NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. John’s — RCMP NL encourages snowmobilers to put safety first; Be prepared, wear the gear and ride sober

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    With an increase in snowmobiling activities within the province, RCMP NL encourages those venturing out in the outdoors to put safety first, especially when heading to isolated areas. Officers encourage riders to ride sober and wear the proper safety gear, including helmets.

    Before heading out, riders should prepare themselves in the event they become displaced/lost in the event of mechanical issues, bad weather or other unexpected delays. Packing additional food and water provisions and fire-making equipment is strongly recommended, as well as wearing the proper winter clothing. Communication devices, including cell phones, satellite phones and satellite tracking devices, are also recommended. Riders need to keep in mind that cell phone service is unavailable in many isolated areas throughout the province.

    Helmets are mandatory for snowmobile operators and passengers in Newfoundland and Labrador and they should be properly fitted or fastened to work as intended in the event of a collision; otherwise, they may come off upon impact. Goggles, safety glasses or a face shield are also required when a snowmobile is not equipped with a windshield that is of a height to provide adequate protection to the eyes.

    Those who take unnecessary risk or travel without proper knowledge of the area, safety equipment and provisions, put additional strain on police, medical and search and rescue resources and inflict worry on those at home who await their safe return.

    RCMP NL reminds snowmobilers to notify others of their planned route and return time. Riders are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, while being safe, being prepared, wearing the gear and riding sober.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Salvadoran National Sentenced On Reentry Of Removed Aliens

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Carlos Vides-Torres, age 46, a native of El Salvador, was sentenced on February 7, 2025, to time-served, by United States District Court Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann for one count of reentry of removed aliens.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Vides-Torres was discovered on September 10, 2022, in Bradford County, having been arrested by the Pennsylvania State Police for driving under the influence of alcohol. Vides-Torres was previously removed from the United States in 2008, and twice in 2011, and had not sought or obtained permission to reenter the United States.

    The case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Murder investigation launched after woman found dead in Hammersmith

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Met has launched a murder investigation following the death of a 36-year-old woman in Hammersmith.

    Police were called to a residential property in Coulter Road, on Sunday, 9 February at 22:13hrs following reports that a man was attempting to force entry into one of the flats.

    Officers arrived and having gained entry to the property found a woman, aged 36 who had sadly died, following what appears to be a head injury.

    A 38-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

    Next of kin has yet to be informed. We await formal identification.

    A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

    Officers are appealing for anyone with information or any witnesses to call 101 and quote CAD 6487/9Feb. To remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    Detective Chief Inspector, Ollie Stride who is leading the investigation, said:

    “We are saddened to hear about the loss of this young woman and are working to ensure that her family are informed and supported by specialist officers as soon as possible.

    “I understand the impact this incident will have had on neighbours and the community and we are doing everything we can to investigate the circumstances.

    “Although we have made an arrest, we still need to have an understanding of what took place last night in Coulter Road. Did you see or hear anything unusual on Sunday, 9 February? If you did, then please speak with us by contacting 101, and quoting CAD 6487/9Feb. You can otherwise contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ongoing investigation into death of woman in Tottenham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives are appealing for information after the death of a 75-year-old woman at a residential property in N17.

    On Monday, 13 January, police received a concern for welfare call from the London Ambulance Service regarding a woman in Reynardson Road, Tottenham, N17.

    Officers forced entry to a property in Reynardson Road and found Pepita Sakirecili, also known as Pepita Garcia, deceased.

    Pepita is believed to have died some time before Christmas. The cause of death is currently unknown.

    Dominic Whitton, 40 (22.04.1984) of Reynardson Road, N17 has been charged with preventing a lawful burial in connection with this investigation.

    Detective Inspector Barry Hart of the Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Unit said: “Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Pepita’s death and we are appealing for information from anyone who knew Pepita.

    “We are keen to hear from anyone who may be able to provide any background on her life. We would like to build a picture as to what may have happened to Pepita.

    “We are also appealing for anyone with mobile phone or dashcam footage, taken in Reynardson Road between 16, October 2024 and 31, January, to contact police.

    “I am particularly keen to trace a taxi driver who drove Pepita to the address in Reynardson Road in August 2024 and witnessed Pepita struggling to lift building supplies that she had bought. We believe the driver was concerned about her welfare and may have recorded Pepita on their mobile phone.”

    Anyone with information or footage can visit the following this link. To remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard interdicts 12 aliens near Point Loma

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 02/09/2025 11:00 PM EST

     

    02/09/2025 10:32 PM EST

    Coast Guard members interdicted 12 aliens aboard a 25-foot sail vessel approximately 12 miles west of Point Loma, Sunday. At approximately 10:19 a.m, a Customs and Border Protection patrol aircraft and a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter sighted the sail vessel.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Task Force Arrest Fugitive Wanted in Idaho

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Spokane, WA – The U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, in coordination with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force, successfully apprehended fugitive Frank Cunningham on February 8th, 2025, around 6:00 PM, near S. Thor St. and E Third Ave.

    On February 7th, 2025, the First Judicial Court of Idaho – Coeur d’Alene, issued an arrest warrant for Cunningham. He faces three counts of rape and three counts of video voyeurism.

    The arrest was carried out without incident, and Cunningham was booked into the Spokane County Jail, where he is being held pending extradition to Idaho.

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

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: I MEF Identifies Marine killed in aircraft incident

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.  –  

    Marine Corps officials identified Sgt. Jacob M. Durham as the Marine who died in an aircraft incident Feb. 6 in the Philippine Province of Maguindanao del Sur.

    Durham is a native of California. He was trained as an Electronic Intelligence/Electromagnetic Warfare Analyst assigned to 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

    Durham joined the Marine Corps in January 2021 and was promoted to his current rank Feb. 1, 2025. His awards and decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, a Meritorious Mast, and Naval Aircrew Insignia.

    “We mourn the loss of Sgt. Jacob Durham, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Lt. Col. Mabel B. Annunziata, commanding officer of 1st Radio Battalion. “Sgt. Durham embodied the highest traditions of the Marine Corps—exemplifying composure, intelligence, and selfless leadership. He was deeply respected and loved by his fellow Marines. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and his fellow Marines during this profoundly difficult time.”

    The incident occurred during a routine mission in support of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation activities. The aircraft was providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support at the request of our Philippine allies.

    The cause of the incident is currently under investigation. Please refer all media queries to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command at indopacom_j0pao@us.navy.mil.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon Who Fired Weapon At New Orleans Police Officers Sentenced To 188 Months Imprisonment

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –DANTE FRAZIER (“FRAZIER”), age 45, was sentenced on February 6, 2025 by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to 188 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release, along with a $200 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and a quantity of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

    According to court documents, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers responded to an emergency call and found FRAZIER passed out in the driver’s seat of a vehicle.  After becoming aware of NOPD’s presence, FRAZIER drove onto the Saint Claude Avenue neutral ground, struck a median, and then drove into a gas station parking lot before fleeing on foot.  While fleeing, FRAZIER fired five shots from a Mossberg International Model 715P, .22 caliber handgun, at NOPD, before  hiding beneath a nearby house.  Soon after the pursuit, NOPD officers located FRAZIER, and his vehicle containing over 50 grams of methamphetamine and 14 grams of cocaine, that FRAZIER intended to distribute.  Before this shooting incident,  FRAZIER had been convicted of three counts of armed robbery and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

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

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Postal Employee Indicted for Mail Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on February 6, 2025, KANISHA FLORENCE (“FLORENCE”), age 28, a resident of New Orleans, was indicted for theft of mail by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709.

    According to the indictment, on February 6, 2023, FLORENCE removed a gift card from an article of mail that had come into her possession as an employee of the United States Postal Service.

    If convicted, FLORENCE faces up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

    U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

    The case was investigated United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General and United States Postal Inspection Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

               

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Possessing Stolen Car and Drug and Weapons Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –MERVYN LUCAS (“LUCAS”), age 33, was sentenced on February 6, 2025 by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to 75 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, along with a $300 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and possession of a car stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 659.

    According to court documents, law enforcement tracked a brand new, $80,000 Ford F-150 Raptor stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard to LUCAS’s residence.  The vehicle had a fraudulent temporary license plate and inside the residence, in an envelope addressed to LUCAS,there was a second fraudulent plate.  Law enforcement also found over 10 pounds of vacuum-sealed marijuana in LUCAS’s residence that he intended to distribute.  Additionally, they found a Romarm/Cugir Model Micro Draco AK-47-style firearm, loaded with over 40 rounds of ammunition, that LUCAS possessed in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime.

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

    The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Federal Drug and Firearm Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ROBERT BALL (“BALL”), age 45 of New Orleans, was sentenced on February 6, 2025 to a total of 248 months imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, after previously pleading guilty to one (1) count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), one (1) count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), as well as one (1) count of Possessing Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(a).  BALL was sentenced to 188 months imprisonment on Counts 1 and 2, followed by an additional 60 months on Count 3 to run consecutive.  Judge Morgan also ordered that BALL serve five (5) years of supervised release after imprisonment and pay a $300 mandatory special assessment fee.

    According to the indictment, law enforcement in Ontario, California intercepted a package suspected of containing methamphetamine that was enroute to New Orleans.  Further investigation revealed that Felipe Garcia had mailed two similar packages from the same United Parcel Service store in California to New Orleans.  After determining the intercepted package in California contained methamphetamine, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) intercepted the second package before its delivery to a New Orleans address.  It was later determined that  BALL was the intended recipient of this drug package.  BALL had previously been arrested by the Louisiana State Police after a traffic stop led to the discovery of methamphetamine and firearms  in his possession.

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

    United States Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, and the Ontario California Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mississippi Man Sentenced for Bank Fraud Conspiracy and Violating Supervised Release

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOHN SPOSATO (“SPOSATO”), age 73, a resident of Kiln, Mississippi, was sentenced February 6, 2025 by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to 10 months in prison and three years of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1344.  Separately, United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced SPOSATO to 6 months in prison, to be served consecutively to the sentence imposed by Judge Fallon, for violating the terms of his supervised release from a prior conviction in United States v. Sposato, 15-134 (E.D. La.).

    According to court documents, SPOSATO began serving a three-year period of supervised release after his release from prison because of his previous conviction on about August 9, 2022, in United States v. John Sposato, 15-134 (E.D. La.).  While on supervised release, SPOSATO claimed to be President of several companies, including Pegasus Consulting and Development, LLC (“Pegasus Consulting”).  These companies neither performed work nor generated income. SPOSATO opened a financial account at Keesler Federal Credit Union in the name of Pegasus Consulting and on March 27, 2023, attempted to deposit a $10,000.00 check he received from a co-conspirator, knowing it to be counterfeit.  The check was purportedly drawn on the financial account of an all-volunteer, non-profit, tax-exempt organization that supported a Florida public library.  SPOSATO’s attempted deposit placed Keesler at risk of both civil liability and financial loss.  When asked about the check, SPOSATO falsely told a United States Probation Officer that the check was compensation for consulting work he performed, both directly and through an associate named “Jack Morgan,” for the non-profit entity. In fact, SPOSATO knew he was not entitled to the check and had never performed work for the non-profit.

    U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Probation Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, was in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard interdicts three aliens near Mission Bay

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 02/08/2025 07:45 PM EST

     

    02/08/2025 07:17 PM EST

    PHOTOS AVAILABLE: Coast Guard members interdicted three aliens aboard a personal watercraft approximately 11 miles offshore from Mission Bay.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Members Of Museum Heist Crew Found Guilty Of Conspiracy, Theft Of Major Artwork, And Concealment/Disposal Of Major Artwork

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nicholas Dombek, age 54, of Thornhurst, Pennsylvania, Damien Boland, age 48, of Moscow, Pennsylvania, and Joseph Atsus, age 48, of Roaring Brook, Pennsylvania, were convicted on February 7, 2025, for conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property, as well as multiple related substantive offense, following a four-week jury trial before United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Dombek, Boland, and Joseph Atsus were part of a larger nine-person conspiracy which lasted over 20 years and whose goal was to break into multiple museums and other institutions and steal priceless works of art, sports memorabilia, and other objects. Those objects include the following:

    • A Christy Matthewson jersey and two contracts signed by Matthewson stolen in 1999 from Keystone College in Factoryville, Pennsylvania;
    • “Le Grande Passion” by Andy Warhol and “Springs Winter” by Jackson Pollock stolen in 2005 from the Everhart Museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania;
    • Ten (10) World Series rings, seven (7) other championship rings, and two (2) MVP plaques all belonging to Yogi Berra, worth over $1,000,000 stolen in 2014 from the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center in Little Falls, New Jersey;
    • Six (6) championship belts, including four belonging to Carmen Basilio and two belonging to Tony Zale, stolen in 2015 from the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York;
    • The Hickok Belt and MVP Trophy belonging to Roger Maris, stolen in 2016 from the Roger Maris Museum in Fargo, North Dakota;
    • The U.S. Amateur Trophy and a Hickok Belt awarded to Ben Hogan, stolen in 2012 from the USGA Golf Museum & Library;
    • Fourteen (14) trophies and other awards worth over $300,000, stolen in 2012 from the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame in Goshen, New York;
    • Five (5) trophies worth over $400,000, including the 1903 Belmont Stakes Trophy, stolen in 2013 from the National Racing Museum & Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York;
    • Eleven (11) trophies, including four (4) belonging to Art Wall, Jr., stolen in 2011 from the Scranton Country Club located in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania;
    • Three antique firearms worth a combined $1,000,000, stolen in 2006 from Space Farms Zoo & Museum in Wantage, New Jersey;
    • An 1903/1904 Tiffany Lamp stolen in 2010 from the Lackawanna Historical Society in Scranton, Pennsylvania,
    • “Upper Hudson” by Jasper Cropsey, worth approximately $500,000, stolen in 2011 from Ringwood Manor in Ringwood, New Jersey;
    • Two antique firearms worth over $300,000, stolen in 2011 from Ringwood Manor in Ringwood, New Jersey;
    • $400,000 worth of gold nuggets, stolen in 2011 from the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg, New Jersey;
    • Various gems, minerals, and other items stolen in 2017, from the Franklin Mineral Museum in Franklin, New Jersey;
    • An antique shotgun worth over $30,000, stolen in 2018 from Space Farms Zoo & Museum in Wantage, New Jersey;
    • Various jewelry, rings, and other items from various antique and jewelry stores in New York, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania.

    Five additional co-conspirators pled guilty pursuant to felony informations and are awaiting sentencing. Former co-defendant Alfred Atsus was acquitted of the three counts against him at trial.

    After stealing the above-described items, the conspirators would transport the stolen goods back to northeastern Pennsylvania, often the residence of Dombek, and melt the memorabilia down into easily transportable metal discs or bars.  The conspirators would then sell the raw metal to fences in the New York City area for hundreds or a few thousands of dollars, significantly less than the sports memorabilia would be worth at fair market value.

    Dombek burnt the painting “Upper Hudson” by Jasper Cropsey, valued at approximately $500,000, to avoid the painting being recovered by investigators and used as evidence against the members of the conspiracy. The whereabouts of many of the other paintings and stolen objects are currently unknown, however, several antique firearms stolen from the Space Farms Zoo and Museum and the Ringwood Manor Museum, both in New Jersey, were recovered by investigators.

    The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police, the New Jersey State Police, the New York State Police, the New Jersey State Park Police, the Newport Police Department (Rhode Island), the Fargo Police Department (North Dakota), the Chester Police Department (New York), the Exeter Borough Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Scranton Police Department, the Franklin Police Department (New Jersey), the Village of Goshen Police Department (New York), the Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, D.C.), the West Milord Township Police Department (New Jersey), the Montclair Police Department (New Jersey), the Saratoga Springs Police Department (New York), the Canastota Police Department (New York), the South Abington Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Bernards Township Police Department (New Jersey), the Salisbury Township Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Montclair State University Police Department (New Jersey), the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office (Pennsylvania), the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office (New Jersey), the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office (New Jersey), the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (New York), and multiple other local law enforcement agencies from across the country.  Assistant United States Attorneys James M. Buchanan, Jenny Roberts, and Sean Camoni prosecuted the case.

    Sentencing is not yet scheduled.  The defendants face a maximum penalty of imprisonment for a term of five years for the conspiracy conviction and maximum penalties of ten years’ imprisonment for each additional count of conviction, as well as a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Appeal for witnesses following fatal collision in Clapton

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Police are appealing for witnesses and footage following a fatal collision in Clapton.

    Officers were called at approximately 06:50hrs on Saturday, 8 February to reports of a car in collision with a stationery bus in Lea Bridge Road, near the junction of Clapton Road, E5.

    London Ambulance Service and HEMS paramedics also attended.

    The driver of the car, a woman, was taken to hospital for treatment – she sadly died there a short time later.

    Her next of kin have been informed and will be supported by specially trained officers.

    No reports of any other serious injuries.

    An investigation into the circumstances is under way by detectives from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit. They would like to hear from anyone who was in the area and witnessed this incident, or any road users or pedestrians who may have captured events on film.

    Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD1388/8Feb.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Appeal to trace missing teenager believed to have travelled to London

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Police are appealing for assistance to help trace a missing teenager who has believed to have travelled to London.

    Talailah Francis, 14, was last seen at Whittlesford Service Station in Cambridge on Saturday, 25 January.

    Since then there have been potential sightings of Talailah in in Hackney, Lambeth, Enfield and Southwark.

    Police remain concerned regarding Talailah’s welfare and are appealing to the public for assistance.

    If you have seen Talailah or have any information about her whereabouts, please call 101 and quote CAD4485/26JAN25.

    For an immediate sighting dial 999.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: AFRICOM, U.S. Embassy Libya Discuss Security Cooperation with Libyan Leaders

    Source: United States AFRICOM

    U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John W. Brennan, Deputy Commander, U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Rose Keravuori, Director of Intelligence, U.S. Africa Command, met with Libyan leaders, Feb. 4-6, to promote increased security cooperation between the United States and Libya. 

    The two generals and the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Libya Jeremy Berndt met with officials from both the Government of National Unity (GNU) and Libya National Army (LNA) in locations throughout Libya, to include Tripoli, Benghazi, and Sirte, a city where U.S. support to the fight against Da’ish in 2016 helped the people of Sirte and the surrounding region regain peace and stability. 

    While there, leaders from both the GNU and LNA expressed commitment to greater military unification and cooperation efforts through face-to-face engagements and training that benefits both sides, contributing to Libyan efforts to overcome divisions and foster unity. 

    “This week was a significant step in forwarding our efforts with Libya’s civilian and military leaders throughout the country,” said Brennan. “Brigadier General Keravuori and I were able to meet with leaders at various levels, to include tactical unit levels, to see where the United States can serve as a catalyst to bring about a unified country able to defeat malign actors who threaten North Africa and U.S. security interests.” 

    In Benghazi, Brennan, Keravuori and Chargé d’Affaires Berndt met with LNA Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and LNA Ground Forces Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Saddam Haftar. The leaders discussed U.S.-Libya cooperation supporting stability in the country and Libyan-led efforts to reunify military institutions.

    The U.S. delegation spent time in Tripoli where they engaged with GNU Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Defense Abdul Hamid Dabaiba and Deputy Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Abdel Salam Zubi, discussing security cooperation, efforts to promote regional stability, and Libyan-led efforts to unify its military and security institutions. 

    Leaders also met with GNU Chief of Staff General Mohammed Haddad, Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Salah Namroush, and the Director of Military Intelligence and 444 Commander Maj. Gen. Mahmoud Hamza where topics of discussion included professional development of Libya’s military and opportunities to strengthen bilateral defense ties.

    Finally, Brennan and Keravuori traveled to Sirte and met again with Lt. Gen. Saddam Haftar and visited several tactical units as well as the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) Headquarters. There they explored training and technical assistance opportunities to enhance cooperation among Libyan security forces throughout the country in accordance with recent United Nations Arms Embargo modifications granted by the U.N. Security Council.  

    “We thank our partners in the east and west for receiving us and continuing to engage with us on their important efforts to reunify the Libyan military,” said Chargé d’Affaires Berndt. “A strong and unified Libyan military will help Libya safeguard its sovereignty in the face of malign actors and regional instability.”    

    “On this trip we were able to witness a lot of positive reconstruction and efforts to increase military professionalism in Tripoli, Benghazi, and Sirte. What we observed demonstrates Libyan resolve, resilience and desire for stability, economic development, and prosperity through cooperation with the U.S. government and private investment,” said Brennan.  “A stronger and more unified Libya is better for the people of Libya and for regional security. We look forward to building on existing defense activities and investments that move toward our shared goals of a safe, secure, and prosperous Libya.”

    U.S. Africa Command is one of seven U.S. Department of Defense geographic combatant commands. The command is responsible for all U.S. military operations, exercises, security cooperation, and conducts crisis response on the African continent in order to advance U.S. interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.

    For more information, visit our website, Facebook and Twitter pages, or contact U.S. Africa Command Media Relations at africom-pao-media@mail.mil.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Youth arrested as stolen phones and e-bike seized in Camden

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    By building up intelligence around suspects and working at pace, Met officers in Camden arrested a male and recovered 16 stolen phones which are being returned to their owners.

    At around 08:00hrs on Thursday, 6 February, officers were alerted to a phone robbery in Euston. The police helicopter had tracked the suspect to the Belsize Park area of Camden, and utilising the intelligence picture built up by the Met, a nearby address was raided.

    A 16-year-old boy was arrested at the location after around £1,000 in cash was found at the address along with a quantity of cannabis. 16 mobile phones were found nearby. A Surron electric motorcycle found outside the property was also seized. The boy has been bailed pending further enquiries.

    Inspector John Wilde, one of the senior officers policing Camden, said: “This arrest shows what we are doing to deal with theft and robbery offences, including by offenders riding bikes, e-bikes and mopeds.

    “We are constantly building intelligence, linking offences and working to establish who might be responsible. And we are responding to robberies at pace.

    “These tactics, among others, are enabling us to get significant results like this, recovering stolen goods and drugs, and arresting those we suspect of committing offences.”

    If you have been a victim of robbery, please call 999 or, if your phone has been stolen, ask someone nearby to call police urgently. If you have information about those committing robberies or selling stolen good, please call 101, message @MetCC or to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard ends search for missing aircraft near Nome, Alaska

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    News Release

    		  

    U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska
    Contact: 17th District Public Affairs
    Office: (907) 463-2065
    After Hours: (907) 463-2065
    17th District online newsroom

     

    02/07/2025 10:54 PM EST

    JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard ended its search for a missing aircraft with 10 people aboard after it was located Friday afternoon approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome.   A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew located the aircraft wreckage and lowered two rescue swimmers down to the aircraft. The rescue swimmers located three individuals in the forward part of the aircraft showing no signs of life. The remaining seven people are believed to be inside the aircraft, which was inaccessible due to the condition of the plane. The Coast Guard determined the severity of the wreckage was beyond the possibility of survival. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: USS Howard visits Otaru

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    OTARU, Japan  –  

    USS Howard (DDG 83), forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, as part of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, arrived at Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan on February 7, 2025, for a scheduled port visit.

    Howard, commanded by Cmdr. Eric Smitley, is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer; it is approximately 155 meters in length, displacing approximately 8,900 tons, and has a crew size of more than 300.

    While in Otaru, the crew is looking forward to meeting the citizens and opportunities for sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying the local cuisine and cultural attractions; and learning more about the scenic and historic area of Hokkaido Japan.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: USFJ Alliance Evolves: Multilateral Partnerships, training at core of C2 Modernization efforts

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    JAPAN  –  

    The U.S.-Japan Alliance remains a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and the Alliance is now even more necessary amidst an increasingly severe security environment, according to government officials from the U.S and Japan. The shared strategic vision of both governments and flexible security frameworks have enabled the Alliance to confront unprecedented challenges and adapt to the evolving security landscape, according to officials.

    The importance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance was enshrined in the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. It was created to strengthen the bonds of peace and friendship between the U.S. and Japan and to uphold the principles of democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law. The U.S. and Japan established the Status of Forces Agreement under Article VI of the Treaty to contribute to two endeavors of great importance to both countries: the security of Japan and the maintenance of international peace and security.

    During the July 2024 Joint Statement of the Security Consultative Committee (2+2), U.S and Japan leaders underscored the significance of the Treaty and highlighted the importance of modernizing the Alliance’s command and control structures. This includes the creation of Japan’s Joint Operations Command and the transformation of U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) into an operational Joint Force Headquarters.

    According to U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost, commander of USFJ and Fifth Air Force, “a Joint Force Headquarters will enable us to pool our resources, leverage our unique capabilities, and project power more effectively, thereby extending deterrence and the defense of Japan.” Jost emphasized the need for a clear-eyed understanding of the security environment and the importance of evolving and adapting to meet the challenges ahead. “We must join our allies and partners, to include multilateral partnerships, to deter, defend, and support the defense of Japan, its citizens, and the rules-based international order of the Indo-Pacific.”

    The third priority from the 2+2 meeting outlines focus areas in “Modernizing the Alliance,” with both countries committed to deepening and expanding multilateral cooperation with vital international partners, like Australia, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN), Pacific Island Countries, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) counterparts. The Alliance is rooted in a common understanding that regional deterrence and collective security depend on the ability of both countries to collaborate with like-minded nations in key areas such as capabilities, exercises, maritime domain awareness, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.

    A further welcomed development is the increase in U.S. activities in Japan that are enhanced by the integration of allies and partners, according to senior leaders. Multilateral forces actively engage with Japan Self Defense and U.S. Forces, entering Japan under arrangements between their nations and the Government of Japan.

    In January 2025, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani spoke by phone with newly appointed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to discuss the importance of allies and partners in the current security environment.

    It is important to build an organic and multilayered network of allies, Nakatani stated.

    “It’s important to expand this network and strengthen deterrence, and we have confirmed this common goal at today’s meeting,” he said.

    Reinforcing Defense Minister Nakatani’s remarks, General Jost noted that it’s critical for multilateral forces to participate in U.S.-lead, U.S.-directed exercises on SOFA facilities and areas, thereby increasing interoperability and deterrence. “The training we do on our installations in Japan is a key factor in how we effectively signal the strength of our alliances and partnerships. In doing so, we demonstrate our readiness to collectively address the security challenges identified by the U.S. and Japan in Article VI of our Treaty.”

    The Treaty recognized then, as the recent 2+2 did last year, that Japan is an essential, strategic partner in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. The robust security partnership between both nations is built on the tenet of adaptability, a key ability that allows us to respond quickly and effectively in a region experiencing shifting dynamics and emerging threats.

    “I have a high degree of confidence that the team we’re building today will deliver a next-level capability to ensure security and prosperity for those in Japan and across the region.” Jost added, “Amidst all the adaptations happening across the headquarters, what I’m most inspired by is the optimism; our teams have embraced this opportunity to position this headquarters for the future – a future that optimizes our relationship with a very capable and vital ally, Japan.”

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s Call with Indonesian Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    Department of Defense Spokesman John Ullyot provided the following readout:

    Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Indonesian Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin held an introductory call today.

    Secretary Hegseth and Minister Sjafrie reiterated the United States’ and Indonesia’s commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Both leaders also reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral defense partnership and expressed willingness to work together on facilitating defense cooperation and cooperating on regional maritime security.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: All Extradited Distributors of ANOM Hardened Encrypted Devices Plead Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Alexander Dmitrienko of Finland became the last of eight defendants extradited so far to admit participating in the worldwide conspiracy to distribute ANOM hardened encrypted communication devices to criminal syndicates. The ANOM enterprise facilitated drug trafficking, money laundering, and obstruction of justice crimes.

    The eight defendants were among 17 indicted in San Diego in 2021 in connection with Operation Trojan Shield, a first-of-its-kind, international law enforcement effort in which the FBI secretly operated an encrypted messaging network. The ANOM criminal enterprise was responsible for the distribution of more than 12,000 devices in 100 countries. While ANOM’s criminal users unknowingly communicated on the system operated by law enforcement, agents catalogued more than 27 million messages between users around the world whose criminal discussions were covertly obtained and reviewed by the FBI.

    ANOM devices were sold to and used by over 300 criminal syndicates, including outlaw motorcycle gangs, Italian and Balkan organized crime groups, and international drug trafficking organizations. The investigation culminated in a worldwide takedown on June 7, 2021. During the takedown, more than 10,000 law enforcement officers made over 500 arrests and searched over 700 locations around the world.

    Of the 17 indicted in San Diego, eight have been extradited to date. Dmitrienko pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday; defendants Seyyed Hossein Hosseini and Aurangzeb Ayub of the Netherlands and Shane Ngakuru of New Zealand entered their guilty pleas on January 23, 2025; Dragan Nikitovic, Edwin Harmendra Kumar, Miwand Zakhimi, and Osemah Elhassen pleaded guilty between May and September 2024. All pleaded guilty to Count 1 of a superseding indictment charging them with a racketeering conspiracy in connection with the ANOM enterprise.

    Prior to their guilty pleas, the defendants filed motions to dismiss the indictment and a motion to suppress the ANOM evidence. The District Court denied those motions, concluding the Fourth Amendment did not apply to the defendants and the ANOM data collection did not violate the U.S. Constitution.

    In total, the investigation resulted in approximately 1,200 arrests; the seizure of more than 12 tons of cocaine, three tons of methamphetamine or amphetamines; 17 tons of precursor chemicals, 300 firearms, and $58 million in various currencies. Dozens of public corruption investigations, too, have been pursued, and more than 50 drug labs have been dismantled. Further, over 150 threats to life were prevented.

    According to their plea agreements, the defendants promoted the ANOM platform as “Built by criminals for criminals,” and touted security features such as the ability to wipe devices remotely when seized by law enforcement. The defendants admitted that the conspiracy’s purposes included money laundering and laundering with cryptocurrency. As to drugs, specifically, the four defendants who pleaded guilty in January and February 2025—Hosseini, Dmitrienko, Ayub, and Ngakuru—all admitted that they sold ANOM devices knowing that they would be used to traffic at last 50 kilograms of cocaine; Ngakuru also admitted the importation, exportation, and distribution of at least five kilograms of methamphetamine. Based on their plea agreements and other court filings, what these defendants also did as part of the conspiracy included:

    • Hosseini was a part of a team of ANOM distributors, “Team Wijzijn,” based in the Netherlands. He and Dmitrienko discussed the distribution of “90% pure, Peruvian” cocaine, for example, and he and Kumar messaged each other about bringing “kilos” from Belgium and getting drugs to Australia by “Fisher boats.” Hosseini promoted ANOM’s security features and told other distributors about vulnerabilities of competitors SkyECC and No. 1 BC. Hosseini also admitted to obstructing justice through wiping ANOM devices when they were seized by law enforcement.
    • Dmitrienko distributed ANOM devices from Spain. He frequently used ANOM for cocaine and other drug distribution: “5 blocks of colombian coke” and “32 blocks,” he offered in two instances, in addition to conversations about “cook[ing] cocaine.” Dmitrienko wrote about “gateways” and “interesting opportunities” for the enterprise in Russia and Ukraine, including through Latvia and Lithuania. He also promoted money laundering through a company he had in Delaware, telling Hosseini that it involved “0% tax and no book[k]eeping…Yes this is pure moneylaund[e]ring 😂.”
    • Ayub was an ANOM distributor in Europe, who also sold encrypted communications devices in the U.A.E.—and he had been imprisoned in Dubai for distributing these types of platforms. Ayub was involved in cocaine distribution as he talked about “top” (cocaine) from Colombia, and delivery to London, and sending “100k at a time” to pay for the drugs. He promoted ANOM through his own experience and contrasts with Encrochat and SkyECC, both of which were taken down by law enforcement in 2020 and 2021. Ayub, too, admitted to the obstruction of justice through wiping ANOM devices.
    • Ngakuru was based in Thailand, distributing ANOM devices there and in New Zealand and Australia. He used the platform for extensive cocaine and methamphetamine distribution and money laundering. He was tied to two seizures of methamphetamine; discussed quality, repressing, and prices for “rack” and “bird” (cocaine); and detailed in messages how seven kilograms of methamphetamine was concealed in boxes of “full scan proof” “commercial lights.” Among other times he laundered proceeds, Ngakuru coordinated cash pickup in Sydney, Australia and directed deposits into “Thai accounts.”

    “The statistics of this case are staggering,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “The FBI led this unprecedented collaboration for years, harnessing the evidence to bring down cocaine, meth, and cash traffickers across the globe. These guilty pleas underscore the impact of international partnerships in dismantling organized crime.”

    “Operation Trojan Shield was a massive, innovative, and unprecedented case having immeasurable implications to criminal organizations across the globe,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “This extraordinary impact came from an investigative strategy that relied on ingenuity, partnerships, and perseverance, designing a blueprint for disrupting organized crime within the United States and abroad. The guilty pleas of all extradited defendants highlight the effectiveness of this strategy and reinforces the FBI’s collaborative approach aimed at dismantling Transnational Criminal Organizations worldwide.”

    Matthew Allen, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Los Angeles Field Division, said, “The triumph of this vast-scale operation demonstrates the immense value of partnerships, both domestic and international. Expert investigators in the DEA Los Angeles Division, working alongside innovative and exceptionally experienced federal and foreign-based partners, took an intricate investigation to the next level. Our multi-agency alliance managed to infiltrate these transnational criminal organizations, ultimately exposing and pummeling their schemes. DEA will continue to foster this type of unprecedented collaboration and offer a core presence.”

    Elhassen and Zakhimi were previously sentenced to 63 and 60 months in prison, respectively. The other six defendants who have pleaded guilty are scheduled to be sentenced in February, April, and May, 2025. They were extradited to the Southern District of California from Australia (Kumar), Colombia (Elhassen), The Netherlands (Hosseini, Ayub, and Zakhimi), Spain (Dmitrienko and Nikitovic), and Thailand (Ngakuru). Eight other defendants in the case have been arrested in locations outside the United States and are yet to be extradited, and one remains a fugitive.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua C. Mellor, Mikaela L. Weber, and Peter S. Horn.

    For further information on investigations and prosecutions of encrypted communication providers, see https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/fbi-s-encrypted-phone-platform-infiltrated-hundreds-criminal-syndicates-result-massive (ANOM), https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/sky-global-executive-and-associate-indicted-providing-encrypted-communication-devices (Sky Global), and https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/chief-executive-communications-company-sentenced-prison-providing-encryption-services (Phantom Secure).

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

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrests and extraditions of the defendants to the United States.

    DEFENDANTS                                 Case Number 21cr1623-JLS                                   

    Seyyed Hossein Hosseini                   Age: 41                       The Netherlands

    Alexander Dmitrienko                        Age: 49                       Finland

    Aurangzeb Ayub                                 Age: 48                       The Netherlands

    Dragan Nikitovic                                Age: 50                       Croatia and Switzerland

     aka Dr. Djek

    Shane Ngakuru                                   Age: 45                       New Zealand

    Edwin Harmendra Kumar,                  Age: 37                       Australia

     aka Edwin Harmendra Valentine

    Miwand Zakhimi,                               Age: 30                       The Netherlands

     aka Maiwand Zakhimi

    Osemah Elhassen                                Age: 52                       Australia

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Count 1: Racketeering Conspiracy – Title 18, United States Code, Section 1962(d)

    Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison, and fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    Drug Enforcement Administration

    United States Marshals Service

    Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs

    Australian Federal Police

    Swedish Police Authority

    Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau

    National Police of the Netherlands

    Office of the Attorney General of Thailand

    Royal Thai Police

    EUROPOL

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Corona Customs Broker Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Clients Out of More Than $5 Million and Evading More Than $1 Million in Taxes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A customs broker pleaded guilty today to defrauding his clients – businesses who ship goods into the United States from foreign countries – out of more than $5 million, including after he had been indicted on fraud charges, and to committing more than $1 million in tax evasion.

    Frank Seung Noah, 64, of Corona, pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion and two counts of wire fraud.

    According to his plea agreement, Noah owned and operated Comis International Inc., a Cerritos-based logistics and supply-chain company, which offered customs import brokerage services on behalf of businesses. From 2007 to 2019, Comis was a customs import broker for Daiso, a Japan-based variety and value store with stores in the United States, including Southern California.

    During that time, Noah provided Daiso with false customs duty forms and invoices in support of fraudulent requests for reimbursement for duty fees. These forms differed materially from those Noah submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and inflated the total amounts, resulting in Daiso overpaying Noah nearly $3.4 million.

    After Noah was indicted for defrauding Daiso in 2022, he continued to defraud his other clients out of more than $2 million using a different fraud scheme. Noah defrauded two other client companies by invoicing and receiving funds from the two victim companies, and then simply pocketing the funds instead of paying the customs duties to CBP. After CBP notified the victim clients of their unpaid customs duties, they asked Noah about the unpaid fees, and he sent the victim clients altered bank statements falsely reflecting that he had paid the customs duties. 

    Noah also willfully evaded payment of federal taxes resulting in a loss to the IRS of approximately $2.4 million, with penalties and interest continuing to accrue. After agreeing with the IRS that he owed more than $1 million in taxes in 2014, Noah actively avoided IRS attempts to collect the amount owed. This included paying for two homes in his former girlfriend’s name, using check cashing businesses to avoid IRS levies of his bank accounts, lying to IRS collection agents, and spending thousands of dollars on country club memberships, travel, and golf purchases.

    United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton scheduled a May 8 sentencing hearing at which time he will face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count and up to five years in federal prison for the tax evasion count.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations investigated this matter with the assistance of United States Customs and Border Protection.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Nandor F.R. Kiss and Robert J. Keenan of the Orange County Office are prosecuting this case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hampton man convicted on mail theft and firearm charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Hampton man today on charges of conspiracy, mail theft, and illegal receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment.

    According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on July 22, 2024, Jamal Ashton Shields, 33, drove to a postal collection box at the Patrick Henry Post Office in Newport News along with Sampson G. Jumbo, 28, of the Bronx, New York, and another co-conspirator. Because the collection box had been broken into on multiple recent occasions, law enforcement was surveilling it. Jumbo and the other co-conspirator exited the vehicle and approached the collection box, then used an arrow key to open the collection box and remove mail. An arrow key is used to access collection boxes, outdoor parcel lockers, and apartment mailbox panels in a specific area.

    After witnessing Jumbo and the co-conspirators take mail from the box, law enforcement moved in to apprehend them, and the three men fled. Shields, who fled in the vehicle, was eventually pulled over and taken into custody after a high-speed chase. When officers approached the vehicle, Shields informed them that he had a firearm in the vehicle. An investigation revealed that Shields had received the firearm while under felony indictment for rape and forcible sodomy in Hampton.

    Jumbo, who fled on foot along with the co-conspirator, was apprehended 50 yards from the collection box. Jumbo had a black backpack with approximately 35 pieces of stolen mail.

    The other co-conspirator discarded his jacket and then carjacked a vehicle. The discarded jacket was recovered and contained the arrow key.

    The conspirators stole at least 82 pieces of outgoing mail, at least ten of which included checks.

    On Nov. 15, 2024, Jumbo pled guilty to mail theft. Jumbo is scheduled to be sentenced on May 21 and faces up to five years in prison.

    Shields faces up to 15 years in prison when sentenced on June 13. 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, and Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen accepted the verdict. The Virginia State Police and Newport News Police Department assisted in the investigation of this case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Therese O’Brien and Mack Coleman are prosecuting 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. 4:24-cr-49.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Army Private Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation Crimes Involving Girls He Met on Snapchat

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A former Army private based at Fort Irwin was sentenced today to 264 months in federal prison for producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting a 14-year-old girl, using Snapchat to receive CSAM of her when she was 13 years old, possessing CSAM featuring her on his iPhone, and for receiving sexually explicit images of a 15-year-old girl via Snapchat. 

    Parker William White, 24, of Johnsonville, New York, was sentenced by United States District Judge André Birotte Jr., who scheduled a restitution hearing for May 2. Upon his eventual release from prison, White will be placed on lifetime supervised release. White has been in federal custody since February 2023.

    At the conclusion of a five-day trial in August 2024, a jury found White guilty of one count of production of child pornography, three counts of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.

    In January 2022, the Department of Children and Families in Bay County, Florida received a tip that White was engaging in an online, sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl.  Later, investigators found CSAM of her on White’s iPhone as well as CSAM that White had received via Snapchat featuring her and another minor.

    White used Instagram, Snapchat, and other social media platforms to find minor “girlfriends” as young as 13 years old, according to court documents.  White groomed these minor girls by boasting about his military service, telling them that they were “beautiful” and “queens,” and pretending to be in love with them.  In some instances, White deceptively portrayed himself as teenager to earn their trust.  White’s behavior would then escalate to a practice that he called “teasing.”  He would send these children sexually explicit videos and photographs of himself via social media and encourage them to “tease” him back by doing the same.

    Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Lyndsi C. Allsop of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Laura A. Alexander of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section prosecuted this case.

    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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Kidnapping 13-Year-Old Girl at Gunpoint and Repeatedly Assaulting Her

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A Texas man was sentenced today to 420 months in federal prison for kidnapping a 13-year-old girl at gunpoint last year in San Antonio, admitting that he drove her to California, threatened her with a firearm, and sexually assaulted her multiple times before his arrest in Long Beach.         

    Steven Robert Sablan, 63, of Cleburne, Texas, was sentenced by United States District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha, who also ordered him to pay $1,158 in restitution.

    Sablan pleaded guilty in January 2024 to one count of kidnapping. He has been in federal custody since July 2023.

    “The 35-year sentence imposed ensures this defendant will not have the opportunity to victimize children,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally. “There is nothing as important as protecting our young people. I commend our federal and local law enforcement partners for their efforts to secure justice here.”

    “Mr. Sablan took this young girl from the safety of her Texas home and repeatedly sexually assaulted her at gunpoint throughout a lengthy drive of terror to California,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI will not tolerate sexual deviants who exploit our children at will and – as in this case – will hold these violent offenders accountable.”

    “This sentencing announcement represents a collaborative commitment to holding individuals accountable for victimizing and inflicting trauma upon our children,” said Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish. “I am deeply grateful to our officers and federal law enforcement partners from the FBI and DOJ for their tireless efforts on this case.”

    On July 6, 2023, in San Antonio, Sablan abducted the victim, held her, and transported her in his gray Nissan Sentra to Long Beach, California. The victim told Sablan she was 13 years old. During this ordeal, Sablan used a firearm to threaten and control the victim.

    Sablan confined the victim until she was rescued on July 9, 2023, in Long Beach after a Good Samaritan called 911 after seeing her holding a “Help Me” sign in the window of Sablan’s car.

    During the Texas-to-California journey, he sexually assaulted the victim. At the time of the crime, Sablan had no legal custody or familial relationship to the victim.

    “[Sablan] violently abducted a child and repeatedly sexually assaulted her while driving her thousands of miles from her home,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “And while [Sablan] spent days abusing her for his own pleasure, her parents agonized over their missing child, fearing the worst. The worst was not far from reality.”

    The FBI and the Long Beach Police Department investigated this matter. The Cleburne (Texas) Police Department and the Fort Worth (Texas) Police Department provided assistance. 

    Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea Norell of the Violent and Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Sentenced for Sweepstakes Scam Targeting Elderly

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Fabrisio Arias was sentenced in federal court today to 41 months in prison for his part in an international scam that tricked seniors into believing they’d won a sweepstakes prize, but first they had to pay a fee or tax to release their winnings.

    At today’s hearing, U.S. District Judge Jinsook Ohta also ordered Arias to pay $395,536.05 in restitution to 22 victims.

    According to his plea agreement, between November 2020 and September 2022, Arias was a member of an international conspiracy that defrauded victims in the United States and laundered large amounts of money.

    The conspiracy involved scammers who contacted victims by phone and convinced them to send thousands of dollars to Arias’ home in Fontana, California; and Arias, who laundered the proceeds through his U.S.-based bank accounts. Arias received and transferred most of the ill-gotten gains to coconspirators in Costa Rica, and in the process concealed the nature, source, location, ownership and control of the proceeds.

    The phone scammers in Costa Rica made unsolicited calls to elderly victims in the United States using spoofed numbers. This allowed callers to conceal their identity and make it appear as if the calls originated from locations in the United States.

    During calls with victims, the scammers purported to be with the Internal Revenue Service or the  Federal Trade Commission, and made victims believe they’d won a sweepstakes award or prize and had to pay a fee or tax to release the winnings. The scammers instructed victims to send cashier’s checks, blank money orders or cash to Arias, who scammers falsely identified as a government CPA.

    In reality, there was no sweepstakes prize or award. Arias simply received the fraud proceeds, deposited them into his U.S.-based bank accounts, and notified his co-conspirators in Costa Rica when he received the proceeds. Co-conspirators then contacted the victims again, attempting to convince and pressure them to send more money to release the purported winnings.

    According to the government’s sentencing memorandum, Arias received 200 cashier’s checks and blank money orders from at least 22 victims throughout the U.S. Arias concealed the proceeds and made them appear legitimate by writing false payor names, signatures, and memo line entries on money orders and by commingling the proceeds with funds from his nightclub and used-car businesses. Arias also concealed the proceeds he sent to his co-conspirators in Costa Rica and made them appear legitimate by placing false information on at least 30 wire transfers, claiming the payments were for used cars, a house, or family support.

    The victims – many of whom were in their seventies, eighties, or nineties – suffered financial hardship as a result of the scheme. To make ends meet, one victim had to obtain a reverse mortgage on his home; another had to take money from a family member’s college fund; and another had to return to work after retirement. Several victims lost their life savings, including a victim whose entire 401(k) retirement account was drained.

    Arias received and laundered more than $395,000 in fraud proceeds over the course of nearly two years and sent more than $237,000 of proceeds to his co-conspirators in Costa Rica. Arias kept a substantial portion of the remaining $157,000 as profit.

    “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “These schemes can be difficult to identify and very appealing – when in doubt, hang up the phone and report suspicious callers to law enforcement.”

    “Victimizing taxpayers by impersonating IRS employees is a serious crime,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Knarr. “TIGTA and our law enforcement partners will do everything within our power to ensure that those involved in the impersonation of IRS employees are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” 

    “The consequences of this type of fraud scheme are far reaching, affecting not only people in the United States, but also across the world,” said Los Angeles Division U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Matt Shields. “This investigation is just another example of how effective law enforcement agencies can be when they join forces. By working together, we can keep our communities and our vulnerable populations safe from financial exploitation. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is proud to be at the forefront of the fight against fraud and Postal Inspectors will continue to adapt to the ever changing landscape to stop the scammers and protect our customers.”

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick C. Swan.

    If you think you’ve been contacted by a scammer, report it quickly to the FBI at IC3.gov. There is a team standing by. The faster the report comes in, the more likely we are to stop the transaction and recover your money.

    For other non-life-threatening emergencies, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11, or go to the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative website for more information: www.justice.gov/elderjustice.

    DEFENDANT                                   Case Number 22-cr-2745-JO           

    Fabrisio Arias                                     Age: 46                                   Fontana, CA

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371

    Maximum penalty: Five years in prison; a maximum $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greatest; and a term of supervised release up to 3 years

    Concealment Money Laundering – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(a)(1)(B)(i)

    Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison; a maximum $500,000 fine or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greatest

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA)

    U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Los Angeles Division

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Orange County felon sentenced for federal gun violation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BEAUMONT, Texas – A Vidor convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Dennis Lee Kelley, 32, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on February 7, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, on July 27, 2023, Kelley was arrested near Hwy 105 in Beaumont pursuant to an active warrant for a parole violation.  At the time of his arrest, a pistol was discovered in the vehicle he was driving. As a convicted felon, Kelley was prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

    This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

    This case was investigated by the Beaumont Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard detains 11 Mexican fisherman, seizes 1,595 pounds of illegally caught fish and 9 sharks off Texas coast

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
    Contact: 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
    Office: 281-464-4810
    After Hours: 832-293-1293
    PA Detachment Texas online newsroom

     

    02/07/2025 04:34 PM EST

    CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Coast Guard interdicted four lanchas, detained 11 Mexican fishermen, and seized approximately 1,595 pounds of illegally caught red snapper and nine sharks in federal waters off southern Texas on Thursday.

    MIL Security OSI –