NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fraudulent Developer Imprisoned for Spending Over $500,000 of Investor’s Funds on Vacations and Mortgage

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

    Charity and Disaster Fraud

    Charity fraud scams can come in many forms: emails, social media posts, crowdfunding platforms, cold calls, etc. They are especially common after high-profile disasters. Always use caution and do your research when you’re looking to donate to charitable causes.

    BABY JANE DOE

    Homicide Victim Washington Township, New Jersey December 4, 1986

    Capitol Violence

    The FBI is seeking to identify individuals involved in the violent activities that occurred at the U.S. Capitol and surrounding areas on January 6, 2021. View photos and related information here. If you have any information to provide, visit tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: More Indicted in Nationwide Business E-Mail Compromise Scheme

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

    HOUSTON – A total of seven people in multiple states have been charged in a superseding indictment related to a large business email compromise (BEC) scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

    Authorities have now arrested Houston resident Amber Bush, 29. She is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan Oct. 15 at 2 p.m.

    The three-count superseding indictment also charges Houston residents Bolaji Okunnu, 30, and Philip Ogbeide Jr., 34, along with Ayodeji Okunnu, 25, Austin; Victor Rubio Jr., 27, and Bougar Robert Linares Soto, 42, both of Los Angeles, California.

    Another Houston resident – Destini Godfrey, 30 – is considered a fugitive and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI at 713-693-5000.

    All are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

    The BEC scheme involved deceiving victims into sending money to others and causing millions in losses, according to the charges.

    Conspirators allegedly posed as legitimate businesses and fraudulently diverted money from victim bank accounts into accounts they controlled. According to the allegations, they gained access to business email accounts and spoofed email addresses to deceive victims into believing they were making legitimate payments.  

    The superseding indictment indicates fraudulently diverted payments from numerous victims throughout the United States, including a financial services company from Oregon, a township in New Jersey, a demolition company in Texas, a healthcare liability insurance company in Georgia and a nutrition products manufacturer outside Texas.

    Conspirators allegedly used email accounts to request payment for services to be sent to new bank accounts that did not belong to the vendor, according to the charges.

    They allegedly deceived victims into wiring millions to fraudulent bank accounts the conspirators opened instead of actually paying the vendor. The charges further allege conspirators laundered the funds in a manner designed to conceal the source, ownership and control of the funds by quickly transferring the money from the receiving account to other bank accounts they controlled.

    They then withdrew the fraud proceeds incrementally in cash, according to the charges.  

    If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison on the conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy charges as well as five years for the money laundering and illegal money transmitting charge. Each charge carries a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    The FBI-Bryan Resident Agency and IRS-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation with valuable assistance from the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office and the Edison Police Department in New Jersey and other law enforcement agencies and U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the United States. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Belinda Beek and James Hu are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met detectives charge man with murder following death of man in Canning Town stabbing

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Met detectives charge man with murder following death of man in Canning Town stabbing

    Met detectives from the Specialist Crime Command unit have charged a man with murder following the death of a man that was stabbed at a house in Canning Town just over a week ago.

    Daniel Whybrow, 46 (03.10.78), of Hartington Road, E16, was originally charged with attempted murder on Sunday, 6 October, but the charge has now been reviewed and changed to murder following the death of 50-year-old Mr Raish Ahmed.

    Two other people were also injured in the assault.

    Police were called to the property on Hartington Road shortly after 16:30hrs on Saturday, 5 October, after reports of a stabbing and attended with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service where they found Mr Ahmed with stab wounds.

    A teenage boy was also found with a slash injury, whilst a third male, aged 41, was also assaulted. Both injuries were assessed as not life-threatening.

    Mr Ahmed was taken to hospital for treatment but despite the best efforts of emergency services sadly died in hospital on Monday, 7 October. His next of kin are being supported by specialist officers.

    Mr Whybrow was also charged with grievous bodily harm against the teenage boy and threats to kill, plus racially aggravated assault by beating against the 41-year-old male, as well as possession of an offensive weapon.

    He will appear at Central Criminal Court on Monday, 6 January 2025.

    Anyone with information is asked to contact the police incident room on 0208 721 4961 or 101, quoting CAD 4781/05OCT or visit here.

    Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Connecticut U.S. Attorney’s Office Celebrates Annual U.S. Attorney’s Awards

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

    The United States Attorney’s Office annual law enforcement awards ceremony was celebrated yesterday in New Haven.  The ceremony at the City of New Haven’s aldermanic chambers recognized approximately 160 individuals for their investigative work and other contributions to significant federal criminal prosecutions, civil cases, and community engagement efforts in Connecticut.  The majority of recipients are members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including 16 municipal police departments in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

    “This celebration recognizes the many valuable contributions of law enforcement professionals from police departments in cities and towns across Connecticut, those employed by state and federal agencies, and other dedicated individuals who regularly and actively join us in achieving the Office’s mission,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery.  “That singular mission is to do justice – do the right and just thing, in every circumstance.  It requires us to always stand firm in furtherance of our three primary and co-equal priorities: upholding the rule of law, safeguarding civil rights, and doing all we can to keep our residents and our communities safe.  We know that our law enforcement collaborations have been, and continue to be, essential to achieving that goal, and we thank each recipient for their invaluable commitment.  We are stronger and safer because of them.”

    In addition to criminal and civil case awards that recognized investigators of violent crime, drug trafficking, national security, child exploitation, public corruption, financial fraud, health care fraud, and other matters, U.S. Attorney Avery presented three special awards during the ceremony.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Investigator was presented to FBI New Haven Supervisory Special Agent Wendy Bowersox for her persistence and dedication that led to many federal and state prosecutions of dangerous human traffickers, and her empathy in interacting with trafficking victims, many of whom are often suspicious of law enforcement and fearful, and traumatized by the sexual, physical, and mental abuse they have suffered.  Agent Bowersox was recently promoted to the position of profiler at the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit in Quantico, Virginia.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Outstanding Community Award was presented to DEA Special Agent Jonah Mazzacane and several individuals who have lost family members to overdose, who have presented to thousands of students across Connecticut about the dangers of fentanyl, other opioids, and counterfeit pills, through the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s HEAT program.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Outstanding Partnership Award was presented to members of the FBI, Connecticut State Police, State’s Attorneys, and Assistant State’s Attorneys, who participate in United Against Hate events across the state.  UAH helps raise community awareness about hate crimes, hate incidents, and discrimination, and is building bridges between law enforcement and community, ethnic, and religious groups, particularly those with members who have been reluctant to contact law enforcement for help.

    U.S. Attorney Avery also recognized members of the FBI, ATF, Bridgeport Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who recently won an Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) Award for Superior Performance by a Litigative Team for their investigation and prosecution of 47 members and associates of three Bridgeport gangs who terrorized city residents from 2015 to 2022.  The investigation solved eight murders and approximately 20 attempted murders.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation.  The Office is composed of approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 57 staff members at offices in New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford.

    For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, please visit http://www.justice.gov/ct.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Punnichy — Punnichy RCMP seek public assistance locating missing 33-year-old female

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 10, 2024, Punnichy RCMP received a report of a missing 33-year-old female, Shaylene Whitehawk.

    Shaylene was last seen by loved ones approximately two to three weeks ago on George Gordon First Nation. Since she was reported missing, Punnichy RCMP have been checking places Shaylene is known to visit and following up on information received. They are now asking members of the public to report information on Shaylene’s whereabouts.

    Shaylene is described as approximately 5’3″ tall and 143 lbs. She has brown eyes and short brown hair. She has script tattooed on her neck.
    Shaylene is known to travel to the Regina area, but her current whereabouts are unknown.

    If you have seen Shaylene or know where she is, contact Punnichy RCMP at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or http://www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Health Care Manager Sentenced to Prison for Embezzlement Scheme

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

    MACON, Ga. – The former office manager of a Middle Georgia chiropractic office was sentenced to serve more than five years in prison after a federal jury found her guilty of committing bank fraud and other federal crimes in an embezzlement scheme that cost an established spinal center more than $200,000 in losses and resulted in its closure.

    Emiliya Radford, 33, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 66 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Oct. 9. In addition, Radford will pay $298,042.72 in restitution to Dr. James C. Smith on behalf of Smith Spinal Care Center. Radford was found guilty of one count each of bank fraud, wire fraud and federal program theft following approximately one hour of deliberations by a federal jury on June 27. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “Financial crime can be life-changing for its victims; here, it forced a business’s closure and burdened innocent people with debt and other troubles,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “FBI and our other federal, state and local law enforcement partners will work to protect small businesses from financial crimes and hold fraudsters accountable.”

    “Radford violated the trust of the company that hired her and elevated her to a position of leadership,” said Robert Gibbs, Senior Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Macon office. “Because of her selfishness and greed, she has not only thrown away her career, but crippled a business and took away jobs from numerous victims. She will now serve a well-deserved prison sentence.”

    According to court documents and evidence submitted at trial, Radford’s company, Cyber Pinecone, was hired in Sept. 2019 under a one-year contract to perform marketing work for Smith Spinal Care Center (SSCC) in Warner Robins. In May 2020, Radford was hired as Office Manager at the business, and her new salary included marketing work. Radford was given signatory authority over the SSCC bank account and was responsible for issuing and signing all biweekly payroll checks, including her own.

    Radford collected her salary as office manager and, without authorization of SSCC, continued to write and endorse checks to her business, Cyber Pinecone, for extensive marketing work totaling more than $200,000. In addition, she gave herself an unauthorized pay raise and used money from the SSCC bank account to purchase $11,015.67 worth of items from the Apple store that she shipped to her residence. When Radford quit on Dec. 19, 2022, none of the Apple items could be located at SSCC, but some were found inside her home when federal agents executed a search warrant on May 4, 2023. A portion of the embezzled funds came from COVID-19 Federal Economic Disaster Loans (EIDL) directed to aid the business.

    The case was investigated by FBI.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard prosecuted the case for the Government.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: South Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Civil Disorder During January 6 Capitol Breach

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

             WASHINGTON – A South Carolina man pleaded guilty on Oct. 10, 2024 to a felony charge stemming from his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

             William Robert Norwood III, 41, of Greer, South Carolina, pleaded guilty to a felony offense of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols. Judge Nichols will sentence Norwood on Feb. 21, 2025.

             According to court documents, Norwood drove from South Carolina to Washington D.C. to attend then-President Trump’s speech on Jan. 6, 2021, near the Ellipse. After the rally, Norwood walked to the U.S. Capitol building and entered its restricted perimeter. Norwood ascended the partially covered stairs on the northwest side of the Capitol and ultimately entered the building through the northwest Senate Wing door at approximately 2:23 p.m.

             Once inside, Norwood briefly entered an office across the hall from the Old Supreme Court Chamber. Norwood recorded a video of himself entering this office. In this video, Norwood can be heard saying, “Well we in this b— now. What now? This is our house,” upon entering the office, and “Where you at Nancy?” upon leaving the office.

             After leaving the office, Norwood made his way through the Crypt and ultimately toward the Rotunda. There, Norwood was part of a crowd of rioters making their way through Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office suite. As Norwood walked through the Speaker’s wing, he took a paper coaster with the words “U.S. Congress” and the Congressional seal printed on it, which another rioter had thrown to him from a desk outside of Speaker Pelosi’s offices.

             Norwood then walked to the balcony outside the Speaker’s chamber and recorded two videos of the crowd gathered outside on the west front of the Capitol building. In one of these videos, Norwood can be heard shouting, “It’s our house b—.” In the second, Norwood can be heard shouting, “The [inaudible] house! Go home police! Bye, you b—.”

             After leaving the balcony, Norwood entered one of Speaker Pelosi’s offices for approximately 25 seconds. He then walked back through the Speaker’s wing.

             After leaving the Speaker’s wing, Norwood walked back through the Rotunda and to the East Rotunda doors, which were being guarded from the inside by at least three U.S. Capitol Police officers. Norwood went to the front of the line of rioters that had gathered there and began banging on the doors in an attempt to open them.

             Norwood yelled at officers to open the doors, but the officers repeatedly told Norwood and the others that the doors would not be opened.  Norwood knew that the officers were attempting to keep the doors closed, yet he continued to push on the doors with his arms. At approximately 2:38 p.m., Norwood and the rioters behind him eventually pushed open the doors, which allowed hundreds of rioters to enter the Capitol building from the outside.

             After participating in the breach of the doors, Norwood continued wandering around the Capitol building and recorded a one-minute video inside the Rotunda that showed a line of Metropolitan Police Department officers. During the video, Norwood can be heard saying, “Oh these a—, trying to push us out. . . . Should we take our house back? Our house. Y’all are a bunch of p—. It’s about to go down bro.” Norwood then turns the camera on himself and says, “It’s about to go down. Cause I’m gonna go [unintelligible] guns or their asps and attack these m—f— later. No f— around, no no.”

             Norwood eventually left the Capitol through the East Rotunda door at approximately 2:59 p.m.  After exiting the building, Norwood took a U.S. Capitol Police helmet and plate carrier from a bin outside the building.

             The FBI arrested Norwood on Feb. 25, 2021, in South Carolina.

             The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina provided valuable assistance.

             This case was investigated by the FBI’s Columbia and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

             In the 45 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 571 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

             Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Montana Man Sentenced to Prison on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During January 6 Capitol Breach

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

               WASHINGTON— A Montana man was sentenced to prison on Oct. 10, 2024, after he was previously convicted of felony and misdemeanor charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

               Henry Phillip “Hank” Muntzer, 55, of Dillon, Montana, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, 12 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Jia M. Cobb.

               Muntzer was convicted of obstruction of an official proceeding and civil disorder, both felonies, following a bench trial before U.S. District Judge Jia M. Cobb. In addition to the felonies, Judge Cobb also found Muntzer guilty of four misdemeanor offenses, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

               Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Fischer v. United States, the government voluntarily moved pre-sentencing to dismiss Muntzer’s conviction on obstruction of an official proceeding. Judge Cobb sentenced Muntzer on one felony count of civil disorder and the four misdemeanors.

               According to evidence presented during the trial, Muntzer traveled from Montana to Washington, D.C., to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally at the Ellipse on Jan. 6, 2021, with a group of friends in order to hear the former President’s speech. After the speech, Muntzer joined the crowd as they walked from the Ellipse to the restricted Capitol grounds. Muntzer entered into the restricted perimeter around the Capitol and made his way to the West Plaza. After other rioters had breached the scaffolding erected at the West Plaza’s north side, Muntzer joined the mob in surging up the northwest stairs before reaching the Upper West Terrace at approximately 2:35 p.m.

               After reaching the Capitol’s Upper West Terrace, Muntzer recorded multiple videos in which he commented that he had passed “through all the tear gas” to “tak[e] the Capitol by storm.” From there, Muntzer entered the Capitol building via the Upper West Terrace Door at approximately 2:44 p.m.

               Muntzer then proceeded through the Rotunda and toward the Senate Chamber. While in a hallway just outside the Old Senate Chamber, Muntzer joined other rioters in collectively pushing against law enforcement officers blocking the path to the Senate. Muntzer then entered the Rotunda by approximately 2:55 p.m. There, Muntzer joined other rioters in confronting a group of police officers blocking a doorway leading to the Capitol’s Upper West Terrace. Muntzer positioned himself at the front of this crowd and joined in a collective effort to push back the officers, who had their backs to a set of stairs. The group’s collective pushes ultimately caused at least one police officer to fall down the stairs.

               By approximately 3:03 p.m., police had begun attempting to clear the Rotunda of rioters and had established a line across the middle and instructed rioters to exit through the East Rotunda Door. However, the crowd of rioters, including Muntzer, resisted. Muntzer continued to resist police efforts to clear the Rotunda and was one of the very last rioters present in the area. Muntzer exited the Capitol building via the Rotunda Doors at approximately 3:22 p.m.

               Muntzer was arrested by the FBI on Jan. 18, 2021.

               The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana.

               The case was investigated by the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office, Helena Resident Agency, and Washington Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

               In the 45 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 571 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

               Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: An AUKUS First, Seven Royal Australian Navy Enlisted Sailors Graduate Nuclear Power School

    Source: United States Navy

    GOOSE CREEK, South Carolina – Demonstrating another significant milestone for the Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) trilateral security partnership, 12 Royal Australian Navy uniformed personnel, including the first seven enlisted sailors, graduated from the U.S. Navy’s Nuclear Power School at Joint Base Charleston-Naval Weapons Station, Oct. 11.

    The enlisted Royal Australian Navy sailors, who trained alongside U.S. sailors, began the naval nuclear power training pipeline in October 2023. Since then, they have been learning their specific rates, as well as the fundamentals of design, operation and maintenance of naval nuclear propulsion plans. These sailors are the vanguard of Australia establishing a sovereign conventionally armed, nuclear-powered, submarine (SSN) fleet in the early 2030s.

    “Naval Nuclear Power training is exceptionally rigorous and to have seven Australian sailors and five officers complete the program and move on to the Nuclear Power Training Unit takes us one step closer to operating our own SSNs,” said Chief of the Royal Australian Navy Vice Adm. Mark Hammond.

    “Two days after assuming command of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, I presided over the graduation of the first three Royal Australian Navy officers from Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit Charleston,” shared Adm. Bill Houston, Director, Naval Reactors. “I have been nothing but impressed by the quality of Australian sailors and officers in our training pipeline and serving aboard our nuclear-powered submarine.”

    Following graduation, the Royal Australian Navy sailors will report to the Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit Charleston for training focused on shipboard nuclear power plant operation and maintenance of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear fleet.

    Making Australia Sovereign-Ready

    Training and education opportunities are critical to ensure Australia is ready to operate its sovereign Virginia-class SSNs early next decade.

    “The Australian sailors are receiving the same training as their American counterparts,” shared Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea. “They are held to the same high standards required to operate nuclear-powered attack submarines so that when they report to their boat, they’re ready to put their training to the test, integrate with the crew, and become Australia’s future front-line warriors aboard their own sovereign SSNs.”

    Currently, there are six Royal Australian Navy officers serving aboard or assigned to U.S. Navy Virginia-class submarines, 12 officers and 28 enlisted sailors within the naval nuclear power training pipeline with an additional 19 enlisted sailors completing Basic Enlisted Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut. Additionally, 39 personnel from ASC Pty Ltd. (formerly known as the Australian Submarine Corporation) are training at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to prepare them for future roles in maintaining nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.

    Full Speed Ahead, ‘Well on our Way’

    The first three Australian-flagged SSNs will be Virginia-class submarines that are typically crewed by 15 officers and 117 enlisted submariners. Australian submariners will be joining U.S. SSN crews to gain practical experience and build their crews ahead of taking possession of their first sovereign SSN in the early 2030s.

    “The training at Goose Creek and Groton are preparing our Australian allies to operate Virginia-class submarines,” said Rear Adm. Lincoln Reifsteck, Director, AUKUS Integration and Acquisition. “Over the coming months, we will see that number grow significantly across both the uniformed and civilian training pipelines so we can make sure, come 2032, Australia can fully crew its first, sovereign, conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarine.”

    The AUKUS partnership is a strategic endeavor aimed at strengthening the security and defense capabilities of each partner nation. The U.S. remains committed to peace and prosperity in order to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific. This alliance helps sustain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, benefits each country’s national security and prosperity, and uplifts all three industrial bases.

    “Thirty-seven months after AUKUS’ inception, we are well on our way to developing Australia’s SSN capability,” said Vice Adm. Jonathan Mead, Director General of the Australian Submarine Agency. “Last month, Australian sailors conducted the first maintenance period on a U.S. SSN in Australia. Today we graduate the first enlisted personnel from an exceptionally rigorous school, already we have Australian officers serving aboard both U.S. and UK SSNs.”

    AUKUS Pillar 1 will deliver a conventionally armed SSN capability to the Royal Australian Navy by the early 2030s. The Department of the Navy’s AUKUS Integration and Acquisition Program Office is the U.S. lead responsible for executing the trilateral partnership for Australia to acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines at the earliest possible date while maintaining the highest nuclear stewardship standards and setting the highest standards for nuclear non-proliferation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Chief Executive Officer of Chicago Hospital Added to Federal Indictment Alleging Corruption and Embezzlement

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

    CHICAGO — An ongoing federal investigation into alleged corruption and embezzlement at a Chicago hospital has resulted in a conspiracy charge against the hospital’s former Chief Executive Officer.

    A 45-count, second superseding indictment accuses former CEO GEORGE MILLER, JR., 73, of Dallas, Texas, of conspiring with the hospital’s then-Chief Financial Officer, ANOSH AHMED, 40, of Houston, Texas, to corruptly steer vendor contracts and other hospital business to certain medical supply companies in exchange for cash from the companies’ owner, SAMEER SUHAIL, 47, of Chicago.  Ahmed, Suhail, and the hospital’s former Chief Transformation Officer, HEATHER BERGDAHL, 37, of Houston, Texas, were originally indicted earlier this year on fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering counts.  The charges accused them of causing the hospital to issue payments to purported vendor companies for goods and services that they knew had not been provided.  Many of the purported vendor companies were created by Suhail and Ahmed under various names to conceal their association with the fraudulent payments, the charges alleged.  Bergdahl allegedly opened bank accounts in the names of two legitimate hospital vendors and caused the hospital to deposit fraudulent payments into those accounts.

    The second superseding indictment, which was returned Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago, renews the prior charges against Ahmed, Suhail, and Bergdahl, adds Miller as a defendant, and includes new tax charges against Ahmed for allegedly underreporting income in his individual tax returns.  The newly returned indictment alleges that from 2018 to 2021, Suhail paid Miller and Ahmed a share of $19 million in payments that he received from the hospital, in return for Miller and Ahmed steering those contracts and business to him.  The payments to Miller and Ahmed were in addition to the millions of dollars in fraudulent payments charged in the prior indictment.

    Arraignments on the second superseding indictment have not yet been scheduled.

    The second superseding indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, Mario Pinto, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sheri H. Mecklenburg and Kelly L. Guzman.

    The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USS Preble (DDG 88) Arrives in Yokosuka to join Commander, Destroyer Squadron 15

    Source: United States Navy

    YOKOSUKA – The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) arrived at its forward-deployed location of Yokosuka, Japan, to join Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, October 12, 2024.

    The ship was commissioned Nov. 9, 2002, in Boston and had been homeported at Naval Base San Diego for nearly 22 years.

    “We are thrilled to have Preble join the team in the Western Pacific,” said Capt. Justin Harts, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 15. “Her arrival is a welcome addition to the DESRON 15 family, and her advanced capabilities add unique value. I am excited to get Preble underway with our Allies and partners to see what she can do.”

    The ship is named in honor of Commodore Edward Preble, who served in the American Revolutionary War and was one of the early leaders of the Navy. USS Preble is the 38th destroyer of her class.

    The United States values Japan’s contributions to the peace, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific and its long-term commitment and hospitality in hosting U.S. forces forward deployed there. These forces, along with their counterparts in the Japan Self-Defense Forces, make up the core capabilities needed by the alliance to meet common strategic objectives and support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    Preble is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.

    U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Navy Demonstrates First At-sea Reloading of Vertical Launching System

    Source: United States Navy

    SAN DIEGO—The U.S. Navy achieved a breakthrough in combat readiness today as it successfully demonstrated the Transferrable Reload At-sea Method (TRAM) on an underway warship in open ocean for the first time.

    Sailors aboard the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) used the hydraulically-powered TRAM device to load an empty missile canister into the ship’s MK 41 vertical launching system (VLS) while off the coast of San Diego on Oct. 11.

    The successful demonstration marks a critical step in the capability to rearm warships at sea—a top priority outlined by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro.

    “Today, we proved just how game-changing TRAM truly is—and what a powerful deterrent it will be to our competitors,” said Del Toro, who witnessed the demonstration. “This demonstration marks a key milestone on the path to perfecting this capability and fielding it for sustained operations at sea.”

    “This was an outstanding effort by the sailors and civilians involved in demonstrating this game-changing capability for the Navy,” said Capt. James “Mike” Williams, commanding officer of Chosin.

    The groundbreaking at-sea test follows a successful land-based demonstration in July at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) in California.

    Engineers at NSWC PHD developed the TRAM prototype as a way to rearm warships during the underway replenishment (UNREP) process—when a supply ship connects to a combatant at sea to transfer vital material such as fuel and food.

    “The combatant can stay near the fight to be rearmed, refueled and resupplied all at the same time,” said Rich Hadley, UNREP division manager at NSWC PHD. “As Capt. Arleigh Burke said, ‘All time spent in replenishing was time lost in combat.’ TRAM improves operational effectiveness by reducing the amount of time the warfighter must spend away from the fight replenishing.”

    For the at-sea demonstration, Chosin connected to USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11), a Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship, which transferred the missile canister across cables to the cruiser. The sailors then used TRAM to move the missile canister along rails attached to the cruiser’s VLS modules, tilt it into a vertical position, and lower it into a VLS cell with TRAM’s built-in cable and pulley system.

    “Deploying TRAM into the Military Sealift Command logistics fleet,” said Tim Barnard, director of the NAVSEA technology office (05T), “would enable combatants to remain in theater while reloading their VLS missile launchers instead of having to travel long distances to a port, greatly expanding the volume and tempo of long-range fires—and the U.S. Navy’s advantage over adversaries.”

    MK 41 VLS provides rapid-fire missile launch capability for the U.S. Navy’s destroyers, cruisers and future Constellation-class frigates.

    Del Toro said the Navy is on track to begin fielding TRAM in two to three years.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Charlottetown — PEI RCMP complete check stops and numerous traffic stops to promote Operation Impact

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Operation Impact is a traffic initiative led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police . Each year, motor vehicle collisions kill about 2,000 Canadians, seriously injure another 10,000 people and injure about 165,000 citizens in this country. This year, the message to Canadians from Operation Impact 2024 is – Don’t risk lives with bad driving behaviours. Safety is literally in every driver’s hands.

    In support of Operation Impact, PEI RCMP conducted check stops and numerous traffic stops throughout the province from October 11th to 14th, 2024.

    • On October 11th, 2024, at 8:05 p.m. Queens District RCMP stopped a vehicle that was failing to maintain the driving lane. A 63-year-old woman was arrested for failing to comply with a breath demand.
    • On October 11th, 2024, at 8:55 p.m. Kings District RCMP received a call from the public that an individual was operating a motor vehicle while impaired. A 47-year-old man was arrested and provided breath samples over the legal limit.
    • On October 12th, 2024, at 7:01 p.m. PEI RCMP Traffic Services stopped a vehicle for speeding in Hampton, PE, and completed a roadside breath test with the driver, resulting in a seven-day license suspension.
    • On October 14th, 2024, at 11:11 p.m. Queens District RCMP stopped a vehicle for speeding on the Charlottetown Perimeter Highway. A 25-year-old female was arrested and provided breath samples over the legal limit.

    “As a driver on Island roads, you have the power to save lives, and keep others safe as well,” said Constable, Kevin MacKay, Acting Media Relations Officer with PEI RCMP. “We cannot say it enough, don’t drive impaired, by alcohol or drugs; plan your rides and make smart choices,” adds Cst. MacKay.

    If you see a driver who is an immediate threat to road safety, call 911 and pass the following information along, if possible:

    • A description of the vehicle and driver;
    • A licence plate number;
    • The direction the vehicle is travelling.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Ten Defendants Associated with “Everybody Shines Together” Street Gang Sentenced in Federal Drug and Gun Conspiracy

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

    Louisville, KY – This week the last of ten defendants, each of whom were associated with the “Everybody Shines Together” street gang (also knowns as “EST”), was sentenced as part of a conspiracy involving federal drug and firearms offenses. 

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.

    “I commend the outstanding work of our prosecutors, federal law enforcement agents, and our local law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to ensure the successful prosecution of the defendants in this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “These are significant federal prison sentences for serious violations of the law. Together, we will continue to investigate and aggressively prosecute those who seek to flood our streets and neighborhoods with drugs while illegally using and possessing firearms.” 

    “With the sentencing of Mr. Mosley comes the conclusion of a years-long collaborative effort across all levels of law enforcement to put some of Louisville’s most hardened criminals behind bars and disrupt one of the area’s most consequential street gangs,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury. “With multiple significant federal prison sentences, we hope this case serves as a warning sign. As long as you continue to exploit the young and vulnerable and fill our neighborhoods with senseless gun violence and harmful drug operations, the FBI will use every available resource to identify and dismantle your operation.”

    “This sentencing highlights the result of countless hours of dedicated effort from officers and investigators from LMPD and our partner agencies,” stated Chief Paul Humphrey. Each day they place their life on the line to remove criminals such as these from the streets, making Louisville a safer, better place.  The men and women of LMPD will not stop fighting against the scourge of violence and gang activity in our city. There is more work to do, but this particular group of criminals being sentenced and removed from our community is a move in the right direction.”

    According to court documents, Eric D. Mosley, 33, of Louisville, was sentenced on October 10, 2024, to 20 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Mosley was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

    On December 1, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mosley was convicted of enhanced possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, enhanced possession of drug paraphernalia, enhanced possession of marijuana, and enhanced possession of heroin.

    On December 1, 2014, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mosley was convicted of enhanced trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, first offense, less than 4 grams of cocaine, receiving stolen property (firearm), enhanced possession of marijuana, and trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, first offense (less than 2 grams of heroin).

    Zaman Taylor, 24, of Louisville, was sentenced on October 3, 2024, to 20 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, eight counts of distribution of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

    Darrian Toogood, 27, of Louisville, was sentenced on June 6, 2024, to 6 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.

    Devonzo Summers, 27, of Louisville, was sentenced on March 21, 2024, to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of fentanyl, distribution of controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

    Barry Reed, 27, of Louisville, was sentenced on December 18, 2023, to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of fentanyl, distribution of controlled substances, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

    Dazaray Rice, 30, of Louisville, was sentenced on November 9, 2023, to 3 years of probation, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substance and two counts of distribution of fentanyl.

    Aerion Cook, 24, of Louisville, was sentenced on November 2, 2023, to 10 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and three counts of distribution of methamphetamine.

    Khasi Jones, 31, of Louisville, was sentenced on November 2, 2023, to 5 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and six counts of distribution of fentanyl.

    Cedric Palmer, 28, of Louisville, was sentenced on October 12, 2023, to 5 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, and distribution of methamphetamine.

    Ricos Mosley, 36, of Louisville,was sentenced on August 17, 2023, to 5 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

    There is no parole in the federal system.   

    This case was investigated by the FBI and LMPD, with assistance from the ATF, IRS-CI, DEA, Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Dahl and Josh Porter prosecuted the case with assistance from Paralegal Aaron Cooper.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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 http://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: The Department of the Navy Launches Civilian Career Development Software

    Source: United States Navy

    This milestone reflects the collective efforts across multiple commands and marks a significant shift toward a more streamlined, flexible, and accessible learning experience. The Waypoints system bolsters the DON’s mission to foster a stronger, more capable force and promotes the mission readiness and innovation needed to support the warfighter.

    The program will establish the civilian learning management system, eliminating the use of multiple platforms for learning and talent management. The functions of this system empower supervisors to track employee training, administrators to support and grow the command, and provide the users career development resources.

    Waypoints will help advance the operational excellence of the DON workforce and integrate civilian employees into the unified call of maritime service.

    For questions related to this release, contact the U.S. Navy Office of Information at CHINFONewsDesk@us.navy.mil or 703-697-5342.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Highway 101 — RCMP investigates two fatal collisions on Highway 101

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Kings District RCMP responded to two fatal collisions on Highway 101 over the weekend.

    On October 12 at approximately 8:26 a.m., Kings District RCMP, fire, and EHS responded to a five-vehicle collision on Highway 101 in Wolfville. RCMP officers learned that a transport truck travelling eastbound struck four vehicles that were stopped for construction on the highway. Two occupants of a black GMC Acadia, a 62-year old woman and a child, both of East Kingston, were located deceased at the scene. A third occupant of that same vehicle, a 40-year-old woman, was transported via EHS LifeFlight with life threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported to police.

    On October 14 at approximately 3:50 p.m., Kings District RCMP, fire, and EHS responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 101 in Berwick. The initial investigation indicates a Dodge Journey was travelling westbound and a Ford F150 was travelling eastbound when they collided. The driver and sole occupant of the Dodge Journey, a 38-year-old man of Middleton, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 49-year-old driver and 19-year-old passenger of the F150, both of Greenwood, were transported to hospital by EHS with non-life threatening injuries.

    Highway 101 was closed for several hours during both incidents while an RCMP Collision Reconstructionist attended the scenes. Both investigations are ongoing.

    Our thoughts are with the victims’ families at this difficult time.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Defendants prosecuted on federal firearms, drug charges

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    SAVANNAH, GA: Newly returned indictments in the Southern District of Georgia include felony charges for illegal firearms possession and drug distribution, while additional defendants have been sentenced to federal prison or await further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal gun charges. 

    “Illegally possessed guns, particularly those converted to automatic fire, are a persistent threat to public safety,” said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “With our law enforcement partners, we are committed to eliminating these sources of violence in our communities.” 

    The cases are prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI, to reduce violent crime with measures that include targeting convicted felons who illegally possess guns.

    Those indicted in October include:

    • Javon Edwards, 30, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Machine Gun, referring to a pistol converted to automatic fire with a “Glock switch”; and,
    • Travis Sanders, 44, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

    All indicted defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    Defendants recently adjudicated on federal firearms charges include:

    • Laron Thompson, a/k/a “Hollywood,” 38, of Savannah, was sentenced to 115 months in prison after pleading guilty to a drug conspiracy charge and to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Thompson is one of 10 defendants, including Tyquian Bowman, a/k/a “Quando Rondo,” 24, of Savannah, indicted in 2023 in a Savannah-area drug trafficking conspiracy.
    • Jacqueline Christmas, 50, of Statesboro, was sentenced to 33 months in prison after pleading guilty to False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm. An ATF investigation determined that Christmas purchased multiple handguns from a Bulloch County gun store, falsely claiming a legal owner was the buyer of the guns when they were actually purchased by and delivered in New York to Christmas’ brother-in-law, who since has pled guilty to related federal firearms charges.
    • Jakobian Sentell Jones, 25, of Warrenton, Ga., was sentenced to 60 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Methamphetamine. Georgia State Patrol troopers found Jones in possession of a revolver during a traffic stop, and in possession of cocaine and methamphetamine during a subsequent search.
    • Othnell Christian Ferguson, 27, of Pembroke, Ga., was sentenced to 70 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Statesboro police officers determined Ferguson possessed a pistol during a foot chase following a February 2023 traffic stop.
    • Kenyatta Dunn Nero, 40, of Augusta, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Richmond County deputies found a pistol in Nero’s vehicle during a July 2023 traffic stop. Nero has multiple previous criminal convictions on state charges that include illegal gun possession.
    • Jamal Brashad Hawkins, 22, of Swainsboro, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Emanuel County deputies found Hawkins in possession of a pistol after a traffic stop in June 2023.
    • Darnell Harold Miller, 25, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police in January found Miller in possession of a pistol while investigating a domestic disturbance.
    • Nathan Sparks, 27, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police found a pistol in Sparks’ waistband during a traffic stop. 
    • Anthony McQuarters, 31, of Hardeeville, S.C., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. A Georgia State Patrol trooper arrested McQuarters on state charges following a chase on I-16 by multiple law enforcement agencies through Laurens, Treutlen, Emanuel, and Candler counties, and found pistols in his possession.
    • Christopher Jeramy Blair, 44, of Pembroke, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of Firearms by a Convicted Felon. Acting on a tip, investigators from the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives seized 11 handguns, rifles, and shotguns during a search of Blair’s residence.

    The cases are being prosecuted for the United States by the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office.

    Under federal law, it is illegal for an individual to possess a firearm if he or she falls into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon; illegal alien; or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to purchase – firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, also is a federal offense. 

    For more information from the ATF on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atfw-form-4473

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Horry County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Machine Gun and Machine Gun Conversion Devices

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    FLORENCE, S.C. —Orlanier Colon Menendez, 21, of Conway has pleaded guilty to possession of a machine gun and multiple machine gun conversion devices.

    Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Conway Police Department officers responded to a vehicle crash within the city limits involving Menendez. While investigating the crash, the responding officer found a .45 caliber handgun that had a machine gun conversion device installed on the firearm. During a search, officers found a backpack that contained an additional 12 machinegun conversion devices, also known as Glock conversion switches, and a rotary tool with accessories commonly used to install the devices.

    Menendez faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.  United States District Judge Joseph Dawson accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Menendez after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Conway Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Hixson is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Nain — Nain RCMP arrests unruly airline passenger, charges laid

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Following the report of an unruly airline passenger on an October 13, Air Borealis flight, Nain RCMP arrested 32-year-old Monique Penashue of Happy Valley-Goose Bay for assault and other offences.

    At approximately 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, Nain RCMP received the report of the unruly passenger from Air Borealis. Penashue was allegedly intoxicated and had assaulted two individuals, including a pilot, during the flight. Upon arrival in Nain, airline passengers were removed from the aircraft and Penashue, who was found in possession of alcohol, was arrested without further incident.

    She is charged under the Criminal Code for the following offences:

    • Endangering the safety of an aircraft
    • Assault – two counts
    • Breach of probation

    She is charged under the Aeronautics Act for the following offences:

    • Endangering the safety or security of an aircraft by interfering with the duties of a crew member
    • Endangering the safety or security of an aircraft by lessening the ability of a crew member to perform their duties

    Penashue was remanded in custody over the weekend and attends court today.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department to Monitor Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in Portage County, Ohio

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    The Justice Department announced today that it will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Portage County, Ohio, during the early voting period and on Election Day.

    The Justice Department enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the department also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order.

    Voters in Portage County have raised concerns about intimidation resulting from the surveillance and the collection of personal information regarding voters, as well as threats concerning the electoral process. Attempted or actual intimidation, threats or coercion directed toward any person for voting and related activities or urging or aiding others in voting is prohibited by Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 

    The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, working with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Civil Rights Acts and Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

    Reports related to voter intimidation in Portage County and complaints about any other possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s internet reporting portal at http://www.civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931. More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents and other resources, is available at http://www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at http://www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Man arrested following murder in Tottenham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been arrested following the murder of a man aged in his 40s in Tottenham.

    On Tuesday, 15 October, police were called to Waltheof Gardens, N17 at 09:00hrs following reports of a shooting.

    Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and found a man with a gunshot injury. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.

    A 56-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody at a north London police station.

    Although police believe this was an isolated incident and do not believe the wider public is at risk, detectives are still appealing for witnesses to come forward.

    Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are yet to formally identify the victim of this tragic incident. We will continue to carry out efforts to ensure his family are informed and supported by specialist officers. A post-mortem examination will also be scheduled in due course.

    “We are appealing for anyone who was present in the area who may have seen or heard anything relating to this incident to please get in touch.

    “You can submit any footage or information via the following link https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS24X05-PO1 Finally, we want to thank the local community for their patience whilst we conduct our enquiries in the area in the coming days.”

    Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD 1613/15OCT. You can upload information and material online.

    You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Cole Harbour — RCMP seeking assistance from the public to identify a person of interest

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is seeking assistance from the public to identify a man involved in an attempted robbery in Cole Harbour.

    On October 11, at approximately 6:46 p.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment responded to a report of an attempted robbery at a recreational centre on Forest Hills Parkway. RCMP officers learned that a man approached four youths who were near the pedway, displayed a knife, and demanded jewelry from one of them.

    The man fled on foot when the youths said they were advising security. No physical injuries were reported.

    The man was wearing a black jacket, black pants, yellow shoes and had a mask over his face. The weapon is described as serrated bread knife approximately eight to ten inches in length.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police at 902-490-5020. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at http://www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    File #: 24-140049

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Deer Lake — Deer Lake RCMP investigates shed fire, human remains located inside

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Deer Lake RCMP is investigating human remains that were found inside a burned shed on a residential property in Deer Lake on October 13, 2024.

    At approximately 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, police received a report of a shed fire on a residential property on Middle Road in Deer Lake. An occupant of the home was unaccounted for and was believed to be inside the shed. Firefighters extinguished the blaze. Male human remains were located inside the shed.

    A Fire Scene Investigator with the Fire Services Division of Justice and Public Safety attended the scene and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is engaged. The investigation is continuing.

    Deer Lake RCMP asks residents in the area to check for possible surveillance footage around the time of the fire and to report any information to the detachment at 709-635-2173. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit http://www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: IMPD Sergeant Facing Federal Charges for Possession and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

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

    INDIANAPOLIS—A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Sergeant, Javed Richards, 42, with five counts of distribution of child sexual abuse material and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. Richards had his initial appearance in federal court on October 10th.

    According to the indictment, on July 14, 2024, Richards allegedly distributed at least five videos of minors under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct to other individuals via the Kik messenger application. Richards is further charged with possessing numerous images and videos of child sex abuse material on his iCloud account.

    IMPD announced it has suspended Sergeant Richards pending a recommendation of termination to the IMPD Civilian Police Merit Board.

    The FBI and Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is investigating this case, with cooperation from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. If convicted, Richards faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

    U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany J. Preston, who is prosecuting this case.

    This investigation was conducted by the FBI which is part of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a multiagency task force led by the Indiana State Police that investigates and prosecutes persons who use the internet to sexually exploit or entice children. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse. Visit https://www.internetcrimesagainstkids.com to learn more about their efforts.

    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. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: 2023 IAEA Annual Report Presented to the UN General Assembly

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The 2023 IAEA Annual Report contains highlights of a significant year for the Agency. (Image: A.Vargas).

    The 2023 IAEA Annual Report is now available to read online, in all the official UN languages. The 2023 report was submitted to the United Nations General Assembly  today by the IAEA’s Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi.

    The 2023 IAEA Annual Report contains highlights of a significant year for the Agency. A new Atoms4Food initiative was launched by Mr Grossi, together with the Director General Qu Dongyu of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The initiative builds on the IAEA’s experience of helping countries to use nuclear techniques to help them tackle global hunger by enhancing food security and nutrition. 

    At the same time, the IAEA continued to implement its existing key initiatives. These include Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All, aimed at closing the gap in cancer care in lower- and middle- income countries, its Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action initiative  (ZODIAC) tasked with preventing future pandemics and NUTEC Plastics, which fights global plastic pollution.

    “Every day on every continent, the IAEA assists nations in overcoming challenges like diseases, poverty, hunger, pollution and climate change,” said Mr Grossi in his written statement to the UN General Assembly. “In partnership with our 178 Member States, we are enabling communities to improve healthcare, agriculture and energy systems through the power of nuclear science and technology.”

    An important part of the IAEA’s work in 2023 was to ensure transparency around the discharge of ALPS treated water from Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station. In July, Mr Grossi presented to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan an Agency report that concluded the discharge approach and activities to be consistent with international safety standards.

    Another key priority was to support Ukraine’s nuclear safety and security. A total of 86 IAEA missions comprising 187 staff travelled to Ukraine in 2023. The IAEA also maintained a continuous presence at all five nuclear sites in Ukraine. In May, Mr Grossi presented to the UN Security Council the five principles for protecting nuclear safety and security at Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant.

    A significant milestone for the IAEA was at last year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, where leaders backed investment in nuclear as a low-carbon energy source for the first time. Further notable developments concerning nuclear energy included two interconnected mechanisms: the IAEA Platform on SMRs and their Applications and the IAEA’s Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative, launched together in 2023 to support its Member States with the safe and timely deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). SMRs offer a viable option to  enhance energy security while helping to achieve global climate goals for many countries worldwide. 

    The IAEA’s unique laboratories at Seibersdorf achieved a milestone last year, fundraising was completed for the renewal of the Nuclear Application Laboratories (ReNuAL) initiative. In addition, the IAEA’s new Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration Centre opened, ready to assist Member States in tackling nuclear terrorism and crime.

    Mr Grossi also launched the World Fusion Energy Group in 2023, which will bringing together key stakeholders as this future technology continues its journey from experimentation to demonstration and deployment.

    In addition, the IAEA celebrated achievements in promoting gender equality in the nuclear sector. By the end of 2023, the IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme had 560 fellows, and the Lise Meitner Programme was also in place, offering early- and mid-career women in the nuclear sector new opportunities for career advancement. In 2023, gender balance was achieved in senior management at the IAEA.

    More information about the significant activities of the Agency during the past year is available here. The 2023 IAEA Annual Report can also be read in the UN official languages of Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish, as well as English. Mr Grossi’s full statement can be read here.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Halifax Regional Municipality — RCMP stops sixteen impaired drivers in HRM over long weekend

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Over the Thanksgiving weekend, RCMP officers in the Halifax Regional Municipality arrested two impaired drivers and suspended the licences of an additional fourteen drivers.

    On October 11, at approximately 5:55 p.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment responded to a report of a driver who appeared to be passed out behind the wheel of a Hyundai Santa Fe. The vehicle was stopped in an intersection on Sackville Dr. in Lower Sackville. Upon arrival, the man displayed severe signs of impairment. He refused to comply with the demand of a standard field sobriety test, and was arrested for Operation while Impaired by Drug.

    That same evening, between 9:10 p.m. and 11:40 p.m., RCMP officers stopped three drivers who provided breath samples into an approved screening device (ASD) with results over the Provincial limit of 50 mg%.

    Throughout the day of October 12, traffic stops completed by RCMP officers involved four other drivers who provided breath samples into an ASD with results over the Provincial limit of 50 mg%.

    On October 13, between 10:50 a.m. and 11:20 p.m., another six drivers provided breath samples that yielded results over the 50 mg% Provincial limit.

    On October 14, at approximately 3:10 p.m., an officer from the RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment Traffic Unit completed a traffic stop on a Ford Fusion near the intersection of Windmill Rd. and Ralston Ave. in Dartmouth. The driver, a 27-year-old Middle Sackville man, provided a roadside breath sample into an ASD which resulted in a “fail”. He was arrested and transported to the Lower Sackville RCMP Detachment where he provided breath samples that registered 110 mg% and 100 mg%.

    Also, at 3:10 p.m., a second RCMP officer, this time in the Timberlea area, stopped a sport utility vehicle travelling on Timberlea Village Parkway. The driver, a 31-year-old Timberlea woman, provided a breath sample into an ASD with results over the Provincial limit of 50 mg%.

    The two drivers arrested for Impaired Operation of a Conveyance were later released and are both scheduled to appear in court at later dates. All fourteen drivers with blood alcohol concentrations between 50 mg% and 80 mg% were issued immediate driving suspensions.

    If you suspect an impaired driver, it’s an emergency; call 911.

    File #’s 24-140024, 24-140130, 24-140140, 24-140162, 24-140222, 24-140241, 24-140626, 24-140667, 24-140802, 24-140887, 24-140976, 24-141169, 24-141183, 24-141213, 24-141436, 24-141437

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Deer Lake — RCMP Traffic Services West stops excessive speeder on TCH during Thanksgiving Weekend

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A young driver was stopped for excessive speeding by RCMP Traffic Services West on the Trans-Canada Highway over the Thanksgiving weekend.

    On Monday, October 14, 2024, RCMPTraffic Services West were on patrol on the TCH near Birchy Lake and observed a car traveling at 163 km/hr. The vehicle was stopped and the 17-year-old driver was ticketed for the excessive speed and issued a licence suspension. The vehicle was seized and impounded.

    RCMP Traffic Services remains dedicated to road safety and the enforcement of the Highway Traffic Act. Please report incidents of dangerous driving or excessive speeding to your local police detachment.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Criminals selling counterfeit wine stopped in their tracks

    Source: Eurojust

    The international criminal group set up a well-structured organisation to counterfeit famous and exclusive French red wine, worth up to EUR 15 000 per bottle. By working with printing houses in Italy, the criminal group was able to re-create the corks and labels of famous French wineries. The forged wine was then delivered to an Italian airport and taken abroad to be sold at market value around the world by wine traders. The criminals were able to sell the bottles of the counterfeit wine, generating profits of over EUR 2 million.

    The investigation started after suspicions of forgery reached French authorities. The authorities discovered that the criminal group had been running their operation from Italy. Investigations continued between the French and Italian authorities at Eurojust. To support the investigation, Eurojust ensured the execution of European Investigation Orders in Italy. 

    The criminal group was dismantled during operations carried out in Paris, Milan and Turin. During 14 house searches, authorities were able to seize counterfeit labels and bottles of wine, as well as computers, phones, valuable goods, (including luxury watches with a value of EUR 1.4 million), and important documentation for the investigation. Money was also seized, including EUR 77 000 in France and EUR 40 000 in Italy. Seven suspects were arrested based on their criminal activity of introducing and selling products with false markings.

    The following authorities were involved in the actions:

    • France: Court of Dijon; Gendarmerie Nationale (SR Dijon)
    • Italy: Public Prosecutors Office Turin; Public Prosecutors Office Milan

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Who Received and Downloaded Child Pornography Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Prison

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

    A man who received child pornography over the internet was sentenced today to more than eight years in federal prison.

    Christopher Goins, age 47, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 13, 2024, guilty plea to one count of receiving child pornography.

    In a plea agreement, Goins admitted that between December 2019 and December 2021, he knowingly received and downloaded photos and videos of child pornography, including depictions of minors under 12 years of age.  During a search of Goins’ home in December 2021, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation seized 33 storage devices containing over 600 images of child pornography.  In January 2024, following his arrest on federal child pornography charges, Goins said that additional child pornography would be found on his phone.  During a search of Goins’ home, FBI agents found child pornography on Goins’ laptop and additional storage devices which Goins had obtained after his home was searched in December 2021.

    Goins was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Goins was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment.  He was ordered to make $3,000 in restitution to a child victim depicted in videos and photos he possessed.  He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    Goins is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

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

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

    The case file number is 24-CR-06.

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Recognizes 320 Employees at Secretary’s Award Ceremony in Washington D.C.

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – On October 15, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) held an awards ceremony hosted at DHS headquarters located at St. Elizabeths campus in Southeast Washington, D.C. where 350 employees received a Secretary’s Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Department’s mission.  

    “Every single day, with great determination, integrity, and skill, the 268,000 men and women of the Department of Homeland Security ensure the safety and security of the American people,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Thanks to these extraordinary public servants, our shores, harbors, skies, cyberspace, and borders are protected; fentanyl and other deadly drugs are prevented from entering our country; communities are able to recover and rebuild after a natural disaster; the scourges of human trafficking, forced labor, and online exploitation are mitigated; and so much more. The individuals we recognize today with our Department’s highest honor, the Secretary’s Award, reflect the very best of DHS – and in their selfless dedication to mission, the very best of public service.” 

    The DHS Secretary’s Awards are an annual program that recognizes the extraordinary individual and collective achievements of the workforce. The 320 awardees recognized in today’s ceremony represent the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD), the Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A), the Management Directorate (MGMT), the Office of Health Affairs (OHA), the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), the Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA), Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness (OSA), the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). 

     “In recognizing these outstanding DHS personnel with a Secretary’s Award, we recognize all our talented personnel; the achievements of one are not possible without the contributions of others,” added Secretary Mayorkas. “We also express our appreciation to their families and loved ones; when one serves, the family serves too.” 

    This year’s award recipients developed and issued policy and procedures associated with a whole-scale transition to a new pay system for TSA; launched a series of coordinated and collaborative initiatives, operations and investigations targeting Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) and national security threats operating and transiting through the Darien Gap region; arrested over 8,000 human smugglers, produced over 5,000 intelligence reports, and seized over $38M USD in real property; ensured over 2,300 vital alerts and warnings were provided to owners and operators of critical infrastructure to protect against cyberattacks; among many other achievements.  

    This year, DHS is holding nine Secretary’s Awards ceremonies across the country, honoring over 1,700 employees, the most annual awardees ever.  

    Last year, Secretary Mayorkas unveiled 12 priorities for the Department, including a commitment to champion the workforce and transform the employee experience. DHS has the third largest workforce of any federal department, behind the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department is home to more than 92,000 sworn law enforcement officers, the greatest number of law enforcement officers of any department in the federal government. DHS has committed to increasing the representation of women in law enforcement or related occupations at DHS to 30% by 2030. Over 54,000 veterans, or nearly 21% of the workforce, continue serving their country by working at DHS.  

    DHS operational components interact more frequently on a daily basis with the American public than any other federal department, from travelers moving through air, land, and sea ports of entry, to businesses importing goods into the country, to immigrants applying for services. To learn more about the impact DHS makes every day, visit: DHS.gov/TodayDHSWill. 

    Last year, DHS improved the efficiency of processing noncitizens at the Southwest Border, deployed across the country to respond to natural disasters, investigated cybercrimes, created a new streamlined process for adjudicating asylum applications, safely and securely resettled nearly 90,000 evacuated Afghans in the United States, provided resources for organizations to enhance their cybersecurity resilience, established a process for Ukrainian nationals seeking refuge, secured the 2022 midterm elections, and demonstrated heroism by acting quickly and courageously to save lives in harrowing circumstances.    

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