NewzIntel.com

Category: Police

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Houston removes foreign fugitive wanted for aggravated homicide

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    HOUSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Hedilberto Nunez Garay, a 41-year-old illegal alien, to his home country of Mexico, April 9. Nunez is wanted in Durango, Mexico, for aggravated homicide for allegedly murdering Eladio Carrasco Corral, a 63-year-old Mexican national, Sept. 3, 2020.

    ICE transported Nunez from the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe, Texas, to the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge Port of Entry in Laredo, Texas, where he was turned over to Mexican authorities.

    “For far too long, dangerous foreign fugitives like this alleged murderer have been able to illegally enter the U.S. and hide out in our local communities to evade prosecution abroad for violent crime,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston Field Office Director Bret Bradford. “Those days are over as the law enforcement community in Texas has banded together to aggressively track down foreign fugitives, transnational gang members and other criminal aliens illegally residing in the country and remove them to their country of origin to face justice for their alleged crimes.”

    Nunez illegally entered the U.S. on an unknown date and at an unknown location. The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office arrested Nunez Nov. 12, 2007, in Yorkville, Illinois, for driving without a license. Following his arrest, Nunez departed the U.S. on an unknown date. He illegally reentered the U.S. April 29, 2022, and was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol near Eagle Pass, Texas, and expelled to Mexico under Title 42. Nunez illegally entered the U.S. for a third time on an unknown date and at an unknown location. After receiving a tip from the National Criminal Analysis and Targeting Center, ICE fugitive operations officers quickly located Nunez, with assistance from the Waco Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety, and he was safely taken into custody June 4, 2024. An immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review ordered Nunez removed to Mexico Oct. 30, 2024. The Board of Immigration Appeals dismissed a subsequent appeal of that decision March 20.

    Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 1 (866) 347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

    For more news and information on ICE’s efforts to enforce our nation’s immigration laws in Texas follow us on X at @EROHouston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Accused of Setting Fires at St. Louis County Hotel

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A man was indicted Wednesday and accused of setting fires at a hotel near Ferguson, Missouri last month.

    Brandon Dallas Smith, 40, is now facing an arson charge. The indictment accuses Smith of setting a fire at a hotel in the 2700 block of Target Drive on March 26, 2025. A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in St. Louis the day after the fire says patrons were awakened by a fire alarm at 2:48 a.m. to find two fires in front of hotel rooms and a third on the second-floor stairwell. The complaint alleges that Smith purchased gasoline a nearby gas station and convenience store shortly before going to the hotel and setting the fires.
     

    A charge set forth in an indictment or a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and does not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The charge is punishable by at least five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Louis County Police Department and the St. Louis County Bomb and Arson Squad investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Finlen is prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 4 Arrested in Latest L.A. County-Based “JCODE” Operation for Allegedly Operating a Drug Distribution Network on the Darknet

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Three Glendale men and one San Fernando Valley man have been arrested on federal charges of conspiring to distribute various drugs including cocaine, methamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and ketamine on darknet marketplaces, the Justice Department announced today.

    The Wednesday arrests are the latest in the Justice Department’s ongoing JCODE efforts (Joint Criminal Opioid Darknet Enforcement) to address the growing number of illicit vendors operating on the darknet providing large quantities of harmful substances to thousands of people across the United States.

    On April 1, a federal grand jury returned a 12-count indictment which outlines 116 overt acts that were done in furtherance of the alleged conspiracy, and which charges the following defendants for their alleged roles in operating the drug distribution network which operated approximately 10 darknet vendors on 17 different markets:

    • Davit Avalyan, 35, of Glendale;
    • Hrant Gevorgyan, 35, of Glendale;
    • Hayk Grigoryan, 35, a.k.a. “Hayk Greg,” of Glendale; and
    • Gurgen Nersesyan, 43, a.k.a. “Guro Tiko,” of Sherman Oaks.

    All four defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA (Ecstasy).

    Avalyan is charged with one count of distribution of cocaine, one count of distribution of MDMA, and one count of distribution of distribution of methamphetamine. Gevorgyan is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute MDMA and one count of possession with intent to distribute ketamine. Grigoryan is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Nersesyan is charged with three counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute MDMA.

    The defendants were arraigned Wednesday in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. They pleaded not guilty to the charges against them and a June 3 trial date was scheduled in this matter.

    According to the indictment, from September 2018 to February 2025, various vendors operating under the names JoyInc, LaFarmacia, WhiteDoc, JanesAddiction, DaShop, WhiteRepublic, Tomorowland, PlanetHollywood, DopeValley, and Major2Minor sold cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, and ketamine to drug customers on darknet markets in exchange for cryptocurrency. The defendants then allegedly shipped the drugs throughout the United States via the United States Postal Service.

    The defendants fulfilled drug orders through the various vendor accounts by packaging the drugs into parcels and by delivering those parcels to post offices and mailboxes in Los Angeles County and elsewhere.

    JoyInc is believed to have been operating since at least 2018 and is one of the most prolific methamphetamine and cocaine distributors to ever operate on the darknet.

    An example of vendor JoyInc on the Drughub marketplace selling ketamine, MDMA, and bulk options of cocaine on September 4, 2024, is depicted below.

    In addition to Wednesday’s arrests, agents served multiple federal search warrants and found evidence to include large amounts of cash, distribution amounts of suspected drugs.

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

    If convicted of all charges, each defendant would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

    The Justice Department established the FBI-led JCODE team to lead and coordinate government efforts to detect, disrupt, and dismantle major criminal enterprises reliant on the darknet for trafficking opioids and other illicit narcotics, along with identifying and dismantling their supply chains.

    This case was worked jointly with the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Hawthorne Police Department, the Costa Mesa Police Department, and IRS Criminal Investigation. During yesterday’s arrests and searches, assistance was provided by the Los Angeles Police Department.

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

    This case also is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. 

    Assistant United States Attorney James Santiago of the Transnational Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 4 Men Charged with Offenses Related to the Sex Trafficking of Minors in Danbury

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour today announced that the following four individuals have been charged by federal criminal complaint with offenses related to the sex trafficking of minors:

    • OSWALDO ORDONEZ-ORTEGA, 39, of Danbury
    • MARCO ROBLES, 40, a citizen of Ecuador residing in Brookfield
    • EDWIN QUILLI-TACURI, 40, a citizen of Ecuador residing in Danbury
    • BRYAN ISMAEL VASQUEZ-SALINAS, 23, a citizen of Ecuador residing in Danbury

    As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in February 2025, the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force and Danbury Police began investigating a Danbury-based organization believed to be involved in the sex trafficking of minors.  On March 11, 2025, after seeing a communication on a WhatsApp messaging account advertising the sale of two 15-year-old females for sexual encounters, investigators executed a state warrant at a residence in Danbury, found a 15-year-old female victim and a 16-year-old female victim, and arrested Ordonez-Ortega, Robles, Quilli-Tacuri, Vasquez-Salinas, and a fifth individual.  Quilli-Tacuri was located in a locked bedroom with the 15-year-old victim, and the fifth individual was found in a locked bedroom with the 16-year-old victim.  Ordonez-Ortega and Vasquez-Salinas were found together in the kitchen, and Robles was stopped after attempting to leave the area in his vehicle.

    It is alleged that the minor victims were briefly interviewed by law enforcement and Connecticut Department of Children and Families investigators before being transported to a local hospital for medical care and evaluation.  The investigation, which has also included analysis of cell phones seized at the time of the defendants’ arrests, revealed that Ordonez-Ortega coordinated the transportation of the minor victims to Danbury, made appointments with Robles, Quilli-Tacuri, Vasquez-Salinas, and others to engage in sexual activity with the minors, and received payment from the men, a portion of which he returned to the minors.  Ordonez-Ortega scheduled 13 men to engage in sexual activity with the 15-year-old victim, and 11 men to engage in sexual activity with the 16-year-old victim, on March 10 and 11, 2025, in Danbury.

    It is further alleged that Robles caused physical injury to the 15-year-old victim during his sexual encounter on March 11.

    Each of the four defendants is charged with sex trafficking of children, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

    In addition, Ordonez-Ortega and Vasquez-Salinas are charged with attempted sex trafficking of children and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of children.  Ordonez-Ortega is also charged with coercion and enticement of minors to engage in sexual activity, and with transportation of minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

    Robles and Quilli-Tacuri were arrested on the federal charges yesterday.  They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and currently are detained.  Ordonez-Ortega, who is in state custody, and Vasquez-Salinas, who is in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, will be presented in federal court at a later date.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force and the Danbury Police Department, with the assistance of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Brookfield Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel E. Cummings and Mary G. Vitale.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Danbury for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Georgia Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Destructive Device

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                Montgomery, Ala. – On April 9, 2025, a federal judge sentenced 43-year-old Waylon Blake Gilreath, Sr., from Williamson, Georgia, to 41 months in prison for possession of an unregistered destructive device, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. Following his prison sentence, Gilreath will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

                According to court records and evidence presented during Gilreath’s trial last fall, on March 20, 2024, deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a domestic disturbance at a Hope Hull, Alabama residence. Deputies arrived and found Gilreath sitting on the front porch of the residence. Responding officers were advised of a protection from abuse order prohibiting Gilreath from being on the property. Deputies placed Gilreath into custody based on that information. While making the arrest, deputies found that Gilreath had a handgun and knife on his person.

                During a search of Gilreath’s vehicle, which was parked on the property, deputies found nine firearms — including handguns and AR-style firearms — numerous rounds of ammunition, several ammunition magazines, and two sets of body armor. Several of the magazines were high-capacity drum style magazines. In addition, deputies located four prescription medication bottles that contained two common substances that, when mixed, create an explosive material subject to federal regulation. Three of the containers were also found to contain metal shrapnel, which would enhance the destructive power of the mixture. On March 21, 2024, agents executed a search warrant at Gilreath’s residence and found additional quantities of explosive mixture and shrapnel material, including assorted glass shards.

                The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and Christopher P. Moore prosecuted. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Antigonish — Community support leads to recovery of stolen historic item

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Community support and engagement was vital to the recent recovery of a bell stolen from a church in Ballantyne’s Cove.

    On April 1, Antigonish County District RCMP responded to a report of theft at a church on Hwy. 337. RCMP officers learned that a large bell was taken from the property sometime the night prior.

    Information gathered led investigators to believe that items stolen from a nearby property had been used in the commission of the offence at the church.

    On April 4, police learned that the missing bell was located in Pictou County. Thanks to the social media posts and the attention they received, an individual received information about where the bell could be found, leading to its safe recovery and return to the church.

    The investigation is ongoing, as officers continue to follow up on leads and information provided by the public about this theft to support criminal charges.

    “When property crime targets historical or cultural items, we understand that the impact can be significant on the community as a whole,” says S/Sgt. Kim Hillier, Antigonish RCMP Detachment Commander. “Thank you to all who played a part in returning this bell to where it belongs.”

    If anyone has information regarding this incident or other property crime offences, they are asked to contact the Antigonish RCMP at 902-863-6500 or the police of jurisdiction. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: COVID Scammer Admits to Defrauding Investors with Fake Products and False Documents

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

    OUSTON – A 30-year-old Los Angeles, California, resident has pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a $12.5 million scam that victimized investors in the Southern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    In the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic, Robert Maxwell falsely represented to investors that he had procured a manufacturing contract with a Chinese company for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves. He also purported to have a domestic agreement to sell the PPE. 

    He used fabricated bank records, agreements and other documents to solicit millions in investments to aid in this purported venture. He then pocketed the investment funds, while the PPE never existed.    

    At the same time, Maxwell agreed to help produce an at-home aerosol product intended to kill coronavirus. While again taking in millions from investors, Maxwell claimed he was working with a manufacturing plant in Texas and an out-of-state distributor to produce and deliver the product to major retailers. 

    Maxwell told victims that retailers were selling out of the product and ordering millions of additional units in a bid to obtain additional investor funds. However, the entire arrangement was a fraud. No one had even manufactured the product, retailers had never heard of it nor of Maxwell, and he had fabricated all the documents he showed to investors to bolster the scheme.   

    Maxwell admitted to stealing more than $12.5 million from victims in the course of his fraudulent scheme. 

    “The Southern District of Texas takes an aggressive approach against would-be fraudsters and swindlers,” said Ganjei. “Those who take advantage of a national emergency to enrich themselves by false pretenses will find themselves where they belong – in prison.”

    U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett will impose sentencing July 17. At that time, Maxwell faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. 

    He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

    The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Carter and Christian Latham prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: In Dialogue with Mauritius, Experts of the Committee against Torture Praise the Prohibition of Corporal Punishment, Ask about the Minimum Penalty for Torture and Prison Conditions

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee against Torture today concluded its consideration of the fifth periodic report of Mauritius, with Committee Experts praising the prohibition of corporal punishment through the children’s act of 2020, and raising questions about the minimum penalty for torture offences, prison conditions and the treatment of prisoners.

    Naoko Maeda, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, commended the children’s act of 2020, which prohibited corporal punishment in all settings and established a special court for children.  Would the State party establish a time limit for pre-trial detention of children that was in accordance with the Beijing Rules?  How many children were in pre-trial detention?

    Bakhtiyar Tuzmukhamedov, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the section of the Criminal Code on police brutality had been amended to increase the upper threshold of fines and prison sentences for the offence.  However, it did not set lower thresholds for these punishments. Would this section apply to acts of torture and were the punishments sufficient?

    Ms. Maeda expressed concern regarding reports of inadequate food and material conditions in prisons, insufficient access to medical and rehabilitation services and family visits, and the number of detainees who died in police custody. How were these issues being addressed?

    She further noted with concern that the provisional charges system was still in place, under which persons could be detained on suspicion of commission of a serious offence. How did the State party ensure detainees’ rights from the moment of detention, including the right to be presented before a judge?

    Introducing the report, Gavin Patrick Cyril Glover, Attorney-General of Mauritius and head of the delegation, said the children’s act of 2020 prohibited the infliction of corporal or humiliating punishment on a child as a discipline measure.  The act also set the age of criminal responsibility at 14 years and stressed that the detention of a juvenile suspected of having committed a criminal offence was imposed only as a measure of last resort.

    On the minimum penalty for torture, the delegation said prosecutors typically called for the highest penalty in cases of torture, but judges had the ability to issue lesser penalties.  The State party would address the lack of minimum penalties for torture crimes in its legislation.

    Mr. Glover said Mauritius’ Constitution, the reform institutions act, and prison regulations provided for the safe and humane treatment of prisoners.  The National Preventive Mechanism Division examined the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty, and police and prison officers received training on international and regional human rights standards prohibiting torture.

    The delegation added that there had been some worrying reports of abuse of authority by police officers.  The Independent Police Complaints Commission had taken on the burden of investigating these cases and determining accountability.  The delegation cited four cases of deaths in custody for which judicial inquiries had been launched.

    The police and criminal evidence bill had yet to be adopted, the delegation said, but it would likely be adopted within a year. It set a time limit for the detention of persons awaiting trial, and stated that arrests could not be carried out without sufficient evidence.

    In closing remarks, Claude Heller, Committee Chair, said the Committee was encouraged by the dialogue and expressed hope that the rule of law was being strengthened in the State.  The Committee hoped that its recommendations would have a positive impact on the human rights situation in Mauritius.

    In his concluding remarks, Mr. Glover said that the Committee’s review would help to ensure that deficiencies in Mauritius’ legal and policy framework would be addressed.  The State party would ensure that the winds of change that started to blow with the election of the new Government in November 2024 would continue.

    The delegation of Mauritius consisted of representatives from the Attorney-General’s Office; Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade; and the Permanent Mission of Mauritius to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

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

    The Committee will next convene in public on Monday, 14 April at 11 a.m. to hear the presentation of the annual report of the Chair of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture.

    Report

    The Committee has before it the fifth periodic report of Mauritius (CAT/C/MUS/5).

    Presentation of Report

    GAVIN PATRICK CYRIL GLOVER, Attorney-General of Mauritius and head of the delegation, said Mauritius had always strived to uphold its obligations under international law.  This could be seen through the ratification of seven core United Nations human rights treaties and five Optional Protocols to these treaties, including the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture.  The provisions of these instruments had been incorporated in the domestic legislative framework through various legislation.  The provisions of the Rome Statute had also been domesticated, thus providing national courts with universal jurisdiction over war crimes, including torture.

    Last December, the Government translated the Convention into the widely spoken dialect of Kreol Morisien and published this translation online to raise awareness about its content.  Police and prison officers were directed to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Convention.  In addition, in order to promote the universal accession of the Convention, Mauritius had joined the Convention against Torture Initiative.

    Last year’s general elections in Mauritius demonstrated the vibrancy of the State’s democracy, with a very high turnout of almost 80 per cent of voters.  The new Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, had embarked on a mission to strengthen democratic principles and access to justice.  The new Government would set up a Constitutional Review Commission to make recommendations for constitutional reforms that enhanced the protection of fundamental rights.

    On 4 April 2025, the Cabinet agreed to the introduction of the Constitution (amendment) bill and the Criminal Code (amendment) bill into the National Assembly. The first bill aimed to repeal section 7 (2) of the Constitution to ensure the absolute prohibition of torture in all circumstances, and the second bill would bring the Criminal Code provisions on homicide, wounds and blows under lawful authority in line with the absolute ban on torture.  The Cabinet had also approved an amendment to the Criminal Code that removed provisions excusing manslaughter committed on spouses found committing the act of adultery. These revisions were in line with Committee recommendations.

    The police and criminal evidence bill would soon be adopted. This would become one of the most significant pieces of legislation in the criminal justice system, impacting the work of the Independent Police Complaints Commission.  Additionally, the Government would adopt a zero-tolerance policy and a victim-oriented approach to domestic abuse and human trafficking. Consultations were ongoing for the introduction of a new domestic abuse bill, which would define marital rape as a specific criminal offence with appropriate penalties.

    The children’s act of 2020 promoted the best interests of the child and prohibited the infliction of corporal or humiliating punishment on a child as a discipline measure. The offence carried, as penalty, a fine not exceeding 200,000 rupees and a prison term not exceeding five years. The act also set the age of criminal responsibility at 14 years and stressed that the detention of a juvenile suspected of having committed a criminal offence was imposed only as a measure of last resort.  A Children’s Court had been set up and was operational.  The 2020 child sex offender register act aimed to reduce and prevent the risk of sexual offences against children, as recommended by the Committee.

    Mauritius had developed a National Action Plan on Trafficking in Persons 2022-2026, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration.  Following amendments in 2023, the combatting of trafficking in persons act provided for a victim-centred approach, allowing for more rigorous identification and prosecution of cases of trafficking in persons. It established an effective institutional framework and provided additional legal powers to the police to protect victims.

    The Constitution of Mauritius, the reform institutions act, the prison regulations, and the prison standing orders provided for the safe and humane treatment of prisoners in Mauritius.  The Mauritius Prison Service adhered to the Nelson Mandela Rules.  The National Preventive Mechanism Division examined the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty with a view to ensuring their protection against torture and made recommendations regarding the improvement of prison conditions.  Officers from police and prison departments regularly received training courses on international and regional human rights standards prohibiting torture, and national and international codes of conduct for law enforcement.

    Mauritius was committed to upholding its obligations towards human rights treaty bodies, including the Convention, as demonstrated by its serious endeavours to comply with the Committee’s recommendations.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    BAKHTIYAR TUZMUKHAMEDOV, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the State’s Constitution upheld the right to be free from “torture or inhuman or degrading punishment or other such treatment” but did not mention “cruel” treatment.  Why was this?  The Committee hoped that the planned amendments to the Constitution were successful. Was the right to be free from torture non-derogable and absolute, including in states of emergency?  Did the Convention take precedence over domestic legislation?  Were the provisions of the Convention that referenced “cruel treatment” deemed to be contrary to the Constitution?

    The definition of torture in the Criminal Code made exceptions for offences committed by public officials carrying out punishments determined by law.  Why was this?  Did the State’s legislation address the offence of planning to commit torture? Could the Convention be invoked in domestic courts?  Why was the Supreme Court reluctant to cite applicable provisions of the African Charter?

    The section of the Criminal Code on police brutality had been amended to increase the upper threshold of fines and prison sentences for the offence.  However, it did not set lower thresholds for these punishments.  Would this section apply to acts of torture and were the punishments sufficient?  The penalty for acts of corporal torture in the Code was far higher.  Why was this?  If police officers committed acts of torture, under what provision were they investigated?

    Who appointed judges in Mauritius, how were they selected and how independent and impartial was the process? Were judges required to continue their education throughout their careers?  How ethnically diverse was the judiciary and law enforcement?  How were elements of traditional justice harmonised with the ordinary legal system?

    The displacement of the inhabitants of the Chagos islands amounted to inhuman treatment by a foreign State. What measures were in place to support them?  What were their chances of obtaining full redress and compensation, including relocation to their native islands?

    What measures had the State party taken under the Prevention of Terrorism Act?  How did the Government ensure that these measures complied with its obligations under international law, including the Convention?  Would the State party consider acceding to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees?  Mauritius was not a party to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, or to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.  Did Mauritius intend to complete accession to those instruments?

    Did the Constitution allow for the potential reinstatement of capital punishment?  What percentage of police and prison officers completed training programmes on preventing torture?  Did this training address the revised Istanbul Protocol of 2022?

    NAOKO MAEDA, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the National Human Rights Commission of Mauritius had “A” status under the Paris Principles.  How was the State party promoting the participation of civil society in the Commission and ensuring that the appointment process for members was transparent?  What resources were provided to the Commission over the reporting period?

    The Committee was concerned that the police and criminal evidence bill had yet to be introduced in the National Assembly and the provisional charges system was still in place, under which persons could be detained on suspicion of commission of a serious offence.  How did the State party ensure detainees’ rights from the moment of detention, including the right to be presented before a judge and the right to access a lawyer and free legal aid where applicable?

    The Committee commended increases in the numbers of judges and magistrates and measures to reduce lengths of trials and pre-trial detention.  However, there was still a high rate of lengthy pre-trial detention. What measures were in place to reduce the length and use of pre-trial detention, and to introduce alternatives to detention, in accordance with the Tokyo Rules?

    The Committee commended the creation of the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which investigated complaints against the actions of police officers.  However, the three members of this body continued to be appointed by the President.  What measures were in place to ensure the independence of this Commission?  How did the State party ensure that the Commission’s investigations were conducted in a timely manner?  There was a low rate of investigated and prosecuted cases as of 2021. How many investigations had resulting in findings of torture by the police?  How did the State party ensure that complainants did not face reprisals?

    The Committee welcomed training for police officers on topics such as the inadmissibility of evidence obtained under duress.  How many officials had been prosecuted for extracting evidence under duress, and in how many cases had courts rejected such evidence?

    The Committee was concerned by reports of inadequate food and material conditions in prisons, as well as insufficient access to medical and rehabilitation services and family visits. How were these issues being addressed? The Committee was concerned by the number of detainees who died in police custody.  What measures were in place to investigate and prevent such deaths? The National Human Rights Commission had also raised concerns about remand detainees being held with convicted detainees, contrary to the Mandela Rules.  What measures were in place to address this?  There were 140 women in prison in Mauritius, the majority of whom were foreigners.  What were foreign detainees charged with?  How did the State party ensure that prison conditions for women detainees were appropriate?

    The Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment’s report on its last visit to Mauritius had not been made public by the State party. The Committee called on the State party to do so, and to present measures taken to address the report’s recommendations.

    The Committee commended the children’s act of 2020, which prohibited corporal punishment in all settings and established a special court for children.  However, the Committee was concerned about the lack of progress in establishing the juvenile justice system prescribed by the Act.  Would the State party establish a time limit for pre-trial detention of children that was in accordance with the Beijing Rules? How many children were in pre-trial detention?  Could children be tried in the absence of their legal guardian?

    There were no legal provisions banning marital rape.  What steps had been taken to develop such provisions?  There had reportedly been an increase in sexual and gender-based violence in the State and under-reporting of such cases by victims due to fear of stigmatisation.  Had the State party taken actions to improve the mechanism for reporting violence against women?  What support services were available for victims?  The Criminal Code criminalised all acts related to the provision of abortions, even in cases of sexual violence.  Would the State party reconsider its blanket ban?

    What policy reforms were being made to protect asylum seekers from non-refoulement and create a more supportive environment for asylum seekers?  The State party did not have an established procedure for dealing with statelessness.  Did it plan to accede to international conventions on statelessness?

    Another Committee Expert asked how asylum seekers were treated while waiting for processing of their asylum applications.  Were they detained and did they have access to healthcare and education services?

    One Committee Expert noted the steps taken to amend the Constitution and the Criminal Code, including to set the age of minimum criminal responsibility to 14 years.  What steps had been taken to enable victims of torture to access redress and rehabilitation programmes?  Could the delegation provide statistics on court cases concerning redress and alleged violations of rights under article 14 of the Convention?  Had measures been taken to incorporate elements of the Convention on redress into domestic legislation?

    Another Committee Expert said it was commendable that in October 2023, the Supreme Court made a historic decision to decriminalise same-sex relations between consenting adults.  However, there were still reports of hate crimes against individuals based on their perceived sexual orientation and gender identity, and a lack of investigations into such cases.  How was the State party addressing this issue?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the 2024 elections gave the Government the majority in the National Assembly needed to push through amendments to the Constitution and the Criminal Code related to torture. The State party aimed to completely overhaul its justice system to enhance access to justice.  The Constitutional Review Commission would consider revising the Constitution to address acts of cruelty.  The State party aimed to bring the Constitution and its legislative framework in line with the international treaties to which Mauritius was a party.

    Criminal Code provisions on “conspiracy offences” specified that there was a possibility to prosecute for “wrongful” acts that did not breach specific laws.  Planning to commit serious offences such as torture could be prosecuted under this provision.  Prosecutors typically called for the highest penalty in cases of torture, but judges had the ability to issue lesser penalties.  The State party would address the lack of minimum penalties for torture crimes in its legislation.

    There was a case concerning a death in detention that was before the Supreme Court, and three other cases on deaths in custody before other courts.  There had been some worrying cases of abuse of authority by police officers. The Independent Police Complaints Commission had taken on the burden of investigating these cases and determining accountability.  The Public Prosecutor had opened a judicial inquiry to find out the facts in one case, responding to the recommendations of the Commission.

    Judges of the Supreme Court were appointed from State Law Offices based on seniority.  Judges typically had at least 20 years of experience at the time of their appointment.  This system did not involve the executive; the chief judges of the Supreme Court were responsible for appointments.  There were no ethnicity considerations in appointments.  Continuous training on human rights was provided to members of the judiciary.  The State party was considering opening a magistracy school, but this had not been achieved yet.

    The death penalty was abolished in the Criminal Code in 1995, but a motion to amend the reference to the death penalty in the Constitution was rejected by the Parliament at that time. This was why the State party had not ratified the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.  All death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment after the abolition.  The Constitutional Review Committee would consider amending the Constitution to remove the reference to the death penalty.

    The police and criminal evidence bill had yet to be adopted, but it would likely be adopted within a year. Its name would be changed to the police and criminal justice bill.  The bill would regulate police officers’ powers to investigate, arrest and detain suspects, set a time limit for the detention of persons awaiting trial, and guarantee the human rights of detainees.  The bill stated that arrests could not be carried out without sufficient evidence and had provisions to govern the admissibility of confessions. The limit for pre-trial detention was set by the bill at 48 hours but could be extended to a maximum of 72 hours for serious offences.

    Domestic courts had not cited recent international court cases related to the Chagos islands.  Mauritius’ position was that the United Kingdom owed redress and compensation to native Chagossians and their descendants.  The Government of Mauritius had developed measures to promote the integration of the Chagossian community into Mauritius, including scholarships, housing services, food distribution, and recreational activities.  Negotiations related to sovereignty of the islands and resettlement were ongoing with the United Kingdom, but the Government believed that the relocation of Chagossians had to occur at some point in time.

    Mauritius was previously a French and English colony, and its laws on human rights were inspired by the European Convention of Human Rights.  This was why courts often referenced this Convention.  However, many courts had also referred to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

    Current thresholds for legal aid were ridiculous; legal aid was currently only available to persons who earned less than 15,000 rupees a month, even though the minimum wage was 20,000 rupees a month.  The Government was reviewing legislation to promote better access to legal aid for persons with low incomes.  The Criminal Procedural Act and other legislation had also been amended to ensure that courts gave persons full credit for time spent in pre-trial detention when issuing prison sentences.

    The delegation cited four cases of deaths in custody for which judicial inquiries had been launched.  In one case, the inquiry found that blows to the victim were not made to extract a confession, while in another, nine police officers were being prosecuted for offences including bodily harm to the victim and the hiding of evidence.  In a 2022 case, a citizen was reportedly taken to a police station and tasered while completely naked.  The police officers who allegedly engaged in this act were now being prosecuted. There were several cases of victims seeking damages for alleged human rights violations by public officials that were pending before the Supreme Court.  One case had been settled out of court without an admission of guilt by the State.

    There were currently 18 refugees and 80 asylum seekers in Mauritius.  Persons who were not lawful residents of Mauritius did not have access to public education services.  However, Caritas provided private education to the children of asylum seekers.  The previous Government had decided in 2023 not to implement an asylum processing system proposed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.  Mauritius had not ratified international conventions on statelessness or refugees, as doing so would have serious implications on the State’s limited resources. The Prime Minister had the authority to grant nationality to any stateless persons; currently, the State was not aware of any stateless persons on its territory.

    The Criminal Code provided for a minimum period of three years imprisonment for unlawful arrests.  The probation of offenders act was last amended 15 years ago, and there was a need to modernise it.  Probation was currently rarely used in Mauritius, but courts had alternatives to detention such as community service.

    There was legislation that allowed for lawful abortions when specialists determined that the pregnancy endangered the mother’s life, would result in malformation of the foetus, resulted from rape, or when the mother was aged 16 or under.  The Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare conducted awareness raising campaigns on domestic violence.  There were around 500 cases of domestic violence reported in the past few weeks thanks to efforts to raise awareness of reporting channels.  Victims were supported by the State and non-governmental organizations to access temporary shelter, legal advice, psychosocial support, and other services.  In 2024, the Government introduced a policy on workplace sexual harassment.

    Children aged 14 and under who were in conflict with the law were not detained but could be placed in “places of safety” if necessary.  The criminal division of the Children’s Court had exclusive jurisdiction over cases involving child offenders aged 14 to 17.  If the detention of juveniles was necessary, they were detained in the youth detention centre, where juveniles under pre-trial detention were separated from those serving sentences.  While there were over 50 arrests of children in 2022, there were only 12 in 2024 and thus far four in 2025.  This demonstrated that the new laws were working.

    A digital interview recording system was operational in eight places of deprivation of liberty in Mauritius. Interviewees had the right to refuse digital recording of statements.  Thus far, courts had found evidence to be inadmissible in only a small number of cases, due to legal limitations.  The police did not work within a rigid protocol and had pushed back against the police and criminal justice bill.  The new police and criminal justice bill would address these issues.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    NAOKO MAEDA, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the involuntary hospitalisation of persons with disabilities, including children, was still allowed in Mauritius.  How many cases of involuntary hospitalisation had oversight bodies reviewed and what were their outcomes?  Could the national preventive mechanism conduct unannounced visits to residential care homes and hospitals?  Had there been reports of ill-treatment in these institutions?

    Could the delegation comment on reports of increased arbitrary arrests, threats and attacks experienced by human rights defenders, a worsening environment for human rights lawyers, and intimidation and harassment of journalists?

    Despite the State party’s efforts, including through training for police officers and the 2023 amendments to the combatting in trafficking persons act, human trafficking was reportedly still prevalent, notably sex trafficking of women and children and trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation in the manufacturing and construction sectors. What measures were in place to tackle difficulties in gathering evidence of trafficking and to provide support services to all victims?

    The presence of civil society from Mauritius in the reporting process was relatively low.  How did the State party encourage civil society organizations to participate and disseminate the Convention and the Committee’s recommendations?

    BAKHTIYAR TUZMUKHAMEDOV, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, welcomed that the State party was seemingly preparing to make constitutional amendments to address the issues raised in the dialogue.  Was the minimum punishment for police brutality three years imprisonment? Persons under suspicion of an offence relating to terrorism could be detained for a period of up to 36 hours, which could amount to incommunicado detention.  Was the denial of bail act still being applied? 

    The Committee welcomed that Mauritius was participating in the Convention against Torture Initiative. Was it taking measures to prevent the trade of equipment solely used for torture?

    Another Committee Expert asked if the State party had taken initiatives such as training to better control the police.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the last 10 years in Mauritius had been very difficult for its citizens.  The resounding victory of the current Government in the most recent elections was evidence that things were changing in the country.  The Government was working to strengthen training for police officers on human rights and regulation of the police force.  It would push for the adoption of the police and criminal justice bill as quickly as possible.

    The National Human Rights Commission had the power to conduct unannounced visits of residential homes. The Government would call on the Commission to exercise this power to protect the rights of the elderly.

    There were around 10 human rights lawyers in Mauritius, who had had great difficulty in accessing their clients. Some had been arrested in the exercise of their duties.  The police now knew that they needed to respect the rights of these human rights defenders.  Since November 2024, human rights lawyers had not complained about their treatment by police officers.  Planned legislation would prevent police from obstructing human rights defenders.

    The Government had a zero-tolerance policy to trafficking in persons.  Much had been done to fight trafficking, underpinned by the national action plan on trafficking, which was developed in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration.  The Director of Public Prosecutions had set up a taskforce to investigate trafficking cases and support victims. There were 48,000 migrant workers in Mauritius, many of whom were working without permits.  The Government aimed to protect these workers from trafficking and ensure that employers educated workers on their rights.

    Suspects could be held under the terrorist act in incommunicado detention for up to 36 hours.  There were only two drug-related cases in which suspects had been held in incommunicado detention in the last 10 years.  The denial of bail act had been declared unconstitutional but was still on the law books; it needed to be removed.

    Mauritius did not trade in goods for capital punishment.  It imported equipment for police officers that was meant exclusively to protect police officers when they were being violently attacked.  The firearms act prohibited the manufacturing or purchase of noxious liquids.

    Concluding Remarks

    CLAUDE HELLER, Committee Chair, said that the Committee appreciated the delegation’s frank approach to the dialogue.  It was encouraged by the winds of change described by the delegation and expressed hope that the rule of law was being strengthened in the State.  The Committee would consider the difficulties faced by the State party in changing the mindsets of law enforcement officials. Based on the dialogue, it would select priority recommendations that the State party could implement within a year. It hoped that these recommendations would have a positive impact on the human rights situation in Mauritius.

    GAVIN PATRICK CYRIL GLOVER, Attorney-General of Mauritius and head of the delegation, said the Committee’s review would help to ensure that deficiencies in the State’s legal and policy framework would be addressed.  Mauritius looked forward to the Committee’s observations.  The dialogue had been frank and positive.  The State party would work to ensure that the winds of change that started to blow with the election of the new Government in November 2024 would continue.

    ___________

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

     

    CAT25.003E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pennsylvania State Police Completes Rollout of Body-Worn Cameras Ahead of Schedule, Demonstrating Strong Commitment to Transparency and Accountability in Policing

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    April 10, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

    Pennsylvania State Police Completes Rollout of Body-Worn Cameras Ahead of Schedule, Demonstrating Strong Commitment to Transparency and Accountability in Policing

    The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced that patrol troopers at every station across the Commonwealth are now equipped with body-worn cameras to record their public interactions. PSP successfully completed its initiative to outfit troopers with these cameras and to update the mobile video recorders in their patrol vehicles – weeks ahead of schedule.

    “Our ability to maintain efficient operations relies heavily on the trust placed in us by the communities we serve,” said PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. “With the completion of our body-worn camera rollout, we aim to strengthen that trust by documenting our public interactions and demonstrating our commitment to transparency, accountability, and respectful police services.”

    PSP’s initiative involved outfitting more than 3,000 troopers whose assignments are spread across 89 stations within 16 troops with body-worn cameras. The initiative additionally upgraded the mobile video recorders in more than 1,400 patrol vehicles.

    Speakers Include:
    Sgt. Logan Brouse
    Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Since January, California has seized over $316 million in illicit cannabis

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 10, 2025

    What you need to know: California officials continue to protect consumers and support the legal cannabis market through operations to seize 212,681 illegal cannabis plants worth $316 million.

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that officials have seized more than $316 million worth of illegal cannabis and $474,000 in cash since January 2025. Through coordinated enforcement actions with state agency partners and local governments, these efforts build upon the previous work to seize $534 million worth of illegal cannabis in 2024.

    In addition to confiscating 212,681 illicit cannabis plants, officials issued 99 warrants, which resulted in the removal of 35 firearms and 29 arrests.

    “As California’s legal cannabis market expands, we have a responsibility to crack down on the nefarious actors that put public health at risk and undermine the progress we’ve made. Unlicensed, unregulated products threaten consumer safety and jeopardize the integrity of this industry. We’re doubling down on our commitment to protect Californians and lift up the legal cannabis marketplace that so many have worked hard to build.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    These figures represent combined enforcement efforts from the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF), the Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW), the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, the California Department of Pesticide Regulations, Torrance Police Department, Alameda District Attorney’s Office, Oakland Police Department, among others, since January.

    California’s regulated cannabis market is the largest in the world, fostering environmental stewardship, compliance-tested products, and fair labor practices, while driving economic growth and funding vital programs in education, public health, and environmental protection. The Department of Cannabis Control recently released a market outlook report that shows prices are stable, industry value is up, and the licensed market is growing.

    A unified strategy across California 

    Since 2019, officials have seized and destroyed over 800 tons, or over 1.7 million pounds, of illegal cannabis worth an estimated retail value of $3.1 billion through over 1,500 operations.

    The cannabis task force was established in 2022 by Governor Newsom to enhance collaboration and enforcement coordination between state, local, and federal partners. Partners on the task force include the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, among others. 

    Protecting California’s consumers

    In September, Governor Newsom announced emergency hemp regulations in response to increasing health incidents related to intoxicating hemp food and beverage products, which state regulators found sold across the state. The new regulations ban any detectable quantity of THC from consumable hemp products to protect youth and mitigate the risk of adverse health effects. The emergency regulations better align the sale of hemp products with certain restrictions currently seen in the California legal cannabis market by limiting serving and package size and establishing a minimum age of 21 to legally purchase industrial hemp food, beverage and dietary products.

    In October, Governor Newsom issued a statement following the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s recent decision to reject the hemp industry’s attempt to block enforcement of the regulations.

    Since the emergency hemp regulations were put in place, agents from California’s Alcoholic Beverage Control have visited 9,251 locations and seized 7,007 hemp products from 141 violators. 

    To learn more about the legal California cannabis market, state licenses, and laws, visit cannabis.ca.gov.

    Recent news

    Apr 9, 2025

    News What you need to know: As Washington, D.C. keeps changing the rules, California is standing strong as a steady and reliable international economic partner. SACRAMENTO – As President Trump’s economic agenda disrupts the national economy, sends markets spiraling,…

    Apr 9, 2025

    News What you need to know: Ridership is up over 40% on the Bay Area’s recently electrified Caltrain, made possible by local, state, and federal investments supporting Governor Newsom’s goal to connect more Californians through sustainable public transportation….

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah says, Modi government is mowing down drug cartels with full might

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah says, Modi government is mowing down drug cartels with full might

    Home Minister congratulates NCB, Assam Police and CRPF on seizure of 30.4 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 24.32 crore and arrest of 3 persons in Assam, in a massive blow to drug cartels

    Modi Government’s offensives against drugs will continue with ruthless force

    Posted On: 10 APR 2025 8:12PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah has said that the Modi government is mowing down drug cartels with full might.

    In a post on X platform, Shri Amit Shah said that “in our vision to build a drug-free Bharat, our agencies launched massive operations strangling drug cartels and seized 30.4 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 24.32 crore while arresting three people in Assam. Our offensives against drugs will continue with ruthless force. Congratulations to the NCB, Assam Police, and the CRPF on this major breakthrough.”

    Details of Operation:

    NCB seizes 30.4 kg Methamphetamine Tablets (YABA) worth Rs 24.32 Crores and arrests three drug traffickers in two cases on April 6, 2025

    Pursuant to the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, of a DRUG FREE INDIA and acting upon the directives of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved significant success in dismantling inter-state synthetic drug network in Assam.

    ​In a major breakthrough, the NCB seized a total of 30.4 kg worth Rs 24.32 Crores of methamphetamine tablets popularly known as YABA, along with two vehicles, and arrested three accused during two separate operations in Silchar recently. On 06.04.2025, in an intelligence led operation developed over 3 months, NCB Guwahati, in a joint operation with the Assam police, intercepted a car and recovered 10 packets containing 9.9 kg of methamphetamine tablets. The contraband was concealed in a cavity within the vehicle’s boot. The sole occupant of the car who is a resident of Churachandpur, Manipur, was arrested on the spot. Investigations are on to identify the backward and forward linkages. 

    Later that night, in another intelligence led operation NCB Guwahati, Assam Police and the CRPF, a Mahindra Thar was intercepted. Authorities recovered 20.5 kg of methamphetamine tablets packed in 21 packets hidden inside the vehicle’s spare tire. Both occupants of the vehicles who also belong to Churachandpur were taken into custody. Investigations are underway to unravel the backward and forward linkages.

    ​NCB had earlier seized around 110 kg of methamphetamine tablets in two operations on March 13, 2025. In the seizure of 7.5 kg at Silchar, Assam one person has been arrested so far who is resident of Moreh, Manipur. In the seizure of 102.5 kg at Lilong, near Imphal, Manipur, 03 accused have been arrested and 03 vehicles have been seized so far. Further investigations in these matters are also underway to dismantle the trans-national drug trafficking syndicate.

                     

    (Images of seized Methamphetamine Tablets)

    ​NCB, through its newly created 4 Zonal Units at Siliguri, Itanagar, Agartala and Imphal and a Regional Headquarters in Guwahati, has been persistently working against the drug traffickers operating in the region in collaboration with other agencies. A Field Office of NCB in Aizawl, Mizoram has been operationalised with the help of Mizoram police in March 2025 and there was immediate success in seizure of 10.814 Kg Meth on 24.3.2025 in for which 06 accused have been arrested so far, out of which 02 accused are Myanmarese. 04 vehicles have also been seized in this case. Further investigations in this case are also underway to dismantle the trans-national drug trafficking syndicate.

    These 5 seizures of Meth in the North East in the last one month exemplify the NCB’s commitment to successfully disrupt trans-national and interstate drug networks to achieve the vision of DRUG FREE INDIA.

    *****

    VV / RR / PR / PS

    (Release ID: 2120774) Visitor Counter : 73

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan: From Red Zones to Growth Corridors

    Source: Government of India

    Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan: From Red Zones to Growth Corridors

    India’s Decisive Battle Against Left Wing Extremism

    Posted On: 10 APR 2025 7:49PM by PIB Delhi

    “It is true that Maoist violence had stalled the progress of many districts in central and eastern India. That is why in 2015, our government formulated a comprehensive ‘National Policy and Action Plan’ to eradicate Maoist violence. Along with zero tolerance towards violence, we have also focused on a massive push to infrastructure and social empowerment to bring a positive change in the lives of the poor people in these regions.”

    – Prime Minister Narendra Modi

    Introduction

    Left Wing Extremism (LWE), often referred to as Naxalism, is one of India’s most serious internal security challenges. Rooted in socio-economic inequalities and fueled by Maoist ideology, LWE has historically affected some of the most remote, underdeveloped, and tribal-dominated regions of the country. The movement has aimed to undermine the Indian state through armed rebellion and parallel governance structures, particularly targeting security forces, public infrastructure, and democratic institutions. Originating from the Naxalbari movement of 1967 in West Bengal, it spread primarily across the “Red Corridor,” affecting states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The Maoist insurgents claim to fight for the rights of the marginalized, particularly tribal communities, but their methods include armed violence, extortion, destruction of infrastructure, and recruitment of children and civilians.

    However, in recent years, India’s multidimensional counter-LWE strategy – combining security enforcement, inclusive development, and community engagement – has delivered significant success. The movement has been systematically weakened, violence has drastically declined, and many LWE-affected districts are being reintegrated into the national mainstream. The government of India is committed to completely eliminate Naxalism by 31st March 2026, since Naxalism is seen as the biggest obstacle in the development of remote areas and tribal villages, as it prevents education, healthcare, connectivity, banking, and postal services from reaching these villages.

    The number of LWE affected districts reduced from 126 to 90 in April 2018, 70 in July 2021 and further to 38 in April-2024. Out of total Naxalism-affected districts, number of most affected districts has been reduced from 12 to 6, which include four districts from Chhattisgarh (Bijapur, Kanker, Narayanpur, and Sukma), one from Jharkhand (West Singhbhum), and one from Maharashtra (Gadchiroli). Similarly, out of the total 38 affected districts, the number of Districts of Concern, where additional resources need to be intensively provided beyond the severely affected districts, has reduced from 9 to 6. These 6 districts are: Andhra Pradesh (Alluri Sitarama Raju), Madhya Pradesh (Balaghat), Odisha (Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Malkangiri), and Telangana (Bhadradri-Kothagudem). Due to persistent action against Naxalism, number of Other LWE-affected Districts has also decreased from 17 to 6. These include districts from Chhattisgarh (Dantewada, Gariaband, and Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki), Jharkhand (Latehar), Odisha (Nuapada), and Telangana (Mulugu). In the last 10 years, over 8,000 Naxalites have abandoned the path of violence, and consequently, the number of Naxal-affected districts has reduced to fewer than 20.

    The most affected Districts and Districts of Concern are given financial assistance of Rs. 30 crore and Rs. 10 crore, respectively, by the Government of India under a special scheme, Special Central Assistance (SCA), to fill the gaps in public infrastructure. Apart from this, special projects are also provided for these districts as per the need.

    Incidents of violence by LWE which reached its highest level of 1936 in 2010 have reduced to 374 in 2024 i.e. a reduction of 81%. The total number of deaths (civilians + security forces) has also reduced by 85% during this period from 1005 deaths in 2010 to 150 in 2024.

    State-wise details of LWE perpetrated violence (number of deaths recorded) in the last 3 years are as given under:

    State

    2022

    2023

    2024

    Andhra Pradesh

    3

    3

    1

    Bihar

    11

    4

    2

    Chhattisgarh

    246

    305

    267

    Jharkhand

    96

    129

    69

    Kerala

    0

    4

    0

    Madhya Pradesh

    16

    7

    11

    Maharashtra

    16

    19

    10

    Odisha

    16

    12

    6

    Telangana

    9

    3

    8

    West Bengal

    0

    0

    0

    TOTAL

    413

    485

    374

    Government Strategy: National Policy and Action Plan (2015) and other Key Initiatives

    The government of India has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards left-wing extremism and with 100% implementation of government schemes, it seeks to fully develop the LWE-affected areas. The government had laid down two rules of law to fight left wing extremism. First, to establish the rule of law in Naxalism-affected areas and completely stop illegal violent activities. Second, to quickly compensate for the loss in those areas which were deprived of development due to the long Naxalite movement.

    To address the LWE menace holistically, a National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE was approved in 2015. It envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security related measures, development interventions, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities etc.

    The Central Government closely monitors the situation and supplements and coordinates their efforts in several ways. These include providing the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs); sanction of India Reserve (IR) battalions, setting up of Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorism (CIAT) schools; modernisation and upgradation of the State Police and their Intelligence apparatus; reimbursement of security related expenditure under the Security-related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme; providing helicopters for anti-LWE operations, assistance in training of State Police through the Ministry of Defence, the Central Police Organisations and the Bureau of Police Research and Development; sharing of Intelligence; facilitating inter-State coordination; assistance in community policing and civic action programmes etc. On development side, apart from flagship schemes, Government of India has taken several specific initiatives in LWE affected States, with special thrust on expansion of road network, improving telecommunication connectivity, skilling and financial inclusion.

    • Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme: This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. Under the SRE Scheme, the Central Government reimburses security related expenditure for LWE affected districts and districts earmarked for monitoring. The reimbursement includes the expenditure relating to training and operational needs of security forces, ex-gratia payment to the family of civilians/security forces killed/injured in LWE violence, rehabilitation of surrendered LWE cadres, community policing, village defence committees and publicity materials. The SRE Scheme aims at strengthening of the capacity of the LWE affected States to fight the LWE menace effectively. During 2014-15 to 2024-25, Rs. 3260.37 crore has been released under this Scheme.
    • Special Central Assistance (SCA) for most LWE affected districts: This Scheme was approved in 2017 and is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. The main objective of the Scheme is to fill the critical gaps in Public Infrastructure and Services in most LWE affected districts, which are of emergent nature. Till now, Rs 3,563 crore have been released since the inception of Scheme in 2017.
    • Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS): This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. Under Special Infrastructure Scheme, funds are provided for strengthening of State Intelligence Branches (SIBs), Special Forces, District Polices and Fortified Police Stations (FPSs). Under the SIS, Rs. 1741 crore have been sanctioned. 221 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed under the Scheme.
    • Scheme of Fortified Police stations: Under the scheme 400 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed in 10 LWE affected States. Put together 612 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed in LWE affected areas in the last 10 years. This is in contrast to 2014, when there were only 66 fortified police stations.
    • Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE management Scheme: This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. Under the Scheme, assistance is provided to Central Agencies (CAPFs/IAF etc.) for strengthening of infrastructure and hiring charges for Helicopters. Rs. 1120.32 crore have been given to Central Agencies during the period 2014-15 to 2024-25.
    • Civic Action Programme (CAP): This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’ to bridge the gaps between Security Forces and local people through personal interaction and bring the human face of SFs before the local population. The Scheme has been very successful in achieving its goal. Under the Scheme, funds are released to the CAPFs, deployed in LWE affected areas, for conducting various civic activities for the welfare of the local people. Rs. 196.23 crore has been released to CAPFs since 2014-15.
    • Media Plan: The Maoists have been misguiding and luring the innocent tribals/ local population in LWE affected areas by their so-called poor-friendly revolution through petty incentives or by following their coercive strategy. Their false propaganda is targeted against the security forces and the democratic setup. Therefore, the Government is implementing this Scheme in LWE affected areas. Under the scheme activities like Tribal Youth Exchange programmes, radio jingles, documentaries, pamphlets etc. are being conducted. Rs. 52.52 crore have been released under the scheme since 2017-18.
    • Road Requirement Plan-I (RRP-I) for LWE affected areas and Road Connectivity Project for LWE affected areas (RCPLWE): The RRP-I Scheme is being implemented by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways for improving road connectivity in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh. The RCPLWE scheme was launched in the year 2016 to improve the road connectivity in 44 worst affected LWE districts and some adjoining districts in 9 States, viz. Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. The scheme has twin objectives of enabling smooth and seamless anti-LWE operations by the security forces and also ensuring socio-economic development of the area. 17,589 km of roads have been sanctioned under these two schemes. Of these, 14,618 km have been constructed.
    • Telecom Connectivity: 3 telecom projects, namely, Mobile Connectivity Project Phase-I & Phase-II, Provision of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages of Aspirational Districts and Saturation of 4G mobile services, are being implemented in LWE affected areas to improve telecom connectivity. A total of 10,505 mobile towers have been planned, of which 7,768 towers have been commissioned. The entire Naxal-affected region will be equipped with mobile connectivity by December 1, 2025.
    • Aspirational District: The Ministry of Home Affairs has been tasked with the monitoring of Aspirational districts programme in 35 LWE affected districts.
    • Financial Inclusion: For financial inclusion of the local populace in these areas, 1,007 bank branches and 937 ATMs in 30 Most LWE affected districts and 5,731 new post offices have been opened in LWE affected districts since April 2015. 37,850 Banking Correspondents (BCs) have been made operational in Most LWE affected districts.
    • Skill Development and Education: For Skill development 48 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 61 Skill Development Centres (SDCs) have been made functional in LWE affected districts.  For quality education in tribal blocks of LWE affected districts 178 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) have been made functional in LWE affected districts. The Skill Development Scheme reached all 48 districts, and a strong vertical of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was created. 1,143 tribal youths were recruited into the security forces.

    Since 2019, to fill the security vacuum, 280 new camps have been established, 15 new Joint Task Forces have been created, and 6 CRPF battalions have been deployed to assist state police in various states. Along with this, an offensive strategy has been adopted by activating the National Investigation Agency to choke the financing of Naxalites, which has resulted in a shortage of financial resources for them. Multiple long-duration operations were conducted, ensuring that the Naxalites are surrounded, leaving them with no opportunity to escape.

    October 2, 2024, PM Narendra Modi launched the ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ from Jharkhand. This campaign will be a milestone in providing personal amenities for achieving full saturation in rural areas in over 15,000 villages, benefiting nearly 1.5 crore people in LWE affected areas. The government is strengthening 3-C i.e., Road connectivity, Mobile connectivity and Financial connectivity in the LWE affected areas.

    Success Stories

    As part of zero-tolerance policy against Naxalism, 90 Naxals have been killed, 104 arrested, and 164 have surrendered in the year, by March 2025. In 2024, 290 Naxalites were neutralized, 1,090 were arrested, and 881 surrendered.

    Recently on 30th March 2025, 50 Naxalites in Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) surrendered. On 29th March 2025, our security agencies neutralised 16 Naxalites and recovered a massive cache of automatic weapons in an operation in Sukma (Chhattisgarh). On 20th March 2025, in two different operations by our security forces in Bijapur and Kanker, Chhattisgarh, 22 Naxals were killed, achieving another major success in the ‘Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan’.

    As per the information shared by the honourable Home Minister, for the first time in 30 years, the number of casualties due to LWE was below 100 in 2022, which is a significant achievement. From 2014 to 2024, there has been a substantial decline in Naxal-related incidents. 15 top Naxal leaders have been neutralized, and the government welfare schemes have been better implemented to reach to the last man in the queue. Areas like Buddha Pahad and Chakarbandha have been completely free from the grip of Naxalism. 85% of the LWE cadre strength in Chhattisgarh has been eliminated. Since January 2024, a total of 237 Naxalites have been killed, 812 arrested, and 723 have surrendered in Chhattisgarh. More than 13,000 people from the Northeast, Kashmir, and LWE affected areas have renounced violence and joined the mainstream.

    In 2014, there were 330 police stations where Naxal incidents occurred, but now this number has reduced to 104. Earlier Naxal-affected area was spread in more than 18,000 square kilometers, now only span 4,200 square kilometers. Between 2004 and 2014, there were a total of 16,463 incidents of Naxal violence. However, during 2014 to 2024, the number of violent incidents decreased by 53%, dropping to 7,744. Similarly, the number of causalities of security forces decreased by 73%, from 1,851 to 509. By 2014, there were a total of 66 fortified police stations, but over the past 10 years, their number has increased to 612. In the past 5 years, a total of 302 new security camps and 68 night landing helipads have been established.

    To financially choke the Naxalites and break their financial backbone, National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Enforcement Directorate were used, seizing several crores of rupees from Naxalites. Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), cases were filed, and those who funded the Naxalites were sent behind bars. To bring development to Naxal-affected areas, the budget allocation for these regions was increased by 300%.

    In December 2023, within a single year, 380 Naxalites were killed, 1,194 were arrested, and 1,045 surrendered.

    Conclusion

    India’s multi-pronged strategy against Left Wing Extremism has significantly weakened the insurgency, both territorially and operationally. The government’s focus on a blend of security, development, and rights-based empowerment has transformed the landscape in previously affected areas. With sustained political will, administrative commitment, and people’s participation, the vision of a LWE-free India is closer than ever.

    References

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2062905

    https://www.mha.gov.in/en/divisionofmha/left-wing-extremism-division

    https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-01/QuestionFaqEng_16012025.pdf

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2042128

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/183/AU3524_Vx5iCE.pdf?source=pqals

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/182/AU2378_awyJFP.pdf?source=pqals

    https://www.narendramodi.in/our-prime-role-is-to-ensure-good-governance-harness-aspirations-of-those-who-have-reposed-faith-in-us-pm-540680

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112250

    https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/267/AU2951_bVSJLP.pdf?source=pqars

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU3989_Tr9MsC.pdf?source=pqals

    https://x.com/amitshah/status/1909881269950853260?s=48&t=TYQpZk9GYbxE_Un686FYnA
    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2117140

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113303

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113902

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2042680

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2101652

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2116756

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2116853

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILUCYOQpDTc

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2115170 

    See in PDF

    ***

    Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal

    (Release ID: 2120771) Visitor Counter : 74

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Police and security cooperation between Europol and the Dominican Republic – E-001379/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001379/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Javi López (S&D), Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D)

    The fight against organised transnational crime, internal security, and respect for and compliance with the law are objectives shared by the countries of the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean. Police cooperation between the two regions is key to ensuring safer societies for our citizens. The cooperation agreements signed by Europol with third countries are of great importance in this regard.

    The Dominican Republic is one of the most stable and safest countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, with one of the lowest homicide rates in the entire region and excellent bilateral cooperation on internal security with many European Member States. However, the Dominican Republic and Europol have not signed cooperation agreement, as this would require the country to be declared a ‘country of interest’ by the European Commission (DG HOME).

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission intend to add the Dominican Republic to its list of countries of interest to Europol?
    • 2.What action is being taken in this regard and what progress has been achieved?

    Submitted: 3.4.2025

    Last updated: 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Montgomery Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm Recovered at Scene of Shooting Where 4-Year-Old Was Injured

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

    ?           MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the sentencing of a Montgomery, Alabama man for illegally possessing a firearm recovered at the scene of a shooting. On April 9, 2025, a judge ordered that 27-year-old Grenden James Jordan serve 174 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Following his 14-and-a-half-year prison sentence, Jordan will be on supervised release for three years. There is no parole in the federal system.

                According to court records and evidence presented at his January 2025 trial, on March 16, 2024, an officer with the Montgomery Police Department responded to the scene of a shooting on Atlanta Highway near the Eastern Boulevard overpass after hearing gun shots. Upon arrival, the officer saw three men walking away from a blue Dodge Challenger that was stopped in one of the lanes of traffic. One of the men, later identified as Grenden James Jordan, was observed by the officer throwing a firearm towards the side of the road. This was also captured on the officer’s dash cam video. The three men fled the scene.

                Witnesses stated that the three men were occupants of the Dodge Challenger and had exchanged gunfire with a red sedan, which left the scene when law enforcement arrived. Numerous bullet holes were found on the Dodge Challenger. There was a third vehicle on the scene that had been caught in the crossfire and had gunshot damage as well. This vehicle was occupied by innocent bystanders including a mother, father, and four-year-old child. The child sustained injuries from broken glass caused by the gunshots and was treated.

                Officers recovered an AR-style pistol from the area where the firearm had been thrown by Jordan, along with a high-capacity drum magazine with ammunition. During the trial, the jury saw a photo taken prior to March 16, 2024, showing Jordan posing with an AR-style pistol matching the one found on the scene of the shooting. Law enforcement found two additional firearms when searching Jordan’s residence in April of 2024. Jordan has previous felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. The jury found Jordan guilty earlier this year for illegally possessing the firearm recovered on March 16, 2024.

                “This significant sentence not only reflects the need to ensure justice is served, but it also reflects the gravity of the danger posed by Grenden Jordan’s reckless behavior,” said Acting United States Attorney Davidson. “Violent crime has an enormous impact on communities and those that work and live within them, including our children. This case is a stark reminder of the harm that can be inflicted when individuals use guns to settle disputes without regard for the wellbeing of others. Montgomery is a safer place with Grenden Jordan off the streets.” 

                “This type of disregard for human life will not be tolerated and most especially by a previously convicted felon,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Rachel Byrd. “FBI Mobile will continue to work alongside our state, local, and federal partners to bring justice to the victims of this senseless gun violence.”

                This case was brought as a 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.

                The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and Michelle R. Turner prosecuted.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Admits Fraudulently Obtaining Student Visa, Other Documents

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

    T. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis County, Missouri on Wednesday admitted fraudulently obtaining a student visa and admission to the University of Missouri and admitted using the visa to obtain a Social Security card, a driver license, a bank account and an apartment.

    Mercy Ojedeji, 24, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of unlawful use of fraudulent immigration documents and one count of wire fraud.

    Ojedeji admitted using counterfeit academic transcripts, recommendations, a resume and a report about his English language proficiency to obtain a student visa from the University of Missouri and admission to the chemistry PhD program in the fall of 2023. Ojedeji also obtained a stipend and a tuition waiver worth more than $49,000. Ojedeji presented his student visa and other documents to the Social Security Administration to obtain a Social Security card and used the fraudulently-issued Social Security number and other documents to open a bank account. He also used the Social Security number and documents produced by his paramour to rent an apartment. After Ojedeji failed to attend classes, his assistantship or join a research group, the university terminated him from the graduate program in January 2024. This also resulted in the termination of his student visa. On Feb. 26, 2024, Ojedeji used his fraudulently-obtained and now invalid visa and other documents to obtain a Missouri driver license.

    The investigation into Ojedeji began when the U.S. Postal Inspection Service received complaints that romance fraud victims were mailing packages containing cash and gift cards to the home of Ojedeji’s paramour. Between Dec. 19, 2023, and Jan. 4, 2024, 35 Express Mail packages that had been tracked by Nigerian internet protocol addresses were delivered to the paramour’s address. A court-approved search of the home resulted in the discovery of packages sent pursuant to a Nigerian romance fraud scheme. A total of 193 packages were sent to the home through the Postal Services Express Mail, Federal Express, and United Parcel Service during Ojedeji’s relationship with the woman. At sentencing, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will argue that the total intended loss is more than $1 million, based on the $94,150 contained in the 17 packages seized by law enforcement. Ojedeji continues to deny any involvement in romance fraud.

    A judge will ultimately determine the loss amount at Ojedeji’s sentencing hearing, scheduled for July 10. Wire fraud carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine. The immigration charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and the same fine.

    “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from criminal activity, preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail, and protecting United States Postal Service employees. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service values our law enforcement partners for supporting our mission to protect the integrity of the U.S. Mail,” said Ruth M. Mendonça, Inspector in Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Field Office.

    The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case, with the assistance of the FBI and the Town and Country Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Laguna Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Assault Charges Involving Serious Injuries

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Laguna man pleaded guilty to federal assault charges for a violent attack that left the victim hospitalized with serious injuries.

    According to court records, on August 18, 2023, Kenzie Alonzo, 26, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, physically assaulted Jane Doe during a verbal altercation. As a result, Jane Doe sustained serious bodily injury, including a concussion, severe bruising, and bite marks, requiring emergency medical transport and hospitalization.

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

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

    The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Zia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stephenville — Bay St. George RCMP seizes cocaine, other drugs and prohibited weapon; man arrested

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Bay St. George RCMP conducted a traffic stop on a parked vehicle on April 6, 2025, that resulted in the seizure of drugs and a weapon and the arrest of 28-year-old Austin Feltham.

    At approximately 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, Bay St. George RCMP checked on a vehicle that was parked on a commercial property on Carolina Avenue in Stephenville. The driver, Austin Feltham, was detained as part of an impaired driving investigation. Feltham was found in possession of cocaine and brass knuckles. He was arrested. A search of the vehicle was conducted. As part of this investigation, the following items were seized:

    • Nearly 30 grams of cocaine
    • Two tablets labeled as Xanax
    • More than 12 grams of an unknown substance that will be sent for a drug analysis
    • A prohibited weapon – brass knuckles
    • Other items consisted with possession for the purpose of trafficking

    Feltham is due to appear in court at a later date and is charged with the following criminal offences:

    • Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
    • Possession of a prohibited weapon
    • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

    The investigation is continuing with further charges possible.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Four Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions, Fills One County Vacancy

    Source: US State of Missouri

    APRIL 10, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced four appointments to various boards and commissions and filled one county vacancy.

    Joseph Barbaglia, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners.

    Mr. Barbaglia is the owner of Columbia Auto Parts and currently serves as secretary for the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners. He has been a member of the board since 2017. He is a dedicated member and volunteer with several community associations and civic organizations, including the Second District Police Business Association, St. Ambrose Athletic Association, Toys for Tots, and the Soap Box Derby.

    Cary Corley, of Lee’s Summit, was appointed to the Committee of Professional Counselors.

    Dr. Corley is the clinical director and owner of Corley Counseling, LLC. Licensed in both Missouri and Kansas, he has earned the National Certified Counselor credential, awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors. In addition to his professional work, Corley is a member of the Election Committee for the Lakewood Homeowners Association and a ministry leader at Abundant Life Church in Lee’s Summit. Dr. Corley earned his Doctor of Counseling from Midwestern College, a Master of Arts in Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alabama.

    Kelly Marriott, of Calhoun, was appointed as the Henry County Clerk.

    Ms. Marriott currently serves as the deputy county clerk and elections coordinator for Henry County, a position she has held for almost two decades. She is an active member of her community and has been a member of the Calhoun Colt Show Committee since 2015. Ms. Marriott is a graduate of Calhoun R-8 High School.

    Dudley McCarter, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.

    Mr. McCarter is a principal of Behr, McCarter, Neely & Gabris, P.C., specializing in civil and construction litigation. McCarter was first appointed to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education in 2019. A former president of both The Missouri Bar and the St. Louis County Bar Association, he has received several prestigious awards for his quality of work, leadership, and integrity, including the Spurgeon Smithson Award, the Purcell Professionalism Award, and Missouri Lawyers Media’s prestigious ICON award. McCarter served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1972 to 1980, earning the rank of captain before being honorably discharged. Mr. McCarter received his bachelor’s degree from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law.

    Andrew Schwartz, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners.

    Mr. Schwartz is the president of AJ Adhesives, Inc, and Mid-America Packaging. Schwartz first served on the St. Louis City Board of Elections from 2011 to 2016 and again in 2024. He is an active member of his community, serving as a voting member of the Forest Park Advisory Board, a local soccer, basketball and baseball coach, and an officer for the Entrepreneurs’ Organization. Mr. Schwartz earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Southeast Missouri State University.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Holyrood — Arrest warrant issued for Simon Dobbin (UPDATED)

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Update: Simon Dobbin was arrested by Holyrood RCMP on April 3, 2025.

    Holyrood RCMP is looking to arrest wanted man, 34-year-old Simon Dobbin of St. Joseph’s. Dobbin is wanted for charges of assault and two counts of breaching a release order.

    An image of Dobbin is attached.

    Anyone having information about Dobbin’s current location is asked to contact Holyrood RCMP at 709-229-3892. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Deer Lake — RCMP-RNC JFO West arrests two individuals found in possession of cocaine and cash at traffic stop on TCH near Deer Lake

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Two men, ages 64 and 42, of Deer Lake were arrested by RCMP-RNC Joint Forces Operation (JFO) West at a traffic stop on the Trans-Canada Highway on April 8, 2025.

    As part of an ongoing investigation, JFO West, with assistance from Deer Lake RCMP, stopped a vehicle on the TCH, near Deer Lake. Officers located and seized approximately 5 ounces of cocaine, more than $18,000.00 cash and other items consistent with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

    The two were released from custody and are set to appear in court at a later date. Each man will answer to a charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine.

    The investigation is continuing.

    JFO West, which includes dedicated police officers from both the RCMP and RNC, targets drug trafficking and organized crime on the west coast of the province.

    If you are a resident on the province’s west coast and you suspect there is drug trafficking in your neighbourhood, JFO West wants to talk with you. You can remain anonymous while speaking directly with a police officer by contacting the JFO West designated drug line at (709) 637-4221.

    Residents in other areas of the province are encouraged to contact their local police detachment to report illegal drug activities.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shiprock Man Guilty of Assault in Stabbing Case

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

    strong>ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man pleaded guilty as charged in his federal indictment for assault with a dangerous weapon because he intentionally stabbed his ex-girlfriend and struck her with his vehicle during a violent altercation.

    According to court records, on November 2, 2024, Jane Doe, and her sister were stopped at a road construction zone when her ex-boyfriend, Tyrell Lee Johnson, 29, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, approached their vehicle. Johnson physically attacked Jane Doe, striking her head, stabbing her abdomen with a knife, and striking her with his vehicle as he fled the scene. Jane Doe sustained injuries, including an abdominal wound, bruises, abrasions, and a concussion.

    Navajo Police located Johnson’s vehicle in Cudei, New Mexico, identified by its damaged front bumper, and apprehended him after a brief pursuit. Officers recovered a black folding knife from Johnson’s possession and confirmed he had no alcohol in his system during processing.

    At sentencing, Johnson faces up to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

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

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two men convicted of manslaughter

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two men have been convicted of manslaughter following the death of 34-year-old Justin Henry in Croydon.

    Lewis Benjamin, 30 (29.03.1994) of Waddon New Road, Croydon and Jamal Ali-Richards, 29 (20.10.1995) of Thornlaw Road, Norwood appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday, 10 April 2025, where following an eight-week-trial, they were both convicted of manslaughter. They were found not guilty of murder.

    The court heard that while Justin had been reported missing, Benjamin and Ali-Richards were discarding of his body and attempting to clean up evidence of his death.

    Detective Chief Inspector Craig Magee of the Met’s Specialist Crime Team who led the investigation said:

    “Justin’s disappearance prompted a complex and extensive investigation.

    “Today’s verdict is testament to the painstaking efforts of the investigation team. Benjamin and Ali-Richards went to great lengths to dispose of evidence and cover their tracks, which included significant attempts to dispose of Justin’s body. Despite these efforts, the team worked tirelessly to piece together the evidence and establish the facts.

    “The loss of Justin continues to have a long lasting and devastating impact on his family and friends. Throughout the investigation and trial, the strength and resilience shown by them has been extraordinary. I hope that today’s verdict will provide an opportunity for them to begin rebuilding their lives.”

    Justin was reported missing on Monday, 16 October 2023 as he never returned home after he left his girlfriend’s house the evening before.

    CCTV enquiries showed Justin was last seen alive buying food at McDonald’s drive-thru in Croydon on Sunday, 15 October before driving to Waddon New Road, where Benjamin lived. Justin’s car stayed for over two hours and was then moved to Kingswood Drive a 19 minute drive away, it is believed that Justin had sadly died by this point and someone else had moved his vehicle.

    The location of Justin’s car highlighted Lewis Benjamin, who lived on Waddon New Road, as a suspect. His friend, Jamal Ali-Richards was also determined as a suspect.

    When officers arrived at Lewis Benjamin’s address, it had been cleared of most furniture and the carpet had been ripped up and removed. The flat also appeared to have been recently deep-cleaned. Police declared the flat as a crime scene and forensic officers were called to the property, they located small spatters of blood on the walls.

    Less than 100 metres from the address, officers located black plastic bags which contained a section of heavily blood soaked carpet. When tested, the blood from the address and the carpet was matched to Justin Henry.

    Benjamin was arrested on 24 October 2023. When officers arrived at this address, he ran into the back garden, throwing his phone away before being detained and arrested. When his phone was analysed, it showed that Benjamin had been in contact with Justin Henry prior to his disappearance.

    In interview, he refused to answer any questions. Despite this, he was charged on 25 October 2023 with murder.

    Ali-Richards handed himself into police and was arrested on 27 October 2023. He was subsequently charged with murder on 29 October.

    Officers continued to analyse CCTV footage and other information. On Monday, 6 November officers located one of two cars the defendants had bought in the days following the murder and placed false number plates on. This car was parked off Dale Road in Purley. When forensic officers arrived, Justin’s body was located in the boot.

    On 17 February 2025, Lewis Benjamin pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice following his attempts to disguise his actions and dispose of evidence. On 21 March 2025, during the trial, Jamal Ali-Richards also pleaded guilty to this. Both men pleaded not guilty to murder, but following an eight-week trial which began on 17 February 2025, they were both convicted of manslaughter.

    DCI Craig Magee added: “Today’s verdict sends a clear message that we will work tirelessly to hold those who commit such crimes to account.”

    Ali-Richards and Benjamin will appear at Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday, 10 June 2025 for sentencing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Everett man charged federally for illegally possessing a destructive device, a firearm and ammunition

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant allegedly tossed an explosive into victims’ car then left a voicemail message using racial slurs

    Seattle – A 54-year-old Everett, Washington man will make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Seattle today at 2:00, after being charged federally in connection with a pipe bomb explosion that destroyed a neighbor’s car, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Steven Goldstine was originally charged in Snohomish County for the suspected hate crime. He is now charged in federal court by criminal complaint with unlawful possession of a destructive device, unlawful possession of ammunition, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

    According to records filed in the case, on December 31, 2024, Everett Police responded to reports of an explosion in a car parked at an apartment complex. The victims told police they suspected Goldstine due to prior conflicts they had had with him. The day after the explosion they received a voice message using racial slurs and referencing the explosion in the vehicle. Further analysis of the records led investigators to believe it was Goldstine.

    Using video footage from the apartment complex and other cameras in the area investigators determined the bomber’s clothing and direction of travel. When they executed a search warrant at Goldstine’s home law enforcement found a jacket and shoes that appeared to match those seen in the video.  Law enforcement also seized more than 700 rounds of ammunition. Goldstine is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to prior felony convictions for burglary, arson and possession of stolen property.

    In reviewing Goldstine’s history, law enforcement determined that on September 17, 2020, law enforcement searched Goldstine’s residence following a report that while out in his car he had pointed a gun at protestors. The action was captured on video. In the search of Goldstine’s home in 2020, the firearm was seized by law enforcement. The federal complaint filed this week charges Goldstine with that illegal firearms possession.

    Unlawful possession of a destructive device and unlawful possession of a firearm, as charged in this case, are both punishable by up to ten years in prison. Unlawful possession of ammunition is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

    The charges contained in the criminal complaint 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.

    The case is being investigated by the Everett Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Manca. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Minnesota Couple Indicted in $15 Million Medical Billing Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – An indictment was unsealed today alleging that Gabriel Langford and Elizabeth Brown, a Minnesota couple, engaged in a $15 million scheme to defraud Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurers by overbilling for neurofeedback therapy, following the couple’s arrest and initial appearances in Las Vegas, Nevada, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

    According to court documents, beginning in 2018, Gabriel Adam Alexander Luthor, a.k.a. Gabriel Adam Alexander Langford, 39, and Elizabeth Christine Brown, 40, intentionally devised and carried out a scheme to overbill Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurers for medical services provided through Golden Victory Medical, LLC (GVM). Luthor and Brown were in a relationship, and together founded GVM in 2018.

    According to court documents, one of the main medical services GVM claimed to provide was neurofeedback therapy. During neurofeedback therapy, a medical provider places sensors on a patient’s scalp to obtain images of the patient’s brain waves, for the purpose of indicating the effects of interventions meant to treat mental-health conditions. But according to the indictment, Luthor and Brown fraudulently overbilled insurers for GVM’s neurofeedback services using numerous inapplicable medical codes.

    For example, GVM repeatedly submitted claims to insurers using medical codes that did not cover the neurofeedback services that GVM provided, combinations of codes that by definition could not be combined, and codes that indicated that GVM’s patients received a longer duration of services than the company had actually provided. Luthor and Brown caused GVM to continue submitting false claims even after repeated warnings from insurers, an outside auditor, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

    In total, GVM submitted hundreds of thousands of false claims to insurers, many of which the insurers paid, resulting in an estimated loss of over $15 million. Millions of dollars in fraudulent proceeds were transferred from bank account to bank account and ultimately retained by Luthor and Brown. Luthor and Brown used the funds to purchase a mansion in Eden Prairie and to pay their living expenses and the living expenses of other girlfriends of Luthor’s, who lived with Luthor and Brown and assisted in the fraud scheme.  

    “Minnesota has a fraud problem,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.  “This case is yet another example of defendants defrauding government programs out of millions.  This type of widespread fraud is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”    

    “Defrauding critical healthcare programs like Medicaid and Medicare burden systems designed to serve patients and puts them at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “The FBI and our partners will not tolerate those who abuse the healthcare system for personal gain and will pursue justice on behalf of taxpayers and patients.”

    Luthor and Brown are each charged with six counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. They made their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in the District of Nevada earlier this week.

    This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Eden Prairie Police Department, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Forbes is prosecuting the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Home Secretary letter on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    Home Secretary letter on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee

    The Home Secretary has written to all police and crime commissioners and chief constables in England and Wales about the launch of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.

    Applies to England and Wales

    Documents

    Letter from the Home Secretary to police and crime commissioners and chief constables on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee (accessible)

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    Letter from the Home Secretary to police and crime commissioners and chief constables on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee

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    Details

    Letter from the Home Secretary to police and crime commissioners and chief constables in England and Wales outlining the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man sentenced for manslaughter through diminished responsibility

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A 32-year-old man has been sentenced for manslaughter through diminished responsibility, after he stabbed his stepfather in his own home.

    Adejuwon Olufemi Alexander Jnr Oyekan, 32 (08.11.1992) of Melina Close, Hayes, was sentenced to a hospital order until deemed fit for release, on Thursday, 10 April at the Old Bailey. He had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter through diminished responsibility at the same court on Monday, 24 February 2025.

    Officers were called to a residence in Hayes in the early hours of Tuesday, 11 July 2023, to reports Oyekan had stabbed his 54-year-old stepfather Jason Thompson.

    When they arrived, officers were faced with Oyekan still armed with the knife which he had used to attack Jason.

    After the first responding officers had gained entry to residence they challenged Oyekan, initially using their tasers in an attempt to disarm him. When this was unsuccessful, they then left the address to await support from armed response officers to detain him.

    When officers returned to the property, they made it their priority to assist Jason. However, sadly and despite the best efforts of the emergency services, Jason died from his injuries at the scene.

    Barbara Thompson, sister to Jason Thompson:

    “Jason and I had a special bond. We were both cheerleaders for one another and revelled in each other’s good news and growth. Equally, his love for family and life was authentic and abundant.

    “There is not a day that goes past without tears and my heart aching. I still struggle with the reality that he’s not here. I struggle with the violence he endured. I struggle with the unfairness of my brother being taken so tragically.

    “Jason leaves behind a beautiful, attentive and caring legacy and I and so many others thank him for the beautiful memories, care and love he provided.”

    Detective Chief Inspector Laura Semple from the Met’s Public Protection Partnership, said:

    “Our thoughts remain with Jason’s family throughout this difficult time”

    “I’d like to thank the first responding officers who attended the scene and demonstrated huge bravery to challenge Oyekan, who was armed and acting aggressively.

    “Their quick thinking, to use the tools at their disposal, guaranteed Oyekan was admitted to custody from the scene, and did not go on to pose a wider threat to the public.”

    “Oyekan will now be detained under a hospital order until he is deemed fit for release, meaning he will no longer be a risk to the public.”

    Oyekan was arrested at the scene and charged with murder on Wednesday, 11 July 2023.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pittsburgh Resale Businesses Owner Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Operating Extensive Interstate Fencing Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on April 9, 2025, to five years in prison on his conviction of money laundering and conspiracy in connection with the sale and interstate transportation of stolen goods, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Durrell Waters, 41, also ordering him to serve three years of federal supervised release following his imprisonment. A federal jury found Waters guilty on four counts of money laundering and one count of conspiracy in August 2024 (read the verdict news release here).

    Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak stated that the evidence presented against Waters was extensive, and that the victims of this crime included people experiencing addiction, retail establishments, and all consumers. Judge Hornak noted that, unlike some crimes that take place in a single event, Waters’s criminal conspiracy took place over the course of years and “required [Waters] to decide every day to keep doing this.” Judge Hornak emphasized the need for members of the public to be deterred from similar conduct and remarked that “a sentence without substantial imprisonment would be insufficient.”

    According to information presented to the Court, Waters was one of the primary owners of a series of Pittsburgh and surrounding area second-hand or resale businesses called Trader Electronics, Last Call Entertainment, and The Outlet. From 2013 through 2016, Waters conspired with others to use these businesses as a front for a criminal fencing operation that sold over the internet a wide variety of health and beauty aids and over-the-counter medications like teeth whiteners, vitamins, hair and skin care products, makeup, and other similar items.

    Waters’s stores and similar stores in the area knowingly engaged in high-volume purchases of stolen brand-new retail health and beauty aids and other products, such as new-release DVDs, from walk-in sellers who had shoplifted, or “boosted”, the items. Store records reflected that Waters and his businesses purchased hundreds of thousands of brand-new items, sometimes for less than 10% of their value, from a group of repeat shoplifters. Waters and his businesses then resold that stolen property online via several Amazon and eBay storefronts, with the proceeds from the stores’s main Amazon account totaling over $4.3 million during the conspiracy.

    Evidence presented at sentencing highlighted the widespread and diverse economic and public health harms caused or aggravated by this conduct. Ripple effects from high-volume retail theft harm consumers by imposing more and more restrictive anti-theft measures in stores and costs every consumer hundreds of dollars per year. Additionally, many of the boosters were people experiencing drug addiction who used the money paid to them by Waters to finance their dependency and feed the drug epidemic.

    Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin C. Dobkin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Waters. Police departments from the City of Pittsburgh, Ross Township, and Shaler Township also assisted in the investigation.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More detail announced on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    More detail announced on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee

    3,000 additional neighbourhood police officers and police community support officers will be in post within the next 12 months, the government has confirmed.

    Getty Images.

    The news was announced today by the Prime Minister during a visit to Cambridgeshire, as further detail was made public on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.

    As part of this, every neighbourhood in England and Wales will have dedicated teams spending their time on the beat, with guaranteed police patrols in town centres and other hotspot areas at peak times such as Friday and Saturday nights. 

    Communities will also have named, contactable officers to tackle the issues facing their communities.

    There will be a dedicated antisocial behaviour lead in every force, working with residents and businesses to develop tailored action plans to tackle antisocial behaviour, which is blighting communities.

    These measures will be in place from July, in addition to the new neighbourhood officers who will be in their roles by next April.

    The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will put 13,000 more officers into communities by 2029, an increase of more than 50%. The early focus of the plan will be to establish named local officers, target town centre crime and build back neighbourhood policing.

    Under these plans, communities across the country will, for the first time in 15 years, be able to hold forces to account and expect a minimum standard of policing in their area.

    The government’s new Police Standards and Performance Improvement Unit will ensure police performance is consistently and accurately measured.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. John’s — RCMP NL warns of dangerous counterfeit pharmaceutical substances in circulation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP NL is warning the public of the presence of counterfeit pharmaceuticals recently seized in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed a number of toxicity (overdose) deaths, involving youth that have ingested these substances.

    In recent cases, substances disguised as Xanax and Dilaudid have been seized as part of drug overdose investigations. Xanax, which is benzodiazepine (alprazolam), is medically prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Dilaudid is a strong opioid composed of hydromorphone and is medically prescribed for pain management. The counterfeit substances seized, represented as Xanax and Dilaudid, contained non-medicinal drugs/substances.

    The counterfeit Xanax seized was comprised of bromazolam, methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy/molly). Bromazolam, while rarely fatal by itself, can cause significant health risks when combined with opioids. This combination can lead to respiratory depression and coma.

    The counterfeit Dilaudid seized was comprised of protonitazine, an opioid that is more than 20 times more potent than fentanyl. Protonitazine is extremely toxic, even to experienced drug users who have developed tolerance to other opioids.

    Images of the substances are attached. Parents and guardians are encouraged to speak with their children about the associated dangers of substance use.

    RCMP officers throughout the province are equipped with Naloxone kits, which are also readily available for free for the general public through Gov NL’s Health Services. Naloxone kits are only effective for suspected opioid overdose situations and are not effective for those under the influence of other drugs/substances (such as cocaine). Information on how to obtain a Naloxone kit can be found here:

    Naloxone Kit Distribution Sites – Health and Community Services

    If you suspect someone is experiencing a drug overdose, please call 911 immediately and obtain medical support. Residents are reminded of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which offers some legal protections to those experience or witness a drug overdose death. More information on the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act can be found here:

    About the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act – Canada.ca

    Those who are suffering from drug addiction are encouraged to reach out for support. More information on available supports can be found here:

    Mental Health and Addictions – Health and Community Services

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Church Rock Man Faces Federal Charges for Shooting Two Navajo-Nation Members

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – An 18-year-old Gallup man is facing federal charges following a shooting that left one Navajo-Nation member dead and another seriously injured.

    According to court records, in the early morning hours of April 6, 2025, a shooting occurred at a Church Rock, New Mexico residence. A resident of the home awoke to gunshots and, along with a second resident, entered 16-year-old Jane Doe’s bedroom, where the residents discovered 18-year-old John Doe deceased on the floor, Jane Doe suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, and the suspect, Mario Israel Barraza.

    Barraza—identified by both residents as Jane Doe’s former boyfriend—fled the scene immediately after the shooting. Investigators found evidence of forced entry through Jane Doe’s bedroom window, shell casings inside and outside the bedroom, and spent rounds resembling a bullet later extracted from Jane Doe during surgery. Security footage corroborated witness accounts of Barraza fleeing the scene, while Jane Doe confirmed she heard Barraza and John Doe arguing prior to the shooting and that he had a history of entering her bedroom through her window.

    Jane and John Doe are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation. Barraza is not an enrolled member of any federally recognized Tribe.

    Barraza stands charged with murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Barraza faces up to life in prison.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, 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 Ramah-Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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