Producing Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A 36-year-old Fort Worth man who produced child pornography was sentenced on May 30, 2025, to 50 years in federal prison, announced Nancy Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.

    Jamie Hackney pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging him with the production and transportation of child pornography in February 2025.  He was sentenced on Friday to 600 months in federal prison by United States District Judge Reed O’Connor.

    According to court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children issued a Cybertip to the Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) regarding images that were uploaded to Hackney’s Google account.  Through their investigation, FWPD uncovered forensic evidence of Hackney using a minor to create and subsequently transport child pornography.  

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Worth Police Department conducted the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Allyson Monte.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Police Officers Plead Guilty to Federal Charges in Connection With Insurance Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Greenbelt, Maryland – Two Prince George’s County men have pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with an auto-insurance fraud scheme. Michael Anthony Owen, Jr., 36, of Accokeek, Maryland pled guilty to falsification of records, and Jaron Earl Taylor, 31, of Ft. Washington, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty pleas with Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office, and Chief Malik Aziz, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).

    According to the guilty pleas, between August 2018 and February 2020, Owen and Taylor, who were PGPD and Anne Arundel County Policy Department officers, respectively, at the time, conspired with fellow police officers to engage in mail and wire fraud. Owen and Taylor, along with officers Candace Tyler, Conrad D’Haiti, and Davion Percy, and others, devised a scheme for insurance companies to pay out the remaining financing costs of unwanted vehicles. 

    Members of the conspiracy reported fictitious losses to insurers to obtain money or avoid paying off vehicles that were now worth less than the amount owed on them. The co-conspirators used their statuses as police officers to assist each other’s claims by writing false police reports. Then co-conspirators submitted fictitious police reports to insurers to validate the claim. The false police reports were intended to impede, obstruct, or influence subsequent investigations of the false insurance claims.

    In August 2018, Owen and Taylor staged the theft of Taylor’s Chevrolet Tahoe. After Taylor filed a fraudulent police report, Owen and Taylor stripped the vehicle and drove it deep into the woods of a Maryland State Highway property near Largo, Maryland. Taylor then made a false claim to the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) for the loss, for which USAA paid out a total of $38,670.

    Then in January 2020, Owen assisted D’Haiti in avoiding payment on the loan balance of a Jaguar XKR. In cooperation with D’Haiti and Percy, Owen devised a scheme to fake the vehicle’s theft. On January 4, D’Haiti parked his Jaguar behind Marlow Heights Shopping Center where Percy worked as police chief.

    D’Haiti then paid Percy $350 to arrange for another co-conspirator to tow the vehicle and extensively vandalize it for the purpose of creating a total insurance loss. Tyler subsequently filed the fictitious police report which D’Haiti used to substantiate his claim against Liberty Mutual Insurance. In February 2020, Liberty Mutual paid the Jaguar’s lienholder, Navy Federal Credit Union, $17,585, on the false claim.

    Additionally, in January 2020, Owen and Taylor assisted with disposing of an Infiniti sedan to help a co-conspirator avoid making further payments on the vehicle while on extended overseas duty.  The co-conspirator gave Taylor $1,000 via CashApp to stage the theft. Taylor then forwarded the money to Owen who filed a false police report with PGPD, stating the vehicle was stolen.

    In reality, Owen, Taylor, and others moved the car to the top floor of a Camp Springs, Maryland apartment-complex parking garage.  The co-conspirators attempted to conceal the car’s identity by removing the vehicle’s license plates and replacing them with different ones registered to another vehicle. Then the owner and co-conspirator filed a claim with GEICO that was eventually denied on grounds of fraud.

    Owen faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.  Taylor faces a maximum sentence of three years in federal prison if the court fully accepts the plea deal. Both sentencings are scheduled for Tuesday, September 23. Taylor’s sentencing is at 10:30 a.m., and Owen’s sentencing is at 2:30 p.m.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and PGPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Baldwin and LaShanta Harris who are prosecuting the case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md  and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Panama Extradites Austin Fugitive to the United States to Face Aggravated Robbery Charges

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Austin, TX – The U.S. Marshals, working with the U.S. Department of State and Panamanian officials, have returned to Travis County a man who had been sought by the Austin Police Department on an aggravated robbery warrant issued April 2, 2024. 

    Brayan Estiven Rios, 29, was wanted by the Austin police for a robbery that occurred July 19, 2022, in the 2500 block of Francisco Street.  According to the affidavit, a victim reported to have been forced into a vehicle at gunpoint and instructed to withdraw a large sum of money from her bank account. 

    In April, the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office worked together to facilitate the extradition of Rios, who was intercepted by officials in Panama.

    On May 22, Panamanian officials transferred Rios to the USMS for extradition back to the United States.  After arriving at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport, Rios was transported and booked into the Travis County Jail, where he will await further judicial proceedings. 

    The Department of Homeland Security filed an immigration detainer on Rios, who is a Colombian national and has no legal status in the United States. 

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Panamanian authorities to secure the extradition of Rios.

    Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force in Austin – 

    Austin Police Department-Tactical Intelligence Unit
    Round Rock, and San Marcos Police Department
    Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson County Sheriff’s Office
    Texas Attorney General’s Office
    Texas Department of Criminal Justice OIG
    Texas Department of Public Safety
    U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement
    U.S. DHS/Homeland Security Investigations

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Attorney Sayler A. Fleming Departs from Post

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – United States Attorney Sayler A. Fleming announced Tuesday that she has resigned as the head prosecutor for the Eastern District of Missouri.

    “It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead the United States Attorney’s Office for the last four and a half years,” Ms. Fleming said. “As a federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Missouri, I have had the great fortune of working with some of the most dedicated law enforcement professionals in the country, and I am extremely grateful for the sacrifices they make every day for our safety. They are truly heroes, and it has been an honor to have worked alongside them. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in St. Louis has for years had an excellent reputation within the Department of Justice, which is a testament to the integrity of the committed and hard-working staff. I think they are the best in the country. I would also like to thank our partners in the business community and among religious and community organizations, who were invaluable in our efforts, including the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative,” Ms. Fleming said. “I will dearly miss this job and the people with whom I have worked.”

    Ms. Fleming was appointed by then-Attorney General William P. Barr on December 11, 2020, during the first administration of President Donald J. Trump. She assumed office on December 31, 2020.

    The Eastern District of Missouri leads the nation in gun prosecutions, including carjackers, armed robbers and murderers. Under Ms. Fleming’s leadership, St. Louis became one of a handful of cities in the Justice Department’s Violent Crime Initiative, targeting the ‘worst of the worst’ violent offenders. After former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner resigned in May of 2023, Ms. Fleming signed an agreement that allowed assistant U.S. attorneys to prosecute murder cases in St. Louis and assist that office while they made hires to replace a depleted staff. The U.S. Attorney’s Office had long been handling many violent crimes that occurred in St. Louis.

    Ms. Fleming’s prosecutors also trained local and state law enforcement in the investigation of fatal drug overdoses and the possession and sale of machine gun conversion devices. Prosecutors also trained other U.S. Attorney’s offices on how to prosecute juveniles who commit murders during carjackings or robberies.

    Ms. Fleming, who co-chaired the Attorney General’s Child Exploitation Working Group, increased the number of prosecutors handling the child exploitation cases to help keep our children safer.

    “United States Attorney Sayler Fleming has been a tremendous law enforcement partner. Under her leadership over the years, our offices have been in lockstep in our efforts to protect our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “The FBI cannot effectively accomplish our mission without the support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The people of Eastern Missouri are safer thanks to her proactive and aggressive approach to prioritizing fighting violent crime.”

    “U.S. Attorney Fleming made a definitive impact, for the betterment of our communities, in the Eastern District of Missouri,” Drug Enforcement Administration St. Louis Division Special Agent in Charge Michael Davis said. “We’re grateful for her partnership over these past 15 years as we worked together to remove violent drug traffickers from our region.  On behalf of the DEA St. Louis Division, I want to thank U.S. Attorney Fleming for her dedicated service and wish her continued success in the future.”

    “We extend our sincere gratitude to U.S. Attorney Sayler Fleming for her steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Bernard Hansen of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “Her dedication to combating violent crime and fostering strong partnerships with federal agencies like the ATF has made a lasting impact on public safety throughout the Eastern District of Missouri and beyond. Her service exemplifies integrity, diligence, and the highest standards of public duty.”

    “Sayler Fleming was instrumental in facilitating cooperation between law enforcement agencies and helping to fight crime,” said Mark A. Mossotti, Chief of the Bridgeton Police Department and Chairman of the St. Louis Area Police Chiefs Association. “We have many police departments in the St. Louis area and she was just phenomenal in working with every single one of them.”

    “U.S. Attorney Sayler Fleming has been a dedicated partner to the St. Louis region and the law enforcement community,” said St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert Tracy. “She has played a key role in SLMPD’s mission to reduce violent crime through her office and leadership.”

    “On behalf of the St. Louis County Police Department, I extend my deepest thanks to U.S. Attorney Sayler Fleming for her unwavering commitment to justice. Your leadership has left a lasting mark, and we wish you all the best,” said St. Louis County Police Chief Kenneth Gregory.

    Ms. Fleming joined the office in August of 2010 from the Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner law firm. She had extensive experience prosecuting and supervising violent crime cases and was the office’s Appellate Chief before becoming U.S. Attorney.

    Ms. Fleming grew up in Charleston, Missouri. She received her Bachelor of Accountancy from Mississippi State University and her law degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law.

    Ms. Fleming concluded her service at midnight on Friday to make way for the next U.S. Attorney. Former First Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Drake will now assume the role of Acting U.S. Attorney. U.S. Attorney Drake joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2002 in the National Security Unit. He earned his Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Missouri.

    The Eastern District of Missouri includes 49 counties and is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cornwall — Police have a busy winter at the Cornwall border

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Between January 1, 2025 and April 1, 2025, the Ontario RCMP Border Integrity team and its partners in the Cornwall region, laid multiple charges and seized a total of $561,568 worth of contraband tobacco products. The RCMP allege that several individuals have attempted to smuggle unstamped tobacco, cigarettes, cigars and nicotine pouches which are being unlawfully imported for unregulated resale in convenience stores and other retail outlets into Ontario.

    The Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) is a joint task force made up of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and the Ontario Ministry of Finance. We work closely with our trusted Canadian and US partners to combat crime on both sides of the border.

    On January 7th, a CBSA led initiative partnering with the Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) stopped a vehicle under Section 99(1)(f) of the Customs Act and a search of the vehicle found 28 boxes of unstamped tobacco with a total of 280,000 cigarettes. Driver James Johnson (34 yrs.), from Saint Regis, QC was charged with Possession of Unstamped Tobacco under Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 and Operation while Prohibited under Section 320.18 of the Criminal Code. Passenger Dylan David (35 yrs.), from Hogansburg, NY was charged with Possession of Unstamped Tobacco under Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 and Section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) for Possession of a Schedule 1 Drug – Fentanyl.

    On January 12th, a vehicle was examined by the CBSA under Section 99(1)(f) of the Customs Act and found to contain 9,360 unstamped cigars. Nadir Khedidem (23 yrs.), from Mirabel, QC was charged by the RCMP pursuant to Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 and was convicted.

    On January 16th, two vehicles that had crossed the Cornwall border were stopped and searched under Section 99(1)(f) of the Customs Act and a total of 18 cases of nicotine pouches, for a total of 36,000 pouches were seized. Reese Hitterman-Carr (24 yrs.) from Lancaster, ON and Adam Bomberry (31 yrs.) from Akwesasne, NY were arrested and charged under Sections 155 and 159 (1) of the Customs Act.

    On January 27th, Lawrence Oakes (22 yrs) from Cornwall was arrested by Cornwall RCMP after fleeing from a secondary examination by CBSA officers at the border and striking a marked Police vehicle. Oakes is charged with Assaulting a Police Officer with a weapon, Dangerous Driving, Flight from Police and Fail to Comply to Release Order.

    In late February, a CBSA led initiative partnering with the CRTF collaborated to arrest, Robert Green (32 yrs.), from Ohsweken, ON under Sections 155 and 159(1) of the Customs Act and Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 for possession of 37,000 nicotine pouches, 7200 cigars and 1440 ounces of chewing tobacco for a total of $294,560. Green was released on an undertaking and appeared in court on May 20th.

    On February 26th a CBSA led initiative partnering with the CRTF spotted three individuals behind a restaurant in Cornwall where they were allegedly exchanging nicotine pouches from the trunks of their vehicles. RCMP arrested all three males on Customs Act charges and seized over $ 160 Thousand dollars’ worth of nicotine pouches. Nasim El Bendago (22 yrs.) from Gatineau, QC, Zahir Taskie (20 yrs.) from Orleans, ON, and Mark Wesley (24 yrs.) from Scarborough, ON were arrested under Sections 155 and 159(1) of the Customs Act for possession of these nicotine pouches. Wesley also faces charges for possession for the purpose of trafficking under Section 5 (2) of the CDSA. All three were released on undertakings and will appear in court on June 3rd.

    On February 24th, Megan Morin (22 yrs.) from Longueuil, QC was found with a total of 255 cartons of illegal cigars which was seized from the trunk of the vehicle she was driving. Morin was charged with Possession of Unstamped Tobacco, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001, released on an undertaking and was convicted on May 7th.

    In March, law enforcement seized 3,122 tins of flavoured nicotine pouches from a driver allegedly attempting to illegally import them across the Cornwall border. The male driver was arrested initially under Sections 155 and 159(1) of the Customs Act, however, has subsequently been released without charges.

    On March 8th, a traffic stop led the OPP and RCMP to an observation of a total of 2,532 tins of Unstamped Tobacco valued at over $56,000 which was seized immediately. The driver, Asiful Haque (27 yrs.) from Scarborough, ON was arrested under Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 for Unlawful Possession of Unstamped Tobacco. Haque was released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court on May 29th.

    “Thanks to the CBSA, OPP, OPP-BEST, Ontario Ministry of Finance, and Cornwall RCMP for their dedicated collaboration which continues to produce successful results, taking contraband, including nicotine pouches, off our streets.”
    —Inspector Etienne Thauvette, Officer in Charge RCMP Cornwall Detachment

    “Canada Border Services Agency officers are committed to disrupting organized crime. By intercepting contraband, we stop proceeds from being reinvested into other criminal activity. We will continue to work closely with the RCMP and other law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe.”
    —Jag Johnston, Regional Director General, CBSA Northern Ontario Region

    “The OPP is committed to working with our provincial and national partners to stem the flow of contraband tobacco, as well as illegal drugs and firearms, contributing to safer communities.”
    – OPP Acting Detective Inspector Tyler Stewart, Border Enforcement Security Task Force

    Products seized

    • Unstamped tobacco: 633 KG
    • Cigarettes: 280 000
    • Nicotine pouches: 180 380
    • Cigars: 17 400
    • Chewing tobacco: 1440 oz

    Vehicles seized

    • 2003 Chevy Silverado
    • 2015 Mazda 3
    • 2010 Black Kia Forte
    • 2020 Grey Honda Civic
    • 2014 White KIA Sedan
    • 2010 White Honda Civic
    • 2005 GMC Savana
    • 2009 White Dodge Ram Crew Cab

    Fast facts:

    • Ontario RCMP Border Integrity protect over 2,700km of the Canada-US border from Cornwall through the Great Lakes to the Manitoba border. The Canada-US border is the longest, safest border in the world.
    • Oral nicotine pouches over the 4mg limit as per the Food and Drugs Act are classified as prescription drugs as per Health Canada’s prescription drug list.
    • No person other than one of following shall import a prescription drug: a practitioner, a drug manufacturer, a wholesale druggist, a pharmacist or a resident of a foreign country while a visitor to Canada (policy of a 90-day supply).
    • Its effects are widespread, impacting public health, public safety, government revenue, and the broader economy.
    • Revenues from contraband tobacco often support organized crime activities, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and firearms smuggling.
    • Smuggling networks engage in violent activities and corruption, increasing risks to the public and law enforcement agencies.
    • The Canada Border Services Agency screens goods coming into Canada and examines more closely those that may pose a threat to the safety of Canadians.
    • For the latest enforcement statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.

    If you have any information related to smuggling, drug importation, trafficking, or possession, or wish to report other criminality, you can contact the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, the confidential CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), at any time.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal immigrant gets 12 years in prison for his part in India-based fraud targeting elderly victims across the Midwest

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – An illegal immigrant from India got 12 years in prison for his role in an imposter scam that defrauded elderly victims in three states out of more than $400,000.

    In February, a federal jury convicted Nirav B. Patel, 44, an Indian citizen, of one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and one count of illegal entry into the U.S. by an alien.

    “This illegal alien admitted that he came to Illinois because the state would give him a driver’s license, and then he used that license to steal from the elderly all across the Midwest,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “We will continue to do all we can to remove this criminal element from our country.”

    In an imposter scam, fraudsters pose as government officials to manipulate and exploit elderly victims for money.  This scheme targeted elderly victims with text messages and emails purportedly warning that their Amazon accounts had been compromised. When the victims followed up on the messages, they were redirected to scammers posing as federal agents who convinced the victims that they were victims of identity theft who needed to withdraw their life savings to be held in phony U.S. Treasury or FTC trust accounts for safekeeping. 

    In reality, the money was stolen and ultimately transferred to accounts controlled by the scammers in India.  The fraudsters kept the victims on the hook by calling them constantly, sometimes for up to 12 hours a day.  The scammers also threatened victims with criminal liability if they told their friends or family what was going on. 

    Patel traveled to the elderly victims’ residences to pick up cash and assets to support the crime.  Trial testimony established that, in one instance, Patel picked up $177,000 in gold bars from an elderly resident at her assisted living facility, even though she was pushing a walker and on oxygen.

    In addition to the fraud charges, Patel was convicted for entering the U.S. illegally. Evidence showed that Patel snuck into the U.S. near Vancouver before connecting with the fraudsters in Georgia.  Patel’s fraud operation was based in the Chicago, where he could get an Illinois driver’s license despite being in the U.S. unlawfully.  From there, he drove hundreds of miles through Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana to take money and gold from elderly victims on behalf of the fraud scheme.

    In imposing the 12-year sentence, the Court rejected Patel’s claim that he had no idea what was going on, noting the scammers entrusted Patel with hundreds of thousands of dollars at a time.  These scams need people on the ground in the U.S. in order to be successful, the court continued, and those willing to help them steal from elderly victims should receive stiff sentences to deter others from doing the same thing in the future.

    “This case highlights the serious public safety risks posed by individuals who enter the United States illegally and exploit our systems to target some of the most vulnerable among us,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. “HSI remains committed to identifying and dismantling transnational criminal schemes, especially carried out by perpetrators who flout our immigration laws to defraud and target elderly Americans. HSI will continue working with our partners to ensure that those who abuse our country’s generosity are held accountable.”

    The Federal Trade Commission reported in March 2025 that imposter scams are now the most common type of consumer fraud against Americans.  If you or a loved one has been a victim of this kind of fraud, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline by dialing 1-833-372-8311.

    The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Edwardsville Police Department, the Merrill Wisconsin Police Department, the Lincoln County Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office, and the Franklin Indiana Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter T. Reed and Steve Weinhoeft prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a Machinegun and a Firearm

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

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing two firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.

    Kelvontae Rashad Wallace, 26, of Pell City, Alabama, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge R. David Proctor to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machinegun.

    According to the plea agreement, between December 2023 and January 2024, Wallace illegally possessed a firearm and a machinegun on two separate occasions:

    On December 15, 2023, Talladega police officers responded to a call of a person shot at the Orange #1 gas station. Officers responded to the scene and found a victim lying on the ground that had been shot in the stomach, back, and both legs. Officers collected five .45 caliber spent shell casings from the scene and there were at least three bullet holes in the glass on the store windows and door. Surveillance video from the store showed Wallace drive up to the store, exit his vehicle, and shoot the victim with a Glock pistol that had been converted to a machinegun using machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock switch.”

    On January 2, 2024, the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Fugitive Task Force and the Pell City Police Department went to Wallace’s apartment to arrest him for warrants for Assault, Fist Degree and Shooting into an Occupied Building arising from the December incident in Talladega. When the officers arrived, Wallace attempted to flee out the back door of the apartment, but the officers were able to apprehend and arrest him. Officers recovered a Century Arms Micro VSKA 7.62x39mm pistol with a round chambered and a loaded magazine from Wallace’s apartment.    

    ATF investigated the case along with the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Fugitive Task Force, Pell City Police Department, Talladega Police Department, and Anniston Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy M. Peoples prosecuted the case.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ATF Warns Against Dangerous Illegal Explosive Devices

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

    Philadelphia – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Philadelphia Field Division warns Pennsylvanians about the dangers of illegal explosive devices before the July 4th holiday and encourages the public to report their manufacture and sales to protect their community.

    “They are dangerous explosives, not playthings for amusement,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division. “Just handling these devices puts you and anyone else around at risk of serious injury or death.”

    “Their manufacture, storage and handling can lead to deadly explosions and fire,” DeGree added. “When you buy them, you’re supporting dangerous criminal activity.”

    These dangerous devices are a particular concern in Pennsylvania, which accounted for almost 20% of all ATF illegal explosive device investigations nation-wide since 2020. To tackle the problem ATF Philadelphia works with state and local fire and police agencies as well as federal law enforcement agencies like the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to prevent manufacture and sales of illegal explosive devices, and to hold perpetrators accountable.

    “They’ll blow your hand or face off,” said Tim Brooks, a Certified Explosive Specialist Bomb Technician from the Philadelphia Police Department Bomb Disposal Unit assigned to the ATF Philadelphia Arson and Explosives Task Force. He is all too familiar with the danger posed by these devices, whose misuse can be deadly. “These devices are manufactured without safety oversight or quality control. The fillers inside occasionally contain small rocks that when bumped together can cause the slightest spark and set these off!”

    As part of its core mission, ATF actively regulates and investigates the illegal use of explosives. Under federal explosives law, it is illegal to manufacture, store, distribute, receive or transport explosive materials without a federal explosives license or permit. Violations are punishable with up to 10 years in federal prison.

    It is important to distinguish illegal explosives from regular consumer fireworks. Here are some signs that a device may be an illegal explosive device:

    • They are sold in a non-commercial location, such as out of a vehicle or residence.
    • The person with the device has no evidence of a receipt or commercial packaging, or they cannot tell you where they originally purchased it.
    • The device is often 1-6 inches long and up to an inch or more in diameter.
    • The casing resembles a roll of coins with a fuse. Some outer shells are made of cardboard tubes.
    • The outer covering is red, silver or brown in color.
    • The device looks oddly shaped and wrapped in brown paper that may be filled with an explosive material.

    These devices should not be handled if you have or find one. Anyone with such explosives (or items they think may be explosives) should act with extreme care and contact their police or fire departments for guidance. Either call the ATF tip line below or 911 to turn it over. The authorities will coordinate for proper safe handling and disposal.

    To protect yourself and your community ATF urges the public to report manufacturing or sales to your local police or ATF tip line at 888-ATF-BOMB (283-2662), 888-ATF-TIPS (283-8477), ATFTips@atf.gov, http://atf.gov/atf-tips, or via the ReportIt® app.

    “Have a happy and safe Independence Day holiday and summer,” said DeGree. “Don’t let dangerous illegal explosives wreck your life.”

    For further information on illegal explosives, visit the ATF’s website at https://www.atf.gov/explosives/illegal-explosives.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada strengthens border security

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    News release

    June 3, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario

    A strong Canada means strong borders. Today, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety introduced the Bill, the Strong Borders Act to strengthen our laws and keep Canadians safe.

    The Bill will keep Canadians safe by ensuring law enforcement has the right tools to keep our borders secure, combat transnational organized crime, stop the flow of illegal fentanyl, and crack down on money laundering. It will bolster our response to increasingly sophisticated criminal networks, and enhance the integrity and fairness of our immigration system while protecting Canadians’ privacy and Charter rights.

    Securing the border

    • Amend the Customs Act to secure our borders against illicit drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, and auto theft:
      • obligating owners and operators at certain ports of entry/exit to provide, equip, and maintain facilities for any purpose related to the administration and enforcement of CBSA’s mandate which includes the examination and detention of goods destined for export;
      • allowing the CBSA access to premises under the control of transporters and warehouse operators to perform examinations in places where goods destined for export are reported, loaded, unloaded, or stored.
    • Amend the Oceans Act to add security-related activities to coast guard services, which will enable the Canadian Coast Guard to conduct security patrols and collect, analyse and disseminate information and intelligence for security purposes;
    • Enhance the ability of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to share information collected on registered sex offenders with domestic and international law enforcement partners;
    • Protect the asylum system against sudden increases in claims by introducing new ineligibility rules.
    • Improve how asylum claims are received, processed, and decided;
    • Strengthen authorities to cancel, suspend or change immigration documents, and to cancel, suspend or stop accepting new applications; and 
    • Improve how Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shares client information with federal, provincial and territorial partners.

    Combatting transnational organized crime and illegal fentanyl

    • Create a new accelerated scheduling pathway that allows precursor chemicals that can be used to produce illicit drugs to be rapidly controlled by the Minister of Health. This will allow law and border enforcement agencies to take swift action to prevent their illegal importation and use and to ensure strict federal oversight over any legitimate use of these chemicals;
    • Amend the Criminal Code and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act to facilitate law enforcement’s access to basic information and data, and amend the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Act to ensure CSIS’s investigative tools also keep pace;
    • Introduce the Supporting Authorized Access to Information Act (SAAIA) to ensure that electronic service providers have the capabilities to support law enforcement agencies and the CSIS in criminal and intelligence investigations by compelling them to fulfill legally authorized requests to access or intercept information and communications;
    • Amend the Canada Post Corporation Act to remove barriers that prevent police from searching the mail, where authorized to do so in accordance with an Act of Parliament, to advance a criminal investigation; and
    • Expand Canada Post’s inspection authority to open mail.

    Disrupting illicit financing

    • Strengthen Canada’s anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing regime, including through stronger anti-money laundering penalties;
    • Address some of the most prevalent types of money laundering, including through new restrictions on large cash transactions and ‘third party deposits’;
    • Enhance supervisory collaboration and support high standards of regulatory compliance by adding the Director of the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) to the Financial Institutions Supervisory Committee (FISC) and enabling FINTRAC to exchange supervisory information on federally regulated financial institutions with FISC; and
    • Clarify public to private information sharing provisions to help better detect and deter money laundering and support the recently created Integrated Money Laundering Intelligence Partnership (IMLIP) between banks and law enforcement.

    The Strong Borders Act is a key component of our plan to build a safer and more secure Canada. Further action will be announced over the coming months to keep our communities safe, get guns off our streets, and make bail harder to get for repeat offenders charged with car theft, home invasions, human trafficking and drug smuggling.

    Quotes

    “Our government made a commitment to keep our communities safe and work with our American partners to strengthen our border. The Strong Borders Act will help us tackle organized crime, and further equip our border and law enforcement agencies with the authorities and resources they need to keep our border secure – for both American and Canadian communities.”

    –       The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety

    “Canada is taking action to respond to rising migration pressures. We’re improving security at the Canada-US border and making our immigration and asylum systems stronger, more flexible, and responsive to new and developing pressures. This is about protecting the integrity of our system while building a safer and more resilient Canada.”

    –       The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

    “Canada is stepping up in the fight against transnational financial crime. This bill will strengthen supervision and enforcement to combat money laundering and terrorist financing – reinforcing our government’s commitment to stop illicit financial flows.”

    –       The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue

    “Canada’s criminal laws must keep pace with an evolving landscape. This legislation strengthens the tools available to law enforcement to detect and investigate serious crimes, while upholding the Charter rights of people in Canada and respecting the rule of law.”

    –       The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

    “Expanding the Canadian Coast Guard’s services to include security activities will help ensure the protection and sovereignty of our vast coasts and waterways. With our extensive fleet and experience on the water, we are well positioned to make a significant contribution to Canada’s national security, making the country stronger, more adaptable, and more responsive.”

    –       The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries

    “This legislation will give Canada stronger tools in the fight against fentanyl so together with all levels of government, Indigenous communities, and public health and law enforcement partners, we can save lives and keep our communities safe.”

    –       The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health

    “Canada’s new Government is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians. The proposed amendments to the Canada Post Corporation Act will help stop the flow of drugs in Canada. This will help to prevent thousands of overdoses and save lives.”

    –       The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement

    Quick facts

    • Through Canada’s Border Plan, the Government of Canada is investing $1.3 billion in concrete action to keep communities safe on both sides of the border. 

    • The Border Plan provides $200 million to Public Safety Canada and the Communications Security Establishment Canada to support enhanced gathering of intelligence on transnational organized crime and illegal fentanyl, and enable sharing with law enforcement partners across Canada and the United States.

    • Moreover, providing $743.5 million over five years, including $159.5 million ongoing, was provided to support the stability and integrity of Canada’s asylum system, increasing processing and decision-making capacity.

    • In recent years, the Government has invested more than $379 million to strengthen the effectiveness of Canada’s Anti-Money Laundering/Anti-Terrorist Financing Regime, and made or is making legislative and regulatory changes, including by providing new tools to law enforcement, adding new criminal offences and strengthening penalties, enhancing information sharing, expanding the Regime to new sectors at risk of money laundering, and providing the CBSA with new authorities to pursue trade-based money laundering. 

    • The Canada Border Services Agency is Canada’s first line of defence at 1,200 ports of entry across the country. Day in and day out, approximately 8,600 frontline personnel play a crucial role protecting our communities by preventing illegal goods and inadmissible people from entering Canada. For more on the CBSA’s enforcement actions visit: Canada Border Services Agency enforcement action statistics.

    • The Government of Canada is committed to recruiting 1,000 more RCMP personnel to tackle drug and human trafficking, foreign interference, cybercrime, and the organized criminal gangs, as well as to the hiring of over 1000 additional CBSA personnel, including border services officers, intelligence analysts and specialized chemists, and the training of up to 9 new detector dog teams.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Alice Hansen
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
    Minister of Public Safety
    Alice.Hansen@ps-sp.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Public Safety Canada
    613-991-0657
    media@ps-sp.gc.ca

    Chantalle Aubertin
    Deputy Director of Communications
    Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
    Chantalle.Aubertin@justice.gc.ca      

    Media Relations
    Department of Justice Canada
    613-957-4207
    media@justice.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Canada Border Services Agency
    1-877-761-5945
    media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

    Audrey Milette
    Office of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne
    Minister of Finance and National Revenue
    audrey.milette@fin.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Department of Finance Canada
    613-369-4000
    mediare@fin.gc.ca

    Mathis Denis
    Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
    Office of the Honourable Joël Lightbound
    343-573-1846
    mathis.denis@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Transformation, Public Services and Procurement
    819-420-5501
    media@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Canadian Security Intelligence Service
    613-231-0100
    Media-medias@smtp.gc.ca

    Renée LeBlanc Proctor
    Press Secretary
    Minister’s Office
    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
    Renee.Proctor@cic.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
    613-952-1650
    media@cic.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Health Canada
    613-957-2983
    media@hc-sc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Fisheries and Oceans Canada
    media.qc@dfo-mpo.gc.ca  

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    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The Strong Borders Act – Government of Canada strengthens border security

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Bill will strengthen our laws and keep Canadians safe by ensuring law enforcement has the right tools to keep our borders secure, combat transnational organized crime, stop the flow of illegal fentanyl, and crack down on money laundering. It will bolster our response to increasingly sophisticated criminal networks, and enhance the integrity and fairness of our immigration system while protecting Canadians’ privacy and Charter rights.

    Securing the border

    The Bill proposes to:

    Amend the Oceans Act to:

    • Expand the Canadian Coast Guard’s services to include security activities that will strengthen sovereignty and maritime domain awareness, particularly in remote Arctic waters;
    • This will enable the Canadian Coast Guard to conduct security patrols and collect, analyze and share information and intelligence for security purposes.

    Amend the Sex Offender Information Registration Act to:

    • Enhance the ability of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to share information collected under the Act on registered sex offenders with domestic and international partners, including those located in the United States.

    Amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Act to:

    • Authorize Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to share client information, such as identity, status and immigration documentation with federal, provincial and territorial partners through signed information-sharing agreements;
    • Make it easier for IRCC to share client information between different IRCC programs (e.g. using permanent residence application data to process citizenship applications);
    • Allow for regulations to be developed to share client information across federal departments for the purpose of cooperation.

    Amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to strengthen control over immigration documents for the public interest., These new authorities, which could be used for matters of public health or national security, would allow Canada to:

    • Cancel, suspend or change groups of immigration documents immediately;
    • Pause the acceptance of new applications;
    • Pause or cancel the processing of applications already in the inventory.

    Amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to improve and modernize the asylum system by making it more efficient and easier for claimants to navigate. These changes would:

    • Simplify the online application process and make the process the same whether someone claims asylum at a port of entry or at an in-land IRCC office;
    • Refer complete claims to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) to speed up decisions;
    • Ensure that claims are only decided by the IRB while the claimant is physically present in Canada;
    • Remove inactive cases from the system;
    • Speed up voluntary departures by making removal orders effective the same day a claim is withdrawn;
    • Help vulnerable claimants, like minors or those who don’t understand the process, by assigning representatives to support them during IRCC and CBSA proceedings.

    In addition, two proposed ineligibility measures in the Bill would protect the asylum system against sudden increases in claims.

    • Asylum claims made by people more than one year after first arriving in Canada after June 24, 2020, would not be referred to the IRB. This would apply to anyone, including students and temporary residents, regardless of whether they left the country and returned;
    • Asylum claims from people who enter Canada from the United States along the land border between ports of entry and make a claim after 14 days would not be referred to the IRB;
    • People who are affected by these ineligibility provisions may still apply for a pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA) to make sure they are not sent back to a country where they could face harm.

    Combatting transnational organized crime and illegal fentanyl

    The Bill proposes to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Cannabis Act to:

    • Create a new accelerated scheduling pathway that allows precursor chemicals that can be used to produce illicit drugs to be rapidly controlled by the Minister of Health. This will allow law and border enforcement agencies to take swift action to prevent their illegal importation and use and to ensure strict federal oversight over any legitimate use of these chemicals.

    Amend the Criminal Code, the Customs Act, the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Act to:

    • Facilitate law enforcement’s ability to lawfully access basic information and data that is necessary in the early stages of criminal investigations and ensure that CSIS’ investigative tools keep pace;
    • Update existing law enforcement tools to keep pace with modern digital challenges, including to explicitly deal with the search of computer systems and data stored on or accessible from those systems;
    • Clarify the ability of law enforcement to exercise specific powers and seize specific information without a warrant in urgent, time-sensitive circumstances (e.g., live abuse of a child);
    • Obligate transporters and warehouse operators to provide access to their premises to allow for export inspections by CBSA officers and require owners and operators of certain ports of entry/exit to provide facilities for export inspections, as is already required for imported goods.

    Introduce the Supporting Authorized Access to Information Act (SAAIA):

    • Ensure that electronic services providers (ESPs) have the capabilities in place to support law enforcement agencies and CSIS in criminal and intelligence investigations by requiring them to fulfil lawfully authorized requests to access or intercept information and communications.

    Amend the Canada Post Corporation Act to:

    • Remove barriers that prevent police from searching mail, where authorized to do so in accordance with an Act of Parliament, to carry out a criminal investigation.
    • Expand Canada Post inspection authority to open mail.

    Disrupting illicit financing

    The Bill also proposes to amend the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA) to:

    • Strengthen anti-money laundering supervision, compliance, and enforcement, including through increased civil and criminal penalties;
    • Address some of the most prevalent types of money laundering, including through new restrictions on large cash transactions and third party cash deposits;
    • Require businesses regulated for anti-money laundering purposes, that are not already registered, to enroll with Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC); and
    • Permit disclosures from the FINTRAC to the Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections.

    The Bill also proposes to amend the PCMLTFA with related amendments to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act to clarify public to private information sharing provisions to help better detect and deter money laundering and support the recently created Integrated Money Laundering Intelligence Partnership (IMLIP) between banks and law enforcement.   

    The Bill proposes to amend the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Act to make the Director of FINTRAC a member of the Financial Institutions Supervisory Committee (FISC), as well as to amend the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act to enable the Director to exchange information with the other members of FISC. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Westlock — Westlock RCMP conducts arrests in drug trafficking investigation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    In July 2024, Westlock RCMP received information regarding cocaine trafficking in the Westlock area. Once it was discovered that potential suppliers could be located in the St. Albert, Alta., and Edmonton areas, the investigation was extended in order to reach those suspects as well.

    Throughout the investigation, Westlock RCMP secured assistance from Eastern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit, St. Albert RCMP City – Drug Unit, RCMP ‘K’ Division Special I and RCMP ‘K’ Division Integrated Offender Management, as well as Edmonton Police Service (EPS), in order to complete their investigation.

    As a result of these efforts, on May 22, 2025, Westlock RCMP executed five search warrants, with the Edmonton warrants being executed with the assistance of EPS Tactical. Two suspects were arrested and two arrests warrants were issued. The investigation is ongoing with the warrants revealing new information to be actioned upon.

    As a result of the search warrants, the following items were seized:

    · 105.64 grams of cocaine;

    · 7 firearms;

    · 3 forged identification documents;

    · $12,705 in Canadian Currency; and

    · 19 cartons of unstamped cigarettes.

    As a result of the investigation, a 39-year-old individual and a 46-year-old individual, both residents of Westlock, were arrested and charged with multiple offences, including five counts of trafficking cocaine. A 28-year-old and 27-year-old individuals, both also residents of Westlock, were charged with two counts of trafficking cocaine and warrants have been issued for their arrests.

    The 29-year-old and 46-year-old individuals were brought before a justice of the peace and both have since been released on conditions. The 46-year-old individual is to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Westlock on June 11, 2025 while the 39-year-old is to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in St. Albert on June 16, 2025.

    “We wanted to highlight the work that can be accomplished when a detachment takes the lead on a file and has access to multiple specialized units and partnerships to complete their investigation” said Supt. Anthony Hanson, Acting District Officer for Eastern Alberta District. “We want to thank the hard working and dedicated members of the Westlock RCMP for moving this investigation forward as they did. These arrests and searches have allowed us not only to remove drugs and weapons from our streets but also bring to account those responsible.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ask For Angela

    Source: City of Coventry

    A campaign has been launched in Coventry to raise awareness of a discreet safety initiative which provides help to people feeling vulnerable on a night out.

    Ask for Angela is a national scheme in operation at hospitality venues across Coventry City Centre and helps people to ask for help from staff if they feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened.

    It has been operating in the city for a number of years, but there are concerns that awareness of the initiative has reduced.

    Coventry Business Improvement District (BID), Coventry City Council and West Midlands Police have joined together to ensure that the public know about the scheme and will also be working with businesses on training for employees.

    Pubs, bars, music venues, restaurants and nightclubs operate the Ask for Angela initiative, with participating venues displaying the Ask for Angela vinyl in their window after staff have completed their training.

    Staff at participating businesses are trained to recognise the safe word ‘Angela’.

    People feeling uncomfortable or unsafe at any point during their visit can simply go up to the bar and ask for Angela. This signals to staff at the venue that the individual requires help, and staff will then discreetly offer support, depending on the situation.

    The scheme is often associated only with women’s safety, however that is not the case and it can also be used by men.

    Coventry BID and Coventry City Council have partnered on launching a new online platform which will support businesses operating in night-time economy with ensuring staff are trained.

    Ask for Angela isn’t exclusively available to licenced premises, it can be utilised by all businesses, for example visitor attractions, shops and cafes can all adopt the scheme.

    Joanne Glover, Chief Executive of Coventry BID, said: “Everyone should feel safe, secure and protected when they are visiting the fantastic businesses we have in the city centre, whether they are on a date or a night out with friends.

    “We are working with businesses across the city to get as many businesses as possible to participate in Ask for Angela. We have a great community in the city’s nighttime economy that puts customer safety as its highest priority.

    “Every year thousands of people will head into the city centre for their first night out and it’s vital that we raise awareness with those people of how the scheme works, so if they are ever in a situation where they need support, they know the steps to take.”

    Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities and Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council, added: “It’s vital that all visitors to, and staff working in the city centre at any time, should feel safe. At night time, in particular it is important that people have the reassurance that they can turn to someone for support and help when they are visiting our wonderful, bars, clubs and restaurants.

    “There is a real partnership commitment to this scheme, and we would love more hospitality venues to be a part of it.”

    Chief Inspector Hamir Godhania, lead for neighbourhood policing teams in Coventry, said: “Everyone should feel safe when enjoying a night out in Coventry, and the Ask for Angela scheme is a vital part of making that happen.

    “We’re proud to be working alongside Coventry BID, Coventry City Council, and local businesses to raise awareness and ensure support is always available for anyone feeling unsafe or vulnerable. 

    “Our officers are out on patrol in and around the city centre every night—both in uniform and plain clothes—keeping a close eye on what’s happening and ready to step in if needed. If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsure, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our officers or use the Ask for Angela scheme at participating venues. 

    “By working together, we can make Coventry a safer, more welcoming place for everyone who lives, works, and visits our city.”

    To find out more about Ask for Angela contact support@coventrybid.co.uk or licensing@coventry.gov.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 5 arrested in security investigation

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Police’s National Security Department yesterday arrested one man and four women, aged 24 to 38, for conspiracy to commit terrorist activities.

    Investigations revealed that the arrested individuals were allegedly involved in sending messages to Police via telephone, email and instant messaging applications on multiple occasions between April 29 and May 13, the content of which included claims to detonate bombs planted within various offices of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong and Kai Tak Sports Park, as well as seditious messages inciting Taiwan independence and Hong Kong independence.

    With court warrants, Police conducted searches at the five people’s residences and seized electronic communication devices suspected to be involved in the case.

    The arrested man is being detained for further enquiries, while the four arrested women were released on bail pending further investigations.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Española Man Sentenced for Trafficking Drugs, Possessing Illegal Firearms and Explosives

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – An Española man was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison following a series of law enforcement actions that uncovered illegal firearms, narcotics, and unstable explosives.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court records, on August 1, 2023, Pojoaque Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop on a sedan with expired registration driven by Mario James Valdez, 35. Inside the car, officers located two loaded “ghost guns,” one of which was outfitted with a non-functioning machinegun conversion device, a loaded and stolen handgun, fentanyl, additional ammunition, a police scanner, 377 blue pills marked M30 and 42 grams of crack cocaine. Valdez was released after serving one day in custody.

    On September 15, 2023, Valdez was arrested again for shoplifting and on an outstanding state warrant. During this arrest, officers found fentanyl, Xanax, crack cocaine, and ammunition on Valdez’s person. In recorded jail calls between October 15 and 18, 2023, Valdez discussed having additional firearms and sticks of dynamite stored at a house in Española, warning of their instability and danger.

    On October 20, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Española residence. In Valdez’s bedroom, officers discovered six sticks of deteriorating dynamite, a shotgun, and an AR-style rifle. Additional rifles, including those referenced in the jail calls, were found in another bedroom.

    6 sticks of dynamite 

    Due to the hazardous condition of the dynamite, law enforcement destroyed it for public safety. As a previously convicted felon, Valdez was prohibited from possessing firearms, ammunition and explosives.

    Valdez pleaded guilty to possession to intent to distribute cocaine base, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and being a felon in possession of explosive material. Upon his release from prison, Valdez will be subject to three years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Pojoaque Police Department, New Mexico State Police and Española Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Hirsch is prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Announces $25,000 Reward for Shooting Suspect Daveonte Dixon

    Source: US FBI

    The Cincinnati Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) today announced a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest of Daveonte Dixon who is accused of shooting two Mifflin Township Police Officers.

    Anyone with information about the location of Daveonte Dixon is asked to call 911 or 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

    Daveonte Dixon is believed to have been a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over by Mifflin Township Police on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, around 6:45 p.m. The police stopped the vehicle near the intersection of Mecca Road and Perdue Avenue. During the interaction, Dixon exited the passenger side of the vehicle and allegedly fired a gun at pursuing officers. Two officers were struck by the gunfire and transported to the hospital with injuries.

    An arrest warrant was issued for Dixon by the Franklin County Municipal Court after he was charged with attempted murder and felonious assault.

    Daveonte Dixon is 21 years old, has brown eyes and black hair. He is approximately 6’1” tall and weighs 215 pounds. He has a tattoo on his left arm and was last seen wearing a gray shirt and camouflage-patterned pants.

    “The FBI is working closely with our law enforcement partners to locate and arrest Daveonte Dixon,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. “I strongly encourage anyone with information about Dixon’s location to notify law enforcement immediately.”

    The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office remains the lead investigative agency in this case. The U.S. Marshal’s Service is leading the fugitive investigation. The FBI’s Southern Ohio Safe Streets Task Force is providing investigative assistance along with other law enforcement partners.

    An FBI law enforcement assistance poster for Dixon can be viewed at: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/law-enforcement-assistance/daveonte-james-dixon

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio Man Charged with Production of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – Steven Scott Gordon, 53, of Curtice, Ohio has been charged by a superseding indictment with production of child pornography announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph. H Thompson.

    According to court documents, the defendant posed online as a 20-year-old woman to publish online erotica about the sexual abuse of children. The defendant, using his alias, encouraged and directed a Minnesota man to create images and videos of sexual abuse of a child in Minnesota.

    According to court documents, Steven Scott Gordon’s electronic devices were obtained from the FBI in Ohio. Investigators found Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) on the defendant’s computer, including CSAM that was produced by the Minnesota man who transmitted them to Gordon.

    “Child sexual predators are among the dangerous of criminal defendants,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Anyone who victimizes and sexually abuses Minnesota children should be prepared to serve decades in federal prison.” 

    “Every child deserves a safe and innocent childhood,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Gordon’s heinous actions shattered that innocence and caused unimaginable harm. Protecting children and holding vile predators accountable is one of the FBI’s highest priorities. Anyone who exploits a child should expect to face the unflinching efforts of the FBI and our law enforcement partners.”

    Gordon was arraigned in U.S. District Court on May 21, 2025, before Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz, and was ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings.

    This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI in partnership with the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and the Rosemount Police.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney William C. Mattessich is prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –