NewzIntel.com

Category: Police

  • MIL-OSI USA: HSI New England investigation leads to recovery of over $300,000 to victim of a computer support scam

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    HARTFORD, Conn. — U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut announced on Feb. 7 the return of $328,573 to the victim of a computer support scam as the result of an ICE HSI cybercrime investigation.

    According to the complaint (3:24cv840), in February 2024, an elderly woman was tricked by a scammer who mimicked Microsoft customer support. The victim transferred approximately $550,000 to the scammers in two wire transfers. Within two days of the transfers, the victim and a family member reported the incident to the Simsbury Police Department, who then partnered with HSI to investigate the crime. Fortunately, one of the wire transfers, in the amount of $221,000, was reversed by the bank and returned to the victim. ICE HSI special agents traced the remaining money, totaling approximately $328,573, and seized it. The U.S. Attorney’s Office then filed a civil asset forfeiture action to forfeit the money to the government, and HSI special agents and the U.S. Attorney’s Office then worked with the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section to return the money to the victim on Feb. 4, 2025.

    “Cyber scams run by foreign malign actors are becoming more common and more sophisticated every day,” said ICE HSI New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “The victim in this case contacted authorities quickly resulting in the recovery of most of her money by the bank and by HSI — a best case scenario and rare result. It is essential for victims of these kinds of cybercrimes to come forward as soon as possible. We want the public to know that help is available and to reach out immediately if they’ve been victimized by international scammers.”

    “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to helping victims of crime, and civil asset forfeiture is a powerful tool that allows the government to return money to victims of fraud schemes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman. “As we continue to pursue criminal prosecution of the individuals responsible for this and other computer crimes, it is equally important to ensure that the government uses all of its tools to minimize, and in this case, undo, the financial impact these crimes have on victims. This case represents the best case scenario, where nearly every dollar taken from the victim was returned to her. While it can be difficult to come forward and admit that you have been victimized by online scammers, know that federal law enforcement and our state and local partners stand ready to help you to the fullest extent possible.”

    This case was investigated by ICE HSI New England’s Hartford Resident Agent in Charge office. If you or someone you know is a victim of elder fraud, call the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11.

    Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSINewEngland to learn more about HSI’s global missions and operations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lord Chancellor sets out her vision for the probation service

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, the Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP, made a speech outlining her vision for the future of the probation service.

    Please note the political content has been removed from this speech.

    Today, we are in Southwark, the home of London’s probation service, one of the busiest in the country.

    Here in London, the Service supervises more than 36,000 offenders.

    And, every day, in this building, there are a thousand untold stories of how our probation service protects the public and makes our streets safer.

    I want to talk about the future of our probation service today.

    But to look to that future, I think we must first look to the past.

    Because it was here, in Southwark, that the probation service first took root.

    Over 150 years ago, the Church of England’s temperance movement posted a man called George Nelson to Southwark’s police court.

    Nelson was the first of a band of missionaries, driven by their faith and strict teetotalism, who gave up their time to help offenders give up the drink.

    Addiction then, as addiction now, drove much criminal behaviour…

    And the approach worked.

    In fact, it worked so well that the courts came to rely on missionaries like Nelson.

    A system soon developed where offenders would be released on the condition that they kept in touch with these volunteers.

    Because what began as a moral cause proved to have a practical purpose:

    These missionaries led to less crime and fewer victims.

    As this Government might say: they made our streets safer.

    By the early twentieth century, this voluntary service was so greatly valued that it was placed on a statutory footing.

    The 1907 Probation of Offenders Act established the first formal structure for probation…

    And the volunteers became professionals.  

    In the years that followed, the service grew:

    The 1925 Criminal Justice Act paid probation officers a regular wage.

    By the 1950s, probation’s work expanded to offenders on parole.

    And by the 1980s, the service was focused increasingly on prison releases.

    Over time, the role developed.

    Where the early missionaries were focused on crimes driven by addiction…

    In time, they took responsibility for the management of ever more, and ever more complex, offenders.

    Too often overlooked, with our focus invariably falling on the police or on prisons…

    Probation became an indispensable part of a criminal justice system that keeps us safe.

    It remains so today, now a service that is more than 20,000 strong…

    And probation officers supervise almost a quarter of a million offenders – around three times the number currently serving time in our prisons.

    Each year, they oversee more than 4 million hours of community payback.

    They monitor around 9,000 offenders on a tag at any given moment.

    They provide sentencing advice to hundreds of courts every single day.

    And they also provide a vital link to tens of thousands of victims, through the Victim Contact and the Victim Notification schemes.

    But while there have been bright moments in the service’s past, we must acknowledge the dark days too.

    In 2014 the service was split:

    Part remained in the public sector, managing the highest-risk offenders.

    The rest was hived off, to be run by the private sector, who would supervise those of low and medium risk.

    Community Rehabilitation Companies would bring the ingenuity of the private sector to solve the problem of reoffending.

    The rhetoric was of a revolution in how we manage offenders.

    The reality was far different.

    Workloads increased, as new offenders were brought under supervision for the first time…

    The number of people on probation increased between December 2014 and December 2016, with almost 50,000 offenders newly under its remit.

    Scarce resources were stretched further than ever…   

    Morale plummeted.

    And worrying numbers voted with their feet, leaving the service altogether…

    With the Inspector of Probation declaring a “national shortage” of probation professionals in 2019. 

    The new companies woefully underperformed.

    Between 2017 and 2018, just 5 of 37 audits carried out by HMPPS demonstrated that expected standards were being met.

    In 2019, 8 out of 10 companies inspected received the lowest possible rating – “inadequate” – for supervising offenders.

    The Chief Inspector called them “irredeemably flawed”.

    And the service was labelled ‘inadequate’.

    In 2021, it was finally, rightly, re-unified and re-nationalised.

    Now, make no mistake…

    Every day, across the country, probation staff make this country safer.

    This was clearly evident in the service’s response to the prison capacity crisis.

    With prisons just days from collapse, this Government was forced to introduce an emergency release programme, which saw some offenders leave prison a few weeks or months early.

    The alternative, as I said at the time, did not bear thinking about:

    We would have been forced to shut the front door of our prisons…

    An act that would have sent dominoes tumbling through our justice system:

    Courts unable to hold trials…

    Police forced to halt arrests…

    And the eventual path to a total breakdown of law and order.

    In making that decision, I knew the probation service would have to carry an even heavier load.

    They would have to put in place plans for the safe release of prisoners in just a few weeks.

    I tried to give them as much time as I possibly could to prepare:

    An eight-week implementation period.

    It wasn’t long to prepare, but the probation service used it with great skill.

    But now is also a moment to be honest about the challenges the service faces.

    And the simple fact is this:

    The service was burdened with a workload that was, quite simply, impossible.

    When we took office, we discovered that orders handed out by courts were not taking place.

    In the 3 years to March 2024 around 13,000 Accredited Programmes, a type of rehabilitative course, did not happen.

    This wasn’t because an offender had failed to do what was expected of them…

    But instead because the Probation Service had been unable to deliver these courses.

    As I have shown already in this job, I believe in confronting problems, not pretending they are not there.

    And so, we will ensure only those offenders who pose a higher risk, and who need to receive these courses, will do so.

    This isn’t a decision I take lightly.

    But it is a decision to confront the reality of the challenges facing the probation service.

    I should be clear:

    For those who will not complete an accredited programme, they remain under the supervision of a probation officer…

    And all the other requirements placed upon them will remain in place.

    Any breach of a community sentence could see them hauled back into court.

    Any breach of a licence condition could see them back behind bars.

    Addressing individual issues like these, however, is no long-term solution to the challenges the probation service faces.

    Today, across the country, probation officers are spread too thin – responsible for caseloads and workloads that exceed what they should be expected to handle.

    Probation officers are drawn to the profession not because it is just another job.

    This job is a vocation, even a calling…

    They are, after all, the inheritors of those missionaries of 150 years ago.

    They are experts in their discipline…

    Who want to know that their work is protecting the public…

    And keeping offenders on the straight and narrow.

    Over-stretched, they can’t work with offenders in the way they need to.

    And the burden placed on probation officers’ shoulders grow heavier and heavier.

    It has driven people away from the job…

    It has made the public less safe…

    And it has to change.

    It is clear we need to bring more people into the probation service.

    In July, I committed to bringing on 1,000 trainee probation officers by March of this year.

    But we must go further.

    Today, I can announce that, next year, we will bring on at least 1,300 new, trainee probation officers.

    New probation officers are the lifeblood of the service, and they will guarantee its future.

    But they are not enough alone.

    It is also clear we must remove the administrative burden that weighs probation officers down…

    And makes them less effective in their roles.

    Today, too many hours of probation officer time are wasted each day.

    They are drowning in paperwork.

    And I don’t mean metaphorical paperwork.

    I mean literal pen and paperwork.

    This takes up valuable time, that would be better spent working with offenders…

    And it also introduces the risk of error – the failure to identify the critical piece of information that might shape a professional’s judgement of the risk that an offender poses.

    Where digital processes do exist in the probation service, they can be difficult to navigate.

    Information is stored in multiple different systems that do not speak to each other.

    And probation officers are forced, laboriously, to type the same information time and again.

    We will soon pilot a digital tool that will put all the information a probation officer needs to know into one place.

    Over time, this will include information from other agencies, like the police as we need to make sure data is more readily shared, so that probation can make better decisions.

    We’re also trialling a new system for risk assessing offenders, to make it more straightforward for probation officers to make robust decisions.

    A group of officers in Brighton started using this in December last year…

    And we estimate it will cut up to 20 percent of the time it takes to do this crucial activity.

    It might sound simple, but the impact could be considerable.

    Every minute saved is more time probation officers can spend working with offenders.

    Less simple, but even more transformational, there’s the potential of artificial intelligence.

    We are currently looking into voice transcription.

    This would automatically record and transcribe supervision conversations by taking notes in real time…

    Allowing probation officers to focus on building relationships, while also removing the need for them to enter handwritten notes into a computer afterwards.

    In time, we believe that AI could play a more active role in supporting staff to supervise offenders – for example, drawing on the data we have on an offender to suggest a supervision plan tailored to them.

    This new technology will ensure probation officers provide what only they can:

    The human factor.

    The ability to work with an offender, one-to-one, to understand the risk they pose…

    To develop a plan for how to manage it…

    Ultimately, to turn them away from a life of crime – and so protect the public.

    That is what remains true about the probation officer’s job now, just as it was 150 years ago.

    The courts didn’t turn to the temperance movement’s missionaries because they were great at paperwork.

    They did so because of how they worked with offenders.

    They knew – in the words of the Government Minister who brought in the 1907 Probation Act – how “to guide and admonish” an offender to make the public safer.

    But while new staff and better technology are necessary to the future of our probation service…

    They are not sufficient.

    With a caseload of nearly a quarter of a million offenders…

    We must also look at the work that probation officers are doing…

    And we must ask:

    Where should their time be spent…

    And, more specifically, who should their time be spent with to have the greatest impact?

    In this, it is clear there are two types of offender.

    On the one hand, we have those who pose a higher risk to society.

    In this group, we have those who are dangerous – posing a real risk of harm to the public.

    We also have those whose offending is prolific – the one in every ten offenders who is guilty of nearly half of all sentenced crime.

    On the other hand, we have offenders who pose a lower risk.

    They are not serial offenders, with a high risk of reoffending.

    Their crimes are instead often fuelled by addiction, homelessness, and joblessness.

    These crimes are not excusable.

    All crimes must be punished.

    But these two groups – the higher and lower risk – are different.

    If we want to reduce reoffending, cut crime and have safer streets, we have to treat them differently.

    And too often today, we don’t.

    We have a one size fits all approach.

    That must change.

    For higher-risk offenders, a probation officer’s time and focus is essential.

    It is no exaggeration to say that effective supervision of this cohort can be the difference between life and death.

    We all know the tragedies:  

    I think of Terri Harris, her children John Paul and Lacey Bennett and Lacey’s friend Connie Gent, savagely murdered by Damien Bendall in 2021, when Bendall was serving a community sentence.

    And I think of Zara Aleena, murdered by Jordan McSweeney in 2022, just nine days after he had left prison on licence.

    We will never be able to stop every tragedy.  

    But we have to stop more.

    There are improvements that we can and must make to the processes probation officers follow, and the technology they use.

    We have introduced new training, to better identify risk…

    New digital tools, as I have mentioned already, will draw together the critical pieces of information from partner organisations, like the police.

    But the vital ingredient is time:

    The time of a professional probation officer…

    Devoted to identifying the risk an offender poses…

    Creating a plan to manage it…

    And supervising, closely, that offender to ensure they do not deviate from it.

    That is the human factor that only a probation officer can provide.

    If probation officers are to have this valuable time with these offenders, we must be more efficient with the time they devote to lower-risk offenders.

    At the very end of their time in office, my predecessor introduced a policy called Probation Reset.

    This saw supervision of lower-risk offenders end after two-thirds of their licence period.

    This was a step in the right direction.

    The interventions that work best with lower risk offenders are not necessarily those provided by probation officers.

    So that is where we must now direct the attention of their supervision.

    We need to get these offenders off drugs and booze – reoffending rates are 19 points lower when an offender completes a drug treatment programme.

    We need to ensure they have a roof over their heads – reoffending rates double for those released homeless.  

    And finally, we need to get them working – reoffending rates are up to 9 points lower when an offender is employed.

    The probation service has a role to play here…

    But their unique value is in referring offenders to the intervention that is required to address the cause of their offending.                

    And so today, I can announce that we will build on the work of Reset.

    This Government will focus the probation service on the interventions that have the greater impact.

    For lower risk offenders, we will task probation officers with providing a swifter intervention.

    They will spend more time with an offender immediately after their release:

    First, assessing the root causes of an offender’s crime…

    Then referring them to the services that will address that behaviour:

    Which could be education, training, drug treatment or accommodation…

    Delivered by the probation service, our partners across Government, and through the brilliant work done by the voluntary sector.

    Once offenders are following that direction, as long as the offender stays on the straight and narrow, we must then focus probation officer’s time more effectively:

    That means more time spent with the offenders who pose the greater risk…

    More time with offenders who pose a risk of a serious and violent further offence…

    And more time with offenders whose prolific offending causes so much social and economic damage to local communities.

    That is how we will reduce reoffending…

    That is how we will cut crime…

    And that is how we will make our streets safer.

    These measures are necessary today, but they will be even more important in the months and years to come.

    David Gauke’s independent review of sentencing will report soon.

    He has been asked to ensure we never run out of prison places again.

    There is no doubt that this will increase pressure on probation.

    As I made clear when I announced the review, I have asked David to consider how we make more use of punishment outside of prison.

    In my view, technology is likely to play a key role – taking advantage of advances in the tech that is being used here and in other jurisdictions:

    Like sobriety tags, which can measure the alcohol levels in offenders’ sweat every 30 minutes, and have a 97 percent compliance rate…

    And GPS tags, which can put in place exclusion zones to alert authorities if offenders enter areas we have banned them from.

    There are also likely to be more sentences served in the community…

    And more drug, alcohol and mental health treatment requirements placed on offenders.

    These are the tools that must be at the judiciary’s disposal to deal with criminals…

    And judges must have trust and confidence that the probation service can deliver them.

    The changes I have announced today are about support for the probation service:

    1,300 new trainee probation officers…

    New technology to lighten the administrative burden…

    And a new focus of their time on where it has the greatest impact.

    Today, I have set out what I think the future direction of the probation service must be.

    And I think we must, finally, consider the alternative. 

    What would happen if we allowed probation to carry on as it is?

    What would happen if we allowed the service to be stretched so thin, trying to do too much with too many offenders…

    Too much time spent doing the wrong things, and not enough time doing what is right and what works.  

    We know what the consequences would be.

    We’ve seen it in the stories of far too many victims…

    And the pain their friends and families have experienced – and continue to experience – every single day. 

    When the probation service isn’t able to properly assess the risk of offenders or supervise them…

    Innocent people pay a terrible price.

    The first job of the state is to keep its people safe.

    We are willing to take the difficult decisions, where they must be taken.

    I will support probation officers, both the new recruits we will bring in and the professionals of whom we have asked so much in recent years.

    While they are professionals these days, and experts in their field…

    They are drawn to the profession by the same desire that called to those missionaries a hundred and fifty years ago:

    To encourage offenders to turn their backs on crime…

    And to make our streets and the public safer.

    To fulfil that purpose now, we must do things differently.

    And that begins today.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE HSI New England investigation leads to recovery of over $300,000 to victim of a computer support scam

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    HARTFORD, Conn. — U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut announced on Feb. 7 the return of $328,573 to the victim of a computer support scam as the result of an ICE HSI cybercrime investigation.

    According to the complaint (3:24cv840), in February 2024, an elderly woman was tricked by a scammer who mimicked Microsoft customer support. The victim transferred approximately $550,000 to the scammers in two wire transfers. Within two days of the transfers, the victim and a family member reported the incident to the Simsbury Police Department, who then partnered with HSI to investigate the crime. Fortunately, one of the wire transfers, in the amount of $221,000, was reversed by the bank and returned to the victim. ICE HSI special agents traced the remaining money, totaling approximately $328,573, and seized it. The U.S. Attorney’s Office then filed a civil asset forfeiture action to forfeit the money to the government, and HSI special agents and the U.S. Attorney’s Office then worked with the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section to return the money to the victim on Feb. 4, 2025.

    “Cyber scams run by foreign malign actors are becoming more common and more sophisticated every day,” said ICE HSI New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “The victim in this case contacted authorities quickly resulting in the recovery of most of her money by the bank and by HSI — a best case scenario and rare result. It is essential for victims of these kinds of cybercrimes to come forward as soon as possible. We want the public to know that help is available and to reach out immediately if they’ve been victimized by international scammers.”

    “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to helping victims of crime, and civil asset forfeiture is a powerful tool that allows the government to return money to victims of fraud schemes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman. “As we continue to pursue criminal prosecution of the individuals responsible for this and other computer crimes, it is equally important to ensure that the government uses all of its tools to minimize, and in this case, undo, the financial impact these crimes have on victims. This case represents the best case scenario, where nearly every dollar taken from the victim was returned to her. While it can be difficult to come forward and admit that you have been victimized by online scammers, know that federal law enforcement and our state and local partners stand ready to help you to the fullest extent possible.”

    This case was investigated by ICE HSI New England’s Hartford Resident Agent in Charge office. If you or someone you know is a victim of elder fraud, call the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11.

    Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSINewEngland to learn more about HSI’s global missions and operations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Guilty Plea from Shiprock Woman in Straw Purchase Case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock woman pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the straw purchase of a firearm that was later used in a violent crime spree and murder.

    According to court documents, on April 24, 2024, Brittania Navaho, 29, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, purchased a revolver and ammunition from a pawn shop in Gallup, New Mexico, on behalf of Rydell Happy, a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

    At sentencing, Navaho faces up to 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from Navajo Nation Police Department, the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney R. Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case.

    This case is being prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners.

    This case is being prosecuted under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The Act is a federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Sentencing of Albuquerque Man for Violent Carjacking and Robbery Spree

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man has been sentenced to 120 months in prison for a series of violent crimes committed in 2021.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, Dairon Romero, 28, engaged in a crime spree that included carjacking and multiple robberies. Specifically:

    • On July 17, 2021, Romero carjacked a vehicle at gunpoint from a pregnant woman exiting a Walmart with her three young children.
    • On October 10, 2021, Romero entered a 7-Eleven convenience store, pointed a firearm at an employee, and stole approximately $200 in cash and several cartons of cigarettes.
    • On October 13, 2021, Romero robbed a Circle K, using mace on an employee and taking about $60 from the cash register.

    On April 18, 2024, Romero pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and two counts of interference with commerce by robbery.

    At sentencing, the federal judge considered, among other things, Romero‘s violent criminal background as well as numerous other robberies Romero was alleged to have committed. This finding resulted in a sentence greater than the sentencing guideline range.

    Upon his release from prison, Romero will be subject to three years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, made the announcement today.

    The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Moghadam is prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lord Chancellor’s sets out her vision for the probation service

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, the Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP, made a speech outlining her vision for the future of the probation service.

    Please note the political content has been removed from this speech.

    Today, we are in Southwark, the home of London’s probation service, one of the busiest in the country.

    Here in London, the Service supervises more than 36,000 offenders.

    And, every day, in this building, there are a thousand untold stories of how our probation service protects the public and makes our streets safer.

    I want to talk about the future of our probation service today.

    But to look to that future, I think we must first look to the past.

    Because it was here, in Southwark, that the probation service first took root.

    Over 150 years ago, the Church of England’s temperance movement posted a man called George Nelson to Southwark’s police court.

    Nelson was the first of a band of missionaries, driven by their faith and strict teetotalism, who gave up their time to help offenders give up the drink.

    Addiction then, as addiction now, drove much criminal behaviour…

    And the approach worked.

    In fact, it worked so well that the courts came to rely on missionaries like Nelson.

    A system soon developed where offenders would be released on the condition that they kept in touch with these volunteers.

    Because what began as a moral cause proved to have a practical purpose:

    These missionaries led to less crime and fewer victims.

    As this Government might say: they made our streets safer.

    By the early twentieth century, this voluntary service was so greatly valued that it was placed on a statutory footing.

    The 1907 Probation of Offenders Act established the first formal structure for probation…

    And the volunteers became professionals.  

    In the years that followed, the service grew:

    The 1925 Criminal Justice Act paid probation officers a regular wage.

    By the 1950s, probation’s work expanded to offenders on parole.

    And by the 1980s, the service was focused increasingly on prison releases.

    Over time, the role developed.

    Where the early missionaries were focused on crimes driven by addiction…

    In time, they took responsibility for the management of ever more, and ever more complex, offenders.

    Too often overlooked, with our focus invariably falling on the police or on prisons…

    Probation became an indispensable part of a criminal justice system that keeps us safe.

    It remains so today, now a service that is more than 20,000 strong…

    And probation officers supervise almost a quarter of a million offenders – around three times the number currently serving time in our prisons.

    Each year, they oversee more than 4 million hours of community payback.

    They monitor around 9,000 offenders on a tag at any given moment.

    They provide sentencing advice to hundreds of courts every single day.

    And they also provide a vital link to tens of thousands of victims, through the Victim Contact and the Victim Notification schemes.

    But while there have been bright moments in the service’s past, we must acknowledge the dark days too.

    In 2014 the service was split:

    Part remained in the public sector, managing the highest-risk offenders.

    The rest was hived off, to be run by the private sector, who would supervise those of low and medium risk.

    Community Rehabilitation Companies would bring the ingenuity of the private sector to solve the problem of reoffending.

    The rhetoric was of a revolution in how we manage offenders.

    The reality was far different.

    Workloads increased, as new offenders were brought under supervision for the first time…

    The number of people on probation increased between December 2014 and December 2016, with almost 50,000 offenders newly under its remit.

    Scarce resources were stretched further than ever…   

    Morale plummeted.

    And worrying numbers voted with their feet, leaving the service altogether…

    With the Inspector of Probation declaring a “national shortage” of probation professionals in 2019. 

    The new companies woefully underperformed.

    Between 2017 and 2018, just 5 of 37 audits carried out by HMPPS demonstrated that expected standards were being met.

    In 2019, 8 out of 10 companies inspected received the lowest possible rating – “inadequate” – for supervising offenders.

    The Chief Inspector called them “irredeemably flawed”.

    And the service was labelled ‘inadequate’.

    In 2021, it was finally, rightly, re-unified and re-nationalised.

    Now, make no mistake…

    Every day, across the country, probation staff make this country safer.

    This was clearly evident in the service’s response to the prison capacity crisis.

    With prisons just days from collapse, this Government was forced to introduce an emergency release programme, which saw some offenders leave prison a few weeks or months early.

    The alternative, as I said at the time, did not bear thinking about:

    We would have been forced to shut the front door of our prisons…

    An act that would have sent dominoes tumbling through our justice system:

    Courts unable to hold trials…

    Police forced to halt arrests…

    And the eventual path to a total breakdown of law and order.

    In making that decision, I knew the probation service would have to carry an even heavier load.

    They would have to put in place plans for the safe release of prisoners in just a few weeks.

    I tried to give them as much time as I possibly could to prepare:

    An eight-week implementation period.

    It wasn’t long to prepare, but the probation service used it with great skill.

    But now is also a moment to be honest about the challenges the service faces.

    And the simple fact is this:

    The service was burdened with a workload that was, quite simply, impossible.

    When we took office, we discovered that orders handed out by courts were not taking place.

    In the 3 years to March 2024 around 13,000 Accredited Programmes, a type of rehabilitative course, did not happen.

    This wasn’t because an offender had failed to do what was expected of them…

    But instead because the Probation Service had been unable to deliver these courses.

    As I have shown already in this job, I believe in confronting problems, not pretending they are not there.

    And so, we will ensure only those offenders who pose a higher risk, and who need to receive these courses, will do so.

    This isn’t a decision I take lightly.

    But it is a decision to confront the reality of the challenges facing the probation service.

    I should be clear:

    For those who will not complete an accredited programme, they remain under the supervision of a probation officer…

    And all the other requirements placed upon them will remain in place.

    Any breach of a community sentence could see them hauled back into court.

    Any breach of a licence condition could see them back behind bars.

    Addressing individual issues like these, however, is no long-term solution to the challenges the probation service faces.

    Today, across the country, probation officers are spread too thin – responsible for caseloads and workloads that exceed what they should be expected to handle.

    Probation officers are drawn to the profession not because it is just another job.

    This job is a vocation, even a calling…

    They are, after all, the inheritors of those missionaries of 150 years ago.

    They are experts in their discipline…

    Who want to know that their work is protecting the public…

    And keeping offenders on the straight and narrow.

    Over-stretched, they can’t work with offenders in the way they need to.

    And the burden placed on probation officers’ shoulders grow heavier and heavier.

    It has driven people away from the job…

    It has made the public less safe…

    And it has to change.

    It is clear we need to bring more people into the probation service.

    In July, I committed to bringing on 1,000 trainee probation officers by March of this year.

    But we must go further.

    Today, I can announce that, next year, we will bring on at least 1,300 new, trainee probation officers.

    New probation officers are the lifeblood of the service, and they will guarantee its future.

    But they are not enough alone.

    It is also clear we must remove the administrative burden that weighs probation officers down…

    And makes them less effective in their roles.

    Today, too many hours of probation officer time are wasted each day.

    They are drowning in paperwork.

    And I don’t mean metaphorical paperwork.

    I mean literal pen and paperwork.

    This takes up valuable time, that would be better spent working with offenders…

    And it also introduces the risk of error – the failure to identify the critical piece of information that might shape a professional’s judgement of the risk that an offender poses.

    Where digital processes do exist in the probation service, they can be difficult to navigate.

    Information is stored in multiple different systems that do not speak to each other.

    And probation officers are forced, laboriously, to type the same information time and again.

    We will soon pilot a digital tool that will put all the information a probation officer needs to know into one place.

    Over time, this will include information from other agencies, like the police as we need to make sure data is more readily shared, so that probation can make better decisions.

    We’re also trialling a new system for risk assessing offenders, to make it more straightforward for probation officers to make robust decisions.

    A group of officers in Brighton started using this in December last year…

    And we estimate it will cut up to 20 percent of the time it takes to do this crucial activity.

    It might sound simple, but the impact could be considerable.

    Every minute saved is more time probation officers can spend working with offenders.

    Less simple, but even more transformational, there’s the potential of artificial intelligence.

    We are currently looking into voice transcription.

    This would automatically record and transcribe supervision conversations by taking notes in real time…

    Allowing probation officers to focus on building relationships, while also removing the need for them to enter handwritten notes into a computer afterwards.

    In time, we believe that AI could play a more active role in supporting staff to supervise offenders – for example, drawing on the data we have on an offender to suggest a supervision plan tailored to them.

    This new technology will ensure probation officers provide what only they can:

    The human factor.

    The ability to work with an offender, one-to-one, to understand the risk they pose…

    To develop a plan for how to manage it…

    Ultimately, to turn them away from a life of crime – and so protect the public.

    That is what remains true about the probation officer’s job now, just as it was 150 years ago.

    The courts didn’t turn to the temperance movement’s missionaries because they were great at paperwork.

    They did so because of how they worked with offenders.

    They knew – in the words of the Government Minister who brought in the 1907 Probation Act – how “to guide and admonish” an offender to make the public safer.

    But while new staff and better technology are necessary to the future of our probation service…

    They are not sufficient.

    With a caseload of nearly a quarter of a million offenders…

    We must also look at the work that probation officers are doing…

    And we must ask:

    Where should their time be spent…

    And, more specifically, who should their time be spent with to have the greatest impact?

    In this, it is clear there are two types of offender.

    On the one hand, we have those who pose a higher risk to society.

    In this group, we have those who are dangerous – posing a real risk of harm to the public.

    We also have those whose offending is prolific – the one in every ten offenders who is guilty of nearly half of all sentenced crime.

    On the other hand, we have offenders who pose a lower risk.

    They are not serial offenders, with a high risk of reoffending.

    Their crimes are instead often fuelled by addiction, homelessness, and joblessness.

    These crimes are not excusable.

    All crimes must be punished.

    But these two groups – the higher and lower risk – are different.

    If we want to reduce reoffending, cut crime and have safer streets, we have to treat them differently.

    And too often today, we don’t.

    We have a one size fits all approach.

    That must change.

    For higher-risk offenders, a probation officer’s time and focus is essential.

    It is no exaggeration to say that effective supervision of this cohort can be the difference between life and death.

    We all know the tragedies:  

    I think of Terri Harris, her children John Paul and Lacey Bennett and Lacey’s friend Connie Gent, savagely murdered by Damien Bendall in 2021, when Bendall was serving a community sentence.

    And I think of Zara Aleena, murdered by Jordan McSweeney in 2022, just nine days after he had left prison on licence.

    We will never be able to stop every tragedy.  

    But we have to stop more.

    There are improvements that we can and must make to the processes probation officers follow, and the technology they use.

    We have introduced new training, to better identify risk…

    New digital tools, as I have mentioned already, will draw together the critical pieces of information from partner organisations, like the police.

    But the vital ingredient is time:

    The time of a professional probation officer…

    Devoted to identifying the risk an offender poses…

    Creating a plan to manage it…

    And supervising, closely, that offender to ensure they do not deviate from it.

    That is the human factor that only a probation officer can provide.

    If probation officers are to have this valuable time with these offenders, we must be more efficient with the time they devote to lower-risk offenders.

    At the very end of their time in office, my predecessor introduced a policy called Probation Reset.

    This saw supervision of lower-risk offenders end after two-thirds of their licence period.

    This was a step in the right direction.

    The interventions that work best with lower risk offenders are not necessarily those provided by probation officers.

    So that is where we must now direct the attention of their supervision.

    We need to get these offenders off drugs and booze – reoffending rates are 19 points lower when an offender completes a drug treatment programme.

    We need to ensure they have a roof over their heads – reoffending rates double for those released homeless.  

    And finally, we need to get them working – reoffending rates are up to 9 points lower when an offender is employed.

    The probation service has a role to play here…

    But their unique value is in referring offenders to the intervention that is required to address the cause of their offending.                

    And so today, I can announce that we will build on the work of Reset.

    This Government will focus the probation service on the interventions that have the greater impact.

    For lower risk offenders, we will task probation officers with providing a swifter intervention.

    They will spend more time with an offender immediately after their release:

    First, assessing the root causes of an offender’s crime…

    Then referring them to the services that will address that behaviour:

    Which could be education, training, drug treatment or accommodation…

    Delivered by the probation service, our partners across Government, and through the brilliant work done by the voluntary sector.

    Once offenders are following that direction, as long as the offender stays on the straight and narrow, we must then focus probation officer’s time more effectively:

    That means more time spent with the offenders who pose the greater risk…

    More time with offenders who pose a risk of a serious and violent further offence…

    And more time with offenders whose prolific offending causes so much social and economic damage to local communities.

    That is how we will reduce reoffending…

    That is how we will cut crime…

    And that is how we will make our streets safer.

    These measures are necessary today, but they will be even more important in the months and years to come.

    David Gauke’s independent review of sentencing will report soon.

    He has been asked to ensure we never run out of prison places again.

    There is no doubt that this will increase pressure on probation.

    As I made clear when I announced the review, I have asked David to consider how we make more use of punishment outside of prison.

    In my view, technology is likely to play a key role – taking advantage of advances in the tech that is being used here and in other jurisdictions:

    Like sobriety tags, which can measure the alcohol levels in offenders’ sweat every 30 minutes, and have a 97 percent compliance rate…

    And GPS tags, which can put in place exclusion zones to alert authorities if offenders enter areas we have banned them from.

    There are also likely to be more sentences served in the community…

    And more drug, alcohol and mental health treatment requirements placed on offenders.

    These are the tools that must be at the judiciary’s disposal to deal with criminals…

    And judges must have trust and confidence that the probation service can deliver them.

    The changes I have announced today are about support for the probation service:

    1,300 new trainee probation officers…

    New technology to lighten the administrative burden…

    And a new focus of their time on where it has the greatest impact.

    Today, I have set out what I think the future direction of the probation service must be.

    And I think we must, finally, consider the alternative. 

    What would happen if we allowed probation to carry on as it is?

    What would happen if we allowed the service to be stretched so thin, trying to do too much with too many offenders…

    Too much time spent doing the wrong things, and not enough time doing what is right and what works.  

    We know what the consequences would be.

    We’ve seen it in the stories of far too many victims…

    And the pain their friends and families have experienced – and continue to experience – every single day. 

    When the probation service isn’t able to properly assess the risk of offenders or supervise them…

    Innocent people pay a terrible price.

    The first job of the state is to keep its people safe.

    We are willing to take the difficult decisions, where they must be taken.

    I will support probation officers, both the new recruits we will bring in and the professionals of whom we have asked so much in recent years.

    While they are professionals these days, and experts in their field…

    They are drawn to the profession by the same desire that called to those missionaries a hundred and fifty years ago:

    To encourage offenders to turn their backs on crime…

    And to make our streets and the public safer.

    To fulfil that purpose now, we must do things differently.

    And that begins today.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stephenville — Bay St. George RCMP stops vehicle and formulates grounds of drug impairment, driver refuses blood sample

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 29-year-old man is facing a criminal charge following a traffic stop that was conducted by Bay St. George RCMP on February 11, 2025.

    Shortly before midnight last night, Bay St. George RCMP stopped a vehicle on Main Street in Stephenville and suspected that the driver was impaired by a drug. Police observed a quantity of cannabis inside the vehicle, near the driver. The man initially refused to exit the vehicle. He was provided a demand to complete roadside sobriety testing and performed poorly. The driver was arrested for drug impaired operation and was provided a demand for blood samples. He was transported to the Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital in Stephenville and refused to comply with the demand.

    He now faces a charge of refusing to comply with a blood demand. The man is set to appear in court on April 7, 2025. His licence was suspended and the vehicle as seized and impounded.

    Refusing to comply with a demand issued as part of an impaired driving investigation is a criminal offence. If convicted, a charge of refusing to comply with a demand carries the same penalty as a conviction for a charge of impaired operation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 90th INTERPOL General Assembly

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    18-21 October 2022, New Delhi, India

    The General Assembly is INTERPOL’s supreme governing body and comprises delegates appointed by the governments of our member countries.

    It meets once a year and takes all the major decisions affecting general policy, the resources needed for international cooperation, working methods, finances and programmes of activities. These decisions are in the form of resolutions.

    INTERPOL unveils first ever Metaverse designed for law enforcement at General Assembly.

    INTERPOL President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the opening of the 90th General Assembly.

    90th General Assembly.

    Police officers at 90th General Assembly.

    INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock with members of the Executive Committee (2021/2022).

    Opening of the 90th General Assembly.

    Secretary General Jürgen Stock reading INTERPOL’s 2022 Global Crime Trend Report.

    90th General Assembly.

    This year, the General Assembly will meet for its 90th session in New Delhi, India. The agenda is expected to include presentations, workshops and discussions on the following subjects:

    The future of policing

    With our member countries, we are exploring diverse perspectives on the future of policing in an increasingly digitalized world. What are the challenges, how can we respond to threats posed by technology and how should we shape our vision for 2030?

    Policing today’s crimes

    Different panels will look at topical policing initiatives. This will include:

    INTERPOL’s Global Crime Trends Report

    This document provides member countries with an overview of the main crime threats in the world.

    Executive Committee Elections

    The General Assembly elects new members to the Executive Committee as the incumbents end their mandate. This year, two posts are up for election: the vice-president for Europe, and the delegate for Africa.

    INTERPOL’s Centenary

    In 2023, INTERPOL will celebrate 100 years since the founding of the International Criminal Police Commission, which then became INTERPOL in 1956. A series of activities are planned to raise awareness of the role of international policing; past, present and future.

    Police have been gathering to discuss international policing for 100 years – pictured here are delegates at the 2nd session of the General Assembly held in Berlin, Germany in 1924.

    Partnerships

    This panel will discuss how multi-stakeholder strategic partnerships can support law enforcement across the world to face the challenges in global security.

    Diversity

    INTERPOL is committed to increasing the geographical and gender diversity of its workforce so it can better reflect and serve its global membership.

    Workshops

    Different workshops will look at technology, innovation and global financial crime, giving participants the chance to share ideas in smaller groups.

    Host country: India

    We thank India and the officials from New Delhi for hosting this year’s General Assembly and welcoming our delegates from member countries. We recognize the time and effort it takes to put on an event of this scale.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp Appoints Josh Lamb to Serve as Director of GEMA/HS

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced his appointment of Josh Lamb as director of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS). Lamb will fill the role following the departure of previous director Chris Stallings.

    “I’m honored to welcome Lt. Col. Lamb to GEMA and thank him for stepping into this important leadership role that is critical to the safety and recovery of Georgia’s communities, especially as we continue to rebuild from Hurricane Helene and other storms,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “I know Lt. Col. Lamb is committed to that mission and will provide the leadership necessary to ensure our state is prepared to respond to disaster and proactively keep Georgians safe. Marty, the girls, and I also want to thank Mike Smith for his service during this recent transitional period and for his continued leadership as GEMA Chief of Staff.”

    Lieutenant Colonel Josh Lamb serves as the Department of Public Safety’s Assistant Commissioner, overseeing several key areas, including the Office of Professional Standards, the Human Resources Division, the Public Information Office, the Office of Public Safety Support, and Legislative Affairs. He was appointed to his role as Assistant Commissioner on October 1, 2023, having previously served as the Director of Administrative Services.

    Lt. Col. Lamb began his law enforcement career in 1996 as a special agent with the Tri-Circuit Drug Task Force after graduating from Georgia Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in justice studies. In 1998, he joined the Georgia State Patrol and graduated from the 74th Trooper School. He has held various positions throughout his career, including corporal at Post 11 Hinesville, sergeant at Post 45 Statesboro, sergeant first class at Post 45 Statesboro, Post 16 Helena, and Post 18 Reidsville. He also dedicated eight years as a State of Georgia SWAT team member. In addition, he served as a lieutenant in the Planning and Research Unit, where he developed departmental policies, organized special events such as the 2018 National College Championship Game and Super Bowl LIII, and worked on legislative matters, including the distracted driving law. His roles have included director of training, SWAT team commander, executive officer to the deputy commissioner, chief of staff, and director of administrative services.

    Lt. Col. Lamb earned a master’s degree in public administration from Columbus State University and attended the 259th Session of the FBI National Academy, where he was one of only two individuals from Georgia ever chosen to represent his session as class spokesperson. He also served as an FBI executive fellow and has taught nationally.  He graduated from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Chief Executive Training Course.  He recently served as the head of delegation for the 31st Georgia Law Enforcement Delegation to Israel.

    Lt. Col. Lamb and his wife, Alison, have two daughters, Kenley and Karson.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: La Loche — La Loche RCMP asking public to report sightings of Rolfe Herman

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    La Loche RCMP is asking the public to report sightings and information on the whereabouts of 35-year-old Rolfe Herman.

    Rolfe Herman is wanted by La Loche RCMP for charges including assault with a weapon, uttering threats, and fail to comply with probation order. These charges were laid in relation to a February 7, 2025 investigation.

    Rolfe Herman is described as approximately 6’2″ tall and 190 lbs. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He has a skull and snake tattooed on his right shoulder and tribal art tattooed on his right arm.

    Rolfe Herman is known to frequent the Saskatoon and North Battleford areas, but his current whereabouts are unknown.

    La Loche RCMP continue to investigate.

    Report all sightings and information about the whereabout of Rolfe Herman to your local police at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: La Loche — La Loche RCMP asking public to report sightings of Keistin Moise

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    La Loche RCMP is asking the public to report sightings and information on the whereabouts of 25-year-old Keistin Moise. He also goes by the name ‘Philip J. Fry’.

    Keistin Moise is wanted by La Loche RCMP for charges including assault, mischief – damage to property, and failing to attend court. These charges were laid in relation to a May 2024 investigation.

    Keistin Moise is described as approximately 5’8″ tall and 130 lbs. He has brown eyes and black hair.

    La Loche RCMP continue to investigate.

    Report all sightings and information about the whereabout of Keistin Moise to your local police at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: La Loche — La Loche RCMP asking public to report sightings of Deano Laprise

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    La Loche RCMP is asking the public to report sightings and information on the whereabouts of 36-year-old Deano Laprise. He also goes by the name ‘Moleman’.

    Deano Laprise is wanted by La Loche RCMP for multiple firearms-related charges. These charges were laid in relation to a November 2024 armed robbery.

    Deano Laprise is described as approximately 6’1″ tall and 175 lbs. He has brown eyes and black hair. He has a tattoo of cards with writing on his upper left arm and a birthmark beside his nose.

    La Loche RCMP continue to investigate.

    Report all sightings and information about the whereabout of Deano Laprise to your local police at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Meadow Lake — Meadow Lake RCMP responding to shooting on Waterhen Lake First Nation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Around 6:15 p.m. February 8, 2025, Meadow Lake RCMP received a report of a shooting at a residence on Waterhen Lake First Nation. One male was reportedly injured and has been transported to hospital for treatment of injuries. We do not have an update on their condition. The suspect got into a dark coloured truck driven by another male. The dark coloured truck is an extended cab with damage to the passenger side. The dark coloured truck left the scene, traveling in an unknown direction.

    The suspect in the shooting is described as a male wearing a tan jacket and black hat. The male driver of the truck was wearing all black.

    Meadow Lake RCMP responded immediately and there will be an increased police presence in the community of Waterhen Lake First Nation as police officers conduct an investigation.

    If you see the vehicle or suspects do not approach them as they are considered armed and dangerous. Report all tips to the RCMP by calling 911 in an emergency and 310-RCMP in non-emergencies.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Broadview — Broadview RCMP investigating fatal rollover

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On February 8, 2025 at approximately 10:15 a.m., Broadview RCMP received a report of a single-vehicle rollover on Range Road 2045, approximately two kilometers south of Highway #1.

    Officers responded along with local fire and EMS. The sole occupant of the vehicle was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as an 82-year-old male from Grenfell, SK. His family has been notified.

    Broadview RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sir David Amess Prevent Learning Review

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Security Minister updated on the Prevent learning review – jointly commissioned with Counter Terrorism Policing following the murder of Sir David Amess.

    With permission, Madame Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement on the publication of the Prevent learning review into the perpetrator of the attack that tragically killed Sir David Amess on 15 October 2021.

    Sir David Amess was a beloved member of this House.

    A hugely respected parliamentarian, his popularity extended right across the political divide.

    To win and keep the respect of those outside one’s own party is, as we all know, a rare accomplishment.

    Over nearly 40 years of service in this place, Sir David fought every day for his constituents.

    He advanced numerous causes with compassion, persistence and skill and members on all sides of the House knew him as warm, respectful and always fair parliamentarian.

    His legacy lives on, not least in Southend, which now has the city status he campaigned so determinedly for. He will never be forgotten.

    And the motto on Sir David’s memorial shield behind us states, ‘His Light Remains’.

    While this House lost a valued member on that terrible day, Sir David’s wife and children lost a loving husband and a devoted father. They are in our thoughts and prayers – today and always.

    Together with the Home Secretary, who spoke with Sir David’s family recently, I recognise the courage and persistence they have shown in seeking the answers they deserve.

    As the House will know, it was a heinous act of violence on 15 October 2021 that took Sir David away from those who knew and loved him.

    The killer, Ali Harbi Ali – I won’t say his name again – was convicted of murder in April 2022 and received a whole life sentence.

    The judge said that this was a ‘murder that struck at the heart of our democracy’ and had ‘no doubt whatsoever’ that the nature of this case meant that the perpetrator ‘must be kept in prison for the rest of his life’.

    The perpetrator had previously been referred to the Prevent programme and subsequently to the specialist Channel programme between 2014 and 2016, between 5 and 7 years before the attack took place.

    Immediately after the attack, a Prevent learning review was jointly commissioned by the Home Office and Counter Terrorism Policing to examine what happened in the case and see whether lessons needed rapidly to be learned. It was completed in February 2022.

    Last week, I made a statement to the House on the government’s publication of the Prevent learning review concerning the perpetrator of the abhorrent attack in Southport.

    Today, we are taking a further step to enable public scrutiny of Prevent, and in recognition of the seriousness of the attack on Sir David, by publishing the Prevent learning review conducted in this case too.

    The perpetrator of the attack on Sir David became known to Prevent in October 2014 when he was referred by his school after teachers identified a change in his behaviour.

    The case was adopted by the Channel multi-agency early intervention programme in November 2014. An intervention provider who specialised in tackling Islamist extremism was assigned to work with him.   

    The perpetrator was exited from Channel in April 2015, after his terrorism risk was assessed as “low”.

    A twelve-month post-exit police review in 2016 also found no terrorism concerns. The case was closed to Prevent at that point.

    There were no further Prevent referrals in the 5 years between the case being closed and the attack.

    The Prevent learning review examined how Prevent dealt with the perpetrator’s risk, and how far the improvements made to Prevent since he was referred 7 years prior, would have impacted his management.

    The review considered both the handling of the case at the time, and also the changes that had been made to Prevent since the referral in 2014.  It examined how far those changes addressed any problems identified, and then made a series of recommendations.

    The reviewer found that “from the material reviewed, the assessment in terms of the perpetrator’s vulnerabilities was problematic and this ultimately led to questionable decision making and sub-optimal handling of the case during the time he was engaged with Prevent and Channel’.  It identified that the vulnerability assessment framework was not followed with the perpetrator’s symptoms being prioritised over addressing the underlying causes of his vulnerabilities. The reviewer ultimately found that while Prevent policy and guidance at the time was mostly followed, the case was exited from Prevent too quickly.

    The reviewer identified 6 issues, namely that:

    • the support given did not tackle all the vulnerabilities identified
    • record keeping was problematic and the rationale for certain decisions was not explicit
    • responsibilities between police and the local authority were blurred
    • the tool used for identifying an individual’s vulnerability to radicalisation was outdated
    • the school that made the referral to Prevent should have been involved in discussions to help determine risk and appropriate support
    • the tasking of the intervention provider was problematic, with a miscommunication leading to only one session being provided instead of two

    The reviewer then examined how far changes in the Prevent programme since 2016 had addressed these issues.

    The reviewer recognised the significant changes that had been made to Prevent since the perpetrator was managed.

    In particular, the introduction of the statutory Prevent and Channel duties under the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015.

    The reviewer concluded that over the intervening period there have been considerable changes to policy and guidance for both the police and the wider Prevent arena including Channel.

    Whilst a number of the issues in the perpetrator’s case would most likely not be repeated today there were still a number of areas which could be considered as requiring further work in order to mitigate against future failures.  

    The reviewer made 4 recommendations for action to further strengthen Prevent. These were to:

    • improve the referral process
    • strengthen the initial intelligence assessment process
    • update the tool used to identify vulnerability to being drawn into terrorism
    • not reduce data retention periods

    Since the report, the Home Office and Counter Terrorism Policing have fully implemented all 4 recommendations.

    • First, a single national referral form was launched, to encourage a consistent approach to referrals, building this into new training packages and mandating its use via statutory guidance.

    • Second, training has been delivered to police staff to strengthen the initial intelligence check stage, ensuring their understanding of Prevent is robust.

    • Third, a new Prevent Assessment Framework was rolled out in September 2024. This replaces the tools previously used to assess all referrals and cases in the Prevent system.

    • Fourth, data retention periods were fully reviewed in 2023.  A joint decision was taken by the Home Office and Counter Terrorism Policing to maintain retention review periods at 6 years or 6 years after the 12-month review for Channel cases.

    In addition to the publication of the Prevent learning review, we recognise the significant concerns that remain over the way in which Prevent dealt with the perpetrator – as well as the need to ensure that the recommendations it suggested for improving the scheme have properly been implemented.

    Last week I set out to the House a series of new reforms instituted by this government to strengthen the Prevent programme, recognising the vital work done by officers across the country to keep people safe. That included the creation of a new independent Prevent commissioner.

    I can today inform the House that the Home Secretary has asked the Prevent Commissioner to review the Prevent programme’s interactions with the perpetrator in this case and ensure the implementation of relevant recommendations. We will ensure that the Amess family have the support they need to engage with the Prevent Commissioner in this work, so that they can have confidence that it will get to the truth about any failings in the scheme.

    Madame Deputy Speaker, 2 further important issues have been raised which are relevant to this case – local policing, and members’ security,

    On local policing, concerns have been raised by the Amess family about the way in which Essex Police handled this case.

    A complaint has been made, and referred back to the local force by the IOPC for consideration. That process must be allowed to follow its course. However, I can inform the House that the Home Secretary has written to the Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner of Essex Police asking them to set out how the investigation will be conducted, and to be kept updated as the investigation progresses.

    Secondly, on Members’ security. This is something the Home Secretary and I care deeply about, and I know that it is a matter to which Mr Speaker attaches the utmost importance, as will all members right across this House.

    A review of security measures for MPs commissioned under the previous government has concluded, and all the recommendations have been implemented.

    We must ensure that the learnings from this case have been properly implemented and I want to take this opportunity to thank Mr Speaker for his continued leadership on these matters – the Speaker’s Conference is considering what reforms are necessary to further improve MPs safety and security – this is another important step.

    The Leader of the House, Home Secretary and myself look forward to working closely with the Speaker and all members to ensure the facts of Sir David’s murder are properly considered as part of the Speaker’s Conference work and that the Parliamentary Security Department implements the recommendations of the review it conducted in the aftermath of Sir David’s death.

    I am also grateful to previous Home Secretaries and security ministers for their efforts in this area.

    Our democracy is precious, and this government will defend it against any and all threats.  

    Not least, through the Defending Democracy Taskforce, where we are mounting a whole-of-government response to combat such threats including ensuring elected representatives can perform their duties safely and without fear.

    Before I finish, I will pay tribute once more to Sir David.

    He was a giant of this House and we miss him dearly.

    In all that he did, Sir David epitomised public service at its best. It is beyond a tragedy that we can no longer seek his advice or rely on his wisdom.

    We can, though, follow his example and devote ourselves every day to the task of building a better and safer Britain.

    That is our shared challenge, Mr Speaker, and under this government, nothing will matter more.

    I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Individuals Charged In Connection With Fentanyl Distribution

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – Two individuals have been charged in connection with possessing distribution quantities of fentanyl, and one of the individuals has additionally been charged with possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Pablo Suruy Hernandez, 41, of Guatemala, and Giovanni Guzman, 41, of El Salvador, were charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Hernandez is also charged with one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.  Hernandez and Guzman appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams in Newark federal court on February 10, 2025, and were detained.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    In January 2025, law enforcement officials received information that Hernandez was engaged in narcotics trafficking in New Jersey.  On January 16, 2025, Hernandez met with a confidential source to discuss the potential purchase of firearms, fentanyl, and cocaine.  On January 21, 2025, Hernandez sold a defaced firearm to the confidential source.  On February 7, 2025, Hernandez and Guzman met with the confidential source to sell 100,000 fentanyl pills.  Along with the seizure of approximately eleven kilograms of fentanyl, law enforcement also recovered approximately $65,000 during a lawfully executed search of Hernandez’s residence.

    The fentanyl conspiracy and distribution counts carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine.  The possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Division’s Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino, and the work of New York Drug Enforcement Task Force Group T-42, which is comprised of Special Agents from the DEA and Task Force Officers from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the New York State Police (NYSP).

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ingrid Eicher of the Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.

    The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

                                                               ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Vicksburg Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted Felon

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

    Jackson, Miss. – A Vicksburg man was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

    According to court documents, Marquette Cornell McCroy, 43, was found in possession of a firearm in Vicksburg following a traffic stop. McCroy, who was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, had previously been convicted of a felony and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms. McCroy threw the firearm on the ground as he attempted to flee the vehicle on foot.

    McCroy was indicted by a federal grand jury and he pled guilty on October 3, 2024.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.

    The Vicksburg Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway prosecuted the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ2: Members of public being lured to overseas to engage in illegal work

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ2: Members of public being lured to overseas to engage in illegal work
    LCQ2: Members of public being lured to overseas to engage in illegal work
    *************************************************************************

         Following is a question by the Hon Yung Hoi-yan and a reply by the Acting Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, in the Legislative Council today (February 12): Question:      It has been reported that recently, a number of cases have occurred involving members of the public suspected of being lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained to engage in illegal work (cases of luring and detention). In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the number of suspected cases of luring and detention received by the Government in each month of the past two years, as well as the following information on each case: the countries involved; the respective numbers of persons who were lured and successfully rescued; the longest period of detention; the respective numbers of persons arrested, prosecuted and successfully convicted in the cases concerned; and the penalties imposed on the convicted persons; (2) as it has been reported that the Security Bureau dedicated task force met with officials of the relevant law enforcement agencies in Thailand earlier on to exchange views on further strengthening co-operation in combating cross-border crimes, such as telecommunications and online frauds as well as human trafficking, of the Government’s plans in place to enhance collaboration with other law enforcement agencies in the region, including co-operation in law enforcement and exchange of information; and (3) given that the modus operandi of fraudsters is changing constantly, whether the Government has plans to enhance publicity and education work focusing on the fraudsters’ latest modus operandi, so that members of the public will step up the protection for themselves and stay vigilant; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that? Reply: President,      The Security Bureau (SB) has always attached great importance to cases where Hong Kong residents are suspected of being lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained to engage in illegal work, and has established a dedicated task force in August 2022 to co-ordinate follow-up work on the cases by relevant law enforcement agencies (LEAs), including the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Immigration Department (ImmD), with a view to providing all practicable assistance to assistance seekers.      Since the second quarter of 2024, there have been signs of a resurgence in the situation where Hong Kong residents are suspected of being lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained to engage in illegal work. In view of recent developments, I led the dedicated task force comprising members from the SB, the HKPF and the ImmD to Bangkok, Thailand last month. The dedicated task force met with senior officials including the Minister of Justice (MoJ) of Thailand, Mr Tawee Sodsong, who is a member of the Anti-Trafficking-in-Persons Committee chaired by the Prime Minister of Thailand, and the heads of the enforcement departments under the MoJ, as well as the Royal Thai Police, to further follow up on related cases.      The dedicated task force reflected the situation regarding relevant request-for-assistance cases, exchanged intelligence and discussed strengthening collaboration, with a view to assisting safe and early return of assistance seekers to Hong Kong as soon as possible. The Thailand authorities demonstrated great importance to the assistance cases and offered positive feedback. Moreover, the Thailand authorities expressed that they would further strengthen the prevention and combat of transnational crimes, and exchanged views on further strengthening co-operation and communication, as well as jointly combating cross-border crimes such as telecommunications, online fraud and human trafficking.      Members of the dedicated task force were sent again to Thailand by the SB in late January 2025 to co-ordinate with various units, and held meetings with the Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau of the Royal Thai Police, Mr Phanthana Nutchanart, and the Director of Special Investigation and the Director of Human Trafficking under the MoJ of Thailand, with a view to arranging the return of the rescued Hong Kong residents as soon as possible. They will continue to actively assist and follow up on all relevant request-for-assistance cases of Hong Kong residents who have yet to return, striving for their return to Hong Kong as soon as possible.      My reply to the various parts of the question raised by the Hon Yung Hoi-yan is as follows: (1)  From 2023 to January 2025, the LEAs have received a total of 28 request-for-assistance cases (each case involves one victim) in relation to Hong Kong residents alleged to have been detained in Southeast Asian countries and not being able to leave. Among them, 19 have already returned to Hong Kong. As for the remaining nine persons, we believe that eight are in Myanmar while one is in Cambodia. The dedicated task force will continue to follow up and provide appropriate and practicable assistance to the assistance seekers or their families. The monthly breakdown of the number of request-for-assistance cases received by the LEAs, the countries involved, and the number of persons who have returned to Hong Kong are at Annex.       As regards Hong Kong, from 2023 to January 2025, the HKPF arrested a total of 11 persons in connection with this type of job scam cases where victims were lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained to engage in illegal work, for offences such as conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and obtaining property by deception. Besides, during the same period, two persons, who were arrested in 2022, were charged with conspiracy to defraud and convicted, and sentenced to 36 months’ and 56 months’ imprisonment respectively. (2)  After I led the dedicated task force comprising members from the SB, the HKPF and the ImmD to Bangkok, Thailand to meet with Thai authorities last month, the dedicated task force has established direct contacts with relevant Thai authorities to enhance future communication and exchange of intelligence, with a view to following up on the cases more effectively. Moreover, the ImmD will continue to maintain close contact with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Chinese diplomatic and consular missions there to actively follow up on the cases.      Meanwhile, the Secretary for Security also met with the Consuls-General of Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia in Hong Kong in mid-January 2025 to exchange views, share information and discuss strengthening future follow-up work. The SB received positive feedback from the Consuls-General during the meetings with all parties expressing hope to assist more assistance seekers in returning to Hong Kong safely as soon as possible. (3)  Since 2022, the HKPF has noticed the modus operandi of the scams and started broadcasting anti-fraud videos through various channels and platforms to remind residents of the prevalent modus operandi of scams and to exercise caution in order to avoid those scams. In view of the recent cases, the Government will continue to strengthen publicity, including promotion on social media platforms, distributing the “anti-scam” leaflets to travellers heading to Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia at the departure level of the Hong Kong International Airport, and through media reports, etc. In light of cases where the suspects met the victims in bars and entertainment establishments, the HKPF has also sent officers to distribute leaflets in various bar districts and entertainment establishments.      Moreover, in view of recent developments and having regard to the latest situation of relevant countries, the SB raised the Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) level for south-eastern regions of Myanmar on January 17, 2025, including Myawaddy district, Hpapun district, Hpa-An district and Kawkareik district, to red, while maintaining an amber OTA for the rest of the country. The SB also updated the OTA webpage on the same day regarding supplementary information for Cambodia with a view to reminding residents to exercise caution and beware of overseas job scams. Besides, the SB has put on alerts on overseas job scams under the Other Travel Information section of the OTA webpage, urging residents to pay extra attention to online recruitment advertisements or comments and exercise due caution against claims of ways to earn money quickly and jobs offering extraordinarily high remuneration without specific requirements for academic qualification or working experience.      Thank you, President.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 12, 2025Issued at HKT 12:45

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ14: Regulating claw machine venues

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹Following is a question by the Hon Leung Man-kwong and a written reply by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, in the Legislative Council today (February 12):
     
    Question:
     
         It has been reported that the High Court ruled in 2022 that ordinary claw machine venues do not fall within the definition of “entertainment” under the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance (Cap. 172), and are therefore not required to apply for a places of public entertainment licence. Some members of the public are concerned that at present, there is no legislation in Hong Kong regulating the operation of claw machine venues (including the probability of drawing prizes from claw machines, the contents of the products and the fees charged for the games, etc), and while there has been an upward trend of consumer complaints relating to claw machine games in recent years, it is rather difficult to deal with such complaints in the absence of relevant legislation. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the respective numbers of reports involving claw machine games received by various law enforcement agencies in each of the past three years, the legislation involved in such cases, as well as the respective numbers of cases in which prosecutions were instituted and convictions were handed down;
     
    (2) whether the Police had, in the past three years, taken the initiative to investigate if any claw machine games involved illegal gambling; if they had taken the initiative to investigate and the outcome was in the affirmative, of the number of venues and claw machines involved, as well as the number of prosecutions instituted; if they had not taken the initiative to investigate, the reasons for that;
     
    (3) as it has been reported that some claw machine venues offer games solely relying on luck, for example, by rolling the dice, and even offer cash or expensive prizes to solicit business, and that both the Mainland and overseas countries regulate claw machine games by, amongst others, limiting the value of the products and stipulating that gambling should not be promoted and cash rewards not be offered, whether the authorities have plans to follow similar practices; if not, of the reasons for that; and
     
    (4) whether the authorities have plans to review and amend the existing legislation, or put in place legislation and a licensing system targeting at claw machine-related games, etc, so as to strengthen the regulation; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:

    President,
     
         In consultation with the relevant policy bureaux, I give the consolidated reply to the Hon Leung Man-kwong’s question on behalf of the Government as follows:

    (1) Among the reports concerning claw machines received by the Office of the Licensing Authority of the Home Affairs Department in the past three years (from 2022 to 2024), there were two, six and five cases involving suspected unlawful gambling elements respectively. The relevant cases have been referred to the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) for follow up. The HKPF does not maintain other statistics on claw machines venues suspected of involvement in unlawful gambling.
     
         In the past three years, the number of reports received and enforcement actions taken by the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) related to claw machines regarding suspected contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (Cap. 362) are listed by year as follows:
     

    Case category
    2022
    2023
    2024

    Reported cases
    16
    86
    158

    Prosecution cases*
    0
    1
    2

    Convicted cases*
    0
    1
    2

    * The cases are mainly associated with the offence of possession for sale or for any purpose of trade or manufacture goods to which a forged trade mark was applied under section 9(2) of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

    (2) The HKPF has all along tackled illegal gambling in a proactive manner and closely monitored the relevant trend in a bid to combat such activities timely through intelligence-led enforcement actions.
     
         In November 2024, the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau of the HKPF mounted a “Sharpteam” operation against unlawful gambling activities and, for the first time, smashed a suspected unlawful gambling establishment operating claw machines for winnings in money in Mong Kok. During the operation, the Police arrested a total of 17 people, including the responsible persons of the establishment, its staff and the gamblers, who were suspected to have operated or managed an unlawful gambling establishment, assisted in the operation or management of an unlawful gambling establishment and gambled in a gambling establishment. Fourteen claw machines suspected to be gambling game machines in disguise were seized. Police investigation is underway, and the 17 arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation. The HKPF would seek advice from the Department of Justice when necessary.

         The HKPF will continue its efforts in taking intelligence-led enforcement actions and in enhancing publicity and education, which include the production of promotional video clips, and dissemination of messages about combating unlawful gambling on conventional and social media platforms, in order to crack down on different kinds of unlawful gambling activities.
     
    (3) and (4) According to the Gambling Ordinance (Cap. 148), in order to obtain an Amusements with Prizes Licence (AWPL), one must first obtain a Places of Public Entertainment Licence (PPEL) under the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance (Cap. 172). As mentioned in the Member’s question, since the Court has ruled that typical claw machine venues where people clamp items in the machines upon payment are no longer required to obtain a PPEL under the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance, the Government will continue to keep in view the operation of claw machine venues in the society and consider the regulatory issues concerned. In the meantime, claw machine venues are not required to obtain relevant licences, including the AWPL under the Gambling Ordinance.

         However, the HKPF will continue to take appropriate enforcement actions against illegal gambling activities conducted under the camouflage of claw machines based on the evidence collected and in accordance with the Gambling Ordinance.

         On the other hand, if the operation of claw machines venues involves the use of counterfeit goods for the purpose of trade or other unfair trade practices, the C&ED will take appropriate enforcement actions pursuant to the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ8: Hosting events of 15th National Games, 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and 9th National Special Olympic Games

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Kenneth Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (February 12):
     
    Question:
     
         The 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) to be co-hosted by Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macao Special Administrative Region for the first time will be held from November 9 to 21 and from December 8 to 15 this year respectively. Hong Kong will host eight competition events and one mass participation event for the 15th NG, as well as four competition events and one mass participation event for the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the following information on the events to be hosted in Hong Kong: (i) the arrangements for event management and competition schedules, (ii) the number of participating athletes, (iii) the expected number of spectators, (iv) the details of the publicity and promotional activities, and (v) the ticketing arrangements;
     
    (2) of the specific measures put in place by the authorities to enhance the ancillary transport facilities and capacity of the main stadiums and venues of the events to be hosted in Hong Kong (including Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong Coliseum, Hong Kong Velodrome, Hong Kong Golf Club – Fanling Golf Course, Victoria Park, and Central Harbourfront Event Space and Victoria Harbour) during the events;
     
    (3) as it is learnt that the recruitment of volunteers for the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG was conducted from July to November last year, of (i) the number of applications received, (ii) the number of volunteers finally selected and (iii) their age distribution;
     
    (4) as it is learnt that the selected volunteers mentioned in (3) will mainly be responsible for tasks such as reception services upon arrival and departure, spectator services, guest reception, crowd control, transport and logistics, catering management and presentation ceremony support, and will receive training, of the details of the manpower establishment and training of volunteers for the aforesaid tasks; and
     
    (5) whether it has assessed if the number of selected volunteers mentioned in (3) can meet the relevant manpower demand, and whether it will consider recruiting more volunteers or mobilising civil servants to participate in the support work for the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, the 15th National Games (15th NG), and the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (12th NGD and 9th NSOG) will be held from November 9 to 21 and from December 8 to 15, 2025, respectively. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been maintaining close liaison with the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC), the China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF), the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, and the Macao Special Administrative Region Government. In addition, the HKSAR Government has been working with the concerned National Sports Associations and other related organisations in Hong Kong to press ahead with the preparatory work. Bringing success to the 15th NG and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG is a significant mission of the HKSAR Government this year, and they are also mega events. We will continue to dedicate the fullest efforts to taking forward the related work with a view to co‑hosting a “simple, safe and wonderful” 15th NG as well as 12th NGD and 9th NSOG in collaboration with Guangdong and Macao, and thereby deepening the exchanges and collaborations in sports between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area cities, and also their overall integrated development.
          
         Our reply to the question raised by the Hon Kenneth Lau is as follows:
     
     (1)(i) The 15th NG will have competition events for 34 sports and mass participation events for 23 sports. Hong Kong will host eight competition events (namely basketball (men U22), track cycling, fencing, golf, handball (men), rugby sevens, triathlon and beach volleyball) and one mass participation event (namely bowling). In addition, Hong Kong will assist Zhuhai and Shenzhen respectively in organising two cross-boundary events, namely road cycling and marathon.
     
         The 12th NGD and 9th NSOG will have competition events for 35 sports and mass participation events for 11 sports. Hong Kong will host four competition events (namely boccia, wheelchair fencing and table tennis (TT11) for NGD, and table tennis for NSOG) and one mass participation event (namely para dance sport).
          
         In view of the numerous events in the 15th NG and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG, the Governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao are co-ordinating the overall schedules of the Games for submission to the GASC and the CDPF for approval. We will continue to liaise closely with the GASC, the CDPF as well as the Governments of Guangdong and Macao with a view to finalising the schedules of the 15th NG and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG as soon as possible. The details will be announced in due course.
     
    (ii) Based on the competition prospectuses and guidelines promulgated by the GASC and the CDPF, it is estimated that about 1 800 and 700 athletes will participate respectively in the 15th NG events and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG events in Hong Kong. In addition, it is estimated that about 1 000 delegation officials (including coaches, team physicians), 800 technical officials (including referees), and 750 members of the media will visit Hong Kong during the 15th NG and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG.
     
    (iii) It is estimated that the events in Hong Kong will attract more than 100 000 spectators from Hong Kong, the Mainland and other regions.
     
    (iv) The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) is working with relevant government departments and organisations to launch territory-wide publicity and promotion campaigns through various online and offline channels, with a view to enhancing the awareness and interest in the 15th NG and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG among different sectors of the community. The initiatives include conducting multi-channel publicity through traditional media, social media, city dress-up and roving exhibitions; organising community and school promotion programmes in co-operation with local organisations and schools; hosting feature events such as exchanges with athletes and sports experiential activities in collaboration with sports organisations; and launching a dedicated website and applications for digital marketing.
     
         The first stage of the publicity and promotion campaigns was launched during November to December last year to tie in with the one-year countdown to the 15th NG and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG, which included rolling out a series of cityscape enhancement, roving exhibitions, publicity videos, thematic website (www.2025nationalgames.gov.hk) and social media pages (www.facebook.com/2025nationalgames.hk, www.instagram.com/2025nationalgames.hk) of Hong Kong for the Games. The second stage commenced in January this year, with initiatives including city dress-up and photo-taking spots featuring the mascots of the Games, enhancing the design of the thematic website, enriching social media content, etc. The third stage, covering the 100-day countdown, torch relay, etc, will begin in August 2025. We will do our utmost to foster a welcoming atmosphere and enhance the popularity and participation of the Games in Hong Kong, whilst encouraging Hong Kong people and tourists to watch the Games and cheer for the athletes.
     
    (v) Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao are discussing the ticketing plans and sales arrangements for the 15th NG and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG. The three places will adopt the same sales platform. 
     
    (2) The competition venues for the events in Hong Kong, including the soon‑to-open Kai Tak Sports Park, have hosted various large-scale events and competitions previously, or undergone different drills and stress tests. The CSTB is, in collaboration with the relevant departments including the Hong Kong Police Force, the Transport Department, conducting a detailed assessment on the traffic and transport arrangements to and from the venues having regard to the transport facilities and capacity of the venues, their past experiences in staging competitions, and the number of participating athletes and spectators for each event.  We will formulate specific transport measures and special transport arrangements having regard to the assessment, and discuss with the various public transport operators on strengthening the public transport service as appropriate.
     
    (3) (i) to (iii) The recruitment of volunteers for the Hong Kong Volunteer Programme of the 15th NG and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG was conducted from July to November last year. We received a total of over 30 000 applications for volunteer leaders or volunteers. In addition, about 2 000 young people aged between 15 and 17 have applied as youth volunteers. The selection interviews for volunteer leaders and volunteers were completed in January this year, and we plan to invite about 15 000 applicants to attend training. Individuals completing all the required training sessions will be appointed as the Games’ volunteers in Hong Kong. The final number of volunteers and their age distribution will only be available after completion of the whole recruitment exercise.
     
    (4) We are formulating the detailed volunteer deployment plan. We will take into account the nature and arrangements of individual events as well as the numbers of participating athletes and spectators, and thereby assessing the requirements for supporting services and the types of volunteer positions. We will also estimate the manpower requirement for different volunteer positions having regard to factors such as the skills required, the service hours and the place of work of the positions involved.
     
         All volunteers are required to attend basic training and position-related training. The basic training, lasting for about two days, will cover various areas including the background of the 15th NG and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG and a brief introduction of the events in Hong Kong; the principles, code of practice and etiquette of volunteer work; communication, response and problem-solving skills; the ways of assisting people with disabilities and basic first-aid knowledge. Volunteer leaders are required to receive additional advanced training of about two days, covering the roles of volunteer leaders, the ways of handling unexpected situations, expectation management, mental health management, media handling skills, operation of volunteer management system, skills in leading and bonding volunteers. We will start the training for volunteer leaders in February this year and that for volunteers in general in March.
     
    (5) The response to the Hong Kong Volunteer Programme has been satisfactory, with the number of applicants succeeding in the selection far exceeding the original recruitment target of 10 000 volunteers. The volunteer applicants have already included members of civil service volunteer teams. At present, we have no plan to recruit additional volunteers.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ6: Developing educational tours

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ6: Developing educational tours
    LCQ6: Developing educational tours
    **********************************

         ​Following is a question by the Hon Tang Fei and a reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (February 12):      There are views that educational tours, which integrate education with tourism, will not only enhance travel experiences, but also promote cultural exchanges and knowledge dissemination, thereby driving the growth of the local tourism, catering, accommodation and related industries and further stimulating the economic development of Hong Kong. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) whether it has plans to make dedicated efforts to promote educational tours by bringing together Hong Kong’s historical and cultural resources, technology and innovative facilities as well as renowned academic institutions to attract student groups from the Mainland and overseas to Hong Kong to conduct study exchanges; if so, of the specific targets, promotion strategies and expected benefits; if not, the reasons for that, and whether it will formulate relevant plans in the future; (2) whether it will consider launching dedicated educational tour itineraries targeting different age groups and catering for different needs, such as innovation and technology itineraries focusing on visits to universities and scientific research institutions, cultural exploration itineraries featuring tours around museums and historic buildings, ecological experience itineraries on nature education and red itineraries on patriotism education; if so, of the specific plans; if not, the reasons for that; and (3) whether it has considered collaborating with local enterprises to introduce supporting services and concessionary measures specifically for educational tours; if so, of the specific plans; if not, the reasons for that? Reply:  President,      In respect of the question raised by the Hon Tang Fei, the reply is as follows:           The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) promulgated the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 (Blueprint 2.0) on December 30,2024, setting out four major development strategies covering four areas of work including product development, expanding visitor source markets, technology innovation and enhancing services. In terms of expansion of visitor source, Blueprint 2.0 proposes to examine the travel needs of silver-haired, family, study tour and youth visitor segments in detail. The CSTB, together with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), will promote the development of inbound study tours to Hong Kong through three areas, namely product development, enhancing promotion and upgrading support services.      In terms of product development, Hong Kong has world-class resources in the areas of culture, sports and ecology, etc., which are suitable for integration into study tours. Through exploring and consolidating resources, the CSTB and the HKTB will encourage the trade to develop more study tour itineraries and products with Hong Kong characteristics so as to satisfy the needs of students and parents of different age groups and learning needs.           An example of resource exploration is that the Ocean Park Corporation (the Park) has become the only entity outside the Mainland to be successfully certified by the Guangdong Study Travel Association and the Education Bureau of Guangzhou Municipality as a “Study Tour Base in Guangdong Province” and the “Fourth Batch of Study Tours Base for Primary and Secondary School Students in Guangzhou” respectively last year. These achievements further solidified the Ocean Park’s leading role in the field of conservation and education (C&E) in the region and enhanced Hong Kong’s appeal as a destination for study tours. We will continue to facilitate the Ocean Park to organise familiarisation tours and seminars for educational institutions in the Mainland as well as participate in exchange activities in the Mainland and overseas with a view to further promoting the Park’s C&E programmes and activities. Currently, the Ocean Park is actively exchanging views with study tour organisations in various provinces/municipalities in the Mainland and Southeast Asia to explore the possibility of arranging their students to visit the Ocean Park for study tours.           As for the consolidation of resources, there are many landmarks and attractions suitable for study tours in various districts of Hong Kong, such as the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre, the Tai Kwun, the Hong Kong Sha Tau Kok Anti-war Memorial Hall and the Mai Po Nature Reserve. The HKTB has consolidated the relevant information and combined them into nine major tourism themes, namely Hong Kong’s Past and Present, Revitalisation and Conservation, Cultural Arts, Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage, Natural Ecology, Environmental Protection, Technological Development, Public Services and Red Tourism. The list of tourism resources has been distributed to trade representatives, offering Mainland and overseas inbound study tours with information and reference materials for a wide range of learning experiences and activities to facilitate planning for suitable itineraries and routes.           On enhancing promotion, the HKTB held an online briefing in August last year to introduce the relevant themes, landmarks and attractions for study tours to travel trade and related sectors in Hong Kong. Subsequently, the HKTB invited delegation of Mainland study tour travel agents and educational institutions to Hong Kong for a five-day familiarisation trip for meeting and exchange with Hong Kong travel trade partners and experience Hong Kong’s rich study tour resources, products and services first-hand, including visits to the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority Information Centre, the Police Museum, WEEE · PARK at Tuen Mun EcoPark, social enterprise restaurants and docent tours organised by the Mills, as well as participation in Hong Kong’s traditional dim sum workshops.           In future, the HKTB will continue to actively develop study tour market segment and promote Hong Kong tourism targeting the youth and study tour groups in the Mainland and overseas markets, including organising briefings for trade and inviting representatives of relevant groups and organisations from overseas and the Mainland to visit Hong Kong, with a view to deepening their understanding of Hong Kong’s resources for developing study tours.           In terms of enhancement of supporting facilities, it is very important to ensure the product quality and service standard, as well as to improve the management system as study tour is targeted at the youth segment. In this regard, Blueprint 2.0 proposed holistically a series of measures to enhance the service quality and standard of supporting facilities of the tourism industry. Based on the operational characteristics of study tours, the CSTB will examine whether the supporting facilities, such as accommodation and tourist guides, could meet the development needs of the industry and reach out to organisations with potential to develop into study tour destinations, so as to comprehensively enhance Hong Kong’s ability in exploring the source markets for study tours.           Thank you, President.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 12, 2025Issued at HKT 15:10

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ5: Promoting trail tourism

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Vincent Cheng and a reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (February 12):
     
    Question:

         â€‹It has been reported that a recently released documentary film on four Hong Kong trails is widely acclaimed. There are views that as Hong Kong has beautiful trails and ridgelines, the Government should adopt a new mindset or a new perspective in promoting trail tourism. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the Government’s plans in place to enhance the ancillary facilities on trails or in country parks, such as providing additional replenishment and rest stations, water-filling stations, toilets and directional signs, so as to meet the needs of different types of hikers, and to further promote trail tourism and a safe hiking culture;
     
    (2) of the Government’s plans and publicity strategies in place to promote Hong Kong’s trails to tourists from different places, such as whether it will consider taking the initiative to invite renowned runners to promote the trails, or supporting the broadcasting of the aforesaid documentary film on international streaming platforms or in places outside Hong Kong, so as to attract tourists from abroad; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (3) in order to further promote Hong Kong’s trail tourism, whether the Government will consider supporting the organisation and promotion of trail races or cross-country races, so as to attract more local and non-local people to take part in such races, thereby stepping up publicity on Hong Kong’s beautiful natural trails?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Hong Kong has rich green and eco-tourism resources, including hiking trails and country parks throughout the city, with breathtaking great outdoors that are only minutes away from the urban hustles, attracting numerous tourists each year for hiking and outdoor activities. Further capitalising on Hong Kong’s abundant ecological resources for promoting green tourism development, is in fact one of the directions in diversifying tourism products as outlined in the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 that we announced at the end of last year.
          
         In respect of the question raised by the Hon Vincent Cheng, in consultation with the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the reply is as follows:
          
         To promote green tourism, the Tourism Commission, in collaboration with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), has been taking forward the Enhancement of Hiking Trails since 2018 to enhance the tourism supporting facilities of 20 hiking trails in country parks which are popular and with tourism potential, and to enhance the “Enjoy Hiking” thematic website. Enhancement works include improvement to existing hiking trail network, control of soil erosion at trails, enhancement of vegetation coverage, addition of lookout points and enrichment of visitor information. The enhancement works on 12 hiking trails have been completed, and those for the remaining eight hiking trails are expected to be completed progressively by the first quarter of 2026.
          
         The AFCD also seeks to enhance hiking trails and provide supporting facilities in country parks, including the provision of 57 flushing toilets and over 120 portable toilets; 289 pavilions, 37 water filling stations and about 30 drinks vending machines. The Government has set aside $500 million to enhance country parks, including the improvement and addition of facilities, as well as gradually setting up large-scale enhancement facilities such as tree-top adventure and open museum of historical relics. Examples of the works involved are the construction of five toilets and reconstruction of six toilets at popular hiking spots. These toilets will adopt low-carbon and environmentally-friendly designs, and will be gradually rolled out from 2026 to 2028. The viewing platform overlooking Po Pin Chau and the Lin Ma Hang Lead Mine Cave Revitalisation Project were opened to the public in end-2024.
          
         The AFCD makes use of school visits, guided tours, online videos, social media, etc, to promote the unique natural scenery and hiking experiences of Hong Kong, provide information on hiking safety and hill fire prevention, and advocate “take your litter home”. Apart from placing directional signs in country parks, the AFCD also provides consolidated information of hiking trails, including maps, distance, level of difficulty and attractions along the trails, through the “Enjoy Hiking” website, to facilitate locals and tourists’ planning of their itineraries. The mobile application “Enjoy Hiking Hiker Tracking Service” also records users’ location, thereby shortening the search and rescue time in case of accidents. Furthermore, the AFCD collaborates with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (ETOs) in the Mainland and the Forestry Administration of Guangdong Province to promote Hong Kong’s natural scenery and hiking routes, as well as to disseminate hiking safety messages, through their social media platforms in the Mainland. The AFCD will continue to review and refine its promotion strategy and information, and through diverse information distribution channels, to ensure locals and tourists safely enjoy the natural wonders of Hong Kong. At the same time, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Fire Services Department, the Government Flying Service and the Civil Aid Service also raise hiker’s awareness on hiking safety through various channels and activities.
          
         Apart from the AFCD’s promotion, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), through its “Hong Kong Great Outdoors” year-round promotional platform, introduces in detail hiking trails in different districts accompanied by stories to deepen understanding of the trails, as well as docent activities and tourism products by the travel trade and other organisations, allowing tourists to appreciate Hong Kong’s inspiring natural landscape. Besides, films are also a very effective promotional channel. For example, the film “Four Trails” documents a recent trail running event, featuring participants from various places who challenge their limits by crossing mountains and valleys, while simultaneously showcasing Hong Kong’s unique natural scenery. The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) is collaborating with overseas ETOs and the film festival partners worldwide to promote this film at overseas film festivals. In addition, CCIDA will strive for opportunities of showing this film on both international and Mainland streaming platforms to attract more tourists to experience the natural beauty of Hong Kong. Also, the HKTB previously invited the director and producer of the film to share Hong Kong’s great natural scenery and trail running experiences with overseas media.
          
         In addition, various trail running and cross-country events are held by different organisations every year, along with other leisure trail events. The Government has supported and promoted some of these events to encourage more tourists to come to Hong Kong and participate. The Government will continue to promote green tourism based on the principles of nature conservation and sustainable development to pursue the concept of “tourism is everywhere” in Hong Kong.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ21: Making good use of tourism resources in Sha Tau Kok area

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ21: Making good use of tourism resources in Sha Tau Kok area
    LCQ21: Making good use of tourism resources in Sha Tau Kok area
    ***************************************************************

         Following is a question by the Hon Yiu Pak-leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (February 12): Question:      In recent years, the Government has been committed to developing Sha Tau Kok (STK) into a tourist hotspot, including launching the First Phase “STK Pier opening up scheme” and the second phase of the STK opening-‍up plan, upgrading the tourism supporting facilities in STK, as well as providing photo-taking spots. In addition, there are views that the official opening of the Robin’s Nest Country Park on November 2 last year has added more highlights to the STK area. On making good use of the tourism resources in the STK area, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the respective numbers of individual visitors and tour group visitors visiting STK each month since the launch of the second phase of the STK opening-up plan in January last year, and among which the numbers of non-local visitors (set out in Table 1); Table 1

    Month
    Total number of visitors
    Number of individual visitors(among which the number of non-local visitors)
    Number of tour group visitors(among which the number of non-local visitors)

     
     
     
     

     (2) of the respective numbers of individual visitors and tour group visitors on the 10 dates with the highest number of visitors to STK last year, and among which the numbers of non-local visitors (set out in Table 2); Table 2

    Date
    Total number of visitors
    Number of individual visitors(among which the number of non-local visitors)
    Number of tour group visitors(among which the number of non-local visitors)

     
     
     
     

     (3) as it is learnt that the Police can generally complete the processing of applications for electronic Tourism Closed Area Permits for access to STK at an earlier time (which originally required a minimum of three working days), of the distribution of the time taken by the Police to vet and approve such permits last year (i.e. (i) within four ‍hours, (ii) more than four hours to 12 hours, (iii) more than 12 hours to 24 hours, (iv) more than 24 hours to 48 hours, (v) more than 48 ‍hours to 72 hours, and (vi) more than 72 hours), and set out in Table 3 a breakdown by the type of applicants (i.e. (a) individual visitors and (b) tour group visitors, and (I) local visitors and (II) ‍non-‍local visitors); Table 3

    Vetting and approval time
    (a)
    (b)

    (I)
    (II)
    (I)
    (II)

    (i)
     
     
     
     

    ……
     
     
     
     

    (vi)
     
     
     
     

    Total
     
     
     
     

     (4) as some members of the industry have relayed that it takes time for non-local visitors to apply for electronic Tourism Closed Area Permits to gain access to STK, which is not conducive to travel agencies promoting relevant tourism products to tourists, whether the authorities will consider introducing visa-on-arrival arrangements for tour groups visiting on a “group in, group out” basis, so as to facilitate travel agencies in arranging for more tourists to visit STK; (5) as it is learnt that currently the seven MacIntosh Forts built along the Shenzhen River are no longer in practical operational use, and two of them have undergone basic revitalisation works and are conditionally open to the public, whether the authorities have considered fully opening these two revitalised forts; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; whether the authorities will consider using the forts as visitor service centres or open museums to make good use of heritage resources, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of Robin’s Nest Country Park; (6) given that the “contactless channels” at the Chung Ying Street Checkpoint in STK became operational on December 23 last year, of the progress of exploring the possibility of allowing Hong Kong tour groups to enter Chung Ying Street via such checkpoint on a “group in, group out” basis (including the estimated earliest implementation date); and (7) given that with effect from January 24 this year, the Security Bureau has opened a specified section of road within the frontier closed area near Lin Ma Hang Village in STK, exempting the requirement to apply for a closed area permit for people travelling by green minibus passing through this section of road, with a view to facilitating tourists to travel to Robin’s Nest Country Park, whether the authorities will consider allowing tourist coaches to access this section of road, so as to facilitate the launch of relevant tourism products by the industry? Reply President,      The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) published the Action Plan on Sha Tau Kok Cultural Tourism Zone on December 30, 2024, in tandem with the promulgation of the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0. The CSTB will continue to promote the tourism development in Sha Tau Kok (STK) under the overall principle of “low density, high quality” and through enriching its historical and cultural elements. Specifically, the Government is progressively opening up STK Frontier Closed Area (FCA) for tourism, including rolling out of the second phase of the STK Opening-up Plan in January 2024, under which local and non-local visitors are allowed to enter STK FCA (except Chung Ying Street) for sightseeing. In light of its proximity to the Robin’s Nest Country Park, STK has effectively linked up various tourists spots of the Blue and Green Recreation, Tourism and Conservation Circle of the district, serving as a starting point for visitors travelling by ferry to the surrounding islands and areas, such as Lai Chi Wo, Kat O and Ap Chau.      In consultation with the Security Bureau (SB), the Development Bureau and the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Yiu Pak-leung is as follows: (1) and (2) The monthly figures of electronic Tourism Closed Area Permit (e-CAP) issued by the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) for entering STK in 2024, and the ten dates with most e-CAP issued in the same year, are set out at Annex.(3) To facilitate the implementation of the second phase of the STK Opening-up Plan starting from January 2024, the HKPF launched e-CAP on December 1, 2023. The HKPF has been committed to processing applications as soon as possible. Upon submission by applicants of all the documents required and verification of the relevant information, the vast majority of the e-CAP applications were approved within three working days. The HKPF does not maintain breakdown information of the time required for approval of e-CAP as mentioned in the question. (4) and (6) Since 2022, the SB has, in collaboration with relevant bureaux and departments, formulated specific measures to progressively open-up STK FCA in accordance with the principle of gradual and orderly progress. The SB has fully consulted the local community in the process, closely monitored the implementation of the opening-up plan, as well as maintaining close liaison with relevant stakeholders to ensure timely responses to the concerns raised and implement the opening-up plan in an orderly manner.            As far as Chung Ying Street is concerned, due to its unique historical background and geographical factors, Chung Ying Street directly adjoins the Mainland without any barrier as a boundary demarcation. It is also the only place in Hong Kong where there is no boundary control facilities, while cross-boundary movement of people and cargo is allowed. In light of the boundary security considerations from the SB, Chung Ying Street has not been opened to tourists for entry from Hong Kong STK over the years.           With the gradual opening-up of STK FCA for tourism, the Government will continue to adopt an open stance in exploring the promotion of tourism at Chung Ying Street, as well as other feasible measures that can further facilitate the trade and tourists visiting STK FCA, with a view to fostering the development of cultural tourism in STK. The CSTB, the SB and Shenzhen Municipal Government, have been in ongoing communication with each other over the development of cultural tourism in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen STK, and will explore the feasible option of allowing Hong Kong group tours to enter Chung Ying Street for sightseeing via the Chung Ying Street Checkpoint on a “group in, group out” basis, with a view to further deepening the historical and cultural elements of STK tourism. (5) For security reason, the seven MacIntosh Forts located at the boundary of New Territories are currently not opened to the public. In view of the establishment of the Robin’s Nest Country Park on March 1, 2024, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) installed an interpretation panel near the MacIntosh Fort (Kong Shan) at the Lin Ma Hang Country Trail to introduce the Forts. The AFCD also featured a thematic introduction of the Forts in an episode of the video series titled “Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park”, which was produced in celebrating the establishment of the Robin’s Nest Country Park, covering the history of the Forts and its role in boundary defence in the past. (7) Starting from January 24, 2025, a section of road within the FCA near Lin Ma Hang Village in STK has been opened for public travelling on public light buses on scheduled service (i.e. green minibuses), by exempting the requirement to apply for a closed area permit. Members of the public concerned can enter Lin Ma Hang Village via the said section of road, thereby facilitating them to visit the Robin’s Nest Country Park and nearby areas. The current exemption is applicable to passengers travelling by green minibuses, but does not apply to private vehicles, taxis or other vehicles without a valid closed road permit, and to members of the public using other means of travel such as walking or cycling. Taking into account the limitations in the road design and safety considerations of the concerned section, the said section of road is not suitable for entry by large coach buses. The Government will examine the effectiveness of the exemption and, on the premise that boundary security and traffic safety can be ensured, keep an open mind in studying the feasibility of extending the exemption arrangement in the future to cover other transportation means.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 12, 2025Issued at HKT 14:42

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Murder and suicide in Yuen Long

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Murder and suicide in Yuen Long
    Murder and suicide in Yuen Long
    *******************************

         Police are investigating a murder and suicide case in Yuen Long happened yesterday (February 11) in which three men died.      At 8.12pm yesterday, Police received a report that two men were found lying unconsciously at a village house in Chun Hing New Village.      Police officers sped to the scene and located a 93-year-old man and his 69-year-old son sustaining multiple injuries. The two men were certified dead at scene.      At 8.17pm on the same night, Police received another report that a man was found lying unconsciously outside Yuet Ping House, Long Ping Estate. The 19-year-old man was suspected to have fallen from height and was certified dead at scene.      A 21 centimeters long fruit knife and a pair of 22 centimeters long scissors in suspected connection with the case were seized inside the village house.      Post-mortem examinations will be conducted later to ascertain the cause of death of the deceased.      Active investigation by the District Crime Squad 2 of Yuen Long District is under way. Police appeal to anyone who has information related to the case to contact the investigating officers on 3661 4643.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 12, 2025Issued at HKT 16:41

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fraudulent websites and social media accounts related to Chong Hing Bank Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Fraudulent websites and social media accounts related to Chong Hing Bank Limited
    Fraudulent websites and social media accounts related to Chong Hing Bank Limited
    ********************************************************************************

    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 Chong Hing Bank Limited relating to fraudulent websites and social media accounts, which have 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 websites or social media accounts 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.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 12, 2025Issued at HKT 16:40

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Involmo: BaFin warns about website involmo.com

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about the services offered on the website involmo.com. According to information available to BaFin, the operator Involmo is providing financial and investment services on this website without the required authorisation. The operator claims to be licensed in the United Kingdom. This is not the case.

    Anyone providing financial and investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether a particular company has been granted authorisation by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    BaFin is issuing this information on the basis of section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Bangladesh protests probe reveals top leaders led brutal repression

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Peace and Security

    The repression of mass protests in Bangladesh last year that toppled the country’s president left as many as 1,400 people dead in just 46 days – the vast majority shot by security forces, UN human rights chief Volker Türk said on Wednesday.

    In addition to those killed by the former government’s security and intelligence services alongside Awami League party associates, the OHCHR report into the alleged crimes indicated that thousands were injured, including one youngster who was shot in the hand at point-blank range for throwing stones.

    “There are reasonable grounds to believe that officials of the former government, its security and intelligence apparatus, together with violent elements associated with the former ruling party, committed serious and systematic human rights violations,” the High Commissioner for Human Rights said.

    Speaking in Geneva, Mr. Türk highlighted that some of the gravest violations detailed in the report may constitute international crimes that could be heard by the International Criminal Court (ICC), as Bangladesh is a State party to the Rome Statute which created the tribunal in The Hague. The ICC’s foundational Statute gives it jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression (following an amendment in 2010).

    Read our ICC explainer here.

    Alleged crimes in Bangladesh against the student-led protest included “hundreds of extrajudicial killings, extensive arbitrary arrest and detention and torture, and ill treatment, including of children, as well as gender based violence”, the UN rights chief said.

    Iron grip on power

    Furthermore, these violations “were carried out with the knowledge, coordination and direction of the former political leadership and senior security officials, with a specific goal of suppressing the protests and keep the former government’s grip on power”.

    According to the OHCHR report, as many as 12 to 13 per cent of those killed were children. Bangladesh Police also reported that 44 of its officers were killed between 1 July and 15 August 2024.

    Last summer’s protests that led Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down after 15 years in power were triggered by the High Court’s decision to reinstate a deeply unpopular quota system in public service jobs. But broader grievances were already entrenched, arising from “destructive and corrupt politics and governance” that had entrenched inequalities, the UN human rights office report maintained.

    Soundcloud

    “I went to one of the hospitals in in Bangladesh when I visited, and I could talk to some of the survivors and some of them will be disabled for their lives. Especially young people…some of them were children,” Mr. Türk told journalists in Geneva, recounting his visit to Dhaka in September.

    State killings

    “The brutal response was a calculated and well-coordinated strategy by the former Government to hold onto power in the face of mass opposition,” insisted UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk.

    “The testimonies and evidence we gathered paint a disturbing picture of rampant State violence and targeted killings, that are amongst the most serious violations of human rights, and which may also constitute international crimes. Accountability and justice are essential for national healing and for the future of Bangladesh,” he added.

    The UN human rights office probe mission started work in Bangladesh on 16 of September 2024 with a team that included a forensic physician, a weapons expert, a gender expert and an open-source analyst. The investigators visited protest hotspots including universities and hospitals. Their work was complemented by more than 900 witness testimonies.

    Soundcloud

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt follows up on scam farm cases

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Security Bureau’s dedicated task force will continue to follow up on cases in relation to Hong Kong residents alleged to have been detained in Southeast Asian countries and not being able to leave, Acting Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk said at the Legislative Council meeting today.

     

    In response to lawmaker Yung Hoi-yan’s questions, Mr Cheuk explained that from 2023 to January 2025, law enforcement agencies received 28 such cases. Among them, 19 people have already returned to Hong Kong. For the remaining nine individuals, the Security Bureau believes that eight are in Myanmar while one is in Cambodia.

     

    Last month, Mr Cheuk led the task force, comprising members from the Security Bureau, Police and Immigration Department, to Bangkok, Thailand, to meet Thai authorities.

     

    The task force then established direct contacts with relevant Thai authorities to enhance future communication and exchange of intelligence, with a view to handling the cases more effectively, Mr Check highlighted.

     

    Separately, he noted that from 2023 to January 2025, Police arrested 11 people in connection with job scam cases where victims were lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained to engage in illegal work. The suspects were involved in offences such as conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and obtaining property by deception.

     

    During the same period, two individuals charged with conspiracy to defraud were convicted and sentenced to 36 months’ and 56 months’ imprisonment respectively.

     

    In view of the recent scam cases, Mr Cheuk stressed that the Government will continue to strengthen publicity, including a promotion on social media platforms, distribution of anti-scam leaflets to travellers heading to Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia, and making good use of media reports.

     

    He added that in light of cases where suspects met victims in bars and entertainment venues, Police have also sent officers to hand out leaflets in such places across the city.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 3 Years for Firearms Theft

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

    Ryan Ansart & Damiean Marcial-Alexander stole multiple weapons from Waterville firearms dealer

    BANGOR, Maine:  A West Springfield, Mass. man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for conspiring to steal firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer and for stealing those firearms.

    U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced Ryan Ansart, 22, to three years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $17,253.37 in restitution. Ansart pleaded guilty on August 22, 2024.

    According to court records, in April 2022, Ansart and coconspirator Damiean Marcial-Alexander broke into a Waterville firearms dealer and stole multiple firearms, including a Glock, Model 17 Gen5 9mm pistol and a Smith & Wesson .38 special revolver. According to an ATF Theft/Loss Report submitted by the store owner, 15 firearms in all were reported stolen, six revolvers and nine semi-automatic pistols. Evidence collected included Instagram and text messages planning the theft, including a map to the location from Marcial-Alexander’s apartment, as well as photos of the two men holding some of the stolen firearms. 

    On February 4, Damiean Marcial-Alexander, (22, Waterville) was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay $17,253.37 in restitution for his role in the conspiracy and theft.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from the Waterville Police Department.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Southern suburbs man charged with weapons and child sex offences

    Source: South Australia Police

    A southern suburbs man faced court today charged with weapons and child sex offences after police searched his home yesterday.

    ​
    Detectives from the SA Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (SA JACET), a partnership between SAPOL’s Public Protection Branch and the Australian Federal Police, arrested the 36-year-old man yesterday morning, Tuesday 11 February.
    ​
    It will be alleged that, acting on information received, police attended the man’s address and conducted a search.
    ​
    Digital evidence experts from SAPOL commenced a forensic review of electronic devices belonging to the man and he was subsequently charged with possession of child exploitation material offences.
    ​
    The search also uncovered two gel blasters, a crossbow, a slingshot, various knives and machetes and a ballistic vest.
    ​
    He was further charged with firearms (gel blaster) offences, possess prohibited weapon and possess body armour.
    ​
    He was refused police bail and appeared in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court today, Wednesday 12 February.
    ​
    Digital evidence specialists continue to analyse the electronic devices and further charges may result.
    ​
    Police remind the public that child exploitation material are not just images on a screen.  Every image and every second of a video are a real child being abused and being subjected to a situation that no child should ever experience.
    ​
    Anyone with information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au
    ​
    CO2500006115, CO2500006146

    MIL OSI News –