Category: Security

MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Blumenthal Call on Dept. of Justice to Investigate Elon Musk’s Cash Sweepstakes to Swing-State Voters

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today wrote to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland asking the Department of Justice to investigate whether Elon Musk, through his political action committee America PAC, has violated federal campaign finance law by providing cash rewards to individuals in seven swing states if they sign a petition that requires them to be registered to vote.
Section 10307(c) of Title 52 of the U.S. Code states it is illegal if an individual “pays or offers to pay or accepts payment either for registration to vote or for voting.” Earlier this week, CNN reported the Department had warned Musk and his super PAC that his actions may be in violation of the law.
“Musk’s reward scheme appears to violate federal campaign finance law. It is explicitly designed to induce people to register to vote. Moreover, the Department of Justice’s own Election Crimes Manual states that a violation of federal campaign finance laws can occur when ‘cash’ or ‘lottery chances’ are ‘intended to induce or reward the voter for engaging in one or more acts necessary to cast a ballot,’” the lawmakers write.
“There is no place for vote buying in our democracy. As the Department has recognized, voting should never ‘degenerate into a spending contest, with the victor being the candidate who can pay the most voters’…” the lawmakers conclude.“…Permitting this scheme to proceed without consequences makes a mockery of democracy and the law. We urge you to investigate whether Elon Musk’s cash prizes are prohibited payments for voter registration and take appropriate enforcement action, including prosecution, if his actions prove to be illegal.”
Read the letter below and download it here:
Dear Attorney General Garland,
As you know, Elon Musk has been providing cash rewards to voters in seven states if they sign a petition related to his political action committee—America PAC. Individuals must be a registered voter, or register to vote, to qualify for his financial giveaways, which include payments of $47, $100, and a $1 million daily lottery. Campaign finance law states it is illegal if anyone “pays or offers to pay…either for registration to vote or for voting.”
Musk’s reward scheme appears to violate federal campaign finance law. It is explicitly designed to induce people to register to vote. Moreover, the Department of Justice’s own Election Crimes Manual states that a violation of federal campaign finance laws can occur when “cash” or “lottery chances” are “intended to induce or reward the voter for engaging in one or more acts necessary to cast a ballot.”
There is no place for vote buying in our democracy. As the Department has recognized, voting should never “degenerate into a spending contest, with the victor being the candidate who can pay the most voters.” According to public reports, the Department warned America PAC this week that the petition lottery may be in violation of federal law. If so, permitting this scheme to proceed without consequences makes a mockery of democracy and the law. We urge you to investigate whether Elon Musk’s cash prizes are prohibited payments for voter registration and take appropriate enforcement action, including prosecution, if his actions prove to be illegal.
Sincerely,
Senator Peter Welch
Senator Richard Blumenthal

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Sentencing of Mescalero Man for Stabbing Assault

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for the repeated stabbing of a woman on the Mescalero Apache reservation.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on May 18, 2023, Lestat Cree Valdez, 21, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache tribe, straddled Jane Doe and stabbed her repeatedly in the head, face, and chest with a knife, with the intent to cause bodily harm. As a result of the assault, Jane Doe suffered serious bodily injury.

Upon his release from prison, Valdez will be subject to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

This case was investigated by the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau Investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Joni Autrey Stahl is prosecuting the case.

# # #

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Twelve Defendants Charged in Alleged Methamphetamine Conspiracy

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

MACON, Ga. – A newly unsealed federal indictment charges a dozen defendants with allegedly participating in a methamphetamine production and trafficking conspiracy operating out of a ten-acre Walton County property.

According to the indictment unsealed on Oct. 23, and the search warrant, as well as statements made public in court, on Aug. 13, 2024, a federal search warrant was executed at 2370 Mountain Creek Church Road, Monroe, Georgia, as part of a joint law enforcement operation, where agents seized a total of 4,346 grams of “finished” crystal methamphetamine, 22 gallons of liquid methamphetamine (approximately equivalent to 377 kilograms of finished crystal methamphetamine) and $5,401. A federal search warrant was also executed on a Chevrolet Traverse occupied by Yuretzi Gomez, Yirla Gomez, Rafael Gomez and Uriel Garcia where agents recovered 1,046 grams of methamphetamine and $4,350 in cash. In addition, agents seized 4,523 grams of methamphetamine inside a Camaro occupied by Jared Calhoun and Ebony Jones-Tate.

The following defendant charged by indictment will have his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles H. Weigle on Nov. 4:

James Len Ramey, 52, of Comer, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine.

The following defendants charged by indictment have had their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Weigle:

Christopher Hyatt, 44, of LaGrange, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

Kendell Cawthon, 59, of Baldwin, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

Bonterris Turner, 44, of Athens, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

Demetrius Appling, 36, of Crawford, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

Andrea Robinson, 44, of Cleveland, Georgia; is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine;

Yuretzi Adame Gomez, 39, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

Yirla Adame Gomez, 24, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

Rafael Gomez Flores, 21, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

Uriel Garcia, 32, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

Jared Calhoun, 32, of Birmingham, Alabama, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine; and

Ebony Jones-Tate, 32, of Birmingham, Alabama, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case for the Government.

An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.

The following defendant charged by indictment will have his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles H. Weigle on Nov. 4:

The following defendants charged by indictment have had their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Weigle:

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case for the Government.

An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: New Jersey Man Charged For Multi-Year, Multi-Million Dollar Fraud

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); Thomas Fattorusso, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”); and Francis J. Russo, the Director of the New York Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), announced today the arrest of ARSEN LUSHER, who orchestrated a scheme to defraud more than 20 investors of more than $5 million between 2017 and 2021. LUSHER was arrested earlier today and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary Stein.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For years, the defendant allegedly solicited investors’ funds by representing that he had a hugely profitable trucking business. That wasn’t true, and the defendant instead allegedly used the funds to run a classic Ponzi scheme, enriching himself along the way. When luck ran out, the victims sustained millions of dollars in losses. Today’s arrest serves as a stark reminder that the illusion of success built on fraud and deceit will inevitably fail.”

FBI Assistant Director James E. Dennehy said: “For four years, Arsen Lusher allegedly defrauded numerous victims of more than $5 million by cycling their investments to conceal the business’s inability to produce its promised returns, and altered official tax documents to reflect inflated balances in furtherance of this ploy. The alleged empty assurances allowed the defendant to wrongfully haul in funding from investors and selfishly benefit from their losses. The FBI will continue to disrupt and hit the brakes on any investment scheme rooted in deceit.”

IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso said: “It’s alleged Lusher acted with impunity for years, deceiving over 20 investors out of more than five million dollars. He created a ‘get-rich-quick’ scheme, then sold his victims a dream of high-returns on their investment. Instead of a profit, investors were left with a loss of money and of trust. Today’s arrest ensures that Lusher can now be held accountable for his alleged fraud.”

CBP Director Francis J. Russo said: “U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proud to have played an important role in this investigation that resulted in the takedown of an elaborate conspiracy to defraud the United States.  This case serves as a great example of how collaborative law enforcement efforts can dismantle nefarious enterprises that cause economic harm to their competitors.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]

Between 2017 and 2021, LUSHER engaged in a scheme to defraud more than 20 victims of more than $5 million. LUSHER and a small group of trusted lieutenants acting at LUSHER’s direction solicited investments from the victims, usually by representing that LUSHER had a profitable trucking business that enjoyed delivery and installation contracts with multiple large retailers. LUSHER and his lieutenants typically represented that the victims’ investments would fund the purchase of trucks, each truck costing around $45,000. Through written and signed investment agreements, LUSHER and his lieutenants normally guaranteed the victims that their investments would generate high rates of return over a fixed period—typically between 30 and 40 percent over one or two years. In that way, LUSHER succeeded in raising more than $40 million.

In fact, though, LUSHER did not have a large trucking business. Instead, LUSHER had a small trucking business that performed a small amount of work—less than $300,000—for just one large retailer. The amount that LUSHER earned from his legitimate trucking business could not have compensated the victims and produced the promised returns.

Indeed, LUSHER did not use the victims’ funds to purchase trucks or to grow his trucking business. Instead, for years, LUSHER engaged in a Ponzi scheme: LUSHER paid earlier victims with later victims’ funds. LUSHER also used the victims’ funds to enrich himself, such as by gambling or shopping for high-end goods. In that way, LUSHER was able to sustain his scheme for a number of years. But in early 2021, the scheme collapsed, leaving numerous victims with losses totaling more than $5 million.

LUSHER used fake documents to carry out his scheme. For example, in December 2020, LUSHER caused to be sent to a particular victim an apparent U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation for one of the companies that LUSHER controlled and used to perpetrate his scheme. That alleged tax return was falsified: the accountant listed as having prepared the return did not, in fact, prepare it. And in February 2021, LUSHER altered account balances on an email sent by a bank employee to make it appear that LUSHER’s companies had healthy account balances when, in fact, they did not. Specifically, while the bank employee wrote that LUSHER’s companies had account balances of $8,767.26 and $320.76, LUSHER altered the bank employee’s email before forwarding it to state that his companies had account balances of $1,228,767.26 and $987,320.76 (italics and bold added). In other words, LUSHER altered the bank employee’s email such that the account balances for his companies were approximately 140 times and 3,078 times greater than they actually were. LUSHER then caused that falsified email to be sent to a particular victim.

If you believe you or your family has been a victim of LUSHER’s fraud, please contact XtremeHDtips@fbi.gov.

* * *

LUSHER, 49, of Millstone, New Jersey, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison.

The statutory maximum penalties in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, the IRS, the CBP, and the New York City Police Department.

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Rosenberg is in charge of the prosecution.

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

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint set forth in this press release, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Individual On Parole For Robbery In New Jersey Indicted For Two More Robberies In Florida

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Jose Rodriguez (65, New Jersey) with robbery, attempted robbery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, Rodriguez faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.

According to court documents, on August 4, 2024, Rodriguez entered a pizza restaurant located in a shopping plaza in Tampa and attempted to rob the restaurant at gunpoint. The clerks fled in fear, and Rodriguez ultimately left empty handed.

Approximately one month later, on September 11, 2024, Rodriguez returned to the same plaza. This time, he walked into a cellphone store and attempted to rob it at gunpoint. During the robbery, Rodriguez directed an employee to the business’s safe in a back room while stating, “Don’t move or I’ll shoot you.”

Two days later, ATF special agents and deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office found the vehicle used during the two incidents. Surveillance of that vehicle identified Rodriguez, and a subsequent search warrant of his residence revealed a pistol—which he is prohibited from possessing due to his status as a convicted felon. That pistol had been reported stolen by an elderly man in New Jersey whom Rodriguez had previously cared for. At the time of these incidents, Rodriguez was on parole in New Jersey for robbery.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.

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.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lady Anne Dodd to be awarded top civic honour

Source: City of Liverpool

Anne, Lady Dodd, the wife of beloved comic Sir Ken Dodd, is set to receive one of Liverpool’s greatest accolades.

Lady Dodd will be admitted to the city’s Roll of Citizen of Honour, after a decision made by Councillors tonight (Wednesday 22 January).

Lady Dodd is one of the Trustees of the Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation, which works to support performing arts charities and organisations. In the past six years, the Foundation has made over 50 donations to more than 30 charities, many of which are based in Liverpool and Merseyside.

Some of the recipients of these donations include Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity, Liverpool Theatre School, and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Outside of the Foundation, Lady Dodd has personally supported a number of projects in the City. Her contributions to her local community were highlighted through letters of recognition from St John the Evangelist Church and Happiness Hall in Knotty Ash, as well as Knotty Ash Primary School.

Tonight’s meeting also saw Councillors agree to award the Liverpool Law Society with the Freedom of Association for their work to provide free legal advice to those in need who may otherwise be unable to access it.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Richard Kemp CBE said: “Anne, Lady Dodd works tirelessly to improve the lives of others, and she is well deserving of the Citizen of Honour title.

“Lady Dodd has supported countless organisations and community projects both in Liverpool and further afield. Her compassion and generosity have made a significant difference to thousands of lives.

“Her work, both individually and through the Kenn Dodd foundation, is often done without great fanfare. It is clear that Lady Dodd does not help others for recognition, but for a genuine love for her community and her desire to support those who need it the most.”

Leader of Liverpool City Council, Cllr Liam Robinson said: “The Citizen of Honour accolade recognises people who make an exceptional contribution to the City and Anne, Lady Dodd is the perfect embodiment of this.

“Not only has she worked closely with community groups and organisations in her home of Knotty Ash, but her work through the Kenn Dodd Charitable Foundation has seen millions of pounds donated to an incredible number of Liverpool and Merseyside charities.

“Lady Dodd’s selfless support and dedication to those in need make her an incredible role model.”

Anne, Lady Dodd said: “When I received the letter from Liverpool City Council I was amazed, overwhelmed, undeserved, I feel, but so honoured to hear that I would receive this award.

“I love Liverpool, my adopted home for over fifty years. During the last six years, as Trustees running The Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation with Ken’s nephew, John Lewis, I have met so many incredible workers and volunteers in a variety of charitable organisations, and particularly Liverpool Hospitals, who give extra time and effort to making people’s lives better.

“My family, friends and I are so very proud to have this recognition for spending what really have been joyful times doing all the things that Ken’s legacy and his wishes have enabled me to do on his behalf since he passed away in 2018.

“I am very much looking forward to the ceremony and receiving the Citizen of Honour scroll. I am truly thrilled to bits or as Ken would say, I am completely discomknockerated!”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: profitflex247.com: BaFin warns of website and points to identity theft

Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

The website operator appears under the name ProfitFlex247, without using a legal form. He does not provide any information about his place of business. The operator claims to be authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It links to the FCA’s homepage to a publication there about the registration of the company Flex Instant Services Ltd. The BaFin has no information about a possible connection between Flex Instant Services Ltd and the website profitflex247.com. Rather, it is assumed that the company’s identity has been stolen.

Recently, a large number of websites with almost identical content have come to light, and BaFin has also issued warnings about these. In all cases, the presentation on the websites begins with the following sentence: ‘Step Into the Trading Arena with Confidence & [name of website]’ or, more recently, ‘Enter the trading arena with confidence & [name of website]’. In addition, BaFin has evidence of a link between the ‘Step Into the Trading Arena with Confidence’ platform series and the ‘Trade Wisely’ platform series, which BaFin has also already warned about.

Anyone offering financial or investment services in Germany requires the permission of BaFin. However, some companies offer such services without the required permission. Information on whether a particular company is authorised by BaFin can be found in the company database.

The information provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

Please be aware:

BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SCST at Award Ceremony for Disney Imaginations Hong Kong Design Competition 2025 (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the Disney Imaginations Hong Kong Design Competition 2025 today (January 24):

Michael (Managing Director, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Mr Michael Moriarty), Kelly (Senior Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering Asia, Mr Kelly Willis), finalist teams and friends, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good afternoon. I am most delighted to join you all here at this year’s version of the award ceremony for the Disney Imaginations Hong Kong Design Competition. I look forward to celebrating and witnessing the wonderful achievements of the most creative young talents in Hong Kong.

     Disney Imaginations Hong Kong Design Competition is now one of the best-known youth creative competitions in Hong Kong, providing an amazing platform for youngsters with different geographical, education and professional backgrounds to showcase their technical, artistic and creative expertise since 2011. I feel truly encouraged to learn that this year, the competition has received an overwhelming response, with nearly 200 participating teams. This was more than double as compared to last year. It is also the second consecutive year for the competition to be extended to cities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and students from all disciplines.

     The overwhelming participation not only exemplifies the flourishing creativity and innovation of the younger generation of Hong Kong and the GBA, but also showcases their aspiration to become global citizens when taking forward projects such as eradicating poverty and hunger, enhancing health and well-being, developing sustainable cities and communities, and reducing inequality. So, thank you Michael and Kelly for creating such a great and meaningful opportunity for nurturing our young talents.

     For the finalist teams, may I congratulate you all. This is a very competitive competition, and whether or not you would come on stage in a moment or not, you are already amongst the best. Equally important, you have earned the most important and valuable experience, knowledge and friendship. Do cherish the exciting chemistry created by the diverse views and ideas when exchanging with each other. I am sure that when you look back some years later, this would be one of the most unforgettable journeys of your life.

     Speaking of treasuring innovation and creativity of our young generation, the Government is inspired to encourage and support them to seize opportunities and to shine bright in the creative industries, bringing the integration of arts, culture, sports, creativity, tourism and entertainment in Hong Kong.

     The creative industries are not only Hong Kong’s new economic drivers, but also a popular career choice among our young people. We aim to promote Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and to nurture a creative atmosphere in the community. To better foster its development, in 2024 the Government restructured the previous Create Hong Kong under my bureau as the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, now commonly known as the CCIDA. With a more co-ordinated role, the CCIDA provides one-stop services and support with a mission to boost the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. In particular, we have new dedicated teams to proactively identify external opportunities for relevant industries, and lead them to arrange delegations to various showcases worldwide to export Hong Kong’s cultural and creative industries, foster business opportunities and enhance Hong Kong’s international status. Looking ahead, the CCIDA will continue to unleash the immense potential of the industries, which I believe will present tremendous opportunities for the new blood of the industries.

     Today, we are at one of the most creative places in Hong Kong, that is, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Together with Disney fans in Hong Kong and worldwide, I eagerly look forward to Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th anniversary celebrations this year, which will certainly bring tourists from around the world, and locals alike, holidays beyond imagination. I believe Michael and Kelly will continue to show us their boundless imaginations and introduce more and more amazing projects and offerings as we move ahead, bringing the Resort to another new height. The Tourism Commission will work closely with Disney to roll out the highly anticipated projects under the multi-year expansion and development plan, that is, the Marvel-themed new area, and to explore new future plans, with a view to enhancing the appeal of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort to visitors from the region, creating business synergy, and consolidating its position as an iconic and landmark tourist attraction in Hong Kong.

     As we approach the Lunar New Year, may I also take this opportunity to wish you all a prosperous Year of the Snake filled with good fortune, health, and happiness. Thank you.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense Official Statement on AUKUS Pillar 2 and Exercise Maritime Big Play

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The following statement can be attributed to Ms. Madeline Mortelmans who is currently performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans and Capabilities. Her office is lead for both pillars of AUKUS within the department and is in close partnership with all of the DOD stakeholders.

“Secretary Austin has said several times in the past that our alliances and partnerships are our greatest global strategic advantage. Specifically, AUKUS presents a unique opportunity for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States to foster a more capable, more combined force of the future. And in so doing, we will strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

Through AUKUS, we are working across the full spectrum of capability development, generating requirements, co-developing new systems, deepening industrial based collaboration and ultimately delivering advanced capabilities to our forces. AUKUS Pillar 1 focuses these co-development efforts on delivering an advanced nuclear power submarine capability through the optimal pathway.

Pillar 2 focuses on the development and delivery of emerging technology. AUKUS Pillar 2 is designed to harness the combined industrial and innovation bases of the tri-lateral partners to ensure that our forces are equipped with cutting edge interoperable military capabilities and prepared to face down aggression in whatever form it may take.

In Pillar 2, we’re building a more capable combined joint force for the future, working across the full spectrum of capability development and we’re already delivering. This year, we’re advancing our undersea warfare capabilities by expanding our ability to launch and recover uncrewed underwater systems from torpedo tubes on current classes of British and US submarines, that will increase the range and capability of our undersea forces.

We’re integrating the Stingray lightweight torpedo into the P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, which will support our forces in being more interchangeable while providing resilience to munitions stockpiles across AUKUS nations. At the same time, we’re also implementing a fundamental shift to more closely integrate our systems and break down barriers to collaboration at every stage and in every part of our systems.

We’ve welcomed collaboration with the International Joint Requirements Oversight Council or I-JROC, a critical collaborative forum to identify and validate joint and combined requirements. The I-JROC will ensure that we have prioritized combined and joint solutions from the very start and that the capabilities we develop under Pillar 2 address some of the most pressing challenges our forces face.

A cornerstone of AUKUS Pillar 2 remains the opportunity to leverage the best of our defense industrial bases in combined innovation communities. This year we executed the first office innovation challenge focused on electronic warfare. We announced the winners last month and our teams are working to develop a robust two-year plan to increase the collaboration between and among our innovation centers of excellence.

By the end of the year, we’ll have convened meetings with the Advanced Capabilities Industry Forum in each country. Engagements provide an opportunity for representatives across government and industry to exchange ideas and deepen industrial based collaboration.

This week we’re here in Jervis Bay to observe the Maritime Big Play, which is an important demonstration of AUKUS in action. The Maritime Big Play is a series of integrated trilateral experiments and exercises aimed at enhancing capability development, improving interoperability and increasing the sophistication and scale of autonomous systems in the maritime domain. These experiments address the need to expand the reach, capability and capacity of our forces in the maritime environment through the use of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.

Over the past several weeks, we’ve been testing and refining the ability to jointly operate uncrewed maritime systems, to share and process maritime data from all three nations, and to provide real time maritime domain awareness to support decision making. The Maritime Big Play allows AUKUS partners to practice fielding and maintaining thousands of uncrewed systems, gaining valuable experience operating in coalitions to solve realistic operational problems such as improving undersea situational awareness.

Our work will inform AUKUS partners’ understanding of how crewed and uncrewed capabilities can be integrated to get an operational advantage, and where we can achieve cost savings and improved efficiencies in acquisition, maintenance and sustainment activities.

Maritime Big Play isn’t just a demonstration for demonstration’s sake. It’s our goal to transition cutting edge technologies into capabilities that give our forces decisive advantage as quickly as we can. This year, Japan joined the Maritime Big Play as an observer. We look forward to deepening their participation in the coming years. All of this together underpins a more strategic approach to ensure that AUKUS and like-minded partners can operate new autonomous uncrewed systems more effectively as a coalition force from the start.

This is only the first in our series of experiments and demonstrations. Over time, Maritime Big Play will grow and evolve to reflect the emerging technologies, new systems and new operational requirements. I want to emphasize that AUKUS is dynamic. It will grow, it will evolve as the world changes around us, and as we break down the old barriers to cooperation and inevitably discover new ones.

AUKUS is building a foundation for deep defense industrial cooperation and delivering advanced capabilities that can and will ensure our defense forces succeed in enhancing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific alongside UK and Australia partners both now and in the years ahead. Thank you.”

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Slingstone 24-4: 734th AMS performs disaggregated operations

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

YIGO, Guam –

On Oct. 23, 2024, the 734th Air Mobility Squadron performed disaggregated operations at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of Slingstone 24-4.

For this specific operation, the 734th AMS simulated a bombing scenario that rendered their main headquarters unavailable. Their teams then had to perform their duties in a different location. This exercise allowed Airmen to test how capable they are at completing their mission in a different environment.

“Typically, when it comes to these disaggregated ops, you are essentially practicing a scenario where your current building has been affected in some sort of fashion, it can be a chemical attack, munitions attack, something from the enemy or even a natural disaster,” said Master Sgt. Joshua L. Spierer, 734th AMS passenger services section chief. “Our role here is to have a setup base, we have our internet, our communication tools and everything needed to do our job because in this scenario we have no other area to work.”

During the operation, the 734th AMS Airmen also made the most of the opportunity to teach their Airmen in different career fields. The team consisted of Airmen who work in aircraft maintenance, communications, aerial ports and more. Staff Sgt. Jarom Johnston, 734th AMS aircraft electrical systems craftsman, has been guiding these Airmen on how to marshal a C-17 Globemaster.

Despite the challenges of working in a different location and continuing to be multi-capable, the 734th AMS Airmen were able to adapt and persevere.

“Flexibility is key,” said 2nd Lt. Constance Lamkin, 734th AMS officer in charge of special planning. “Even though things haven’t gone exactly as planned, we’ve communicated across the board, perform our duties and were able to get a spot at a different location.”

Slingstone 24-4 test the capabilities of the Airmen in the 36th Wing. For the 734th AMS, it trains them in being multi-capable while also being ready for the unexpected.

“There’s definitely a lot of good that comes from this exercise,” Lamkin said. “When Typhoon Mawarr happened last year, we couldn’t work in the original pax terminal building because of the storm damage, but we were able to figure out what to do during that situation, and exercises such as this further prepare us for what may come.”

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: US, Australian Naval Forces Conduct Bilateral Operations

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

STRAIT OF MALACCA –

The U.S. Navy (USN) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) conducted bilateral operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific in the Strait of Malacca, Oct. 20-23.

Participating ships included the USN Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) and the RAN Anzac-class frigate HMAS Stuart (FFH 153). The two ships took part in exercise Malabar 2024 earlier in October.

“This exercise further builds on our existing interoperability and combined readiness we have with the Royal Australian Navy,” said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “Every time we operate together, we strengthen our capabilities and shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Over four days, the ships engaged in a formation sailing exercise, an air defense exercise, maritime communications training, personnel cross-decks and visit, board, search and seizure drills.

“Conducting a joint sail with USS Dewey has been of great value, with multiple different activities conducted between the ships, including personnel exchange, boarding practices, manoeuvring in close company, and warfare drills,” said Cmdr. Warren Bechly, commanding officer, HMAS Stuart. “Whether it is large scale exercises, or ships in transit between the same ports, working with our allies and partners is always a valuable opportunity to build closer ties and enhance interoperability.”

The U.S. Navy regularly operates alongside our allies in the Indo-Pacific region as a demonstration of our shared commitment to the rules-based international order.

Bilateral operations such as this one provide valuable opportunities to train, exercise and develop tactical interoperability across allied navies in the Indo-Pacific.

Dewey 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 –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: ‘Maritime Big Play’ in Pacific Demonstrates AUKUS Partner Compatibility

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

This month Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. — all members of the AUKUS trilateral partnership — participated in “Maritime Big Play,” a series of integrated experiments and exercises held in the Indo-Pacific region, meant to enhance capability development and improve interoperability between the partners.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government appoints members to Hospital Authority

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government announced today (October 25) the appointment of two new members to the Hospital Authority (HA) and the reappointment of six serving members.

     The two new members, Ms Tennessy Hui Mei-sheung and Professor Janet Wong Yuen-ha, will be appointed for a period of two years from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2026.

     Ms Hui is a practising solicitor in Hong Kong. She is the Chairperson of the Liquor Licensing Board, a member of the Council of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and a member of the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority Council.

     Professor Wong is the Dean and Professor of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences of the Hong Kong Metropolitan University. She is also a member of the Hospital Governing Committee of North Lantau Hospital and a member of the Education Committee of the Nursing Council of Hong Kong.

     Among the serving members reappointed, Professor David Shum Ho-keung continues to serve as an HA member in his capacity of the Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University for a period of two years from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2026. The other five serving members, namely Ms Anita Fung Yuen-mei, Mrs Sylvia Lam Yu ka-wai, Mr Henry Tong Sau-chai, Mr Anthony Tsang Hin-fun and Dr Thomas Tsang Ho-fai, will be reappointed for a period of two years from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2026.

     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, welcomed the two new members to the HA. He also expressed gratitude to the six serving members reappointed and extended heartfelt thanks to the outgoing members, Mr Ambrose Ho and Professor Agnes Tiwari Fung-yee, for their invaluable contribution to the HA.

     The HA comprises a Chairman, 23 non-official members, three public officers and one principal officer from the HA. The membership list to be effective from December 1, 2024, is as follows:

Chairman:
Mr Henry Fan Hung-ling

Non-official Members:
Mr Lawrence Chan Man-yiu
Professor Chan Wai-yee
Mr Chan Wing-kai
Ms Margaret Cheng Wai-ching
Mr Duncan Chiu
Professor Philip Chiu Wai-yan
Ms Anita Fung Yuen-mei
Ms Maisy Ho Chiu-ha
Ms Mary Huen Wai-yi
Mr Jat Sew-tong
Mr Matthew Kwok Pui-ho
Mrs Sylvia Lam Yu ka-wai
Professor Lau Chak-sing
Ms Tennessy Hui Mei-sheung
Professor David Shum Ho-keung
Mr Henry Tong Sau-chai
Mr Philip Tsai Wing-chung
Mr Anthony Tsang Hin-fun
Dr Thomas Tsang Ho-fai
Mr Wan Man-yee
Mr Billy Wong Wing-hoo
Professor Janet Wong Yuen-ha
Professor Zhang Zhang-jin

Public Officers:
Permanent Secretary for Health, Mr Thomas Chan
Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam
Deputy Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury) Ms Ann Chan

HA Principal Officer:
Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Tony Ko

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: Mobile phone detection cameras making their mark

Source: South Australia Police

A one-month report on the state’s new mobile phone detection camera expiations has shown drivers are hearing South Australia Police’s (SAPOL) call to stop illegal mobile phone use behind the wheel.

For the first month of enforcement, from 19 September 2024 to 18 October 2024,the ratio of expiation notices being issued has averaged 0.23 per cent compared to 0.42 per cent for the last 30 days of the three-month warning period.

However, 10,319 vehicles or 0.23 per cent of total vehicle volume (4,507,577) across the five metropolitan camera locations still received an expiation notice over the month period.

Disappointingly, 80 vehicles were also detected four or more times, meaning 80 drivers may potentially lose their licenses.

Officer in Charge of SAPOL’s Traffic Services Branch, Superintendent Darren Fielke, said the data suggests new penalties from mobile phone camera detections have helped land the message for phone-wielding drivers to change their behaviour.

“SA Police began issuing a penalty of $556 plus a $102 Victims of Crime Levy and three demerit points from offences detected by mobile phone detection cameras a little over a month ago,” he said.

“After much education and a three-month grace period, declining averages of offences show most habitual mobile phone offenders have finally put their phones down or have been taken off the road after too many demerit point deductions.

“We recently reported in only the first week, 2544 motorists were detected, and we hope these people have learned an important lesson.

“The goal for mobile phone detection cameras in SA is to make roads safer by changing road user behaviour, and recent data certainly indicates people are thinking twice now.”

One-month expiation data shows of the 10,319 expiations issued, 2816 were detected at North South Motorway, Regency Park, 2396 at South Road, Torrensville, 2157 at Southern Expressway, Darlington, 1991 at Port Road, Hindmarsh and 959 at Port Wakefield Road, Gepps Cross.

South Road, Torrensville was again identified as having the highest percentage of expiations sent considering vehicle volume, and Southern Expressway, Darlington the lowest.

Reviewed by a trained SAPOL adjudicator, of the 10,526 potential incidents, 10,319 or 98.03 per cent received an expiation notice.

Of the 80 vehicles (registered owners) receiving expiation notices for four or more detections: one will be issued with 15 expiation notices, one will be issued with 11 expiation notices, one will be issued with 10 expiation notices, three will be issued with nine expiation notices, three will be issued with eight expiation notices, two will be issued with seven expiation notices, 10 will be issued with six expiation notices, 13 will be issued with five expiation notices, and 46 will be issued with four expiation notices.

“Unfortunately, these numbers show that we still have some drivers out there that are not heeding the message and placing themselves and other road users at risk,” Superintendent Fielke added.

“These drivers will pay a high price financially and will lose their licence. We can only hope that is all that is lost, and it is not a life lost due to their irresponsible behaviour.”

Mobile phone detection cameras are in place across five high-risk locations, monitoring 13 lanes. All five locations have warning signs installed. Two other camera locations are currently being considered and expected to be installed in early 2025.

Visit Think! Road Safety for further information about mobile phone detection cameras.

Distracted Driving Statistics for 19 September 2024 to 18 October 2024 Inclusive
Vehicle Volume	Total Incidents (Potential Offences)	Expiation Notices Sent	% Expiation Notices Sent	% Expiation Notices
4,507,577	10,526	10,319	0.23%	98.03%

MIL OSI News –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Op Huia: Police Recover Critical Evidence in relation to Baby Ru’s death

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

As a result of new information, Police investigating the murder of Baby Ru have completed a targeted search in a semi-rural area north of Wellington.

The concentrated area along Moonshine Road, off State Highway 58, is 20 minutes by car from the Taita home where Ru lived and received the injuries that caused his death on 22 October 2023.

Items of property highly relevant to the homicide investigation were located during the search and are undergoing forensic examination.

Police are not in a position to say exactly what the new information was, but Detective Inspector Pritchard confirmed it did not come from the public.

“This was information that wasn’t available when Ru died.

“Part of that work included searching for items that have been deliberately concealed.”

Detective Inspector Pritchard said Police hope the latest development jogs people’s memory, especially those on Moonshine Road.

Police are also appealing for sightings of the vehicle that shuttled items from the crime scene.

“Our message to them is please contact us if you saw something out of place on 22 October last year.”

That car is a grey-green 1994 Nissan Sentra, registration TE6972.

Anyone who has information that may help the investigation is asked to contact Police on 105, quoting file number 231022/1708.

Information can also be passed to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police increase visibility across Auckland transport hubs

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police have increased visibility at transport hubs across Tāmaki Makaurau following the fatal Onehunga bus attack and will continue with this increased presence over the long weekend.

Auckland City Acting District Commander Sunny Patel says it’s important the public knows that Police are continuing to take action.

“It’s understandable the community are feeling shaken. We want to provide reassurance heading into the long weekend that we will have an ongoing presence around public transport.

“Our beat teams will also maintain their presence in and around key public spaces.

“Our city and transport system are important spaces for the public, and people should be free to use these areas without fear.

“Police and partner agencies will be focused on ensuring these hubs are places where the public and commuters can be safe and feel safe.”

Police continue to encourage the public to report incidents that may be unfolding so appropriate action can be taken.

“If an incident is happening now, I urge people to report it to 111 as soon as they can.”

Information can also be provided to Police by making an online report at 105.police.govt.nz using “Update Report” or by calling 105.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Glass cladding breaks at Citywalk

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Buildings Department said that it is following up on an incident of broken glass cladding at the external wall of Citywalk in Tsuen Wan tonight and added that no obvious danger to the overall building structure was noted.

Upon notification of the incident by Police at about 7.30pm, the department immediately deployed staff to carry out a site inspection and found that a piece of glass cladding, measuring about 3m by 2m, at the external wall of the building’s fifth floor facing Wo Tik Street was broken.

The affected pavement is temporarily fenced off and the department will continue to follow up on the matter.

As instructed by the department, the property management company (PMC) of the building has arranged a contractor to remove the remaining loose pieces of glass tonight.

The PMC is also tasked with arranging to have the other glass cladding inspected and carrying out necessary repairs as soon as possible to ensure public safety.

The department will issue an investigation order to require the owner to appoint an authorised person to conduct the investigation and submit an investigation report together with a remedial proposal.

It will also maintain contact with the PMC to monitor the progress of the investigation and repair works.

The department pointed out that it has specific requirements on the quality and construction of glass cladding. For example, the testing of materials and procedures before installation should comply with the relevant statutory requirements.

It emphasised that it is the owners’ responsibility to ensure the safety of their buildings, adding that timely repair and maintenance of private buildings is the owners’ basic responsibility.

Owners may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil proceedings if the building dilapidation causes damage to property or injury to persons, the department said.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Guilty plea following Enfield murder investigation

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has appeared in court where he pleaded guilty to the murder of Bledi Petraj, who died following a fight on an Enfield street.

Kozma Papa, 22 (23.09.02) of Fairview Road, Cheltenham, appeared at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 24 October where he pleaded guilty to murder.

He was remanded in custody to appear for sentencing at the same court on Friday, 6 December.

Police and London Ambulance Service (LAS) were called at 14:04hrs on Sunday, 4 February to reports of a stabbing at Queen Elizabeth’s Drive in Enfield.

Officers and LAS attended. At the scene 37-year-old Bledi Petraj, who was from Westcliff-on-Sea in Essex, was found with knife injuries.

Despite the efforts of medics at the scene and in hospital, he sadly died that afternoon. His family were notified and were supported by specialist officers.

Papa was arrested by Met officers in a car that was stopped in Hertfordshire that same day. He was charged the following day with murder.

Detective Sergeant Matthew Goode said: “We know that on the day of the murder the victim pulled over in his car on Queen Elizabeth’s Drive. Papa pulled in behind him and both men got out of their cars and immediately started to fight. A fight that ended in a senseless loss of life.

“It has never been established why they fought, but whatever the reason for the confrontation, I know it wouldn’t justify the loss felt by Bledi’s family and the years that Papa will now spend in prison.

“I am pleased that this guilty plea will spare Bledi’s family the experience of a criminal trial – my thoughts are with them today.”

A 30-year-old man, who was also arrested as part of the investigation, was released without further action.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Heading away? Rest up before you hit the road

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Motorists heading between Taupo and Hawke’s Bay on SH5 were met with free coffee and snacks today, as RoadSafe Hawke’s Bay and Eastern District Police carried out a fatigue checkpoint.

The checkpoint was aimed at educating drivers around the risks of driving fatigued and the importance of stopping to take breaks on long journeys.

More than 100 motorists pulled off the road to enjoy a free cuppa and a muffin, and to chat with staff.

Everyone who was stopped at the checkpoint was also breath tested. Over 1000 tests were completed, all demonstrating great compliance.

Eastern District impairment team Acting Sergeant Dan Snee says it was pleasing to see most motorists were also wearing appropriate restraints.

“As we head into the long weekend, our focus continues to be on the four key causes of death and injury on our roads.

“Those are travelling at excess speed; not wearing your seatbelt; driving impaired, either by drugs or alcohol or fatigue; and driving distracted, for example by your cellphone.

“Our impairment team and road policing staff will be out in force over the weekend, and throughout the upcoming summer, so expect to be stopped anywhere at any time.

“Our goal is to make sure you get where you’re going for the long weekend safely.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: National Armaments Directors meet to enhance Allied defence planning and production and strengthen their engagement with partners

Source: NATO

As NATO works to enhance defence production and ensure better defence planning, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke to the Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD) on the urgency of the task ahead. “Defence industrial issues are at the core of my agenda,” Mr Rutte explained. “NATO has made significant progress in kick-starting defence production, supporting Ukraine with munitions, and rebuilding stockpiles, but there is more to do, together.”

The meeting on 23 and 24 October brought representatives from Allied and Interoperability Partner nations together at NATO Headquarters for their 2024 Autumn Plenary Session. Delegates discussed the most pressing challenges for the armaments community across the Alliance and beyond. They addressed defence planning and production, joint procurement, and standardization. They also spoke about how to strengthen engagement with partners, in particular on supply chain security and defence industrial cooperation.

The CNAD plays an essential role in delivering the interoperable capabilities needed for the Alliance’s deterrence and defence. The Secretary General commended their work, highlighting the important part that Armaments Directors play in “turning political priorities and decisions into action.” This is vital not only among Allies but also with Partners. The recently appointed Assistance Secretary General for Defence Investment and CNAD’s Permanent Chair, Tarja Jaakkola, underscored the value of the of “ensuring that the CNAD contributes to bringing on board partners in NATO discussions to the fullest extent possible.”

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: World update: Ukraine faces prospect of defeat – but the west must ensure a just peace

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor

There’s a degree of irony that countries attending the 2024 Brics summit this week voted to adopt the Kazan declaration (named for the capital city of the autonomous republic of Tatarstan in Russia, where the summit is being held). The declaration’s first clause emphasises that “all states should act consistently with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in their entirety”. There’s also a certain amount of chutzpah on the part of conference chair, Vladmir Putin, whose ongoing invasion of Ukraine is so egregiously in breach of that charter.

Article one stresses that the primary purpose of the UN is to “maintain international peace and security”. Article two rules that: “All Members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means”. If that’s not clear enough, it goes on to further insist that: “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.”

Still, its a funny old world in which the UN secretary general, António Guterres, pitches up at a summit whose host is wanted on an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court on charges relating to the alleged illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. In a country whose troops are currently fighting in Ukraine in direct contravention of the UN’s charter.

To add a further layer of irony, October 24 is the 79th anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945.

Guterres called on Putin to agree a peace deal “in line with the UN Charter, international law and UN General Assembly resolutions”. The Russian leader is perhaps more likely to listen to a deal proposed by the Chinese president, Xi Jinping. He said: “We must uphold the three key principles: no expansion of the battlefields, no escalation of hostilities, and no fanning flames and strive for swift de-escalation of the situation.”

Now, more than ever, it’s vital to be informed about the important issues affecting global stability. Sign up to receive our weekly World Update newsletter. Every Thursday we’ll you expert analysis of the big stories making international headlines.

The UN chief’s idea of a just peace would call for Russia to give up its illegal occupation of Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Xi’s proposal appears to call for a deal based on the status quo – virtually the opposite, in other words.

This is pretty much all Ukraine can hope for, as far as the University of Portsmouth’s Frank Ledwidge is concerned. Ledwidge, who has written regularly for The Conversation since Putin launched his invasion in February 2024 and is well plugged into defence and intelligence networks in Nato as well as in Ukraine itself, believes that Ukraine cannot defeat Russia – at least as things stand.

Ledwidge says Ukraine’s western allies are partly to blame for the maximalist aims of the country’s president Volodymyr Zelensky. Western rhetoric has not properly been matched by sufficient weapons or the permission to use them as effectively as the situation warrants. Now is the time for realism, he writes:

A starting point could be accepting that Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk are lost … Then we need to start planning seriously for a post-war Ukraine that will need the west’s suppport more than ever.

Read more:
Ukraine cannot defeat Russia – the best the west can do is help Kyiv plan for a secure post-war future

One of the key factors that Ledwidge stresses is that just one of Russia’s allies, North Korea, has supplied twice as many artillery shells this year as the whole of Europe. Now North Korean troops are apparently also about to join their Russian comrades on the battlefield. This, writes Ra Mason – a Korea specialist at the University of East Anglia – will help ease the pressure on Putin to bring forward his mobilisation plans.

Losing battle? The state of the conflict in Ukraine, October 23.
Institute for the Study of War

It’s a diplomatic coup for Putin, Mason believes – it’s a “clear show of opposition towards the Washington-led global order”, which “deals a further blow to the myth that the Russian Federation is isolated, as an international pariah, in a world led by western powers.”

But a military coup de grace against Ukraine? Probably not. The jury is out on how effective North Korea’s “poorly equipped, unmotivated and undernourished” troops will be against Ukraine’s highly motivated defenders. It will also be interesting to see where and how they are deployed. If sent to the frontlines in Kursk, they’ll be helping an ally in its struggle against an incursion by Ukrainian forces. If deployed inside Ukraine, they’ll join Russia in breach of international law. Mason concludes:

If sent into new theatres of war against state-of-the-art Nato-supplied weaponry, it could effectively mean waves of ill-prepared cannon fodder being thrown into the meat grinder of Donbas’ trenches.

Read more:
Kim Jong-un sends North Korean troops to fight in Ukraine – here’s what this means for the war

Incidentally, the term “meat grinder” has been much bandied about of late. It follows reports from US intellegence recently that, while Russian forces have been making rapid advances and gaining a significant amount of ground in recent weeks, they are doing so at considerable cost in terms of dead and wounded. September was a particularly bloody month, with reports of Russian losses of more than 1,000 men a day, killed or wounded.

But Russian military strategists are well versed in such pyrrhic victories, writes historian Becky Alexis-Martin, who points to equally savage losses in Russia’s defence against Napoleon and in the first and second world wars. Stalin, in particular, was able to defeat the Nazi war machine by, inter alia, throwing millions of troops at their enemies (and incurring terrible casualties). But it’s not a strategy that guarantees success. And terrible psychological effects are beginning to manifest themselves in veterans returning from Ukraine with severe and often violent post-traumatic stress disorder.

Read more:
Russia’s ‘meat grinder’ tactics in Ukraine have proved effective in past wars – but at terrible cost

The diplomatic front

As if things weren’t bad enough for Zelensky on the battlefield, the Ukrainian president was dealt a serious blow earlier this month when the US president, Joe Biden, was forced by extreme weather events, including a hurricane hitting the state of Florida, to cancel the planned meeting of the heads of government of up to 50 of Ukraine’s western allies in Germany. The “Ramstein Group”, so-called after the German air base at which they meet, was scheduled to meet in the second week of October to consider Zelensky’s “victory plan”. Stefan Wolff, an international security expert at the University of Birmingham writes that the Ukrainian president was hoping to get some degree of commitment for a path to Nato membership for Ukraine as well as permission to use western-supplied long-range missiles against targets deep inside Russia.

Neither of these seem likely to happen in the short term, says Wolff. Like Ledwidge, Wolff thinks Ukraine is doomed to defeat unless its allies double down on their aid – and fast. And like Ledwidge, Wolff sees little indication of that happening any time soon.

Read more:
Ukraine faces worsening odds on the battlefield and a struggle on the diplomatic front after Biden postpones summit

When it comes to continuing US support for Ukraine’s war effort, all eyes are now firmly fixed on November 5. The outcome of the presidential election will be seriously consequential for Ukraine’s future. Both candidates have made their positions clear and there is considerable difference between the two positions.

Donald Trump has said any number of times that had he not lost that “rigged and stolen” election to Biden in 2020, Putin would never have invaded Ukraine in the first place. Still, he says, if he wins this one, he’ll bring the war to a very rapid conclusion. But it remains to be seen, given Trump’s oft-stated admiration for Putin, whether the conclusion will be palatable to Kyiv – or to Nato in general.

Trump’s opponent, Kamala Harris, said the former president’s proposals are not “proposals for peace, they’re proposals for surrender”. As vice-president during the Biden administration, she flew to Europe not long after the invasion in February 2022 to help shore up support for Kyiv. Harris has also regularly restated her intention to continue to back Ukraine against Russia. In the only debate of the campaign she said that Ukraine was not Putin’s final stop and that he has “his eyes on the rest of Europe, starting with Poland”.

Read more:
On Ukraine, candidate Trump touts his role as dealmaker while Harris sticks with unwavering support

Poland, incidentally, is an interesting case in point. While it is Ukraine’s firmest ally and it leadership is four-square behind Kyiv, the people are curiously divided on the country’s support for Ukraine. You can read more about that here.

Read more:
Why many Poles are not as supportive of Ukraine’s war effort as their leaders in Warsaw

One imagines that Zelensky is as transfixed as anyone else on the 2024 US presidential election campaign as it heads into its final ten days. All we can tell you is that the polls are still very, very close. Well within most pollsters’ margin for error, in fact. A poll of polls, which combines polls from different agencies, published on the website FiveThirtyEight on October 22 shows that Harris leads Trump by 48.1% to 46.3% in the national popular vote. But the accepted popular wisdom is that the complex electoral college system used in the US may well favour Trump’s candidacy.

We’ll be providing daily updates on the US presidential race and full coverage of election day on November 5 and its aftermath.

Read more:
Harris nudges ahead of Trump in the polls – but could the economy prove her downfall?

World Update is available as a weekly email newsletter. Click here to get our updates directly in your inbox.

– ref. World update: Ukraine faces prospect of defeat – but the west must ensure a just peace – https://theconversation.com/world-update-ukraine-faces-prospect-of-defeat-but-the-west-must-ensure-a-just-peace-242146

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Two Key Figures of Notorious Serbian Clan Arrested in Barcelona

Source: Europol

The clan leader was apprehended in Barcelona on 18 October, followed by the arrest of his lieutenant on 22 October. Both were wanted for charges including murder, attempted murder and kidnapping of rival gang members in Serbia, Austria, Germany and Spain.The clan leader was considered one of Europe’s most wanted and dangerous fugitives.The ” VračarClan”, a sub-clan of the “Kavač”…

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Possession of stolen firearm sends Reed Point man to prison for more than eight years

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

GREAT FALLS — A Reed Point man who admitted to possessing a stolen firearm found in a stolen vehicle that crashed near Helena following a pursuit was sentenced today to eight years and eight months years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

The defendant, Jarred Lane Saunders, 26, pleaded guilty in June to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $18,252.98 restitution.

“Stolen firearms and drugs are a dangerous combination. Here, Saunders likely stole 23 guns from a vehicle parked at a Billings hotel, then was arrested in Helena after a pursuit and found in possession of fentanyl and one of the stolen guns. Saunders’ criminal conduct posed a serious threat to public safety, and we remain united with our law enforcement partners in getting these offenders off our streets,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The government alleged in court documents that on Oct. 12, 2022, Billings police officers responded to a report of 23 firearms that had been stolen from a vehicle parked in a hotel parking lot. Saunders likely stole the 23 firearms because his fingerprints were found at the scene and then brought stolen firearms and fentanyl in a stolen car to Helena. On Oct. 15, 2022, the Montana Highway Patrol pursued a stolen Mercedes, which had been taken in Billings on Oct. 11, 2022. The Mercedes eventually crashed in a private driveway, and Saunders was arrested by Helena police officers. At his arrest, Saunders complained that he ingested 15 to 20 fentanyl pills. A search warrant was executed on the Mercedes, and officers found approximately 300 fentanyl pills, a small amount of methamphetamine and a .22-caliber pistol that had been stolen from the vehicle in Billings. A witness told Billings police of seeing Saunders with three duffle bags full of guns. That person received three of the firearms knowing they were stolen. At the time Saunders possessed the firearms, he was an unlawful user of controlled substances.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department, Montana Highway Patrol, Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Helena Police Department conducted the investigation.

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 Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

XXX

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Scintilla relaunches as a pioneer in digital asset solutions, expanding its role in the future of finance
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Dubai, UAE, Oct. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Following a management buy-out by the management team at TOKO FZE, the business has been rebranded as Scintilla, the revolutionary platform providing on-chain solutions and services to make investments more inclusive, accessible, and efficient. Having been developed within DLA Piper’s Law& innovation portfolio, TOKO – now Scintilla has a fresh brand identity, new leadership, and innovative product offerings. Scintilla is set to reshape the future of finance by enabling businesses to unlock the power of blockchain technology across various asset classes, with DLA Piper remaining as a minority shareholder.

Regulated by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), Scintilla is one of the first digital asset companies to gain full market licenses, marking a significant milestone in the sector’s landscape. Being a regulated entity underscores Scintilla’s commitment to the highest standards of compliance and security while pioneering new solutions for tokenization in the global market.

Innovating Finance Through Tokenization
Scintilla offers a comprehensive suite of tokenization services designed to bring liquidity, transparency, and efficiency to traditional finance sectors. From tokenized financial products, and real estate all the way to new legal funding products, Scintilla’s digital asset solutions enable clients to tokenize assets that were previously inaccessible to investors or illiquid.

Scintilla’s services include:
- Advisory Services:
  The gateway to successful market entry. From initial opportunity assessment to strategic development of game-changing tokenization-based solutions.
- Use Case Development:
  Bringing products to life. From initial POC development and iteration towards MVP all the way through to the full market launch.
- Broker/Dealer Services:
  Creating new markets. Regulated primary market trading, ensuring the highest levels of trust and security within the tokenization space.
- Exchange Services:
  Universal participation. Seamless, secure secondary trading of tokenized assets, with industry-leading technology and compliance standards.
Scintilla is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the confluence of Dubai’s world-leading regulatory environment, cutting-edge technology, and the burgeoning RWA market.

A New Era for Scintilla
The relaunch of Scintilla represents more than just a rebranding—it signifies the company’s growing ambition to lead in the digital asset space. With an expanded team of industry experts, including continuing Board representation from DLA Piper, and a clear strategic vision, Scintilla is set to drive the adoption of tokenization in traditional financial markets.

“Our relaunch marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Scintilla and the wider industry. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in digital finance while ensuring our solutions are underpinned by strong regulatory compliance,” said Tim Popplewell, CEO of Scintilla. “With our new suite of products and services, we are empowering investors to transform the way they manage and access value.”

Jean-Pierre Douglas-Henry, Managing Director, Sustainability and Resilience, DLA Piper added: “Innovation is a key strand in our business strategy. As our business focuses on developing and nurturing innovations that add significant value to our clients through our Law& innovation program, it is fantastic to see this solution spun out into the thriving digital asset space for the next stage of its growth and development.”

NOTE: All regulated advisory, broker/dealer, and exchange services are currently carried out by TOKO FZE, a VARA-regulated body. (VARA License No.VL 23/07/002.)
Leading the Way in the Digital Asset Economy

Scintilla is at the forefront of the digital asset revolution, creating new opportunities in the global marketplace. Born out of the global law firm DLA Piper, Scintilla is a digital asset creation platform that couples the compliance and regulatory rigor of a law firm with the innovative technology solutions of tomorrow. Fully regulated by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), Scintilla provides end-to-end virtual assets solutions; empowering asset owners, issuers, and investors to solve real-world problems and promote financial inclusion.

For more information, visit scintillanetwork.com

The MIL Network –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: “Scrap charity lottery sales cap” – Social Justice Secretary

Source: Scottish Government

UK Government urged to remove limit on funds raised for good causes.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has written to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy to urge the UK Government to remove the cap on charity lottery sales.

Charity lotteries raise money for local, national and international good causes through their ticket sales. However, the current sales cap means that charities can raise no more than £50m for these causes per year.

Ms Somerville said:

“As the difficult economic climate has made it harder for charities to raise funds, while also increasing the need of the communities they serve, the cap on charity lottery sales is only serving to restrict the positive impact they could have in raising money for good causes.

“The UK Government should undertake a review of the cap and consider the huge difference that lifting it could bring to lives and communities across the country.”

People’s Postcode Lottery Managing Director, Clara Govier, said:

“The charity lottery sales limits are causing increasing difficulties for charity fundraising at a time when charities need these vital funds to respond to the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.

“Charity lotteries exist to benefit society, yet have sales limits in place which do not apply to any other type of gambling product, and ultimately make raising funds for charity more difficult.

“Removing them would cost the Treasury nothing but benefit many charities. We welcome the Scottish Government’s call for these outdated sales limits to be removed, and urge the UK Government to take action.”

Background

The full text of the Social Justice Secretary’s letter: Charity lottery sales limits: Letter to UK Government – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night safely this autumn | Westminster City Council
Source: City of Westminster

We want everyone to be able to safely enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night in Westminster this year which is why we have re-launched our Autumn Nights campaign.

Halloween and Bonfire night, and the days running up to them, are traditionally some of the busiest nights of the year for our anti-social behaviour case officers, the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade and other agencies.

This is why we have launched our Autumn Nights campaign to make sure everyone has the information they need to enjoy it safely.

We are working with our community safety partners, the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade, to urge communities in Westminster to do their bit this Autumn.

To keep our city safe, we ask you to take extra care this autumn and take note of the following advice:
- fireworks must not be stored or used in communal areas or in your home. This is a condition for all Westminster City Council tenants and may be a condition of other tenancy or lease agreements
- fireworks must not be set off within 15 metres of a road
- please remove any personal items from communal areas and balconies which could be used to start fires by others
- if you are a Westminster City Council tenant, please do not have bonfires anywhere, either in your home or on the estate
- it is illegal to let fireworks off in the street or a public place
- selling fireworks to anyone under the age of 18 years is illegal. Anyone aged under 18 may not possess a firework in a public place
This Autumn Nights season, help us to keep your neighbourhood safe by reporting any incidents.

If you’re a Westminster City Council tenant you can report anti-social behaviour in housing to us in confidence 24/7 via your MyWestminsterHousing online account or contact us on 0800 358 3783 or email [email protected]

To report misuse of fireworks, call the police on the non-emergency number 101. In an emergency, or if you are in immediate danger, always call 999.

All residents can report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers by phoning 0800 555 111.

Read more about fireworks safety advice from the London Fire Brigade.

Thank you for your help and enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night safely.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Major new crackdown on insurance fraud
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

A new insurance fraud charter was announced at the latest Joint Fraud Taskforce meeting.
Insurance companies have united to step up efforts to crack down on fraudsters seeking to manipulate the UK insurance market with bogus claims and duping innocent people into buying fake insurance policies.

In 2023 alone, 84,400 fraudulent claims worth £1.1 billion were detected by the ABI, a 16% increase in the number of detected claims compared to the previous year.

Crash for cash scams are becoming a significant issue. This sees fraudsters recklessly orchestrate accidents to put forward an insurance claim, putting innocent lives at risk. Fraudsters may also make claims for accidents that never happened.

The Insurance Fraud Bureau is currently investigating over 6,000 suspected fraudulent motor insurance claims, which could be linked to crash for cash scams. In total, this is estimated to be worth over £70 million in potential fraud.

The new voluntary charter is designed to identify loopholes in the insurance market, enhance collaboration and criminal justice outcomes, better understand the scale of the problem and improve victim support.

Pledges include:

the National Crime Agency’s National Assessment Centre carrying out a review into the role of professional enablers in the insurance sector – where someone provides false evidence to support a bogus insurance claim

identifying policies being exploited by “illegal insurance intermediaries” – someone pretending to be a broker or selling completely fake insurance to customers.

strengthening data security measures to stop insurance fraudsters using customer details to target people

reviewing the tactics and websites being used by fraudsters to promote bogus insurance offers – this includes looking at the vulnerable victims’ notifications process, which has proven successful in the banking sector, to better identify and support victims of insurance fraud

Lord David Hanson, Minister of State at the Home Office with Responsibility for Fraud said:

Fraud is an appalling crime, and we are determined to crackdown on these callous criminals.

Not only do honest customers face higher insurance premiums but these fraudsters do not care if people are harmed in the pursuit of profit.

This charter is an important step, and we will continue to work with industry and law enforcement to better protect the public from fraud.”

Hannah Gurga, ABI Director General, said:

Insurance fraud remains an ongoing threat that corrodes trust in society and undermines our economic prosperity.

Tackling insurance fraud is an industry priority, and requires a collaborative approach between private and public sector.

We’re delighted to have agreed the Insurance Sector Fraud Charter with the Home Office, boosting the industry’s resilience and ability to fight fraud.

We look forward to continuing to work with the Home Office and other industry signatories to implement the charter commitments.

Temporary Assistant Commissioner Nik Adams, from the City of London Police, said:

As the national lead force for fraud, we welcome the launch of this charter. Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime.

It increases the cost of premiums for honest customers, while fraudsters who sell fake car insurance or deliberately cause road traffic collisions to claim compensation put motorists at risk.

The Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department, a partnership between law enforcement and industry, is at the forefront of tackling this crime.

This charter is another step forward in establishing a whole system approach to combatting fraud, as it is a commitment from organisations across the insurance sector to join law enforcement in tackling key threats, enhancing criminal justice outcomes and improving victim support.

The charter covers the vast majority of the insurance sector ranging from general insurance firms to underwriters and has the backing of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association, London & International Insurance Brokers’ Association, Lloyd’s of London, Lloyd’s Market Association and the International Underwriting Association, alongside ABI.

Nobody is immune from fraud. According to the latest ONS Crime Survey Statistics, fraud is most common crime in England and Wales and 1 in 16 adults experienced fraud in the twelve months to the end of June 2024.

This is the first Joint Fraud Taskforce meeting of 2024.

The taskforce meetings bring together government departments, law enforcement, regulators, private sector and victim groups to strengthen the response to fighting fraud and better protect the public.

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Published 25 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Phishing instant messages related to Livi Bank Limited

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Livi Bank Limited relating to phishing instant messages, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.

     The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or One-Time Password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).

     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the instant messages concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: California man pleads guilty to sex trafficking and illegal firearms possession

Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

Defendant chased victim, firing shots, as she tried to escape from him on Aurora Avenue

Seattle – A California man pleaded guilty today to two federal felonies related to his sex trafficking of adult female victims, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Winston Cornell Burt aka “Dice Capone,” 32 of Hemet, California, was arrested November 6, 2022, after he allegedly brutally assaulted a 20-year-old woman and engaged in a rolling gun battle as she fled in a van driven by a man who picked her up from the roadway. Burt pleaded guilty to Sex Trafficking through Force, Fraud, and Coercion and Unlawful Possession of Firearms. Burt is scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge John H. Chun on February 3, 2025.

According to records filed in the case, Burt self-identifies as a “pimp” who led a sex trafficking enterprise through California, Arizona, and Washington. The young women in the case were required to provide all the money they earned in prostitution to Burt. Three women had his name tattooed on their faces – an apparent sign of “ownership.”

On November 2, 2022, Burt assaulted the 20-year-old victim in this case by kicking her, punching her, and pistol whipping her after she indicated she wanted to stop working for Burt. The assault occurred at an Airbnb in south Seattle. Three days later, on November 5, 2022, Burt assaulted the victim again and forced her to strip to her underwear. The victim tried to escape from the rental home by jumping out a third story window. The defendant and two women working for him forced her into a car and drove towards a motel on north Aurora Avenue. Burt was armed with a gun, but the victim was able to get out of the car and ran into traffic on Aurora wearing only her underwear. Burt and his female assistants tried to force the victim back into their car, but the victim stayed in the middle of the roadway until finally picked up by a driver who saw her in distress.

Even after the victim was driven away in a van, Burt gave chase on Aurora Avenue and fired shots at the van with the victim inside. The driver was eventually able to evade Burt and called the Washington State Patrol for assistance.

Ultimately law enforcement responded to the scene and got the victim to Harborview Medical Center for treatment.

Burt was arrested on November 6, 2022, as he was attempting to leave the Airbnb in south Seattle.

As part of the plea agreement, Burt also agrees to plead guilty to charges in King County Superior Court: three counts of Assault 2; Drive-by Shooting; Unlawful Imprisonment; and Assault-3

The plea agreement calls for the forfeiture of both firearms and more than $72,000 in cash.

Sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion is punishable by a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison and up to life in prison and illegal possession of a firearm is punishable by ten years in prison. Both the prosecution and defense have agreed to recommend 15 years in prison to run concurrent with any sentence imposed in state court.

The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department and the FBI with assistance from the Washington State Patrol (WSP).

Senior Deputy King County Prosecutor Alexandra Voorhees worked closely with the FBI, Seattle Police Department and Assistant United States Attorney Kate Crisham on this case.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Met sets out policing plans ahead of Saturday protests

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

There will be an increased police presence in Westminster on Saturday with a number of demonstrations expected to take place.

Officers from the Met and the British Transport police will be supported by a limited number of officers from other UK forces.

A protest organised on behalf of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (Tommy Robinson) under the name Uniting the Kingdom, will march from Victoria Station to the southern end of Whitehall, while a counter protest organised by Stand Up To Racism will march from Regent Street St James’s to the north end of Whitehall. Static rallies will take place at the end of both protest marches.

There will be a significant policing presence ensuring that the two opposing groups are kept apart and pre-emptive conditions have been imposed under the Public Order Act to prevent serious disruption or disorder.

A separate protest, organised by the United Friends and Families Campaign, will take place in Trafalgar Square from around midday.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams, who is leading the policing operation this weekend, said: “We are well prepared for what is set to be a busy day in the centre of London.

“Our role is to ensure that those attending the various events can do so safely and that they can exercise their right to lawful protest. We will have significant resources in place to respond to any incidents, to deal decisively with any offences, and to keep disruption to other members of the public and businesses to a minimum.

“We know that when groups with opposing views come together it can lead to conflict and disorder and a key part of our role is ensuring that does not happen. We have used Public Order Act conditions to ensure that those involved stick to routes and assembly areas that are sufficiently far apart. Officers will be monitoring closely to ensure that conditions are adhered to.

“The impact of frequent significant protest in central London is considerable, not least on the officers deployed to police them. Many would be working in other frontline roles if they weren’t required for these events. We’re grateful for the assistance of colleagues from other forces whose contribution means we are able to police protests while also keeping local communities across London safe.”

Details of conditions

Uniting the Kingdom

Participants in the Uniting the Kingdom protest must form up in the red shaded area in the map below:

They may not set off until 13:00hrs and they must not then deviate from the route shown on the map below:

On arrival at the end of the march, they must only assemble in the area marked in blue on the map below:

All those in attendance must disperse by 18:00hrs.

Stand Up To Racism

Similar conditions are in place for the Stand Up To Racism counter protest.

Anyone taking part must form up in the area shaded in red on the map below:

They may not set off until 13:00hrs and they must not then deviate from the route shown on the map below:

On arrival at the end of the march, they must only assemble in the area marked in blue on the map below:

All those in attendance must disperse by 18:00hrs.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025

Category: Security

Please be aware:

The diplomatic front

Lord David Hanson, Minister of State at the Home Office with Responsibility for Fraud said:

Hannah Gurga, ABI Director General, said:

Temporary Assistant Commissioner Nik Adams, from the City of London Police, said:

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