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Category: Police

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2025–26 ACT Budget: what’s in it for Gungahlin

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    There will be new cricket nets installed at Bonner oval.

    In brief

    • The 2025–26 ACT Budget includes investment in community facilities in Gungahlin.
    • These include shop upgrades, a playground and new cricket nets.
    • This article overviews some of the facilities receiving support.

    Gungahlin residents will see improvements to a range of community facilities across the region.

    The 2025–26 ACT Budget will invest in:

    • upgraded sport and recreation facilities
    • a new playground
    • new path and footpath improvements
    • local shops revitalisation
    • early work to prepare for future infrastructure in Casey.

    These improvements will support the region’s growing population.

    A new playground

    A new playground will be built in Amaroo. It will be located at the local shops on Katherine Avenue.

    Revitalised local shops

    The Palmerston shops will receive upgrades. These will make the space safer and more accessible for the community.

    Investing in sport and recreation

    There will be new cricket nets installed at Bonner oval.

    The Gungahlin Enclosed Oval (Crinigan Circle) and Harrison oval will benefit from female-friendly changeroom upgrades. These are part of ACT-wide investment in inclusive sports facilities.

    Better paths and safer streets

    There will be a new walking and cycling path built along Victoria Street in Hall.

    Footpaths will be improved and better connected as part of an ACT-wide program.

    Lighting upgrades around the region will improve safety and visibility.

    Supporting Gungahlin’s future

    Long-term planning is underway to meet the needs of a growing Gungahlin.

    New critical infrastructure is a step closer and will ensure residents can access the things they need, close to home.

    The Budget includes investment in early work in Casey.

    This will prepare the precinct for the development of a new health centre and future infrastructure, such as potential community facilities and a new emergency services station.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sheet Harbour — Update: Police continue to seek video of Hwy. 7 to help find Brian Warrington

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Police continue to search for 40-year-old Brian John Matthew Warrington, who was last seen on May 25 in Sheet Harbour.

    Since Warrington’s disappearance on Sunday May 25, Ground search and rescue (GSAR) teams and RCMP and GSAR remotely piloted aircraft system operators have searched the Sheet Harbour area, along the East River and on Hwy. 7 and Hwy. 224.

    Warrington, who is known to hitchhike, is described as 6-foot-0, 210 pounds. He has brown hair, brown eyes and walks with a limp. Currently, no clothing description is available.

    Investigators continue to establish a timeline of Warrington’s disappearance and are asking for the public’s assistance. If you have camera footage, including dashcam video, of Hwy. 7, in Sheet Harbour, from 4 p.m. on May 24 and 9 p.m. on May 25, please contact police.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Brian Warrington is asked to contact police at 902-490-5020. 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.

    Note: A photo of Brian Warrington is attached.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2025–26 ACT Budget: what’s in it for Central Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Griffith shops will receive upgrades.

    In brief

    • The 2025–26 ACT Budget includes investment in community facilities in the inner north, inner south and the city.
    • These include shop and footpath upgrades.
    • This article overviews some of the facilities receiving support.

    The 2025–26 ACT Budget will support improvements to community facilities across the inner north, inner south and city.

    The investment will deliver practical improvements in the areas residents use most.

    Shop and amenity improvements

    Griffith shops will receive upgrades.

    New toilet facilities will be installed at both Red Hill and Downer shops.

    Sport and recreation upgrades

    There will be female-friendly changeroom upgrades at playing fields in Griffith, Ainslie and Reid.

    These are part of ACT-wide investment in inclusive sports facilities.

    Upgrades to community infrastructure and public spaces

    Footpaths across the region will be improved and better connected. This is part of an ACT-wide program.

    Lighting upgrades, including on City Walk, will improve safety and visibility.

    There will be stormwater upgrades at Dickson Shops.

    The Budget will also invest in concept design masterplanning to renew the City Hill park.

    More local healthcare options

    The ACT Government is investing in planning and feasibility work for the new Inner South Health Centre in Griffith.

    The facility will help meet the growing health needs of Inner South residents.

    Its delivery is part of ACT-wide investment in local community health.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Death toll from floods in South Africa’s Eastern Cape rises to 86

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    CAPE TOWN, June 14 (Xinhua) — The death toll from devastating floods in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has risen to 86, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said on Saturday.

    He gave the latest figures to police and rescue workers involved in rescue operations in Umtata, the town worst hit by the disaster.

    “Unfortunately, of course, we know that many people have died and it is mentioned that the total number of victims in the province has reached 86 people. This is a great tragedy and we are all deeply saddened by what has happened,” said S. Mchunu.

    Severe weather, including heavy rain and snowfall, has wreaked havoc in parts of the Eastern Cape this week, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread damage to infrastructure.

    The floods, which began on Monday, also destroyed homes, government offices, roads, hospitals and schools, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes.

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who visited the province on Friday, pledged that the government would continue to provide aid to affected communities. He also proposed declaring a national day of remembrance for those killed in the disaster. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RAF King’s Birthday Honours 2025Kings’ Birthday Honours List 2025 – Military Division.13 Jun 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Royal Air Force

    King’s Birthday Honours List 2025 – Military Division

    PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH

    As Knight Commander  

    Air Marshal J.J. Stringer CBE 

    As Companion (CB)  

    Air Vice-Marshal M.W.J Chappell  

    Air Vice-Marshal A.P.T. Smith 

    PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

    As Commanders (CBE) 

    Air Commodore I.J. Sharrocks OBE 

    Group Captain A. Burton 

    As Officers (OBE)

    Group Captain A.P. Baron 

    Group Captain P. Baroni 

    Group Captain R.L. Dixon  

    Wing Commander G.A. Lonsdale 

    Wing Commander T.C. Page 

    Wing Commander A.N. Pandya 

    As Members (MBE)

    Acting Wing Commander D.C. McCrae 

    Squadron Leader C.B.M. Emmerson 

    Squadron Leader J.R. Rushton 

    Squadron Leader T.A. Smith 

    Squadron Leader M.D. Sugden 

    Squadron Leader D.J. Taudevin 

    Squadron Leader J.K. Wilyman 

    Flight Lieutenant R.K. Mehta 

    Flight Lieutenant M.W. Norman 

    Captain R.M. St J. Sheehan (British Army) 

    Warrant Officer C. Hamilton 

    Staff Sergeant E. Oppong (British Army) 

    Sergeant G.L. Jones 

    Corporal E-J. Bangura 

    King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

    Sergeant D.J. Tyler 

    Associate Member of The Royal Red Cross 

    Flight Sergeant (now Acting Warrant Officer) S.L. Roberts 

    King’s Birthday Honours list 2025 – Civilian Division

    PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE CIVILIAN DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

    As Members (MBE) 

    Mr R.P. O’Connor  

    Reverend J.M. Pitkin 

    British Empire Medal  

    Mr J.R. McGlasson 

    MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

    Warrant Officer M.A. Coupland 

    Warrant Officer N. Dutton 

    Master Aircrew P.A. Goss 

    Master Aircrew R.A. Jones 

    Master Aircrew T.J.M. Millar 

    Warrant Officer M. Rees-Martin MBE 

    Warrant Officer D.K. Rose 

    Master Aircrew D.V. Russell 

    Master Aircrew S.F. Severn 

    Warrant Officer S.W. Thorpe 

    Flight Sergeant (now Acting Warrant Officer) O.R. Watkins 

    Flight Sergeant R.C. Atha 

    Flight Sergeant S.J. Dutton 

    Flight Sergeant D. Farrell 

    Flight Sergeant R.E. Mauchline 

    Flight Sergeant R.M. Pugh 

    Acting Flight Sergeant C.M. Irvine 

    CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF COMMENDATIONS

    Wing Commander K.E. Ingram MBE 

    Squadron Leader (now Wing Commander) A.H. Stewart 

    Squadron Leader N.J.D. Bell 

    Flight Lieutenant A. Carter 

    Flight Lieutenant G. Feetham 

    Sergeant P.M. Taylor 

    Acting Sergeant N.T. Egan 

    Corporal G.P. Dutton 

    Corporal L.D. Evans 

    Corporal J.F. Scott 

    Acting Corporal D.J. Purves 

    Air Specialist Class 1 B. Dudgeon 

    Team Commendations 

    Air Finance Strategic Financial Planning Team 

    Department of Medicine, RAF R&S, RAF Cranwell 

    Protector Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation, RAF Waddington 

    Tactical Operations Centre Light eXperimental (TOC-X) Delivery and Innovations Team 

    27 Squadron Engineering 

    DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF & AIR AND SPACE COMMANDER COMMENDATIONS

    DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF COMMENDATIONS

    Squadron Leader E.L. Brooks 

    Squadron Leader R.J. Kemplay 

    Flight Lieutenant M.J. Wade 

    Mrs N.J. Skelton 

    Team Commendations 

    Project NEXUS – DEIMOS Team 

    Qatar Air Programme Office 2024 

    Trial CHAINMAIL 2 Team 

    R&S Select Processing Team 

    Ground Combat and Security Profession Enlisted Aviator Career Management Team 

    ANY Desk Career Management 

    AIR AND SPACE COMMANDER COMMENDATIONS

    Wing Commander T.P. Nassif 

    Squadron Leader B.P. Burton 

    Squadron Leader P.M. Dunkley 

    Squadron Leader S.E. Evans 

    Major M.G. Fairchild (US Space Force) 

    Squadron Leader E.E. Leonard 

    Squadron Leader C.J. Marsh 

    Squadron Leader L.M. Ryder 

    Squadron Leader D.A. Yule 

    Flight Lieutenant (now Acting Squadron Leader) B.L. Dzekashu 

    Lieutenant M.P. Anelli (Royal Navy) 

    Warrant Officer G. Pringle 

    Chief Petty Officer T.A. Fenwick (Royal Navy) 

    Flight Sergeant D.J. Gillam 

    Flight Sergeant G.L. Hobbs 

    Acting Flight Sergeant (now Chief Technician) J.W. Kelly 

    Sergeant (now Staff Sergeant) R. Limbu (British Army) 

    Sergeant T.A. Marley 

    Air Specialist Class 1 (now Acting Corporal) J.P.J. Eldridge 

    Air Specialist Class 1 T.D. Magill 

    Mr A.P. Bowell 

    Mrs C. Sherman 

    Team Commendations 

    RAF Pay Team, London Main Building 

    11 Group A5 

    Engineering Profession Advisor Team 

    RAF Medical Board 

    Engineering Team, Number II (Army Cooperation) Squadron, RAF Lossiemouth 

    Air Battlespace Training Centre, RAF Waddington  

    45 Squadron Mission Aircrew ISR Acoustics Team 

    RAF Coningsby Duty Fire Crew 

    Spitfire Crash Incident Officers 

    RAF Cranwell ACE Team 

    RAF Odiham Project PALES Team 

    AIR OFFICERS COMMANDING COMMENDATIONS

    AIR OFFICER COMMANDING NO. 1 GROUP COMMENDATIONS

    Lieutenant Commander P. Armstrong (Royal Navy) 

    Lieutenant Commander N.E. Baker (Royal Navy) 

    Squadron Leader D.C.D. Berris 

    Squadron Leader K.M. Hickinbotham 

    Squadron Leader S.I. Roxburgh 

    Flight Lieutenant D.A. Breslin 

    Flight Lieutenant M.R. Crosby-Jones 

    Flight Lieutenant A.M. Dale 

    Flight Lieutenant K. Jamison 

    Flight Lieutenant L.O. Matthews 

    Flight Lieutenant W.L.D. Mountfield 

    Flight Lieutenant D. Scarr 

    Flight Lieutenant R. Wallace 

    Lieutenant W.R. Sankey (Royal Navy) 

    Acting Flight Lieutenant V. Logan 

    Warrant Officer C.P. Harker 

    Flight Sergeant D.T. Best 

    Flight Sergeant J.A. Bracewell 

    Chief Petty Officer G. Parker (Royal Navy) 

    Chief Technician W.A. Byrne 

    Sergeant N.J. Lindley 

    Acting Sergeant R.G. Archer 

    Acting Sergeant J.A. Grimmer 

    Air Specialist Class 1 (Technician) T.A. Bond 

    Air Specialist Class 1 (Technician) O-J. Whitehead 

    Mr L. Maple 

    Mr S. Williams 

    Team Commendations 

    Number 54 Squadron – Protector Training Flight 

    BBMF CAw Management 

    Number 56 Squadron E-7 Wedgetail Operator Subject Matter Expert Team 

    BAE Systems Civilian Qualified Flying Instructor 

    Joint Air Delivery Test & Evaluation Unit – Engineering Section, RAF Brize Norton 

    29 Squadron Typhoon Display Team, RAF Coningsby 

    Number 14 Squadron Shadow Qualified Flying Instructors, RAF Waddington 

    A Flight, ISR Enabling Squadron, 1ISR Wing, Royal Air Force Waddington 

    Number 99 Squadron C-17 ZZ173 Air Ground Engineers, RAF Brize Norton 

    Royal Air Force Falcons 2024 Parachute Display Team, RAF Brize Norton 

    AIR OFFICER COMMANDING NO. 2 GROUP COMMENDATIONS

    Squadron Leader S.J. Jackson 

    Squadron Leader D.C. Netherton 

    Squadron Leader R.D. Scothern 

    Flight Lieutenant D. Anderson 

    Flight Lieutenant P. Crutchlow 

    Flight Lieutenant L.J. Eagle 

    Flight Lieutenant B.R. Garwood 

    Flight Lieutenant A.J. Mawdsley 

    Acting Flight Lieutenant R. Howarth 

    Flying Officer P. Shingler 

    Chief Technician A.J. Hunt 

    Flight Sergeant E.L. Dye 

    Flight Sergeant M. Eastaugh 

    Flight Sergeant M.J. Ellson 

    Flight Sergeant J.H.R. McClymont 

    Flight Sergeant G. Teague 

    Flight Sergeant N.H. White 

    Sergeant S.B. Brandt 

    Sergeant D.J. Cooper 

    Sergeant A.C. Lockwood 

    Sergeant P.R. Stockley 

    Corporal M.T. Ferguson 

    Corporal T.M. Grainger 

    Corporal G.F.E. Melling 

    Corporal C.J. Mills 

    Corporal S.A. Palmer 

    Corporal G.J. Sutton 

    Corporal R.P. Worthington 

    Acting Corporal R.P. Swatman 

    Air Specialist Class 1 (Technician) J.G. Evans 

    Air Specialist Class 1 H.C. Rhind-Tutt 

    Mr I. Aitkenhead 

    Mr A. Barber 

    Mr D. Clarke 

    Mr A. Stewart 

    Team Commendations

    Crisis Response Team 

    RAF Police Support to Operation ROMAJI 

    Royal Air Force Benson Air Traffic Control Squadron 

    Tactical Communications Wing Project LETSRIG Team 

    Air Control Essentials Course Training Team 

    144 Signals Unit Deployable Air Defence Flight and 19 Squadron Portreath Detachment 

    RAF Regiment Apprenticeship Centre 

    Medical and Dental Servicing Section 

    Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Squadron Operation LORIEN Recovery Team 

    A Life Saving Team at RAF Waddington 

    RAF Odiham Wildlife Control Unit 

    RAF Odiham Catering Flight 

    Royal Air Force Lossiemouth Mobility Support Section 

    Royal Air Force Coningsby Armament Engineering Flt 

    RAF Leeming Police and Security Flt 

    RAF Boulmer Beacon Community Centre 

    78 Squadron Flight Safety Team 

    Project KIMBINU GRIFFIN 

    RAF Marham Force Protection Training Flight 

    Polytunnel and Wellness Area Team (Whole Force Personnel and Families) 

    RAF Marham Physical Education Flight 

    HQ 2 Group Force Generation Team 

    1 AMW HQ Plans Team 

    AIR OFFICER COMMANDING NO. 11 GROUP COMMENDATIONS

    Squadron Leader J. Ives 

    Squadron Leader G. Ivison 

    Squadron Leader M.J. Pickford 

    Squadron Leader S. Wain 

    Flight Lieutenant E.D.M. Haylock 

    Flight Lieutenant B.A. Ter Haar 

    Colour Sergeant S.C. Hopkins (British Army) 

    Air Specialist Class 1 T. Ogden 

    Air Specialist Class 1 J. Smart 

    S. Fogden 

    Team Commendation

    11 Group A7 Operational Training Centre 

    AIR OFFICER COMMANDING NO. 22 GROUP COMMENDATIONS

    Acting Major C. Reid (British Army) 

    Acting Squadron Leader J.C. Blackie  

    Acting Squadron Leader R.D. Jones  

    Flight Lieutenant J. Orrell 

    Flight Lieutenant S.S. Toomer 

    Flight Lieutenant I.A. Torrance 

    Warrant Officer 2 K.A. Feldsmann (British Army) 

    Warrant Officer 2 D. Rai (British Army) 

    Flight Sergeant T.J. Elton  

    Staff Sergeant J.L. Willis (British Army) 

    Sergeant D.S. Wilkinson 

    Mrs S. Gwilliam 

    Team Commendations

    School of Army Aeronautical Engineering Aviation Academy 

    No 1 Radio School, Cyber Security Flight 

    Number 1 Radio School, Digital Systems and Applications Flight 

    Central Flying School (Helicopters) Squadron Training Team 

    Whittle Section, Trainee Support Squadron, No 1 School of Technical Training 

    Assurance and Governance Squadron, Learning and Development Wing 

    Defence College of Technical Training HQ Finance Team 

    Hawk Syllabus Development Team 

    Headquarters Defence College of Technical Training – TDA Plans Team 

    Essex Wing Warrant Officer’s Team, Royal Air Force Air Cadets  

    CHAPLAIN-IN-CHIEF (ROYAL AIR FORCE) COMMENDATIONS

    Reverend (Squadron Leader) N. Galloway MBE 

    Mr P. Morcombe 

    COMMANDER UK SPACE COMMAND COMMENDATION

    Captain C.M. Reeds (British Army) 

    Team Commendations  

    No.1 Space Operations Squadron Training Team 

    DIRECTOR CAPABILITY AND PROGRAMMES COMMENDATIONS

    C. Young 

    DIRECTOR SUPPORT COMMENDATIONS

    Flight Sergeant C.D. Andrews 

    Mr A. Collinson 

    K. Patel  

    DIRECTOR DIGITAL COMMENDATIONS

    Flight Lieutenant R.S. Hall 

    Flight Lieutenant A.C. Metcalfe 

    Flying Officer D. Huckstepp

    DIRECTOR RESERVES COMMENDATIONS

    Flight Sergeant C.G. Smith 

    Team Commendations 

    RAuxAF100 Standard Parade Delivery Team 

    501 Sqn Operation SILK PURSE Team 

    COMMANDER JOINT AVIATION COMMAND COMMENDATIONS

    Commander Joint Aviation Command Commendations    

    Flight Lieutenant C. Rudyk-Smith 

    Flight Lieutenant M.A. Stoodley 

    Flight Sergeant N.K-C. Bargery 

    Chief Technician S.A. Grant 

    Chief Technician C.J.M. Maisey 

    Chief Technician R.N. McCarthy 

    Sergeant D.J. Dickson 

    Sergeant K.S. Potts 

    Sergeant R.S. Worker 

    Acting Sergeant J.P. Jenkins 

    Corporal D.J. White 

    Team Commendations 

    Chinook CAMO Team 

    7 Sqn R1 Detachment 

    CAE Aircrew Training Service (Puma staff) 

    VICE CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF COMMENDATIONS

    Wing Commander H.M. Parr 

    Squadron Leader J.P.J. Casson 

    COMMANDER UNITED KINGDOM STRATEGIC COMMAND COMMENDATIONS

    Wing Commander D.E. Wilson 

    Squadron Leader (now Acting Wing Commander) S. Davies 

    Squadron Leader M. Bradley 

    Squadron Leader F.A. Merino 

    Squadron Leader L.G.J. Scott 

    Sergeant (now Acting Flight Sergeant) L.P. Buttery 

    Air Specialist Class 1 (now Acting Corporal) A.R. Harvey 

    DEPUTY COMMANDER UNITED KINGDOM STRATEGIC COMMAND COMMENDATIONS

    Squadron Leader M.J. Rankine 

    Squadron Leader A.F. Xavier 

    Flight Sergeant A. Maltman 

    COMMANDER FIELD ARMY AND COMMANDER STANDING JOINT COMMAND (UK) COMMENDATIONS AND COMMANDER ALLIED RAPID REACTION CORPS COMMENDATIONS

    COMMANDER FIELD ARMY COMMENDATION

    Flight Lieutenant D. Graham 

    COMMANDER STANDING JOINT COMMAND (UK) COMMENDATION

    Squadron Leader R.A. Lee 

    Warrant Officer C.L. Wheeler 

    COMMANDER ALLIED RAPID REACTION CORPS COMMENDATIONS

    Sergeant C.A. Brown 

    Royal Air Force Operational Honours List

    APPOINTMENT TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

    As Officer (OBE)

    Group Captain H.M. Bishop  

    Distinguished Flying Cross  

    Flight Lieutenant J.A. Chadwick 

    Air Force Cross 

    Acting Squadron Leader (now Squadron Leader) J.M.G. Hawkins 

    Flight Lieutenant S.B. Watson 

    King’s Commendation for Bravery in the Air  

    Flight Lieutenant M.M.T. Howell 

    King’s Commendation for Valuable Service 

    Squadron Leader (now Wing Commander) I.D.E. Robinson 

    Squadron Leader G.R. McKay 

    Squadron Leader B.R.M. Tripp 

    Flight Sergeant J.P. Graham 

    CHIEF OF JOINT OPERATIONS, JOINT COMMANDER’S COMMENDATIONS

    Chief of joint Operations Commendation

    Squadron Leader D.G. Tipler 

    Joint Commanders Commendation  

    Wing Commander A.P. Machin 

    Lieutenant Colonel A.A.R. Townend (British Army) 

    Squadron Leader F.Y. Allery 

    Squadron Leader J. Marlowe 

    Squadron Leader E.M. Thomas 

    Flight Lieutenant B.F.J. Brook 

    Team Commendations 

    Crew of Custom46 XIII Sqn RAF 

    Op Underhill Atlas Team 

    Op Underhill Planning and Liaison Team 

    Royal Air Force Non-Operational Gallantry Award – Commendation  

    Air and Space Commander Commendation  

    Air Specialist Class 1 (Technician) J.D. Coombs-Hoar 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: International Conference on Roads and Railways 2025 successfully concludes On-site visits to Central Kowloon Route and MTRCL Tung Chung Line Extension works projects

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The International Conference on Roads and Railways 2025 co-organised by the Highways Department (HyD) and the Hong Kong Institution of Highways and Transportation already came to a successful conclusion yesterday (June 13). The two-day conference attracted over 800 participants, successfully bringing together global experts, scholars and industry leaders to share experiences and insights, and jointly lead Hong Kong’s transport infrastructure development to write a new chapter.

    In his opening remarks and speech on the second day of the conference, Vice President of the Research Institute of Highway of the Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Wang Shuiyin, inspired the participants to think about how to put smart and green road construction into practice. The conference then focused on Smart and Green Transport Infrastructure – Planning, Design and Construction and Green Solutions for Smart Transport Infrastructure, with in-depth discussions on the topics of innovative designs, construction and material technologies, smart monitoring technologies, strategies to cope with extreme weather, etc., which provided multi-faceted solutions for the promotion of smart and green transport infrastructure. Students studying relevant engineering subjects were invited to participate in the conference. This enabled them to understand the future development of transport infrastructure, as well as the breakthroughs in innovative technologies of the engineering sector. Deputy Director of Highways, Mr Richard Ng, said in his closing remarks that the conference inspired Hong Kong to create sustainable solutions through policy innovation and technological innovation in order to respond to various challenges in the implementation of transport infrastructures, while deepening international co-operation. He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the guests, speakers, supporting organisations and all participants for their participation which had made the conference a success. 
    The project team of the HyD introduced to the delegation their self-invented and multi-international award-winning Smart Site Management Hub, which effectively monitors the works progress of the entire project under different works contracts in a unified manner by integrating various data of innovative technologies, thereby enhancing site safety and construction quality. The delegation then visited the Kai Tak Interchange, Kai Tak Depressed Road and entrance of Yau Ma Tei Tunnel, as well as the works site at Kansu Street in Yau Ma Tei to understand how the project team had overcome the challenges encountered during construction, including tunnel excavation, re-provisioning of Gascoigne Road Flyover, etc in the dense urban areas. The project team also shared the people-oriented engineering philosophy of the project in striving to conserve the nearby heritages and iconic landmarks when implementing works, as well as first re-provisioning the public facilities affected, taking full account of cultural conservation and community needs. The delegation was specially arranged to visit the Former Yau Ma Tei Police Station to gain a deep understanding of the history of the century-old building and conservation engineering technology.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hope Rowe convicted of murdering woman at child’s birthday party

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A woman has been convicted of murder after stabbing a woman at a child’s birthday party, following a Metropolitan Police investigation.

    The jury also found her partner guilty of perverting the course of justice.

    Hope Rowe, 33 (30.12.1991), of Piazza Walk, Aldgate, attacked Charlotte Lawlor, 31, with a knife at a property in Stepney Green on Sunday, 15 September, 2024. The stabbing was witnessed by some of Ms Lawlor’s family, children and guests at the party.

    On Friday, 13 June, 2025, a jury at Inner London Crown Court found Rowe guilty of murder. Witness testimony and phone evidence – including an incriminating voicemail – were used by Met Police investigators to bring the defendant to justice. She was convicted in the absence of a murder weapon.

    Detective Sergeant Dean Musgrove, from the Met Police’s Specialist Crime North unit, said: “Hope Rowe launched a brutal attack on Charlotte Lawlor at what should have been a joyous occasion. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends, who will have to contend not only with the loss of a loved one, but with the trauma of having witnessed the killing.

    “As if the killing was not senseless enough, Rowe then tried to deceive investigators, disposing of the knife before turning herself in. It still has not been found to this day, and both Rowe and her partner were incriminated by a voicemail accidentally recorded on Rowe’s phone.”

    In a statement, the victim’s parents said: “We are happy with the verdict. We would like to thank the jury for their attention during the trial.

    “The family will never get over the loss and murder of Charlotte. It has destroyed us, leaving a gaping hole. Charlotte’s son, Riley, has been left without a mum, and siblings without their older sister and best friend.

    “Charlotte brought light to everyone’s life.”

    Leigh Holder, 38 (15.11.1986), of Piazza Walk, Aldgate, was also convicted of perverting the course of justice. Holder encouraged Rowe not to surrender to the police, and helped her dispose of the murder weapon.

    Just after 01:00hrs on Sunday, 15 September, Met officers attended a property in Duckett Street, Stepney Green, following reports of a serious assault. Charlotte Lawlor – who had been attending a birthday party at the property the previous evening – had been stabbed, and was being assisted by friends and family.

    After administering first aid, police were joined by a London Ambulance Service crew, but, despite the efforts of paramedics, Ms Lawlor was pronounced dead within an hour.

    Having spoken to witnesses at the property, officers established that Ms Lawlor had been stabbed by Hope Rowe following an argument at the party, who then drove away from the scene with her partner, Leigh Holder.

    Around 02:10hrs, Holder’s vehicle was stopped by armed police in Tower Hamlets. He told them that Rowe had jumped out of the vehicle shortly after leaving the crime scene, and claimed he had no knowledge of her location. Holder was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

    At 07:00hrs, Rowe attended Bethnal Green Police Station, where she was arrested on suspicion of murder. At interview, she provided no comment – and she later claimed in court that her actions were due to a momentary loss of control.

    Rowe’s phone was seized and analysed by forensic experts. A voicemail – accidentally left by Holder on Rowe’s phone while he was sitting next to her and driving away from the scene – was recovered. In the recorded conversation, Rowe told Holder that it was “good” she had killed Ms Lawlor, while Holder instructed his partner to dispose of the knife and to avoid the police.

    In addition to witness evidence from those present at the scene of the murder, the voicemail proved vital in implicating both Rowe and Holder in their crimes.

    Rowe and Holder will be sentenced an Inner London Crown Court on Wednesday, 9 July.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Fatal crash – Beswick

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    NT Police are currently investigating a fatal crash that occurred in Beswick this morning.

    Around 7:30am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a single vehicle crash that occurred along Central Arnhem Road. Four occupants were in the vehicle at the time of the collision.

    Maranboy and Beswick police members attended as well as Barunga clinic staff.

    One 47-year-old male, believed to be the driver, and one 14-year-old female were pronounced deceased at the scene.

    The two surviving passengers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were conveyed to Katherine Hospital for treatment.

    Major Crash Investigation Unit have carriage of the incident and investigations are ongoing.

    Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25160079.

    The lives lost on Territory roads now stands at 18.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Accidental drowning – Palmerston

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating following an accidental drowning incident that occurred in Palmerston this afternoon.

    Around 3:30pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a 4-year-old male had been located unresponsive in a pool in his backyard. The male was extracted from the water and CPR was commenced.  

    Police and St John Ambulance attended and continued CPR; however, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

    Major Crime have carriage have carriage of the incident and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Police appeal for information after reported attempted rape

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives have released an image of a man they wish to speak to following an attempted rape in Finchley on Wednesday, 11 June.

    A woman in her 30s reported that a man seriously sexually assaulted her at a cinema in South Hampstead at around 15:45hrs. She is currently being supported by specialist officers.

    The man, pictured, is believed to have left the venue following the incident – walking towards Swiss Cottage.

    The man is described as in his 50s, approximately 5ft 6”, with a slim build. He has dark hair on the sides of his head and was captured on CCTV wearing a North Face coat and glasses following the alleged offence on Wednesday, 11 June.

    The investigation team are looking to hear from anyone who believes they saw – or know – this man. Those with information should contact 101, quoting investigation reference 5365/11JUN.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal Crash, Jervois Street, Dargaville

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police can confirm one person has died following a serious crash this evening in Dargaville.

    At around 5.20pm, Police were notified of a single vehicle crash on Jervois Street.

    Despite best efforts from emergency services, one person died at the scene.

    A scene examination has been completed and the road has reopened.

    While enquiries into the crash are ongoing, initial indications suggest this is a suspected medical event and the death will be referred to the Coroner.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: THOMPSON, VELÁZQUEZ SEEK TO BLOCK IMMIGRATION FEDS FROM IDENTIFYING AS LOCAL POLICE

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

    Washington, D.C. – As the Trump Administration continues unconstitutional deportations, Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) have introduced the Police not ICE Act of 2025 to prohibit immigration officers from wearing any clothing bearing the word “police.” The bill would apply to entities like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). 

    “Our local law enforcement have asked me to make this change because it is eroding the trust they have built with our immigrant communities and it’s hurting their ability to keep our community safe,” said Thompson. “Suggesting ICE officers are members of local law enforcement undermines the relationships immigrant communities have established with police departments. Crimes may go unreported because victims fear they or their loved ones could be reported to immigration officials. Witnesses may not come forward for fear of being reported. This weakens public safety and undercuts local law enforcement. I’m glad to work with Rep. Velázquez to introduce legislation to end this practice.”

    “Due to Trump’s unconstitutional decisions, immigrant communities live in fear of one day being deported and never seeing their family members again,” said Velázquez. “While we resist the threat of raids and mass deportations, it’s equally important to curb actions that fuel distrust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, like ICE agents posing as local police officers.”

    The Police not ICE Act of 2025 is co-sponsored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX), Rep. Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-DC), Rep. Luz Rivas (D-CA), and Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX).

    Find the full bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Arrest – Indecent assault and burglary – Parap

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A 29-year-old male has been arrested in relation to an indecent assault and burglary that occurred in Parap on Tuesday night.

    Around 6pm Friday evening, police located and arrested the alleged offender at an address in Ludmilla.

    The 29-year-old remains in police custody and has been charged with Gross Indecency without consent, Aggravated burglary and Theft. He will face court 16 June 2025.

    Police continue to urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25156934. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Finds Virginia Man Guilty of Kidnapping, Strangulation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Kidnapped Former Girlfriend and Drove Her into the District Where He Strangled and Assaulted Her

                WASHINGTON –Adam Ahmed, 38, of Chantilly, Virginia, was found guilty by a Superior Court jury of kidnapping and strangulation related to an incident that began in Manassas, Virginia, on May 10, 2024, and ended in northeast Washington, D.C., on May 11, 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                The verdict was returned on June 12th and included two counts of making threats and one count of misdemeanor assault. Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno scheduled sentencing for August 15, 2025.

                According to the government’s evidence, on May 9, 2024, Ahmed was arrested in Virginia on multiple warrants for protective order violations and assault charges against his ex-girlfriend. The next day, on May 10, 2024, the victim got into Ahmed’s car outside her home in Manassas, Virginia, believing that they would sit in her building parking lot and talk about their relationship. Instead, the defendant took off, driving erratically. Ahmed told the victim that they were both “going to die tonight,” and that if she was going to charge him with abduction, he was going to do it. The defendant drove onto I-66 and took the victim into the District, where he repeatedly assaulted her and threatened to kill her.

                After several hours of terrorizing the victim, Ahmed told her that he was going to drive her somewhere no one would find her. When he stopped the car, he climbed over her and strangled her with both hands until she couldn’t breathe. While strangling her, he bit her, putting his whole mouth over hers. He started driving again, eventually stopping at a Shell gas station on Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue. At one point, Ahmed walked away from the car, and the victim tried to escape. Surveillance footage shows the defendant rushing at the victim, picking her up, and struggling with her to force her back in the car. A passerby on the street saw the defendant hitting the victim and turned into the gas station parking lot, rescuing the victim and calling 911. 

                During the course of trial two expert witnesses spoke about the unique dangers inherit in strangulation, and violence in intimate partner violence relationships, respectively. Strangulation is widely recognized as one of the most lethal forms of intimate partner violence, as a major strangulation study in San Diego, found surviving domestic violence “victims are much more likely to die later if their abuser has strangled them.” The study also noted that “…..the odds of becoming a victim of attempted homicide increased by 700%, and the odds of becoming a homicide victim increased by 800%, among women who had been strangled by their partner. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia’s Sex Offense and Domestic Violence Section has charged over 110 acts of felony strangulation since the D.C. Council created it as a criminal offense under D.C. Code 22-404.04, which went into effect in July of 2023.

                In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of the officers and detectives at the Metropolitan Police Department. They also credited Assistant U.S. Attorneys Trisha Jhunjhnuwala and Amanda Swanson, of the Sexual Offense and Domestic Violence section for successfully prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Know2Protect campaign empowers student to report abuse; former teacher sentenced to 7 years in federal prison

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    WASHINGTON – A Department of Homeland Security child exploitation prevention program designed to empower children to understand the threats and report suspected online exploitation, led directly to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation, arrest and federal conviction of a former teacher and coach preying on children, authorities announced May 23.

    Anthony James Deason, 29, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison followed by eight years of supervised release for one count of attempted receipt of certain material involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.

    The case began when a brave student—after attending a Know2Protect Project iGuardian presentation at school—felt empowered to approach the ICE Homeland Security Investigations special agents leading the presentation and report disturbing online behavior by a trusted adult. That decision launched an ICE HSI, local police department, criminal investigation into Deason, who was then a teacher and coach with Tahlequah Public Schools.

    “This case is a clear example of how education and outreach can change—and even save—lives,” said Mike Prado, the Deputy Assistant Director of the DHS Cyber Crimes Center where the Know2Protect campaign is housed. “Because of the Know2Protect campaign, a young student recognized abusive behavior, had the courage to speak up, and helped stop a predator in his tracks. This child’s bravery, and the swift response from law enforcement, protected others and ensured justice.”

    According to investigators, between Oct. 26 and 30, 2023, Deason used social media to contact two students he knew to be minors, attempting to solicit sexually explicit images in exchange for money and gift cards. He also sent an unsolicited explicit image of himself to one of the victims. Fortunately, both minors refused his advances—and thanks to the student’s courage and awareness gained from the Know2Protect campaign, Deason’s actions were brought to light.

    The Tahlequah Public School where this crime occurred took a proactive approach to student safety by incorporating Know2Protect Project iGuardian presentations as part of its required school curriculum. By making online safety education a priority, the school created an environment where students were informed, vigilant and empowered to speak up.

    “Through its collaboration with DHS and the Know2Protect Campaign, Tahlequah Public Schools ensured students had the tools to recognize online danger and the confidence to speak up,” said Know2Protect Campaign Director Kate Kennedy. “That cooperation led directly to the exposure of a predator and should encourage other schools to also include this important training.”

    Deason pleaded guilty to the charge on Dec. 11, 2024. The crime occurred in Cherokee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The investigation was conducted by ICE Homeland Security Investigations Oklahoma office and the Tahlequah Police Department.

    “Because of the strong collaboration between ICE HSI, Tahlequah Public Schools, Tahlequah PD and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we were able to stop this predator before he attempted to exploit others,” said Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard ICE HSI Dallas. “Campaigns like Know2Protect help students recognize warning signs and know how to safely reach out for help and is making a real difference in protecting children.”

    Know2Protect is a national public awareness campaign from the Department of Homeland Security. Know2Protect educates and empowers children, teens, parents, trusted adults and policymakers to prevent, combat and report online child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about online child exploitation, how DHS is combatting and how you can help prevent these crimes, watch Know2Protect public service announcements via YouTube at Know2Protect Campaign PSA Playlist and Know2Protect Digital Safety Series Playlist . Additional resources are available at know2protect.gov and by following the campaign @Know2Protect on Instagram, Facebook and X.

    The K2P and Project iGuardian team is available to visit and inform communities on how to protect children and teens from online predators. Through delivery of in-person presentations provided by ICE HSI special agents and other subject matter experts, these audience-specific sessions are provided at no cost.

    Join the fight against online child sexual exploitation and abuse by learning more—schedule a Project iGuardian presentation for your school, youth group, corporation, law enforcement agency or other community event:  Training | Homeland Security.  

    Email iguardian.hq@hsi.dhs.gov to request an iGuardian presentation.

    Early intervention is critical. If you suspect a child may be a victim of online child sexual exploitation and abuse, call the Know2Protect Tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW (5669) or visit the NCMEC CyberTipline™.

    If you believe a child has been abducted or is in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement or dial 911. 

    To schedule an interview contact: Public Affairs Officer Tanya Roman @ tanya.roman@hsi.dhs.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arrest Made in D.C. Jail Homicide

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Marquise Jones, 26, of the District of Columbia, was arrested Tuesday on charges of second-degree murder while armed with a knife, for the jailhouse death of 29-year-old Carlos Shelley on May 12, 2025. The arrest was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Jones was presented today before Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum, who ordered Jones held without bond until a July 2, 2025 preliminary hearing before Judge Todd Edelman. 

                On Monday, May 12, 2025, at approximately 2:30 p.m., First District officers responded to the Central Detention Facility in the 1900 block of D Street, Southeast, for the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male, unconscious and not breathing, suffering from life-threatening stab wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and after finding no signs consistent with life, the victim was pronounced deceased.

                This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Molly K. Smith.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National With Two Prior Deportations Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Drug Trafficking Of Fentanyl

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAS VEGAS – A Mexican national who twice illegally reentered the United States after previously being removed from the country was sentenced today by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for his role in the trafficking of fentanyl to Nevada, Colorado, and California.

    Marco Antonio Quezada-Ramirez is a citizen and national of Mexico and he pleaded guilty to one-count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.

    According to court documents, Marco Antonio Quezada-Ramirez admitted that beginning on a date unknown and continuing up to on or about September 19, 2023, there was an agreement between him and his co-defendants to distribute fentanyl in the United States. As part of the agreement, Quezada-Ramirez admitted that on June 8, 2023, he a sold approximately 600 fentanyl pills, and on July 12, 2023, he sold approximately 500 fentanyl pills. On July 31, 2023,   Quezada-Ramirez received a shipment of approximately 30,000 fentanyl pills that was intended for resale. Law enforcement recovered the 30,000 fentanyl pills during a traffic stop in Las Vegas along with cocaine and heroin.

    United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Deputy Special Agent in Charge Anthony Chrysanthis for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Los Angeles Division, which oversees Las Vegas, made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by the DEA and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Melanee Smith prosecuted the case.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Meth Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jon Waugh, age 55, from Sioux City, Iowa, a man who possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it within 1,000 feet of a protected location pled guilty June 12, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City.

    On August 14, 2024, law enforcement officers contacted Waugh outside his apartment for an outstanding arrest warrant, while he was on his way to sell methamphetamine.  Officers searched Waugh and found and seized approximately 112 grams of methamphetamine and $854 in cash.  Law enforcement officers searched Waugh’s residence and seized over one kilogram of methamphetamine, a scale with meth, drug paraphernalia, and four firearms, one of which was stolen.  At the plea hearing, Waugh admitted he planned to distribute the methamphetamine to other individuals in Sioux City.  Waugh’s residence was within 1,000 feet of a protected location, specifically a local elementary school in Sioux City. 

    Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Waugh remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Waugh faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and at least ten years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

    The case was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig Hamit.  

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The King’s Birthday Honours 2025 – Police, Fire and Ambulance

    Source: Scottish Government

    Recipients of blue light service medals in Scotland.

    King’s Police Medal 

    Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, Police Scotland 

    King’s Fire Service Medal 

    Volunteer Leader Gerry Ralston, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 

    Watch Commander John Aitchison, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 

    King’s Ambulance Service Medal 

    Scottish Ambulance Service Corporate Risk Manager, Sarah Stevenson, Scottish Ambulance Service 


    KING’S POLICE MEDAL     

    Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, Police Scotland 

    Former Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie joined Strathclyde Police in 1991 and retired in April 2025 after 33 years’ police service. He was an experienced Major Events Commander, Strategic Firearms Commander, and Public Order Gold Commander. He was instrumental in the roll-out of naloxone to all frontline police officers, making Police Scotland the first force globally to implement a nationwide roll-out of the opioid reversing medication. Under his leadership, a national naloxone co-ordination unit was established, prior to national rollout. During his time at Police Scotland, 13,216 operational officers completed the training, more than 10,500 frontline officers were equipped with naloxone while on duty and officers administered naloxone to over 630 individual incidents involving suspected opioid overdoses.

    In 2021, ACC Ritchie was instrumental in the creation, development and delivery of Police Scotland’s International Academy and the wider international strategy for Police Scotland. He has represented and showcased Police Scotland globally, hosting visits to the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Germany, and Columbia. In 2023, he led a Scottish delegation to the Global Law Enforcement & Public Health Association Conference in Sweden where he outlined Scotland’s public health approach to addressing underlying inequalities. That same year, ACC Ritchie was appointed Executive Lead for Operational Support, a broad area of responsibility ranging from road policing to the planning and preparation for events and counter terrorism incidents. He was responsible for major events planning in Scotland and was involved in the COP-26 conference held in Glasgow, Operation Unicorn, following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and the Interpol General Assembly, which saw senior policing officials from across the world descend on Glasgow to discuss international cooperation.  ACC Ritchie also led on Royalty and VIP Protection in Scotland, ensuring Police Scotland worked closely with the Metropolitan Police in relation to the security of protected persons.  

    KING’S FIRE SERVICE MEDAL 

    Volunteer Leader Gerry Ralston, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 

    Volunteer Leader Ralston is an On Call Firefighter recognised for his work at Salen Community Fire Station on the Isle of Mull, and across East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute. The on-call firefighter joined the Salen Volunteer Unit as a Firefighter in 1988. He has helped design and deliver initiatives aimed at improving how the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service identify, recruit, and retain On Call Firefighters. Volunteer Leader Ralston also helps drive forward programmes aimed at educating and informing the community, such as CPR awareness, and delivers engagement sessions to Tobermory High School. 

    He has organised and raised over £8000 for different causes and charities including The Fire Fighters Charity, Cancer Research UK, Stroke Foundation, the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow and, in July this year, will tackle a 62-mile event for Cancer Research UK. During the pandemic, he facilitated test and protect at Craignure Community Fire Station, taking time out with his main employment to assist the community. He has been at the forefront of all fundraising efforts undertaken by Salen Community Fire station and regularly supports Tobermory Fire Station with their annual open day including donations supporting the Firefighters Charity and other deserving local charities and projects. 

    Watch Commander John Aitchison, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 

    Watch Commander John Aitchison has been a member of the Fire and Rescue Service in Scotland for over 21 years – initially joining Grampian Fire Brigade – where he was first posted to Altens Fire Station, Aberdeen. He was promoted to Crew Commander in 2006, where he served at Aberdeen’s Central Fire Station. It was while working here in 2007 that he became a member of Operation Florian, a charity that organises fundraising for international humanitarian aid. In 2008, as part of the project, Watch Commander Aitchison led a convoy of donated fire engines from Aberdeen to Macedonia. On their arrival, the watch commander and his team provided two weeks of training to local fire crews with the donated equipment. He would go on to complete the trip a further two times – returning to provide further training and equipment. 

    In 2011, Watch Commander Aitchison joined the United Kingdom International Search and Rescue as a Crew Leader and Sector Medic, and is on standby to attend national and international emergencies. As a member of this team, he was sent to help the response to the Nepal Earthquake in 2015 and the earthquake in Türkiye in 2023. His work in this area led to difficulties with his mental wellbeing. Determined to not let this define him, he went on to co-found Talk Group 20 Aberdeen – a peer support group for firefighters which aims to safeguard mental wellbeing. He also co-founded the organisation, Fire Aid Nepal, a project which aims to support, and future prepare the Nepalese community following the devastating quake 10-years-ago. In 2023, he played an integral role in forming the first ever fire and rescue service for the Mount Everest region and, in 2024, received a Pride of Scotland Award for his work in Nepal which has also attracted letters of thanks from King Charles III. He was promoted to Watch Commander in 2020, where he is currently a national urban search and rescue instructor. 

    KING’S AMBULANCE SERVICE MEDAL  

    SAS Corporate Risk Manager, Sarah Stevenson, Scottish Ambulance Service 

    As Corporate Risk Manager for the Scottish Ambulance Service, Ms Stevenson has worked tirelessly to embed robust and effective risk management arrangements across the organisation, embedding this at local and board levels. 

    She also recently led a significant project to replace a 20-year-old IT risk management system to record risk and adverse events. This two-year project has resulted in substantial improvements for all staff, including easier reporting access and annual recurring savings of more than £13000.  

    Ms Stevenson personally led the training and awareness programme for the new system, leading staff engagement sessions and developing video tutorials and other tools to assist staff and improve accountability and responsibility. The system – which went live in March this year – has received positive feedback from Scottish Ambulance Service staff.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The King’s Birthday Honours 2025

    Source: Scottish Government

    First Minister congratulates Scotland’s Honour recipients.

    First Minister John Swinney has paid tribute to Scotland’s recipients in The King’s Birthday Honours list.

    This year’s awards celebrate individuals making exceptional contributions to public life or their community in keeping with the theme of ‘public service’.  

    Professor Ursula Martin has been appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to science and education.

    Those being awarded a CBE include Professor Ewan Beattie OBE, Professor and Head of the Healthy Working Lives Group at the University of Glasgow for services to Occupational Medicine and reducing health inequalities; Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Chief Scientific Adviser to Scottish Government; and businessman and philanthropist Dr John Watson OBE for services to education and charity.  

    Among those receiving an OBE are Lorna and John Norgrove, Co-founders of the Linda Norgrove Foundation for services to Women and Children Abroad and in Scotland; Karen Watt, lately Chief Executive Officer for the Scottish Funding Council for public service and Peter MacDonald, Head of Research for Scottish Tartans Authority is recognised for services to the tartan industry.

    Those receiving MBEs include Jennifer Gill, Founder of LoveOliver for services to families affected by childhood cancer, and Alistair Moffat, founder of Borders Book, Lennoxlove Book Festivals and Kelso Arts Festival for services to literature and culture.

    Among those honoured with a BEM are the co-founders of Calums Cabin, husband and wife Duncan and Caroline Speirs and Duncan’s twin sister Jenna, for services to charitable fundraising; Shirley Jamieson, former school crossing patrol person in Juniper Green, Edinburgh and Karen Wylie, Founder of the Grub Club for services to ending hunger in the community in Lochside.

    Gary Ritchie, Assistant Chief Constable Police Scotland will receive The King’s Police Medal. The King’s Fire Service Medal will be awarded to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Volunteer Leader Gerry Ralston, and Watch Commander John Aitchison. Sarah Stevenson, Scottish Ambulance Service Corporate Risk Manager, will receive The King’s Ambulance Service Medal.

    The First Minister said:

    “My congratulations and thanks to The King’s Birthday Honours recipients who have each made outstanding contributions to community and public life in Scotland.  

    “The recipients of The King’s Police, Fire or Ambulance Service Medals demonstrate lives dedicated to keeping others safe and supporting communities. I sincerely thank them for their service and commitment.”

    Background
    Honours are announced twice annually, in June on the Monarch’s official birthday, and at New Year.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Afghan National Pleads Guilty to Plotting Election Day Terror Attack in the United States

    Source: US State of California

    Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, a native and citizen of Afghanistan, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Oklahoma City to two terrorism-related offenses: conspiring and attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and receiving, attempting to receive, and conspiring to receive firearms and ammunition in furtherance of a federal crime of terrorism.

    “The defendant admits he planned and obtained firearms to carry out a violent terror attack on Election Day in 2024, a plot that was detected and disrupted through the good work of the FBI and our partners,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Let this serve as notice to anyone who tries to conduct attacks in our homeland for ISIS or any other terror group: we will find you and you’ll face American justice. I want to commend the FBI teams and our partners for their hard work and success in executing the mission.”

    “Through incredible law enforcement effort and coordination, a violent terrorist attack on American soil was thwarted, and those responsible are being held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “I commend the outstanding work by the FBI, our law enforcement partners, and prosecutors to diligently discover, thoroughly investigate, and completely foil this terror plot. These guilty pleas serve as an emphatic reminder that the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue those who attempt to harm Americans through terrorist acts.”

    “Thanks to outstanding work by the Oklahoma City Joint Terrorism Task Force, the defendant’s plan to kill innocent Americans in a terrorist attack on Election Day was stopped,” said Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “The FBI is grateful to all who stand beside us in our fight against terrorism. Together, we will continue to safeguard our communities from those who conspire against the United States.”

    According to court documents, Tawhedi admitted that between June 2024 and October 2024 he conspired with at least one other individual to purchase two AK-47 rifles, 500 rounds of ammunition, and 10 magazines, with the intent to carry out a mass-casualty attack on or around Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024, on behalf of ISIS.  According to a criminal complaint affidavit filed in the case, Tawhedi communicated with an ISIS facilitator about his plan to purchase firearms for use in the terror plot, including asking the individual whether 500 rounds of ammunition would be sufficient.

    Tawhedi and his co-conspirator, Abdullah Haji Zada, were arrested on Oct. 7, 2024, after purchasing the firearms and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee.  Zada, 18, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to the firearms offense in connection with his role in the terror plot and is awaiting sentencing. Zada, who was 17 at the time of his arrest, entered his guilty plea as an adult and will be sentenced as an adult.

    At sentencing, Tawhedi faces a maximum penalty 20 years in prison for the material support charge and up to 15 years in prison for the firearms charge. Zada faces up to 15 years in federal prison. Upon completion of any sentence, Tawhedi and Zada will be permanently removed from the United States and barred from reentry under stipulated judicial orders of removal to Afghanistan. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Marshals Service, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Edmond Police Department, the Moore Police Department, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Oklahoma City Community College Police Department, and the Oklahoma City University Police Department, is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Perry and Matt Dillon for the Western District of Oklahoma; Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian, who previously served in the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section; and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. Trial Attorney Mark Stoneman of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, who previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, also assisted with the prosecution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Military division of The King’s Birthday Honours List 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    The Military division of The King’s Birthday Honours List 2025

    A number of military personnel have been granted state honours in the King’s Birthday Honours list for their work in the Armed Forces.

    Royal Navy Awards

    Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath

    As Companions

    • Rear Admiral Steven MCCARTHY
    • Rear Admiral Robert George PEDRE

    Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire

    As Commanders

    • Commodore Paul Edward DUNN, OBE
    • Commodore Philip Gordon GAME
    • Commodore Timothy Cooper GREEN, ADC

    As Officers

    • Commander Jon James BROWETT
    • Commander Christopher Charles EVANS
    • Lieutenant Colonel Paul Stanley FITZPATRICK
    • Captain Pollyanna HATCHARD
    • Lieutenant Colonel Liam Michael METCALFE
    • Captain Eugene Peter MORGAN, RD, Royal Naval Reserve
    • Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Nicholas POUNDS

    As Members

    • Lieutenant Commander William George BARKER
    • Major Lewis BODYCOTE
    • Chief Petty Officer Air Engineering Technician (Avionics) Rhys DYAS
    • Commander Daniel GLOVER
    • Warrant Officer 1 Information Operations Robert GOVIER, Royal Naval Reserve
    • Warrant Officer 1 Air Engineering Technician (Mechanical) Michael HART
    • Commander Carla Lisa HIGGINS
    • Warrant Officer 1 Warfare Specialist (Underwater Warfare) Robin MCCOLL
    • Lieutenant Commander Hugo Christopher MITCHELL-HEGGS
    • Surgeon Commander Matthew Alec OSBORNE
    • Major  Lee Andrew STEWART
    • Commander James TIBBITTS
    • Chief Petty Officer Air Engineering Technician (Mechanical) Robert Lee WARNETT
    • Chief Petty Officer Warfare Specialist (Abovewater Warfare Weapons) Michael WATSON

    King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

    • Warrant Officer 1 Logistician (Supply Chain) Samantha MARTIN, VR, Royal Naval Reserve

    King’s Commendation for Valuable Service

    • Warrant Officer Class 2 Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering) Michael John BARKER
    • Lieutenant Commander Matthew Peter JOHNSON

    Non-Operational Gallantry

    King’s Gallantry Medal

    • Leading Logistician (Catering Services) Dave Neala LA CROIX
    • Petty Officer (Diver) Craig Antony MADDOCK

    King’s Commendation for Bravery

    • Petty Officer (Diver) Paul Anthony Damian CARTWRIGHT

    Army Awards

    Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath

    As Companion

    • Major General Zachary Raymond STENNING, OBE

    Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire

    As Knight Commander

    • Lieutenant General Charles Seymour COLLINS, DSO, OBE

    As Commanders

    • Colonel Nicholas Owen FITZGERALD, MBE, Army Reserve
    • Colonel Iain Edward GIBB, KHS
    • Colonel Graham John SEFTON
    • Brigadier Alexander James SMITH

    As Officers

    • Colonel Patrick Andrew ALLEN
    • Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Timothy ANDERSON, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
    • Major Paul Christopher CARNEY, Corps of Royal Engineers
    • Lieutenant Colonel Joanne Patrice D’ARCY, Royal Army Medical Service
    • Colonel Stephen Weatherley DAVIES, Army Reserve
    • Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Jon Young ELFORD, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment
    • Lieutenant Colonel James Robert GREEN, Grenadier Guards
    • Lieutenant Colonel Glenis Jane Helena MALONEY, Royal Corps of Signals, Army Reserve
    • Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Andrew Wyville NELSON, Corps of Royal Engineers
    • Colonel Richard David NEWLAND
    • Lieutenant Colonel Steven Carnell PENGILLY, The Rifles
    • Lieutenant Colonel Frank Stanley REEVES, MBE, The Royal Regiment of Scotland

    As Members

    • Warrant Officer Class 2 Mehmet Alan ASIR, VR, The Parachute Regiment, Army Reserve
    • Major Timothy Richard BARKER, Royal Tank Regiment
    • Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Kenneth BINGHAM, VR, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
    • Major Stephen Barry BROWN, Royal Corps of Signals
    • Staff Sergeant Gordon Alexander BRUCE, Royal Army Physical Training Corps
    • Lieutenant Colonel Stephen John CANDLIN, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Army Reserve
    • Major William Edward COOK, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
    • Major Christopher Michael Roy DANBY, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
    • Major Neil Alan Richard DONAGHY, Royal Corps of Signals
    • Captain Michael Wayne EYNON, VR, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Army Reserve
    • Major Alexander James FARRALL, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
    • Warrant Officer Class 1 Tracy Anne FREER, VR, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch), Army Reserve
    • Major Douglas James GRAHAM, The Queen’s Royal Hussars
    • Major William Peter HODGSON, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
    • Captain Thomas William HULME, General Service Corps, Army Reserve
    • Warrant Officer Class 1 Adam JOHNSTON, The Royal Logistic Corps
    • Warrant Officer Class 2 Stephen Alan JONES, Royal Regiment of Artillery
    • Lieutenant Colonel Bharat Sunil KARA, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
    • Major David James LOVE, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)
    • Lieutenant Colonel James David LYON, Royal Army Medical Service
    • Major Jonathan Matthew MARSAY, Royal Regiment of Artillery
    • Warrant Officer Class 2 Donald Scott Cameron McGREGOR, Royal Army Physical Training Corps, Army Reserve
    • Sergeant Christopher John MORGAN, The Welsh Guards, Army Reserve
    • Major Amelia Anne MORRISSEY, Adjutant General’s Corps (Army Legal Services Branch)
    • Major Martin James MURPHY, The Royal Logistic Corps
    • Staff Sergeant Emmanuel OPPONG, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
    • Lieutenant John William PICKERING, Army Cadet Force
    • Major Andrew Victor POULTON, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
    • Major James William REANEY, The Rifles
    • Major Marcus Alexander Rokeby ROBERTS, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Army Reserve
    • Captain Richard Michael St John SHEEHAN, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
    • Warrant Officer Class 1 Colin Peter James Giblin SINCLAIR, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
    • Lieutenant Colonel Katherine Frances BADHAM-THORNHILL, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
    • Major Luke William TURRELL, JP, Royal Regiment of Artillery
    • Major Tom Paterson WATSON, Royal Regiment of Artillery
    • Major William WELSH, Army Cadet Force
    • Corporal Ceiron Alexander WILLIAMS, The Parachute Regiment
    • Lieutenant Colonel Stephen WILSON, The Queen’ Royal Hussars
    • Major Paul William YOUNG, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

    Royal Red Cross

    As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class

    • Warrant Officer Class 1 Ashley Grant COULL, Royal Army Medical Service

    King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

    • Warrant Officer Class 2 Mark Vere EBDON, VR, The Royal Welsh, Army Reserve
    • Colonel Alexander John Grindlay FORBES, TD, VR, Army Reserve
    • Warrant Officer Class 2 James Charles McMILLEN, VR, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
    • Colonel Andrew James Gerard RYAN, TD, VR, Army Reserve
    • Warrant Officer Class 1 Nathan John TOMS, VR, Corps of Royal Engineers, Army Reserve

    King’s Commendation for Valuable Service

    • Major Brent Stephen William CARTER, Royal Army Medical Service
    • Corporal Connor-James Derek DAVIDSON, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
    • Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Cameron LONG, QGM, The Royal Logistic Corps
    • Major Jonathan Grant STUDWELL, MBE, Intelligence Corps
    • Major Paul Robert WOOSTER, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

    Non-Operational Gallantry

    King’s Commendation for Bravery

    • Lance Corporal Charley Dean DRAPER, Corps of Royal Engineers
    • Lance Corporal Rhys Jamie PETERSEN, Corps of Royal Engineers

    Royal Air Force Awards

    Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath

    As Knight Commander

    • Air Marshal John Jackson STRINGER, CBE

    As Companions

    • Air Vice-Marshal Mark William James CHAPPELL
    • Air Vice-Marshal Alastair Peter Thomas SMITH

    Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire

    As Commanders

    • Group Captain Andrew BURTON
    • Air Commodore Ian James SHARROCKS, OBE

    As Officers

    • Group Captain Andrew Phillip BARON
    • Group Captain Paul BARONI
    • Group Captain Hannah Mary BISHOP
    • Group Captain Rachel Louise DIXON
    • Wing Commander Gemma Ann LONSDALE
    • Wing Commander Timothy Charles PAGE
    • Wing Commander Ankur Narendra PANDYA

    As Members

    • Corporal Emile-Josiah BANGURA
    • Squadron Leader Charles Benjamin Marr EMMERSON
    • Warrant Officer Craig HAMILTON
    • Sergeant Gareth Lloyd JONES
    • Flying Officer David Colin McCRAE
    • Flight Lieutenant Raj Kiran MEHTA
    • Flight Lieutenant Marcus William NORMAN
    • Squadron Leader Joseph Robert RUSHTON
    • Squadron Leader Thomas Anthony SMITH
    • Squadron Leader Mark David SUGDEN
    • Squadron Leader David James TAUDEVIN
    • Squadron Leader James Kevin WILYMAN

    Royal Red Cross

    As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class

    • Flight Sergeant Stephanie Louise ROBERTS

    King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

    • Sergeant Darren James TYLER

    Distinguished Flying Cross

    • Flight Lieutenant Jason Aaron CHADWICK

    King’s Commendation for Valuable Service

    • Flight Sergeant Jonathan Paul GRAHAM
    • Squadron Leader Garry Ross MCKAY
    • Wing Commander Ieuan Donald Eddy ROBINSON
    • Squadron Leader Benjamin Robert Michael TRIPP

    Non-Operational Gallantry

    Air Force Cross

    • Squadron Leader Jonathan Mark Gerald HAWKINS
    • Flight Lieutenant Stephen Benjamin WATSON

    King’s Commendation for Bravery in the Air

    • Flight Lieutenant Michael Martin Tenison HOWELL

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Outstanding contributions by British nationals abroad recognised on the King’s Birthday 2025 Overseas and International Honours list

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Outstanding contributions by British nationals abroad recognised on the King’s Birthday 2025 Overseas and International Honours list

    Hi Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List recognises people who have given exceptional service to the UK abroad and internationally.

    • Stephen Kavanagh, until recently the Executive Director of Police Services at INTERPOL, is knighted for his contribution to international policing and public safety
    • several awards recognise British nationals for outstanding voluntary and charitable work overseas
    • these include Valerie Taylor, Founder of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed in Bangladesh, who receives a CBE for services to disadvantaged people in Bangladesh

    One hundred and ten people have received awards for their exceptional service to the UK overseas or internationally in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List this year. They are recognised for their contributions to British foreign policy and international development, as well as voluntary and charitable work.

    Stephen Kavanagh, lately the Executive Director of Police Services at INTERPOL is appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in recognition of his outstanding and sustained leadership, international public service, and track record of success in the role at INTERPOL, where he served as the world’s most senior policing official.

    The most senior official recognised in the list is Sir Philip Barton, who is appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) for his exceptional contribution and achievement over a long career. As the UK’s most senior diplomat and the first Permanent Under-Secretary of the merged Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for the past 5 years, his tenure was marked by outstanding dedication, strategic vision and compassionate leadership. 

    Further information about recipients receiving knighthood-level awards on the Overseas and International List can be found on the lists on GOV.UK. 

    Sir Olly Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Head of the Diplomatic Service, said:

    These honours are testament to the dedication, effort and achievements of dozens of individuals, who represent the very best of the UK internationally.

    On behalf of the FCDO, I’d like to congratulate and thank them for their exceptional work.

    The Overseas and International Birthday Honours list also recognises a wide range of contributions at the lower levels, with awards to British nationals for exceptional voluntary and charitable service that has enhanced the UK’s reputation overseas. These include:   

    Valerie Taylor

    Founder of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed in Bangladesh, receives a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to Disadvantaged People in Bangladesh.

    Valerie Taylor is recognised for her life-long contribution to promoting health and the rights of people with disability in Bangladesh who remain the most marginalised members of Bangladeshi society. In 1969 she was sent by Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) to East Pakistan (later to become Bangladesh) to start physiotherapy services in a small mission hospital in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. In the 3 years that she worked there she became aware of the pressing need for rehabilitation services and returned to join the staff of the Shaheed Suhrawardy Hospital, a government-run hospital in Dhaka.

    A decade after first visiting the country, she established the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) – which eventually became the most reliable and respected institute to support disabled people in Bangladesh. At the start of her career, she was running CRP with 4 patients in an abandoned warehouse of the Shaheed Suhrawardy Hospital.

    Through her commitment, she has grown CRP to include a 100-bed hospital as well as 12 centres in different parts of the country to expand the services in collaboration with other organisations, which are affordable and easy to access for disabled people. It promotes the empowerment of disabled people through community-based services, advocacy and networking on disability issues and the rights of disabled girls and women. CRP also raises awareness on disability issues nationally, regionally and internationally and provides medical treatment, rehabilitation and support services.

    On learning of her award, Valerie Taylor said:

    Receiving such an award is a perfect opportunity for me to thank and congratulate the staff of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) for their commitment to the work of complete rehabilitation for our patients over these last 46 years.

    Matthew Featherstone

    President, Cricket Brazil, receives an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for services to Sport and Disadvantaged Communities, Women and Girls Overseas.

    ​​Matt Featherstone is recognised for ​​​his exceptional contribution to expanding cricket in Brazil and supporting disadvantaged people through sport. In 2001, he co-founded the Brazilian Cricket Association (Cricket Brazil), which was recognised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2006. Through his leadership, cricket was expanded across the country, resulting in Brazil qualifying for the ICC’s World Cricket League (a pathway to joining the ICC World Cup), and the Brazilian male cricket team, originally comprised solely of foreign players, has increased its standing and now has a greater proportion of Brazilian players. ​

    However, Matt’s most impressive work has been through Cricket Brazil’s development programme.  The programme, which started in 2011 as cricket-lessons for 24 children in an orphanage in Poços de Caldas, is now benefitting more than 10,000 children from impoverished communities in 5 states across Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. The programme provides structure, fitness and self-confidence to children between 4 to 17 attending (50) state schools, through cricket coaching. 

    ​​More recently, Matt created the Cricket Like a Girl programme to encourage more girls to play the sport. As a result of the programme, Brazil became the first ever country to give professional cricket contracts to women before men and the Brazilian Ladies Cricket Team has, in this short time, won their 6th South American trophy. Through cricket, Matt is supporting the rights, freedom and potential of underprivileged women and girls in Brazil. 

    On learning of his award, Matthew Featherstone said:

    It is real honour and a massive surprise to receive this award. This is just the start. Cricket Brazil will continue to grow, giving more and more opportunities for the less privileged and also slowly climb the world rankings both female and male. It’s very exciting times for Cricket Brazil.

    Susan Ozturk

    Founder and Trustee, the Vera Thomson English School, Rakhine State, Myanmar, receives an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to Children’s Education and Healthcare in Myanmar.

    Susan Ozturk, the Founder and Director of the Vera Thomson English School in Myanmar, is recognised for her outstanding contribution to improving the lives of children in the village of Lintha. Susan first arrived in Myanmar in 1998, when she visited with her husband and developed a vision which would help the poorest of children access education in a fishing village on the west coast of Rakhine.

    Three years later, she founded the Vera Thomson English School, VTES (named after her mother) in 2001, when she, and her husband moved to Myanmar permanently. Funded by the Andrew Clark Trust, the school has grown from a single simple room to a large compound that houses numerous classrooms, a library, IT suite and open spaces. It is a safe, happy and active learning environment where students learn English, but also many other skills, including an appreciation for the environment and care for the community.  Over 2 decades, the school has directly improved the access to quality education, and hence the lives, of almost 4,500 children and her commitment over the years in the face of countless obstacles has been outstanding.

    On learning of her award, Susan Ozturk said:

    I feel honoured and also shocked at the same time as I believe there are many more worthy people than me. The school is my life. I never look back on what has been achieved but always focus on what needs to be done.

    Elizabeth Burrowes

    Director of Music Education, Brass for Africa, Uganda, receives a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to Music Education for Disadvantaged Young People in Africa.

    Recommendations for a British Empire Medal include Elizabeth Burrowes, Director of Music Education, Brass for Africa, Uganda, recognised for her exceptional contribution to positively transforming the lives of thousands of young people, and their challenged communities in Uganda and Rwanda, through music. 

    Alongside the thousands of children gaining musical education through her training of local teachers, Elizabeth is an ardent advocate for inclusion and opportunity for all, whether it’s working with civil war refugees in the Bidibidi refugee settlement on the South Sudanese border, young offenders in Kampiringisa National Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre, or those living in the huge impoverished informal settlements around Kampala.

    Also, as a young woman, living embedded in the local community, and walking to work through her neighbourhood for the past 6 years, she has become a powerful leader and role model for female equity and inclusion, creating opportunities to accelerate the realisation of potential for young girls.

    On learning of her award, Elizabeth Burrowes said:

    What a surprise and an honour! Truly, developing and mentoring musicians and teachers, and seeing them empowered and inspiring others is incredibly fulfilling. To me, this award recognises Brass for Africa’s vision and appreciates all the dedicated change-makers on our team who I’m privileged to call friends.

    View the full King’s Birthday Honours 2025: Overseas and International List.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Afghan National Pleads Guilty to Plotting Election Day Terror Attack in the United States

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, a native and citizen of Afghanistan, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Oklahoma City to two terrorism-related offenses: conspiring and attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and receiving, attempting to receive, and conspiring to receive firearms and ammunition in furtherance of a federal crime of terrorism.

    “The defendant admits he planned and obtained firearms to carry out a violent terror attack on Election Day in 2024, a plot that was detected and disrupted through the good work of the FBI and our partners,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Let this serve as notice to anyone who tries to conduct attacks in our homeland for ISIS or any other terror group: we will find you and you’ll face American justice. I want to commend the FBI teams and our partners for their hard work and success in executing the mission.”

    “Through incredible law enforcement effort and coordination, a violent terrorist attack on American soil was thwarted, and those responsible are being held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “I commend the outstanding work by the FBI, our law enforcement partners, and prosecutors to diligently discover, thoroughly investigate, and completely foil this terror plot. These guilty pleas serve as an emphatic reminder that the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue those who attempt to harm Americans through terrorist acts.”

    “Thanks to outstanding work by the Oklahoma City Joint Terrorism Task Force, the defendant’s plan to kill innocent Americans in a terrorist attack on Election Day was stopped,” said Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “The FBI is grateful to all who stand beside us in our fight against terrorism. Together, we will continue to safeguard our communities from those who conspire against the United States.”

    According to court documents, Tawhedi admitted that between June 2024 and October 2024 he conspired with at least one other individual to purchase two AK-47 rifles, 500 rounds of ammunition, and 10 magazines, with the intent to carry out a mass-casualty attack on or around Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024, on behalf of ISIS.  According to a criminal complaint affidavit filed in the case, Tawhedi communicated with an ISIS facilitator about his plan to purchase firearms for use in the terror plot, including asking the individual whether 500 rounds of ammunition would be sufficient.

    Tawhedi and his co-conspirator, Abdullah Haji Zada, were arrested on Oct. 7, 2024, after purchasing the firearms and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee.  Zada, 18, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to the firearms offense in connection with his role in the terror plot and is awaiting sentencing. Zada, who was 17 at the time of his arrest, entered his guilty plea as an adult and will be sentenced as an adult.

    At sentencing, Tawhedi faces a maximum penalty 20 years in prison for the material support charge and up to 15 years in prison for the firearms charge. Zada faces up to 15 years in federal prison. Upon completion of any sentence, Tawhedi and Zada will be permanently removed from the United States and barred from reentry under stipulated judicial orders of removal to Afghanistan. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Marshals Service, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Edmond Police Department, the Moore Police Department, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Oklahoma City Community College Police Department, and the Oklahoma City University Police Department, is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Perry and Matt Dillon for the Western District of Oklahoma; Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian, who previously served in the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section; and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. Trial Attorney Mark Stoneman of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, who previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, also assisted with the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met officers and staff recognised in the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The outstanding Met police officers and staff come from across all ranks of the organisation and reflect the bravery, compassion and commitment to public service of our people.

    Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said:

    “Every year it is fantastic to see Met officers and staff being recognised for all their hard work and dedication. They demonstrate the best of the Met and are a true credit to the organisation.

    “I would like to share my warmest congratulations with all of the recipients, they should feel incredibly proud of this achievement.

    “The recipients of this year’s award are excellent examples of the people and talent that help the Met thrive and keep Londoners safe. As always we are grateful for the work that they have done and continue to do.”

    The recipients are:

    Adam Cox, Lead Intelligence Analyst MO2– British Empire Medal

    Awarded for his work around understanding gangs and criminality, his work has been pivotal in the identification and capture of extremely dangerous, high risk gang members and the safeguarding of vulnerable children.

    Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin– King’s Police Medal

    Awarded for her broad and complex work covering the Special Enquiry Team, Specialist Casework team, Coroners and Major Inquiries teams.

    Detective Constable Dawn Jeffries- King’s Police Medal

    Awarded for her 30 year policing career, specifically her work in the development and evolution of the Family Liaison Advisory Team.

    Police Constable Heath Keogh– King’s Police Medal

    Awarded for his work in designing and launching the LEAD initiative – Local Environmental Awareness on Dogs. This initiative creates a tool kits for early intervention and escalation of risk to create successful early interventions with dog owners.

    Retired Detective Constable Julia Wellby– King’s Police Medal

    Awarded for her 32 years in service specifically for the role she played in developing the Family Liaison role within the Counter Terrorism Network.

    Chief Inspector Christopher Conrad- Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO)

    Awarded by the Sovereign, independent of the Government, to recognise loyal service to the Monarchy.

    Sergeant Richard Jackson – Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO)

    Awarded by the Sovereign, independent of the Government, to recognise loyal service to the Monarchy.

    Sergeant Robert Galloway – Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO)

    Awarded by the Sovereign, independent of the Government, to recognise loyal service to the Monarchy.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Appoints Transition Director to Oversee Implementation of St. Louis City Board of Police Commissioners

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JUNE 13, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of Derek Winters as the Transition Director to assist in the implementation of oversight of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) to a citizen-led board of police commissioners, as authorized under House Bill (HB) 495.

    In this role, Winters will work closely with City of St. Louis officials, the SLMPD, the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Office of the Attorney General, and the Office of the Governor to ensure an orderly and responsible transition to the citizen-led board, which will assume control no later than July 1, 2026. His efforts will focus on the practical steps needed to ensure continuity of operations and minimize any disruptions to the residents of the City of St. Louis.

    “As someone born and raised in the City of St. Louis and brought up in the police family, I care deeply about the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the City’s future,” said Governor Kehoe. “This transition team requires leadership rooted in accountability, professionalism, and a clear sense of purpose. Derek brings all of that, and we are confident in his ability as a highly skilled operations professional to help build a strong foundation for the board and its long-term role in public safety.”

    Derek Winters, a St. Louis City native, currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at KNOWiNK, a leading election technology firm. His professional background includes leadership roles in the private and public sectors, including prior service as a commissioner on the St. Louis City Board of Elections and board chair of Saint Louis Makes. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and a Master of Arts in International Affairs from Washington University in St. Louis.

    “This is a pivotal moment for the City of St. Louis,” said Winters. “It is an honor to support the process of building a board that supports our men and women in uniform, reflects the City’s values, and is equipped to meet its responsibilities from the start.”

    While selection of the board is well-underway, Winters will lead strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and operational development needed to prepare for the board’s assumption of authority.

    Under HB 495, the board of police commissioners will consist of six members to guide SLMPD’s leadership and direction: the Mayor of St. Louis and five individuals appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Governor Kehoe will announce the appointments of these members in the coming weeks.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whatcom County man sentenced to 4+ years in prison for brutal and lengthy assault of intimate partner

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Member of Lummi Nation committed assault on tribal land; obstructed justice following tribal charges

    Seattle – A 50-year-old member of the Lummi Nation was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 51 months in prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller.  Jason Sieber Sr. was charged federally in February 2024, for the October 20, 2023, assault of his then intimate partner. Sieber has been detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac since his arrest in February 2024. At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez said, “This was a horrific attack over a long period of time – it could have ended her life.”

    According to records filed in the case, Sieber became angry with the victim over the amount of time it was taking her to cook dinner. He struck her repeatedly in the face and head and kept her from leaving the home to get help. The blows with his closed fist caused the victim to suffer facial fractures, extreme pain, and disfigurement.

    Prosecutors described the assault in their sentencing memo: “Sieber’s assault of Victim 1 on October 20, 2023, was brutal and prolonged. Over the course of multiple hours, Sieber repeatedly beat his intimate partner, breaking her nose and fracturing bones in her face. As Sieber himself admitted, his actions ‘caused her to suffer extreme physical pain, as well as protracted and obvious disfigurement.’ In addition to punching and slapping Victim 1, Sieber tied Victim 1’s feet to hooks in his bedroom ceiling, leaving her suspended and trapped for 45 minutes. He burned her using a cigarette and strangled her, while telling her how easily he could end her life.” In court today, Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Forstein recounted those threats Sieber made to the victim. “He said ‘I could kill you right now and stuff you in a crab pot and no one would ever find you.’”

    The victim reported the assault to Lummi Nation Police ten days after the assault. Sieber was originally charged in tribal court. The case was ultimately referred to federal prosecutors.

    Even after Sieber was charged with the assault he attempted to have the victim change her account of what happened. For that conduct the judge determined that he had tried to obstruct justice.

    Sieber will be on three years of supervised release following prison.

    The case was investigated by the Lummi Nation Police Department and the FBI as part of the Safe Trails Taskforce.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Forstein and former Assistant United States Attorney J. Tate London.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hopkinsville, Kentucky Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy and a Supervised Release Violation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Paducah, KY – A Hopkinsville, Kentucky man was sentenced on June 11, 2025, to a total of 9 years in federal prison for conspiring to traffic in fentanyl and violating his federal supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division, and Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement.

    According to court documents, on January 12, 2024, Jamie A Harris, 47, obtained a shipment of fentanyl pills that he intended to distribute. The DEA lab confirmed the presence of more than 40 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectible amount of fentanyl.   

    As a result of his conduct, Harris was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Harris was sentenced to an additional 1 year in federal prison for a violation of his federal supervised release from a previous federal conviction.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case is being investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Hopkinsville Police Department Special Investigations Unit.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran national indicted in the Eastern District of Texas for immigration violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SHERMAN, Texas – A Honduran man has been charged with a federal immigration violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

    Jose Mejia-Carranza, 37, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported.

    According to the indictment, on August 18, 2024, Mejia-Carranza was found unlawfully in Sherman after being previously deported from the United States on October 14, 2023.

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

    If convicted, Mejia-Carranza faces up to 20 years in federal prison and deportation.

    This case is being investigated by the Sherman Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chalana A. Oliver.

    A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE arrests Mexican national convicted twice for felony DWI in New York

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    Buffalo, N.Y. – Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Mexican national and convicted felon Juan Cruz-Gallegos pursuant to a warrant of arrest June 11, in Hudson, New York.

    ICE apprehended the illegal alien after local authorities failed to return him to ICE custody despite a judge’s order specifically requiring his return at the conclusion of his local criminal proceedings for aggravated driving while intoxicated.

    Cruz it is illegally present alien from Mexico with a significant history of driving while intoxicated and at least one incident involving a minor in the vehicle. Due to the significant public safety threat he posed, ICE Buffalo cancelled Cruz’s bond and arrested him Nov. 7, 2023. ICE subsequently released him to the custody of Columbia County, New York, Dec. 15, 2023, pursuant to a writ of habeas corpus issued by a Columbia County Court judge. Per the writ, Cruz was turned over to Columbia County Sheriff’s Office to face his criminal charges. The writ further authorized the New York State Police to assume custody of Cruz with the explicit condition he be returned to ICE custody upon resolution of the indictment or at the request of ICE. However, instead of returning Cruz to ICE custody as ordered, the NYSP released him when his criminal proceedings concluded.

    “This criminal alien was in ICE custody when a Colombia County Court Judge ordered that he be turned over to NYSP and brought to Colombia County Court to face additional criminal charges. ICE complied. The judge ordered further that Cruz be immediately returned to ICE custody at the conclusion of his court appearance. This was not a detainer request. This was a judicial order. Whether it was malicious intent or simple miscommunication that caused him to be released into the community contrary to a court order, sanctuary jurisdictions undermine the rule of law and endanger the lives of Americans and law enforcement,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Deputy Field Office Director Philip Rhoney. “When you have a criminal alien like Cruz, who so clearly poses a significant threat to public safety, it is inconceivable that law enforcement is prevented from doing the right thing, which is turning these criminals over to ICE in a safe, controlled environment. It’s time for politicians to put public safety ahead of politics and stop protecting criminal aliens at the expense of citizens and legal residents of New York.”

    Cruz’s criminal history

    • October 24, 2013 – arrested for DWI; aggravated DWI-child in vehicle; back seat passenger less than 4 and no/improper restraint; unlicensed operator; failed to dim headlights; and front seat passenger aged 4-7 with no/improper restraint:
    • March 17, 2014 – convicted of aggravated DWI with a child/passenger less than 16: sentenced to five years of probation.
    • March 20, 2018 – Cruz violated his probation as he was arrested and charged with the commission of the crimes of aggravated unlicensed operation; unregistered motor vehicle; and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle: sentenced to continued probation.
    • May 28, 2023 – arrested and charged with DWI and aggravated DWI: BAC of .18 of 1% or more alcohol in blood.
    • Aug. 17, 2023 – arrested and charged with DWI: previous conviction of offence within 10 years and aggravated DWI: .18 of 1% or more alcohol -1 prior conviction within 10 yrs.
    • Oct. 18, 2023 – arrested and charged with DWI and aggravated DWI: BAC of .18 of 1% or more alcohol in blood.
    • Nov. 3, 2023 – arrested for burglary: charges pending.
    • May 6, 2024 – convicted upon guilty plea of DWI previous conviction of designated offence within 20 years: sentenced to five years of probation.

    Cruz is detained at Buffalo Federal Detention Facility for his removal proceedings.

    Learn more about ERO Buffalo’s mission to preserve public safety on X, formerly known as Twitter, @EROBuffalo.

    MIL OSI USA News –