NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Founder of Haitian Orphanage Convicted for Sexually Abusing Boys in his Care

    Source: United States Attorneys General 11

    A federal jury in Miami convicted a Colorado man yesterday for sexually abusing numerous boys at the orphanage he founded and directed in Haiti.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Michael Karl Geilenfeld, 73, most recently of Littleton, founded St. Joseph’s Home for Boys — a home for orphaned, impoverished, and otherwise vulnerable children in Haiti — in 1985 and operated it for more than two decades. During this time, Geilenfeld repeatedly traveled from the United States to Haiti, where he sexually abused the boys entrusted to his care.

    The jury convicted Geilenfeld of one count of traveling in foreign commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct and six counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place, between 2005 and 2010. Each of the six counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place relates to a particular victim who was a child at the time of the offense. Each of the six victims testified about the sexual abuse they suffered at the hands of Geilenfeld, as did four other victims who were not the subject of the charged offenses. Geilenfeld is scheduled to be sentenced on May 5 and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on each of the seven total counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Miami and the FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Jessica L. Urban and Eduardo Palomo of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lacee Monk for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Man convicted of planning robbery at a jewellers in Richmond

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Analysis of phone data and CCTV by Met officers has led to the conviction of a man who planned a robbery at a jewellers in Richmond. 

    Two men tied up a member of shop staff before stealing around £1.3 million worth of luxury watches during the raid in May 2024. 

    Flying Squad detectives, who specialise in investigating robberies, recovered and trawled through hundreds of hours of CCTV from across the country to piece together what happened. 

    As a result, Mannix Pedro, 37, who organised the raid, was found guilty of conspiracy to rob at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday, 19 February. He will be sentenced at a later date.

    Detective Sergeant Matt Hollands, who led the investigation, said: ”This was an audacious robbery that was several months in the planning. I’m pleased our investigation has resulted in a dangerous offender being convicted.

    “Our work is far from over, and our focus remains finding the three other men involved and putting them before the courts.”  

    On the afternoon of 25 May 2024 two men visited the jewellers in Kew Road after making an appointment with the owner. 

    After initially appearing to be normal customers, they tied up a member of staff before filling a rucksack with high-value watches. 

    The Met was called and officers began an investigation. They recovered CCTV from the jewellers which had captured the incident. By working back, they were able to identify the car the men had arrived in. 

    Along with phone data, officers used this evidence to link the two men to three others they believed had been involved in planning the robbery. 

    Sadly, the day after the incident occurred, the member of staff assaulted during the robbery was found dead. He was identified as Oliver White, who was 27 and from Surrey. A full inquest into his death is yet to take place, however it was not treated as suspicious. 

    Detective Sergeant Hollands added: “Throughout this investigation Oliver has been in our thoughts and we have remained committed to securing justice for his family. His death is a tragic reminder that crimes such as robbery have a significant impact on victims.” 

    In a statement paying to tribute to her son, Oliver’s mother, Amy Keane, said: “I would describe Oliver as a huge character, very warm and a brilliant person. He lit up the room when he entered it and was incredibly kind and caring, he would go above and beyond for anyone. He cared deeply for his family, was a wonderful role model for his little brother, as well as his two sisters.

    “Oliver really wanted to make something of himself, he aspired to buy a house, have a family and was planning for his future and this influenced his decision to work 24/7 as he saw his friends doing well in a business they enjoyed.

    “We know Oliver to be trustworthy and honest. Given the jury have convicted a man of planning and organising the robbery of Oliver, we take this as vindication of our firmly held belief he played no role in this offence and was not implicated in any involvement.

    “We are all absolutely devastated with the loss of our funny, thoughtful and kind son Oliver, our lives will never be the same and we feel this loss every minute of every day.”

    Further enquiries are ongoing to locate the three other members of the group and anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to call 101 quoting the reference 01/MP/11200/24. 

    Information can also be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  

    Samaritans are here day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch. 

    Conviction details 

    Mannix Pedro, 37 (18.10.87), of Cobbetts Close, Woking, was found guilty of conspiracy to rob at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday, 19 February, and will be sentenced at a later date.

    The jury failed to reach a verdict in relation to another man. A re-trial will take place in due course.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Convicts Former KC Police Officer of $200,000 Charity Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Kansas City, Mo., police officer who ran an anti-crime charity has been convicted in federal court of a scheme in which he spent more than $200,000 in donations for his own personal expenses.

    Aaron Wayne McKie, 47, was found guilty on Thursday, Feb. 20, of nine counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. McKie worked as a police officer for the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department for 24 years, assigned as a police officer to the Crime Free Multi-Housing section from 2002 through 2023.

    McKie served from 2009 to 2023 as president of Mid-America Crime Free, Inc. (MACF), a non-profit organization that claimed to provide training to persons in the rental housing industry and promote anti-crime programs. He was an officer of the charity for three years prior, from 2006 to 2009.

    Evidence produced during the trial indicated that McKie devised a scheme to defraud MACF and its donors that began in July 2009 and lasted until October 2023. Individuals and businesses contributed $387,620 to MACF, not including in-kind donations. McKie spent at least $200,060 for his own personal purposes.

    The biggest source of MACF funds was an annual golf tournament, “Fairways 4 Fuzz Golf Tournament.” Individuals and businesses donated both money and in-kind donations, such as food and beverages, to MACF via the golf tournament. At least 121 donors have been identified.

    From 2009 to 2023, the flyers soliciting donations and players for the tournament claimed the funds raised would enable MACF to provide free seminars to owners of rental properties and train police officers. In reality, those claims were false. The Kansas City Police Department paid the salaries and expenses of Crime Free Multi-Housing unit officers who may have provided training to landlords; McKie used the majority of MACF funds for personal spending; and the IRS had revoked the organization’s tax-exempt status in 2010.

    Under federal statutes, McKie is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole on each of the 10 counts on which he was convicted. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

    Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for nine hours before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips, ending a trial that began Monday, Feb. 10.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen D. Mahoney and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Hanson. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Howey-In-The-Hills Resident Pleads Guilty To Embezzling Employment Taxes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ocala, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Dorian Farmer has pleaded guilty to one count of failure to pay employment trust fund taxes and two counts of willfully failing to file tax returns. Farmer faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison for the employment trust fund offense and up to one year of imprisonment for each willful failure to file tax return offenses. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to court documents, Farmer was the owner of several businesses in Howey-In-The-Hills in Lake County. For years, Farmer collected employment trust fund taxes from his employees—such as those that pay for Social Security or Medicare. Rather than turning these taxes over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Farmer embezzled the funds for his own use. He took large cash distributions from one of his businesses which went unreported to the IRS. Farmer also failed to file tax returns for himself and one of his businesses, Titleist Technologies, Inc. (d/b/a Summit Joint Performance) for tax year 2000, as required under federal law. Farmer’s criminal acts resulted in a total tax loss of $806,653.

    This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: First-of-its-kind conference on ‘Fundamental Rights at the Heart of Policing’

    Source: Europol

    On 20 and 21 February 2025, experts from law enforcement authorities, academia and non-governmental organisations gathered at Europol headquarters for the first ‘Fundamental Rights at the Heart of Policing’ conference, organised by Europol’s Fundamental Rights Officer.Over 130 participants from 25 EU Member States and 11 non-EU countries joined the event, as well as representatives from the EU Fundamental Rights Agency…

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Strengthening New Partnership with Japanese Private Sector

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and Sumitomo Corporation Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Shingo Ueno, signed a practical arrangement on future cooperation for sustainable uses of nuclear energy in Tokyo, Japan, 20 February 2025. (Photo: D. Calma/IAEA)

    The IAEA Director General has signed a cooperation agreement with one of the largest worldwide integrated trading companies and had a lecture and networking event at Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) this week, as part of ongoing efforts to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy through partnerships.

    Mr Grossi met with Sumitomo Corporation Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer Shingo Ueno and signed a practical arrangement on future cooperation for sustainable uses of nuclear energy. IAEA and Sumitomo Corporation aim to set forth the framework for cooperation in addressing global development challenges, particularly in the area of sustainable uses of nuclear related technologies for multiple areas, including healthcare, shipping, fusion and capacity building efforts.

    Sumitomo Corporation is a Japanese integrated trading and business investment company, with 125 offices in 63 countries. Sumitomo Corporation Group consists of around 900 companies and 80,000 employees, covering a wide range of fields, including energy transformation.

    The Director General then addressed Keidanren, which has a membership comprised of around 1,500 representative companies of Japan, over 100 nationwide industrial associations and the regional economic organizations for all 47 prefectures.

    Mr Grossi met with about 30 high-level Japanese business representatives, from trading companies, private banks, insurance firms, nuclear plant construction companies, a commercial shipping company, energy association and more.

    He gave a lecture on the IAEA flagship initiatives and his views on the expanding use of nuclear power in the world, including SMRs to enhance private companies’ understanding and networking.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Director General in Japan Supporting Nuclear Safety and Remediation

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    During the Director General’s visit to Kashiwazaki Kariwa, Japan’s largest nuclear power plant, he viewed improvements in safety response and secure access facilities, as well as enhanced seismic and tsunami proofing.

    There he met with TEPCO President Tomoaki Kobayakawa and Site Vice President Takeyuki Inagaki, a former IAEA safety officer who was working at the Fukushima Daiichi plant when it was struck by the tsunami in 2011.

    “Needless to say, it was the most bitter experience in my life with many lessons learned that needed to be reflected,” said Mr Inagaki. “Now as Site Vice President of the Kashiwazaki Kariwa station, I am determined to never let such an accident happen again.”

    After viewing the improvements at the station, the Director General spoke to local media, and said he was “very satisfied with the progress” he had seen.

    “Nuclear safety and security are an everyday effort. One by one all the recommendations made by IAEA experts have been duly and correctly addressed here.”

    During his trip, the Director General also joined an ongoing IAEA effort to monitor marine radioactivity near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station. On a boat off the coast in front of the station, Mr Grossi worked with scientists from the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, and Switzerland, to collect seawater samples together.

    The samples will be now be analysed by the IAEA laboratories in Monaco, and national laboratories in Japan and the participating countries, each members of the IAEA’s Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity (ALMERA) network, chosen to ensure a high level of proficiency.

    Read more about the Director General’s sampling trip and the additional measures aim to facilitate broader participation in the monitoring of the ALPS-treated water being released from the station.

    “Through these efforts, third parties can independently verify that water discharge levels are, and will continue to be, in strict compliance and consistent with international safety standards,” said Director General Grossi.

    Additional remediation efforts being managed by Japan in the region are focused on soil removal and recycling, another area where the IAEA is providing safety guidance.

    “In this area, the presence of the IAEA is as intense and systematic as in other areas in the decommissioning effort,” said Mr Grossi.

    Read more about the IAEA’s safety review of Japan’s plan for the managed recycling and the final disposal of removed soil and radioactive waste around the Fukushima Daiichi site.

    During his trip the Director General also met with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and other key political leaders, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Takeshi Iwaya, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoji Muto, and the Minister of Environment Keiichiro Asao.

    Mr Grossi also had an extended meeting and joint press conference with Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, where they discussed their strong cooperation, and Japanese support to IAEA work, including non-proliferation worldwide, nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, cancer care through the Rays of Hope initiative, food security and more.

    On his final day in the country the Director General strengthened IAEA cooperation with the Japanese private sector, by signing a practical arrangement with the Sumitomo Corporation and addressing the Japanese business federation, Keidanren. Read more about the meetings with industry here.

    The Director General also signed practical arrangements on cooperation for IAEA educational and training activities with Sophia University and engaged with students and faculty members on IAEA contributions to global issues.

    During his visit to Tokyo, Rafael Mariano Grossi also met with Japan Atomic Energy Agency President Masanori Koguchi and signed practical arrangements on cooperation for both nuclear power and non-power applications.

    View images from the Director General’s entire trip.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Team Concludes Site and External Events Design Review for Ghana’s First Nuclear Power Plant

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    An IAEA team of experts visited the candidate site of Ghana’s first nuclear power plant during a Site and External Events Design Review Service mission. (Photo: Nuclear Power Ghana)

    An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts has concluded an eight-day safety review of Ghana’s site selection process for its first nuclear power plant (NPP). Ghana is pursuing the introduction of nuclear power to increase its low carbon power production to meet energy demand, tackle climate change and increase energy security and diversity.

    The Site and External Events Design Review Service (SEED) mission, which took place between 14 to 21 February, reviewed Ghana’s adherence to IAEA guidance on site selection. The SEED mission was the first of its kind to Ghana.

    Ghana has successfully completed the site selection process and identified the candidate site and an alternative site for its first NPP. The next stage following site selection is the characterization stage of the site evaluation process.

    The SEED mission was carried out at the request of the Government of Ghana and hosted by Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), under the purview of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition.

    The team comprised four experts from Pakistan, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as one IAEA staff. They reviewed the site selection report, together with the siting process, siting criteria, data collection process and application of the management system for siting activities. The team also visited and observed the candidate site in the Western Region and the alternative site in the Central Region. In addition to the SEED review mission, the IAEA provided a SEED Capacity Building Workshop to support site evaluation. During the workshop, external experts and participants engaged in discussions that will contribute to future progress in the site evaluation process.

    “We confirmed that both the implementing organization and the management system are well-designed with the support of the government and that the Site Approval Report has been systematically and thoroughly prepared. Ghana followed the IAEA safety standards while performing the site selection process,” said mission team leader Kazuyuki Nagasawa, Senior Nuclear Safety Officer at the IAEA.

    The team provided recommendations to improve the quality and optimize the site selection process, aiming to select the most favourable site. This optimization seeks to minimize the potential of the selected site being found to be unsuitable during the site characterization stage. The factors for consideration include the susceptibility to earthquakes, flooding and extreme weather events, as well as the feasibility of the emergency plan.

    As a good practice, the team noted that within NPG, leadership and management for safety have been functioning well since the beginning of the siting process.

    “We acknowledge with deep appreciation the IAEA SEED mission’s technical assistance in assessing our site selection. This mission is of great importance to our nuclear power programme, as it ensures that our decisions are guided by international best practices for safe and secure development of nuclear power infrastructure. The relevance of the mission extends beyond technical assessment, reinforcing our commitment to transparency, regulatory preparedness and sustainable nuclear energy development” said Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of NPG.

    NPG will continue to receive ongoing technical assistance from the IAEA, while advancing the site approval process in accordance with the IAEA Specific Safety Guide on Site Survey and Site Selection for Nuclear Installations.

    The final SEED mission report will be delivered to the Government of Ghana within three months.

    About Site and External Events Design Review Service (SEED) missions

    SEED missions are expert review missions that assist countries going through different stages in the development of a nuclear power programme. The service offers a choice of modules in which to focus the review, such as site selection, site assessment and design of structures, systems and components, taking into consideration site specific external and internal hazards.

    In the case of site selection review, SEED missions assess the appropriate consideration of the safety issues in the site selection process.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Springfield, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Drug Trafficking Associated with Street Gang

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

    SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, man, Derrick Bailey, 44, was sentenced on January 30, 2025, by Senior U.S. District Judge Sue Myerscough to 180 months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for his role in a wide-spread drug conspiracy involving a Springfield street gang, Boss Playas, lasting from approximately May 2020 through November 2020.

    At the sentencing hearing, Bailey was held accountable for trafficking over 10 kilograms of cocaine as a member of the conspiracy. Also during the hearing, Judge Myerscough noted that the group of conspirators were responsible for distributing large amounts of controlled substances in the Springfield area, which had a negative effect on the community.

    Co-defendants in the case have received the following sentences of imprisonment: Denziel Witherspoon, 240 months; James Cooper, 180 months; Christopher Wallace 120 months; Isadore Montgomery, 120 months; Rashaud Brown, 84 months; Paul Davis, 40 months; and Taylor Cockrell, 36 months. Additional defendants Dorothy Jackson, Shelton Witherspoon, Lavar Maney, Haley Riley, and Haylee Vaughn have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

    Bailey was indicted on December 15, 2020, and pleaded guilty on September 18, 2024. He has remained in the custody of the United States Marshal since his arrest on December 1, 2020.  

    The statutory penalties for the most serious charge of conviction include up to life in prison, up to a $20,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release.

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; Illinois State Police; and Springfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.

    The case against Bailey was part of an investigation of the Springfield-based Boss Playas street gang and was 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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Railroad employee pays to settle False Claims Act liability

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – A 53-year-old federal railroad employee has agreed to pay $24,000 to resolve potential violations related to his submission of unemployment benefit claims under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Between April 20, 2020, and Aug. 27, 2021, Chad Gillingwater, Katy, allegedly falsely claimed federal unemployment benefits.

    Gillingwater was not entitled to those funds because he was already receiving state unemployment benefits and/or paid leave from his employer at the same time. Gillingwater also received additional benefits under The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, which extended unemployment insurance benefits for railroad workers sidelined during COVID-19.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation with assistance from the Railroad Retirement Board – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Michelle Luong handled the matter. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Career Offender Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking

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

    RICHMOND, Va. – A North Carolina man was sentenced today to 25 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute parafluorofentanyl and fentanyl.

    According to court documents, on the evening of September 17, 2023, Jaron James Starkey, 35, of Charlotte, and formerly of New Castle County, Delaware, was driving erratically southbound on I-95 in Caroline County. Other drivers traveling on I-95 called 911 to report the erratic driving. Virginia State Police (VSP) responded to the area and upon arrival observed that Starkey had crashed his Jeep. Starkey, who was alone in the car, was speaking incoherently and his eyes were bloodshot. He was transported to the Mary Washington Hospital emergency room.

    Upon approaching the vehicle, the responding VSP officers also observed thousands of glassine baggies, each of which appeared to contain a white powder, scattered throughout Starkey’s car. A total of 4,497 blue glassine baggies collected contained Parafluorofentanyl, with a net weight of over 122 grams. Also in the vehicle were 120 white glassine baggies containing fentanyl.

    Starkey has 21 prior convictions as an adult, including two previous drug trafficking convictions, convictions for possessing firearms as a convicted felon, and conspiracy to commit burglary, among others.   

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; Lt. Colonel Matt Hanley, Virginia State Police Interim Superintendent; and Brian Layton, Chief of Fredericksburg Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. The Fredericksburg Regional Narcotics Task Force assisted in the investigation of this case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Mastandrea 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. 3:24-cr-58.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Maryland Man Convicted of Supplying Cocaine and Fentanyl to Fredericksburg Drug Trafficker

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

    RICHMOND, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Maryland man today of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, over 40 grams of fentanyl, and a detectable amount of p-fluorofentanyl.

    According to court records and evidence presented at trial, from at least July 1, 2022, through June 8, 2023, Sean Shaka Myles Sr., 50, of Baltimore, supplied Omar Jermel Dixon, 48, of Fredericksburg, with cocaine, fentanyl and p-fluorofentanyl, which Dixon then supplied to a number of individuals for redistribution in and around Fredericksburg.

    Myles faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison when sentenced on June 18. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; Ibrar A. Mian, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division; and Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge David J. Novak accepted the verdict. The Fredericksburg Regional Narcotics Task Force assisted in the investigation of this case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Gilliland, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office are prosecuting the case.

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

    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. 3:24-cr-95.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Four men sentenced following Met investigation into death of man in Croydon

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Four men have been sentenced to a total of 67 years in prison following a Met Police investigation into the death of 22-year-old Lavaun Witter in Croydon.

    On 5 February 2021, officers were called to Wisbeach Road at around 20:08hrs, after a member of the public found Lavaun collapsed and seriously injured.

    He sadly died at the scene after sustaining a stab wound to the leg.

    An investigation was launched by the Met’s Specialist Crime South Unit. Enquiries revealed that prior to his death, Lavaun’s flat had been broken into by four men. The men, who were armed with long knives and swords, demanded drugs and slashed through an internal door.

    Lavaun and a 16-year-old boy were stabbed before running from the scene but Lavaun collapsed a short distance away.

    CCTV enquiries quickly identified the suspects as Tyreece Riggon, Julian Russell, Tyreece Wolfries-Parkin and Alex Pasley.

    On 18 February 2021, officers raided an address linked to Riggon and he and Russell were arrested. A subsequent search of an address linked to Russell recovered a Louis Vuitton bag belonging to Lavaun.

    Wolfries-Parkin and Pasley were also arrested in the following weeks.

    All were charged with Lavaun’s murder as well as attempted murder and attempted grievous bodily harm of the 16-year-old.

    Detective Chief Inspector Mike Nolan, Senior Investigating Officer in the case said:

    “These men were prepared to use extreme levels of violence and take Lavaun’s life to gain possession of drugs they believed were inside the property.

    “Lavaun was defenceless against the four men who were each armed with large knives, including a Samurai sword.

    “Levaun’s death devastated his family and his community. I commend the bravery and strength they have shown throughout this lengthy investigation.”

    A trial at the Old Bailey began on 17 July 2023 and Julian Russell (18.09.1998) of Sanfield Road, CR7 and Tyreece Wolfries- Parkins, (06.10.2002) were found guilty of murder. Alex Pasley (01.10.1995) of Paxton Grove, Coulsdon was found guilty of manslaughter.

    A re-trial began on 4 November 2024 and on Thursday, 12 December, Tyreece Riggon, 24 (29.09.2000) of Armistice Gardens, SE25 was found guilty of attempted GBH. Pasley was also found guilty of attempted GBH in relation to the attack on the 16-year-old boy.

    The group appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 19 February for sentencing.

    Julian Russell was sentenced to life in prison, to serve a minimum of 24 years in prison minus the four years spent on remand.

    Tyreece Wolfries- Parkins was sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum term of 20 years minus the time spent on remand.

    Alex Pasley was sentenced to 17 years in prison and Tyreece Riggon was sentenced to six years, both minus four years spent on remand.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Taney County Official Pleads Guilty to Stealing $260,000

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

    SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A former official with the Taney County Health Department pleaded guilty in federal court today to a scheme to embezzle approximately $260,000 from the agency.

    Hugo Ricardo Huacuz, 51, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to a five-count federal information. Huacuz pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, two counts of stealing federal funds, one count of money laundering and one count of aggravated identity theft.

    Huacuz was the chief operating officer and the chief financial officer of the Taney County Health Department until he resigned on Nov. 14, 2023. Huacuz had been employed by the health department since 2011.

    By pleading guilty today, Huacuz admitted that he stole from the Taney County Health Department in a scheme that lasted from March 23, 2022, to Nov. 14, 2023. Huacuz caused the health department to write checks to Argon Investments, LLC, a company organized by Huacuz and his wife. Huacuz forged the signatures of health department members, using their identities without their permission. Huacuz caused the health department to issue 15 checks totaling approximately $259,000, which were deposited into the bank account of Argon Investments.

    Huacuz used the stolen funds for personal expenses charged to his personal credit card, including automobile insurance, maintenance, repair and parts; restaurants; home construction items; gasoline; airline tickets and travel, including to Chicago, Illinois, New York State, San Diego, California, College Station, Texas, Nashville, Tennessee, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Portland, Oregon; utilities; dry cleaning; clothing; dental and medical care; and payments to the Missouri Secretary of State’s office for Argon’s LLC fees.

    Health board members were not aware of the existence of Argon Investments or that any checks had been issued to Argon Investments. In order to conceal his scheme from the board, Huacuz caused these checks to be coded as payments to Sanofi Pasteur, Inc., a multinational pharmaceutical company. Huacuz falsely reported to the health department’s board that some of the checks written to Argon Investments were for items purchased from Sanofi, and created false invoices from Sanofi purportedly for the purchase of pharmaceutical and medical items, including COVID-19 testing kits.

    In November 2023, the director of the Taney County Health Department received information concerning Huacuz’s job performance. The information stated that Huacuz was frequently absent from his job and that he had other businesses he was operating independent from his job at the health department. After reviewing the information, the director met with Huacuz on Nov. 13, 2023, and placed him on administrative leave. Huacuz went to the bank immediately afterward and withdrew more than $24,000 from the Argon bank account, leaving a balance of $100 in the account.

    Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Huacuz agrees that he embezzled at least $258,976 and, at the very least, this amount is subject to forfeiture and restitution. The government will recommend a sentence of no more than four years and six months in federal prison without parole while Huacuz will seek a sentence of three years in federal prison without parole. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

    This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services and the FBI.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indian National Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding Elderly Victims of Nearly $6 Million

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

    AUSTIN, Texas – An Indian national was sentenced in a federal court in Austin today to 97 months in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    According to court documents, Moinuddin Mohammed, 34, engaged in a conspiracy to launder proceeds of a scheme to defraud elderly victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and gold. Mohammed was a courier who picked up the cash and gold from vulnerable elderly people. The international conspiracy originated from India and involved the impersonation of government officials in order to convince the victims to turn over millions of dollars from their retirement and savings accounts.

    Multiple victims were contacted by a person claiming to be the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, who told the victims that they were under investigation or at risk of financial loss. The victims were told that they would need to deposit cash, gold or other items of financial value in order to resolve the investigation or prevent the loss. One victim was defrauded of more than $300,000, another was defrauded of approximately $151,500, and a third victim lost a total of approximately $470,000 to the fraud scheme. Nationwide, investigators identified 21 victims who lost a total of nearly $6 million to the scheme.

    In addition to his imprisonment, Mohamed will pay full restitution in the approximate amount of $960,000, forfeits $20,000 in cash that was seized by investigators, and forfeits a money judgement in the amount of $16,000.

    “The significant sentence of this courier for an international fraud scheme sends a strong message that we will investigate and prosecute those at every level of the organization,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “Mohammed illegally used the likeness of government officials to prey on and victimize the vulnerable, elderly people in our community, and fraudsters like him will be held accountable.”

    “Mohammed targeted some of our most vulnerable elderly citizens in an effort to line his own pockets and the pockets of foreign fraudsters,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp for the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office.  “The FBI continues to see an uptick in financial scams targeting our elderly population and we work every day to bring awareness to our victims and justice to those who perpetuate these devastating schemes. We want to thank our U.S. Attorney’s Office for aggressively pursuing justice for those who fell victim to this scammer. Cases like this are a priority for the FBI and we encourage anyone who has been a victim of a financial scam to contact your local FBI office or go to www.IC3.gov. We also encourage the public to review the FBI’s last report on Elder Fraud to educate yourselves and protect those you love.”

    The FBI investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Henneke prosecuted the case.

    ###

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Around the Air Force: Strength through Bamboo Eagle, A New Era of Pilot Testing, AETC Launches New Flying Risk App

    Source: United States Air Force

    In this week’s look Around the Air Force, BE 25-1 kicks off focusing on ACE with joint and allied forces, the USAF Test Pilot School collaborates with Stanford University for AI driven systems that will define future warfighting capabilities, and AETC deploys a ground-breaking app to retool how aircrews assess risk prior to every flight.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Man Charged With Conspiracy To Commit Bank Fraud And Theft Of $1 Million In Federal Grants For HIV Programs

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – Yesterday, a complaint was unsealed charging an Arizona man for his role in a conspiracy to misappropriate government funds used to support low-income individuals with HIV, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Brent Lee, 51, of Phoenix, Arizona, was charged by complaint with one count of bank fraud conspiracy and one count of theft of government funds. Lee appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah M. Fine in the District of Arizona.

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

    In January 2023, a municipality in Hudson County, New Jersey, issued five checks totaling approximately $1M to a nonprofit charitable organization.  The funds for four of the checks originated from a federal grant program that funds a comprehensive system of primary medical care, medications, and essential support for low-income people with HIV.  Yet, as alleged in today’s complaint, the nonprofit organization never received the checks.

    Instead, as alleged, in February and March 2023, Lee conspired with others to use a fraudulent business entity to misappropriate nearly all of the funds derived from the checks.  In February 2023, Lee filed articles of incorporation in Wyoming for a business entity with a name nearly identical to the nonprofit’s, and opened a bank account for that entity.  From February to March 2023, the checks were deposited into that account, and Lee paid himself, a family member, and various other individuals nearly all the proceeds via cash withdrawals, cashier’s checks, and wire transfers.  As a result, the bank recorded a loss of approximately $1M.

    The charge of bank fraud conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.  The charge of theft of government funds carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents and members of the FBI’s Public Corruption and Civil Rights Unit in Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, and the New Jersey Field Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz, with the investigation leading to the charges and arrest.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Hardin of the U.S. Attorney’s Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark.

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

                                                               ###

    Defense Counsel: Jazmin Alagha, Esq.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Hilton Head Lawyer Sentenced for Knowingly Transferring $3M to Prevent the Lawful Seizure of the Funds

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, S.C. — Peter J. Strauss, 46, of Hilton Head, South Carolina, has been sentenced to nine months in federal prison for knowingly transferring, and aiding and abetting the transfer of, $3 million to prevent the lawful seizure of the funds.

    Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Strauss directed and aided and abetted the transfer of $3 million for Jeff and Paulette Carpoff following the execution of federal search and seizure warrants in California. Strauss directed the transfer of $3 million from an account in the Bahamas to his trust account, thereafter, combining the funds for his personal use.

    Jeff and Paulette Carpoff owned and operated DC Solar Solutions, Inc. and DC Solar Distribution, Inc. (DC Solar), California corporations that designed, manufactured, and leased renewable energy products, specializing predominantly in the production of mobile solar generators.

    On Dec. 18, 2018, the FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies executed numerous search warrants on the businesses associated with DC Solar, as well as the personal residences of Jeff and Paulette Carpoff. Several seizure warrants were also executed on bank accounts and assets associated with DC Solar and its principals. The search warrants were conducted in conjunction with a large-scale investigation regarding an investment fraud and money laundering scheme being operated by the principals of DC Solar.

    Following the execution of search and seizure warrants related to an investigation into the Carpoffs’ company, Strauss received $11 million from the Carpoffs. On Dec. 19, 2018, the first $5 million was transferred into Strauss’ trust account and thereafter distributed to various criminal defense attorneys and bankruptcy counsel and to Carpoffs’ captive insurance funds, managed by Strauss’ captive insurance management company. Thereafter, on Dec. 28, 2018, Strauss received an additional $3 million, largely used to pay for the Carpoffs’ captive insurance fund premiums. Finally, on Jan. 15, 2019, the Carpoffs wired Strauss $3 million into Strauss’ trust account. The combined funds in Strauss’ trust account were completely spent over the next few months.

    Jeff Carpoff pleaded guilty in California to money laundering and wire fraud in January 2020 and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. In November 2021, Paulette Carpoff pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and money laundering. Paulette was sentenced to 11 years and three months.

    Strauss pleaded guilty in November 2023 to removal of property to prevent seizure, admitting that by the time of the $3 million transfer in January 2019, he knowingly transferred and aided and abetted the transfer of funds from Carpoff to prevent and impair the government’s lawful authority to take the property into its custody and control.

    United States District Richard M. Gergel sentenced Strauss to nine months imprisonment, to be followed by a two-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. Strauss was ordered to pay $2.7 million in restitution, which Strauss previously paid in compliance with the terms of his plea agreement.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Limehouse prosecuted the case.

    ###

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Guilty Verdict in Georgia Tax Fraud Case, Defendant’s Second Federal Fraud Conviction

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia resident with a prior federal conviction for tax fraud in Florida was found guilty by a federal jury seated in Albany of a fraudulent tax filing scheme.

    Reginald Knight, 52, of Arlington, Georgia, was found guilty of one count of making and subscribing a false tax return on Feb. 19, following a two-day trial that began on Feb. 18. Knight faces a maximum of three years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $100,000 fine. Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner is presiding over the case. A sentencing date will be determined by the Court.

    “The defendant was claiming millions in refunds for a business that never generated income or incurred any losses, fabricating these claims in yet another attempt by the defendant to steal from taxpayers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “We are grateful to the IRS investigators who collaborated with our office to help bring a repeat fraudster to justice.”

    “The guilty verdict serves as a notice to unscrupulous tax preparers that filing fraudulent tax returns will lead them to a criminal court date,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Lisa Fontanette, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents will continue to investigate and recommend prosecution for those individuals who commit tax crimes.”

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Knight filed a tax return with the IRS on March 13, 2018, falsely claiming $3,211,907 in wages, $2,586,551 in withholdings, $1,848,000 in Schedule C (Form 1040) losses and claimed a refund of $2,165,154. As part of the scheme, Knight fabricated W-2s and Schedule Cs for two separate business entities; however, neither business ever generated the income, paid the withholdings or suffered the losses Knight claimed on his return. The financials Knight submitted on the signed tax form were entirely fabricated. The IRS did not issue a refund. The IRS began investigating Knight in 2021, discovering that Knight filed tax returns with similarly exorbitant financials for the non-operating business for tax years 2014, 2015 and 2016; the IRS did not issue a refund for tax years 2014 and 2015. The IRS did issue a $745,953 refund to Knight for tax year 2016 on June 7, 2017. Knight used the refund from the false claim to pay for the construction of a new home in Albany, made transfers to his investment account, purchased a vehicle and paid for personal living expenses totaling $442,667.30. The IRS recovered $315,466.97.

    Knight has a prior federal conviction in the Southern District of Florida for one count of Conspiracy to Defraud the Government through False Claim for a Tax Refund and False Claim for a Tax Refund on Nov. 22, 2005, and was sentenced to serve five months in prison per charge, to be served concurrently.

    The IRS Criminal Division and IRS Special Enforcement Program are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica Hansis is prosecuting the case for the Government.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: “La Empresa” Member Sentenced in El Paso to Nearly 20 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso transnational criminal organization (TCO) member was sentenced in federal court Thursday to 235 months in prison for his role in a hostage taking conspiracy.

    According to court documents, a man was forcefully kidnapped at gunpoint from his motel room in Juarez, Mexico, on Aug. 24, 2023, and was held hostage until Sept. 5, 2023. During that time, the victim’s family received threatening phone calls from multiple unknown subjects demanding payment. Ultimately, the family paid approximated $9,000 to the TCO for safe travel and release of the victim.

    Luis Edward Castro, 28, worked for the TCO, “La Empresa.” Armed with a handgun, he recorded and sent proof-of-life videos to the victim’s family. In the videos, the victim appeared visibly scared and stated he was in El Paso. An investigation led law enforcement to Castro’s address, where they searched the residence and found six undocumented noncitizens and multiple firearms.

    Castro was arrested Sept. 5, 2023 and charged with six counts pertaining to harboring and transporting undocumented noncitizens for financial gain, hostage taking, and the possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. He pleaded guilty to the hostage taking charge on Sept. 26, 2024.

    “This case highlights some of the many dangers posed by TCOs on both sides of our southern border, and Castro’s sentencing of two decades in federal prison is a significant penalty,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “I am thankful for our partners at the FBI and U.S. Border Patrol, whose investigative skill and expertise led to the recovery of these kidnapping victims and the outcome of this case.”

    The FBI and USBP investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mathew Engelbaum and Kyle Myers prosecuted the case.

    ###

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Woman convicted of murdering two young children

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A woman has been convicted of murder after her two young children were found dead in their east London home.

    Kara Alexander, 47 (23.12.77), of Cornwallis Road, Dagenham was found guilty at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, 21 February.

    She will be sentenced on Friday, 11 April.

    Detective Chief Inspector Paul Waller, who led the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are with the family, especially the boys’ father who found them dead when he went to collect them for the weekend after Kara Alexander had failed to return his messages.

    “No parent should have to go through such a horrific experience, and then have to listen to the detailed evidence highlighting what led up to these events.

    “I would also like to praise those who were first on scene – our colleagues and the paramedics – who also experienced this traumatic event first hand.

    “This has been a difficult investigation for everyone involved. This guilty verdict cannot turn back the clock but it does provide the children’s family with some form of resolution.”

    Emergency services were called at around 14:00hrs on 16 December 2022, after the bodies of two young children were found by their father in their shared bunkbed inside the house in Dagenham.

    Alexander ran from the address following the discovery but was arrested nearby a short time later.

    Two-year-old Elijah Thomas and five-year-old Marley Thomas were both pronounced dead at the scene.

    Post-mortem examinations established that both boys’ cause of death was interference with the normal mechanics of breathing, through smothering and/or immersion in water.

    An investigation was launched, led by detectives from the Specialist Crime Command.

    A search of the house and garden found no evidence of forced entry. The curtains were closed and the house was in darkness.

    Detectives reviewed footage from local CCTV cameras and doorbells which showed Alexander and the children running a number of errands in the days before 16 December 2022. The last time all three were captured together was on the afternoon of 15 December 2022.

    Forensic analysis of Alexander’s phone, which had been found in a filled sink, showed that it had been in regular use up until 16 December but on the day the children were found, no calls were made or messages sent. This led detectives to believe that she had intentionally been avoiding people following their deaths.

    Alexander was charged on 19 December 2022 with two counts of murder.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Placentia — Arrest Warrant issued for Scott Deering

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Placentia RCMP is looking to arrest 43-year-old Scott Deering who is actively evading police.

    Deering is wanted for three counts of uttering threats and six counts of failure to comply with a release order.

    A picture of Scott Deering is attached.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Scott Deering are asked to contact Placentia RCMP at 709-227-2000. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or us the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: CENTCOM Partners with Over 30 Nations, International Organizations for International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2025

    Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

    February 21, 2025
    Release Number 20250221-01
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) hosted the International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2025, the Middle East region’s largest multinational maritime exercise, February 9-20.

    IMX 25 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.

    Hosted by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), the 12-day exercise offered a unique opportunity for participants to collaborate and illustrate the importance of regional maritime security cooperation.

    This year’s iteration of IMX is linked with exercise Cutlass Express, a U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa led annual exercise designed to enhance regional maritime awareness and the combined capabilities of partner nations to respond to maritime threats.

    The operational phase of IMX included partner exchanges on mine countermeasures, unmanned systems and artificial intelligence integration, vessel defense, search and rescue, and mass casualty response.

    Allies and partners at IMX 25 also had an opportunity to train with Combined Task Force West (CTF-W) Headquarters where partner forces performed Explosive Ordnance Disposal and dive operations, Close Quarters Combat drills, and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) container climbs. Additionally, CTF-W hosted eight partner nations, including six members from the Republic of Yemen Government (ROYG) Coast Guard in Aqaba, the Northern Red Sea, and Eilat.

    “IMX 25 demonstrates the collective commitment of our respective allies and partners to support regional maritime security cooperation, increase interoperability, and strengthen security and stability in the region,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander.

    This is the ninth iteration of IMX since its establishment in 2012.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Appeal to identify three men in connection with fatal stabbing in Hackney

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the murder of 20-year-old Jason Romeo in Hackney have named and released images of three men they urgently need to speak to.

    Jason was stabbed to death outside an address in Bodney Street, E5 on Tuesday, 18 February at 17:59hrs.

    Following extensive enquiries, officers have named three men they need to trace in connection with his murder.

    They are Raynolph Asante, aged 22, Rhamyah Bailey-Edwards, 21, and Travis Mitchell, also 21. They are known to frequent the areas of Hackney, Walthamstow and Deptford.

    Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, leading the investigation, said:

    “Our team is working tirelessly to identity those responsible for Jason’s murder. We now need the public’s help to trace Asante, Bailey-Edwards and Mitchell. I would urge anybody with information about their whereabouts to contact us immediately by calling 999.

    “Once again I would like to thank the local community in Hackney for their support. Officers have conducted increased weapons searches, reassurance patrols and will carry out house-to-house enquires this weekend. This can be intrusive and disruptive, however it’s essential, and your patience is appreciated.”

    If anyone sees Asante, Bailey-Edwards or Mitchell please do not approach them. Instead, contact the police on 999 as soon as possible, quoting 5635/18Feb.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Three house searches in German cold case after information from the public

    Source: Europol

    The cold case revolves around a brutal murder that occurred in Dümmerlohausen, Germany, on 8 August 1996. The victim, a male national from the former Yugoslavia residing in Hamburg at the time, was involved in criminal circles and known to law enforcement for his involvement in burglaries in northern Germany. Local hunters had found him shot dead next to a…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: INTERPOL and African Development Bank to cooperate on combating financial crime and corruption

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    20 February 2025

    Financial fraud and corruption cost Africa more than USD 90 billion per year.

    ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire: INTERPOL and the African Development Bank Group have signed a letter of intent to pursue greater cooperation to combat corruption, financial crime, cyber-enabled fraud and money laundering.

    The letter was signed by African Development Bank President Dr Akinwumi Adesina INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza during his visit to the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan as part of his first official mission to Côte d’Ivoire.

    Significant step forward

    The first multilateral development bank to establish such a collaboration with INTERPOL, the Bank described the signing as a “significant step forward in its fight against corruption and financial crime”.

    The agreement aims to enhance collaboration between the Bank’s Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption (PIAC) and INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC).

    It will focus on sharing expertise, enhancing investigative capabilities, and developing preventive measures against emerging financial crime threats.

    The agreement comes as Africa faces significant challenges of illicit financial flows, estimated at nearly USD 90 billion annually – a loss of resources that could otherwise be invested in critical development needs including water, sanitation, health, food, and energy infrastructure.

    According to INTERPOL’s 2024 Global Financial Fraud Assessment, business email compromise, romance baiting, phishing and other online frauds are a growing concern in Africa due to rapid advancements in digital technology.

    INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said:

    “Corruption and financial crime are among the biggest obstacles to economic and social development in Africa and around the world. INTERPOL’s closer relationship with the AfDB will help law enforcement agencies and financial institutions across Africa tackle increasingly sophisticated financial crime threats.”

    AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina said:

    “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to protecting development resources and ensuring they reach their intended beneficiaries. As the world’s most transparent financial institution for two consecutive years, according to Publish What You Fund, we maintain zero tolerance for corruption and terrorism financing. By joining forces with INTERPOL, we are strengthening our capacity to help African countries build robust systems against money laundering and financial crime.”

    The Bank Group deploys approximately USD 10 billion annually in development financing, with the majority going to government projects.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Criminal group forging over 12 000 official documents halted in Poland

    Source: Europol

    The investigation started in 2020. Since then, law enforcement authorities have seized over 12 000 counterfeit documents, secured EUR 250 000 and arrested 42 suspects in total, all members of the same organised criminal group. The most recent action days against the gang took place on 3 and 4 December 2024 in Poland and resulted in:7 suspects arrested4 locations searchedSeizure…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Law Enforcement Seizes Range Rover and Over $4 Million in Health Care Fraud Proceeds from Miami Couple Charged with Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracies

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – Magaly Travieso, 53, of Miami, Fla., was charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and Yudorki Ramirez, 52, of Miami, Fla., was charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    According to the allegations, Travieso was an advanced practitioner registered nurse and the owner of ProMed Healthcare, L.L.C., a medical clinic that purportedly provided back and shoulder braces, physical therapy, psychosocial rehabilitation, and other mental health therapy services to beneficiaries with commercial insurance, Medicare, and Medicare Advantage Plans, and to Medicaid recipients. From approximately March 2019 through at least January 2023, Travieso allegedly conspired with others to submit over $20 million in fraudulent claims for reimbursement, of which ProMed received over $10 million. 

    Once those health care fraud proceeds were deposited into ProMed’s bank accounts, Travieso and her former spouse, Ramirez, allegedly used the fraud proceeds for their personal use and benefit.  For example, allegedly, Travieso spent approximately $75,000 in proceeds on the purchase of a 2021 Land Rover Range Rover in the name of ProMed and approximately $750,000 in proceeds on the purchase of her residence in Miami, Florida.  Similarly, Ramirez allegedly spent approximately $141,923.02 of proceeds on the purchase of his residence in Miami.  Ramirez also allegedly transferred approximately $2,068,904.55 of health care fraud proceeds to his investment accounts.  In June 2024, pursuant to seizure warrants, law enforcement seized Travieso’s Range Rover and over $4 million in health care fraud proceeds from bank accounts belonging to Travieso and Ramirez.

    Hayden P. O’Byrne, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Special Agent in Charge Justin E. Fleck from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Miami Field Office, Acting Special Agent in Charge Isaac Bledsoe of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody for the Florida Office of the Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) made the announcement.

    This case is being investigated by the FBI Miami Field Office, Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Egozi is prosecuting the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Paster is handling asset forfeiture.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Building the Future of Thailand Together

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 25 is the largest joint exercise in mainland Asia, with approximately 30 nations participating and over 3,200 U.S. personnel directly involved.

    The team at Lop Buri is comprised of more than 50 U.S., Thai and Singaporean joint multi-national engineers working together to build a multipurpose room for the local community as part of the Engineering Civic Action Program. The project is estimated to take less than 35 days and aims to strengthen the community’s resources and enhance relationships with our allies and partners.

    “This isn’t just a situation of U.S. Forces working with Royal Thai Forces— we’re here for the local people and making sure their needs are met as well,” said 1st Lt. Emily Schaum, the Site 5 officer-in-charge.

    Despite language barriers, varying equipment, and a tight timeline, the multi-national engineering team persists in collaborating. They combine their diverse expertise to construct a multipurpose room equipped with electrical, air conditioning, and plumbing systems.

    “The project is a unique opportunity for all of us,” said Senior Airman Jamie Canales, an engineer with 356 EPBS. “There are not many times you can say local people are interested in the work you’re doing. It’s unique, and it’s appreciated by us that they’re supportive of what we do. It’s also fun that we can have these memories to last a lifetime.”

    Canales also mentioned that he was grateful to work in an environment where he could observe the operations of different militaries, appreciating the cohesion among U.S., Thai, and Singaporean forces.

    The success of this project underscores the power of collaboration, demonstrating how our joint efforts can overcome challenges and leave a lasting impact. As the U.S., Thailand, and Singapore continue to work together, they not only strive to enhance local infrastructure but also strengthen the bonds built between them.

    Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 25 – the 44th iteration of this exercise – directly exemplifies the long-lasting partnership and alliance with Thailand and reflects the shared commitment to preserving a peaceful, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific.
    Through exercises like Cobra Gold 25, the enduring partnership between nations continues to foster security, prosperity, and mutual understanding in the Indo-Pacific region.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: 434th ARW joins partner nations at Cope North 2025

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    The 434th ARW joined the Tanker Task Force to provide air refueling support to the U.S. Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Marine Corps, Royal Australian Air Forces, and Japanese Air Self Defense Force during the annual exercise held at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

    “Grissom is playing a key role in support of PACAF’s role in defending the Indo-Pacific,” said Lt. Col. Brian Thompson, 434th Operations Support Squadron commander. “We have been absolutely pivotal in providing fuel to primary F-35s, as well as EA-18G Growlers, F-16 Wild Weasels and the fan favorite B-1 Lancer.”

    The 434th ARW’s role in CN25 is to project airpower, execute the mission and win the fight, which takes a team, according to 1st Lieutenant Robert Grasmick, 434th Logistics Readiness Squadron operations officer.

    “If we can project Grissom air power to the Indo-Pacific and integrate with the joint force to execute our combined mission, then we make the joint force more robust and agile,” Grasmick said. “Thus, giving us the edge to win any engagement.”

    The Heartland Warriors hit the ground running, integrating themselves with active duty troops and gaining realistic experience supporting large-force deployment operations.

    “I have really enjoyed seeing so many career fields work together in order to make the mission possible,” said Senior Airman Ashlyn Hunter, 434th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician. “I think Cope North is a great training exercise and helps all career fields melt into one Air Force.”

    As reservists, deploying to participate in Cope North, and similar exercises hones the warfighting ethos and gives an unparalleled advantage in the field. Grasmick also notes that by teaming up with their Japanese and Australian counterparts, Airmen build upon their existing knowledge and skill sets to become more adaptable and well-rounded fighting forces.

    “By expanding our real-world training on an island in the Pacific,” said Grasmick, “It makes us that much more potent of an asset when called upon.”

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