NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: King County Man Who Dealt Narcotics on the Dark Web and Kept a Cache of Weapons at His RV Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison

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

    Law enforcement was already investigating dark web drug trafficking when defendant was shot near Olallie State Park

    Seattle – A King County man, arrested after law enforcement discovered a drug lab and cache of firearms and explosives inside an RV near a state park, was sentenced today to eight years in prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a machinegun, and unlawful possession of destructive devices, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Braiden F. Wilson, 29, and his partner, 30- year-old Chandler B. Bennett were arrested following a May 12, 2024, shooting in rural King County.  At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Lauren King said, the crimes “were egregious… You distributed a large amount of drugs that cause a danger to our community.”

    “Mr. Wilson used the dark web to advertise his potentially deadly wares, shipping fentanyl pills across the country,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Miller. “He further placed the lives of the community in danger by stockpiling a cache of weapons and explosives, which he stored adjacent to a state park frequented by the public.”

    According to records filed in the case, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) was investigating Wilson for dealing drugs on the dark web, when King County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the RV near Olallie State Park when Wilson was shot. The deputies noticed that the RV had surveillance cameras and asked to get access to the recorded video to identify the assailant. Bennett refused to allow law enforcement to enter the RV, so they sought a warrant from a King County Judge.

    When law enforcement entered the RV, they found a large cache of weapons as well as fentanyl powder, tablets containing fentanyl, and sundry items associated with the manufacture of tablets, including a manual pill press. Law enforcement located more than two and a half kilograms of fentanyl-laced pills. Law enforcement seized 16 firearms, body armor, silencers, and ballistic shields. They also found gun parts made from 3D printers – making them untraceable. There were multiple destructive devices and literature on the chemistry and manufacturing of explosives, as well as literature on how to convert firearms to fully automatic capability.

    Agents and officers also searched two storage units associated with Wilson and found two additional pill presses, more controlled substances, and mailing supplies. In all law enforcement seized more than two kilos of fentanyl-laced pills, nearly a kilo of fentanyl powder, and more than three kilos of methamphetamine. Computer and bank records reveal that Wilson distributed controlled substances via his dark web identity more than 2,000 times and he took in more than $287,000 in crypto currency.

    Wilson pleaded guilty in October 2024.

    Asking for an eight-year prison sentence prosecutors wrote to the court, “Wilson engaged in a comprehensive enterprise to distribute fentanyl-laced pills throughout the country by offering his products for sale on dark web 

    marketplaces…  He maintained a veritable armory while engaged in his drug distribution business. Inside the motorhomes Wilson shared with his co-defendant, investigators found an operable machinegun; silencers designed to muffle the report of a discharged firearm; a shotgun stored in a case designed to look like it carried a musical instrument; destructive devices commonly called pipe bombs; and materials to make more destructive devices.”

    “This is another example of great work by our patrol deputies, as they went above and beyond on a call that resulted in taking two dangerous criminals off the street,” said King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall. “Additionally, I am so proud of the work done by our Gun Violence Reduction Unit.  That team was able to ensure the proper steps were taken in this investigation, and in partnership with several federal agencies, were able to hold these people accountable and ensure justice was served.”

    The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), the King County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with assistance from the Washington State Patrol.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Casey Conzatti and Brian Wynne.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Sentencing of New York Man for Role in Scheme Defrauding Bernalillo County

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

    strong>ALBUQUERQUE – A New York man was sentenced today in federal court for his role in a business email compromise scheme that defrauded Bernalillo County of over $447,000.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, Oscar Kipikirui Ngeno, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Kenya, was involved in a business email compromise scheme targeting the government of Bernalillo County, New Mexico. Between October and December 2019, while residing in New York on an immigrant visa, Ngeno allowed others to have access to his bank account, which was used for fraudulent transfers.

    The scheme involved a spoofed email sent to Bernalillo County, purportedly from a legitimate vendor, containing falsified payment information and a phone number controlled by Ngeno. As a result, the county transferred a total of $447,372.89 to Ngeno‘s account over several months.

    Ngeno became aware of the illegal nature of these transfers and the criminal origin of the funds in his account. On November 6, 2019, he used approximately $13,090.82 of the fraudulently obtained money to pay off a personal vehicle loan with Capital One Auto.

    On November 15, 2024, Ngeno pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering, acknowledging his role in the scheme. Ngeno was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $15,000 to Bernalillo County.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Albuquerque Field Office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Buffalo Field Office, the Rochester Resident Agency, Richmond FBI Field Office and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly A. Brawley is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: JMIC’s Role Expands to Entire CMF Operating Area

    Source: United States Navy

    To support the newly expanded JMIC mission, Royal Australian Navy Capt. Jorge McKee, Combined Task Force (CTF) 153 commander, transferred three Naval Cooperation and Guidance of Shipping (NCAGS) specialist officers to JMIC.

    McKee with JMIC Director, U.S. Navy Capt. Lee Stuart, and JMIC Deputy Director, Republic of Singapore Navy Cmdr. Andrew Sim, to transfer the officers, who are from the Royal Netherlands and Royal Norwegian navies.

    Since forming on Feb. 20, 2024, as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG), the international response to attacks on merchant mariners by Yemen-based Houthis terrorists, JMIC has enhanced understanding, information sharing and cooperation between naval and commercial shipping in the region.

    Once responsibility for OPG transferred from CTF 153 to the U.S. Navy’s Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 50 on Feb. 1, JMIC expanded their operating area so they can provide the same level of service to the entire operating area.

    JMIC’s regular information products now include incident monitoring, reporting and security assessments for the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Northwestern Indian Ocean in addition to the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab.

    “These officers have been an integral part of this task force, bringing valuable specialist commercial shipping industry expertise to inform daily operational decisions that I, and the rest of the team, have greatly appreciated,” McKee said. “We look forward to seeing their expertise benefit all CMF task forces and shipping operators across the region.”

    Stuart likened the officers to the first crew of a newly commissioned ship.

    “These officers are JMIC ‘plank owners.’” Stuart said. “They comprise the first crew of a combined unit supporting the free flow of commerce and commercial mariner safety for years to come.”

    JMIC welcomes engagement from shipping industry stakeholders via its new LinkedIn page at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jmic

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: U.S. 5th Fleet Reserve Sailors Integrated in the International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2025

    Source: United States Navy

    More than 80 Reservists took part in the ninth iteration of IMX, the largest multinational training event in the Middle East. IMX involved 5,000 personnel from more than 30 nations and international organizations committed to preserving the rules-based international order and strengthening regional maritime security cooperation.
    During the exercise, Reservists supported NAVCENT exercise serials for maritime operations, including intelligence briefings, logistics planning, and responses to medical emergencies — all designed to prepare them to fill the roles of their active-component counterparts at a moment’s notice while also working alongside partner nations.

    The immersive training brought many Reservists to the Maritime Operations Center and provided valuable experiences needed if called upon for duty.

    “This iteration of IMX featured more real world involvement of more real world elements than other exercises I have been a part of as a Navy Reservist,” said Chief Operations Specialist Brendan McLendon. “To be on the watch floor and knowing that there are real ships underway, executing real events, made IMX an all-encompassing exercise I was happy to be a part of.”
    Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Christopher Stark was at his third IMX, and acknowledged the work alongside partner nations was more integrated than previous editions.
    “I was not able to work alongside each nation represented at IMX, but the ones I did work alongside were very professional,” said Stark. “They brought a lot of different knowledge and experience with them and to the methods they approach each scenario, which was interesting to learn.”

    “If we did have a need to work alongside our partner nations, having this kind of preexisting relationship already in place is a good thing,” added McLendon.

    Rear Adm. Jeff Jurgemeyer, the NAVCENT/C5F vice commander, participated fully in IMX 25 and addressed the 83 reserve Sailors at the culmination of the exercise.

    “I hope you all had a worthwhile experience here in Bahrain during IMX,” said Jurgemeyer.
    Also, he reinforced, that in an increasingly dynamic global security environment, exercises such as IMX display the critical role reserve Sailors play in current operations.

    “The importance of what you all bring to NAVCENT and 5th Fleet in providing the support to be able to come in here is widely recognized. I get a lot of positive fededback about you all and they really appreciate that here. It can be hard for Vice Adm. Wikoff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, to tell who is a reservist and who is not, and that is certainly what I like to hear.”

    NAVCENT/C5F is the maritime component commander of U.S. Central Command in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, which encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse comprises more than 20 countries and includes three critical choke points: the Suez Canal, and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Joint Maritime Information Center Meets with Cruise Ship Industry Officials to Discuss Red Sea Security

    Source: United States Navy

    U.S. Navy Capt. Lee Stuart, JMIC director, along with representatives of Combined Task Force (CTF) 153 of the Combined Maritime Forces, briefed ships’ masters, senior officers and corporate security managers on the current Middle East region maritime security situation, specifically in the Red Sea. CTF 153 is responsible for maritime security in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Western Gulf of Aden.

    “The Red Sea attacks highlighted the gap in understanding between commercial shipping and navies. JMIC aims to bridge that gap and increase cooperation to help keep mariners and passengers safe at sea,” said Stuart.

    Stuart also outlined JMIC’s role, composition, operations and range of information products, including its incident-specific Information Notes and monthly reports with rolling statistical analysis.

    “The cruise industry is highly competitive, rapidly growing, sets schedules years ahead and must keep passenger safety as paramount,” he said.

    Stuart also introduced JMIC’s Bridge Emergency Reference Cards, which guide bridge crews on actions to take before, during and after an incident.

    The deepening engagement comes as cruise operators and other commercial shipping operators cautiously evaluate the risk of returning to the Red Sea.

    “The cruise industry has some difficult decisions to make in response to the region’s complex and dynamic regional security situation,” Stuart said. “JMIC has a vital role to play in giving them reliable information to help their decision-making.”

    The Joint Maritime Information Center, initially formed in February 2024 to engage commercial shipping stakeholders regarding Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, recently became a permanent part of Combined Maritime Forces with a broader, region-wide mandate.

    Similar cruise industry engagements are planned for the future. JMIC also welcomes engagement from shipping industry stakeholders via its LinkedIn page at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jmic.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Crescent Township Resident Charged with Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant remains detained after searches also revealed more than 20 firearms and evidence of antisemitic and violent extremist ideologies

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Glenwillard, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    The one-count Indictment named Aidan Harding, 20, as the sole defendant.

    According to the Indictment and other information presented to the Court, on or about December 11, 2024, Harding possessed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, including videos containing the sexual abuse of prepubescent minors.

    On January 27, 2025, Harding was charged by criminal complaint and, at a February 12, 2025, detention hearing, ordered to be held without bond pending trial after the United States introduced evidence that Harding committed the charged offense and possessed additional materials depicting violent sexual assaults. In addition, in support of its contention that Harding presented an unacceptable danger to the community, the United States presented testimony and documentary evidence that Harding adhered to a racially-motivated violent extremist ideology, possessed more than 20 firearms, had targeted Pittsburgh’s Jewish community with antisemitic fliers, and made statements online about his interest in “political and revenge driven” mass casualty events, including references to the shooter who murdered 11 congregants at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. The evidence also established that Harding, who had been previously adjudicated delinquent for terroristic threats after discussing online his desire to commit a “high kill count” attack, possessed videos of mass shootings from the United States and other countries, and had filmed himself re-enacting the Columbine mass shooting at a memorial honoring the victims of that attack.

    The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

    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 (CEOS), 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.justice.gov/psc.

    An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty To Filing A False Tax Return; Avoided Paying More Than $1 Million In Taxes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey man admitted to filing a false tax return and causing more than $200,000 in tax losses for tax year 2018, Acting United States Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Francis Esposito, 66, of Red Bank, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court today to an Information charging him with one count of filing a false tax return.

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

    Esposito was the sole or majority owner of numerous entities. For tax years 2015 through 2018, Esposito derived certain income through these entities that he failed to report on his Form 1040.

    For tax year 2018, Esposito had approximately $719,272 of unreported income, which resulted in a tax loss of approximately $216,635. For tax year 2017, Esposito had approximately $940,978 of unreported income, which resulted in a tax loss of approximately $383,806. For tax year 2016, Esposito had approximately $746,886 of unreported income, which resulted in a tax loss of approximately $304,640. For tax year 2015, Esposito had approximately $589,929 of unreported income, which resulted in a tax loss of approximately $244,291. In total, Esposito’s unreported income resulted in a tax loss of approximately $1,149,372.

    The filing a false tax return charge has a maximum term of three years, and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gain or loss resulting from the offense.

    Acting United States Attorney Khanna credited special agents of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan in Newark.  

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vinay Limbachia and Andrew Kogan of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects Over $20 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2024

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C. – Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina collected over $20 million in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2024. Of this amount, over $14 million was collected in criminal actions and over $6 million was collected in civil actions.

    Additionally, the Eastern District of North Carolina worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $27,680.71 in cases pursued jointly by these offices.

    The Eastern District of North Carolina’s successful collection efforts included the identification and recovery of over $800,000.00 transferred and concealed by criminal defendant Shephard Spruill, who participated in fraudulent billings to Medicaid by abusing his access to patient information.  In another example of successful enforcement, the Eastern District of North Carolina recovered over $500,000 from civil defendant Michael Robinson for amounts fraudulently obtained from farm assistance programs run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  The recovery of funds fraudulently obtained from such government programs is vital for ensuring the preservation of important public resources.

    The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

    The Eastern District of North Carolina also aggressively pursued criminal and civil asset forfeiture remedies to disgorge criminals of their ill-gotten gains and recover funds that can subsequently be remitted to the victims of financial crime.  Working with partner agencies and divisions, this office collected over two million in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2024. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

    In addition to those deposits, during Fiscal Year 2024, the Eastern District of North Carolina, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, seized and processed for forfeiture nearly $5 million in Tether (USDT) cryptocurrency that is alleged to be proceeds of cryptocurrency confidence investment schemes, a type of fraud scheme in which fraudsters develop romantic or other personal online relationships with a victim and then convince them to invest substantial sums of money through fake apps that are designed to look like legitimate cryptocurrency exchange apps, but instead  deceive the victim into believing that they are earning high rates of return on their investments while really funneling the cryptocurrency directly to the fraudsters’ personal wallets.  Even larger cryptocurrency seizures and forfeitures are anticipated and in progress in the coming year as law enforcement works aggressively to combat this devastating form of criminal activity.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Rockford-Area Contractor Sent To Prison For Investment Scam

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

              LANSING – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge announced today that Matthew Mencarelli, 39, of Belmont, Michigan was sentenced to 97 months in prison for a wire fraud scheme in which he offered phony investments in nonexistent “fiber optic cable” and other infrastructure projects. He used the money to finance his lifestyle and make Ponzi-type payments to earlier investors. U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou, who imposed the sentence, found Mencarelli responsible for causing $1,615,180 in loss to 15 victims of the scheme.    

              “Those who steal from others to line their own pockets will be held accountable,” Birge said. “We are committed to combatting financial fraud and white-collar crime and would like to thank the victims who came forward to report it.”

              “Today’s sentencing of Matthew Mencarelli sends a stern message that fraudulent investment schemes will not be tolerated in Michigan,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI remains committed to investigating and deterring financial fraud that harms our community. We appreciate the Grand Rapids Police Department for their invaluable partnership and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Michigan in bringing Mr. Mencarelli to justice.”

              Court records indicate that Mencarelli, who owned a contracting business called Matthew’s Woodworking LLC, began soliciting fictitious investments in 2018 when his business was suffering from financial difficulties and unsatisfied customers.  He approached friends and acquaintances from his family’s yacht club and county club and told them he had lucrative contracts with local governments in Traverse City to install fiber optic cable or other infrastructure projects.  He told them he needed money to maintain a “surety bond” in connection with the contracts and guaranteed high rates of return if the investors loaned him money. In truth, there were no such contracts and Mencarelli used the money instead to finance his lifestyle, pouring at least $400,000 into a custom-built home.  He also used payments from newer investors to pay off older investors. When it came time to pay investors back, he lied, bullied, and threatened them and manufactured false documents to maintain the charade.   

              The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Stiffler.

    # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Two men convicted of murdering a man in Croydon.

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two men have been convicted of murder as detectives appeal to the public for help to locate an outstanding suspect.

    David Walcott, 35 (18.08.89) of Turle Road, Norbury and Rammon Mali, 33 (08.12.91) of Valley Road, Croydon, were found guilty of the murder of Rijkaard Siafa on Wednesday, 26 February at the Old Bailey, following a five-week trial.

    Walcott was also found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon.

    A murder investigation was launched after police were called to reports of a man stabbed in Fellmongers Yard, Croydon on Friday, 12 April 2024.

    A number of members of the public attempted to provide first aid, before police, London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance arrived at the scene. Sadly, despite their efforts, Rijkaard died at the scene only 30 minutes later.

    In court, Walcott and Mali claimed that they were present, but were not the ones who stabbed Rijkaard. However they were unanimously found guilty of murder by the jury.

    Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “Our thoughts very much remain with Rijkaard’s family and friends, who had to re-live the last traumatic moments of his young life during the trial after the defendants failed to take responsibility for their actions.

    “The defendants acted together, as a team. They had been looking for Rijkaard during the afternoon of Friday, 12 April and when they found him, they viscously attacked him. He didn’t stand a chance.”

    The court heard that on the day of the murder Rijkaard had been at a friend’s flat near Fellmongers Yard, before leaving to meet his partner. Only a few minutes after leaving the flat, he had been stabbed 13 times.

    After the attack, Walcott and Mali immediately fled the scene. They then went to a pub on nearby Katharine Street, where they ordered three pints of beer.

    As part of the investigation, officers viewed more than 100 hours of CCTV and were subsequently able to identify both Walcott and Mali.

    A fast-paced manhunt was launched and a few days later officers were able to track Walcott to an address on Lewin Road, SW16. He was arrested on Friday, 19 April 2024 and charged the following day.

    Mali fled the country on Tuesday, 16 April 2024. He was arrested at Gatwick Airport upon his return on Sunday, 5 May 2024 and charged the following day.

    They are due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey at a later date.

    Detectives are continuing to offer a reward of up to £10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and charge of Jordan Vincent, who remains wanted for Rijkaard’s murder.

    DCI Townsend, said: “Even though Walcott and Mali have been convicted for the murder of Rijkaard, our investigation continues.

    “Rijkaard was only 22 and had his full life ahead of him – our team remains resolute in helping them secure justice and need the public’s help to do so.

    “I am grateful to all those who have come forward so far but we are appealing to people to dig deep into their consciences to help us locate Jordon Vincent. If you have any information – no matter how insignificant you think it might be – I would urge you to get in contact as this could prove to be crucial.”

    Information, images or footage can be provided at Public Portal – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS24W40-PO1

    Alternatively, anyone who has information or footage can call 0208 721 4961 referencing Op Biscot. To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Japan’s Reports on Conditions at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 21 February 2025

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    On 21 February 2025, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during November, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent to all international Missions in Japan.

    The report contains information on discharges from the subdrain and groundwater drain systems, as well as on groundwater bypassing conducted during the month of November. In both cases, in advance of the action, TEPCO analyzes the quality of the groundwater to be discharged and announces the results. These results confirm that the radiation level of sampled water are substantially below the operational targets set by TEPCO.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Bay Roberts and Port aux Basques — RCMP NL arrests impaired drivers in North River and Port aux Basques

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Two drivers, one in North River and the other in Port aux Basques, were arrested by RCMP NL for impaired operation on February 25, 2025.

    At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Bay Roberts RCMP responded to a single-vehicle crash in North River. A vehicle was stuck in a snow bank on North River Road. Upon arrival, police observed signs of alcohol impairment and administered a roadside breath test on the driver, a 36-year-old man. The man failed the roadside breath test and was arrested for impaired operation. At the detachment, the man provided further breath samples that were more than twice the legal limit.

    Later that evening, shortly after 8:00 p.m., Channel-Port aux Basques RCMP were called to the Marine Atlantic Ferry Terminal in Port aux Basques to investigate a suspected impaired driver who was waiting to board the ferry. The driver, a 51-year-old man, failed a roadside breath test and was arrested for impaired operation. At the detachment, the man provided further breath samples that were more than three and a half times the legal limit.

    Both drivers were released from custody and are set to appear in court at later dates to answer to charges of impaired operation. Both drivers received licence suspensions and the vehicles were seized and impounded.

    Those who choose to drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs place themselves and all others who share the roadway at increased risk of serious injuries or death. RCMP NL thanks the public for continuing to report suspected impaired drivers.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Melfort — Melfort RCMP: have you seen Tyrell Yeo?

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Melfort RCMP is asking the public to report all sightings and information on the whereabouts of 30-year-old Tyrell Yeo.

    He is wanted by Melfort RCMP for charges including kidnapping, assault, break and enter, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and mischief under $5,000 in relation to an incident on February 24 in Melfort RCMP’s detachment area. The victim reported non-life-threatening injuries to police.

    Melfort RCMP are actively working to locate and arrest him.

    He is described as approximately 5’10” and 150 lbs. He has brown hair and hazel eyes.

    If you see him, do not approach him. Contact Melfort RCMP by dialling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Newport News men sentenced to life in prison for a series of six robberies and five murders

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Three Newport News men have been sentenced after they were convicted by a federal jury on charges relating to a series of violent crimes that included five murders and two additional shootings.

    According to court records and evidence presented at trial, from at least Jan. 16, 2017, through November 2017, Ronzel Monte Dixie, aka Bone or Bizzy, 31; Kwaimain Shy’de Redmon, aka Kwa, 30; and Meko Montez Brown Jr., aka Gangsta or 9-Ball, 26, along with others, carried out at least seven shootings, including five murders, four commercial robberies, three drug robberies, and three car thefts and engaged in two high-speed chases from police. During these robberies, the men were armed with various firearms including a .22 caliber Uzi-style firearm, a 1911 handgun, a Ruger P95 9mm pistol, and a stolen P9 Kahr 9mm pistol. During the course of the conspiracy, the defendants stole at least two cars. Victims included cellphone stores, drug dealers, gas stations/convenience stores, a correctional officer, and others. During most of the robberies, the men brandished and sometimes discharged their firearms.

    On Oct. 1, 2017, Dixie, Redmon, and another person robbed a drug dealer during a home invasion of her apartment. The group brandished two firearms and took drugs, currency, and the victim’s Lexus sedan.

    On Oct. 12, 2017, Dixie and another person robbed a different drug dealer for bail money to secure a bond for Redmon, who had been arrested on Oct. 11, 2017, while fleeing on foot from the Lexus automobile they had stolen during the robbery on Oct. 1, 2017.

    On Oct. 16, 2017, Dixie and Redmon summoned another individual to the Hoss’s Deli in Newport News because they had a problem with someone at the bar. They followed their target, who left Hoss’s Deli on a motorcycle, and Dixie fired a Ruger P95 from the passenger window of their vehicle, resulting in the victim’s death. Dixie executed the victim by firing again as he lay in the roadway. Following the shooting, Dixie and Redmon rummaged through the victim’s pockets and took his wallet.

    Later on Oct. 16, 2017, Dixie, Redmon, and the other individual approached the Happy Shopper convenience store in Hampton as it was closing. While demanding money, the third individual shot the store owner in the face. They proceeded to look through the store owner’s van for money and anything of value. During the robbery, Dixie executed a store employee by twice shooting him in the back of the head while he lay face down in the parking lot.

    On Nov. 7, 2017, Dixie, Brown, and another individual robbed another drug dealer, taking his P9 Kahr firearm. Approximately an hour later on Nov. 7, 2017, Dixie, Brown, and the other individual robbed an authorized retailer for MetroPCS in Hampton by brandishing the stolen firearm.

    On Nov. 8, 2017, Dixie, Brown, and another individual shot and killed a man at 9:20 p.m., and then shot a correctional officer at 9:31 p.m. during an attempted robbery. Dixie boasted that he killed the first man because his nickname was “Wavy 10” and he wanted 10 bodies to his name.

    On Nov. 9, 2017, Brown and another individual robbed a Miller Mart convenience store in Chesapeake. Brown brandished the P9 Kahr firearm and stole money from the business.

    On Nov. 10, 2017, Dixie, Brown, Redmon, and another individual stole a Cadillac in Newport News. As Brown attempted to drive the Cadillac from the parking lot, he hit another vehicle. When the driver of that vehicle followed the Cadillac, Brown shot and killed him. An hour later, Brown attempted to rob a victim who was just getting home to his apartment. During the robbery, Brown fired the P9 Kahr at the victim, but missed. The gun jammed, however, and the victim returned fire. After Dixie, Brown, Redmon, and the other individual fled the scene, Dixie used the firearm to shoot and kill a homeless person, firing multiple rounds at the victim while exclaiming, “My gun does not jam.”

    On Nov. 11, 2017, Dixie, Brown, and another individual robbed another authorized retailer for MetroPCS in Newport News. A family with two young children was present at the time of the robbery. Dixie, Brown, and the other individual brandished the firearm and stole money from the business.

    Dixie was convicted of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, five counts of interference with commerce by robbery, five counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, five counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and one count of use of a firearm resulting in death. Dixie was sentenced to five consecutive life sentences plus a consecutive 30 years.

    Redmon was convicted of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and one count of use of a firearm resulting in death.  Redmon was sentenced to life in prison plus a consecutive 57 years.

    Brown was convicted of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, three counts of interference with commerce by robbery, three counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and one count of obstruction of justice. Brown was sentenced to life in prison plus a consecutive 54 years.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Michael Feinberg, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak. The Newport News Police Department and Hampton Police Division assisted in the investigation of this case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa R. McKeel and Mack Coleman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard J. Zlotnick 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 No. 4:22-cr-74.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former CBP Officer Convicted of Smuggling Cocaine from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Atlanta

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ATLANTA – Following a five-day jury trial, Ivan Van Beverhoudt, 45, of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, has been convicted of importing and possessing with intent to distribute more than 16 kilograms of cocaine.

    “Van Beverhoudt used his trusted position as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer to circumvent the law and smuggle dangerous drugs into our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr.  “Thanks to the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners, Van Beverhoudt is now being held accountable and faces time in federal prison.”

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges, and other information presented in court: On January 10, 2020, Van Beverhoudt, a former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, boarded a commercial flight from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands to Atlanta with 16 bricks of cocaine in two carry-on bags.  To avoid TSA screening in St. Thomas, Van Beverhoudt traveled in his official capacity with his loaded CBP-issued firearm.  Upon arriving at the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, en route to his final destination of Baltimore, Maryland, a trained narcotics K-9 officer in the jetway alerted to Van Beverhoudt’s luggage, resulting in the discovery of the cocaine. 

    At the conclusion of his jury trial, Van Beverhoudt was convicted of conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, importation of cocaine into the United States, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

    This case is being investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bethany L. Rupert and Bret R. Hobson are prosecuting the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurel B. Milam also contributed to the prosecution of the case.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov.

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Lake Charles Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Jeremy Wade Denegall, 45, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge David C. Joseph to 144 months (12 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, on drug trafficking charges.

    On February 22, 2022, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of Denegall’s vehicle for a traffic violation on Interstate 10. Denegall was the sole occupant and driver of the vehicle. When officers approached the vehicle, they detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside and a search was conducted. Inside the vehicle they found a plastic baggie with a substance consistent with crack cocaine, a plastic bag containing a large amount of a crystal-like substance determined to be methamphetamine and also fentanyl. In addition, two firearms and a magazine with 19 rounds of ammunition and two digital scales were found.

    Denegall was charged and pleaded guilty on November 15, 2024, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. 

    The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney LaDonte A. Murphy.

    # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Berkeley County Man Admits to Role in Drug Trafficking Organization

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Reyes, age 55, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to working with others in a large-scale drug operation in the Eastern Panhandle. 

    Reyes pled guilty to the distribution of cocaine. According to court documents and statements made in court, Reyes was selling drugs for the drug trafficking organization

    Reyes is facing 20 years to life in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

    The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force was the lead investigative unit. Other investigative agencies that assisted include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including the Pittsburgh, San Francisco, San Juan, and Philadelphia Field Offices; United States Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; United States Postal Service; Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisville and Chicago Divisions; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; West Virginia State Police; Martinsburg Police Department; Ranson Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; West Virginia Air National Guard; Mineral County Sheriff’s Office; Grant County Sheriff’s Office; Hampshire County Sheriff’s Department; Keyser Police Department; Northwest Regional Drug Task Force, Virginia; Pennsylvania State Police; Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania; Winchester Police Department, Virginia; Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia; Virginia State Police; Sunnyvale Police Department, California. 

    U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Morgantown Physician Sentenced for Tax Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – David M. Anderson, age 64, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced to six months in federal prison for filing false tax returns.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Anderson, a physician, filed false tax returns that understated his taxable income and made false claims to lessen his tax burden, causing a loss to the IRS of $143,599 over a four-year period.

    Anderson will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor Hurney prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation investigated.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Jefferson County Man Sentenced for Cocaine Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jamie Green, age 47, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General intercepted a package containing more than two pounds of cocaine mailed from Los Angeles, California, to Green’s address in Jefferson County, West Virginia. Investigators arrested Green at his home. He has prior convictions for drugs, aggravated assault by a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, and firearms convictions.

    Green will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    Investigative agencies include the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the West Virginia State Police, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

    U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for importing drugs into prison

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been jailed for flying drones containing drugs, tobacco and phones into prisons in London and across the south-east.

    Mahamood Diallo Blin, 26 (19.11.98) of Charlton Church Lane, Greenwich was sentenced to six years and 11 months’ imprisonment on Monday, 24 February at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

    Blin previously pleaded guilty at the same court to conspiracy to convey Class A drugs, conspiracy to convey mobile phones as well as conspiracy to convey tobacco.

    A Met Police investigation was launched in August 2023 after prison staff discovered a drone that had crashed inside HMP Pentonville containing drugs and mobile phones. Detectives linked the drone to a previous incident where it had crashed into HMP Coldingley in Surrey a year prior.

    A joint investigation began involving the Met Police and the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit which identified 37 incidents of drugs, tobacco and mobile phones being flown into prison in the local area.

    Blin was later charged in connection with these crimes and other offences on Tuesday, 5 March 2024.

    Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Zara Baker, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “The Met is focused on tackling drug dealing as we know it fuels other crime and anti-social behaviour across London.

    “Smuggling illegal drugs into prison increases the risk of violence towards those working within prisons and to other inmates. It adds to the struggles faced by those affected by addiction and attempting to rehabilitate while serving their sentences.

    “Blin’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the offences he committed and I hope his sentence sends a clear message that offenders will be brought to justice. We will continue to work closely with His Majesty’s Prison Service, South East Regional Organised Crime Unit and the Crown Prosecution Service to tackle serious organised crime and target those who profit from the crime at the expense of others.”

    A spokesperson from the South East Prison Intelligence Unit in SEROCU, said: “Tackling the issue of conveyance of drugs and other illicit items into prisons using drones is one of our priorities.

    “By working closely with both the Metropolitan Police Service and HM Prison & Probation Service we have been able to ensure that someone who was prolifically using drones to fly prohibited items into the prison estate with complete disregard for the harm this caused, has been stopped in his tracks.

    “We will continue to work together to disrupt this activity which fuels organised crime.”

    If you have any information about criminality involving drugs, please call your local police force on 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Man pleads guilty to sexual assaults

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has admitted numerous offences after officers linked him to a series of sexual assaults on teenage girls near Clapham Common.

    John Nyhan, 22 (09.02.03), of Ingrave Street, Wandsworth, pleaded guilty at Kingston Crown Court to three sexual assaults.

    Nyhan previously pleaded guilty on Thursday, 13 February at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court to one count of harassment.

    Detective Inspector Aaron Moon, whose team led the investigation, said: “Nyhan remains in custody until his sentencing following his guilty plea.

    “We know that his offending has caused a lot of concern locally and I hope that his conviction will allay some of those fears. It’s possible that Nyhan may have committed further offences that have not yet been reported to police and I would encourage anyone who is yet to speak with us to please come forward.”

    Detectives linked three sexual assaults committed between Wednesday, 8 January and Tuesday, 4 February in the Clapham Common area.

    As a result of enquiries, Nyhan was identified and arrested on Tuesday, 11 February. He was charged two days later.

    Nyhan was remanded in custody for sentencing, which will take place at Kingston Crown Court on Thursday, 10 April.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: DHA Acting Assistant Director, AD-HCA visits NAMRU San Antonio

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (Feb. 25, 2025) – Rear Adm. Matthew Case, the Defense Health Agency’s (DHA) acting assistant director, Health Administration (AD-HCA) visited with leadership and staff of Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio.

    The purpose of the visit was to better understand NAMRU San Antonio ‘s mission, capabilities, and impact to Navy Medicine.

    Case, who additional serves as the director of the Navy Medical Service Corps, toured NAMRU San Antonio facilities at the Battlefield Health and Trauma (BHT) Research Institute and Tri-Service Research Laboratory.

    While touring BHT, Case was briefed research on bacterial reduction efficacy of a portable ozone sterilizer, tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) treatments in extreme cold, bone fracture fixation technology for craniomaxillofacial (CMF) fractures, development of a novel antivenom against specific snakebites, and an in-house design of an amalgam separator for dental chairs.

    Case is the fifth Navy Corps director to visit NAMRU San Antonio within the past two years. Rear Admirals Guido Valdes (Medical Corps), Walter Brafford (Dental Corps), Robert Hawkins (Nurse Corps), and Force Master Chief PatrickPaul C. Mangaran (Hospital Corps) have visited the unit since January 2023.

    NAMRU San Antonio is one of eight research laboratories within Navy Medicine Research and Development.

    Its mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Deputy Commander Strengthens Partnerships in Tanzania

    Source: United States AFRICOM

    Lt. Gen. John Brennan, U S. Africa Command Deputy Commander, traveled to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Feb. 20-21 to meet with the Chief of Tanzanian People ‘s Defence Forces Gen. Jacob John Mkunda, and to be the keynote speaker at the closing ceremony for Exercise Cutlass Express.

    “We see Tanzania as a key strategic partner in East Africa; an anchor of security and stability,” Brennan said during his meeting with the chief of defence on Feb. 21. 

    Brennan and Mkunda discussed past, ongoing, and future security cooperation activities and opportunities between the United States and Tanzania, with both highlighting the importance of the newly-signed agreement between Tanzania and the Nebraska National Guard as part of the U.S. State Partnership Program.  Under the SPP, Nebraska Guard members will travel to Tanzania to train together with Tanzanian forces, strengthening both organizations and reinforcing the U.S.-Tanzanian partnership, with reciprocal visits by TPDF to Nebraska to participate in their annual training.

    Following the meeting, Brennan attended the U.S. Sixth Fleet- and TPDF-hosted closing ceremony for Exercise Cutlass Express 2025, concluding the exercise’s 15th iteration since 2011.

    Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Michael Mhona, Chief of operations and training for the Tanzanian people’s defence forces, spoke about the importance of training together with regional partners. 

    “Cutlass Express 2025 has been an outstanding demonstration of the power of cooperation, mutual respect, and commitment to the power of regional security,” Mhona said.

    The exercise took place from Feb. 10-21 and hosted over 1000 participants from 20 partner nations as part of a global network of partners that enhance cooperation and expertise in maritime security operations in the Western Indian Ocean.

    Brennan echoed the importance of security cooperation and thanked TPDF organizers for hosting the exercise and being a strong partner to the United States.

    “We greatly appreciate Tanzania hosting both Cutlas Express and Justified Accord simultaneously, which demonstrates not only their exceptional hospitality, but the TPDF’s capability as well,” Brennan said during his remarks. “This is an enduring partnership we want to continue to foster and grow to connect allies and partners from five continents for a common purpose.”

    Cutlass Express focuses on enabling East African partners to expand their capacity and capability to support maritime security operations and combat threats such as piracy, trafficking and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The coordination of 10 national maritime operations centers across eight partner nations sought to improve regional coordination, with this year being the first to feature a U.S. P-8A Poseidon aircraft to establish communication links during a Cutlass Express. Visit, board, search and seizure training in both Tanzania and Mauritius, as well as a week-long rule of law course hosted in Seychelles, allowed partners to share and refine their tactics for interdiction operations while ensuring a legal finish to hold malign actors accountable for illicit at-sea activity.

    Participants spanned five continents and included Australia, Belgium, Comoros, Djibouti, France, Georgia, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom.

    Cutlass Express is one of three regional maritime exercises led by U.S. Sixth Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities to African forces and international partners to address maritime security concerns.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for importing drugs and contraband into prison following Met investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been jailed for flying drones containing drugs, tobacco and phones into prisons in London and across the south-east.

    Mahamood Diallo Blin, 26 (19.11.98) of Charlton Church Lane, Greenwich was sentenced to six years and 11 months’ imprisonment on Monday, 24 February at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

    Blin previously pleaded guilty at the same court to conspiracy to convey Class A drugs, conspiracy to convey mobile phones as well as conspiracy to convey tobacco.

    A Met Police investigation was launched in August 2023 after prison staff discovered a drone that had crashed inside HMP Pentonville containing drugs and mobile phones. Detectives linked the drone to a previous incident where it had crashed into HMP Coldingley in Surrey a year prior.

    A joint investigation began involving the Met Police and the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit which identified 37 incidents of drugs, tobacco and mobile phones being flown into prison in the local area.

    Blin was later charged in connection with these crimes and other offences on Tuesday, 5 March 2024.

    Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Zara Baker from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said: “The Met is focused on tackling drug dealing as we know it fuels other crime and anti-social behaviour across London.

    “Smuggling illegal drugs into prison increases the risk of violence towards those working within prisons and to other inmates. It adds to the struggles faced by those affected by addiction and attempting to rehabilitate while serving their sentences.

    “Blin’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the offences he committed and I hope his sentence sends a clear message that offenders will be brought to justice. We will continue to work closely with His Majesty’s Prison Service, South East Regional Organised Crime Unit and the Crown Prosecution Service to tackle serious organised crime and target those who profit from the crime at the expense of others.”

    A spokesperson from the South East Prison Intelligence Unit in SEROCU, said: “Tackling the issue of conveyance of drugs and other illicit items into prisons using drones is one of our priorities.

    “By working closely with both the Metropolitan Police Service and HM Prison & Probation Service we have been able to ensure that someone who was prolifically using drones to fly prohibited items into the prison estate with complete disregard for the harm this caused, has been stopped in his tracks.

    “We will continue to work together to disrupt this activity which fuels organised crime.”

    If you have any information about criminality involving drugs, please call your local police force on 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Officer’s bravery leads to jailing of knifeman

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The outstanding bravery and quick thinking of an officer who single-handedly tackled a knifeman has seen the suspect jailed.

    PC Morgan Younger managed to take Fitzgerald Carty, 66, to the ground and disarm and restrain him while calling for further assistance.

    Carty, who was trying to stab another man, admitted two offences at Woolwich Crown Court.

    He was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment for attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and six months’ jail, to run concurrently, for possession of a knife.

    Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, in charge of policing Lewisham where the incident happened, said: “A dangerous man is now behind bars thanks to the outstanding work of PC Younger.

    “He saw a very violent crime in progress and didn’t hesitate to race in and wrestle the knifeman to the ground. I have no doubt without his intervention, the victim would have been seriously injured.

    “PC Younger was calm and professional and everything we want our police officers to be. We are extremely proud of his actions and he has been nominated for a commendation.”

    The incident happened at a petrol station in Lee High Road, Lewisham at around 15:00hrs on Saturday, 25 January.

    PC Younger, who is attached to South East Command Unit and has five years’ service, was on patrol when he stopped at the petrol station to quickly buy a drink. At the entrance, he saw a man grab the victim around the throat and try to stab him with a large knife.

    The officer immediately responded, took hold of the suspect and struggled with him while he continued to wield the knife.

    He managed to bring him to the floor and disarm him without any help.

    He then restrained him single-handedly while calling for back-up and still managing to arrest Carty.

    He kept the man under control for five minutes until further officers arrived to help.

    The victim, aged in his 40s, was not injured thanks to PC Younger’s swift work.

    PC Younger, aged 23, said: “I had just stopped to get a drink before an appointment when I saw the commotion.

    “I acted instinctively and without question, I just needed to stop a clearly dangerous man with a knife. My training kicked in and I did everything I could.

    “I live and breathe policing – I have a strong desire to help those in need, and keep people safe.

    “I’m just pleased the victim was not injured and the suspect is now in prison.”

    Carty, (13.10.58), of Dacre Park, Lewisham, was arrested and charged on Sunday, 26 January with possession of a knife and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent. He knew the victim and the knife attack stemmed from a previous dispute.

    Carty pleaded guilty to both offences on Monday, 24 February and was imprisoned.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: North Bay Man Pleads Guilty To Aggravated Sexual Abuse Of Victim In Marin Headlands

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN FRANCISCO – Esbin Ramirez-Garcia, 28, of Rohnert Park, pleaded guilty today to aggravated sexual abuse of a victim while in the Marin Headlands.

    Defendant was indicted by a federal grand jury on Aug. 22, 2024, on one count of aggravated sexual abuse in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2241(a).  In pleading guilty, Ramirez-Garcia admitted that late in the evening on Aug. 2, 2024, while giving the victim, with whom he had a prior relationship, a ride from her workplace in his truck, he asked her to get back together with him.  Ramirez-Garcia and the victim got into an argument and she refused to resume their relationship.  Defendant deviated from the route to the victim’s home.  The victim asked to be let out of the vehicle, but Ramirez-Garcia grabbed her with his hand and continued driving, forcing her to accompany him.

    According to the plea agreement, Ramirez-Garcia then drove his truck to a parking lot in the Marin Headlands, which is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and parked just after midnight.  Ramirez-Garcia admitted that he forcibly placed his body on top of the victim’s body while she sat in the passenger seat and sexually assaulted her.

    Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin, and National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Acting Special Agent in Charge Betsy Smith made the announcement.

    Defendant has been in custody since August 2024.  Ramirez-Garcia’s sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2025, before Senior U.S. District Judge William Alsup.  Defendant faces a statutory maximum of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.  Any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Chen and Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Wistar Wilson are prosecuting this case with the assistance of Sara Slattery, Maureen French, and Fernanda Gonzalez.  This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary Noem Announces Agency Will Enforce Laws That Penalize Aliens in the Country Illegally

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    DHS Will Use Every Available Tool to Compel Illegal Aliens to Self-Deport 

    WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary Kristi Noem announced the Department of Homeland Security will fully enforce the Immigration and Nationality Act, which created multiple tools to track illegal aliens and compel them to leave the country voluntarily. These tools include criminal penalties for certain aliens who:   

    • Willfully fail to depart the United States. 
    • Fail to register with the federal government and be fingerprinted. 
    • Fail to apprise the federal government of changes to their address. 

    An alien’s failure to depart the U.S. is a crime that could result in significant financial penalty. An alien’s failure to register is a crime that could result in a fine, imprisonment, or both. For decades, this law has been ignored—not anymore.  

    Compelling mass self-deportation is a safer path for aliens and law enforcement, and saves U.S. taxpayer dollars, in addition to conserving valuable Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) resources needed to keep Americans safe.  

    Statement Attributable to a DHS Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin 

    “President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream. 

    “The Trump administration will enforce all our immigration laws—we will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce.  We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland and all Americans.”  

    Aliens can register here.  

    This announcement comes on the heels of a nationwide and international ad campaign warning illegal aliens to self-deport and stay out.   

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Men Plead Guilty In Bribery And Fraud Investigation At Newark Airport

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TRENTON, N.J. – Three men have pleaded guilty in connection with a bribery and fraud investigation pertaining to business at Newark Liberty International Airport (“Newark Airport”), Caroline Sadlowski, Attorney for the United States, announced.

    Edward Dolphin, 65, of Tomball, Texas, pleaded guilty on February 19, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Quraishi in Trenton federal court, to an Information charging him with conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. James Wajda, 59, of Cement City, Michigan, pleaded guilty on February 19, 2025, before District Judge Quraishi, to an Information charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Ronald Delucia, 70, of Wayne, New Jersey pleaded guilty today before District Judge Quraishi to a two-count Information charging conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud (Count One) and conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Count Two).

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

    Dolphin was an employee of an airline that operated at Newark Airport. From at least as early as 2014 through in or about April 2017, he was an Airport Operations Hub Vendor Manager, and from in or about April 2017 through in or about November 2022, he was a Manger of Hub Business Partners. In his positions at the airline, Dolphin was able to influence which companies would be awarded certain contracts. Dolphin traded this influence for bribes and kickbacks. For example, Dolphin received bribes from Delucia, who was Chief Operating Officer and later Chief Executive Officer of a company that provided a range of services to airlines at Newark Airport, including the airline for which Dolphin worked. Delucia’s company paid Dolphin up to $31,500 per month, totaling $1 million, in exchange for Dolphin’s assistance in securing work for Delucia’s company. In addition, Dolphin received approximately $70,000 from another vendor in exchange for Dolphin’s influence in the process of awarding a busing contract. Dolphin received approximately $278,000 from another vendor in exchange for his influence in the process of awarding a snow removal contract. Finally, Dolphin received approximately $262,000 in exchange for his influence in the process of awarding an aircraft cleaning contract. In total, Dolphin received over $1.6 million in bribes and kickbacks.

    Wajda was the Chief Operating Officer for a Des Plaines, Illinois based company that provided various services to an airline at Newark Airport, including cabin cleaning services. In or about December 2021, the company had a contract with the airline to load provisions onto the airline’s planes. In or about March 2022, Wajda conspired with Delucia, agreeing that Delucia’s company would invoice Wajda’s company for a “dispatcher” to assist in the transportation of the provisions, as if Wajda’s company had subcontracted Delucia’s company to assist in dispatching the trucks transporting provisions to the aircraft. Delucia’s company then fraudulently invoiced Wajda’s company for work that Delucia’s company did not in fact provide, and Wajda’s company paid the invoices. Delucia then kicked back a portion of the fraudulently obtained funds to Wajda through Wajda’s personal limited liability company. Pursuant to this agreement, Delucia’s company invoiced Wajda’s company $150,000 for services that were never rendered. Wajda, in turn, received approximately $38,600 from this scheme.

    In addition to pleading guilty to the conduct involving Dolphin and Wajda, Delucia also admitted his role in conduct involving Alok Saksena, Anthony Rosalli, and Lovella Rogan, who each previously pleaded guilty in this investigation. Rosalli, Saksena, and Rogan all held positions with the airline that enabled them to influence which companies the airline would award certain contracts to at Newark Airport. The defendants conspired to receive bribes and kickbacks from Delucia’s company in exchange for helping Delucia’s company obtain lucrative airline contracts at Newark Airport.

    For example, in or about September 2021, Delucia’s company bid on a contract to renovate restrooms at Newark Airport. Saksena, Rosalli, and Rogan sat on the selection committee and each of them voted to award the contract to the company. In exchange for their  help in obtaining the $19.7 million restroom renovation contract, and with the expectation that they would use their positions to help the company obtain future contracts, Delucia’s company agreed to pay for significant renovations at their personal residences, including renovating and building bathrooms, renovating a deck, installing floors and sheetrock, and renovating a kitchen. Delucia’s company also gave them valuable items, including electronics and jewelry. The total value of the bribes paid was approximately $539,000 to Saksena; approximately $276,000 to Rosalli; and approximately $409,000 to Rogan.

    “The defendants exploited their positions within their respective companies to enrich themselves while defrauding others. Defendants’ commercial bribery and fraud corrupts the fairness of our economic system. We will hold to account those who break the law to line their own pockets.”

    Attorney for the United States Caroline Sadlowski

    “The schemes conceived and executed by these individuals to defraud the airline operating out of Newark Airport are reprehensible. The individuals who benefited with monetary and other high-value gain are being held responsible for the bribery and corruption they had hoped would fly under the radar,” Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly said.

    “Blatant corruption like this erodes public trust and robs honest businesses of fair opportunities,” said Port Authority Inspector General John Gay. “This case is a stark example of individuals exploiting their positions for personal gain, putting greed ahead of the public good. We’re grateful for the partnership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI as we root out fraud, hold bad actors accountable, and protect the integrity of the systems that keep our region moving.”

    Dolphin, Wajda, and Delucia each face a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. Sentencing for Dolphin is scheduled for June 24, 2025. Sentencing for Wajda is scheduled for June 24, 2025. Sentencing for Delucia is scheduled for July 1, 2025.

    Attorney for the United States Caroline Sadlowski credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly in Newark, investigators from the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Inspector General John Gay, and special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney, with the investigation leading to the charges.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine J. Calle and Francesca Liquori of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.

    All other co-conspirators identified in the Informations are presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

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    Defense counsel: David Wikstrom, Esq., Counsel to Edward Dolphin

                                Paul Flannery, Esq., Counsel to James Wajda

                                Paul Faugno, Esq., Counsel to Ronald Delucia

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Oregon Transportation Company and Owner Sentenced to Probation and Criminal Fines for Tampering with Pollution Monitoring Devices

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.–A Fairview, Oregon transportation company and its owner were sentenced in federal court today for knowingly and intentionally tampering with emissions monitoring devices in violation of the Clean Air Act.

    Clancy Logistics, Inc., located in Fairview, Oregon, and its owner, Timothy Curtis Clancy, 55, of Sherwood, Oregon, were each sentenced to three years’ probation. They were also ordered to pay a fine of $101,510, jointly and severally. 

    According to court documents, between October 2019 and July 2023, Clancy tampered with federally mandated monitoring devices by performing “deletes and tunes” to emission control systems for at least thirteen diesel semi-trailer trucks operated by his companies. Clancy, as owner of Clancy Logistics, oversaw the illegal modification of vehicles, including engaging in and directing employees to remove the emissions control equipment and tune the onboard diagnostic systems so it could no longer detect the removal of control equipment. Clancy Logistics knowingly operated the altered vehicles. 

    On September 13, 2024, Clancy Logistics and Clancy were charged by criminal information with two counts of Clean Air Act tampering. On September 18, 2024, they each pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a monitoring device.

    This case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division. It was prosecuted by Andrew Ho, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Gwendolyn Russell, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Environmental Protection Agency.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Woman Pleaded Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining Emergency Rental Assistance Under A COVID-19 Relief Program

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOISE – Tanisha Gray, 39, of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today.  Gray fraudulently obtained emergency rental assistance from Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) and other states’ housing programs that were providing housing assistance for individuals unable to pay rent due to a financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    In early 2021, Congress established the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program to provide financial assistance to eligible low-income households to cover the costs of rent, rental arrears, utilities, and other housing-related expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.  IHFA was an administrator of the ERA program for the state of Idaho and received federal funds to provide housing assistance during the pandemic.  IHFA provided emergency rent and utility assistance to eligible Idaho renters who had experienced a financial hardship due to or during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible households could receive assistance with their rental arrearages, plus three months of future rent, and utility assistance, if requested.

    According to court records, from in or around 2022 through 2023, Gray sought rental assistance from the IHFA and other housing programs by submitting false and fraudulent applications that falsely identified herself as a landlord for various properties.  As part of the scheme, Gray also submitted fraudulent supporting documentation including fictitious leases, property management agreements, ledgers for rental arrears, tenant income records, addresses, and certifications of eligibility.  As a result of the fraudulent applications Gray submitted and caused to be submitted to the various emergency rental assistance programs in Idaho and other states, Gray received more than $62,000 in fraud proceeds.

    Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill will sentence Gray on May 14, 2025.  The charge in this case is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the investigations by the Boise Police Department and the United States Secret Service, as well as the assistance of the Idaho Housing and Finance Association, which led to the charges.  Assistant U.S Attorney Brittney Campbell is prosecuting this case.

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