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Category: Police

  • MIL-OSI Security: Officers appeal for help to trace missing 70-year-old Anthony from west London

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Police are concerned about the welfare of a 70-year old man from west London who has been missing for more than 10 weeks.

    Detective Inspector Will Peel from Central West Missing Persons Unit says:

    “We are very worried about the whereabouts of Anthony Davis, who goes by the name “Reggie”.

    “He was last seen on Thursday, 21 November, although there was a possible sighting of him opposite Ladbroke Grove Tube Station on Thursday, 5 December.

    “Anthony has dementia and diabetes so it’s hugely important we find him as he may require medication that he won’t have with him.

    “We have been appealing on social media for help to trace Anthony since December, so, with his family’s support, who are extremely concerned, we are now extending the appeal in the hope of locating him.

    “It’s very out-of-character for Anthony to go missing.

    “He is usually seen using a cane to walk and is wearing a dark hoodie, tracksuit bottoms, a black coat, a black flat cap and sandals with no socks.

    “Please get in touch with police as soon as possible if you have any idea where he might be.”

    If anyone has seen Anthony, or has information on his whereabouts, please call 101 giving the reference 5679/06DEC or call Crimestoppers free of charge on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met sets out policing plans ahead of weekend protests

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    There will be an increased police presence in central London on Saturday with two protests due to take place.

    A protest organised under the name ‘Stop the Isolation’ or ‘Unite the Kingdom’ in support of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (Tommy Robinson), will form up in Sandell Street and Cornwall Road, off Waterloo Road outside Waterloo Station, from midday.

    It will march from there to Whitehall via Westminster Bridge. A static assembly will then take place in Parliament Street, at the Parliament Square end of Whitehall.

    A protest organised by Stand Up To Racism will form up in St James’s Street, south of Piccadilly Circus, from 11.30am.

    It will march from there to Whitehall, via Piccadilly Circus and Haymarket. A static assembly will take place at the Trafalgar Square end of Whitehall.

    Pedestrian access in the middle of Whitehall will be restricted with officers deployed to ensure both groups are kept apart. Anyone in the area, not involved in the protests, is encouraged to use other routes to go from Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square or vice versa.

    Commander Louise Puddefoot, who is in charge of the policing operation, said: “We are well prepared for these protests, having been in discussions with both sets of organisers in recent weeks.

    “We have officers deployed in significant numbers to provide reassurance to the wider community, and to give us the capability to intervene swiftly and decisively if incidents of crime or disorder occur.

    “Decisions on our policing style at protests, including the types of uniform worn by officers and the protective equipment available to them, are taken on a case by case basis. It allows us to be ready to respond quickly and decisively where we need to.

    “Our assessment for tomorrow’s protest, based on the information available to us, is that an additional level of preparedness is required.

    “What our officers are wearing or the protective kit they are carrying doesn’t change their role at these events. They are there to ensure all involved can exercise their right to protest peacefully, without causing serious disruption to the life of the wider community and without risking the disorder that could take place if groups with opposing views come together.”

    Details of conditions

    Stop the Isolation/Unite the Kingdom protest

    Participants must form up in the blue shaded area in the map below – Sandell Street, Cornwall Road and Wotton Street.

    They must not then deviate from the route shown on the map below:

    On arrival at the end of the march, they must only assemble in the area marked in blue on the map below:

    All those in attendance must disperse by 17:30hrs.

    Stand Up To Racism

    Anyone taking part must form up in the area shaded in red on the map below:

    They must not then deviate from the route shown on the map below:

    On arrival at the end of the march, they must only assemble in the area marked in red on the map below:

    All those in attendance must disperse by 17:30hrs.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for importing large quantities of cannabis

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been jailed for importing and supplying large quantities of cannabis following a court hearing.

    Rhys Herbert, 24 (29.06.00) of Lonsdale Road, Notting Hill had previously pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of a controlled Class B drug (cannabis) and the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition in relation to Class B drugs (cannabis).

    A Newton Hearing held at Lincoln Crown Court on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 December 2024. On 31 January a Judge determined that Herbert played a significant role in the movement and supply of cannabis with estimated quantities of at least 45kg involved.

    He was sentenced to three years and 11 months imprisonment.

    An investigation into Herbert was launched after he was stopped for a driving offence in Westminster in November 2023. During the stop it was established a malicious communication offence may have been committed after Herbert posted personal information about one of the officers on social media. Herbert’s phone was seized and subsequently found to contain information that implicated his role in large scale drugs importation and supply.

    He was arrested for these offences at an address in Lincoln on 21 February 2024 and due to the weight of evidence officers had gathered against him, pleaded guilty when he appeared in court.

    Detective Constable Jacob Saville, who led the investigation, said: “Rhys Herbert has already admitted to his role in the importation and supply of large quantities of cannabis; now a Judge has reviewed all of the evidence and determined he played a significant role in this operation.

    “As soon as we became aware of the various messages and information held on Herbert’s phone, detectives began to compile a wealth of evidence that proved his involvement was irrefutable.

    “Drugs and the associated criminality they bring devastates communities and we will continue to identify and arrest those responsible who engage in this activity.”

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man convicted of fatally stabbing Hackney resident following Met investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been convicted of fatally stabbing Hackney resident Robert Weston, following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service.

    Jaden Sheriff, 20 (22.01.05), of Forston Street, Hackney, was found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 30 January.

    A jury convicted him of killing 37-year-old Robert Weston, who was stabbed in Hamilton Crescent, Harrow, on Monday, 26 February, 2024.

    DI Devan Taylor, who led the investigation into the murder, said: “This is a tragic case. Robert Weston lost his life, and Jaden Sheriff has to live the rest of his life knowing that he killed a man.

    “He stabbed his victim over what was effectively a neighbourhood dispute. Despite the efforts of paramedics to save his life, Mr Weston was pronounced dead shortly after.

    “This senseless murder has had a devastating impact on the victim’s loved ones. They conducted themselves with great dignity throughout the trial, and my thoughts are with them at this time.”

    Police attended an address Hamilton Crescent around 14:10hrs on 26 February last year. Mr Weston had suffered two stab wounds – one of them to the heart – and, despite the efforts of emergency services, was pronounced dead at the scene.

    In his initial interviews with officers, Sheriff claimed he accidentally stabbed Mr Weston in self-defence, after the victim pulled a knife on him.

    However, police spoke to witnesses, who revealed that the killer set upon Mr Weston following a dispute.

    Forensic evidence revealed that the wounds on Mr Weston could only have been caused by deliberate stabbing to the chest.

    Investigators obtained phone records, which showed that Mr Weston had called 999 on February 23 to complain about Sheriff.

    After an argument with the defendant, Mr Weston told police: ‘I’ve just been threatened in my own house.’

    This was used at trial to illustrate the spiralling relationship between the two men, which culminated in murder days later.

    Sheriff will be sentenced on Friday, 14 February.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shoplifter convicted after being caught in the act by Met officers

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man who was caught in the act during a Met Police operation to tackle shoplifting in south London has been jailed.

    Neighbourhood officers in Lambeth carried out a targeted sting at the Co-Op in Lower Marsh on Monday, 27 January after several reports of theft from the store.

    After reviewing recent crime reports, they arrived early and waited in the back office where they monitored CCTV cameras.

    At around 08:30hrs a man entered the store and began ransacking the meat chiller. He was immediately detained and arrested.

    Derick Bell, 36 (29.02.88) and of no fixed address, was charged the following day and appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to two counts of shoplifting. He was jailed for eight weeks.

    Inspector Darren Watson, from the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Lambeth, said:

    “This is an excellent example of how the Met is taking a targeted approach to tackle the type of offending that matters most to Londoners.

    “We know shoplifting has a significant impact on businesses and shop staff. It often also fuels other crime and anti-social behaviour.

    “In Lambeth alone, our enforcement activity means 11 of the 14 most prolific shoplifters in the area are currently in prison and we will continue to take action against those who cause misery in our communities.”

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Reel justice’: a unique collaboration between university filmmakers and police

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Adam Smith, Senior Consultant, Universal Impact

    How can universities build better relationships with the communities around them? Academia is increasingly considering this question. And finding innovative ways to demonstrate value and connect with wider society.

    This was on my mind when I learnt about a fascinating collaboration between the police and aspiring, young filmmakers at the University of Sunderland, which shows the power of research as a tool for public good.

    I world for Universal Impact, The Conversation’s commercial subsidiary, and recently travelled to the northeast to give a training course to University of Sunderland researchers on how to identify, and communicate with, different audiences for their work.

    Whenever we work with academics, I’m reminded of the quality and diversity of research taking place all around us – stretching, in this case, from preventing liver damage to boosting performance in modern pentathlon.

    We built on the training course with a mentoring programme for a group of researchers including Adelle Hulsmeier, who leads the university’s screen performance BA programme.

    I’m a bit of a movie buff. So I was interested to learn about the unique initiative Adelle runs, bringing together young people and police around an unexpected common ground – film.

    Here’s how it works. Northumberland Police suggests themes, students make short films inspired by those themes, and the films are then used as education and training resources.

    Like many of my favourite directors, Adelle believes it’s possible to address some of the most pressing social issues through storytelling.

    A new approach

    The project comes as public trust in the police is in decline, particularly among members of Gen Z (broadly, those born between 1996 and 2010).

    Children and young people are also disproportionately affected by crime, often as victims of the most serious offences. But these films offer an opportunity to change the narrative.

    And as the Labour government is proposing “respect orders” to address the UK’s 6.7 million annual offences — which cost taxpayers £58.9 billion in 2023-24 — this novel approach seems particularly timely.

    Over the past 11 years, more than 1,000 students have worked on at least 50 films, covering topics such as sexual exploitation, domestic violence, male rape and “county lines” drugs trafficking.

    The films’ influence extends far beyond the university. They have been integrated into training programmes for police officers, healthcare workers, teachers and other professionals.

    Community engagement

    The collaboration was born of a desire to make issues of crime and policing widely accessible, with Adelle striving to bridge the gap between academic learning and societal impact.

    In 2019, the project received the Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence from Advance Higher Education, recognising the initiative’s outstanding contribution to education and community engagement.

    The programme has also been praised by former Labour MP and Victims’ Commissioner Dame Vera Baird, who described the films as an effective way for the police to “transmit messages in a way that we cannot”.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Meanwhile, the project is also an opportunity for students to develop critical skills and gain invaluable industry experience.

    By empowering students to tackle real world social issues, the University of Sunderland is not only preparing them for the future but also helping to shape a safer, more empathetic world.

    This partnership is a testament to the mutual benefits that come from universities and public sector organisations working collectively towards common goals that support their local communities.

    At Universal Impact, we offer specialist training, mentoring and research communication services – donating profits back to The Conversation, our parent charity. If you’re a researcher or research institution and you’re interested in working together, please get in touch – or subscribe to our weekly newsletter to find out more.

    – ref. ‘Reel justice’: a unique collaboration between university filmmakers and police – https://theconversation.com/reel-justice-a-unique-collaboration-between-university-filmmakers-and-police-248619

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged with 2023 murder in Tottenham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the murder of Talip Guzel in Tottenham have charged two people as part of their investigation.

    Jan Mercan – 23 (07.08.01) of Rushey Hill, EN2 was charged on Thursday, 30 January with murder and possession of a prohibited weapon.

    Stanislava Kukusheva – 35 (04.02.89) of Compton Crescent, N17 was charged on Thursday, 30 January with perverting the course of justice; assisting an offender and possession of a prohibited weapon.

    Both will appear in custody at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 31 January.

    The pair were arrested by detectives as part of an ongoing investigation into the murder of Talip Guzel, 33, who died after being shot at an address in White Hart Lane, N17 on 30 July 2023.

    His family have been informed of the update.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £200 million boost to transform neighbourhood policing

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Funding to kickstart the delivery of 13,000 more neighbourhood police officers has been doubled to £200 million to make the country’s streets safer.

    Getty Images

    Forces across England and Wales will now be given hugely increased resources to begin their recruitment to boost neighbourhood policing teams, helping to ensure that the government’s target for additional personnel is met by 2029.

    After years of declining officer presence on Britain’s streets, this investment represents a crucial first step in rebuilding neighbourhood policing. This doubled funding – increased from December’s provisional £100 million commitment – reflects the scale of the challenges that many forces face, as well as the government’s determination to address them.

    As part of a wider billion-pound boost to policing, this dedicated funding will strengthen local crime prevention and community safety. One of the government’s key pledges within its Plan for Change is that every neighbourhood will have a named, contactable officer, helping to restore the local knowledge and presence that effective neighbourhood policing demands.

    These extra officers will see a return to the principles of British policing – where officers are part of the communities they serve and are focused on tackling crimes like antisocial behaviour, theft and knife crime that are blighting our communities.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    This major investment marks a turning point for policing in this country. By doubling extra neighbourhood funding to £200 million, we are giving forces across the country what they need to put more officers and PCSOs [police community support officers] where they’re needed most – on our streets and in our town centres.

    Every neighbourhood deserves dedicated officers who know their patch, understand residents’ concerns and can tackle problems before they escalate. This investment, alongside new powers we are bringing into law, will help prevent crime and protect our communities, which is at the heart of our Plan for Change.

    Restoring local policing will not happen overnight, but this funding boost will get more officers into our town centres and rural areas.

    Forces across England and Wales will be able to boost their local policing teams with this investment, scheduled for next financial year. Each force will set out their plans to government by early spring, showing how they’ll use their allocation to increase visible patrols.

    The rebuilding of local, visible policing in all our communities will be supported by the government’s new Police Standards and Performance Improvement Unit and new standards for neighbourhood policing. In addition to thousands more personnel in neighbourhood policing roles, the government will continue to help forces to protect officer numbers.

    Alongside more officers on the ground, the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill will give these officers the tools they need to keep our streets safe, including enhanced powers such as respect orders to tackle antisocial behaviour and shoplifting effectively. This investment, combined with new powers and local control over resources, marks the start of a long-term commitment to restore visible policing across the country.

    Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair, said:

    We welcome the investment in neighbourhood policing, which is a vital part of how we engage with our communities, building trust and confidence locally.

    Working with our communities and partners to problem solve, tackle antisocial behaviour, supporting victims of domestic abuse, and diverting young people from offending are just some examples of the challenging and rewarding work officers do.

    Visibility and engagement with local communities has always been central to the British policing model and police leaders are in agreement that it must always remain at the heart of what we do.

    Neighbourhood Watch CEO John Hayward-Cripps said:

    Neighbourhood Watch is delighted that the government is further increasing the investment in neighbourhood policing.

    With the increased demands on the police, and public confidence at a low point, a focus on neighbourhood policing is key to the police being visible, approachable, and engaging proactively with the public.

    This injection of investment will increase public confidence in the police and enhance feelings of safety within local communities.

    Paul Gerrard, Co-op Director of Campaigns and Public Affairs, said:

    We welcome the government’s commitment to boost neighbourhood police officer numbers to help protect local communities from crime. As a community-based retailer, we all too often see the significant and damaging impact of retail crime and antisocial behaviour in society.

    We know – and have seen the results – that effective partnerships with local policing make a real difference, and I am cautiously optimistic that this latest development along with continued investment in preventative measures and the rising levels of police attendance can start to reverse retail crime levels, and help communities become stronger, more resilient and safer.

    This funding boost comes as the government publishes its final police funding settlement today. Total funding to police forces across the country will be up to £17.5 billion next year, an increase of up to £1.1 billion compared to the 2024 to 2025 police funding settlement. This includes additional funding to support the costs of the pay awards, the increase in the employer national contributions and funding for officer maintenance.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Swiss Partners AG: BaFin warns against swissprimefx.com website and indicates possibility of identity theft

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns against offers on the website swissprimefx.com. According to the findings of the supervisory authority, Swiss Partners AG, Vaduz, Liechtenstein, offers financial and investment services there without permission.

    BaFin would like to point out that the two companies, swisspartners AG and swisspartners Versicherung AG, which are registered with both the Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority and BaFin, have no connection with Swiss Partners AG or the swissprimefx.com website. This constitutes identity theft.

    Anyone offering financial and investment services in Germany requires the permission of BaFin. However, some companies offer such services without the necessary permission. You can find information on whether a particular company is authorized by BaFin in the company database.

    The information provided by BaFin is based on Section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (KWG), Section 10 (7) of the German Crypto Markets Supervision Act (KMAG).

    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 Global Banks –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash closes SH6, Westland

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    State Highway 6 is closed near the Kakapotahi River following a crash.

    The two-vehicle crash was reported around 6:10pm.

    One person has been seriously injured.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Stay safe and cool on the water this weekend

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police urge boaties to be safe on metropolitan waters ahead of a hot weekend.

    Over the recent long weekend, Water Operations Police had vessels and jet skis conducting patrols along metropolitan beaches.

    Police conducted a number of drug and alcohol tests, with one person testing positive to drugs at Moana.

    Police also work closely with Marine Safety to ensure compliance with safety and licence requirements and issued three general expiation notices over the long weekend on the coast.

    With hot weather forecast, police expect many people will be heading out on coastal waters.

    To ensure everyone has a good time while out on the water, make sure you have all the right equipment on board and don’t drink and drive.

    For more information on boating rules and regulations, visit: South Australian boating safety handbook (marinesafety.sa.gov.au)

    Report any suspicious behaviour to SAPOL by calling 131 444. ​

    ​

    MIL OSI News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man charged with prohibited behaviour

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Man charged with prohibited behaviour

    Friday, 31 January 2025 – 4:43 pm.

    A man has been charged over an incident at Royal Park, Launceston on Friday morning.
    Police received multiple reports of a man exposing himself to members of the public in the area between 8am and 10.30am.
    A 43-year-old Launceston man was later arrested by police and charged with prohibited behaviour.
    He will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court in April.
    Police are calling for any witnesses to the incident, in particular anyone who may have witnessed a man acting in an offensive manner on the walking path between Royal Park and Kings Bridge.
    Information can be provided by calling police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at Crimestopperstas.com.au. Please quote OR765581.

    MIL OSI News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NT Fire and Emergency Service staff head to Victoria to assist with Grampians fire efforts

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    NT Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) will deploy 3 members to Victoria to assist with the current fire response near the Grampians in western Victoria.

    There are two major fires burning in the northern and southern parts of the Grampians, spanning a total of 18,000 hectares, with multiple “watch and act” warnings currently in effect for residents in the area.

    The Victorian Government formally requested assistance from all jurisdictions throughout Australia last night, prompting an immediate response from the NT. Personnel were swiftly organised, with the three Incident Management Team members scheduled to depart tomorrow morning joining up with Queensland counterparts in a joint Incident Management Team.

    The team, consisting of NTFES Fire and Rescue and Bushfires NT staff will assist with incident management roles alongside their Queensland counterparts.

    NT Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner, Andrew Warton, stated NT crews are highly skilled and ready to support our colleagues in Victoria.

    The Northern Territory and Victoria share a strong relationship, with similar experiences in managing remote, challenging terrain and pastoral land. We’re more than happy to step up and assist during this critical time,” he said.

    “Given the scale of the bushfire, Victoria requested additional capacity to aid in the response efforts. NTFES personnel, who are well-trained in incident management, will provide essential incident managements skills”.

    “While large fires are not uncommon in Victoria, the size and intensity of these fires at this time of year are confronting. Our thoughts are with those impacted by the fires.”

    This deployment highlights the dedication and core values of the NT Fire and Emergency Services. Many of these individuals put their personal lives on hold to assist communities, as well as others in need during times of crisis.

    The recent formation of the NT Fire and Emergency Services, which combines the NT Fire and Rescue Service, NT Emergency Service, and Bushfires NT into one agency, enhances our ability to respond to emergencies while prioritizing community resilience.

    MIL OSI News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash: Fairlight Road, Southland

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Southland yesterday.

    The single vehicle crash occurred on Fairlight Road just before 10pm.

    The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrest and seizures, Ōpōtiki

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Sergeant Caoin Macey:

    Police in Ōpōtiki have again interrupted the sale and supply of drugs following a search warrant at an address linked to a gang, executed yesterday Thursday 30 January.

    A 47-year-old woman is facing a number of drug and firearms charges after the warrant uncovered methamphetamine, firearms and ammunition at the address.

    Police located and have seized a .22 calibre pistol, 18 rounds of ammunition, six grams of methamphetamine and a small quantity of cash.

    Police see firsthand the harm drugs have within our community, and will continue to work to ensure the offenders are held to account and drugs are not causing harm to members of our community. 

    The 47-year-old is due to appear in the Ōpōtiki District Court on 20 February.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview – Doorstop, Melbourne

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    MARY DOYLE, MEMBER FOR ASTON: Well hello everyone, and welcome here to Boronia Heights Primary School and where Matt is the, I was about to say Premier. Where Matt is the boss of the school, that’s right. So thank you, and what a warm welcome Matt’s given us here this morning. And I’d like to also welcome Premier Jacinta Allan, Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, Federal Education Minister, Jason Clare, and also the State Education Minister, Ben Carroll. Thank you guys for coming here on this very auspicious occasion too, the signing of the agreement that just happened. Now I’d like to introduce our Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese. Thank you.

    ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Well, thanks very much, Mary, and it’s fantastic to be back here in the electorate of Aston that you so ably represent with such passion and commitment. And there’s nowhere that it’s more important to be in Australia than in a school, particularly when we’re talking about education.

    Before speaking about why we’re here today, I do want to address the joint counter terrorism major investigation in Dural in Sydney. The AFP Commissioner and ASIO Director-General are continuing to work with New South Wales Police. It is critical that the police are able to continue to conduct this investigation. It remains an active one. We know that some people are in custody over issues related to this investigation. There’s zero tolerance in Australia for hatred and for antisemitism. And I want any perpetrators to be hunted down and locked up – it’s as simple as that. They have no place in this sort of engagement. It’s designed to create fear and terror in the community, and it will not succeed. Because our community is stronger than the cowards who engage in this sort of activity.

    Can I say about why we’re here today – for Labor, nothing is more important than education. It is in our DNA. And what we are doing today here in Victoria is so important. Working in cooperation with Jacinta Allan and her Government, including Minister Ben Carroll. And I want to give a big thank you to Jacinta and Ben for the leadership that they have shown in bringing this arrangement to a conclusion. Of course, it’s not about politicians and it’s not about government. It’s actually about the kids who we sat down with today. Them being able to have access to the best opportunities in life that come from a great start in life. And a great start in life means best quality public education and it means making sure that no child falls behind.

    What this agreement does is not just inject $2.5 billion of additional funding into Victorian schools, but in addition to that, it’s an agreement, quite frankly, Jacinta and her Government are doing it already, which is how do we address some of the concerns that parents have had over a period of time about things like learning and phonics and the basics of literacy and numeracy? How do we lift people up? What this funding will do is enable for testing to not have to wait for NAPLAN, not have to wait until a child is 8, but make sure that in the early years, if someone needs extra assistance, they can get it. They can get that smaller group tutoring or indeed one on one learning as well. This is so important, that every child has the opportunity to be the best that they can. To lift them up, which is what good quality schools and good quality learning will do. And a shout out as well to our teachers, many of whom are here. They do fantastic work. No one goes into teaching because of the salary that it provides. They go because of the satisfaction that they get from watching a young mind expand and grow and watching people learn. The young people we met in there this morning, were telling myself and the Premier, that the best thing about school is learning. How good is that? To hear that from a six year old really brightens your day because it is so important as we move forward. We have a great partnership with the Allan Government here in Victoria. Fair funding for schools has been talked about for a long period of time. 14 years ago, David Gonski brought down his report. What we’re doing here is actually delivering, doing in the best tradition of Labor Governments, in the best tradition as well of Australia helping out our youngest Australians.

    JACINTA ALLAN, PREMIER OF VICTORIA: Thanks, Prime Minister. Thank you. Well, I’d like to echo the Prime Minister and Mary’s thanks for Boronia Heights Primary School for their really warm welcome to us here this afternoon and thanks to Mat for your leadership of this great school and thanks to the school leaders as well to Zoe and Samuel, Mackenzie and Ryan who have led us around this school so beautifully. And along with Ben and Mary and Jason, I’d also like to acknowledge Jackson Taylor, the local State Member for this fabulous local community.

    And as you can see, this week in Victoria, it’s back to school week. It’s back to school for tens of thousands of students and their families as we gear up for another school year. And I know families just want the very best start in life for their kids. And that best start comes from getting a good, strong education. And that good, strong education can be found in any one of our great government schools here in Victoria. And that’s why, that’s why this agreement that we have signed today – been negotiating for a little while – but signed today, this agreement is about demonstrating that federal Labor governments, state Labor governments are going to continue to back, back the work that principals like Mat do in our great government schools, back teachers, back staff, most importantly back the students as well so that they can get and continue to receive that top quality education. And it was back to school week for my own family as well. And as I dropped my kids off to school this morning in Bendigo, I could see the excitement, I could see the energy and I can see firsthand what a difference Labor governments make when they invest in our government schools. And that’s why this announcement today and this agreement today is just so important. $2.5 billion over the next 10 years of additional funding.

    And I want to thank the Prime Minister, thank Jason and thank Ben for reaching this agreement. Because this is going to go directly to supporting students, supporting teachers, but also those families I talked about earlier who just want the best for their kids, regardless of their background, regardless of what part of the state they’re from, they know they can get that opportunity at our government schools. Also too, I think it’s important to note that this investment comes on top of the existing investment that Victorian Labor Governments have been making in our government schools here in Victoria. $17 billion in new school buildings right across the state. And if I can make the point, since 2018, 50 per cent of all new schools in Australia have been built right here in Victoria. We’ve worked hard to support our teachers and staff with a whole range of initiatives. We’re also supporting the teachers of the future with free uni degrees, supporting that pipeline of teachers for the year ahead. The work that Ben has done on phonics has been so important. We also, though, focus on the whole student as well and the wellbeing and cost of living pressures that we know families are experiencing. And that’s why the rollout of the School Saving Bonus. Ben’s just told me that today it’s just ticked over $100 million has been redeemed through the school saving bonus. That’s $100 million that supported families, $100 million that stayed in families’ pockets because we’ve supported them with some of those essential back to school costs. That’s what Labor Government investment looks like. Teachers, staff, school, buildings and supporting families with those cost of living pressures. And that’s why this agreement is just so important. Because it means for the decade ahead we can continue to plan, continue to support the great work of our schools here in Victoria and continue to support families as they want the best for their kids. So, does Federal and State Labor governments and we’re going to continue to support them every step of the way.

    JASON CLARE, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION: Well, this is a big deal and this is a big day for public schools in Victoria. You want to know what this is about? It’s about the young people sitting behind these desks just out of shot here at the moment. And it’s about those year one students that we saw in the classroom just a moment ago and the ones that will follow them and kids who aren’t even born yet. This is about the future. This is about making sure that every child gets a great start in life, what every parent wants for their child, a great education. And what every Australian child deserves. That’s what this is about. And I tell you what, this is real leadership in action. Prime Minister, this wouldn’t have happened without your leadership and I want to thank you for it. Premier, I want to thank you for your leadership as well. As you said, this is a classic example of two Labor governments working together in the interests of Australian children and the future of our country. You get it. You know how to get things done and you get how important what’s happening in that classroom really is.

    The power of education to change lives, the power of a great education system to change nations. And that’s what this fundamentally is about. And I want to thank my dear friend Ben Carroll, a real reforming Education Minister who’s doing the heavy lifting here in Victoria already. And these reforms will help to fund and resource more of what Ben is already driving here in Victoria. You know, this is $2.5 billion. But more important than that, this is tied to real reform. This is about making sure that kids who fall behind at school when they’re little catch up and keep up and that more kids finish high school. We’ve seen over the last 10 years across the country a decline in the number of kids finishing high school in public schools. We’ve got to turn that around. It’s more important to finish high school today than when we were kids. And if we’re going to turn that around, it means early intervention, it means phonics checks and numeracy checks when kids are little in year one. The sort of things that we were seeing in that classroom a minute ago. And it’s about early intervention, providing more individual support for those children, perhaps out of a classroom of 30 into a classroom of three to help them to catch up and then they keep up, then more kids will finish high school and go on to TAFE if they want, or uni if they want, get the job of their dreams. So, fundamentally, that’s what it’s all about. It’s about making sure that every child in Australia gets a great start in life. What every mum and dad wants and what every Australian child deserves.

    BEN CARROLL, DEPUTY PREMIER OF VICTORIA AND MINISTER FOR EDUCATION: Thank you to all my colleagues that are here today. I also just want to give a shout out to Justin Mullaly from the Australian Education Union because the Australian Education Union have played a pivotal role in getting us where we are today. And $2.5 billion in Commonwealth additional funding for the State of Victoria, the Education State. We know public education is the most important investment in our future. We also know that 73 per cent of disadvantaged kids are in the public education system and this funding will go straight to them to support them going on to live their dreams and their life of purpose. This is a big day in the Education State. I think Anthony Albanese, today, has got the mantle of the Education Prime Minister. Also Premier Allan, who has led from the front, been with me every day working very hard to get this deal done. And I thank Premier Allan for not only her leadership in the schools agreement, but the work she’s done championing children that focus on early intervention through pre-prep, the Free TAFE, the free university degrees for teachers. This is a game changer for our education system. To Jason Clare, we’ve worked incredibly hard over the journey on this. It’s been a 12 month journey. But I’ve got to say, Jason, we’ve always been on the unity ticket when it comes to what’s best for our kids. World’s best practice in the classroom. And as the Prime Minister and Jason alluded to, the funding is one big important component and it will go to those public school kids. But there’s the other elements to it. There’s bringing in world’s best practice inside the classroom. The phonics literacy checks, the mathematics checks, the support for wellbeing. We are so proud as a Labor Government that every school is getting the mental health support and the nursing program being rolled out. That is so really, really important. I thank Premier Allan, Prime Minister, Jason Clare. For the very first time, Gonski, now, that had that vision of a needs based, sector blind education system is coming true today. No longer will a young child in any part of the State of Victoria start schooling in grade prep and go right through to year 12 without full and fair funding. We have ended that and that is a credit to the Federal Labor Government and the State Labor Government and it shows you great federalism working very well in the national interest and for our future, which is our children. Thank you.

    PRIME MINISTER: Thanks, Ben. We’re happy to take questions.

    JOURNALIST: Can I just ask you about the incident in New South Wales. When were you first briefed on the caravan incident?

    PRIME MINISTER: I get briefed regularly by the national security agencies. We don’t talk about operational matters, obviously, for obvious reasons.

    JOURNALIST: Chris Minns has said when he was briefed, can you say when you were?

    PRIME MINISTER: Well, what I do, is I don’t comment on operational matters. There are two issues that are my priority. The first is making sure that people are kept safe. The second, which is related to that, is making sure that any investigations aren’t undermined and that the police and national security agencies are able to do their work. I get ongoing briefings. Every day I get a national security briefing. And indeed, just this morning, we had a full meeting of the National Security Committee.

    JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, just asking you about the Toorak dinner that was on the paper today. Was that a fundraiser for Labor?

    PRIME MINISTER: Well, I have dinner with people. Although it was reported as a lunch, my recollection is it was a dinner. It was nowhere near as long as it’s been reported either, I’ve got to say. But I engage with people. And I’m having a dinner tonight too, and I’ll have lunch at some stage today. That’s what you do. And I had breakfast this morning as well.

    JOURNALIST: So, Prime Minister, back on the caravan. Just following on from what Simon was saying, so, with the timeline of this Premier Minns was saying he was briefed on the 20th, you had a National Cabinet meeting on the 21st to discuss matters to do with antisemitism. So, was this something that was raised at the National Cabinet meeting? And if it wasn’t, isn’t it something that should have been raised, given that all the First Ministers were dealing with their own problems?

    PRIME MINISTER: Well, I’ve been asked this before. And I repeat, I don’t intend to go through operational matters, nor do we go through the detail of what’s discussed at Cabinet meetings or National Cabinet meetings or National Security Committee meetings.

    JOURNALIST: The Opposition Leader says it’s entirely predictable that the nation has seen this escalation in antisemitic incidents. What’s your response to that?

    PRIME MINISTER: This is a time for unity and for the country to come together against these atrocities and these appalling acts. Not a time to look for political partisanship or to make political points. I don’t intend to do so. I intend to do my job, which is to work with the police and national security agencies. I must say they do an extraordinary job. We want people hunted down and put in the clink. That is what we want. And there have been a range of arrests made. Some of those have been made public, were made public on the 21st. I take the advice of the police and national security agencies for when those matters become public so that we ensure that ongoing investigations are not undermined. There is a common sense approach to this and I note that the New South Wales Police Commissioner has made comments on that this morning as well.

    JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, do you have any update on the status of Oscar Jenkins?

    PRIME MINISTER: We continue to request the Russian authorities to provide more information. They have provided information at this point, but we don’t take anything we hear off the Putin regime at face value. So, we want to – we have made it very clear that we think Mr. Jenkins should be released. We don’t think that he should have to suffer from ongoing incarceration and will continue to make representations, but we’ll also continue to work as we will with Ukraine as well, on ascertaining further information.

    JOURNALIST: Are there any certain under which you’d consider a prisoner swap for Oscar Jenkins?

    PRIME MINISTER: No, well, Australia doesn’t have prisoners in those circumstances –

    JOURNALIST: There aren’t a couple of suspected Russian spies in Brisbane?

    PRIME MINISTER: What we want is for Mr Jenkins to be able to return home.

    JOURNALIST: Do you have any message for the Jenkins family?

    PRIME MINISTER: My heart goes out to you. This is a really difficult time for you. And the fact that some information has been made available, will be a difficult time. And we stand with you and we continue to offer every assistance that we can to these families.

    JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, do you intend to fund both Melbourne Victoria’s Suburban Rail Loop and the Airport Rail Link?

    PRIME MINISTER: Well, there’s no link between the two things. We have funding available here for Victorian infrastructure. Suburban Rail Loop is an important project for a growing city. And I’ve been in consultation with the Premier. Minister King is looking after infrastructure. But one of the things about our cities and people will see this when Melbourne Metro opened. When I was the Infrastructure Minister some time ago, there was $3 billion from the Commonwealth for Melbourne metro. It was cut by Tony Abbott. For Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, both – all suffered, all three Eastern capitals suffered from a clogging in the centre. Now, the keys to that have been in Sydney, the metro, in Brisbane, the Cross River Rail project and in Melbourne, Melbourne metro. But the next stage is how do you get around this growing city that will be Australia’s largest without having to go into the city and out again? That’s what Suburban Rail Loop is about.

    JOURNALIST: So the $2.2 billion will be given to Victoria before the Federal election? I mean, it was committed at the last election. Will it be handed over to Victoria before?

    PRIME MINISTER: It’s in our Budget and we are working through those issues for early works. Because one of the things about Suburban Rail Loop that I know, as well, is it’s not just about a rail line. It’s about housing and it’s about infrastructure more broadly as well, and about making this great city of Melbourne more liveable, more sustainable and more productive.

    JOURNALIST: Could an airport rail be built sooner?

    PRIME MINISTER: Well, airport rail – I’m not the infrastructure Minister for Victoria.

    JOURNALIST: But you’re in charge of the money. Is it a priority or is SRL, for you?

    PRIME MINISTER: No, it’s not a matter of either or. That’s like saying, is Boronia Heights Public School a priority or is the school down the road a priority? We regard – they’re two very different projects. All of Victorian infrastructure is a priority. I’ll give you the big tip on the difference between us and the former Government. The former Government reduced Victorian infrastructure funding to about eight per cent of the national funding. Under my Government, that won’t happen. Under my Government, Victoria will always get its fair share.

    JOURNALIST: Just on the railway link. Is there currently an additional $2 billion on offer for the Commonwealth to build the airport rail link?

    PRIME MINISTER: I’m not sure what you’re referring to.

    JOURNALIST: Well, previously there’s been $5 billion. (Inaudible). This is a lot of money, and it’s important.

    PRIME MINISTER: Negotiations are taking place.

    JOURNALIST: Is there $2 billion on the table, in addition to the $5 billion from both the Commonwealth and the state that’s been previously committed to?

    PRIME MINISTER: Well, I suggest you ask Minister King. Those discussions take place between, with due respect, as Prime Minister, we run a big Budget across a whole lot of portfolios. I’m here today announcing significant funding for public schools. The Infrastructure Minister deals with state and territory jurisdictions on specifics of the infrastructure program.

    JOURNALIST: Do you think it’s possible to have Suburban Rail Loop work happening in one side of the city and then Melbourne Airport happening at the same time, or would they have to be separate?

    PRIME MINISTER: There’s lots of projects happen across lots of cities. You know, I’m a Canberran these days. There’s a light rail project under construction and there’s roads under construction around Canberra, let alone in a city the size of Melbourne. You need to deal with the growth in the West of this great city and the growth in the East of this great city, and indeed the growth in the North. I note you haven’t mentioned there’s a pretty significant road project here in the North East that has how much Commonwealth funding? That has $5 billion. And I’ve been to that project that’s under construction right now. We will do a range of projects here in Victoria. And can I say this as well, not just in Melbourne, but in regional Victoria as well.

    JOURNALIST: It is a point of quite some contention in Victoria whether we can afford to do both. Are you saying we can afford to do both? Will you tell taxpayers if you’ll prioritise one over the other?

    PRIME MINISTER: I’m saying that Victoria will get its fair share of infrastructure funding from my Government, unlike what the former Government did. That, for reasons unbeknown really, ripped that $3 billion out of Melbourne Metro, ripped money out of Victorian road projects and never put anything back.

    JOURNALIST: Can we return to the caravan and particularly the broader issues of antisemitism? I’m not drawing a direct link here, but there was an interesting speech Richard Marles made at the Sydney Institute the other night, two nights ago. And he said, ‘questioning the right of Israel to exist strikes at the heart of global Jewry. It is antisemitic’. He said, ‘denying Israel’s right to defend itself is an attempt to delegitimise Israel’s existence and has dangerous real world consequences, including here in Australia’. And the reason I ask is I think it talks about the thing that’s been the heart of the pro-Palestinian protest in many forms has been this delegitimisation of Israel. Do you agree that we are seeing the real world consequences of that and somehow this has got to stop because it’s gotten out of control?

    PRIME MINISTER: Well, of course I agree that antisemitism has to stop, full stop. People need to be put, people need to be hunted down as is occurring. People are being arrested, they’re being charged, and they’re in the clink without release, without bail. That is occurring. If you go back to the resolution that was passed with the support of both major parties in the Parliament after the October 7 terrorist atrocities – that spoke about Israel’s right to defend itself, I spoke about that on the Sunday as well. I support what has been Australia’s long standing bipartisan position. The UN decision in 1947 for 1948 wasn’t for the creation of one state, it was for the creation of two – the state of Israel and the state of Palestine. I support a two state solution where both Israelis and Palestinians are able to live in peace and security. Now to do that, in order to achieve that, clearly there needs to be as well some reform on the Palestinian side. Hamas can play no role in any future state. I go back to that resolution which I looked at it the other day. Quite frankly, history treats it well. The fact that the Parliament came together at that time and overwhelmingly, with the exception of the Greens who can speak for themselves, they overwhelmingly, the Parliament passed that resolution. That was a good thing. Thanks very much.

    JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, the Labor Party was right there. I mean you make the point, I mean Doc Evatt was right there. Formation of Israel played a crucial path to his role in the UN. The question I had for you, and I was hoping you could answer it, is whether or not this continuing question of Israel’s existence is fuelling antisemitism?

    PRIME MINISTER: We support the right of Israel to exist.

    JOURNALIST: But the question about whether you agree that it’s fuelling antisemitism?

    PRIME MINISTER: That what is? Sorry, you’re not being clear about your question.

    JOURNALIST: The continual questioning of Israel’s right to existence. Whether that fuels antisemitism?

    PRIME MINISTER: Well, I can speak for myself. I think that one of the issues that I certainly always say very clearly is that it is in the interests of Israelis, obviously, that Israel has a right to exist with security. It’s also in the interest of Palestinians that Israel has a right to exist with security as well. You need a solution that stops a cycle of violence. The solution that is being negotiated out, if you actually take a bit of a step back, look at what a solution looks like. And it looks like, as has been advocated by the United States and others such as Antony Blinken, is the creation of is Israel firstly being recognised by countries such as Saudi Arabia and others in the region. It is then Palestine being able to step forward with a path towards security for Palestinians as well. Obviously, the international community has a role to play in that. Thanks very much.

    MIL OSI News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Domestic Violence – Papunya

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force have arrested a 51-year-old man in relation to a domestic violence incident that occurred in Papunya yesterday.

    Shortly after 12am on 30 January, police received reports that the 51-year-old man was driving a vehicle dangerously within the community. The offender has allegedly intentionally struck a 26-year-old male relative before exiting the vehicle and making threats with a machete.

    The 26-year-old victim was taken to the local clinic with a suspected fractured pelvis and spine.

    The 51-year-old was arrested and currently remains in custody with charges expected to laid.

    Investigations are ongoing and police urge anyone with information to call police on 131 444 and quote reference P25029611 . Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    Support services for those affected by domestic or family violence are available, including 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) and Lifeline (13 11 14).

    MIL OSI News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Construction begins on new Port Stephens refuge for women and children escaping domestic violence

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Construction begins on new Port Stephens refuge for women and children escaping domestic violence

    Published: 31 January 2025

    Released by: Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

    The NSW Government is building a safer New South Wales for regional women and children with construction now beginning on a new safe haven in Port Stephens.

    Built under the Core and Cluster program, $7.2 million is being invested in a new six-unit refuge in Port Stephens being developed by Hume Community Housing.

    The Core and Cluster refuge model promotes independent living by providing self-contained accommodation located next to a ‘core’ of support that facilitates access to services such as counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support.

    Hume Community Housing is a Tier 1 Community Housing Provider with more than 30 years’ experience, providing social and affordable housing and specialist disability accommodation.

    Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services (PSFaNS) has been nominated as the future service provider to deliver tailored support services to victim-survivors at the completed refuge, helping them rebuild their lives and heal from trauma.

    The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years to provide new crisis accommodation across NSW for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence as part of the Core and Cluster program.

    Once all 49 new Core and Cluster refuges are completed, and the replacement of eight existing government-owned women’s refuge buildings are refurbished, they will support more than an additional 2,900 women and children escaping domestic and family violence each year.

    The Minns Labor Government is addressing domestic and family violence at all stages, by investing in primary prevention, early intervention, crisis responses and recovery. Making sure women and children have a safe place to go when they escape abuse is crucial to their recovery and helping them rebuild their lives.

    Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

    “For women and children escaping abusive and violent homes, having a safe haven is vital to begin recovering, healing and rebuilding their lives.

    “The NSW Government is continuing the roll out of Core and Cluster refuges for domestic violence victim-survivors across the state, with a total of 49 new refuges set to be up and running by 2026.

    “We’re proud to partner with local service providers to ensure that Core and Cluster residents receive tailored support so they can regain their confidence, recover and thrive.”

    Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

    “Domestic and family violence has a devastating impact on the lives of people in Port Stephens and across the state. It must stop.

    “This new Core and Cluster refuge will be life-changing for local women and children, giving them a safe and secure place to begin rebuilding their lives after trauma.

    “For too long, women and children in our community have had to leave behind their jobs, schools, and support networks to find safety. This refuge means they will now have access to the crisis accommodation and support they need, right here in Port Stephens.”

    Brad Braithwaite, CEO of Hume Housing said:

    “Hume Community Housing is proud to be partnering with the Department of Communities and Justice and Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services to deliver this Core and Cluster refuge.

    “Breaking ground today is just the beginning as we look towards providing a safe place for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.

    “This is central to Hume’s purpose: to create homes and opportunities for people to heal, rebuild and prosper in vibrant and connected communities.”

    Sue Pollock, Manager Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services said:

    “Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services has been providing services to our community for over 35 years.

    “For most of those years women in our community have been advocating for a refuge to be available for women and children living with domestic and family violence.

    “Women in Karuah Aboriginal Community have been working for nearly two years now to make sure that the refuge will be a place of comfort and safety, a place where women and children can breathe and be nurtured by the surroundings. They have been meeting each week designing and sewing the soft furnishings and mapping out the outdoor and living areas. We are grateful for such generosity of spirit.

    “With the hard work and commitment from women in this community, with Hume Community Housing and funding from Department of Communities and Justice, women and children can now know that a place of safety and respite will exist in their community. A place where they can stay close to their supports, their schools, their jobs. Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported and live a life free from violence.”

    Support:

    If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

    If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

    MIL OSI News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Schenectady Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Drug Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – James Alvin Boone, II, age 30, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute, distribution of fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino, III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.

    Boone admitted that: he and another person conspired to distribute fentanyl and cocaine throughout the Capital Region; he directed his co-conspirator to store over 25,000 fentanyl pills weighing over 3 kilograms, two handguns, ammunition, and several hundred grams of cocaine in a storage unit and at her home; he personally distributed fentanyl and directed his co-conspirator to do the same; and, before this conspiracy, he personally possessed over 1.4 kilograms of cocaine and a pistol in a safe in his home on July 28, 2023.  Law enforcement seized these narcotics, firearms, and ammunition from Boone and his co-conspirator in its investigation.  Boone also admitted that after his arrest, he instructed another individual to dispose of additional fentanyl pills.  

    Boone faces a minimum term of 15 years and up to life in prison, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.  He will be sentenced on May 30, 2025, by United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

    The DEA investigated the case with assistance from the Colonie Police Department, Schenectady Police Department, and New York State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikayla Espinosa is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: More than 5000 Australian victims receive text warning over romance scam

    Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

    This is a joint media release between the AFP, National Anti-Scam Centre, Philippines Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and National Bureau of Investigation

    Editor’s note: Text message screenshot, images from investigation, and audio grabs from AFP Commander Graeme Marshall are available via Hightail

    Authorities have texted more than 5000 potential victims in Australia to warn they may have been targeted by romance scammers based in the Philippines.

    The National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), in partnership with the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Collaboration Centre (JPC3), has today texted potential victims, who are mostly male, urging them not to send money to people they’ve met online and outlined next steps to take if they have already sent money to the scammers.

    The potential victims were identified following an investigation by Philippines authorities into a scam compound operating in central Manila, in November 2024.

    More than 300 computer towers, 1000 mobile phones, and thousands of SIM cards were located by Philippines authorities and evidence gathered during the investigation has been shared with international law enforcement partners to help identify potential victims, including those who may not be aware they have been targeted.

    Under Operation Firestorm, the JPC3 identified more than 5000 Australian-based phone numbers linked to messages found on an end-to-end encryption platform on the devices.

    Operation Firestorm is a global operation launched by the JPC3 in August 2024, to address and disrupt offshore organised crime networks deceiving Australians through romance, cryptocurrency and investment scams. 

    The significant amount of technology located during the operation required extensive analysis, and JPC3 technical and cryptocurrency experts spent hundreds of hours extracting crucial evidence.

    It is alleged the scammers, using popular online dating apps, tricked victims into a fake online romantic relationship, before convincing them to purchase legitimate cryptocurrency. They would request a minimum first investment between AUD $300 – $800 dollars, before encouraging the victim to invest more money.

    The suspected scammer would then deceive the victim into transferring funds from the legitimate crypto exchange account into the scammer’s account.  

    Most of the Australian victims targeted were men over 35. The fraudsters posed as either a Filipino female working in Australia or a local female resident in the Philippines.

    The investigation has so far resulted in the arrest of more than 250 suspects by Philippine law enforcement authorities.  

    AFP Commander Cybercrime Operations Graeme Marshall said the investigation highlighted the importance of international partnerships in disrupting serious organised cybercrime networks while supporting victims.

    “The AFP worked closely with our partners, the National Anti-Scam Centre and Philippines Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the National Bureau of Investigation, to ensure Australians targeted by this malicious scam were identified and given advice to help protect themselves online,” AFP Cmdr Marshall said.

    “We urge anyone who received a text message warning from the National Anti-Scam Centre to take it very seriously and refrain from sending money to people you’ve met online.

    “If you have already sent someone money or cryptocurrency, please report it to your bank immediately, then to police via ReportCyber. To help others avoid similar scams, you can also report it to ScamWatch.

    “When it comes to romance scams, our message to the public is simple: protect your heart and your wallet. If it feels too good to be true, it probably is.

    “There are many warning signs someone you’ve met online could be trying to scam you. In this case, the scammer would ask to move the conversation from an online dating app to an end-to-end encryption messaging platform.

    “Cybercriminals commonly use this technique to protect themselves from being reported and removed from online dating or social media platforms.

    “We urge the public to familiarise themselves with the warning signs of romance scams to help protect themselves, loved ones, friends and family when interacting with people online.”

    Australian Competition & Consumer Commission Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said in 2024, Australians reported losing $23.6 million to dating and romance scams.

    “Romance scammers prey on people seeking connection.  Criminals build trust over time and often abuse this trust by encouraging people to make large investments leaving victims with significant financial losses and emotional distress,” Ms Lowe said.

    “We encourage people to always independently verify any investment opportunity via trusted sources such as an Australian registered financial advisor.”

    How to stop, check and protect yourself from romance scams

    • Never send money or cryptocurrency to anyone you’ve met online. Be sceptical of any requests for money, no matter how genuine the story may seem.
    • Verify the person’s identity. Take things slow and be wary if their story doesn’t add up or if they refuse to video chat or meet in person. Conduct reverse image searches on their profile pictures at https://images.google.com.
    • Beware of overly affectionate behaviour. If someone you’ve just met online starts professing love quickly, it’s a red flag.
    • Be careful of what you share. Never disclose personal information or send intimate photos to people you don’t know as this may be used to blackmail you or steal your identity.

    What to do if you’re a victim of a scam

    • Stop all communication with the scammer
    • Take screenshots of conversations and profiles before blocking the scammer on all platforms.
    • Contact your bank if you have transferred money or suspect unusual account activity.
    • Report it to police at www.cyber.gov.au.
    • Report suspected scams to www.scamwatch.gov.au to help others avoid similar scams.
    • If you were contacted via social media, report it to the social media platform.
    • Use strong, unique passphrases on your accounts and enable Multi-Factor Authentication wherever possible.
    • If you are concerned your identity has been compromised, contact the national identity and cyber support service, IDCARE, at www.idcare.org. 
    • If you, or someone you know needs help, we encourage you to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, who provide 24/7 support services.

    The JPC3 brings together Australian law enforcement and key industry and international partners to fight cybercrime and prevent harm and financial loss to the Australian community.

    We are committed to equipping all Australians with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves against cybercrime.

    Watch our cybercrime prevention videos and protect yourself against being a victim.

    If there is an immediate threat to life or risk of harm, call 000.

    Media enquiries:
    AFP Media: (02) 5126 9297

    MIL OSI News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sipekne’katik  — Missing person: Help the RCMP find Jerome Patrick Paul

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Sipekne’katik RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 48-year-old Jerome Patrick Paul who was last seen in Sipekne’katik (Indian Brook).

    Paul is described as 5-foot-8 and 200 pounds. He has short dark brown hair, brown eyes and is known to wear glasses. Paul is believed to be wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants.

    At this time, investigators believe that Paul may be driving a dark blue Chevrolet cargo van with the rear passenger window smashed out.

    When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those who know them. We ask that people spread the word through social media respectfully.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jerome Patrick Paul is asked to contact the Indian Brook RCMP detachment at 902-758-3388. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    File #: 2025-136698

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigate house fire in Warrane

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Police investigate house fire in Warrane

    Friday, 31 January 2025 – 12:19 pm.

    Police are investigating a house fire that was reported to emergency services around 3:10am this morning in La Perouse St Warrane.Tasmania Fire Service and Tasmania Police attended and the fire was quickly extinguished with an initial estimate of damage of $100,000. No one was home at the time of the fire.Anyone with information is asked to contact South East CIB on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Homicide investigation – Harley Shrimpton

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Please attribute to Detective Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow:

    In November 2023, Tauranga Police launched a homicide investigation after Harley Shrimpton was killed at a rural property in Poripori Road, Lower Kaimai, Tauranga.

    He had been missing since he was kidnapped on 3 November 2023 and a missing person report was filed with Police by his whānau.

    In January 2024, 23-year-old Tauranga man Piripi Tukaokao was charged with murder, kidnapping and other related offences. He is remanded in custody and will be appearing in Hamilton High Court in November 2025.

    We know that there were others who assisted the defendant and we are continuing to follow positive lines of enquiry.

    It is crucial that all those responsible in relation to Harley’s death are held to account.

    It’s now been over 14 months since Harley was found and since then a dedicated Police team has continued with enquiries and are closely analysing new information.

    We continue to speak with people close to the investigation and have not ruled out laying further charges against others who may have been involved.

    On behalf of Police and Harley’s whānau, I want to acknowledge the significant public support shown over the last year, to thank everyone who has come forward with information during the course of the investigation, and to urge anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Police and tell us what you know.

    Information can be passed to Police via our 105 phone service, or by going online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105  and using ‘Update Report’, referencing file number 231117/9085.

    Alternatively, information can be passed to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Announces Appropriations Subcommittee Appointments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
    Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), announced her subcommittee appointments for the Senate Appropriations Committee, which helps shape the federal government’s spending policies. This year, Senator Fischer has added a sixth subcommittee: Financial Services and General Government.
    “For the past two years, my position on the Appropriations Committee has given Nebraska a seat at the table in allocating precious taxpayer dollars. These key subcommittee appointments for the 119th Congress will give Nebraskans continued input into the programs and agencies that directly impact our state. Particularly as a member of the Agriculture and Military Construction subcommittees, I look forward to advocating for Nebraska’s number one industry and our critical military facilities like Offutt Air Force Base,” said Senator Fischer.
    Senator Fischer will serve on the following Appropriations Subcommittees: 
    Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
    Has jurisdiction over the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

    Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
    Has jurisdiction over U.S. Department of Defense facilities and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

    Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
    Has jurisdiction over the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

    Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
    Has jurisdiction over the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Department of Justice.

    Legislative Branch
    Has jurisdiction over the U.S. Capitol Police, Architect of the Capitol, Congressional Budget Office, and Library of Congress.

    Financial Services and General Government
    Has jurisdiction over several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Treasury, Small Business Administration, Federal Trade Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Click here for the full list of federal agencies.

    Senator Fischer will continue to serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee; the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee; and the Senate Agriculture Committee; the Senate Rules Committee; and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Update: Fatal crash Craigmore

    Source: South Australia Police

    A man has died following a fatal crash at Craigmore this morning.

    Just after 8.30 am today (Friday 31 January), police and emergency services were called to Uley Road after reports of a crash between a black Volkswagen sedan and a white Holden sedan.

    Sadly, the driver a 49-year-old man from Hewett died at the scene.

    Road closures are still in place and motorists are asked to avoid the area.

    The man’s death is the 12th life lost on SA roads this year.

    Police urge anyone who witnessed the crash or who has dashcam footage is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Further appeal for information in Harley Shrimpton homicide investigation

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Please attribute to Detective Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow:

    In November 2023, Tauranga Police launched a homicide investigation after Harley Shrimpton was killed at a rural property in Poripori Road, Lower Kaimai, Tauranga.

    He had been missing since he was kidnapped on 3 November 2023 and a missing person report was filed with Police by his whānau.

    In January 2024, 23-year-old Tauranga man Piripi Tukaokao was charged with murder, kidnapping and other related offences. He is remanded in custody and will be appearing in Hamilton High Court in November 2025.

    We know that there were others who assisted the defendant and we are continuing to follow positive lines of enquiry.

    It is crucial that all those responsible in relation to Harley’s death are held to account.

    It’s now been over 14 months since Harley was found and since then a dedicated Police team has continued with enquiries and are closely analysing new information.

    We continue to speak with people close to the investigation and have not ruled out laying further charges against others who may have been involved.

    On behalf of Police and Harley’s whānau, I want to acknowledge the significant public support shown over the last year, to thank everyone who has come forward with information during the course of the investigation, and to urge anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Police and tell us what you know.

    Information can be passed to Police via our 105 phone service, or by going online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105  and using ‘Update Report’, referencing file number 231117/9085.

    Alternatively, information can be passed to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Justice served in Southland drug operation

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Southern District Crime Manager Detective Inspector Shona Low:

    Police have smashed a significant Southland drug operation, thanks to some dodgy-looking crockery intercepted by Customs in Auckland.

    Kilograms of drugs, including over 30kg of cannabis, and over $60,000 cash have been seized and two Invercargill men have been arrested and charged.

    The operation began at the Auckland International Mail Centre on 6 January 2025, when a package caught the attention of Customs officers. It was declared to contain dining plates, but an X-ray raised suspicions and testing revealed more than 2kg of MDMA had been pressed into plate shape and coated with paint.

    The package was addressed to an Invercargill property, and the Southern District Organised Crime Group immediately got to work, gathering information and preparing a search warrant.

    On 23 January the Invercargill property was searched, and officers turned up ketamine, cash, ammunition and cannabis. But the most significant discovery was evidence that showed a connection to another Southland address.

    Given the quantities of MDMA intercepted at the border and clear signs of a wider drug operation, Police quickly obtained a search warrant for the second property and prepared to search it that same day.

    At that address, Police were met with an overwhelming smell of cannabis and found a sophisticated grow set-up, numerous plants, and more than 25kg of high-grade cannabis head, packaged and ready to be sold.

    A sizeable amount of a substance, believed to be ketamine, was also located, along with another half-kilogram of MDMA, and more than $60,000 cash.

    This is offending on a scale rarely seen in Southland and serious harm has been prevented, thanks to Customs and Police working closely together and acting fast.

    This wasn’t someone growing a cannabis plant for their own use. It was an organised, sophisticated drug operation designed to make a profit, without any concern for the people affected or damaged by it. The drug trade feeds people’s addictions and fuels crime by encouraging desperate individuals to steal in order to pay for their next hit.

    We know this won’t stop the supply of drugs, it won’t stop organised crime groups or others from trying to profit from addiction, but it will put a noticeable dent in the availability of illegal drugs in the district and the harm caused by them.

    We want to thank the highly trained Customs officers whose efforts have contributed to keeping our communities safe.

    By the numbers:

    • 18kg (40lb) of high-grade cannabis head
    • 12kg (28lb) of leaf
    • 22 Cannabis plants
    • 431g (15.2oz) of MDMA
    • 0.46g of cocaine
    • 210g (7.4oz) of suspected ketamine
    • 6 rounds of .303 ammo, and a magazine
    • 8 rounds of .300 ammo
    • 250 rounds of .22 ammo
    • $60,400 in cash

    A 38-year-old Invercargill man appeared in the Invercargill District Court on 24 January, charged with:

    • Supplying ecstasy
    • Supplying ketamine
    • Cultivating cannabis
    • Possession of cannabis for supply
    • Possession of ecstasy for supply.

    He has been remanded in custody.

    A 34-year-old Invercargill man appeared in the Invercargill District Court on 28 January, charged with:

    • Possession of ketamine
    • Unlawfully possessing ammunition.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Indicted for Kidnapping Mother and Child, Transporting Them from Fresno to Mexico Against Their Will

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today against Rosa Ventura, 34, of Fresno, and Claudia Gonzales, 38, of Fresno, charging them with conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping, and kidnapping involving a child, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, on May 8, 2024, a woman reported her boyfriend after a domestic violence incident, which resulted in his arrest. In retaliation for calling the police, the boyfriend’s sister, Rosa Ventura, took the woman’s 5-month-old daughter away and drove her and her 9-year-old daughter to an unknown field outside Fresno.

    At the field, Ventura’s friend and accomplice, Claudia Gonzales, revealed herself after hiding in the car’s trunk area. Ventura and Gonzales then drove the mother and child straight to Tijuana, Mexico, and stranded them at an unknown bus station in order to dissuade the mother from testifying in the state domestic violence case where she was a victim. The mother and child were held against their will during the drive. At one point, the mother and child attempted to flee at a gas station, but Ventura and Gonzales chased them down and physically forced them back into the car.

    This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Veneman-Hughes and Cody S. Chapple are prosecuting the case.

    The defendants are in custody pending trial. Their next appearance is Feb. 5, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Erica P. Grosjean for their initial appearance on the indictment.

    If convicted, Ventura and Gonzales face a statutory minimum of 20 years to a maximum of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Police Officer Charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Corey Harris, 34, of Exeter, charging him with conspiracy to traffic firearms and unlawful dealing and manufacturing of firearms without a license, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, between 2021 and 2023, Harris, a peace officer with the California Department of Cannabis Control at the time of his arrest and a former officer with the Visalia Police Department, conspired with another individual to traffic in firearms. He conspired to transfer at least three firearms on three different occasions to a person he knew to be a felon, including a stolen AK-style rifle, a Glock handgun, and a privately manufactured machine gun. Privately manufactured firearms are also known as “ghost guns.”

    According to court documents, Harris used his status as a police officer to obtain firearms and firearms accessories that ordinary citizens could not purchase. He manufactured or directed the manufacture of firearms, including machine guns. Despite not having a federal firearms license, Harris was in the business of manufacturing and selling firearms.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Fresno Police Department, the Selma Police Department, the California Department of Cannabis Control, the California Department of Justice, and the Visalia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case.

    If convicted of conspiracy to traffic firearms, Harris faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of unlawful dealing and manufacturing of firearms without a license, Harris faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    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 U.S. Department of Justice 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 –

    January 31, 2025

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

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force have arrested a man in relation to a drug seizure that occurred in Katherine yesterday.

    On Thursday 30 January, the Northern Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk, with the assistance of the Dog Operations Unit and Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch executed a search warrant at a residence in Katherine South. 

    A 50-year-old man was arrested following the seizure of 1.2kg of cannabis, 19 bottles of rum, 123 cans of beer and a quantity of cash.

    The alleged offender has been charged with the Supply Schedule 2 Dangerous drug – Commercial Quantity, Possess Schedule 2 Dangerous Drug – Commercial Quantity and Unauthorised Sale of Liquor.

    He has been remanded to appear in Katherine Location Court on today.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Byron May said “The seizure of these items will have a significant impact towards the reduction of alcohol-related harm and anti-social behaviour in the community.  Northern Territory Police will continue to target those who seek to profit from exploiting the vulnerable people in our community.”

    Anyone with information on the supply of alcohol or drugs to our communities can call police on 131 444 or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

    January 31, 2025
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