TULSA, Okla. – Today, Aaron Wilkie Murphy, 51, and Hong Thoa Thi Nguyen, 33, appeared before a Judge in Texas before being returned to the Northern District of Oklahoma for prosecution. The couple fled before being indicted, but Federal Law Enforcement worked in coordination with the Mexican Marines and Police to arrest the couple residing in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico.
In June 2023, Murphy was indicted for Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. In December 2023, Nguyen was indicted separately for Drug Conspiracy and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises.
“Murphy and Nguyen have avoided prosecution for over two years,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I want to thank our law enforcement partners in Mexico for working diligently with federal agencies on this arrest so that Murphy and Nguyen will face prosecution for their conduct.”
“The successful arrest and expulsion of Mr. Murphy and Mrs. Nguyen were possible because of the cooperation of our national and international partners in both the United States and Mexico,” said Eduardo A. Chavez, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Dallas Division overseeing Oklahoma. “These arrests have undoubtedly made our communities safer and prevented further destruction that fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Tulsa, Oklahoma. The DEA will continue to work hand in hand with our law enforcement partners in the Tulsa area and across the state to ensure justice is served in this case.”
Beginning in March 2022, it is alleged that Murphy possessed fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Additionally, he was charged with maintaining a residence in Tulsa for drug distribution.
In November 2023, court documents alleged that Nguyen conspired with others to distribute cocaine and maintain a residence in Tulsa for drug distribution. Her three co-defendants, indicted in December 2023, have either pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing or have already been sentenced.
If convicted, Murphy faces 360 months to life imprisonment. Nguyen faces 120 months to life imprisonment.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the U.S. Marshal Service Tulsa Field Office, and the Tulsa Police Department are investigating the case. The DEA Mexico City Country Office, along with the Hermosillo Mexico Resident Office, the U.S. Marshal Service Mexico City Field Office, Mexican Marines, and the Mexico Federal Police, assisted in the arrest and extradition. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey is prosecuting both cases.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Both cases are investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Edgar Warren Willis Jr., 29, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 27, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Red Oak Street residence in Charleston where Willis was staying. Officers found a backpack in a bedroom containing a Lorcin Engineering Model L380 .380-caliber pistol during the search. Willis admitted to possessing the seized firearm.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Willis knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, to-wit heroin, on January 21, 2022, and for wanton endangerment and conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver a controlled substance, to-wit heroin, on August 10, 2015, all in Kanawha County Circuit Court.
Willis is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department-Street Crimes Unit.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Samuel D. Marsh is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-89.
FALMOUTH, Mass. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended an illegally present Brazilian national charged with raping a Massachusetts resident when officers arrested Willian Robert Vasconcelos-Dos Santos, 21, in Falmouth Jan. 21.
“Willian Robert Vasconcelos-Dos Santos is charged with horrifically victimizing a Massachusetts resident and represents a significant threat to the residents of our communities,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “In this case, we appreciate the Falmouth District Court honoring the ICE immigration detainer and allowing our officers to take custody of Vasconcelos in the safety of a jail cell rather than having to arrest him at large. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from our New England communities.”
The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Vasconcelos after he illegally entered the United States near San Diego April 10, 2024. Border Patrol agents served Vasconcelos with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge and released him on an order of recognizance.
The Falmouth Police Department arrested Vasconcelos January 20, 2025, and charged him with rape. ICE lodged an immigration detainer with the Falmouth District Court against Vasconcelos later that day.
The Falmouth District Court released Vasconcelos into ICE custody Jan. 21, and ICE served him with a notice of custody determination upon his arrest. Vasconcelos remains in ICE custody.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 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 New England communities on X: @EROBoston.
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man pled guilty to federal charges of using social media and text messages to entice a minor into illegal sexual activity.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, between February 1, 2021, and April 1, 2021, Kenzie Roy Rockmen, 26, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, used text messages and Facebook communications to coerce a minor to engage in illegal sexual acts.
Rockmen was charged along with his brother, Dustin Roy Rockmen. On October 15, 2024, Dustin pled guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor and was sentenced to 17 years in prison.
At sentencing, Rockmen faces not less than 120 months and up to 135 months in prison, followed by not less than five years and up to life 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 Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert James Booth II and Mark A. Probasco are prosecuting this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Loon Lake RCMP located and seized cocaine and methamphetamine following a traffic stop south of Loon Lake, SK.
On February 18, 2025 at approximately 2:30 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle travelling on Highway #26, approximately 20 kilometres south of Loon Lake.
During the traffic stop, officers observed signs of drug trafficking. The driver and three occupants of the vehicle – one adult female and three adult males – were arrested.
While searching the vehicle, officers located and seized approximately 184 grams of cocaine, 34 grams of methamphetamine, a baton, approximately $1,300 in cash and other evidence of drug trafficking.
As a result of investigation, Robert Plourde, a 29-year-old male from Onion Lake, SK, is charged with:
one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
one count, possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, Section 88(1), Criminal Code; and
one count, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code.
The three other individuals arrested were released without charges.
Robert Plourde made his first appearance in provincial court in Loon Lake on February 20, 2025.
Following a report of a residential robbery in Stephenville, 38-year-old Thomas Keeping was arrested by Bay St. George RCMP on February 21, 2025.
Shortly after 5:00 p.m. on Friday, police responded to the report and attended the Stephenville home. Prior to police arrival, Keeping, who was allegedly armed with a knife, robbed the home owner of a sum of money. Officers arrived at the scene and with no response at the residence, police forced entry into the home. Keeping was located inside the residence and was subsequently arrested.
Keeping is charged with the following criminal offences:
Robbery
Uttering Threats
Failure to Comply with Probation Order
He was remanded into custody over the weekend and appears in court today.
On February 21, 2025 at approximately 11:30 p.m., Ahtahkahoop RCMP received a report of a single-vehicle rollover on Highway #55, approximately 6.5 kilometers east of Canwood, SK.
Officers responded along with local fire and EMS. A passenger of the vehicle was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 43-year-old male from Neilburg, SK. His family has been notified.
The driver and a second passenger were transported to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening in nature.
Ahtahkahoop RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.
Wadena RCMP is asking the public’s assistance in locating 83-year-old Jimmie Moore of Foam Lake, Saskatchewan. He was last seen at a residence in the community at approximately 4:30 p.m. on February 21, 2025, and has since been reported missing.
Police continue their efforts to locate Jimmie to confirm his well-being and are now asking the public to report information regarding his whereabouts.
Jimmie is described as:
Height: 5’10”
Weight: Unknown; slim build
Eye colour: Blue
Hair colour and style: Short grey/white hair; no facial hair
At the time he was last seen, he was reportedly wearing a blue winter jacket, blue jeans and a blue call cap.
It’s believed that Jimmie may be travelling to Ontario, but this cannot be confirmed. He drives a red 2020 Hyundai Tucson (SUV), Saskatchewan license plate 226 NKY.
If you’ve seen Jimmie Moore or know where he is, contact Wadena RCMP at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Officers are looking to locate a man in connection with an ongoing murder investigation in Hackney.
Jason Romeo, 20 was fatally stabbed outside an address in Bodney Street, E5 at 17:59hrs on Tuesday, 18 February.
An investigation remains ongoing and three men have been charged in connection with Jason’s murder.
Raynolph Asante, 22 (13.03.2002) of Pembury Road, Hackney, Travis Mitchell, 21 (23.07.2002) of Bodney Road, Hackney and Rhamyah Bailey-Edwards, 21 (21.08.2003) of Williams Avenue, Walthamstow have been charged with murder and appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 24 February.
On Sunday, 23 February, an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
Detectives have named and released an image of 25-year-old Renaldo Roberts, who they would like to speak with in connection with this investigation.
He has connections across Hackney and Dagenham.
Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen of Specialist Crime North said “This investigation has moved quickly with officers arresting four men within five days.
“We are now in the position to release Renaldo Robert’s details, who we would like to speak with to assist with our enquiries.
“If you have any information on his whereabouts, please do not approach him and call 999 referencing CAD 5635/18FEB.”
Following Jason Romeo’s death, officers in Hackney have been utilising additional stop and search powers this week.
A section 60 order was authorised for the area during the weekend, giving officers the power to stop and search a person without reasonable suspicion.
Detective Superintendent Vicky Tunstall of Central East Command Unit said:
“We understand that the increased police presence in Hackney this week will be concerning for residents.
“Our officers will remain in the area carrying out increased patrols. I’d encourage residents to discuss any concerns they may have with officers on patrol.
“Reducing knife crime is a key focus and we will continue to work closely with partners for a safe borough.
“I’d encourage anyone with information about those who could cause harm within our community, to contact us directly or through Crimestoppers.”
Anyone with any information about the whereabouts of Renaldo Roberts is asked to contact the police on 999 as soon as possible, quoting 5635/18Feb.
Police are appealing for information following an incident on Ngunguru Road, where a motorist received serious injuries following an assault at around 5.45pm.
Detective Sergeant Paul Overton says the incident is believed to have begun on Crawford Crescent in Kamo and ending on Ngunguru Road.
“Two people were arrested and are being spoken to in relation to the incident, and Police believe more people may have been involved.
“We are working to piece together exactly what occurred and need your help.”
Police are appealing for camera footage or sightings of a white Mitsubishi Triton with a canopy and a white Holden Rodeo 4×4 Ute.
If you captured the incident on camera, or saw the Utes around the time please contact Police, you can contact us at 105 either online or over the phone.
Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP is investigating an armed robbery that occurred in the evening of February 21, 2025, at McNally’s Billiards on Burnwood Drive.
Just before midnight on Friday, two people wearing facial coverings entered McNally’s Bar; one carrying a shotgun. Patrons in the bar were directed to look away while the suspects took money from the cash register and alcohol from the bar. The culprits then left the building. Nobody was injured during the robbery.
Both suspects were wearing dark clothing. See attached surveillance images.
The investigation is continuing.
Anyone having information about this crime or the identity of the suspects is asked to contact Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP at 709-896-3383 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.
Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of an indictment charging six individuals involved in an alleged gun trafficking operation. An additional individual was separately charged by complaint in the same conspiracy. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit specific firearms recovered in the operation.
Name
(Age, City of Residence)
Charge
Maximum Penalties
Victor Manuel LaFontaine Ruiz
(31, Poinciana)
Gun trafficking conspiracy
Unlicensed gun dealing, aiding and abetting
Possession of machinegun
15 years
5 years
10 years
Jose Emanuel Maldonado Rodriguez
(32, Kissimmee)
Gun trafficking conspiracy
Unlicensed gun dealing, aiding and abetting
Possession of machinegun
15 years
5 years
10 years
Freddie Geovani Cruz Batiz
(36, Kissimmee)
Gun trafficking conspiracy
Unlicensed gun dealing, aiding and abetting
15 years
5 years
Jomar Manuel Lopez Montanez
(30, Kissimmee)
Gun trafficking conspiracy
Unlicensed gun dealing, aiding and abetting
Felon in possession
15 years
5 years
15 years
Derrick Yamil Rivera Robles
(29, Kissimmee)
Gun trafficking conspiracy
Unlicensed gun dealing, aiding and abetting
Possession of machinegun
15 years
5 years
10 years
Leonardo David Joseph Guerra
(23, Orlando)
Gun trafficking conspiracy
Unlicensed gun dealing, aiding and abetting
Alien in possession
15 years
5 years
15 years
Jincheng Shi
(27, St. Cloud)
Unlicensed gun dealing, aiding and abetting
Alien in possession
5 years
15 years
According to court documents, from at least as early as September 2023 onward, Lafontaine and Maldonado operated a gun trafficking ring involving hundreds of firearms, machineguns, machinegun conversion devices, and high-capacity magazines needed for fully automatic weapons. This operation did not involve any federally licensed firearms dealers. Instead, Lafontaine and Maldonado obtained firearms parts, including from Jincheng Shi, a Chinese national. Lafontaine and Maldonado allegedly assembled, manufactured, and modified semi-automatic and automatic firearms using a “ghost gunner” machine and specialized “endmill” drilling devices at a workspace on Maldonado’s property in Kissimmee:
From there, Lafontaine and Maldonado, along with assistance from Batiz, sold firearms, including fully automatic weapons and machine gun conversion devices (“chips” or “buttons”) that are used to convert semi-automatic weapons into machineguns. They sold those items to illegal aliens and convicted felons such as Lopez Montanez, Rivera Robles, and Joseph Guerra, who were often brokering such transactions on behalf of other unknown customers.
On September 17, 2023, for example, Lafontaine showed a fully automatic firearm to a customer that was later sold during this operation and, on October 9, 2023, Lafontaine quoted Rivera Robles (a convicted felon) a price of $150 for a machinegun conversion device known as a “chip,” that Rivera Robles purchased in March 2024.
On February 7, 2025, Lafontaine sold Lopez Montanez (a convicted felon) two firearms falsely branded to appear as though they were legitimate firearms manufactured with engraved fake sequential serial numbers. When Lopez Montanez was stopped, he fled from law enforcement and attempted to hide the weapons that were eventually recovered.
The next day, Lafontaine delivered five similar firearms to Maldonado.
On February 20, 2025, law enforcement executed five search warrants at various locations associated with this conspiracy. The items are still be inventoried. Preliminarily, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have recovered at least five AR-style pistols with sequential and identical serial numbers at Maldonado’s residence (depicted below), along with at least three machinegun conversion devices, machinery used to assemble, modify, and manufacture the firearms and machine guns sold through this operation.
At Lafontaine’s residence, agents recovered a completed rifle, gun parts, gun manufacturing and modification equipment, and drug distribution paraphernalia with a blender and a powder that field-tested positive for fentanyl, packaged for sale. At Batiz’s residence, agents recovered a handgun and an AR pistol, four machinegun conversion devices, along with drug paraphernalia and powders packaged for distribution that are still being tested. Eight handguns, three rifles, and eight AR-style receivers were recovered from Shi’s residence and storage lockers.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Orlando Police Department, Winter Garden Police Department, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Apopka Police Department, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Highway Patrol. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.
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.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. 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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Cumberland County District RCMP is investigating following a snowmobile crash and fatality that occurred in Collingwood Corner.
On February 21, at approximately 10:20 p.m., RCMP officers, fire services, and EHS responded to a report of a crash on Wyvern Rd. RCMP officers learned that a man was operating a snowmobile when it went off the road and hit a snowbank before coming to rest.
The driver of the snowmobile, a 28-year-old Springhill man, was struck by a fire truck while being attended to in the roadway.
The man was pronounced deceased a short time later.
The investigation, which is in its early stages, is ongoing. The Nova Scotia RCMP Collision and Reconstruction Service team is assisting. Both the snowmobile and the fire truck have been seized.
Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this difficult time.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Kansas City, Mo., police officer who ran an anti-crime charity has been convicted in federal court of a scheme in which he spent more than $200,000 in donations for his own personal expenses.
Aaron Wayne McKie, 47, was found guilty on Thursday, Feb. 20, of nine counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. McKie worked as a police officer for the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department for 24 years, assigned as a police officer to the Crime Free Multi-Housing section from 2002 through 2023.
McKie served from 2009 to 2023 as president of Mid-America Crime Free, Inc. (MACF), a non-profit organization that claimed to provide training to persons in the rental housing industry and promote anti-crime programs. He was an officer of the charity for three years prior, from 2006 to 2009.
Evidence produced during the trial indicated that McKie devised a scheme to defraud MACF and its donors that began in July 2009 and lasted until October 2023. Individuals and businesses contributed $387,620 to MACF, not including in-kind donations. McKie spent at least $200,060 for his own personal purposes.
The biggest source of MACF funds was an annual golf tournament, “Fairways 4 Fuzz Golf Tournament.” Individuals and businesses donated both money and in-kind donations, such as food and beverages, to MACF via the golf tournament. At least 121 donors have been identified.
From 2009 to 2023, the flyers soliciting donations and players for the tournament claimed the funds raised would enable MACF to provide free seminars to owners of rental properties and train police officers. In reality, those claims were false. The Kansas City Police Department paid the salaries and expenses of Crime Free Multi-Housing unit officers who may have provided training to landlords; McKie used the majority of MACF funds for personal spending; and the IRS had revoked the organization’s tax-exempt status in 2010.
Under federal statutes, McKie is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole on each of the 10 counts on which he was convicted. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for nine hours before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips, ending a trial that began Monday, Feb. 10.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen D. Mahoney and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Hanson. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
RCMP NL’s Major Crime Unit (MCU) West is currently investigating an incident that occurred on Friday, February 21, 2025, in Port au Port that left a man with serious injuries.
At approximately 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Bay St. George RCMP responded to the report of an injured snowmobiler on Gravel’s Pond in Port au Port. Two snowmobilers were traveling across the pond together. One snowmobile came to a stop on the pond and the operator fell off the machine. The other snowmobiler checked on the operator and found that he had sustained serious injuries. The man was transported to the hospital for urgent medical attention. He remains in hospital at this time.
At this point in the investigation, the injuries sustained to the snowmobile operator do not appear to be consistent with the fall. The cause of the injury sustained remains under investigation by RCMP MCU.
Police ask the public to check for all available surveillance footage, including dash cam footage, in the area of Gravel’s Pond and the Main Road in Port au Port between the hours of 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 21.
Anyone having any information about this incident is asked to contact RCMP MCU West by contacting Bay St. George detachment at 709-643-2118.
Four men have been sentenced to a total of 67 years in prison following a Met Police investigation into the death of 22-year-old Lavaun Witter in Croydon.
On 5 February 2021, officers were called to Wisbeach Road at around 20:08hrs, after a member of the public found Lavaun collapsed and seriously injured.
He sadly died at the scene after sustaining a stab wound to the leg.
An investigation was launched by the Met’s Specialist Crime South Unit. Enquiries revealed that prior to his death, Lavaun’s flat had been broken into by four men. The men, who were armed with long knives and swords, demanded drugs and slashed through an internal door.
Lavaun and a 16-year-old boy were stabbed before running from the scene but Lavaun collapsed a short distance away.
CCTV enquiries quickly identified the suspects as Tyreece Riggon, Julian Russell, Tyreece Wolfries-Parkin and Alex Pasley.
On 18 February 2021, officers raided an address linked to Riggon and he and Russell were arrested. A subsequent search of an address linked to Russell recovered a Louis Vuitton bag belonging to Lavaun.
Wolfries-Parkin and Pasley were also arrested in the following weeks.
All were charged with Lavaun’s murder as well as attempted murder and attempted grievous bodily harm of the 16-year-old.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Nolan, Senior Investigating Officer in the case said:
“These men were prepared to use extreme levels of violence and take Lavaun’s life to gain possession of drugs they believed were inside the property.
“Lavaun was defenceless against the four men who were each armed with large knives, including a Samurai sword.
“Levaun’s death devastated his family and his community. I commend the bravery and strength they have shown throughout this lengthy investigation.”
A trial at the Old Bailey began on 17 July 2023 and Julian Russell (18.09.1998) of Sanfield Road, CR7 and Tyreece Wolfries- Parkins, (06.10.2002) were found guilty of murder. Alex Pasley (01.10.1995) of Paxton Grove, Coulsdon was found guilty of manslaughter.
A re-trial began on 4 November 2024 and on Thursday, 12 December, Tyreece Riggon, 24 (29.09.2000) of Armistice Gardens, SE25 was found guilty of attempted GBH. Pasley was also found guilty of attempted GBH in relation to the attack on the 16-year-old boy.
The group appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 19 February for sentencing.
Julian Russell was sentenced to life in prison, to serve a minimum of 24 years in prison minus the four years spent on remand.
Tyreece Wolfries- Parkins was sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum term of 20 years minus the time spent on remand.
Alex Pasley was sentenced to 17 years in prison and Tyreece Riggon was sentenced to six years, both minus four years spent on remand.
Three men have been charged with murder as part of an investigation into the death of 20-year-old Jason Romeo in Hackney this week.
Jason sustained stab wounds outside an address in Bodney Road, E5 at 17:59hrs on Tuesday, 18 February.
A murder investigation was launched within the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command and three men have since been charged.
Raynolph Asante, 22 (13.03.2002) of Pembury Road, Hackney, Travis Mitchell, 21 (23.07.2002) of Bodney Road, Hackney and Rhamyah Bailey-Edwards, 21 (21.08.2003) of Williams Avenue, Walthamstow have been charged with murder.
The three men will appear at Thames Magistrates on Monday, 24 February.
The investigation into Jason’s death remains ongoing and on Saturday, 23 February, officers arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody.
A Met officer has been dismissed without notice for football hooliganism, and handed a three-year banning order.
A misconduct hearing was held last week for Arsenal supporter Detective Constable Gordon Irikefe, attached to Central South Command Unit, following his behaviour at a Bayern Munich v Arsenal match.
The officer also attended Westminster Magistrates’ Court today, Monday 24 February, in relation to his actions at Arsenal matches between October 2022 and April 2024.
Detective Superintendent Emma Bond, in charge of policing for the Central South area, said: “DC Irikefe has shown an unacceptable pattern of behaviour at football matches, for anyone, let alone a police officer who should uphold the highest of standards whether on or off duty.
“His actions have not only seen him now subject to a football banning order, but have also cost him his job.
”I am grateful to professional standards and football unit colleagues for pulling together the evidence in this case to ensure we have been able to take decisive action.”
A misconduct hearing was held on Thursday, 20 February following allegations DC Irikefe lit and threw a pyrotechnic into the crowd at a football match in Munich while off duty on Wednesday, 17 April last year.
DC Irikefe was also arrested that day by German police for wearing a full balaclava and sunglasses inside the stadium. He was fined 100 Euros for the ‘masking’ offence.
The hearing found he had breached the standards of professional behaviour for discreditable conduct at the level of gross misconduct.
DC Irikefe resigned on Wednesday, 12 February but his notice period meant he was still a serving officer when his misconduct hearing was held, therefore he was dismissed without notice.
He appeared at court today after investigating officers from the Met’s Central Football Unit made an application for a football banning order to prevent violence and disorder. DC Irikefe had been served with a summons on Thursday, 10 October.
The court heard that since October 2022 DC Irikefe had come to police notice on numerous occasions for disorderly and anti-social behaviour at football matches, including the matters in Germany for which he had also been disciplined, receiving management action.
In February 2023 he was heard ‘tragedy chanting’ at a Leicester City march, shouting ‘helicopter’. Other allegations included making lewd gestures and shouting abuse at a substitute player, ‘masking up’ to conceal his identify and intimating other fans including using pyrotechnics.
The order was granted and will be in place for the next three years. DC Irikefe is banned from attending any regulated football matches in the UK and must surrender his passport when asked to do so in relation to football matches played outside the UK.
He cannot go within one mile of the Emirates stadium if Arsenal are playing four hours before and after the match, nor visit any town, city or London borough four hours before and after an away match.
He must not go without two miles of any stadium where the England national team are playing four hours before and after the match.
Following his dismissal, DC Irikefe will also be placed on the barred list held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.
CHICAGO, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rate, the second largest retail lender in the U.S. and a leader in fintech mortgage solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its 1stResponder+ Program, a new initiative designed to provide financial peace of mind to active first responders and their families.
Underscoring Rate’s commitment to those who serve and protect our communities every day, the 1stResonder+ program offers eligible first responders a complimentary, one-year accidental death insurance policy that covers their mortgage balance—up to $650,000—in the event that the first responder passes away in the line of duty. This program can be paired with Rate’s agency conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA product offerings, providing flexible options for borrowers who meet both loan program and product criteria.
Eligible professions include:
Law Enforcement Officers: Police officers, correction officers, and Homeland Security personnel (including military border patrol).
Emergency Medical Services: EMTs, paramedics, ambulance personnel, search and rescue teams, and air ambulance crews.
Fire Service: Firefighters and search and rescue personnel.
“First responders are the backbone of our communities, putting their lives at risk every day to ensure the public’s safety and well-being,” said Victor Ciardelli, President and CEO of Rate. “The 1stResponder+ program is our way of saying thank you and ensuring their families are protected, should the unthinkable occur. This initiative reflects our gratitude and respect for these individuals.”
The 1stResponser+ not only highlights Rate’s focus on advancing the mortgage industry, but also reinforces its mission to make homeownership attainable and secure for those who selflessly serve others.
Rate loan officers are dedicated to supporting the communities that they serve in many different ways. In addition to 1stResponder+, Rate offers an extensive product suite that includes, but is not limited to, a wide variety of Affordable, Jumbo, and Non-QM products and programs. Whether you are a first responder or not, Rate has an option that will best fit your needs.
About Rate
Rate Companies is a leader in mortgage lending and digital financial services. Headquartered in Chicago, Rate is the #2 retail mortgage lender in the U.S., with over 850 branches across all 50 states and Washington D.C. Since its launch in 2000, Rate has helped more than 2 million homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. The company has cemented itself as an industry leader by introducing innovative technology, offering low rates, and delivering unparalleled customer service. Honors and awards include Best Mortgage Lender for First-Time Homebuyers by NerdWallet for 2023; HousingWire’s Tech100 award for the company’s industry-leading FlashClose℠ digital mortgage platform in 2020, MyAccount in 2022, and Language Access Program in 2023; No. 2 ranking in Scotsman Guide’s 2022 list of Top Retail Mortgage Lenders; the most Scotsman Guide Top Originators for 11 consecutive years; Chicago Agent Magazine’s Lender of the Year for seven consecutive years; and Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces list for seven straight years. Visit rate.com for more information.
GRAND RAPIDS – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge today announced that Matthew Joseph Sheehan, 45, of Iron River, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
According to court records, investigators received information that Sheehan was traveling out of state to obtain illicit drugs for distribution in the Upper Peninsula, including methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine. In June 2023, Sheehan was pulled over in Iron County for a traffic infraction. During the traffic stop, officers found nearly a pound of methamphetamine, a smaller quantity of cocaine, and more than $6,000 in cash. A subsequent search of Sheehan’s residence recovered additional drugs and over $37,000.
The Michigan State Police, Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET), Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Iron River Police Department, and Iron County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Rebecca Hanson, Assistant Professor of Latin American Studies, Sociology and Criminology, University of Florida
Members of government-backed militias take part in a march in Caracas, Venezuela, on Jan. 7, 2025.AP Photo/Matias Delacroix
The body of former Venezuelan army officer Ronald Ojeda was found on Feb. 19, 2024, in a suitcase buried under 5 feet of concrete. Ojeda, accused by Venezuela of plotting against the government, had gone missing nine days earlier, when men dressed as police broke into his apartment in the Chilean capital of Santiago and dragged him away.
Following a yearlong investigation, authorities in Chile have now pointed the finger at the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, claiming members carried out the assassination at the behest of that country’s president, Nicolás Maduro.
It comes as the relationship between Maduro’s government and criminal gangs is under increased scrutiny, both among regional governments in Latin America and in the United States.
President Donald Trump has even suggested that Maduro successfully reduced crime by exporting gang members to the U.S. “Crime is down in Venezuela by 67% because they’re taking their gangs and their criminals and depositing them very nicely into the United States,” he told supporters in April 2024.
The fall in homicide rates has coincided with Maduro successfully consolidating his authoritarian rule in Venezuela. And explanations of the drop in crime tend to imply that it is the result of the government co-opting and controlling gangs. Some observers have even referred to Venezuela as a “narcostate,” suggesting that drug trafficking in the country is an organized venture between top officials and criminal groups.
Falling homicide rates should not mask the fact that Venezuela is still plagued by violence. Since the mid-2000s it has been ranked as one of the most violent countries in the world.
Former President Hugo Chávez was never able to get a handle on crime, particularly violent crime, which increased exponentially under his government. The trend continued during Maduro’s first years in office after Chávez’s death in 2013.
However, all available evidence suggests that Venezuela’s homicide rate has declined since reaching a peak in 2016 – by around 42%.
But there’s no evidence this is because the government is “offshoring” criminals.
Maduro’s own explanation for this decline portrays the government as handily controlling criminals by means of incredibly lethalpolice raids carried out between 2015 and 2019. In short, Maduro claims that the police have effectively “wiped out” criminal groups.
Competing police forces …
But rather than “wiping out” criminal organizations, the Maduro government has instead maintained volatile relationships with many armed groups, including gangs, nonstate paramilitary groups and even the country’s own police forces.
These relationships have produced significant conflict and dysfunction within state institutions. This is clear when looking at institutions presumed to be synonymous with state control, such as the police.
Chávez’s and Maduro’s governments put more police and soldiers in the streets. They created security institutions, such as the Policía Nacional Bolivariana, or Bolivarian National Police.
However, rapid growth of the security apparatus, amid competing approaches, has generated more conflict than coordination.
Police officers and police reformers I interviewed referred to state security policies and the changes they produced as akin to Frankenstein’s monster – an aberration rapidly outpacing the creator’s ability to control it.
What they mean is the government had created new security institutions so quickly that it is unable to supervise and control them. As one former police officer and Chavista politician told me: “Our challenge now is how to manage the monster we created.”
State policies have also generated significant distrust between the police and the government, and among different police forces.
This distrust has even resulted in police forces coming to blows with each other in the streets on multiple occasions. On Feb. 19, 2020, a section of the Prados del Este highway in Caracas was shut down as officers from Venezuela’s National Police and the country’s investigative police brandished weapons, shoving, punching and wrestling each other to the ground.
… cooperating gangs
It is, as such, highly unlikely that falling homicide rates are the result of policing. Indeed, I interviewed over 200 police officers while conducting research for my book, and most believed that the government’s policing initiatives contributed to crime and violence rather than reducing it.
A more plausible explanation for falling homicide figures is that Maduro’s policies have resulted in more consolidated relationships between criminal groups themselves.
The government agreed to tolerate illicit activities within certain areas and prohibit police from entering gang territory. In exchange, gangs agreed to reduce killings and other highly visible crimes such as kidnapping. As my book and previous research with Verónica Zubillaga, Francisco Sánchezand Leonard Gómez shows, these pacts allowed gangs to consolidate control over territory and illicit markets.
Gangs also negotiated agreements among themselves in case the government pacts fell through. For example, they agreed to divide territory and markets to avoid future conflict and share resources such as weapons and ammunition. This produced less conflict between gangs and less disruption in illicit markets, resulting in fewer homicides.
When pacts have ruptured in the past, the spectacularly violent confrontations that ensued between gangs and the police have shown gangs’ capacity to resist government intervention. Still, the overall effect of pacts and gang consolidation has been a reduction in homicides.
As one neighbor living in gang territory put it: “Before, gangs confronted each other; they killed each other. Now they don’t. Now they are growing.”
‘Mother of all infuriations’
Relationships between the government and various nonstate armed groups, including gangs, have generated enormous discontent within police forces.
As one police officer explained in an interview, these pacts represented the “mother of all infuriations.” For many officers, the goverment’s pacts with other armed groups is tantamount to its sponsorship of criminal activities.
And this discontent has produced sporadic violent confrontations. Even when government-gang pacts are in place, the government has been unable to keep police forces from entering gang territory and engaging in deadly shootouts.
Certainly from the outside, it may look like Maduro’s government has co-opted gangs for political purposes. And with the U.S. government adding Tren de Aragua to its list of global terrorist groups, that could put Venezuela in danger of being labeled a “state sponsor of terrorism.”
However, the Ojeda case in Chile should not be taken as evidence that stable and strong ties exist between Maduro’s government and criminal groups – at least not yet.
Instead, authoritarian survival in Venezuela for now seems to depend on volatile relationships between multiple and competing armed groups that collaborate temporarily with the government when their diverse interests overlap.
Rebecca Hanson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today said it is investigating an incident involving cleaning workers who allegedly removed display bills posted in Sham Shui Po, and has instructed the contractor to suspend the staff members concerned from their contractual duties until the investigation is completed.
The department made the statement in response to media enquiries about a video circulating on social media, in which outsourced cleansing workers were suspected of removing display bills they posted in Nam Cheong Street.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the four staff members involved were employed by an outsourced street cleaning service contractor.
The department said it has immediately requested the contractor to submit a report on the incident and reiterated that it attaches great importance to the performance of contractors and the conduct of their employees.
If the investigation confirms the allegation, the department will hold the contractor liable in accordance with the contract, which may include the deduction of service fees and put on record the incident as a considering factor for future service procurement.
Additionally, the department will refer the suspected falsification of records to Police for follow-up.
The FEHD noted that the workers concerned are responsible for removing unauthorised display bills and posters in public places, and must take photos for record purposes. It has not set a minimum target for the number of bills and posters to be removed by the contractors.
The department added that it will closely monitor the contractor’s service performance to ensure compliance with the service contract requirements.
As migration patterns shift and security challenges evolve, Frontex remains at the forefront of Europe’s border management efforts. January 2024 saw significant progress in multiple areas, from life-saving operations in the Central Mediterranean to a sharp decline in illegal border crossings in the Western Balkans. Additionally, the Agency welcomed closer cooperation with Albania, reported key migration trends, and hosted EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner for discussions on future challenges. Here’s a look at key developments from the past month.
In January, a Swedish patrol boat participating in a Frontex operation in Italy played a critical role in a life-saving mission. The vessel intercepted a fiberglass boat packed with 58 migrants, none of whom had life jackets, putting them in immediate danger. With air support from a Frontex plane, all individuals on board were safely rescued. In addition to operational efforts, Frontex continues to support Italian authorities in identifying and dismantling smuggling networks responsible for these perilous journeys.
Frontex’s collaboration with EU partners and neighbouring countries is yielding positive results. In the Western Balkans, illegal border crossings dropped by 78% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This significant decline underscores the effectiveness of joint efforts between the EU and its neighbours in addressing migration challenges.
Albania remains a key partner in these efforts. A new phase of cooperation has begun with the deployment of Frontex officers in Joint Operation 2025 in Albania. They were warmly welcomed by the Albanian State Police and Regional Border and Migration Police in Gjirokastra. This partnership strengthens border security and enhances regional stability.
Frontex data for 2024 shows a 38% decrease in irregular border crossings compared to 2023, marking the lowest level since 2021. However, challenges remain:
Western Africa: A notable 18% increase in arrivals, reaching nearly 47,000—the highest number since Frontex began collecting data in 2009.
Western Balkans and Central Mediterranean: Both routes recorded sharp declines of 78% and 59%, respectively.
Demographics: Women accounted for 10% of all irregular crossings, with 62% entering through the Eastern Mediterranean. Minors made up 16%, up from 13% in 2023.
Currently, 3,000 Frontex officers and staff are deployed in operations across Europe, ensuring the security of the EU’s external borders.
The 15th National Games Triathlon Test Event will be held at the Central Harbourfront and Victoria Harbour on March 1 and 2, and special traffic and transport arrangements will be in place in Central and Wan Chai from February 26.
The women’s individual and men’s individual races are scheduled for 8am and 10.30am respectively on March 1, while the mixed relay race will take place at 2pm on March 2.
To prepare for and facilitate the test event, special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented in phases.
From 10am on February 26 to 6pm on March 2, the section of Expo Drive between Legislative Council Road and Expo Drive Central will be temporarily closed.
From 5am to 8am on February 28, Police will implement intermittent road closures in the vicinity of the Central Harbourfront and Wan Chai North, including Lung Wo Road, Yiu Sing Street, Lung Hop Street, Expo Drive, Expo Drive Central, and Expo Drive East.
These road sections will be closed from 2am to 2pm on March 1 and from 8am to 6pm on March 2.
Regarding public transport, cross-harbour bus route nos. 104 and 961 and Citybus route nos. H1 and H2 will be subject to temporary diversions.
At the same time, the terminal point of cross-harbour bus route no. 961 at Expo Drive East will be temporarily relocated to Harbour Road outside Wan Chai Swimming Pool, and the bus stop of Citybus route no. H1 at Expo Drive East near Golden Bauhinia Square will also be temporarily suspended.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Tai Sang Bank Limited relating to a suspicious website, which has been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Police will implement special traffic arrangements in Central and Wan Chai from February 26 (Wednesday) to March 2 (Sunday) to facilitate the 15th National Games triathlon test event.
A. Road closure
The following roads will be intermittently closed from 5am to 8am on February 28:
– Yiu Sing Street; – Eastbound Lung Wo Road between southbound Man Yiu Street and northbound Fleming Road; – Westbound Lung Wo Road between southbound Lung Tat Path and southbound Tim Wa Avenue; – Eastbound Lung Tat Path; – Lung Hop Street; – Legislative Council Road between Legislative Council Complex Car Park exit and westbound Lung Wo Road; – The slip road of eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel heading to its Expo Drive exit; – The slip road of eastbound Man Kat Street heading to Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel portal; – Expo Drive; – Expo Drive Central; and – Expo Drive East.
The following roads will be closed, except for vehicles with permit:
(1) From 10am on February 26 to 6pm on March 2:
Expo Drive between Legislative Council Road and Expo Drive Central.
(2) From 2am to 2pm on March 1 and from 8am to 6pm on March 2:
– Yiu Sing Street; – Eastbound Lung Wo Road between southbound Man Yiu Street and northbound Fleming Road; – Westbound Lung Wo Road between southbound Lung Tat Path and southbound Man Yiu Street; – Eastbound Lung Tat Path; – Lung Hop Street; – Legislative Council Road between Legislative Council Complex Car Park exit and westbound Lung Wo Road; – Part of the traffic lanes of the slip road of westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel heading to Central District; – Part of the traffic lanes of eastbound Man Po Street near Finance Street; – Part of the traffic lanes of southbound Man Yiu Street between westbound Man Kwong Street and westbound Yiu Sing Street; – Part of the traffic lanes of southbound Man Yiu Street near westbound Lung Wo Road; – Part of the traffic lanes of westbound Convention Avenue near northbound Fleming Road; – The slip road of eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel heading to its Expo Drive exit; – The slip road of eastbound Man Kat Street heading to Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel portal; – Expo Drive; – Expo Drive Central; – Expo Drive East; and – Part of the traffic lanes of northbound Fleming Road between eastbound Harbour Road and westbound Lung Wo Road.
B. Traffic diversions
In connection with the road closure as mentioned above, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:
(1) From 10am on February 26 to 6pm on March 2:
– Traffic along eastbound Expo Drive heading to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will be diverted via eastbound Lung Wo Road and northbound Expo Drive East; and – Traffic along eastbound Expo Drive heading to Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel will be diverted via eastbound Lung Wo Road.
(2) From 2am to 2pm on March 1 and from 8am to 6pm on March 2:
– Traffic along westbound Hung Hing Road via northbound Expo Drive East heading to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will be diverted via southbound Fleming Road and make a u-turn to northbound Fleming Road and westbound Harbour Road; – Traffic along eastbound Connaught Road Central Flyover heading to Hung Hing Road via Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel will be diverted via eastbound Man Po Street, southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road; – Traffic along eastbound Man Kat Street heading to Hung Hing Road via Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel will be diverted via eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road; – Traffic along westbound Man Kwong Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road via southbound Man Yiu Street will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road; – Traffic along eastbound Man Po Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road via eastbound Yiu Sing Street will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road; – Traffic along eastbound Man Po Street heading to Admiralty or Mid-levels via eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via the slip road of eastbound Man Po Street heading to westbound Finance Street, westbound Finance Street, temporary exit connecting Finance Street and Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel, the slip road of westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel heading to eastbound Man Kat Street, eastbound Man Kat Street, eastbound Connaught Road Central and eastbound Harcourt Road; – Traffic along southbound Man Yiu Street cannot turn left to eastbound Lung Wo Road and eastbound Yiu Sing Street, vehicles will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road; – Traffic along eastbound Man Cheung Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road; – Traffic along eastbound Yiu Sing Street and southbound Yiu Sing Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road; – Traffic along northbound Legislative Council Road cannot turn left to westbound Lung Wo Road. Vehicles will be diverted via southbound Legislative Council Road, eastbound Lung Wui Road, eastbound Fenwick Pier Street, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, Flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place; – Traffic along northbound Tim Wa Avenue cannot turn left to westbound Lung Wo Road. Vehicles will be diverted via southbound Tim Wa Avenue, northbound Tim Mei Avenue, eastbound Lung Wui Road, eastbound Fenwick Pier Street, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, Flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place; – Traffic along westbound Lung Wo Road heading to the Chief Executive’s Office via southbound Tim Wa Avenue will be diverted via southbound Lung Tat Path, Convention Avenue, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, Flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and make a u-turn to eastbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Tim Wa Avenue; – Traffic along eastbound Lung Wui Road cannot turn left to northbound Lung Hop Street; – Traffic along westbound Fenwick Pier Street cannot turn right to northbound Lung Hop Street. Vehicles will be diverted via Fenwick Pier Street, Flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place; – Traffic along westbound Convention Avenue heading to westbound Lung Wo Road via northbound Lung Tat Path will be diverted via Convention Avenue, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, Flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place; – Traffic along westbound Hung Hing Road heading to westbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted to southbound Lung Tat Path, Convention Avenue, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, Flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place; and – Traffic along southbound Expo Drive East heading to westbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Lung Tat Path, Convention Avenue, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, Flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place.
C. Suspension of parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas
All parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas on the following roads will be suspended:
(1) From 10am on February 26 to 6pm on March 2:
All metered parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas on Expo Drive.
(2) From 10pm on February 28 to 6pm on March 2:
– All metered parking spaces on Yiu Sing Street and Lung Hop Street; – All metered parking spaces on the unnamed road near General Post Office; – Pick-up/drop-off areas on westbound Lung Wo Road near City Hall and near Edinburgh Place; and – All metered parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas on Expo Drive East.
All vehicles parked illegally during the implementation of the above special traffic arrangements will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.
The Police will make special arrangements depending on the traffic and crowd conditions. Members of the public are advised to use public transport to access the above areas as far as possible. Motorists are advised to exercise patience, and to take heed of instructions of the Police on site.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Transport Department (TD) today (February 24) reminded private car drivers that, starting from November 1, 2025, child passengers travelling in private cars must use a Child Restraining Device (CRD), such as a child safety seat.
Following the passage of the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2024 by the Legislative Council, starting from November 1, 2025, unless child passengers aged below 8 reach a body height of 1.35 metres, they must use CRDs in private cars irrespective of sitting in the front or rear seats. Passengers aged 8 or above, or with a body height of at least 1.35m must either use a CRD or wear an adult seat belt. Otherwise, the driver must not drive the car on any road. Apart from conventional types of child safety seats, there are various types of portable CRDs, such as a seat belt adjuster, a wearable safety restraint vest or a foldable booster, available in the market for selection.
The Police may issue a Fixed Penalty Notice of $230 to drivers breaching the requirement. Serious cases may be referred to the court, which can impose a maximum fine of $2,000. To cater for individual exceptional circumstances, two statutory defences have been provided under the Amendment Regulation: (1) a private car driver having a reasonable ground to believe that the passenger has attained 8 years of age or has reached a body height of 1.35m; or (2) the child passenger is being transported in a case of emergency (such as emergency treatment) where the driver may not have time to arrange and use a CRD.
A spokesman for the TD said, “The new requirement aims to enhance protection for children and passenger safety. CRDs provide effective protection for child passengers in traffic accidents and they can substantially reduce the risks of being killed or seriously injured.”
The spokesman urged parents, guardians or private car drivers carrying a child passenger to select and purchase appropriate devices fit for their children’s age and body. They should take a close look at the packaging description and follow the installation guidelines. If an International Standards Organization FIX (ISOFIX) safety seat is preferred, pay special attention to its applicable vehicle models. For enquiries, they should consult the manufacturer or retailer on the product standards to meet the legal requirements.
The TD will work with the Police and the Road Safety Council to step up publicity and public education on road safety for private car drivers, covering the legal requirements as well as points to note during selection and use of CRDs (including national and international standards recognised). The TD will also maintain close liaison with the Consumer Council to enhance information dissemination for the public to make an informed choice.
Members of the public may refer to the TD’s Agent T Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AgentT.hk), or call the hotline 2804 2600 for details.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Vehicle theft equipment to be banned under new government law
Possession or distribution of electronic devices used to commit vehicle theft will be banned, carrying a maximum sentence of 5 years.
Sophisticated electronic devices used by criminals in 40% of vehicle thefts in England and Wales will be banned under new laws, as part of the government’s mission to make the nation’s streets safer.
Having your vehicle stolen is a costly and distressing experience for victims. It disrupts livelihoods, stopping people from working and from seeing their families.
As the government works to prevent crimes from impacting working people’s lives, police officers and the courts will be given new powers to target criminals who steal vehicles using electronic devices, including ‘signal jammers’, along with the organised groups who manufacture and supply these devices.
Previously, prosecution for handling these devices was only possible if it could be proved by police that they had been used to commit a specific crime.
Under these new laws, anyone who is found in possession of one, or to have imported, made, adapted or distributed them, could receive a maximum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine. The burden of proof will instead fall on the owner to prove they were using the device for a legitimate purpose, to avoid being prosecuted.
This new measure acts on a key milestone in our Plan for Change to protect our neighbourhoods and is part of the government’s flagship Crime and Policing Bill, which will be introduced to Parliament on Tuesday.
Minister for Policing, Crime and Fire Prevention, Dame Diana Johnson, said:
These thefts have a devastating effect on victims, who need their vehicles to go about their everyday lives. We are aware of the real concerns people feel with the use of these electronic devices being so prolific.
This is why we are introducing new laws focused on tackling this issue at source, which is what our Safer Streets mission and Plan for Change are all about. These new laws will prevent these devices from getting into the hands of thieves and organised crime groups.
We will also continue to work closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, which includes supporting their National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership, which brings together the police and manufacturers to clamp down on vehicle crime.
The most common way theft from a vehicle – or the theft of the vehicle itself – occurs is with the use of these electronic devices, with keyless repeaters and signal amplifiers being used to scramble the signal from remote locking devices.
According to the 2022 to 2023 Crime Survey for England and Wales, an offender manipulated a signal from a remote locking device in 40% of thefts of vehicles. There were also 732,000 incidents of vehicle-related theft in the year ending September 2024.
The Metropolitan Police Service estimates that, in London, signal jammers are used in approximately 60% of vehicle theft.
A significant proportion of vehicle theft is driven by organised crime groups, as there is a demand for stolen vehicles, which means this is a highly attractive and lucrative area for criminals to gain profit. Organised criminals are constantly trying to find ways to overcome security measures on vehicles, even in the latest models, by exploiting vulnerabilities in vehicles and new technologies.
In support of the new measures, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:
With government statistics showing an average of 370 vehicles being stolen every day, outlawing the possession and distribution of signal jammers cannot come soon enough and we welcome the government’s action on this.
Having your car stolen is not only a violation, it causes massive amounts of stress and inconvenience as well as higher insurance costs for the individual concerned and drivers generally.
AA president, Edmund King, said:
This is a positive step, and these tougher sentences should make would-be thieves think again before stealing cars. As fast as vehicle technology has evolved, thieves have always tried to keep pace and beat the security systems.
Relay theft and signal jamming is all too frequent and these measures will give police forces more opportunities to tackle car crime.
ACC Jenny Sims, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for vehicle crime said:
We welcome the announcement of new offences to criminalise the possession, manufacture, sale and supply of signal jammers which have provided an easily accessible tool for criminals to use in the theft of vehicles for far too long.
These devices have no legitimate purpose, apart from assisting in criminal activity, and reducing their availability will support policing and industry in preventing vehicle theft which is damaging to both individuals and businesses.
Police are investigating after firearms and cash was stolen from a home at Yorketown overnight.
About 1am on Monday 24 February, police were called to a home on St Vincent Highway after three men broke into the property and assaulted the occupant. The men stole a large amount of cash along with a number of firearms.
The suspects also stole the victim’s Toyota sedan which has since been located at Minlaton.
The victim, a 74-year-old man, sustained injuries to his head and was treated at the local hospital.
Yorke Mid North police are investigating the incident and are seeking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000.