NewzIntel.com

Category: Security Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Military Academy Wins First Place at the 2024 NSA Cyber Exercise

    Source: National Security Agency NSA

    FORT MEADE, Md. – After months of preparation and three days of elaborate and challenging cyber operations, the U.S. Military Academy has emerged as the champion of the sixth annual NSA Cyber Exercise (NCX).
     
    The battle for the coveted NCX trophy included participants from the U.S. service academies and senior military colleges, who competed alongside individuals from multiple NSA professional development programs. A team from USCYBERCOM’s Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF) participated in a For Exhibition Only (FEO) status. All team members rose to the challenge, applying their technical, collaborative, and critical thinking skills to simulated scenarios they can expect to encounter throughout their cyber careers.
     
    “Agility and adaptability have been and will continue to be keys to our success,” Maj Gen Matteo Martemucci, deputy chief of the Central Security Service said during his welcome message “Remain alert, focused, and trust your training. This is what we prepare for.”
     
    The U.S. Air Force Academy placed second, while the University of North Georgia finished third, beating out the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the senior military colleges, including Norwich University, Texas A&M University, The Citadel, Virginia Military Institute, and Virginia Tech. NSA’s Cybersecurity Operations Development Program (CSODP took first amongst the development programs.
     
    This year’s NCX was the first hybrid competition since the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing institutions to participate in person or virtually.
     
    Teams engaged in offensive cyber activities against a fictional adversary that attacked a satellite downlink. Exercises focused on active attack and malware, software development, and cybersecurity policy. These, along with the final attack-and-defend cyber combat exercise, challenged participants to use their creativity and collaboration skills to prevail against complex cyber threats.
     
    “The competition is more than a trophy,” said Kenneth Allison, associate director of the Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership at Texas A&M University, whose team competed in this year’s contest. “The additional knowledge and exposure to real-world challenges, the opportunities to ask questions, build confidence, and meet people that you may work with in the future – that’s what makes the NCX such a valuable part of our academic program.”

    Martemucci awarded West Point’s cyber competition team members with the NCX trophy after edging out their competition in the tournament.
     
    “Congratulations to the U.S. Military Academy,” Martemucci said during the closing ceremony. “We hope that this simulation not only deepened your understanding of the current threat environment, but also inspired you to continue to hone your skills and talents to help protect our Nation, whether in uniform, academia, government, or industry.”

    This three-day, unclassified cyber competition is the culmination of the Agency’s effort to advance strategic goals by developing and testing the skills, teamwork, planning, and decision-making of future cybersecurity professionals.

     “The most exciting part for me is witnessing our future leaders put their skills to use,” said NCX Program Manager Kelley Welch. “Throughout the year, and especially during the competition, planting the seeds giving students firsthand insight into the vast cyber career opportunities within NSA’s mission, and how they can apply their passions and skills to help secure our Nation’s future.”
     
    The final cyber combat exercise required participants to work collaboratively as they applied their cybersecurity knowledge to exploit and extract data from a physical device. Strong coordination, planning, communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills were essential to each team’s success.
     
     “I was a little intimidated at first because I assumed that we would only interact with our team members during the event,” said Joselyn Cordova-Flores, a junior at Norwich University and first-time NCX participant. “Instead, I had a chance to engage with people from NSA and different teams while working on other activities. The collaborative environment not only showed me that I have what it takes to be successful in this field, but also solidified NSA as my No. 1 career choice after graduation.”
     
    Fostering connections across the cyber defense community in a conducive learning environment is what LT Ryan Quarry, instructor for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, finds most rewarding about the NCX.
     
    “This is a unique opportunity for students to network with their peers in other service academies, and other like-minded individuals who can help them reach their career goals,” he said. “In addition, the real-world scenarios give them immediate insight into their strengths and areas for development. These are two of many factors which make the NCX a premiere event for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and a critical component of its cyber education programs.” 
     
    For more information on the NSA Cyber Exercise, visit https://www.nsa.gov/Cybersecurity/NSA-Cyber-Exercise/

    NSA Media Relations
    MediaRelations@nsa.gov
    443-634-0721

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NSA/CSS Employees Donate More Than $2M for 2023 Combined Federal Campaign

    Source: National Security Agency NSA

    The 2023 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) concluded on January 12, 2024, with National Security Agency (NSA)/Central Security Service (CSS) affiliate contributions exceeded NSA’s goal of $1.9 million with over $2 million donated to 1,398 charities.

    The CFC, led by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), enables federal employees and retirees to support people and communities in need across the country and around the world.

    It is the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, according to Barry Boseman, chief of State and Local Affairs.
    NSA led donations in the mid-Atlantic region, which includes four states, Washington D.C., and 1,200 participating government agencies, Boseman said. The Department of Defense (DoD) total for the 2023 CFC was over $8.5 million, of which NSA contributed over 20%, and the nationwide total was $68.3 million.

    “I’m incredibly proud of the contributions that our workforce made during this year’s campaign,” said Gen. Tim Haugh, Commander, USCYBERCOM, Director, NSA/Chief, CSS. “NSA remains committed to giving back to our local communities during the CFC and beyond.”

    “The theme for the 2023 CFC was ‘Give Happy,’ as the CFC connected giving with happiness, showing that when federal employees give together, they are happier,” said Veronica Maylish Beckenstrater, NSA’s CFC program manager for the 2023 campaign.

    William “Roy” Surrett, NSA’s lead CFC senior advocate, agreed. “Thank you again for ‘giving happy’ to important causes like helping communities recover from disasters, supporting military families, ensuring education for all, and more,” he said. “There is no better feeling than to help those in need here in our local area, across our Nation, and around the world.”

    “The workforce’s dedication was vital to the success of the campaign and will bring help and hope to thousands of people as monetary and volunteer pledges go to support the missions of participating charities,” Maylish Beckenstrater said.

    Keyworkers and senior advocates distributed marketing materials, spoke at town halls, and hosted events, including charity fairs, chili cook-offs, pet contests, painting parties, and bingo games to encourage the workforce to donate to causes that mean the most to them, she explained.

    “It was innovative ideas like these that helped NSA exceed its goal this year and to show the community we care,” Maylish Beckenstrater added. “I can’t wait to see our workforce band together for next year’s campaign.”

    Interested in learning more about joining NSA’s mission? Visit NSA.gov/Careers for more information. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detectives investigating an assault in Hammersmith which left a pensioner with a broken hip have released an image of a man they want to identify.

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the assault of a pensioner in Hammersmith have released an image of a man they want to identify and speak with.

    On Tuesday, 2 July at around 13:00hrs, the victim, an 85-year-old man, was attempting to board the 220 bus at Hammersmith bus station.

    He stopped and held up other passengers behind him as he allowed women and children to board the bus first.

    The suspect appeared to take offence to this and began verbally abusing the victim before pushing him out of the way and causing him to fall.

    He was taken to hospital he was found to have broken his hip.

    Anyone who can name the man in the image should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 01/545400/24.

    To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: A fifth man will appear in court charged with the murder of Joshua McLean in Tower Hamlets.

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A fifth man will appear in court charged with the murder of Joshua McLean in Tower Hamlets.

    Shanoor Ahmed – 38 (04.04.86) of Russia Lane, E2 will appear in custody at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 14 October charged with murder.

    Ahmed was arrested on Saturday, 12 October.

    Four people have previously appeared in court charged with Joshua’s murder.

    They are:

    Nefur Miah, 36 (06.04.88), of Redmans Road E1;
    Muhammed Ismail Ali, 37 (02.10.87), of Marlborough Road RM7;
    Simeon Oliver-Stewart, 30 (15.01.94), of Clevedon Close N16;
    Muhammad Abbas, 22 (21.07.02) of Bradford Road, Kirklees.

    All four defendants will appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 17 December.

    The investigation, led by detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, was launched after Joshua, 31, was fatally shot on Tuesday, 6 August in Weavers Fields, Wilmot Street, E2.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a firearm discharge in West Kensington.

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a firearm discharge in West Kensington.

    The incident happened at approximately 04:00hrs on Sunday, 13 October outside a nightclub in Russell Gardens, W14.

    Witnesses reported hearing gunshots after a verbal altercation involving a group of people. All those involved left the scene prior to police arriving.

    Officers attended and during a search of the location, casings were found. A crime scene remains in place while investigative work continues.

    There have been no reports of any injuries.

    Detectives are appealing for anyone who was in the area and saw events unfold, or anyone who has information that could assist police, to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD1158/13Oct. You can also provide information anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: A murder investigation is under way following a shooting in Linton Road, Barking

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A murder investigation is under way following a shooting in Barking.

    Police were called at approximately 04:35hrs on Sunday, 13 October to reports of a man injured in Linton Road, Barking.

    Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found a man, believed aged in his 30s suffering a gunshot injury. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services he was pronounced dead at the scene.

    Next of kin have been informed.

    A crime scene remains in place at the location.

    There has been no arrest and enquiries into the circumstances continue.

    Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Basford who is responsible for policing in East Area which covers Barking said: “I understand the shock and concern local residents will be feeling following this incident, but I want to reassure them that a team of experienced detectives are already working diligently to piece together the events that has led to this shooting and identify who is responsible.

    “Local residents will see increased police activity in and around the Linton Road area and I would ask them for patience while officers carry out vital work.

    “If you have any concerns, or information that could assist the investigation, then please speak to one of them or contact police.”

    Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD 1295/13Oct. You can upload information and material online.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three men have been sentenced for the rape of a 13-year-old girl following an in-depth investigation by specialist Met detectives.

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Three men have been sentenced for the rape of a 13-year-old girl following an in-depth investigation by specialist Met detectives.

    On Friday, 11 October, Paul Maxwell, 24 (03.12.99) of Wood Lane Estates, W12 was sentenced to 12 and a half years.

    Kayon Bhola, 29 (28.10.1994) of no fixed address, and Jeremiah Jackson 24, (8.11.99) of Longford Court, W12 were both jailed for 11 years.

    All three men were given Sexual Harm Prevention Orders lasting 15 years.

    The victim, aged 13, left her home address on 30 September 2023 and travelled into London where she encountered the three defendants at a tube station in Hammersmith.

    They lured her back to Maxwell’s flat where she was raped by all three.

    Detectives gathered a combination of forensic evidence, CCTV and phone analysis. Working closely with specialists from CPS London’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences unit, they built up a case against the three defendants.

    CCTV showed the group travelling from the station towards the flat. In-depth phone analysis also revealed a short video clip of the three men carrying out their attack. This evidence played a significant part in convicting the three men.

    Detective Constable Will Murphy, who led the investigation, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the victim for her ongoing support in this case and for her extreme bravery in coming forward and reporting this to police.

    “This has been a challenging investigation, however due to the dedicated efforts of my team we were able to secure convictions. I hope the victim feels that justice has been served.

    “Today’s sentencing highlights how despicable this crime was and Maxwell, Bhola and Jackson will now face the consequences of their horrendous actions. The Met is here to support victims of sexual assault, and to provide the best care we can. Please do not hesitate to come to us.”

    The victim read out a victim impact statement, a part of which said:

    “I have gone over the date a million times thinking of what I could have done differently to change the outcome of what happened to me. No matter what I change, it would’ve ended the same way. This is because these three men, fully grown men, knew exactly what they were going to do as soon as they saw me at Hammersmith.

    “I was caught alone, and vulnerable. But that shouldn’t have mattered.”

    On 22 July, all three defendants were found guilty of rape – with Maxwell convicted of an additional count – following a three-week trial at Southwark Crown Court.

    A New Met for London is improving how we protect women and girls from violence, largely at the hands of predatory and abusive men. We encourage victims to come forward and help us put an end to this extreme violence – to report rape or sexual abuse, find out more: https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/how-to-report-rape-and-sexual-assault/.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Annual Awards Ceremony Recognizes Outstanding Contributions From Western Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Officers and Prosecutors

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

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Law Enforcement Agency Directors (LEAD) of Western Pennsylvania recognized more than three dozen area law enforcement officers and prosecutors during its 26th Annual LEAD Awards Ceremony, announced United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan. Comprising the Western Pennsylvania heads of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, LEAD bestows awards annually as a way of recognizing outstanding performance from law enforcement agents and officers, as well as prosecutors.

    Notable among the LEAD Awards presented were:

    • The Lifetime Service Award was presented to (Retired) Supervisory Special Agent Louis “Lou” Weiers for his outstanding service with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Weiers began his career with the ATF in January 1991 as a Special Agent with the Pittsburgh field office’s Arson/Explosives group, also serving as a member of the National Response Team from 1998 until 2005. Weiers was promoted to Resident Agent in Charge of the Pittsburgh Firearms Trafficking and Violent Crime group in March 2005, and was among the longest tenured supervisory investigators within the ATF upon his September 2024 retirement. Among the many investigations on which he worked during his career, Weiers served as the first-line supervisor at the 2018 Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh, where his group led the ATF response and firearms investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); represented ATF at the September 11, 2001, Flight 93 crash site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania; and was involved in the 2014 48-day manhunt for Eric Frein, who killed a Pennsylvania State Trooper and critically injured another during an attack at a State Police barracks. Weiers also served in several acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge details within the Philadelphia Field Division throughout the decades.

    • The Courage Under Hostile Fire Award was presented to Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Officer Craig Claflin, who, as the first officer on the scene of a domestic dispute call at a Kincaid Street residence in Pittsburgh’s Garfield neighborhood in July 2024, was immediately fired upon by the assailant. Officer Claflin quickly neutralized, disarmed, and detained the assailant, saving lives and preventing injuries to neighboring civilians and fellow law enforcement officers.

    • An individual LEAD award was presented to Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Jordan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. AUSA Jordan’s work has consistently involved the handling of both complex, long-term investigations and prosecutions of violent individuals and drug traffickers. During the past year, her cases included multiple long-term drug trafficking investigations conducted by FBI’s Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force—one of which was a Title-III wiretap investigation—as well as a long-term Drug Enforcement Administration investigation into a large-scale drug trafficking organization, the latter of which included the execution of multiple search warrants in late-June 2024 that ultimately resulted in the seizure of nearly 120 kilograms of cocaine, over $1.2 million in cash, and eight firearms, in addition to the charging of numerous individuals. In September 2024, shortly after the takedown of her FBI Title-III investigation, AUSA Jordan secured a guilty verdict in the jury trial of local large-scale drug trafficker Leon Ford Sr., whom Jordan and her team of investigators had indicted and successfully convicted of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, as well as possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

    • Several individuals from the ATF, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, received a team award for outstanding performance for their seven-month investigation and prosecution of a complex illegal firearms manufacturing and distribution network out of Altoona, Pennsylvania. The criminal conspiracy involved the manufacture and sale of untraceable ghost guns, AR-15 style rifles, and “hit kits” containing a Polymer 80 privately made firearm with no serial number, a threaded barrel to attach an included silencer, subsonic ammunition, and latex gloves.

    • Members of the Mt. Lebanon Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, and FBI received a team award for their investigation of a series of crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.

    • Corporals and troopers from Pennsylvania State Police Troops B and D Forensic Services Units were honored with a team award for their processing of a particularly complex Pittsburgh crime scene.

    • Two U.S. Postal Inspection Service officials received individual LEAD awards for their roles in helping to uncover and disrupt criminal operations in separate investigations involving, in one case, a California-to-Western Pennsylvania drug trafficking network, and, in the other, a games of chance theft ring. Officers and agents from organizations including the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and Pennsylvania State Police also received individual awards for their performance in a variety of incidents and investigations involving firearms, narcotics, sexual exploitation of minors, tax evasion, and public safety.

    LEAD is composed of the following law enforcement agencies: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Pennsylvania; Homeland Security Investigations; Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration; U.S. Department of Defense – Defense Criminal Investigative Service; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Probation & Pretrial Services; United States Secret Service; U.S. Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of State – Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Air Marshal Service; U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Veterans Administration – Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Federal Protective Service; U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Pennsylvania State Police; Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole; Western Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association; Allegheny County Police Department; Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office; Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office; Allegheny County Chiefs of Police Association; Allegheny County Housing Authority Police Department; Port Authority of Allegheny County Police Department; Washington County District Attorney’s Office; Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office; Pittsburgh Bureau of Police; Mt. Lebanon Police Department; Carnegie Mellon University Police Department, and University of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Convicts Fort Dodge, Iowa Man for Illegal Possession of Firearm

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

    Vanvacter, a convicted felon, led law enforcement on high-speed chase prior to throwing his firearm from vehicle

    A man who illegally possessed a firearm was convicted by a jury on October 10, 2024, after a three-day trial in federal court in Sioux City.

    Lennox Vanvacter, 31, was convicted of one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm.  The verdict was returned following about 7 hours of jury deliberations.

    The evidence at trial showed that on July 30, 2023, law enforcement officers observed Vanvacter operating a motor vehicle.  Based on their observations and the fact Vanvacter had an active arrest warrant for a previous eluding charge, officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop and apprehend him.  When emergency lights/sirens were activated, Vanvacter engaged in a high-speed attempt (approximately 30 minutes in duration) to elude law enforcement, including speeds of 70 mph or more in Fort Dodge and 100 mph or more outside city limits in Webster County.  Two sets of spike strips deployed by officers ultimately stopped the vehicle.  Once stopped, Vanvacter attempted to flee from the officers on foot, through the passenger door, but was captured a short distance later.  Officers located a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol, near the end of the vehicle’s flight path.  Later, officers determined by review of patrol car camera video, that the firearm was thrown from the vehicle at the end of the pursuit.   

    Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Vanvacter remains in custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody pending sentencing.  Vanvacter faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

    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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa DCI Laboratory, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  

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

    The case file number is 23-3037.  

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stratford Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Gun Trafficking Offense

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

    Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ESKAVAIL GORDON, also known as “Vail,” 21, of Stratford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a firearm trafficking offense.        

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 26, 2023, Stefan Bagley, Jr. was shot and wounded while traveling in his vehicle in Bridgeport.  Later that same day, Bagley’s vehicle was used in another shooting incident in Bridgeport.  An investigation revealed that, between October 2022 and October 2023, Bagley purchased approximately 20 9mm handguns from licensed firearm dealers and then trafficked the guns to a network of customers, including Gordon.  Bagley typically scratched the serial numbers off of the firearms before providing them to his customers, making the guns more difficult to trace.

    During the investigation, a search of Bagley’s text messages revealed communications with Gordon in which the two discussed Bagley purchasing a Glock handgun for Gordon.  Gordon then paid Bagley $750 for the gun.

    Gordon was arrested on December 18, 2023, and investigators seized a 9mm firearm from Gordon on the date of his arrest.

    Gordon was previously convicted in state court of possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, and he was on state probation at the time of his criminal conduct in this case.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

    On May 20, 2024, Gordon pleaded guilty to receipt of a trafficked firearm.  He has been detained since his arrest.

    Bagley pleaded guilty to a related charge and awaits sentencing.

    Most of the firearms trafficked by Bagley are unaccounted for.

    U.S. Attorney Avery noted that this case is being prosecuted, in part, under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022.  The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.

    This matter is being investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham.

    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 gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psn.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ATF Assembles Federal Law Enforcement Teams; Provides Emergency Support for Hurricanes Helene, Milton

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

    WASHINGTON – The federal government’s Emergency Support Function #13 (ESF #13) was activated to provide federal public safety and security assistance in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. ESF #13 is managed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on behalf of the Department of Justice.

    On Oct. 5, ESF #13 was activated to provide force protection for ESF #9 Federal Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams and ESF #8 Public Health and Medical Services missions following Hurricane Milton. ESF #13 is also positioned to provide direct federal assistance to Florida if needed. Since arriving in Florida, ESF #13 has:

    • Pre-staged 34 Law Enforcement Strike Teams (LEST) comprised of more than 440 federal law enforcement officers (FLEO) from 12 separate federal agencies, including ATF, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Federal Air Marshals (FAMS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS). It is anticipated that more FLEOs will be requested to assist with response efforts.
    • Staged resources to provide law enforcement and security support for 22 US&R teams and two Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT).

    On Sept. 24, ESF #13 was activated for Hurricane Helene to the southeastern part of the United States.

    At its peak, ESF #13:

    • Deployed more than 30 federal LESTs consisting of 400+ FLEOs from 15 federal law enforcement agencies, included ATF, DEA, FBI, USMS, BOP, CBP, BLM, USFWS, CGIS, Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID), Department of Transportation OIG (DOT-OIG), U.S. Treasury Inspector General (TIGTA), Health and Human Services OIG (HHS-OIG), FAMS, and IRS.
    • Deployed to Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina for Helene recovery support.
    • Supported approximately 30 federal US&R teams from Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, California, Texas, Indiana, Missouri, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada.
    • Deployed more than 40 K-9s to assist in searches.
    • Supported four Health and Medical Task Forces (HMTF) and DMATs in the Western North Carolina area.
    • Deployed approximately 10 peer support personnel from ATF and USMS.

    The federal government’s disaster response includes 15 Emergency Support Functions. ESF #13 coordinates the federal law enforcement response to any disaster requiring the federal whole-of-government response. In Feb. 2006, the Department of Justice was designated the ESF #13 coordinating department. In October 2008, ATF was assigned as the lead coordinating agency for ESF #13 on behalf of DOJ.

    [1:01 PM] Herman, Cara A. (ATF) ATF teams up with multiple agencies to stage resources to provide law enforcement and security support to FEMA’s ESF #9 Urban Search and Rescue teams.

    ATF teams up with multiple agencies to stage resources to provide law enforcement
    and security support to ESF #9 Federal Urban Search and Rescue teams.

    ESF #13 provides force protection for FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue teams following Hurricane Milton.

    ESF #13 provides force protection for Federal Urban Search
    and Rescue teams following Hurricane Milton.

    ESF #13 provides force protection for a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team in the southeastern part of the U.S. following Hurricane Helene.

    ESF #13 provides force protection for aUrban Search and Rescue
    team in the southeastern part of the U.S. following Hurricane Helene.

    ESF #13 continues to provide force protection for Urban Search and Rescue teams as they use drones to look for victims across the southeastern part of the U.S. following Hurricane Helene.

    ESF #13 continues to provide force protection for Urban Search
    and Rescue teams as they use drones to look for victims across
    the southeastern part of the U.S. following Hurricane Helene.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Greenwood Felon on Federal Supervised Release Sentenced for Weapons Violation Arising from State Domestic Violence Charges

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

    SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Thaddeus Deon Devlin, Jr., 29, of Greenwood was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

    Evidence presented to the court showed that on March 11, 2023, a victim called 911 stating that her children’s father had a gun, threatened her with it, and had taken her 5-year-old son.  Greenwood Police Department officers responded to the location where the victim indicated Devlin would likely take her child and saw Devlin pull up. When Devlin and the child exited the car, Devlin was holding a liquor bottle and stated that he had been drinking. Officers searched the car and located a loaded .40 caliber pistol. At the time of the offense, Devlin’s criminal history included multiple incidences of domestic violence, assault and battery, and a prior felon in possession of a firearm charge. Devlin was on federal supervised release at the time.

    United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr., sentenced Devlin to imprisonment for a term of 84 months on the indictment and a consecutive 16 months on the supervised release violation, all to be followed by a one-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    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.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Greenwood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Reforestation Underway on NSA Washington’s East Campus

    Source: National Security Agency NSA

    As construction continues on NSA/CSS Washington’s (NSAW) East Campus, hundreds of native trees have been planted as part of the agency’s reforestation effort.

    Reforestation is the process of planting new trees in areas that have been disturbed by construction, or where there were few trees initially. The construction of East Campus required the removal of many trees that had been part of the site, in order to construct the utility infrastructure, as well as the new buildings on site.

    This reforestation effort is driven by NSA’s Environmental Management System Policy, which states that the Agency is committed to the establishment and maintenance of world-class environmental, safety, and occupational health programs, and that these programs are designed to protect the environment and health of the workforce, customers, and communities.

    “We believe it is important to be a good neighbor, so we worked to incorporate the requirements of the Fort Meade forest policy into our site layout and construction,” said Matthew Boren, chief of the Military Construction (MILCON) office within NSA’s Installation and Logistics (I&L) organization.

    Reforestation has benefits to both the environment and to the workforce.

    Environmentally, it improves and expands the natural habitat of birds and animals. A large portion of the reforestation occurred along the Midway Branch, where the reforestation trees expand the stream buffer and ensure that development does not encroach on the stream. Additionally, the trees help reduce the amount of stormwater runoff from the site, as well as improve the quality of stormwater that does leave. In turn, that protects the Little Patuxent and the Chesapeake Bay and the quality of those waters.

    Reforestation replants trees in a more natural environment and in larger numbers. This is different from landscape trees, which are standalone and singular in nature and do not provide the same habitat features, or quantity of stormwater support.

    To grow these reforestation areas, MILCON office partners with Occupational Health and Well-Being Services to enhance the NSAW campus, adding shade, storm water management, and improving the well-being of the workforce by creating a more relaxed atmosphere, according to Williams.

    Both the reforestation areas and landscape trees require care and maintenance, from normal mulching to evaluation by an arborist. Whether it is a new tree that does not thrive or an established tree that is causing issues for the surrounding forestation, they may need to be trimmed or replaced.

    I&L tries to plant a new tree somewhere close to the original spot, but in a better location, whenever one is removed.

    “Our goal is to be a great place for the next generations of Agency employees,” Boren added.

    Interested in learning more about joining NSA’s mission? Visit NSA.gov/Careers for more information. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New NSA Display at BWI Honors SIGINT Support to Warfighters

    Source: National Security Agency NSA

    The early 1950s saw the dedication of two new organizations headquartered less than 10 miles apart: NSA and the Friendship International Airport — now Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Nearly eight decades later, the partnership between these organizations is expanding in a new way.

    Earlier this week, Agency leaders traveled to BWI for a first look at a newly installed wall display illustrating NSA’s unique support to the Armed Forces through declassified archival imagery. This first-of-its-kind exhibit highlights the SIGINT work of the Agency and its predecessors during WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

    “My grandfather served in WWII on the Red Ball Express, I had an uncle who served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, and as a combat contingency deployer of 14 times throughout my 27 years in the military, it’s always good to see representation on the wall,” CMSgt Kenneth Bruce, Command Senior Enlisted Leader of USCYBERCOM and Senior Enlisted Advisor of NSA/CSS, said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

    Located in BWI’s Honor Flights corridor, the display welcomes and honors active-duty military and veterans arriving at the airport. According to Bruce, it’s important to increase awareness of NSA’s history as a combat support agency providing SIGINT and cybersecurity insights to military operations around the world.

    “We’re very appreciative of what this represents and what NSA has represented to our Nation,” Chief Bruce said on behalf of the nearly 17,000 members of the Central Security Service, who ensure the warfighter is integrated into what NSA does on a daily basis. “As these honor flights come in to BWI and thousands of service members walk through these hallways, they’ll always have a reminder of what they do and why they do it.”

    A team representing organizations across the Engagement & Policy Directorate worked for five years collaborating to ensure the design, content, and delivery was as impactful as possible in demonstrating NSA’s long-standing support to the U.S. Military, according to Stephanie Bartolowits, chief of Information Management and the project originator. The display supports the Director of National Intelligence’s Transparency Initiative and fulfills NSA’s responsibility to declassify and disseminate materials to the public.

    “We try to do a transparency project every year as an Agency to be forward-leaning, to share with the public what we do,” Bartolowits said. “We’re hoping some of these service members will be able to walk by here, recognize themselves and see these things, and know that we really appreciate them.”

    This exhibit opened less than two years after NSA launched its first-ever recruitment display at the airport, which is home to the Nation’s largest USO lounge and sees more military members traveling through than any other airport, according to Bartolowits.

    Maryland Aviation Administration CEO Ricky Smith said the partnership between BWI and NSA represents a “rich family” of Maryland-based institutions that serve the American people. “To have you present at this airport and to be able to showcase the value you bring to the community is a pleasure,” he said.

    According to Engagement & Policy Director Sheila Thomas, the NSA-BWI partnership is natural.

    “Support to military is in our core, our ethos. I can’t tell you how much it means to see this in a public arena,” she said. “This will continue on well past us, and that’s really something that’s remarkable, something we can be so proud of.”
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Women of Installations & Logistics Build Strong Future for NSA

    Source: National Security Agency NSA

    FORT MEADE, Md. – Construction is booming across the NSA/CSS Washington (NSAW) campus, with upgrades to existing buildings and the expansion of East Campus.

    Behind these innovative projects are the women of Installations & Logistics (I&L), who play a critical role in paving the way for the future of NSA. During Women’s History Month, NSA celebrates them and all of the women helping drive mission outcomes.

    Caryn O. began her career in I&L about 15 years ago and although she had no construction background when she started, she has since flourished in her role as an I&L project manager.

    “I absolutely love being in the construction field because it is really cool to see drawings and then see it actually turn into something physical,” she said.

    After joining I&L, Caryn earned a graduate degree in construction management and has since managed major upgrades to the Friedman Conference Center in 2017 and floor to ceiling renovations in the OPS1 building on NSAW’s main campus that began in 2019. According to Caryn, both projects involved obstacles that had to be overcome, including supply chain issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Despite these obstacles, Caryn said she would definitely recommend construction as a career.

    “I enjoy working with dedicated and hard-working individuals who endure dirt, climate issues, and long hours and never complain,” she said.

    Project Manager Katie F. is leading renovations to the 70-year-old 9800 barracks buildings located east of the “Big 4” – a group of buildings on NSAW’s main campus. This $44.5M project was awarded in 2020, and the final phases are expected to be finished in April.

    “Overall, it was gratifying to support a project that improves the quality of life for service members,” she said.  “It is personally satisfying to use my background and skills to help deliver facilities that will ultimately support NSA’s mission.”

    Katie worked as a civil engineer for several years at an external organization before joining I&L’s Design & Engineering team in 2012. After several years, she decided to learn more about the construction side of projects. In 2017, she joined the Infrastructure team within Project Execution, whose mission is to improve existing spaces and infrastructure at NSAW.

    “As a project manager, I am able to leverage my work experience, as well as my master’s degrees in civil engineering and business administration, to execute projects from start to finish,” Katie said. “It was challenging to balance the requirements of various stakeholders while staying within budget and complying with the contract.”

    Katie said she enjoys learning from people with different areas of expertise.

    “It’s inspiring to watch people with diverse backgrounds, including engineering, business, and trades, collaborate to execute a successful project,” she said.

    Carolyn S. is the deputy project manager supporting the construction of the Chiari Center on East Campus. She has more than 12 years of interior design and project management experience, both external and internal to NSA. She joined NSA in August 2016 as an interior designer in the Design and Engineering office, where she gained a strong foundational knowledge of I&L’s facility design and construction requirements. She joined the Military Construction (MILCON) team in September 2023.

    Carolyn said her favorite part about the MILCON office is that every day is different, and she is able to witness all aspects of a project.

    “Being able to see designs come to life in construction and eventually become a finished building that will support some of our Agency’s biggest missions is one of the best parts of my job,” she said. “Since we are working in active construction, you never know what each day will bring.”

    Jessica M., who joined NSA as a contractor in 2010 and became an Agency employee in 2019, is currently a project manager in the MILCON office working on East Campus Building 5.

    “I enjoy the varied and changing work,” she said, adding that she enjoys the work/life balance that includes telework and a flexible schedule.

    “Being a woman in construction can be intimidating at first,” said Jessica. “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 1 in 10 of those in the construction industry are women. Advice I have as a woman in this male-dominated field would be to be your own best advocate, be confident enough to use your skillset and knowledgeable to make the right decisions, understand your strengths, and use all the tools you’ve acquired throughout your life to be successful.”  

    According to Jessica, she and the MILCON team work to build long-lasting facilities that will serve NSA’s workforce for the next 50 years, and keep the mission moving forward.

    “We are being good stewards for being fiscally responsible,” she said. “We are problem solvers. We look at the big picture and find how to reduce or mitigate a problem.”

    All of the women said they enjoy their work and are proud to be a part of the construction field.

    “There are many professional opportunities in construction, and women should not be intimidated by outdated stereotypes of the industry,” Katie said.

    NSA Media Relations
    MediaRelations@nsa.gov
    443-634-0721

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Minnie Kenny Remembered During Event at National Cryptologic Museum

    Source: National Security Agency NSA

    The life and legacy of one of the National Security Agency’s (NSA) Hall of Honor cryptanalysts was recently recognized at the National Cryptologic Museum (NCM). Nearly 70 current and former NSA employees along with NSA organizers, gathered for an afternoon of reflection and fellowship to honor cryptologic giant, Minnie Kenny.
     
    Kenny started at the NSA’s predecessor agency in 1952 as a Communications Clerk. At the time, there were very few African Americans in that role. Kenny quickly excelled in language, traffic analysis and cryptanalysis. She rose through the ranks at the Agency, working at an elite “think tank” studying the future of cryptanalysis. Kenny served as Deputy Commandant of the National Cryptologic School and made her mark as a leader along the way.
     
    The NCM was the backdrop for fellowship amongst the Phoenix Society members and the current workforce. Organizers say the event, “preserves the connection between former and current cultural influencers with an eye on the path laid for future generations at NSA.”
     
    Kenny was known for leaving a red carnation on the desks of managers and employees she felt were doing a good job. So it was only fitting that organizers of the memorial event wore red as a representation.
     
    Kenny’s impact is still felt within the agency. She influenced the career of NSA Chief of Staff, Marlisa Smith who said, “Her name speaks for itself. When you say Ms. Kenny’s name you are just in awe of her.” During the event, Smith told the story of being a very young person at the agency and being scared to approach Minnie Kenny. “When you did approach her, you got that warmth and you knew she really cared about the workforce”.
     
    Former NSA Chief of Staff Ernie Green was also in attendance. He recalled walking in the halls of NSA and getting bumped by a woman who said, “I don’t know you.” That woman was Minnie Kenny. Green said from that point on, Kenny took him under her wing, taking him to Washington D.C., introducing him to influential lawmakers. Green talked about Kenny’s passion of furthering the mission to help elevate African Americans in the agency.
     
    Another Cryptologic Pioneer, Lillian “Lil” Berry said, “The thing that impressed me most about Minnie Kenny was how she pushed us to do our best. How she encouraged us to get our education. She pushed us. The best thing is, she encouraged you to bring your families in, and we have three generations of my family here today.”
     
    Other attendees, including Kenny’s former receptionist told the crowd funny anecdotes about Kenny, from how she liked her coffee to that overseas trip where her luggage was lost…twice.
     
    Those in attendance had the opportunity to view the grounds of the future building named the Kenny Center, in her honor. The 700,000-square-foot building is expected to be completed in 2028. The Kenny Center will provide a modern platform to support Information & Intelligence Analysis (IIA) for NSA and the Intelligence Community (IC).
     
    Guests concluded the afternoon with a tour of the National Cryptologic Museum, given by NSA Historian Dave Hatch. Attendees toured the tribute to Minnie Kenny and other Women in Cryptology, who were ahead of their time.
     
    The overall theme of the day was honoring Minnie Kenny, the contributions she made, the influence she had and the legacy she left.
     
    Guests left with red carnations, a fitting end to honor a life well lived.

    The National Cryptologic Museum is the only fully public museum in the Intelligence Community and is now open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and no reservations are required — click here for more information about the museum or to start planning your visit!

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  • MIL-OSI Security: NSA Awards Authors of Study of Automated Attacks on New Webservers

    Source: National Security Agency NSA

    The National Security Agency (NSA) Research Directorate recently selected “Uninvited Guests: Analyzing the Identity and Behavior of Certificate Transparency Bots,” as the winner of its 11th Annual Best Scientific Cybersecurity Paper Competition.

    The winning paper, authored by Stony Brook University researchers Brian Kondracki, Johnny So, and professor Nick Nikiforakis, examined a study of automated attacks on new webservers, and explored how a web browser can trust an organization’s publicly issued cryptographic credentials. At the heart of their investigation was a simple question: What happens when you setup a new encrypted website?

    “This paper was selected as the winner because the researchers performed high-level, clearly written, and impactful science,” said NSA’s Director of Research, Gil Herrera. “It is the cutting-edge and relatable research that has made the paper stand out as the winner of this year’s competition.”

    NSA’s Laboratory for Advanced Cybersecurity Research established the annual Best Cybersecurity Paper Competition in 2013 to encourage the development of scientific foundations in cybersecurity, and to support the enhancement of cybersecurity within devices, computers, and systems through rigorous research, solid scientific methodology, documentation, and publishing. Herrera, along with NSA cybersecurity experts and external authorities in the field, selected the winning paper from 30 studies nominated by the public on the Science of Security website.

    The winning researchers studied autonomous systems which probe newly instantiated encrypted websites. They identified 105 malicious security bots attempting to perform nefarious actions such as data exfiltration, reconnaissance, and vulnerability exploitation. They also identified security systems examining sites to identify new phishing attacks. These profiles provide new insights into these autonomous actions happening on the Internet. This data can be used by both system administrators and developers to protect systems from compromise.

    The research team collected this data by creating the Certificate Transparency Honeypot (CTPOT), a system that obtains new certificates and monitors web bots for potential targets. CTPOT allows researchers to trick web bots, isolate them, and identify if they are malicious.

    “Beyond the technical merit of this paper, this paper is noteworthy because the high quality of documentation allows for others to verify and build upon this research advancement,” said Adam Tagert, Technical Director of NSA’s Science of Security Initiative. “Clear and available documentation are key components for advancing science, a primary goal of the NSA Science of Security Program”

    Nominations are now open for the 12th annual Best Scientific Cybersecurity Paper Competition. NSA welcomes nominations of papers published in 2023 in peer-reviewed journals and technical conferences that show an outstanding contribution to cybersecurity science. Winners will be announced at the end of 2024.

    Visit the Best Scientific Cybersecurity Paper webpage for more information on the competition and to nominate a paper.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Scouts Honored at National Cryptologic Museum’s Annual Scout Day

    Source: National Security Agency NSA

    “Best day of my life!” One Scout exclaimed as he left the National Cryptologic Museum’s (NCM) annual event on Saturday March 2nd, 2024.

    Rain couldn’t damper things for the scouts and their families as the event drew a near record number of attendees with more than 650 people coming through the doors of the NCM in just six hours.

    The NCM’s Scout Day was open to scouts and their families all over Maryland and beyond, with some even traveling more than two hours to take part in the festivities. Activity stations ranged from fingerprinting and robotics, to invisible ink and a scavenger hunt. With activities set up throughout the museum, kids and their parents had the opportunity to take in all kinds of lessons. In addition to cipher wheels and decoding encrypted messages, they learned about language, cryptology and the history of coding during slavery.

    Scouts could earn a Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge after completing tasks that showed what it was like to live with visual, hearing and physical impairments.
     
    Scout leaders say events like this help their scouts see the bigger picture.

    “People just don’t realize all the way from Hobos to Space Shuttle, to Military to State secrets, code has been around since the Egyptians,” said Stan Zdun, Scoutmaster for Troop 249 in Edgewater, Md. “Since the beginning of time,” he added.
     
    Jennifer Wilcox, the museum’s Director of Education, and her staff prepared for the event for months. She said that this year’s Scout Day was one of, if not the most successful to date.

    The National Cryptologic Museum is the only fully public museum in the Intelligence Community and is now open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and no reservations are required — click here for more information about the museum or to start planning your visit!

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Doing It Until We Got It Right: A Short History of the Pearl Harbor Investigations

    Source: National Security Agency NSA

    On December 7, 1941, Japanese naval aircraft swept in on an unsuspecting US Pacific Fleet and Army in the Hawaiian Islands and destroyed many American ships and aircraft. In a little over two hours, 18 warships—including eight battleships—and over 160 aircraft were knocked out of action. With Japan’s eastern flank secured, its forces would rampage through the rest of the Pacific virtually unopposed.
     
    Within days of the disaster, calls resounded from the public, press, and the government itself for an investigation into how and why such an event could occur. To many, it was not just the magnitude of the defeat, but the extraordinary unpreparedness of U.S. forces in Hawaii: Someone had to pay.
     
    However, fixing responsibility for the debacle at Pearl Harbor was complicated by the revelations about the MAGIC decrypts. MAGIC was the cover name assigned to the intelligence garnered from the decryptions and translations of Japanese diplomatic messages.
     
    From September 1940 until the attack on Pearl Harbor, American cryptologists had read the most sensitive Japanese diplomatic messages and had kept President Franklin Roosevelt informed of every Japanese diplomatic and political policy turn. But MAGIC didn’t tell Roosevelt and other government leaders what the Japanese military was planning — that information was in Japanese Navy communications, and those ciphers and codes had largely resisted the efforts of American cryptologists to break them. Any investigation of the Pearl Harbor disaster would be as much a revelation of what we didn’t know as of what we did know.
     
    The issue of culpability would not be settled in one investigation, and for many people it was never really settled at all. Ultimately, eight hearings would be held during World War II and after, culminating in a joint congressional investigation beginning on November 15, 1945. What follows is a brief summary of each.
     
    The Roberts Commission, December 18, 1941-December 23, 1942: This commission, set by presidential executive order, was charged to determine the facts of the Japanese attack and establish if any dereliction of duty had occurred. MAGIC was discussed, but who received it and the details of the reports were not covered. Not surprisingly, the hearings were hostile to the area commanders, General Walter Short, USA, and Admiral Husband Kimmel, USN. The major political and military figures in Washington were exonerated.
     
    The Hart Inquiry, February 15, 1944-June 15, 1944: The Navy Department ordered Admiral Thomas Hart, former commander of the Asiatic Fleet, to conduct a one-man inquiry on Pearl Harbor so that important testimony would not be lost by hazard of war.
     
    The Army Pearl Harbor Board, July 20, 1944-October 20, 1944: In response to an act of Congress on July 13, 1944, the Army’s adjutant general convened hearings which took testimony from 151 witnesses. MAGIC evidence was taken only during the last week of the hearings. Surprisingly, and perhaps because radio intercept information was downplayed, the board censured Generals George Marshall and Leonard Gerow (War Plans Division) for not fully advising General Short of the situation vis-a-vis Japan.
     
    The Naval Court of Inquiry, July 24, 1944-October 19, 1944: A court of inquiry was convened in response to the same congressional act of July 13, 1944. The hearings made full use of MAGIC, though the testimony on it was classified and kept from the public. The findings of the inquiry completely exonerated Admiral Kimmel. Instead, Admiral Harold Stark, chief of naval operations at the time of Pearl Harbor, was blamed for failing to adequately advise Kimmel of the critical situation prior to the attack.
     
    The Clausen Investigation, November 23, 1944-September 12, 1945: By personal direction of the secretary of war, a one-man inquiry conducted by Major Henry Clausen was detailed to obtain testimony to supplement the Army Board’s completed investigation.
     
    The Hewitt Inquiry, May 14, 1945-July 11, 1945: Similar to the Clausen investigation, the Navy secretary ordered Admiral Kent Hewitt to continue the naval inquiry.
     
    The Clarke Investigation, September 14-16, 1944 and July 13, 1945-August 4, 1945: The secretary of war ordered Colonel Carter Clarke, head of the Military Intelligence Division, which, in turn, oversaw the army’s COMINT efforts, to investigate the handling of communications by the military intelligence division prior to Pearl Harbor.
     
    On November 15, 1945, the Joint Congressional Committee Investigation into the Pearl Harbor disaster held its first session. Established by a Joint Congressional Resolution, this investigation promised to be the most thorough possible. The Truman administration released all of the relevant classified documents, including the MAGIC translations. All of the participants that were still alive, with the exception of the seriously ill Secretary of War Stimson, were examined.
     
    In 1946, the committee’s findings were released in 40 volumes. A single volume report contained 12 findings that apportioned the blame among all the principals: Hawaiian area commanders as well as the War and Navy Departments. A minority report also censured President Roosevelt but concluded, like the majority findings, that Secretary Stimson, Secretary Knox, Generals Marshall and Gerow, and Admiral Stark, as well as General Short and Admiral Kimmel, were culpable for the disaster.
     
    The hope that the investigations would finally determine who was responsible was never fulfilled.
     
    Although many figures in Washington were blamed, Kimmel and Short would bear the onus for the disaster. But the fifty years following the investigations would see a stream of “revisionist” histories and rationalizations for the major figures, such as Admiral Kimmel. Conspiracies to suppress intelligence by Churchill, Roosevelt, and others would be “exposed,” and historians would “discover” new intelligence that existed which would have saved Pearl Harbor.
     
    However, the phoenix-like nature of the Pearl Harbor controversy proved only what one of Admiral Kimmel’s lawyers wrote to him in 1953: “Pearl Harbor never dies, and no living person has seen the end of it.”

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Cybersecurity Speaker Series: Preparing for Post-Quantum

    Source: National Security Agency NSA

    FORT MEADE, Md. – Cryptography is our first and last line of defense for the nation’s most sensitive systems. The quantum threat is real and it is imperative to modernize to protect these systems now.

    In the next video in the Cybersecurity Speaker Series released today, NSA’s Senior Cryptographic Authority, Dr. Adrian Stanger, and NSA’s Cryptographic Solutions Technical Director, Dr. William J. Layton, sat down with NSA’s Cybersecurity Collaboration Center Chief of Defense Industrial Base (DIB) Defense, Bailey Bickley, to discuss preparing for Post-Quantum.

    “In theory if you make one of these [Quantum Computers], it can solve some math problems regular computers can’t,” said Layton.  “If you were to build a very large scale one that was very reliable, that’s still some distance in the future, it could break an enormous share of all the cryptography we use in the government at home or to run the internet. Essentially the foundation of security for a lot of the world would be shaken if we didn’t do anything about that.”

    Through the Cybersecurity Speaker Series, the center highlights NSA experts to share their insights, lessons, and contributions of their work in cybersecurity. 

    Cyber is an ever-changing landscape, and part of NSA’s mission is to look out to the horizon at new technologies that will become the next generation of threats. Quantum computing will be a game changer and will introduce new and advanced threats. A “Cryptographically Relevant” Quantum Computer has the potential to break existing public key crypto according to Stanger.

     “When we talk about cryptography here, we are not just talking about breaking encryption,” said Stanger, “but also the ability to masquerade as somebody to break authentication which has a bigger and more profound effects as that allows an adversary access to systems.”

    “The real challenge is for those who are managing systems who are custom building things,” said Layton. “For all those things in the world we forget to update or have been carefully built and rarely touched getting through and finding all those places that need to be fixed over the next few years is really the big challenge we are facing.”

    We have to move out now and plan for the future. Once the first cryptographically relevant quantum computer boots up, any system not upgraded to Quantum Resistant cryptography will be susceptible to attack.

    “The take away is “don’t panic!” But plan and prepare now,” said Bickley.

    View the latest Speaker Series installment below, along with the complete series on YouTube. Follow us on Twitter/X @NSACyber and on the CCC LinkedIn showcase page to track future releases.
     
    If you’re interested in joining NSA’s team, visit http://www.intelligencecareers.gov/nsa.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NSA’s Morrison Center Earns Gold LEED Certification for Sustainability

    Source: National Security Agency NSA

    The Morrison Center, constructed on the National Security Agency (NSA)/Central Security Service (CSS) Washington East Campus, has received the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification — the first project on the campus to earn the designation.

    “The Morrison Center demonstrates that innovative design, functionality, and environmental stewardship can coexist harmoniously to create exceptional spaces for the benefit of both people and the planet,” said Randy Westfall, chief of Installations & Logistics (I&L).

    Recent awards bestowed upon one of NSA’s newest buildings is further cementing NSA’s Military Construction (MILCON) team as a leader in sustainable and innovative builds.

    “Obtaining LEED Gold is a notable achievement, demonstrating that our next-generation operational mission space has been built with attention to both the workforce space and the larger environmental impact of our expansion,” said Jeffrey Williams, the environmental engineer responsible for East Campus sustainability.

    Williams noted that the accolades not only highlight the building’s outstanding design and functionality, but also demonstrate NSA’s commitment to environmental stewardship and efficient resource management. “The Morrison Center boasts state-of-the-art insulation, high-performance windows, and efficient HVAC systems to minimize energy consumption and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

    LEED certification is the premier, globally recognized symbol of sustainable building design and construction. While all the buildings on East Campus are built to be LEED Silver, the Morrison Center is the first NSA-owned building to achieve LEED Gold, according to Williams. This certification signifies that the Morrison Center meets stringent criteria for energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable site development, he said.

    The facilities throughout the building feature low-flow fixtures to significantly decrease water usage, as well as use of water from the reclaimed water system in industrial sources, promoting responsible resource management, Williams explained. The structure prioritizes the health and well-being of its occupants by incorporating ample daylight, superior air quality control, and ergonomic design principles, he said.

    Additionally, the facility incorporates lush green spaces for storm water management integrated into the East Campus design, along with a rooftop garden and outdoor gathering areas. According to Williams, this was done to foster a connection with nature and provide a serene environment away from the mission tempo.

    Finally, during the construction — managed by U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) Baltimore District East Campus Integrated Program Office — materials were sustainably sourced. From construction to interior finishes, the building utilizes locally sourced, environmentally friendly materials with recycled content, minimizing the impact on natural resources, Williams said.
     
    Under LEED, an evaluated project scores points across six categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environment quality (IEQ), and design innovation. Certification is achieved by documenting compliance with requirements in each category.

    “The higher the degree of compliance, the higher the certification level,” Williams said. “Achieving LEED Gold demonstrates a high degree of attention to the sustainable aspects of the building’s construction.”

    The certificate marks the latest significant recognition captured by the state-of-the-art building since it opened late last year. The Morrison Center, which serves as the new home for the National Security Operations Center and the Director, also won the Association of General Contractors Marvin M. Black Excellence in Partnering and Collaboration Award and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s (ODNI) Intelligence Community (IC) Facilities Program of the Year.

    The Marvin M. Black Excellence in Partnering and Collaboration Award is a highly coveted honor presented annually to construction projects that demonstrate excellence and achieve success by implementing the principles of partnering.

    According to MILCON Chief Matt Boren, construction of the 843,000-square foot facility was successful due to six guiding principles established early on: putting the mission first, safety, operational readiness/schedule, quality, teamwork, and team experience.

    “This project showcases partnering at its finest,” Boren said. “Collaboration and communication among stakeholders and the team’s commitment to a ‘mission first’ mindset resulted in a facility of exceptional quality that will play a vital role in protecting our national security for decades to come.”

    The IC Facilities Program of the Year award recognizes buildings that demonstrate excellence in facility management, maintenance, and operations. The Morrison Center surpassed other facilities projects in the IC by implementing cutting-edge technologies and systems that optimize energy consumption, enhance occupant comfort, and streamline maintenance processes, Boren said.

    By employing intelligent building automation, advanced energy management systems, and efficient waste management strategies, the facility showcases a commitment to operational efficiency and sustainable practices, Boren said.

    The Morrison Center is a testament to the possibilities of sustainable architecture and design, according to Westfall.

    “The receipt of these awards solidifies NSA’s position as a trailblazer in the IC,” Westfall said. “By combining architectural ingenuity, operational excellence, and environmental leadership, this extraordinary structure has set new benchmarks for sustainable building practices.”

    As I&L looks to the future of the East Campus, the Morrison Center stands as an inspiration for architects, developers, and facility managers worldwide, Westfall explained.

    MILCON is already applying the lessons learned in collaboration and design to create future structures on East Campus.

    “Both the Chiari Center and the Kenny Center are being constructed with the goal to further establish the East Campus as the global state-of-the-art IC campus,” Westfall said.
     

    Interested in learning more about joining NSA’s mission? Visit NSA.gov/Careers for more information. 
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: NSA Volunteers Give Back at Sandalwood Elementary

    Source: National Security Agency NSA

    BALTIMORE, MD. — Seven National Security Agency (NSA) employees took the phrase “giving back to the community” to heart during a recent visit to Sandalwood Elementary School where they shared cyber safety tips with 4th and 5th grade students and talked about their careers at NSA.
     
    A new NSA K-12 pilot program called “All In” coordinated the volunteers’ visit. The All In program supports under-resourced elementary schools in the counties surrounding NSA’s Maryland headquarters with STEM and world culture education. The program’s goal is to increase awareness and knowledge to build the next generation of citizens and professionals.
     
    In celebration of Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the volunteers shared cyber safety tips, such as password security, the good and bad of geotagging, and how to stay safe on social media and while emailing. They also highlighted their own cyber careers and experiences.
     
    “The students were engaged in the discussions, eager to share their own stories related to the topics, and walked away with a better understanding on how to be cyber safe at home and in the classroom,” said Jen Greenwaldt, the K-12 Outreach/All In Baltimore County liaison. “Seeing the excitement and engagement of students at these 4th and 5th grade levels was impressive. It made me more aware of the need to educate students on this important topic.”
     
    For Servia D., an engineer at NSA, the visit was personally rewarding.
     
    “I was pleasantly surprised to see how engaged the students were, and how much they already knew about cybersecurity topics at a very young age,” she said. “I am truly fortunate to be part of an Agency that is highly invested into giving back to the community and helping cultivate our future generation, especially in under-represented school communities.”

    To augment Sandalwood Elementary School’s cybersecurity curriculum, the NSA volunteers also shared cybersecurity resources from the National Institute of Standards & Technology and the National Initiative for Cyber Education with the school’s teachers.
     
    “With the evolution of technology and the next generation becoming more in-tune with the cyber world, it’s imperative to embrace the National Cybersecurity Workforce and Education Strategy to instill the importance of cyber safety,” Greenwaldt said.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Glenholme — Missing person: Help the RCMP find Justin Rushton

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Colchester County District RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 30-year-old Justin Rushton of Glenholme.

    He was last seen on October 13 in either Debert or Truro, and is believed to be driving a black Mazda truck with a grey hood.

    Justin Rushton is described as being 5-feet-11 and 180 pounds. He has blond hair and blue eyes. Clothing description is not known at this time.

    When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those who know them. We ask that people spread the word through social media respectfully.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Justin Rushton is asked to contact Colchester County District RCMP at 902-893-6820 or your local police. 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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Felon Sentenced for Possession of Firearms and Fentanyl

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

    TULSA, Okla. – U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Joseph McKinley Phillips, 34, of Tulsa, for Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute and Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Judge Russell ordered Phillips to 188 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.

    According to court documents, in Dec. 2023, Tulsa Police officers approached Phillips, and he took off running. After officers caught and detained Phillips, they found he had two loaded handguns and more than 40 grams of fentanyl.

    Data shows that only two milligrams of fentanyl can be a lethal dose. Seven out of ten contraband pills seized and tested by the DEA contained fentanyl.

    Phillips will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam McConney and Kenneth Elmore prosecuted the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Informational: Federal Court arraignments

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

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:

    Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Oct. 11 was:

    Johntay Jujuan Taylor, 27, of Texas, on charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Taylor faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release. Taylor was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI; U.S. Secret Service; Chubbock, Pocatello and Kemmerer, Idaho, Police departments; Bannock County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office; Idaho State Police; Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, Livingston and Laurel, Montana, Police departments; Yellowstone County, Montana, Sheriff’s Office; Teton County, Wyoming, Sheriff’s Office; and Evanston and Mountain View, Wyoming, Police departments conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-13.

    Appearing Oct. 10 was:

    Keegan Allan Strelnik, 42, of Florence, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Strelnik faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Strelnik was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Probation Office and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-54.

    Nicole Lynn Shain, 39, of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Shain faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Shain was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations and the Flathead Tribal Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-50.

    The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.

    XXX

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Fresno Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Series of Vehicle Pipe-Bombings

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

    FRESNO, Calif. — Scott Eric Anderson, 46, of Fresno, was sentenced Wednesday to three years in prison for conspiracy to destroy property, malicious destruction by means of an explosive device and being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, between November 2022 and February 2023, Anderson committed a series of pipe-bombings on unoccupied vehicles and property in Fresno. The bombings damaged vehicles belonging to two auto-related businesses on Clinton Avenue in Fresno. On Feb. 19, 2023, a bomb heavily damaged a vehicle used by a home health care business on Fallbrook Avenue in Fresno. Anderson sometimes recorded his crimes by video. Law enforcement also recovered a pistol in Anderson’s bedroom. Anderson was previously convicted of carrying a loaded and concealed weapon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. Tierney prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a Firearm After Shootout at Gas Station

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

    MINNEAPOLIS – A convicted felon has pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.

    According to court documents, on March 17, 2023, Samit Mao, 43, entered a gas station in St. Paul and tried unsuccessfully to purchase a cash card using reward points. Mao then punched the glass window in front of the cash register with one hand and was asked to leave the store by a cashier and a security guard. After the security guard and Mao exited the store, they exchanged gunfire. Mao was hit in the left arm. The defendant entered his car and fled the scene.  Responding officers apprehended Mao in his vehicle nearby the gas station.  Underneath Mao’s seat in the vehicle, officers recovered a Springfield model Hellcat 9mm semiautomatic pistol containing eight rounds and a round in the chamber.

    Because Mao has multiple prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.

    Mao pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court before Judge Michael J. Davis to one count of illegal possession of a firearm as a felon. A sentencing hearing will take place at a later date.

    This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the St. Paul Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew S. Ebert is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Felon Sentenced to Over Seven Years in Prison for Possession of Firearm

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

    MINNEAPOLIS – An Oakdale man has been sentenced to 90 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally possessing a firearm as a felon, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.

    According to court documents, on February 13, 2023, an officer from the New Hope Police Department initiated a traffic stop after observing a maroon Chevy Suburban commit several traffic violations. The officer noticed the smell of marijuana as he approached the vehicle and saw drug paraphernalia in the center console. Officers subsequently searched the vehicle and found a Glock model 17 GEN5 9mm caliber pistol equipped with a switch and a large capacity magazine hidden in a compartment underneath the cupholders. They also found a second large capacity magazine and additional ammunition on the driver’s side of the vehicle. DNA from the firearm’s textured grip and slide serrations matched the driver, Detroit Davis-Riley, 35. It was also later discovered that the firearm had previously been reported as stolen.

    Because Davis-Riley has multiple prior felony convictions in Hennepin County, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.

    On March 14, 2024, Davis-Riley pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm as a felon. He was sentenced on October 9, 2024, in U.S. District Court by Judge Michael J. Davis.

    This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the New Hope Police Department, Crystal Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary S. Riverso prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Myrtle Beach Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

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

    FLORENCE, S.C. — Joshua Levon West, 39, of Myrtle Beach was sentenced to nearly three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    Evidence presented to the court showed that on March 9, 2023, following a traffic stop, officers with the Myrtle Beach Police Department discovered West in possession of a loaded, stolen firearm.  West is prohibited from possessing a firearm based on his prior convictions for armed robbery, strong arm robbery, attempted strong arm robbery, and possession of a weapon during commission of a violent crime.  

    United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III sentenced West to 30 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Myrtle Beach Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hummel is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Wine counterfeiters busted in Italy for selling bottles of fake wine for EUR 15 000

    Source: Europol

    On 14 October, an investigation led by the French Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie Nationale), involving the Italian Carabinieri Corps (NAS Carabinieri) and Swiss Federal Police (Police Federale Swiss), supported by Europol and Eurojust, has led to the dismantling of a criminal network counterfeiting French Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) wines in Italy. The criminal network faked French red wine, charging up to…

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