NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former federal employee sentenced to prison for mishandling classified materials

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant illegally removed documents from secure facility

    AUGUSTA, GA:  A former employee of a U.S. Department of Defense component agency was sentenced to federal prison for mishandling sensitive documents.

    Margaret Anne Ashby, 26, of Henderson, Nevada, was sentenced to 36 months in prison and a fine of $15,000 after pleading guilty to Unauthorized Removal/Retention of Classified Documents, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Ashby to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of her prison term.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    “This sentence should serve as a reminder to all personnel who handle sensitive government documents that their proper handling is of paramount importance,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons. “Margaret Ashby is being held accountable for violating the laws that govern those entrusted to work with these materials.”

    As described in court documents and testimony, Ashby was hired in March 2020 as a civilian employee of a Department of Defense component agency located in the Southern District of Georgia. As required for her employment, Ashby possessed a Top Secret security clearance.

    From February 2022 to May 2022, Ashby, without authority, knowingly removed documents and materials containing classified information described in the plea agreement as “concerning the national defense or foreign relations of the United States.” She did so “with the intent to retain them at unauthorized locations, including her residence in the Southern District of Georgia and in digital files saved via a personal computing device located in the Southern District of Georgia.”

    “Certain responsibilities are mandatory to individuals with access to Top Secret information and when the trust placed on them to protect our national intelligence is violated, they put our country at risk,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “We will continue work with our partners to protect the American people and uphold the constitution by safeguarding our country’s classified information.”

    The case was investigated by the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys L. Alexander Hamner and Darron J. Hubbard, and Trial Attorney David J. Ryan with the U.S. Department of Justice Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: HIGH SPRINGS MAN SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR WIRE FRAUD

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Sean Walker, 34, of High Springs, Florida, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for wire fraud in connection with COVID-19 relief fraud. The sentence was announced by Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

    “Our office will continue to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer money, including holding those accountable who conspired to falsely obtain government funds during the COVID‑19 pandemic,” said Acting United States Attorney Spaven.

    Court documents reflect that Walker obtained over $20,000 in unemployment insurance benefits from the State of California, which were funded in part by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. These funds were intended to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Walker’s benefits application contained materially false and fraudulent statements. Walker knew that he had never lived or worked in that state and was not entitled to unemployment insurance benefits from California.

    In addition to his prison sentence, Walker was also ordered to pay $21,690 in restitution to California’s Employment Development Department. Walker’s imprisonment will also be followed by three years of supervised release.

    Walker is one of nine defendants who were convicted of similar COVID-19 relief fraud as a result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Hapner and David P. Byron.

    “While many were facing hardship and uncertainty, these defendants sought to exploit government programs intended to help those in need,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker, of the IRS-CI, Tampa Field Office. “Their actions were driven by greed and a blatant disregard for the law, undermining the purpose of critical relief efforts. We remain committed to holding accountable those who abuse these programs for personal gain and ensuring that justice is served.”

    “The sentencing of Sean Walker conveys the important message that you cannot steal money from Americans without consequence,” said Kristin Rehler, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “The funds stolen by this defendant and other co-conspirators add to the massive amount of COVID-19 relief fraud that will ultimately be paid for by taxpayers. The FBI’s investigation into these schemes exemplifies our commitment to hold thieves accountable, and we will continue to work in coordination with our partners to protect the pocketbooks of hard-working Americans.”

    The COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force marshals the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit Justice.gov/Coronavirus and Justice.gov/Coronavirus/CombatingFraud.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 relief funds can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: River Hills Man Sentenced to 21 Months’ Imprisonment for Paying Health Care Kickbacks

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that, on March 21, 2025, Justin Drew Hanson was sentenced to 21 months’ incarceration for paying healthcare kickbacks in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute.  Hanson was also ordered to pay over $2.2 million in restitution to Medicaid and Medicare as well as a $75,000 fine.

    According to court records, Hanson and his co-defendant, Mohammed Kazim Ali, owned a Milwaukee-area clinical laboratory called Noah Associates.  Beginning in 2017, Ali and Hanson engaged in a three-year-long scheme to pay kickbacks to the owner of a Milwaukee substance use treatment clinic in exchange for referrals of Medicaid and Medicare patients for urine drug testing performed by Noah Associates.  Hanson and Ali procured sham agreements that further concealed their fraud, ultimately paying over $400,000 in kickbacks to procure the tests.  The tests, however, were not ordered by any physician and were not medically necessary for the treatment of patients.  As a result of the scheme, Medicaid and Medicare paid Noah Associates over $2.2 million for the unnecessary tests.  Hanson personally received hundreds of thousands of dollars from Noah Associates during the scheme. 

    At sentencing, United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller emphasized the seriousness of Hanson’s crime, including Hanson’s manipulation and breach of trust of the Medicaid and Medicare programs to receive millions of dollars that were not truly earned.  Judge Stadtmueller further noted that Hanson’s criminal conduct was significant and detrimental because he stole “from every taxpayer citizen in the United States.”  In addition to his sentence, Hanson will also be excluded from participation in the Medicaid and Medicare programs and has shut down Noah Associates.  His co-defendant, Ali, also pleaded guilty for paying healthcare kickbacks and was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment earlier this year.

    “Mr. Hanson’s kickbacks resulted in Medicaid and Medicare – and taxpayers – repeatedly paying for unnecessary services,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Frohling.  “Rather than bill the government for tests that patients truly needed, Hanson abused the Medicaid and Medicare programs for his own benefit.  The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with its law enforcement partners to hold individuals who engage in these schemes accountable for their actions.”

    “The FBI will relentlessly pursue individuals like Mr. Hanson whose actions defrauded the American people and wasted taxpayer money,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure those responsible for schemes to defraud the American people are brought to justice.”

    “HHS-OIG is dedicated to protecting the integrity of Medicare and Medicaid and to ensure taxpayer money is used as intended to serve vulnerable populations,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).  “The kickback scheme in this case undermined the public’s trust in our nation’s health care system and can interfere with impartial medical decision-making. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who manipulate taxpayer-funded health programs to boost their profits.” 

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Carter and Julie Stewart handled the prosecution.     

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    For further information contact:

    Public Information Officer

    Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov

    (414) 297-1700

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two arrests following fatal collision in Colindale

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating a fatal collision in Colindale have made two arrests.

    Two men – aged 18 and 19 – were arrested on Wednesday, 26 March on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop. Both are currently in police custody.

    This follows an incident in Grahame Park Way, NW9 on Tuesday, 25 March where a car was in collision with a female pedestrian.

    Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the woman – aged in her 60s – died at the scene.

    Her family are being kept updated with the progress of this investigation and continue to be supported by specially trained officers.

    The car involved did not stop but was later found abandoned in nearby Franco Avenue.

    Detectives from the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are investigating the collision and are appealing for witnesses to come forward. They are keen to hear from anyone who saw the incident or anyone leaving the car in Franco Avenue, including road users who have camera footage, to get in contact.

    You can call detectives on 020 8246 9820 or dial 101 and quote CAD4453/25March. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Upper Tantallon — RCMP seeking information in relation to an arson

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is seeking information in relation to an arson that occurred in Upper Tantallon.

    Yesterday, at approximately 2:30 a.m., RCMP officers and fire services responded to a report of a 2016 Ford Mustang on fire on Hemlock Dr. Investigators learned that the vehicle was lit on fire by a woman who fled in a nearby sedan or small SUV.

    No injuries were reported.

    The woman involved is described as being between 5-foot-5 and 5-foot-7, 130 pounds.

    Investigators are asking anyone in the Westwood Hills area with security camera footage of suspicious vehicle activity to come forward.

    Anyone with information about this incident 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.

    File #: 25-41069

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Ingramport — RCMP seeking information in relation to a theft of fishing nets

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is seeking the public’s assistance in relation to a theft that occurred in Ingramport.

    Yesterday, at approximately 9:30 a.m., RCMP officers received a report of theft of licenced fishing gear from the Ingram Port river near Rivers End Rd. Investigators learned that two elver fishing nets were taken sometime in the early morning hours.

    Later that day, information and evidence gathered led RCMP officers to complete a search at a property in Sipekne’katik. The nets were not located.

    Investigators have obtained images of a person(s) of interest and are asking for the public’s assistance to identify them. The nets have an estimated value of $4,000.

    Anyone who can identify the person(s) of interest or with information about this incident 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.

    File #: 25-40673, 2025-386187

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Scheming to Defraud Maryland, California of More Than $2.3 Million in Covid-19 Unemployment Insurance Benefits

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    Baltimore, Maryland – David Godin, 34, aka “James St Patrick,” aka “David Wetty,” aka “Vic Pro,” of Miami, Florida, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, in connection with a scheme to defraud the Maryland Department of Labor (MD-DOL) and California Employment Development Department (CA-EDD). Godin attempted to defraud MD-DOL and CA-EDD of more than $2.3 million in unemployment insurance (UI) benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington, D.C. Field Office.

    According to the plea agreement, from June 2020 through November 2023, Godin engaged in a sophisticated scheme to defraud the MD-DOL and CA-EDD by using the personal identifiable information of identity theft victims, anonymous email addresses, virtual private networks, and proxy servers.  This enabled Godin to file numerous fraudulent UI claims with multiple states from a single location; aggregate UI information in discrete accounts; and avoid fraud safeguards put in place by state insurance programs.

    Godin submitted and caused the submission of at least 140 fraudulent UI claims to MD-DOL, CA-EDD, and other state workforce agencies, resulting in approximately $2,364,226 in UI benefits. He obtained $1,087,345.66 through the fraud scheme. As part of the plea agreement, Godin is required to pay restitution of $1,087,345.66. Additionally, Godin must forfeit money, property, and/or assets that he obtained through the scheme, including a money judgment of at least $1,087,345.66.

    Godin faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud scheme and a consecutive mandatory minimum sentence of two years in federal prison for using the personal identifiable information of identity theft victims during and in relation to the fraudulent activities.   A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox has scheduled sentencing for June 30, at 10 a.m.   

    This case is part of the District of Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force, a Strike Force that is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors.  The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.

    For more information about the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.  Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended DOL-OIG and IRS-CI for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bijon A. Mostoufi and Jared M. Beim, who are prosecuting the federal case, and Joanna N. Huber, who is supporting the case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms Corpsmen Bolster Operational Readiness with Tactical Combat Casualty Care Training

    Source: United States Navy

    TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calf.- Hospital corpsmen assigned to the Multi-Service Unit (MSU) at Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms participated in a high-impact Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training session on March 21, reinforcing their ability to provide critical medical support in operational environments.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Medical Device Manufacturer And Its Owner Agree To Pay $550,000 To Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

              GRAND RAPIDS – The United States has reached a settlement agreement with The Prometheus Group (Prometheus), a New Hampshire manufacturer of rectal therapeutic systems and probes, and Richard Poore, its president and sole owner, to resolve a civil lawsuit filed against them. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants violated the False Claims Act by causing health care providers to bill Medicare for services in which the providers improperly re-used single-user rectal sensors and single-use catheters on multiple patients.  As part of the settlement, Prometheus and Poore will pay $550,000 to resolve the claims against them.  

              “Medicare beneficiaries deserve treatment that is reasonable and safe,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew B. Birge. “Device manufacturers and medical practitioners cannot flaunt the rules and jeopardize the wellbeing of patients in our community.”

              “Manufacturers and providers must ensure that medical devices are utilized in a manner that ensures the safety of patients and complies with Federal laws and regulations,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region.  “Our agency, working in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, will always work to hold those accountable who jeopardize patient safety or submit false claims to Federal health care programs.”

              “The FBI is committed to investigating bad actors and protecting the public from healthcare professionals and top executives who exploit the trust of patients by prioritizing greed and convenience over safe health practices,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI remains dedicated to safeguarding public health and maintaining the integrity of the medical system.”

              Prometheus manufactures and sells device systems for use in pelvic muscle rehabilitation (PMR), a non-surgical therapy to eliminate or reduce symptoms of pelvic floor disorders, including urinary and fecal incontinence. Specifically, Prometheus has manufactured and marketed the Pathway CTS 2000 Pelvic Floor Training System and the Morpheus System.  Both systems required the use of a rectal pressure probe that is inserted into a patient’s rectum during therapy. Prometheus manufactured its own sensor for use with the Pathway System and encouraged its customers to use a competitor’s anorectal manometry catheter with the Morpheus System.

              The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the Prometheus rectal pressure sensor to be used as a single-user device and the anorectal manometry catheter to be used as a single-use device.  For example, the instructions for use identify the rectal pressure sensor as “a potential bio-hazard” and state: “This sensor is restricted for single person use only. Use by another person is strictly prohibited by Federal Regulations.” Similarly, the anorectal manometry catheter was cleared by the FDA as a disposable single-use device, with packaging that states: “Do not re-use.”

              According to the United States’ complaint, the defendants knew of these restrictions, but for years encouraged and instructed health care providers to reuse the rectal pressure sensors and anorectal manometry catheters on multiple patients, using a glove or condom to cover the probes, as a way to reduce the overhead costs associated with Prometheus’s systems.  The government alleged that using the devices in this manner, which exposed patients to unnecessary risk of infections, was not reasonable or necessary, and thus was ineligible for Medicare coverage. 

              The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

              The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud.  One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act.  Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

              The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, is captioned United States v. The Prometheus Group., et al., No. 22-cv-446 (W.D. Mich.).  The lawsuit was handled by Senior Trial Counsel Jay D. Majors and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Hull. 

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possessing and Attempting to Prevent the Seizure of Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 45 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his convictions of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon and attempting to take action to prevent seizure, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Javon Pope, 36.

    According to information presented to the Court, on the morning of November 19, 2019, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation discovered Pope inside a Wilkinsburg residence at which another individual had just been arrested and officers had observed several firearms in plain view. The agents detained and searched Pope, finding a digital scale, a small amount of marijuana, and a cellular telephone. Upon the execution of a search warrant for the residence, agents found four firearms, but in different locations from where they had been initially observed by officers. A search warrant for Pope’s cellular telephone revealed an internet search for “how long does it take to get a search warrant” during the morning of November 19 while the FBI would have had the house secured pending the warrant, as well as a picture of the defendant with several of the firearms found in the residence. Pope has a prior felony conviction, and federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

    The cell phone also revealed several telephone calls between Pope and a resident of the home beginning around the time the Pittsburgh S.W.A.T. Team arrived at the residence, during which Pope was informed that federal agents were at the home and intending to search it. It is a violation of federal law to attempt to take action to prevent seizure of items pursuant to a federal search warrant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pittsburgh S.W.A.T. Team for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Pope.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Humble man sentenced in relation to scheme to illegally ship firearms to Iraq

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – A 53-year-old local resident has been sentenced to federal prison for providing false information on federally mandated firearms records, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Yashab Idnan Sandhu, Humble, pleaded guilty July 24, 2023.

    U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen has now ordered Sandhu to serve 42 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.

    “The Southern District of Texas is pleased to have worked with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to have intercepted this shipment of guns before they reached Iraq, and used for whatever unknown purpose,” said Ganjei.

    “Being a responsible gun dealer is not just a matter of business; it’s a fundamental duty to safeguard public safety and uphold the trust placed in our agency by the American people,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel. “ATF puts great trust in Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs), to include ‘responsible persons,’ as they carry significant responsibility. When that trust is violated, it undermines the confidence the public has in the system. ATF Houston is committed to maintaining public safety, which includes holding these FFLs and their associated employees responsible when the laws and regulations are not followed.”

    The investigation began March 13, 2020, when authorities discovered a cache of handguns concealed in a shipping crate addressed to Iraq at a Port of Houston warehouse. They recovered approximately 473 handguns, 38 of which were pistols with obliterated serial numbers.

    Law enforcement ultimately traced 38 pistols with obliterated serial numbers to R’s Golf & Guns, an FFL for whom Sandhu was a “responsible person.”

    A responsible person is someone who has the authority and power to direct firearm compliance decisions and operations for an FFL.

    The investigation revealed Sandhu had sold these firearms to a suspected firearms smuggler. As part of his plea, Sandhu admitted he went back to previously completed forms and added the firearms, falsely reporting they had been sold to other innocent persons. 

    Sandhu was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    ATF conducted the investigation with the assistance of the FBI and Bureau of Industry and Security. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Schammel and Heather Winter prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Man given hospital order after attack which led to death of man in Harrow

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been sentenced following two violent assaults that left one his victims dying from stab wounds.

    Abdul Khan, 27 (14.08.97), of Durham Road, Harrow was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 25 March.

    Khan was also placed under an additional Section 41 order, which means that only the Secretary of State for Justice or a tribunal can give approval for him to be discharged from hospital.

    Khan pleaded guilty to the manslaughter – through diminished responsibility – of Bohdan Vandzhura, and possession of an offensive weapon. He was also admitted to the attempted murder in relation to a second man who he attacked in Harrow. He was also found guilty of ABH in relation to this victim.

    His father, Khalid Khan, 62 (22.04.62) of Durham Road, Harrow was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for assisting an offender in relation to this incident.

    Detective Chief Inspector Tom Williams, who led the investigation, said:

    “Our thoughts remain with Mr Vandzhura’s family and friends.

    “Bohdan was a loving father-of-two who was assaulted, unprovoked, and tragically died from his injuries.

    “Abdul Hussain demonstrated a pattern of violent behaviour and posed a clear threat to the public.

    “He will now remain in a safe place to get the treatment he needs.”

    An investigation was launched by the Specialist Crime Command after police were called on the morning of 8 July 2023 to reports of a stabbing on Pinner Road in North Harrow.

    Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance. At the scene, they found 49-year-old Bohdan with stab wounds. Despite their efforts he died.

    A post-mortem examination carried out the following day confirmed he died as a result of multiple stab wounds to the chest and neck.

    Detectives reviewed CCTV footage from the area and were able to track Khan’s movements, capturing him disposing of the weapon and walking away from Bohdan’s home.

    This led them to quickly identify and then arrest Khan.

    The footage also provided them with evidence of his father – Khalid Khan – leaving his home with a carrier bag that was later discovered to contain his son’s bloodied clothing.

    Abdul Khan was arrested on 8 July and charged within 24 hours. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter – through diminished responsibility – and possession of an offensive weapon.

    As part of this investigation, detectives also established that Khan was a suspect for two further offences that predated the death of Bohdan.

    On 20 August 2022, in Pinner Road, Harrow, Khan punched a 43-year-old man to the ground before repeatedly stamping on him, leaving him unconscious.

    He also attacked the same man on a second occasion on 10 February 2023.

    Officers carried out an investigation at the time but were unable to identify a suspect. However, following the investigation into the assault of Bohdan, detectives were able to piece together evidence which made it clear that Khan was the chief suspect of the assault.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Brooksville Man Sentenced To Prison For Electronic Prescribing Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven today sentenced Colton Neal (26, Brooksville) to two years and six months in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Neal pleaded guilty on December 16, 2024.

    According to court documents, beginning in June 2022 and continuing through July 2023, Neal used an electronic health record and digital telehealth platform to issue electronic prescriptions transmitted through interstate wires. In doing so, Neal used Doctor #1’s name and National Provider Identifier, which he obtained without permission or consent, and posted advertisements on a darknet forum. Neal collected payments for issuing fraudulent controlled substance prescriptions via cryptocurrency and other payment methods. The investigation revealed Neal issued approximately 144 prescriptions for various controlled substances to individuals across the United States.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Pizzo.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan National Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Reentry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TOLEDO, Ohio – Eduardo Lopez-Jiguan, 35, a citizen of Guatemala who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced on March 18, 2025, to 13 months in federal prison for illegal reentry.  U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey J. Helmick also imposed a consecutive six-month sentence on a supervised release violation for a total prison sentence of 19 months.  Lopez-Jiguan was on supervised release after being convicted in February 2023 of illegal reentry and possession of a fraudulent identification document.

    At the guilty plea, Lopez-Jiguan admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Lopez-Jiguan was previously deported in 2020 and 2023.  In August 2024, immigration officials learned Lopez-Jiguan had illegally returned to the United States and found him at the Huron County Jail after previously serving a jail sentence for falsification and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

    This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ava Rotell Dustin for the Northern District of Ohio.

    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, and protect communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Controller of Shelton, Washington outdoor equipment manufacturer sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison for wire fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Seattle – The former Controller of a Shelton, Washington, outdoor equipment company was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in prison and three years of supervised release for his embezzlement scheme that stole more than $665,000 from the company, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Jesse Arden Sherman, 63, of Elma, Washington illegally diverted company funds to his own accounts between 2012 and 2018. In addition, Sherman failed to pay taxes on his ill-gotten gain, resulting in a tax debt of $202,196. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright emphasized the economic and non-economic losses experienced by the victim company and its employees.

    According to records filed in the case, Sherman began working for Sims Vibration Laboratory Inc. in 2008. In his role as controller, he had complete access and control of the company accounting systems and banking functions. In 2012, he began abusing the trust the company had placed in him, by using a variety of schemes to steal from the company. Sherman made false representations to the company’s owner and President, he created false business records, and he created payroll checks and other checks that he deposited in his own accounts. In some instances, he noted in the company books that the check was “void” even though he had cashed it.

    Sherman’s fraud resulted in a loss to the company of at least $665,840. As a Certified Public Accountant Sherman knew that he owed taxes on the money he obtained by fraud, but he failed to pay the $202,196 he owed on his taxes between 2013 and 2018.

    In asking the court for an 18-month prison sentence, prosecutors noted that Sherman betrayed his employer’s trust month after month with each fraudulent check or entry in the company books. “Despite personal and professional privileges, Sherman elected to create a multi-faceted fraud scheme, which he deployed repeatedly over the years to unjustly enrich himself. Although he claims his gambling drove his behaviors, Sherman had the means and self-recognition to address this issue and instead of doing so he instead re-committed to his scheme over and over again to the detriment of SVL, SVL employees, SVL business partners, and Sherman’s family.”

    Sherman has agreed to make restitution to the company of $665,840 and to the IRS of $202,196. 

    The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the FBI and the Mason County Sheriff’s Office.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian Wynne.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Anchorage man sentenced to 16 years for producing child pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced yesterday to 16 years in prison and will serve 15 years on supervised release for exploiting a 16-year-old minor to produce child pornography.

    According to court documents, in 2019, the minor female victim moved from Oregon to Alaska and began living with Donteh Devoe, 46. At some point after the victim began living with him, Devoe started sexually abusing her and convinced her that because she was 16, the sexual abuse was legal.

    The victim confided in a friend, explaining that she and Devoe were “dating and having sex.” The victim also disclosed instances where Devoe physically abused her and texted her sexually graphic images during the school day. The victim’s friend promptly reported the alleged abuse to law enforcement and an investigation began.

    In February 2020, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for accounts on Devoe’s and the victim’s devices. Law enforcement reviewed those accounts and discovered sexually explicit conversations between Devoe and the victim. During conversations on Sept. 30, and Oct. 1, 2019, Devoe directed the victim to take sexually explicit photos and send them to him.

    On Nov. 15, 2024, Devoe pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography.

    “Mr. Devoe used emotional and physical manipulation to carry out his sexual abuse and get what he wanted. The harm that he caused with his conduct is lasting,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “I want to thank the investigators and prosecutors who were essential in securing a serious penalty for the crime he pleaded guilty to, and the witness for promptly coming forward to report the abuse. I also want to commend the victim for showing extraordinary bravery and resilience in bringing this perpetrator to justice. Our office will continue our strong partnerships with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute anyone who threatens the safety of children.”

    “Through manipulation and a betrayal of trust, Devoe emotionally, physically, and sexually abused a minor in our community, including the production of CSAM,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The sexual abuse and exploitation of children is inexcusable and will not be tolerated by Alaska’s law enforcement community.”

    “The Anchorage Police Department remains committed to ensuring justice for victims and their families. Our officers and investigators worked diligently to bring this case to a resolution, and we appreciate the collaboration with our law enforcement partners and the judicial system. Today’s sentencing is a testament to the dedication of those who seek justice and uphold the safety of our community,” said Christopher Barraza, Deputy Director, Community Relations Unit for the Anchorage Police Department.

    The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department investigated this case as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Ivers and Ainsley McNerney prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Koreatown-Based Medicare Advantage Provider Seoul Medical Group and Related Parties to Pay More Than $62 Million to Settle False Claims Lawsuit

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Seoul Medical Group Inc. and its subsidiary Advanced Medical Management Inc., headquartered in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles, have agreed to pay $58.74 million and their former president and majority owner, Dr. Min Young Cha, has agreed to pay $1.76 million for allegedly violating the False Claims Act by causing the submission of false diagnosis codes for two spinal conditions to increase payments from the Medicare Advantage program.

    Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates Inc., a Northridge-based radiology group that worked with Seoul Medical, has also agreed to pay $2.35 million for allegedly conspiring with Seoul Medical Group in connection with the false diagnoses for the two spinal conditions.

    “My office is committed to ensuring that healthcare providers are held accountable for unlawful misrepresentations to Medicare and other healthcare programs,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “As this settlement makes clear, we will diligently pursue those who defraud government programs.”

    “Medicare Advantage is a vital program for our seniors and the government expects healthcare providers who participate in the program to provide truthful and accurate information,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov M. Roth of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s result sends a clear message to the Medicare Advantage community that the United States will zealously pursue appropriate action against those who knowingly submit false claims for taxpayer funds.”

    Under Medicare Advantage, also known as the Medicare Part C program, Medicare beneficiaries have the option of enrolling in managed care insurance plans called Medicare Advantage Plans (MA Plans) and the MA Plans contract with healthcare providers, such as Seoul Medical Group, to provide the Medicare-covered benefits. MA Plans are paid a per-person amount to provide the care to their enrollees and, in turn, the MA Plans pay the providers.

    The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which oversees the Medicare program, adjusts the payments to MA Plans based on demographic information and the health diagnoses of each plan beneficiary. The adjustments are commonly referred to as “risk scores.” In general, a beneficiary with diagnoses that are more expensive to treat will have a higher risk score, and CMS will make a larger risk-adjusted payment to the MA Plan for that beneficiary.

    Seoul Medical Group is a healthcare provider that started in 1993 in Los Angeles and has since expanded into at least six states and has employed at times 150 primary care providers and 1,000 specialists. Dr. Min Young Cha started Seoul Medical Group and until 2023 was president and majority owner. 

    The United States alleged that, from 2015 to 2021, Seoul Medical Group and Dr. Cha submitted diagnoses for two severe spinal conditions, spinal enthesopathy and sacroiliitis, for patients who did not suffer from either of these conditions. When Seoul Medical Group was questioned by an MA Plan about its use of spinal enthesopathy, Seoul Medical Group enlisted the assistance of Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates to create radiology reports that appeared to support the spinal enthesopathy diagnosis. Both diagnoses resulted in an increase in payment from CMS to the MA Plan, and the MA Plan then passed along a portion of the increased payment to Seoul Medical Group. 

    “Providers who game the Medicare program to increase profit undermine the foundation of care and diminish patient trust in the nation’s public health care system,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and rigorously probe false claims to the fullest extent possible.”

    The civil settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Paul Pew, the former Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Advanced Medical Management. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States of America ex rel. Pew v. Seoul Medical Group, Inc., et al., No. 2:20-cv-05156 (C.D. Cal.). The relator’s share of the settlement has not yet been determined.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General.

    The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    Assistant United Sates Attorney Karen Y. Paik of the Civil Division’s Civil Fraud Section and Trial Attorneys J. Jennifer Koh and Robbin O. Lee of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section investigated this matter.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Southern California Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Involvement in a Fentanyl Overdose Death

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOISE – Brian Arthur Goodale, 56, of Lake Elsinore, California, was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin D. Whatcott announced today. U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford, also ordered that Goodale pay restitution to the family of the victim to cover funeral expenses and to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.

    According to court records, on March 16, 2023, law enforcement conducted a welfare check on the victim who had not responded to calls or knocks on the door.  They found the deceased victim with a small drug tube clutched in his hand and a small piece of tin foil next to him.  A toxicology report and autopsy showed that the victim had a lethal dose of fentanyl in his system at the time of death.  The investigation revealed Facebook messages between the victim and Goodale.  Goodale sent a message that said, “shoot the $100 and I’ll send it now . . . 3pk . . . but I’m gonna need the $200 on Wed. if your still alive!!”  The investigation revealed that the victim purchased fentanyl from Goodale, who shipped the fentanyl through the Post Office in Chula Vista, California to Boise, Idaho.  Goodale has an extensive criminal history that includes 29 prior convictions in the state of California, 20 of which are controlled substance offenses.  At the time he sold the fentanyl to the victim in Idaho, Goodale was on felony probation for offering a controlled substance for sale, fentanyl, in Riverside County, California.

    Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50–100 times stronger than morphine.  Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for severe pain management and prescribed in the form of transdermal patches or lozenges.  While prescription fentanyl can be diverted for misuse, most cases of fentanyl-related overdoses in the U.S. are linked to Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations, who are the world’s leading producers of illicit fentanyl. These Drug Trafficking Organizations often collaborate with transnational cartels to smuggle illicit fentanyl into the U.S.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the Boise Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service for their investigation in this case, which led to the charge.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian S. Nafzger prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Eight members of Hampton Roads armed robbery conspiracy sentenced to prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Five more co-conspirators have been sentenced to prison for their parts in a broader conspiracy to rob mail carriers at gunpoint, break into collection boxes to steal mail, and commit bank fraud.

    According to court documents, from at least April through July of 2023, Ricky Damion Christopher Jones, Jr., aka David William Smith or “Top!,” 21, led at least seven others in a conspiracy to rob U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail carriers at gunpoint for their arrow keys, which the co-conspirators then either sold or used to break into collection boxes. Arrow keys are master keys used by USPS mail carriers to access blue collection boxes, outdoor parcel lockers, and apartment mailbox panels and are highly valued by criminals who use them to steal mail in lucrative criminal schemes, such as bank and check fraud and identity theft. The co-conspirators included: Dashawn Evans-McCloud, aka Shawn or RI$E, 21, of Virginia Beach; Samir As-Sad Hurd, aka Prodigy, 24, of Chesapeake; Chanz Lamarion Pough, aka NSO Up, 21, of Frederick, Maryland; Manray A.C. Perry, 23, of Virginia Beach; O’Sirus Charles Landres Ford, aka Siris or John Jack, 22, of Chesapeake; Jayden Stukes, 21, of Chesapeake; and Datwan Watson, 24, of Chesapeake.

    On May 8, Ford orchestrated the robbery of a USPS carrier in Norfolk wherein the minor robbed the USPS mail carrier at gunpoint, taking both his arrow key and his USPS identification card. Ford and the minor ran back to their vehicle, where Perry was waiting and served as the getaway driver. Perry and the minor agreed to commit another robbery in Hampton the following day, but each backed out. Ford then recruited Stukes and, with Watson’s assistance, robbed another carrier of his arrow key at gunpoint in Hampton on May 9. During the robbery, he threatened to shoot the victim. The other co-conspirators played their own roles, with Jones paying Ford $1000 for both robberies and the keys, Evans-McCloud arranging the rental of the getaway vehicle, and Hurd providing the firearm.

    Despite Ford’s June 6, 2023, arrest, the remaining co-conspirators went forward with additional robberies. On July 20, 2023, Evans-McCloud served as the gunman and Hurd as the getaway driver for one attempted robbery in James City County, then two more completed robberies in James City County and Hampton. First, Evans-McCloud, masked and brandishing a firearm, ran toward a mail carrier, but the victim carrier was able to escape in her USPS mail truck. Less than an hour later, Evans-McCloud approached another mail carrier delivering mail on West Steeplechase Way, pointed a gun at the back of his head, and demanded his arrow key. After the carrier surrendered the key, Evans-McCloud retreated to the vehicle driven by Hurd. An hour later, Evans McCloud robbed a carrier by pointing a gun to her head and demanding her arrow key. When she surrendered the key, Evans-McCloud again fled the scene with Hurd. Pough rented the getaway vehicle, which was tracked to an apartment in Virginia Beach rented by Jones. During a search of that apartment, the rented vehicle, and Jones’ vehicle, law enforcement found both stolen arrow keys, masks consistent with the one worn by Evans-McCloud, and several firearms, ammunition, and magazines. They also found numerous tools of check washing, card cracking, and related bank fraud, including high-end printers, blank check stock, deposit slips, hundreds of checks, credit cards in other people’s names, assorted identity documents, and boarding passes.

    Subsequent investigation revealed that Jones, Evans-McCloud, Pough, Hurd, and Ford were also participating in related bank and wire fraud schemes involving “card cracking” and “check washing.” These schemes included, among other methods, depositing a counterfeit check, whether altered or entirely fabricated, into a third-party account, then withdrawing as much of that money as possible before the fraudulent check was detected and the account was frozen or the transaction was reversed.

    On Sept. 4, 2024, Jones pled guilty to use of a firearm during a crime of violence and conspiracy to commit robbery and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Jones was sentenced today to 19 years in prison.

    On Sept. 16, 2024, Hurd pled guilty to robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. On Jan. 28, Hurd was sentenced to 14 years and three months in prison.

    On Sept. 16, 2024, Evans-McCloud pled guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. On Mar. 19, Evans-McCloud was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

    On Sept. 19, 2024, Perry pled guilty to robbery. On Mar. 4, Perry was sentenced to five years and three months in prison.

    On Sept. 23, 2024, Pough pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Pough was sentenced on Feb. 13 to two years and six months in prison.

    Stukes and Watson were each sentenced to 4 years in prison on Apr. 17 and 18, 2024, and Ford was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Jun. 12, 2024.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young. The James City County Police Department and Hampton Police Department assisted in the investigation of this case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Podlesni prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 4:24-cr-18 and 4:23-cr-51.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Bay Area-Based Flooring Company and Its Owners to Pay $8.1 Million to Settle False Claims Allegations Related to Customs Duties Evasions

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Evolutions Flooring Inc., a South San Francisco, California based importer of multilayered wood flooring, and its owners, Mengya Lin and Jin Qian, have agreed to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly and improperly evading customs duties on imports of multilayered wood flooring from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The settlement is based on Evolutions’ and its owners’ ability to pay.

    To enter goods into the United States, an importer must declare, among other things, the country of origin of the goods, the value of the goods, whether the goods are subject to duties, and the amount of duties owed.

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collects applicable duties, including antidumping and countervailing duties assessed by the Department of Commerce and Section 301 duties imposed by the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Antidumping duties protect against foreign companies “dumping” products on U.S. markets at prices below cost, while countervailing duties offset foreign government subsidies.

    Section 301 duties similarly protect U.S. industry by imposing trade sanctions on foreign countries that violate U.S. trade agreements or engage in other unreasonable acts that burden U.S. commerce. During the relevant time period, PRC-manufactured multilayered wood flooring products were subject to antidumping, countervailing, and Section 301 duties.

    The settlement resolves allegations that Evolutions, at the direction of Lin and Qian, knowingly and improperly evaded customs duties, including antidumping, countervailing, and Section 301 duties, on multilayered wood flooring manufactured in the PRC that Evolutions imported between Sept. 1, 2019 and July 31, 2022. Among other things, the United States alleged that Evolutions caused false information to be submitted to CBP regarding the identity of the manufacturers and country of origin of the imported multilayered wood flooring.

    “The outcome of this case demonstrates that our office and its CBP partners will continue to safeguard the nation’s economic well-being,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “Fraud in international commerce deprives the United States of vital revenue and creates an unfair advantage over businesses that operate legitimately. The settlement sends a message that we will not stand aside when companies try to cheat the system.”

    “Import duties provide an important source of government revenue and level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers against their global competitors,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov M. Roth of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will pursue those who seek an unfair advantage in U.S. markets, including by evading the duties owed on goods imported into this country from China.”

    “The team at CBP was instrumental in providing expertise and logistical support to this investigation,” said Director of Field Operations Cheryl M. Davies of the CBP Los Angeles Field Office. “Through its efforts, which included a site visit to factories in Thailand, review of identified shipments by CBP experts on multilayered wood flooring, an analysis of import records and data by Office of Trade Regulatory Audit, and involvement in interviews with witnesses, CBP contributed to a successful outcome in this matter.”

    The settlement with Evolutions and its owners resolves a lawsuit filed by Urban Global LLC under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The civil lawsuit was filed in the Central District of California and is captioned United States of America ex rel. Urban Global LLC v. Struxtur Inc. et al., No. CV20-7217 (C.D. Cal.). As part of today’s resolution, relator Urban Global LLC will receive approximately $1,215,000 of the settlement proceeds.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, with assistance from CBP’s Office of Chief Counsel, West Region and Trade Regulatory Audit and the Center of Excellence and Expertise for Industrial and Manufacturing Materials within CBP’s Office of Trade.

    Assistant United States Attorney Sheng-Wen D. Jui of the Civil Division’s Civil Fraud Section and Senior Trial Counsel Christelle Klovers of the Justice Department’s Civil Division handled this case.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals, Partner Agencies Launch Manhunt for 2 Murder Suspects Wanted in Moses Lake, Wash., Drive-By Shooting

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Spokane, WA – The U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF), are working closely with the Moses Lake Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington State Department of Corrections, U.S. Border Patrol, and the FBI to locate and apprehend two fugitives suspected in a drive-by shooting March 21 in Moses Lake that claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy and left four others—three juveniles and one adult — critically injured.

    A reward of up to $10,000 ($5,000 per fugitive) is available for information leading directly to their arrests. The suspects should be considered armed and dangerous.

    The Moses Lake Police Department identified three suspects and recovered an abandoned vehicle linked to the crime. On March 22, the U.S. Marshals Service PNVOTF was requested to adopt the fugitive investigation.

    On March 24, at the request of the U.S. Marshals, the Richland Police Department arrested a juvenile suspect was arrested at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland. The suspect, who had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the leg, is charged with first-degree murder.

    Arrest warrants for the two remaining fugitives were issued March 25, charging both with murder in the first degree, five counts of assault in the first degree, drive-by shooting, and felon in possession of a firearm.

    Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office or local law enforcement, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or at USMS Tips.

    The Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force is a U.S. Marshals-led partnership comprising federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. The task force’s primary mission is to locate, arrest and return to the justice system the most violent and egregious federal and state fugitives.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Missoula Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine and Fentanyl

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    MISSOULA — A Missoula man who trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl was sentenced today to 120 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Andrew David Ambler, 27, pleaded guilty in November 2024 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

    U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that on May 24, 2024, Ambler was arrested by members of the Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force on a parole violation for suspected drug trafficking and firearm-related offenses. Prior to being taken into custody, Ambler attempted to flee on foot while trying to get to his vehicle and discarded a backpack and a bag that were on his person.  The backpack and bag contained a loaded .22 caliber pistol, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.  A search of Ambler’s vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 5,000 fentanyl pills, which he admitted he intended to distribute.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.  The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation.

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

    XXX

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Innisfail — Innisfail RCMP and FASST arrested several people on warrants during a three-day operation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Innisfail RCMP, with assistance from the Alberta Sheriff’s Fugitive Apprehension Sheriffs Support Team (FASST), engaged in a targeted enforcement operation attempting to locate and arrest offenders who were currently on warrants in the areas of Innisfail and Red Deer County.

    From March 4 to March 6, 2025, Innisfail RCMP and FASST executed a three-day operation where they arrested 16 people and executed 22 arrest warrants. These arrest warrants ranged from provincial violation to Criminal Code warrants. Furthermore, this operation also led to the arrest of Joshua Atkinson (50), a parole offender who was on a Canada wide warrant for being unlawfully at large.

    During the three-day operation, officers conducted dozens of door knocks and phone calls. Innisfail RCMP and FASST would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding.

    Innisfail RCMP conduct operations like this multiple times throughout the year to ensure public safety, and to ensure participants of the justice system complete the required process.

    Innisfail RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the location of, or sightings of criminal activity in your neighbourhood. Anyone with information in relation to this or other incidents is asked to contact the Innisfail RCMP at 403-227-3342 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8377 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Stephenville — Update: Additional charges laid by RCMP NL as part of attempt murder investigation in Port au Port

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Additional charges have been laid by RCMP NL’s Major Crime Unit (MCU) against 66-year-old Wayne Harold Hynes of Port au Port West.

    Hynes was charged with attempted murder on March 17, 2025, in relation to an incident that occurred in Port au Port on February 21, 2025. A snowmobiler was shot while traveling across Gravel’s Pond and was left with life-threatening injuries.

    In continuing with the investigation, yesterday, RCMP NL’s (MCU) laid the following additional criminal charges against Hynes:

    • Using a firearm in the commission of a criminal offence
    • Careless use of a firearm
    • Pointing a firearm
    • Discharging a firearm with intent to endanger the life of an individual
    • Assault with a weapon
    • Aggravated assault

    Hynes remains in custody at this time. His next court appearance will take place on March 31, 2025.

    The investigation is continuing.

    Background:

    https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2025/rcmp-nls-mcu-searches-home-port-au-port-part-injured-snowmobiler-investigation

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Lloydminster — Lloydminster RCMP investigate robbery

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Lloydminster RCMP and Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) are investigating a series of incidents involving an armed robbery, flight from police, and suspected drug trafficking.

    On Feb. 26, 2025, at approximately 12:40 a.m., officers responded to reports of an armed robbery at a residence located in Lloydminster. Officers located the suspect vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver failed to stop for police. Officers were successful in disabling the vehicle. Four people attempted to flee from the vehicle, three of which were immediately taken into custody, and the forth attempted to hide from police by climbing a tree. RCMP Police Dog Services, the RCMP helicopter and investigators tracked the individual and took them into custody without further incident.

    Subsequent investigation led officers to complete a search warrant on the vehicle the suspects were driving. In total, 26 grams of Methamphetamine, 26 grams of Fentanyl and 7 grams of Cocaine were located in addition to other evidence consistent with drug trafficking.

    As a result, four individuals have been arrested:

    • A 33-year-old resident of Yorkton, Sask.
    • A 29-year-old resident of Thunderchild First Nation, Sask.
    • A 24-year-old resident of Thunderchild First Nation
    • A 28-year-old resident of Onion Lake, Sask.

    They have been charged with the following offences:

    · Flight from Police

    · Operation of a Conveyance while Prohibited

    · Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine

    · Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Methamphetamine

    · Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Fentanyl

    · Resist Arrest

    · Fail to Comply with Probation

    The 33-year-old, 29-year-old and 28-year-old individuals remain in custody and are scheduled to appear in Lloydminster Court on March 25, 2025. The 24-year-old individual was released by a justice of the peace and appeared in court on March 11, 2025.

    An arrest warrant has been issued for a 23-year-old resident of Lloydminster, Sask.

    The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be laid.

    Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Lloydminster RCMP at 780 808 8400. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestoppers.ca<http://www.crimestoppers.ca.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Private Shipping Company to Pay $400,000 to Settle Allegations of Transshipping Fentanyl Precursor Chemicals

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN ANTONIO – IMC Pro International Inc. has agreed to pay $400,000 to the United States to resolve allegations it violated the Controlled Substances Act through transshipping fentanyl precursor chemicals.

    The United States alleged IMC Pro International Inc., a North Carolina-based shipping and logistics company, entered business agreements with several companies operating in China. Under the terms of these arrangements, IMC Pro agreed to provide these Chinese companies with access to IMC Pro’s accounts for common carriers in order to generate domestic shipping labels for the final destinations of various goods and products sold or manufactured by the Chinese companies. These labels identified IMC Pro as the company or entity shipping the packages, though IMC Pro did not store or handle the packages at any time, nor did IMC Pro maintain any records concerning the contents of the packages.

    The United States became aware of these business agreements after the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration seized five packages in Eagle Pass, identifying IMC Pro as the shipper. Chemical analysis determined the five packages contained a total of 26.4 kgs of 1-BOC-4 Piperidone, a List I Regulated Chemical; and 138.66 kgs of (2-Bromoethyl) benzene, a chemical on the DEA’s Special Surveillance List and a laboratory supply within the definition provided under 21 U.S.C § 842(a)(11). Both chemicals are known to be used in the production of fentanyl. The United States alleged its investigation determined these packages were imported into the United States from China, transshipped to Eagle Pass, and intended for transport across the U.S./Mexican border where they were to be sent to be used in the production and manufacture of illicit fentanyl.

    “In the face of the fentanyl epidemic, my office will hold both those who distribute illicit fentanyl and those who provide the means to manufacture such substances accountable for their actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “IMC Pro took on a responsibility to ensure the packages shipped under its name complied with federal laws and regulations. I encourage shipping and logistics companies that may have engaged in similar business arrangements to uphold their own responsibilities and assist in the efforts to stop the flow of fentanyl.”

    “In addition to going after the drug cartels, DEA will continue to hold companies accountable who make it easy for drug trafficking organizations to get their hands on precursor chemicals to produce deadly synthetic drugs like fentanyl,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux for the DEA Houston Division. “This first-of-its-kind settlement exposes loopholes some companies are exploiting to bring poison to our communities.”

    The settlement includes an affirmation by IMC Pro that it will not engage in similar business agreements with foreign-based entities at any time now or in the future; the affirmation is binding on the company’s successors in interest as well. IMC Pro, upon being made aware its domestic shipping accounts had been used to transship fentanyl precursors, immediately took steps to shut down such shipping accounts and end the prior business agreements. IMC Pro is further cooperating with the United States to assist in identifying other instances of transshipment of fentanyl precursors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Van De Walle negotiated the settlement on behalf of the United States.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Louis man sentenced to 12+ years’ imprisonment in $1.7 million check fraud scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BENTON, Ill. – A southern Illinois district judge sentenced a St. Louis man to 145 months in federal prison for his involvement in a vehicle sale scheme using fake cashier’s checks and targeting victims in Madison, Jasper, Bond and Fayette counties.

    Valentino Colic, 34, pleaded guilty in September to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud, two counts of interstate transportation of property taken by fraud and six counts of aggravated identity theft. Following imprisonment, he will serve three years of supervised release.

    The 11-count indictment also named co-conspirators Alen Saric, 36, Almir Palic, 25, and Emad Hasanbegovic, 34, all of St. Louis. Saric pleaded guilty in January to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of interstate transportation of property taken by fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 7.

    Palic was sentenced to 51 months in February. Hasanbegovic is facing one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of identity theft. He is scheduled for a court hearing in May.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

    “Criminals are skilled at creating fake checks to look real and defraud victims, so it’s critical for the public to authenticate checks from people not personally known to them by confirming with the issuing bank or waiting until checks are accepted into their bank account before transferring property or otherwise sending funds,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.

    According to court documents, the co-conspirators participated in a scheme to defraud private vehicle sellers on Facebook marketplace and Craigslist with fake cashier’s checks from 2018 until August 2023. The checks were printed on security-enhanced check paper with the names and logos of real banks with fake routing numbers.

    Once the fraudsters possessed a vehicle, they would then resell the vehicle to another individual for cash before the original victim could try to cash the check and realize it was worthless. The conspirators issued at least $1,710,999 in fake cashier’s checks.

    “This investigation is a testament to the strength of collaboration across local, state, and federal law enforcement,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. “This sentencing as well as the upcoming sentencing of co-conspirators highlights efforts the FBI and our partners are making to ensure those who attempt to exploit others for personal gain will be held accountable.”

    To keep the co-conspirators’ names out of the chain of title, they used the names of prior victims to buy and sell the vehicles and forged signatures to complete documents such as titles and bills of sale. When posing as the victims, they often used copies of their photo IDs they had received during the previous sales. By writing bad checks from prior victims, the conspiracy caused even more financial hardship by revictimizing the same people repeatedly.  

    The fraudsters bought and resold vehicles from more than 100 victims across five states. Colic and Saric admitted to driving the vehicles over state lines to benefit the scheme.

    The FBI Springfield Field Office, the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Illinois State Police, Illinois Secretary of State Police, Jefferson County (Missouri) Sheriff’s Department and several local police departments contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter T. Reed is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Dominican Republic Citizen Residing in Cleveland, Ohio, Indicted for Defrauding Grandparents from Western Pennsylvania Out of Tens of Thousands of Dollars

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Cleveland, Ohio, originally from the Dominican Republic has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Receipt of Stolen Money that Crossed a State Border, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    The five-count Indictment names Luis Alfonso Bisono Rodriguez, 34, as the sole defendant. Rodriguez was previously charged on March 21, 2025, by way of Criminal Complaint, and was arrested last week in the Cleveland area.

    As alleged in the Complaint Affidavit, Rodriguez is a member of an organized crime group operating across Pennsylvania and Ohio to defraud victims in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere out of tens of thousands of dollars pursuant to a grandparent fraud scam. As part of that scheme, scammers call a grandparent and impersonate their grandchild in a crisis such as an accident or arrest, and then ask the grandparent to send immediate financial assistance. Money from the victims was picked up in Pennsylvania and delivered by Lyft and Uber drivers to various locations in Northern Ohio, where Rodriguez was captured on surveillance videos from various retail establishments meeting the drivers and receiving the stolen money. Rodriguez then sent much of the fraud proceeds to the Dominican Republic via wire transfers, as well as deposited portions of the fraud proceeds into bank accounts.

    As alleged, between October 2024 and January 2025, at least five elderly individuals from Western Pennsylvania were victimized by the scam and defrauded out of a total of more than $50,000. The investigation has revealed that there are likely many more victims in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and other states. The Federal Bureau of Investigation asks that individuals with information about this scam and/or who believe that they or others they know may have been a victim of the scam report that fraud through the Bureau’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

    Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The Pittsburgh and Cleveland offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Criminal Complaint and Indictment, with the assistance of the Parma Police Department in Northern Ohio and numerous police departments in Western Pennsylvania, including the Millcreek Township Police Department, Grove City Police Department, Scott Township Police Department, Fox Chapel Police Department, Finley Township Police Department, and Hermitage Police Department.

    An indictment and a criminal complaint are accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pittsburgh Drug Dealer Sentenced to 8.5 Years in Prison for Series of Fentanyl, Heroin, Fentanyl Analogue, and Cocaine Trafficking Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 102 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on charges of violating federal drug trafficking laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Jervey Shackelford, 45, on March 25, 2025.

    According to information presented to the Court, Shackelford delivered or attempted to deliver fentanyl and mixtures of heroin and fentanyl to an undercover officer on six separate occasions between February 2022 and June 2022 on Pittsburgh’s North Side. In October 2023, City of Pittsburgh officers executed a search warrant on Shackelford and his vehicle and recovered over 60 grams of fentanyl and 10 grams of cocaine, along with drug packaging materials. Additionally, in August 2024, City of Pittsburgh officers executed a search warrant on an apartment utilized by Shackelford, during which officers recovered 11 bricks of fentanyl and heroin and approximately 100 grams of fentanyl and a fentanyl analogue. Shackelford possessed with an intent to distribute a total of over a quarter kilogram of mixtures of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and heroin across the various incidents.

    Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Ball prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Shackelford.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Jamaican National Indicted For Child Exploitation Crime

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Andrew Higgins, age 37, a Jamaican national, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury with a child exploitation offense.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that beginning on or about January 15, 2025, and continuing through January 17, 2025, Higgins used the internet and an electronic device to attempt to persuade and coerce a child to engage in sexual conduct.

    The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations – RAC Allentown.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.

    The maximum penalty under federal law for the crimes charged in the Indictment is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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