NewzIntel.com

Category: Police

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gadyaces “Gady” Serralta Nominated to Key Post at United States Marshals Service

    Source: US State of Vermont

    WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice congratulates Gadyaces “Gady” Serralta on his nomination to be the next Director of the United States Marshals Service (USMS).

    Gady Serralta (USMS Director Nominee)

    Beginning his career as a Miami Patrol Officer in 1990, Mr. Serralta has dedicated over 34 years of his life to serving in law enforcement. Mr. Serralta has spent the last six years as the U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Florida after being confirmed in 2018. As the U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Florida, Mr. Serralta faithfully served millions of residents by managing operations across several counties and in multiple courthouses. Prior to becoming a U.S. Marshal, Mr. Serralta was a Major in the Miami-Dade Police Department and the Police Chief for Palmetto Bay, Florida. Mr. Serralta has extensive experience in handling criminal investigations and tackling organized crime.

    Mr. Serralta received a B.S. in Criminal Justice Studies from Florida International University and a M.S. in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gadyaces “Gady” Serralta Nominated to Key Post at United States Marshals Service

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice congratulates Gadyaces “Gady” Serralta on his nomination to be the next Director of the United States Marshals Service (USMS).

    Gady Serralta (USMS Director Nominee)

    Beginning his career as a Miami Patrol Officer in 1990, Mr. Serralta has dedicated over 34 years of his life to serving in law enforcement. Mr. Serralta has spent the last six years as the U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Florida after being confirmed in 2018. As the U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Florida, Mr. Serralta faithfully served millions of residents by managing operations across several counties and in multiple courthouses. Prior to becoming a U.S. Marshal, Mr. Serralta was a Major in the Miami-Dade Police Department and the Police Chief for Palmetto Bay, Florida. Mr. Serralta has extensive experience in handling criminal investigations and tackling organized crime.

    Mr. Serralta received a B.S. in Criminal Justice Studies from Florida International University and a M.S. in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Falls-Windsor — Driver arrested by Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP for impaired operation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 19-year-old woman was arrested by Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP on March 19, 2025, for impaired operation.

    At approximately 3:15 a.m. on Wednesday, police stopped a vehicle on Lincoln Road in Grand Falls-Windsor. The driver showed signs of alcohol impairment, failed a roadside breath test and was arrested. At the detachment, the woman provided further breath samples that were above the legal limit.

    She was released from custody and is set to appear in court at a later date to answer to charges of impaired operation. Her licence was suspended and the vehicle was seized and impounded.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Davenport Man Sentenced to 121 Months in Federal Prison for Firearm and Marijuana Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced yesterday to 121 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon and possessing a distribution quantity of marijuana.

    According to public court documents, and evidence presented at sentencing, Demarcus Letrelle Culberson Jr., 22, possessed a distribution quantity of marijuana in his car and at his residence. At Culberson’s residence, law enforcement also found a loaded firearm. A shell casing found at the scene of an October 2023 shooting was identified as having been fired from the firearm found at Culberson’s residence. Culberson was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he is a felon.

    After completing his term of imprisonment, Culberson will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

    United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Network smuggling migrants between Spain and France busted in Marseille

    Source: Europol

    Europol supported the French National Police (Police Nationale/OLTIM) and the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) in dismantling an organised criminal network smuggling migrants from Spain to France.The investigation was initiated in November 2022 and targeted individuals, based in Marseille, suspected of smuggling migrants between Spain and France. Europol’s analysis of the operational data made it possible to identify additional suspects…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Holyrood — Holyrood RCMP investigates fatal ATV crash in Conception Harbour

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 71-year-old man is deceased following an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crash that occurred on March 20, 2025, in Conception Harbour.

    Shortly after 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Holyrood RCMP received the report of the crash. A motorist came upon the overturned ATV that was towing a trailer, resting in a ditch on the side of the road. The lone occupant of the ATV died at the scene.

    The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner was engaged and the investigation is continuing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Victim of Brixton murder named as detectives continue to appeal for information

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Officers continue to appeal for information following a murder in Brixton.

    Police were called at approximately 05:10hrs on Thursday, 20 March to reports of a man suffering a stab injury in Brixton Road SW9.

    Officers and London Ambulance Service attended but despite their efforts the man sadly died at the scene.

    He has been formally identified as 34-year-old Troy Ramsundar. His family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

    A man arrested at the scene was later released with no further action in relation to the murder.

    Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command and leading the investigation, said: “My thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends at this devastating time.

    “I understand the shock and concern this incident will have on the Brixton community. My team are already working diligently to gather evidence and establish what led to this tragedy. I would ask any local residents with concerns to speak to officers at the scene, or to their local neighbourhood policing teams.

    “If you have any information that could assist this investigation, I would urge you to get in contact immediately. I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the area between 04.45hrs and 06.00hrs and may have seen something.”

    Anyone with information is asked submit this online via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) at this link.

    Alternatively you can call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD843/20Mar.

    You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 754 Fast Track Courts, Including 404 POCSO Courts functional in 30 states, dispose over 3.06 Lakh cases by January 2025

    Source: Government of India

    754 Fast Track Courts, Including 404 POCSO Courts functional in 30 states, dispose over 3.06 Lakh cases by January 2025

    Government takes steps to create awareness on POCSO Act provisions through Media, Workshops & Training

    Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 3:32PM by PIB Delhi

    Government accords the highest priority for ensuring safety and security of children and has undertaken various initiatives in this regard. To safeguard children against sexual abuse and sexual harassment, Government has enacted The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. It defines a child as any person below the age of 18 years.

    The Act was amended in 2019 to introduce more stringent punishment including death penalty for committing sexual crimes on children, with a view to deter the perpetrators & prevent such crimes.

    Section 4 of the Act prescribes rigorous imprisonment for a minimum of 20 years, which can extend to life imprisonment, for “Penetrative Sexual Assault”. If the assault results in the death or causes the victim to be in a persistent vegetative state, Section 6 provides for the death penalty or life imprisonment.

    Section 8 outlines imprisonment for a minimum of three to five years for those found guilty of sexual assault, while Section 10 increases this to a minimum of five years for Aggravated Sexual Assault (A person can be charged with this offense in certain aggravating circumstances, such as if the rape occurs within a relationship of trust or authority, or if it leads to pregnancy, among others). Section 14 of the Act imposes imprisonment of up to seven years for using children for pornographic purposes.

    Additionally, the Act mandates special courts for speedy trials under Section 28; ensuring that the cases are handled with the utmost urgency and sensitivity, reflecting the law’s zero-tolerance approach to crimes against children.

    Further the POCSO Rules, 2020 were also notified to protect the children from exploitation and violence and sexual exploitation. Rule 3 provides that any institution housing children or coming in regular contact with children including schools, creches, sports academies or any other facility for Children must ensure police verification and background check on periodic basis, of every staff, teaching or non-teaching, regular or contractual, or any other person being an employee of such Institution coming in contact with the child. Such Institution shall also ensure that periodic training is organized for sensitizing them on child safety and protection.

    Rule-9 of the POCSO Rules provides that the Special Court may, in appropriate cases, on its own or on an application filed by or on behalf of the child, pass an order for interim compensation to meet the needs of the child for relief or rehabilitation at any stage after registration of the First Information Report (FIR). Such interim compensation paid to the child shall be adjusted against the final compensation, if any.

    Further, the POCSO Rules also provide that for special relief, if any, to be provided for contingencies such as food, clothes, transport and other essential needs, Child Welfare Committee may recommend immediate payment of such amount. Such immediate payment shall be made within a week of receipt of recommendation from the CWC.

    Department of Justice is implementing a scheme for setting up Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) including Exclusive POCSO Courts for expeditious trial and disposal of cases related to rape and POCSO cases. As per the information received from High Courts, as of 31.01.2025, 754 FTSCs including 404 exclusive POCSO Courts are functional in 30 States/UTs, which have disposed more than 3,06,000 cases.

    Further, the Government has taken various steps from time to time to create awareness of the provisions of the POCSO Act through electronic and print media, consultations, workshops and training programmes with stakeholders concerned. In order to generate awareness about the POCSO Act, a short film was disseminated in Cinema Halls and Doordarshan across the nation. Thereafter, Ministry has undertaken awareness campaign to encompass various aspects of the POCSO Act in an effective manner by way of a short video clips, an audio clip and a poster which have been disseminated through various means all over India. For effective dissemination of these creatives, they have also been translated into regional languages for effective outreach. National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has published Childline 1098 which is a 24x7x365 toll free Helpline for children and POCSO E-box on the back side of the front cover of all the course books from class 6th to class 12th to equip the children with the information regarding the possible modes of protection/ complaints and emergency outreach.

    Ministry of Women and Child Development has organized following zonal conferences and sensitization/dissemination workshops under Mission Vatsalya Scheme:

    i. Zonal Conferences: Outreach with State Governments/UT Administrations and Stakeholders through Zonal Conferences on Strategic Interventions for addressing Malnutrition Concerns and for the Development, Empowerment and Protection of Women and Children including Mission Vatsalya scheme were organised.

    ii. Dissemination Workshops: National Dissemination Workshop on Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children ) Act, 2015, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 and the rules there under and the Adoption Regulations, 2017 including Mission Vatsalya Scheme were organised with all States/UTs, line Ministries/ Departments, representatives from Police, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Child Protection functionaries including members of Child Welfare Committees(CWCs)/Juvenile Justice Boards(JJBs) and other stakeholders.

    iii. Workshops on Sensitization/ Training Programme for representatives of Panchayati Raj Representatives (PRIs), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Police on Child Rights & Protection including Mission Vatsalya Scheme at Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) in collaboration with UT Administration. This workshop was attended by officers from Ministry, NCPCR, UT of J&K, Administrative and Police Training. Institutes, District Child Protection Officers (DCPOs), CWCs, JJBs, Special Juvenile Police Units (SJPUs), representative from UNICEF and other Stakeholders.

    iv. Vatsal Bharat: Regional Symposiums on ‘Child Protection, Child Safety and Child Welfare’ including Mission Vatsalya were organized at Delhi, Bhopal, Mumbai, Ranchi, Guwahati and Varanasi. In the Regional Symposiums, representatives from States/UTs including members of Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs), Members of Village Child Protection Committee (VCPC) and Anganwadi Workers had participated.

    v. A virtual technical training Session on the Modules of Institutional and Non- Institutional Care in the Mission Vatsalya Portal for North Eastern States (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura) was organized by the Ministry.

    Furthermore, NCPCR, as per its mandate under Section 13(1)(h) of the CPCR Act, 2005, has also been continuously conducting sensitization and awareness-generation activities, along with monitoring efforts, focusing on various critical child protection themes, particularly POCSO mechanisms, to ensure that stakeholders are well-informed, actively involved, and effectively equipped to enhance child protection efforts and address child welfare concerns, especially within the POCSO framework. Engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including government functionaries at the State, District, Village, and Block levels, SPs, DMs, NGOs, CWCs, DCPOs, volunteers, and others, these initiatives are as follows:

    1.Development of Digital Portals: Following the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court under SMWP(C) of 4/2020 and SMWP(C) of 6/2021, the Commission developed several digital portals to ensure timely, efficient, and seamless monitoring of data related to violations and deprivation of child rights. One such portal is the Baal Swaraj-POCSO tracking portal. This portal facilitates real-time tracking of child sexual abuse cases, providing services like victim compensation and rehabilitation to ensure the care and safety of POCSO victims.

    2. Addressing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM): In August 2024, the Commission convened a meeting on child sexual abuse material (CSAM), inviting social media platforms to discuss issues surrounding the online availability of sexually provocative material involving children. Additionally, in a joint meeting on 05.08.2024, the Commission explored potential solutions to address the alarming increase in crimes committed by minors after viewing pornographic content. This meeting included representatives from Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, and others.

    3. Regional Meetings on POCSO Implementation: The Commission organized regional meetings on POCSO: Factors Hindering Implementation and Aspects of Assistance to Victims to address victim support mechanisms and identify specific areas where NCPCR/SCPCRs could provide assistance. These meetings, held in collaboration with NALSA, NFSU, SVPNPA, and BPR&D, brought together key stakeholders, including forensic experts, police officials, and legal representatives. Additionally, through its North East Cell, NCPCR conducted consultations and State-Level Workshops on Handling POCSO Cases to enhance victim assistance and improve the implementation of POCSO provisions in the region.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smt. Savitri Thakur in Lok Sabha in reply to a question today.

    *****

     SS/MS

    (Release ID: 2113660) Visitor Counter : 27

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Federal Council adopts Dispatch on EU Pact on Migration and Asylum

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Justice and Police

    The new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum is intended to make the European migration and asylum system more efficient, crisis-resistant and with an effective system of solidarity. As an associated Schengen/Dublin state, Switzerland is obliged to participate in certain areas of the new arrangements. To do so, it must adapt its national legislation. At its meeting on 21 March, the Federal Council adopted a dispatch on the corresponding legal amendments for the attention of Parliament.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coming up next week at the London Assembly W/C 24 March

    Source: Mayor of London

    PUBLIC MEETINGS                                                                   

    Tuesday 25 March

    Mayoral Decisions

    Oversight Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am
    The Mayor has published a number of Mayoral Decisions since December 2024.

    The GLA Oversight Committee will question guests on some of these decisions. The Committee will also ask questions on the Mayor’s Annual Equalities reports for 2022-23 and 2023-24.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1 – Mayor’s Annual Equalities Report:

    • Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard – Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice
    • Tom Rahilly – Assistant Director for Communities and Social Policy, GLA
    • Rupinder Parhar – Head of Equalities, GLA

    Panel 2 – Mayoral Decisions

    • Mostaque Ahmed – Director of Corporate Services, London Fire Brigade
    • Other guests to be confirmed.

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

     

    Wednesday 26 March

    Q&A with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime

    Police and Crime Committee – Committee Rooms 2 & 3, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am
    The London Assembly Police and Crime Committee will meet with the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime to explore the level and pace of progress made by the Met since the Casey review was published in March 2023 and any updates regarding an independent review of progress.

    The guests are:

    • Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime
    • Kenny Bowie, Director of Strategy and MPS Oversight, Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC)

    MEDIA CONTACT: Tony Smyth on 07763 251 727 / [email protected]
     

    Financing Housing in London

    Housing Committee – Committee Rooms 2 & 3, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 2pm
    The Housing Committee will meet to ask how to increase the amount of finance available to build social and affordable housing, the risks of different financing models, and whether private investment can help meet new housebuilding targets.

    Panel 1: 2pm – 3.15pm

    • Will Jeffwitz, Head of Policy, National Housing Federation
    • Josh Ryan-Collins, Professor in Economics and Finance, University College London (UCL) Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose
    • Steve Partridge FCPFA, Director, Head of Housing Consultancy, Savills

    Panel 2: 3.30pm – 4.45pm

    • Bek Seeley, Founder, Place Partners
    • Angela Wood, Deputy Executive Director of Development, Peabody Housing Association
    • Piali Das Gupta, Strategy Director, London’s Future & Places, London Councils

    MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252 310 / [email protected]

     

    Thursday 27 March

    Heathrow Airport – Surface Access

    Transport Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 2pm
    The Transport Committee will discuss surface access to Heathrow Airport – all the ways in which passengers, communities, colleagues and goods travel to and from the airport – in the context of the proposals for a third runway.

    The guests are:

    • Sophie Chapman, Surface Access Director, Heathrow Airport
    • Tim Leach, Head of Surface Access Strategy and Sponsorship, Heathrow Airport
    • Christina Calderato, Director of Transport Strategy and Policy, Transport for London
    • Marcus Jones, Route Director, Western, Network Rail
    • Anthony Smith, Chair, Heathrow Area Transport Forum

    MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252 310 / [email protected] 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Joint Fiji forces tackle civil strife, flash flood crisis and rebels in exercise

    Asia Pacific Report

    A joint operation between the Fiji Police Force, Republic of Fiji Military Force (RFMF), Territorial Force Brigade, Fiji Navy and National Fire Authority was staged this week to “modernise” responses to emergencies.

    Called “Exercise Genesis”, the joint operation is believed to be the first of its kind in Fiji to “test combat readiness” and preparedness for facing civil unrest, counterinsurgency and humanitarian assistance scenarios.

    It took place over three days and was modelled on challenges faced by a “fictitious island grappling with rising unemployment, poverty and crime”.

    The exercise was described as based on three models, operated on successive days.

    The block 1 scenario tackled internal security, addressing civil unrest, law enforcement challenges and crowd control operations.

    Block 2 involved humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and coordinating emergency response efforts with government agencies.

    Block 3 on the last day dealt with a “mid-level counterinsurgency”, engaging in stabilising the crisis, and “neutralising” a threat.

    Flash flood scenario
    On the second day, a “composite” company with the assistance of the Fiji Navy successfully evacuated victims from a scenario-based flash flood at Doroko village (Waila) to Nausori Town.

    “The flood victims were given first aid at the village before being evacuated to an evacuation centre in Syria Park,” said the Territorial Brigade’s Facebook page.

    “The flood victims were further examined by the medical team at Syria Park.”

    Fiji police confront protesters during the Operation Genesis exercise in Fiji this week. Image: RFMF screenshot APR

    On the final day, Thursday, Exercise Genesis culminated in a pre-dawn attack by the troops on a “rebel hideout”.

    According to the Facebook page, the “hideout” had been discovered following the deployment of a joint tracker team and the K9 unit from the Fiji Corrections Service.

    “Through rigorous training and realistic scenarios, the [RFMF Territorial Brigade] continues to refine its combat proficiency, adaptability, and mission effectiveness,” said a brigade statement.

    Mock protesters in the Operation Genesis security services exercise in Fiji this week. Image: RFMF screenshot APR

    It said that the exercise was “ensuring that [the brigade] remains a versatile and responsive force, capable of safeguarding national security and contributing to regional stability.”

    However, a critic said: “Anyone who is serious about reducing crime would offer a real alternative to austerity, poverty and alienation. Invest in young people and communities.”

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Drug offences – Darwin

    Source: New South Wales Department of Education and Communities

    The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 26-year-old male for multiple drug offences in Marrara. 

    On Tuesday 11 February, the Gangs Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence in Bellamack. Police located and seized over $130,000 in cash and 60g of Ecstasy tablets from the residence.

    The alleged offender was not present at the time of the search.

    Later, on Friday 21 March, Gangs Task Force arrested 26-year-old Mongols member.

    When police located the male at accommodation in Marrara, the male refused to exit his room. 

    Entry to the residence was gained and the male was arrested without incident.

    During a lawful search of the accommodation, police seized a traffickable quantity of MDMA and a quantity of cannabis.

    The 26-year-old has been charged with the following offences:

    • Supply schedule 1 dangerous drug – Commercial quantity
    • Possess schedule 1 dangerous drug – Commercial quantity
    • Receive / possess / tainted Property
    • Possess schedule 1 dangerous drug – Traffickable quantity
    • Destroy evidence
    • Possess schedule 2 dangerous drug – Less than traffickable quantity.

    He has been remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court 25 March 2025

    Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Timothy Gardiner said, “Police will not tolerate the violent and criminal behaviour exhibited by outlaw motorcycle gangs in our community.

    “These organisations thrive on intimidation, drug trafficking, and violence, and we are committed to dismantling their operations.

    “We will pursue them relentlessly until they no longer pose a threat to our community.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Driving offences – Nhulunbuy

    Source: New South Wales Department of Education and Communities

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 33-year-old male with driving offences following a crash in Nhulunbuy this morning.

    Around 8am, police attended a two-vehicle collision on Matthew Flinders Way nearby a school. No reports of injuries were made at the time of the crash.

    One of the drivers self-extracted from the vehicle and fled the scene by foot.

    Nhulunbuy police located the male nearby and he was arrested after returning a positive roadside breath test.

    The male is expected to charged later today and will appear in court at a later date.

    Nhulunbuy police would like to thank other motorists and witnesses who provided valuable and timely information in relation to the incident.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Rangers rescue critically endangered pregnant turtle

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 21 Mar 2025

    Open larger image

    A female hawksbill turtle has been rescued and returned to the ocean by rangers after she became wedged beneath driftwood on Womer Cay in the far northern Great Barrier Reef.

    Recently, rangers from the Department of the Environment, Science, Tourism and Innovation were visiting some of Queensland’s most northern parks during a trip from Lockhart River to Horn Island.

    While conducting surveys for crested terns and lesser crested terns on Womer Cay, the female Hawksbill turtle was found wedged under a large piece of driftwood.

    Ranger Katie Bampton said the turtle was most likely making her way up the beach to lay a clutch of eggs when she became stuck.

    “Thankfully she was spotted and ranger Joman Tomasello carefully removed her from the log and carried her to the ocean,” Ms Bampton said.

    “We assumed she had been stuck since the previous evening when she came ashore to lay, and we found her around 11am.

    “She would’ve been stuck for hours and due to the very hot conditions, we believe she wouldn’t have survived much longer.

    “When she was placed in front of the ocean, she took a little bit of time to get moving but eventually swam away.

    “The water would’ve felt so good, and we’re hoping she returned to Womer Cay that evening to come ashore and lay a clutch of eggs.

    “While we were on Womer Cay, we saw track marks on the beach where turtles had come ashore to lay, and we saw pits in the sand where clutches had hatched.

    “Hawksbill turtles are critically endangered due to the impacts of climate change, accidental capture in fishing equipment and reef habitat destruction.

    “The rangers who were on that trip are thrilled that we were able to rescue her and send her on her way.

    “These small cays in the Torres Strait and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park are remote but they are extremely important for bird life and turtles.”

    Hawksbill turtle facts:

    • They are easily distinguishable by their beaks.
    • They are small but fast swimmers.
    • Females nest around four times each season, laying around 140 eggs.
    • Hawksbills feed mainly on reef sponges, consuming around 450kg annually.
    • They are highly migratory, travelling thousands of kilometres between nesting and feeding grounds.

    Womer Cay is a small, sparsely vegetated cay about 65 kilometres east of Bamaga off the coast of far north Queensland.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Second crocodile captured near turf farm in Bohle River in weeks

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 20 Mar 2025

    Open larger image

    The large crocodile was sighted near residential areas in Townsville.

    A large estuarine crocodile has been captured in the upper reaches of the Bohle River in Townsville following reports from the community – the second large croc removed from the area in weeks.

    Wildlife Rangers from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) recently conducted a site assessment following reports of a large crocodile in a flooded section of the Bohle River near residential areas and an unfenced turf farm.

    Given the size of the animal and its location, it was declared for removal.

    Senior Wildlife Ranger Tony Frisby is urging locals to be extra vigilant.

    “We have now successfully captured two large crocodiles in the same location within three weeks of each other.” Mr Frisby said.

    “It is essential that people in the surrounding area are aware of the potential presence of crocodiles and to prioritise their safety.”

    Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.

    Media contact:                  DETSI Media Unit on (07) 3339 5831 or media@des.qld.gov.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Cleveland Men Indicted For Trying To Send Firearms To Drug Cartel Members In Mexico

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

    Tampa, FL – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the  unsealing of an indictment charging Yarquimedes Rodriguez Hilario (32, Cleveland, OH) and Adison Lopez-Ramirez (34, Cleveland, OH) with conspiring to traffic firearms and money laundering. If convicted on all counts, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 35 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit assets that are traceable to proceeds of the offense. 

    According to the indictment and other court documents filed during this investigation, since 2021, undercover agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), posing as Mexican cartel members, were introduced to Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario because he was a trafficker of firearms that could be smuggled to Mexico. Undercover communications with Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario and others discussed the purchase of AR-15s and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. One of the coconspirators described that he sold AR-15s and AK-47s to El Salvadorans and had cocaine available for distribution. Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario further offered fentanyl to one of the agents to make pills.

    Beginning in late-2021, members of the conspiracy sold or arranged the sale of at least 90 rifles and one Mac-10-type machine gun with a silencer to undercover agents in the Middle District of Florida and Cleveland, Ohio. On October 21, 2021, Adison Lopez-Ramirez delivered nine .223/5.56 caliber rifles and one 9mm rifle to undercover ATF agents in St. Petersburg, Florida, in exchange for $16,000. Soon after the sale, federal agents followed Lopez-Ramirez as he deposited $9,000 from the sale into the bank account of Yarquimedes Rodriguez Hilario, the brother of Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario.

    In November 2022, an undercover agent told Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario that his associates in Mexico were “battling and losing” and needed to purchase more firearms. On March 2, 2023, Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario arranged to deliver 40 AM-15 multi-caliber firearms to the agents. Saleh Yusuf Saleh, who acquired and assembled the parts to make the firearms, arrived at the meeting with Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario and the agents. After an undercover agent inspected one of the boxes of firearms, both Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario and Saleh were arrested.

    In March 2024, Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario was sentenced to 13 years and 4 months’ imprisonment. In November 2024, Saleh Yusuf Saleh previously was sentenced to 5 years and 8 months in federal prison. 

    Image 1: Firearms from the October 21, 2021 Sale

     Images 2-3: Firearms from March 10, 2022 Sale

    Images 4-5: Firearms from May 26, 2022 Sale

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

    The specific mission of the OCDETF Panama Express Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations involved in large scale drug trafficking, money laundering, and related activities. The OCDETF Panama Express Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from the Coast Guard Investigative Service, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The Cleveland offices of ATF, HSI, DEA, and FBI, with assistance from the Cleveland Police Department and Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, provided critical support in the apprehension of the defendants. It is being prosecuted by Dan Baeza.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America which streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police out in force to target antisocial road users this weekend

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Inspector Angela Hallett, Road Policing Manager, Eastern District:

    Police are aware of a planned antisocial road user event planned for Hawke’s Bay this weekend.

    A number of participants are expected to take part over the weekend. To help Police respond to, and curtail illegal and antisocial behaviour, members of the public are being asked to contact us when they see it happening.

    We will have a visible presence on the roads, with a focus on deterring antisocial behaviours, and disrupting illegal activities.

    In the lead up to the weekend, Police have completed enquiries with persons suspected of involvement in previous sustained loss of traction offending and those in the Hawke’s Bay car scene generally. This has led to plenty of parents having a greater awareness of their teenagers’ weekend activities and the potential to influence them from participating.

    Demerit point suspension notices have also been issued, and one car has been impounded relating to burnouts.

    The community has reported several instances to us across the last few weeks, with increasing concern. I have personally heard from members of our community who have been impacted and shaken by this activity. My message to them is, we hear you and we are responding.

    Overall, we want the community to feel safe. Emergency services are all too aware of the consequences of this driving behaviour, including people getting seriously injured, but also the potential for someone to lose their life.

    A car can be an unpredictable thing when its being pushed to its limits, especially when it comes within mere inches of the spectators or those filming it.

    Police have been working alongside partner agencies and territorial authorities in our response to the activity.

    We will be targeting those engaged in skids and burnouts, but our enforcement action won’t be limited there. We will also be targeting those supporting this activity, such as those attending the events or attempting to conceal the driver’s identity. Licence conditions and any breaches of those will be enforced.

    Illegal activity from sustained loss of traction causes significant damage to the roading infrastructure and presents a risk to other road users and is costly to repair.

    We also know that people and organisations are supporting this activity through supplying these drivers with tyres, often second hand with marginal tread, and people towing vehicles to and from the scene, you too can expect Police to be knocking on your door.

    Where we can’t take action on the night we will use the information gathered to follow up later on.

    We ask members of the public to report this behaviour to us, but do not attempt to stop it or get close. Instead stay inside your house if it is happening outside or hold back if you are driving through the area and report information from a distance.

    Please contact us on 111 if it is happening now or 105 either online or over the phone if it after the fact.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Courier firm facing probe over bogus prize offers

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The State Post Bureau has launched an investigation into Yunda Express over significant safety management loopholes that allowed fraudulent promotional materials to infiltrate its delivery system, leading to substantial financial losses for victims.

    The probe follows reports that some franchisees of Yunda Express, a Shanghai-based courier company, used its services to distribute scam-related promotional materials.

    In response, Yunda Express issued a statement on Thursday on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange’s website, pledging to cooperate with regulators. The company said it had formed a special task force to conduct an internal investigation and vowed to strengthen oversight of its franchise operations. It also plans to enhance inspection procedures, intensify franchisee training and improve its ability to detect scam-related parcels.

    The investigation was likely triggered by reports of fraudulent “prizewinning” materials sent through courier services, including Yunda. Consumers have reported receiving small unsolicited packages containing gifts and QR codes promising cashback rewards, only to be drawn into scams.

    In one case highlighted by the Supreme People’s Procuratorate on March 13, a woman in Jiangxi province lost more than 190,000 yuan ($26,400) after scanning a QR code in a package offering a 20-yuan voucher. She was instructed to download an app and interact with customer service representatives, who deceived her into transferring money.

    Authorities in Sichuan province seized more than 20,000 fraudulent courier packages in early March, retrieving more than 800 parcels linked to similar scams. Police said scammers used leaflets inside the packages to lure victims into fraudulent schemes.

    The probe into Yunda Express comes amid a broader crackdown on courier fraud, which has sparked consumer complaints over privacy breaches and package security.

    Zhao Xiaomin, a logistics expert, told National Business Daily that authorities may intensify efforts to tackle fraud in the delivery industry, citing recent discussions on data security at China’s top legislative and political advisory meetings.

    On Tuesday, the Ministry of Public Security also disclosed cases of collusion in the courier sector, further underscoring regulatory concerns.

    “With growing scrutiny over crimes involving personal data, courier companies must remain vigilant, enhance security management and protect user information,” Zhao said.

    Bao-Ding Yurui, a lecturer at the Renmin University of China, warned that companies failing to comply with security regulations risk penalties, including business suspensions or loss of operating permits.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police appeal for vehicle sightings in relation to Operation Sove

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attributable to Detective Inspector Haley Ryan, Hutt Valley Police:

    Police investigating the murder of Ian David Moller and the arsons at his property are releasing images of a vehicle believed to be involved, as we continue to appeal for information from the Stokes Valley community.

    Since the launch of the homicide investigation in November 2024, four people have been arrested and charged in relation to the incident. However, Police would still like to hear from anyone with information that may be of interest to us.

    Police have identified and subsequently located a silver Mazda Atenza, registration LKA609, and are speaking with the current owners of the vehicle who are assisting in our investigation.

    The vehicle, captured on CCTV footage, travelled on Stokes Valley Road and George Street between 1.40am and 3am on Tuesday 5 November 2024.

    Police urge those who have seen this Mazda Atenza within Stokes Valley in recent times to come forward and speak with us, as we would like to identify those who have recent known links to this vehicle.

    Although several months have passed since the last arson, resulting in Mr Moller’s murder, Police are also appealing to the Stokes Valley community to review their CCTV or dashcam footage from the early hours of Thursday 10, Monday 14, and Saturday 19 October, alongside Tuesday 5 November 2024.

    Police encourage anyone who may have information, CCTV or dashcam footage of this vehicle or its occupants to please get in touch with us.

    The investigation team are working diligently on these incidents, and we are yet to contact a number of people within the community who we believe know details of the three arsons and Mr Moller’s murder, including why these offences were committed and who is involved.

    We ask them, and anyone else with information, to come forward and speak with us before we knock on their door.

    The four people charged in relation to this incident have been remanded in custody and have court-imposed name suppression. They are due to reappear in the High Court at Wellington on Friday 4 April.

    If you have information that could help Police’s investigation, please contact us at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

    Please use the reference number 241105/2249 and quote Operation Sove.

    You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Scotia Man Sentenced for Groping a Nursing Student at Stratton VA

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Danning Lake, age 87, of Scotia, New York, was sentenced to 1 year of probation today for abusive sexual contact.

    United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Thomas Gibbons, Chief of the Department of Veterans Affairs Police at the Stratton VA Medical Center; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri, of the Northeast Field Office for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, made the announcement.

    Lake admitted that he grabbed the breast of a nursing student at the Stratton VA as she was giving him care on February 29, 2024.  Lake then asked the student nurse, “did you like that?” and told her “they feel nice.”  When the Veterans Affairs Police Officer spoke to Lake, he said that he would do the same thing again if he had the opportunity.  Lake acknowledged that his mental status was not altered by medication, age, or illness and that he groped the nursing student for his own sexual gratification.  As a result of this conviction, Lake must register as a sex offender. 

    The Department of Veterans Affairs Police Department and Office of Inspector General investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan S. Reiner and Tamara B. Thomson prosecuted.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three More Defendants Plead Guilty in Large Bank Fraud Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Davon Hunter, age 27, of Richmond, Virginia, Christian Quivers, age 20, of Richmond, and Crystal Kurschner, age 44, of Brooklyn, New York, have pled guilty for their respective roles in a bank fraud conspiracy. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    As part of their pleas, Hunter, Quivers, and Kurschner each admitted that they were members of a conspiracy to defraud financial institutions all over the country by obtaining the personal identifying information (“PII”) of victims and using lower-level “workers” to impersonate the identity-theft victims to conduct fraudulent banking transactions in their names.  As part of a plea agreement entered today, Quivers admitted that he was a supervisor in the conspiracy and relayed instructions he obtained from supervisors, including Oluwaseun Adekoya, Kani Bassie, and Hunter, to lower-level members of the conspiracy who impersonated identity-theft victims and conducted fraudulent transactions in their names.  As part of a plea agreement entered earlier this week, Kurschner admitted that she was a “worker” who impersonated identity-theft victims and provided most of the fraud proceeds to her supervisors.  Earlier this month, Hunter admitted that he was a manager of the conspiracy who received directions and PII from supervisors including Adekoya and Bassie and orchestrated fraudulent transactions on their behalf.

    Hunter and Quivers each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.  Kurschner pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. 

    These remaining defendants are charged as follows in the second superseding indictment: 

    • Adekoya, age 39, a Nigerian citizen living in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and nine counts of aggravated identity theft;
    • Bassie, age 36, of Brooklyn, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and two counts of aggravated identity theft; and
    • Jermon Brooks, age 20, of Richmond, Virginia, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

    As to these defendants, the charges in the second superseding indictment are merely accusations. These remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The prosecution is the result of an ongoing investigation led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI-Albany, which began after the May 2022 arrest of Daniyan, Gaysha Kennedy, age 46, of Brooklyn, and Victor Barriera, age 64, of the Bronx, by the Cohoes Police Department after the trio traveled to the Capital Region to commit bank fraud.  According to documents previously filed in the case, the investigation has uncovered over $1.7 million in fraudulent transactions to date.  Eleven defendants have pled guilty and forfeited hundreds of thousands of dollars in proceeds, luxury apparel, and jewelry.

    At sentencing later this year, Hunter, Quivers, and Kurschner each face a maximum term of 30 years’ incarceration for the bank fraud conspiracy, and Hunter and Quivers each face a mandatory consecutive term of 2 years’ incarceration for their convictions of aggravated identity theft.  The defendants will be ordered to pay restitution and will also face a term of post-incarceration supervised release of up to 5 years. 

    FBI Albany is investigating the case, with assistance from the FBI Field Offices in New York, Newark, Richmond and Resident Agencies in Westchester, New York; Brooklyn/Queens, New York; Garrett Mountain, New Jersey; and Fort Walton Beach, Florida.  Additional assistance was provided by other law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement & Removal Operations (New York Field Office & Albany sub-office); U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (Buffalo Field Office & St. Albans Resident Office); U.S. Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General; New York law enforcement agencies including the New York State Police; Cohoes PD; Colonie PD; Elmira PD; Corning PD; Plattsburgh PD; Florida law enforcement agencies including the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; the Pennsylvania State Police; Alabama law enforcement agencies including the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Gasden PD, and Rainbow City PD; Georgia law enforcement agencies including the Georgia State Patrol, Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, and Morrow PD; Kansas law enforcement agencies including Lawrence PD and Overland Park PD; New Hampshire law enforcement agencies including Rochester PD, Manchester PD, and Amherst PD; the Delaware State Police; Maryland law enforcement agencies including the Maryland State Police, Harford County Sheriff’s Office and Baltimore County Sheriff’s Office; Wisconsin law enforcement agencies including Onalaska PD and Eau Claire PD; and Indiana law enforcement agencies including the Allen County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin S. Clark and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Felon Indicted For Possession Of Stolen Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident who has prior felony convictions made his initial court appearance Wednesday before United States Magistrate Judge Nancy J. Koppe for allegedly being in possession of nearly 30 stolen firearms.

    According to allegations contained in the indictment and statements made in court, on or about January 25, 2025, Francisco Iniguez (37) possessed 28 stolen firearms. Some of the stolen firearms included handguns, rifles and shotguns. He has prior felony convictions including possession of a firearm by a felon, driving or taking a vehicle without consent, grand theft, identity theft, and burglary in the second degree, all occurring in Los Angeles County, California. Iniguez is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm due to his prior felony convictions.

    A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Iniguez with one count of possession of stolen firearms and one count of prohibited person in possession of firearms. A jury trial has been scheduled to begin on May 19, 2025, before United States District Judge Cristina D. Silva.

    If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is 25 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by ATF and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case.

    If you have information about illegal firearms activity, you are urged to submit a tip to ATF by calling the hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or through the ReportIt mobile app.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Floriade Community 2025 applications now open

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services



    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 20/03/2025

    Now in its sixth year Floriade Community is back, the event encourages participation from community groups to extend Floriade across Canberra’s suburbs.

    Eligible community groups and organisations are invited to apply now to participate in Floriade Community and bring their corner of the city to life with bursts of colour this spring.

    The Floriade Community program will provide bulbs and annuals to successful applicants to plant and maintain in their local area, it provides an opportunity for local communities to come together and care for the gardens throughout Spring.

    Locations must be visible to a number of Canberrans who can enjoy the blooms in their daily life and must cover an area of at least 10sqm. This may include garden beds, pots or wheelbarrows at local shops, schools, churches or community centres.

    In 2024, Floriade Community distributed 300,000 bulbs and annuals to 102 community groups throughout the city, to supplement the one million blooms on display at Floriade in Commonwealth Park.

    The ACT Government welcomes back Icon Water as a returning sponsor of Floriade Community in 2025.

    Submit your application, along with any supporting documentation prior to 5pm on Thursday 3 April 2025.

    Go to www.floriadeaustralia.com for more information and download the Floriade Community Information pack to apply.

    If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please email floriadecommunity@act.gov.au.

    – Statement ends –

    Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Eastern European Organized Crime Leaders Convicted Of Murder-For-Hire Targeting U.S.-Based Journalist On Behalf Of The Iranian Government

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    The Iranian Government Hired Polad Omarov and Rafat Amirov to Kill Masih Alinejad in Exchange for $500,000

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Leslie R. Backschies, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that a jury returned guilty verdicts against RAFAT AMIROV, a/k/a “Farkhaddin Mirzoev,” a/k/a “Pᴎᴍ,”  a/k/a “Rome,” and POLAD OMAROV, a/k/a “Araz Aliyev,” a/k/a “Polad Qaqa,” a/k/a “Haci Qaqa,” on all five counts in the Superseding Indictment, which included murder-for-hire and attempted murder in aid of racketeering charges, in a trial before U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon.  AMIROV and OMAROV are scheduled to be sentenced on September 17, 2025.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “For years, the Government of Iran has attempted to silence an outspoken Iranian journalist, author, activist and critic of their regime through any means necessary, including harassment, violence, intimidation, and even attempted murder.  Chillingly, the plot to murder this Iranian dissident culminated over 6,000 miles from Iran, on U.S. soil, right here in New York, when a hitman with an AK-47 camped outside her home to kill her.  I commend the career prosecutors of this Office and our law enforcement partners at the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division for their tireless work in bringing these defendants to justice.  This verdict should send a clear message around the world:  if you target U.S. citizens, we will find you, no matter where you are, and bring you to justice.”

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge Leslie R. Backschies said: “The convictions of Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov send a clear message to all foreign governments who violate our laws and attempt to commit violence against Americans — they and their proxies will face justice for any attempt to silence Americans on U.S. soil.  The Iranian government’s shameless conduct and attempt to violate our laws and assassinate a critic of their human rights atrocities will not be tolerated.  The FBI is determined to disrupt any effort by foreign governments to use violence to repress our citizens’ freedoms, here or abroad.”

    As reflected in the Superseding Indictment and the evidence presented at trial:

    AMIROV and OMAROV were high-ranking members of an Azeri faction of the Russian Mob (the “Organization”) who worked with other members of the Organization to attempt to kill Masih Alinejad on instructions from high-ranking members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (“IRGC”). Alinejad has previously been the target of plots by the Government of Iran to intimidate, harass, and kidnap her for her work as a journalist, author, and human rights activist who has publicized the Government of Iran’s human rights abuses around the world.  As recently as 2020 and 2021, Iranian intelligence officials and assets plotted to kidnap Alinejad from within the U.S. for rendition to Iran in an effort to silence her criticism of the Iranian regime.

    After these brazen efforts to kidnap Alinejad from the U.S. failed, the IRGC turned to AMIROV and OMAROV to locate, surveil, and murder her.  Beginning in approximately July 2022, AMIROV sent targeting information—which he had received directly from IRGC officials in Iran—about Alinejad to OMAROV.  In turn, OMAROV communicated this information to Khalid Mehdiyev, another member of the Organization who had been residing in Yonkers, New York, so that Mehdiyev could surveil Alinejad and murder her. In turn, Mehdiyev sent photographs and videos of Alinejad’s residence to OMAROV, who shared these materials with AMIROV and the IRGC officials who orchestrated the plot in Iran.  AMIROV and OMAROV then arranged for a $30,000 cash payment to Mehdiyev, who used a portion of this payment to buy an AK-47 style assault rifle, two magazines, and at least 66 rounds of ammunition; as Mehdiyev boasted in electronic communications, a “war machine” he could use to kill Alinejad.

    In late July 2022, Mehdiyev repeatedly traveled to Alinejad’s neighborhood to surveil her.  Mehdiyev sent reports of his surveillance to OMAROV, who passed them to AMIROV.  On July 24, 2022, Mehdiyev reported to OMAROV from Alinejad’s residence that he was “at the crime scene.”  On July 27, 2022, OMAROV told AMIROV that Mehdiyev was ready to kill Alinejad, writing “this matter will be over today.  I told them to make a birthday present for me.  I pressured them, they will sleep there this night.”  On July 28, 2022, Mehdiyev sent OMAROV a video taken from inside the car that Mehdiyev was driving with the assault rifle and a message reading “we are ready.”  AMIROV sent an image of the interior of Alinejad’s home to OMAROV to be forwarded to Mehdiyev, writing “this is the house where she stays.”  As OMAROV continued to update AMIROV about Mehdiyev’s readiness, AMIROV cautioned OMAROV “let him keep the car clean.”  When Mehdiyev subsequently drove from where he was surveilling the residence, he was stopped after a traffic violation and, during a subsequent search of the vehicle, police officers found the assault rifle, 66 rounds of ammunition, approximately $1,100 in cash, and a black ski mask.

    After Mehdiyev was arrested and placed into custody, OMAROV contacted Mehdiyev’s mother and threatened to kill her and her other son if she did not locate Mehdiyev. 

    *               *                *

    AMIROV, 46, of Iran; OMAROV, 40, of the country of Georgia, were convicted on five counts:  murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison (Count One); conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison (Count Two); conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison (Count Three); attempted murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison (Count Four); and possession and use of a firearm in connection with the attempted murder, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison (Count Five).

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and its New York Field Office Counterintelligence-Cyber Division and the New York FBI Iran Threat Task Force.  Mr. Podolsky also thanked the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) and the NYPD Intelligence Bureau, as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, for their assistance. Mr. Podolsky also thanked the authorities in the Czech Republic.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Lockard, Jacob H. Gutwillig, and Matthew J.C. Hellman are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from paralegal specialist Owen Foley and Trial Attorneys Christopher Rigali and Leslie Esbrook of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada invests in protecting children and youth from online sexual exploitation

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    March 20 2025

    Ottawa, Ontario

    Today, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced $39.7 million in federal funding to protect children and youth from online sexual exploitation.

    Local Internet Child Exploitation Units in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick are now receiving up to $21.5 million through to 2027 via the Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime to support their investigative capacity.

    Police across the country work tirelessly to prevent these crimes against children, and bring perpetrators to justice. With this funding, Internet Child Exploitation Units will be able to hire and train more staff and purchase the specialized tools and equipment necessary to support their investigations.

    • Ontario Provincial Police received $7,543,975
    • Sûreté du Québec and Ministère de la sécurité publique du Québec received $5,557,900
    • British Columbia policing services received $3,536,842
    • Edmonton Police Service and Calgary Police Service received $3,028,000
    • Halifax Regional Police, Cape Breton Regional Police and multiple municipal agencies in Nova Scotia received $757,895
    • Regina Police Service and Saskatoon Police Service received $548,018
    • Kennebecasis Regional Police Service received $505,264

    In addition, $18.2 million through to 2029, will be provided to the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) to continue its vital work in protecting children from online sexual exploitation and respond to increasing demand for its services.

    C3P provides public education and assists survivors and their families through advocacy, research, and resources. It has been a key partner under the National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet (National Strategy) since its inception in 2004.

    The Government of Canada, through the National Strategy, is committed to protecting children from sexual exploitation of any kind. This investment and our continued partnership with law enforcement agencies and organizations like C3P are crucial to Canada’s fight against this heinous crime.  

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier names new parliamentary secretaries

    Alberta’s new parliamentary secretaries were sworn in on Mar. 20.

    Parliamentary secretaries play an important role in assisting ministers in their work and helping to move forward and achieve the government’s priorities. Three new parliamentary secretaries were sworn in on March 20.

    Justin Wright, MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat, was named Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health (South), reporting to the Minister of Health. In addition to his new responsibilities, Mr. Wright will continue in the role of military liaison. Ron Wiebe, MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti, was named Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health (North), reporting to the Minister of Health.

    Nolan Dyck, MLA for Grande Prairie, was named Parliamentary Secretary for Indigenous and Rural Policing, reporting to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services.

    “I am pleased to welcome our three newest parliamentary secretaries. As the parliamentary secretaries for South and North Rural Health, MLAs Justin Wright and Ron Wiebe will be key advocates for rural Albertans, ensuring we continue building a better and stronger health care system that serves the needs of all Albertans in every corner of our province. As the Parliamentary Secretary for Indigenous and Rural Policing, MLA Nolan Dyck will be an important voice for both rural and Indigenous Albertans, ensuring we keep residents and communities safe across Alberta.”

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    “It is an honour to serve as our government’s Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health (South) in addition to my role as military liaison. Our government’s commitment to ensure Albertans have access to the health care they need, when and where they need it, is especially important for those who live in rural communities, and I am looking forward to continuing this important work alongside Minister LaGrange.”

    Justin Wright, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health (South)

    “One of the highest priorities for Albertans is health care. Our government is working hard to ensure all Albertans have access to the health care they need, when and where they need it, and I’m honoured to be asked to participate in this work as the Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health (North). I look forward to working alongside Minister LaGrange to help deliver strong health care in northern Alberta.”

    Ron Wiebe, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health (North)

    “Public safety is the first order of government and I’m honoured to take on the responsibilities associated with being named the Parliamentary Secretary for Indigenous and Rural Policing. Our government has been working hard to ensure all Albertans feel safe in their communities, and members of police services feel supported in their work. I’m looking forward to joining Minister Ellis on this important work.”

    Nolan Dyck, Parliamentary Secretary for Indigenous and Rural Policing

    The newly named parliamentary secretaries join six others who continue working with ministers to fulfill their mandate items and deliver on their commitments.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Boston arrests Ugandan alien charged in Massachusetts with assault, battery on pregnant victim

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    WALTHAM, Mass. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Gedion Masunsu, 28, an illegal Ugandan alien charged in Massachusetts with two counts of assault and battery on a pregnant victim and destruction of property Jan. 25 in Waltham.

    “Not only is Gedion Masunsu in this country illegally, he savagely assaulted a pregnant Massachusetts resident, endangering the victim and her unborn child,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “We will not tolerate such acts of violence against the members of our New England communities. ICE stands firm in our commitment to prioritizing public safety by arresting and removing alien offenders from our streets.”

    Masunsu attempted to enter the United States at Boston Logan International Airport April 14, 2021, using an expired visa. U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued Masunsu an order of expedited removal and paroled him into the U.S.

    The Waltham Police Department arrested Masunsu Jan. 6 for two counts of assault and battery on a pregnant victim and destruction of property. ICE lodged an immigration detainer later that day against Masunsu with the Waltham District Court, which failed to honor the detainer and released Masunsu from custody.

    Masunsu remains in ICE custody following his arrest.

    Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indictment Charges New Haven Man with Drug Distribution and Firearm Possession Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson, and Connecticut State Police Colonel Daniel Loughman today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging HARRY WHITLEY, 22, of New Haven, with drug distribution and firearm possession offenses.

    The indictment was returned on March 12, 2025, Whitley appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on November 4, 2024.

    As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on November 4, 2024, Whitley, who had an active state arrest warrant and was on probation, was observed participating in a suspected drug transaction in New Haven.  Whitley was arrested a short time later in Waterbury.  At the time of his arrest, he possessed fentanyl, cocaine, and oxycodone, and a Glock 17 9mm semiautomatic pistol with an extended magazine and a Glock-style machine gun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock switch.”

    It is alleged that Whitley’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm possession and larceny offenses.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

    The indictment charges Whitley with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and oxycodone, an offense that a carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years.

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

    This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Lembo and Nathan Guevremont.

    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).

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Maryland MS-13 Gang Members Indicted For Murder In Aid Of Racketeering

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has charged Manuel Erazo Alvarado, a/k/a “Castigo,” 46, and Erick Guillen Pleitez, a/k/a “Kilo,” both of Annapolis, Maryland, with Murder in Aid of Racketeering.  The indictment was returned on February 13, 2025.  Erazo Alvarado made his initial appearance yesterday in the United States District Court in Baltimore, Maryland and Guillen Pleitez made his initial appearance on March 6, 2025 in the same courthouse.

    According to court documents, La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13, is an international criminal organization composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador, with members operating in the State of Maryland and throughout the United States.

    It is alleged that in 2017, the defendants were members or associates of MS-13 in Maryland.  During that time, the defendants engaged in narcotics distribution, collected extortion payments, or “rent,” and engaged in acts of violence.  On or about August 29, 2017, the defendants participated in the murder of an individual to maintain and increase their positions in the gang.  If convicted, the defendants face either a mandatory life sentence or death. 

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Kelly O. Hayes, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Chief Amal E. Awad of the Anne Arundel County Police Department; Chief Edward Jackson of the Annapolis Police Department; and Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr. Superintendent of the Maryland State Police made the announcement today.

    The FBI, HSI and Anne Arundel County Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) are investigating the case.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Kenneth S. Clark and James Hammond, along with Criminal Division Trial Attorneys Matthew Hoff and Amanda Kotula of the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

    Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement.  The FBI and HSI both have nationwide tiplines that you can call to report what you know.  You can reach the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or you can call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.

    An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Oklahoma Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Destroy Satanic Temple in Salem with a Pipe Bomb

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – An Oklahoma man pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to throwing a pipe bomb at The Satanic Temple (TST) in Salem, Mass. on April 8, 2024. 

    Sean Patrick Palmer, 49, of Perkins, Okla., pleaded guilty to one count of using an explosive device to damage and attempt to damage a building used in interstate or foreign commerce. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for June 12, 2025. Palmer was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2024. He was charged by criminal complaint and arrested on April 17, 2024, in Perkins, Okla. 

    TST is a non-theistic religious organization headquartered in Salem, Mass. According to the charging documents, at approximately 4:14 a.m. on April 8, 2024, surveillance cameras captured a man, subsequently identified as Palmer, walking towards TST wearing a black face covering, a tan-colored tactical vest and gloves. As Palmer approached TST, he ignited a pipe bomb – a type of improvised explosive device or “IED” – threw it at TST’s main entrance, and then ran away. The IED did not fully detonate and therefore caused only minor damage to TST’s exterior. 

    According to the charging documents, the pipe bomb was constructed from a roughly two-foot section of plastic pipe covered with metal nails attached to the pipe with duct tape. The inside of the pipe was filled with smokeless gunpowder. During the investigation, Palmer’s DNA was found on the outside of the IED.

    A six-page handwritten note was found in a flower bed adjacent to TST, near the area where Palmer threw the IED. Among other things, the letter stated: 

    DEAR SATANIST
    ELOHIM SEND ME 7 MONTHS AGO TO GIVE YOU
    PEACEFUL MESSAGE TO HOPE YOU REPENT. YOU SAY
    NO, ELOHIM NOW SEND ME TO SMITE SATAN AND I
    HAPPY TO OBEY. AND ELOHIM WANT ME TO CONTACT
    YOU TO TELL YOU REPENT. TURN FROM SIN. ELOHIM
    NO LIKE THIS PLACE AND PLAN TO DESTROY IT. MAYBE
    SALEM TOO? ELOHIM SEND ME TO FIGHT CRYBABY
    SATAN, BUT WANT ME TO MAKE HARD EFFORT SO NO
    ONE DIES. I OBEY.

    The charge of using fire or an explosive to cause damage to a building used in interstate or foreign commerce provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Lucas J. Miller, Chief of the Salem Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Massachusetts State Police; Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Oklahoma City Field Office; Payne County Sherriff’s Office; Oklahoma Highway Patrol; the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma; and Stillwater (Okla.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason A. Casey of the National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.
     

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