NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-Evening Report: Ice Age shelter high up in the Blue Mountains reveals Aboriginal heritage from 20,000 years ago

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Wilkins, Aboriginal Cultural Educator, Trainer and Facilitator, Indigenous Knowledge

    Artist’s impression of Dargan Shelter as it would have looked during the last Ice Age. Painting by Leanne Watson Redpath

    Travel back 20,000 years into the last Ice Age, to a time when the upper reaches of the Blue Mountains were treeless and the ridgelines and mountain peaks laden in snow and ice.

    At an elevation of 1,073 metres, you will find Dargan Shelter, an ancient rock shelter resembling a large amphitheatre. Looking around, you could easily assume this cold and barren high country was too difficult for people to spend time in.

    But our new research, published today in Nature Human Behaviour, indicates Dargan Shelter was occupied as early as the last Ice Age and repeatedly visited during this cold period.

    Our excavation results provide the earliest known evidence of high-altitude occupation in Australia, establishing the Blue Mountains as Australia’s most archaeologically significant periglacial landscape – that is, an area which goes through seasonal freezing and thawing.

    Cultural perspectives

    This is a highly significant landscape concentrated with tangible and intangible cultural values for Aboriginal people.

    For millennia, Aboriginal people have passed down the knowledge and stories of Country.

    Knowing our Ancestors have lived here, in this Country, for thousands of years was on our minds as the team headed down into the site where we would sit alongside our Ancestors of yesterday.

    We chose this site because of its location on a known Aboriginal travelling route, high elevation and its potential to hold deep deposits.

    Archaeologically, a deep and undisturbed deposit is one of the most important things to look for. The sediment buildup over time preserves cultural material, and allows us to reconstruct past activities by associating cultural objects within distinct layers or bands of time.

    Members of the season 3 team at Dargan Shelter. Back to front, left to right: Tyrone Pal, Rodney Lawson, Wayne Brennan, Duncan Wright, Eitan Harris, Juliet Schofield, Michael Spate, Wayne Logue, Lauren Roach, Rebecca Chalker, Dominic Wilkins, Phil Piper, Amy Way, Imogen Williams.
    Amy Way

    When we enter the site, we pay respects to the Country and Ancestors before us. As part of the opening of the site for the archaeological works, a lyrebird song and dance were performed and, magically, a handful of lyrebirds began approaching the cave and singing out as if they were communicating between the current and old worlds through song.

    We do not know who exactly the Aboriginal people who moved through the Blue Mountains in the deep past were, nor where they came from. But Dargan Shelter was probably an important stopover point for people to attend gatherings and ceremonies that could have included people from the western interior, the Cumberland coastal plains, and Country to the north and south.

    Finds from the Dargan Shelter excavation

    New evidence provides definitive proof of repeated occupation in this once frozen high-altitude landscape. It is now believed to be the oldest occupied site in Australia at high elevation.

    We unearthed 693 stone artefacts, including 117 flakes from stratigraphic layers older than 16,000 years, and documented a small amount of faded rock art, including a child-sized hand stencil and two forearm stencils.

    Charcoal from hearths (campfires) underwent radiocarbon dating, indicating Dargan Shelter had been continuously occupied since 22,000 to 19,000 years ago.

    Stone artefacts excavated at Dargan shelter dating to the last ice-age, showing the range of non-quartz raw material used during that time. (A) hornfels; (B) black quartzite hammerstone from the Hunter region; (C) exotic coarse grained unidentified siliceous stone possibly from Jenolan; (D) Local Burragorang claystone; (E) exotic fine grained siliceous stone possibly from Jenolan;
    Amy Way

    Among the findings, most of the stone tools were locally sourced and made. But, very interestingly some stones from the Jenolan Caves area, approximately 50 kilometres to the south-west, and the Hunter Valley region, 150 km to the north, were also found. This indicates people were travelling into this mountainous region from both the north and south.

    We found a sandstone grinding slab, dated to 13,000 years ago, consistent with shaping bone or wooden artefacts such as needles, awls, bone points and nose points. A basalt anvil with impact marks consistent with cracking hard woody nuts and seed shells was dated to 8,800 years ago.

    Greater Blue Mountains and world heritage

    The Blue Mountains was listed as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage area in 2000 for its outstanding biodiversity values.

    Although the cultural heritage is remarkably intact and connected with an environmental system and natural features, the parallel nomination for cultural values listing failed due to a paucity of archaeological and cultural heritage information.

    Our new research should be considered in a nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage area to also encompass cultural heritage alongside biodiversity.

    The Blue Mountains landscape shrouds a silent yet rich tapestry of Aboriginal heritage.

    Our people have walked, lived and thrived in the Blue Mountains for thousands of years. The mountains are a tangible connection to our Ancestors who used them as a meeting place for sharing, storytelling and survival. They are a part of our cultural identity.

    We need to respect and protect our heritage for the benefit of all Australians.

    Archaeological works in progress: Imogen Williams, Rebecca Chalker and Tyrone Pal excavating the Ice Age layers.
    Amy Way

    Our results align Australia for the first time with ice age data from the world’s other inhabited continents, including sites in other places not traditionally thought of as cold climates, such as Mexico and Spain.

    We now have a truly global story of people entering and living in high-altitude landscapes during the last ice age.

    The continuation of research projects like this one, and the invaluable evidence it provides across the region, will allow Aboriginal people with connections to the Blue Mountains to begin to stitch back together much of the history and many of the stories that until now have had gaps.

    The more we discover and piece together the movements, ceremonies and stories, the stronger we are as a community.

    Amy Mosig Way receives funding from the Australian Museum Foundation and is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney.

    Erin Wilkins, Leanne Watson, and Wayne Brennan do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Ice Age shelter high up in the Blue Mountains reveals Aboriginal heritage from 20,000 years ago – https://theconversation.com/ice-age-shelter-high-up-in-the-blue-mountains-reveals-aboriginal-heritage-from-20-000-years-ago-247358

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Ice Age shelter high up in the Blue Mountains reveals Aboriginal heritage from 20,000 years ago

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Wilkins, Aboriginal Cultural Educator, Trainer and Facilitator, Indigenous Knowledge

    Artist’s impression of Dargan Shelter as it would have looked during the last Ice Age. Painting by Leanne Watson Redpath

    Travel back 20,000 years into the last Ice Age, to a time when the upper reaches of the Blue Mountains were treeless and the ridgelines and mountain peaks laden in snow and ice.

    At an elevation of 1,073 metres, you will find Dargan Shelter, an ancient rock shelter resembling a large amphitheatre. Looking around, you could easily assume this cold and barren high country was too difficult for people to spend time in.

    But our new research, published today in Nature Human Behaviour, indicates Dargan Shelter was occupied as early as the last Ice Age and repeatedly visited during this cold period.

    Our excavation results provide the earliest known evidence of high-altitude occupation in Australia, establishing the Blue Mountains as Australia’s most archaeologically significant periglacial landscape – that is, an area which goes through seasonal freezing and thawing.

    Cultural perspectives

    This is a highly significant landscape concentrated with tangible and intangible cultural values for Aboriginal people.

    For millennia, Aboriginal people have passed down the knowledge and stories of Country.

    Knowing our Ancestors have lived here, in this Country, for thousands of years was on our minds as the team headed down into the site where we would sit alongside our Ancestors of yesterday.

    We chose this site because of its location on a known Aboriginal travelling route, high elevation and its potential to hold deep deposits.

    Archaeologically, a deep and undisturbed deposit is one of the most important things to look for. The sediment buildup over time preserves cultural material, and allows us to reconstruct past activities by associating cultural objects within distinct layers or bands of time.

    Members of the season 3 team at Dargan Shelter. Back to front, left to right: Tyrone Pal, Rodney Lawson, Wayne Brennan, Duncan Wright, Eitan Harris, Juliet Schofield, Michael Spate, Wayne Logue, Lauren Roach, Rebecca Chalker, Dominic Wilkins, Phil Piper, Amy Way, Imogen Williams.
    Amy Way

    When we enter the site, we pay respects to the Country and Ancestors before us. As part of the opening of the site for the archaeological works, a lyrebird song and dance were performed and, magically, a handful of lyrebirds began approaching the cave and singing out as if they were communicating between the current and old worlds through song.

    We do not know who exactly the Aboriginal people who moved through the Blue Mountains in the deep past were, nor where they came from. But Dargan Shelter was probably an important stopover point for people to attend gatherings and ceremonies that could have included people from the western interior, the Cumberland coastal plains, and Country to the north and south.

    Finds from the Dargan Shelter excavation

    New evidence provides definitive proof of repeated occupation in this once frozen high-altitude landscape. It is now believed to be the oldest occupied site in Australia at high elevation.

    We unearthed 693 stone artefacts, including 117 flakes from stratigraphic layers older than 16,000 years, and documented a small amount of faded rock art, including a child-sized hand stencil and two forearm stencils.

    Charcoal from hearths (campfires) underwent radiocarbon dating, indicating Dargan Shelter had been continuously occupied since 22,000 to 19,000 years ago.

    Stone artefacts excavated at Dargan shelter dating to the last ice-age, showing the range of non-quartz raw material used during that time. (A) hornfels; (B) black quartzite hammerstone from the Hunter region; (C) exotic coarse grained unidentified siliceous stone possibly from Jenolan; (D) Local Burragorang claystone; (E) exotic fine grained siliceous stone possibly from Jenolan;
    Amy Way

    Among the findings, most of the stone tools were locally sourced and made. But, very interestingly some stones from the Jenolan Caves area, approximately 50 kilometres to the south-west, and the Hunter Valley region, 150 km to the north, were also found. This indicates people were travelling into this mountainous region from both the north and south.

    We found a sandstone grinding slab, dated to 13,000 years ago, consistent with shaping bone or wooden artefacts such as needles, awls, bone points and nose points. A basalt anvil with impact marks consistent with cracking hard woody nuts and seed shells was dated to 8,800 years ago.

    Greater Blue Mountains and world heritage

    The Blue Mountains was listed as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage area in 2000 for its outstanding biodiversity values.

    Although the cultural heritage is remarkably intact and connected with an environmental system and natural features, the parallel nomination for cultural values listing failed due to a paucity of archaeological and cultural heritage information.

    Our new research should be considered in a nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage area to also encompass cultural heritage alongside biodiversity.

    The Blue Mountains landscape shrouds a silent yet rich tapestry of Aboriginal heritage.

    Our people have walked, lived and thrived in the Blue Mountains for thousands of years. The mountains are a tangible connection to our Ancestors who used them as a meeting place for sharing, storytelling and survival. They are a part of our cultural identity.

    We need to respect and protect our heritage for the benefit of all Australians.

    Archaeological works in progress: Imogen Williams, Rebecca Chalker and Tyrone Pal excavating the Ice Age layers.
    Amy Way

    Our results align Australia for the first time with ice age data from the world’s other inhabited continents, including sites in other places not traditionally thought of as cold climates, such as Mexico and Spain.

    We now have a truly global story of people entering and living in high-altitude landscapes during the last ice age.

    The continuation of research projects like this one, and the invaluable evidence it provides across the region, will allow Aboriginal people with connections to the Blue Mountains to begin to stitch back together much of the history and many of the stories that until now have had gaps.

    The more we discover and piece together the movements, ceremonies and stories, the stronger we are as a community.

    Amy Mosig Way receives funding from the Australian Museum Foundation and is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney.

    Erin Wilkins, Leanne Watson, and Wayne Brennan do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Ice Age shelter high up in the Blue Mountains reveals Aboriginal heritage from 20,000 years ago – https://theconversation.com/ice-age-shelter-high-up-in-the-blue-mountains-reveals-aboriginal-heritage-from-20-000-years-ago-247358

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Bank Teller Sentenced to Over Two Years in Prison for Stealing More Than $180,000

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Saugus man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for embezzling bank funds while working as a teller at a Boston branch of a national bank.

    Derek Aut, 29, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 25 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Aut was also ordered to pay $183,677.73 in restitution. In March 2025, Aut pleaded guilty to embezzlement by a bank employee and aggravated identity theft.  

    While working as a bank teller in Boston, Aut stole from the bank accounts of two customers by forging the victims’ names on withdrawal slips, among other things. When one of the victims noticed money missing from her account, Aut attempted to cover his theft by taking money from the other victim’s account and depositing it into the first victim’s account. In total, Aut caused the bank losses of more than $180,000.  

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Bank Teller Sentenced to Over Two Years in Prison for Stealing More Than $180,000

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Saugus man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for embezzling bank funds while working as a teller at a Boston branch of a national bank.

    Derek Aut, 29, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 25 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Aut was also ordered to pay $183,677.73 in restitution. In March 2025, Aut pleaded guilty to embezzlement by a bank employee and aggravated identity theft.  

    While working as a bank teller in Boston, Aut stole from the bank accounts of two customers by forging the victims’ names on withdrawal slips, among other things. When one of the victims noticed money missing from her account, Aut attempted to cover his theft by taking money from the other victim’s account and depositing it into the first victim’s account. In total, Aut caused the bank losses of more than $180,000.  

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican national admits to transporting child sexual abuse material across state lines to Mexico

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A 39-year-old Mexican national has pleaded guilty to transportation of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    On March 12, Raul Velasco-Leon was traveling from Tennessee and approached the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge attempting to enter Mexico. While on the primary lane, authorities selected Velasco-Leon for further inspection and referred him to secondary.

    They conducted a search of his belongings and found what appeared to be a piece of youth-sized clothing with the words “Girl Power” tucked inside a jean pocket. Law enforcement also discovered multiple electronic devices, including 10 USB flash drives, two cell phones and a laptop. On one of the devices, they discovered six files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of minor victims approximately 10 years of age.

    The files contained approximately five photographs and one video that contained CSAM. The five images, displayed via video chat, depicted female minor victims showing their genital areas. The video had a split screen with the adult male, later determined to be Velasco-Leon, masturbating while the top of the screen displayed a montage of CSAM including a female minor victim being forced to perform oral sex on an adult male.

    Velasco-Leon admitted he had been engaged in a video chat and when he saw the CSAM, he would watch and screen record it.

    U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Velasco-Leon faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

    “This case is about protecting kids both north and south of the border from the defendant’s predatory behavior,” said Ganjei. “Although Velasco-Leon was about to depart the United States for Mexico, given his conduct, his stay in the U.S. is about to become much, much longer.”

    “This guilty plea is a critical step in holding Velasco-Leon accountable for the disturbing crimes he committed,” said Acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mauro Lopez of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Laredo. “HSI remains committed to identifying, investigating and bringing to justice those who exploit children. We will continue working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure predators face the full consequences of their actions and that victims are not forgotten.”

    ICE-HSI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine A. Cortez is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican national admits to transporting child sexual abuse material across state lines to Mexico

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A 39-year-old Mexican national has pleaded guilty to transportation of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    On March 12, Raul Velasco-Leon was traveling from Tennessee and approached the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge attempting to enter Mexico. While on the primary lane, authorities selected Velasco-Leon for further inspection and referred him to secondary.

    They conducted a search of his belongings and found what appeared to be a piece of youth-sized clothing with the words “Girl Power” tucked inside a jean pocket. Law enforcement also discovered multiple electronic devices, including 10 USB flash drives, two cell phones and a laptop. On one of the devices, they discovered six files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of minor victims approximately 10 years of age.

    The files contained approximately five photographs and one video that contained CSAM. The five images, displayed via video chat, depicted female minor victims showing their genital areas. The video had a split screen with the adult male, later determined to be Velasco-Leon, masturbating while the top of the screen displayed a montage of CSAM including a female minor victim being forced to perform oral sex on an adult male.

    Velasco-Leon admitted he had been engaged in a video chat and when he saw the CSAM, he would watch and screen record it.

    U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Velasco-Leon faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

    “This case is about protecting kids both north and south of the border from the defendant’s predatory behavior,” said Ganjei. “Although Velasco-Leon was about to depart the United States for Mexico, given his conduct, his stay in the U.S. is about to become much, much longer.”

    “This guilty plea is a critical step in holding Velasco-Leon accountable for the disturbing crimes he committed,” said Acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mauro Lopez of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Laredo. “HSI remains committed to identifying, investigating and bringing to justice those who exploit children. We will continue working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure predators face the full consequences of their actions and that victims are not forgotten.”

    ICE-HSI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine A. Cortez is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lynn Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening an Elected Official

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Lynn pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to making threats to an elected official.

    Justin David Gaglio, 51, pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting interstate threats. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Sept. 9, 2025. Gaglio was charged in October 2024.

    Beginning in or around January 2023, Gaglio began contacting the elected official via online submissions through the elected official’s website. Between January 2023 and September 2024, Gaglio submitted over 80 separate messages to the elected official via the website, sometimes sending multiple messages within minutes of each other.  

    On or about Sept. 8, 2024, Gaglio submitted a contact request to the elected official’s website in which he threatened to violently murder the elected official and the elected official’s family.

    The charge of transmitting interstate threats carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted. E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capital Police, the Massachusetts State Police and the Lynn and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea E. Porter of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lynn Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening an Elected Official

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Lynn pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to making threats to an elected official.

    Justin David Gaglio, 51, pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting interstate threats. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Sept. 9, 2025. Gaglio was charged in October 2024.

    Beginning in or around January 2023, Gaglio began contacting the elected official via online submissions through the elected official’s website. Between January 2023 and September 2024, Gaglio submitted over 80 separate messages to the elected official via the website, sometimes sending multiple messages within minutes of each other.  

    On or about Sept. 8, 2024, Gaglio submitted a contact request to the elected official’s website in which he threatened to violently murder the elected official and the elected official’s family.

    The charge of transmitting interstate threats carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted. E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capital Police, the Massachusetts State Police and the Lynn and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea E. Porter of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Conspirators sentenced for engaging in a multitude of fraud schemes, including romance scams, investment fraud, and business email compromise, to steal at least $17 million

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SHERMAN, Texas –Multiple defendants have been sentenced to federal prison for their role in an elaborate fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

    Damilola Kumapayi, 39, of Plano, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to 109 months in federal prison.

    Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, 50, of Plano, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 365 months in federal prison.

    Edgal Iribhogbe, 51, of Allen, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.

    Chidindu Okeke, 32, of Houston, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.

    Chiagoziem Okeke, 32, of Houston, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.

    “Transnational organized criminals targeting the hard-earned savings of elderly and vulnerable populations are simply despicable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.  “The long arm of the American justice system has no limits when it comes to reaching fraudsters who prey on our nation’s most vulnerable populations. The defendants’ lengthy sentences in this case reflect the seriousness of their crimes and the dedication of law enforcement officers and prosecutors to bring them to justice.  I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their outstanding work on this case.”

    “The defendants were part of a transnational organized crime syndicate that defrauded victims collectively out of millions of dollars. For some individuals, this was their life savings, and they were unable to financially recover,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We hope these sentences give them a sense of comfort and sends a clear message that the FBI is committed to pursuing justice for victims.”

    “The collective sentences of nearly 160 years handed down to these defendants is a testament to the unwavering resolve of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and our law enforcement partners,” said Christopher J. Altemus, Jr., IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Office.  “Through relentless investigation and prosecution, they have brought justice to the victims, holding these predators accountable for exploiting trust and devastating lives. IRS-CI and our partners are committed to prosecuting criminals for financial crimes, especially those that prey on our elderly and vulnerable.”

    The sentencing hearings were held before U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III on June 16, 2025, in Sherman.

    According to information presented in court, beginning around January 2017, the defendants used a multitude of fraudulent schemes to obtain money from their victims, including online romance scams, business email compromise and investor fraud, and unemployment insurance fraud.  The defendants coordinated how to extract money from their victims, and then how to disguise, disburse, and launder that money once they successfully defrauded their victims.  The scheme resulted in approximately $17 million fraudulently obtained from at least 100 individual victims, companies, and government entities from across the world.  The scheme specifically targeted elderly persons and used various schemes such as online dating sites to lure their victims.  Once funds were obtained from their victims, the defendants laundered the money through a network of various bank accounts and sent money to bank accounts, co-conspirators and businesses located in Africa and Asia.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    This case was investigated by the FBI’s Dallas Field Office; Homeland Security Investigations; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS); U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service; Allen Police Department; Denton Police Department; Dallas County Sheriff’s Office; and Texas Department of Public Safety.  This case was prosecuted by assistant U.S. attorneys in the Plano office.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Conspirators sentenced for engaging in a multitude of fraud schemes, including romance scams, investment fraud, and business email compromise, to steal at least $17 million

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SHERMAN, Texas –Multiple defendants have been sentenced to federal prison for their role in an elaborate fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

    Damilola Kumapayi, 39, of Plano, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to 109 months in federal prison.

    Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, 50, of Plano, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 365 months in federal prison.

    Edgal Iribhogbe, 51, of Allen, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.

    Chidindu Okeke, 32, of Houston, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.

    Chiagoziem Okeke, 32, of Houston, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.

    “Transnational organized criminals targeting the hard-earned savings of elderly and vulnerable populations are simply despicable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.  “The long arm of the American justice system has no limits when it comes to reaching fraudsters who prey on our nation’s most vulnerable populations. The defendants’ lengthy sentences in this case reflect the seriousness of their crimes and the dedication of law enforcement officers and prosecutors to bring them to justice.  I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their outstanding work on this case.”

    “The defendants were part of a transnational organized crime syndicate that defrauded victims collectively out of millions of dollars. For some individuals, this was their life savings, and they were unable to financially recover,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We hope these sentences give them a sense of comfort and sends a clear message that the FBI is committed to pursuing justice for victims.”

    “The collective sentences of nearly 160 years handed down to these defendants is a testament to the unwavering resolve of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and our law enforcement partners,” said Christopher J. Altemus, Jr., IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Office.  “Through relentless investigation and prosecution, they have brought justice to the victims, holding these predators accountable for exploiting trust and devastating lives. IRS-CI and our partners are committed to prosecuting criminals for financial crimes, especially those that prey on our elderly and vulnerable.”

    The sentencing hearings were held before U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III on June 16, 2025, in Sherman.

    According to information presented in court, beginning around January 2017, the defendants used a multitude of fraudulent schemes to obtain money from their victims, including online romance scams, business email compromise and investor fraud, and unemployment insurance fraud.  The defendants coordinated how to extract money from their victims, and then how to disguise, disburse, and launder that money once they successfully defrauded their victims.  The scheme resulted in approximately $17 million fraudulently obtained from at least 100 individual victims, companies, and government entities from across the world.  The scheme specifically targeted elderly persons and used various schemes such as online dating sites to lure their victims.  Once funds were obtained from their victims, the defendants laundered the money through a network of various bank accounts and sent money to bank accounts, co-conspirators and businesses located in Africa and Asia.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    This case was investigated by the FBI’s Dallas Field Office; Homeland Security Investigations; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS); U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service; Allen Police Department; Denton Police Department; Dallas County Sheriff’s Office; and Texas Department of Public Safety.  This case was prosecuted by assistant U.S. attorneys in the Plano office.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alleged Members of Major Guatemalan Drug Trafficking Organization Indicted

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – A federal grand jury indictment was unsealed in San Diego Friday alleging that 13 Guatemalan nationals are part of a Guatemala-based cocaine trafficking organization operating out of La Mesilla and Democracia, Huehuetenango, Guatemala, which is on the Guatemala-Mexico border.

    The indictment was returned on May 31, 2019. Among the individuals charged are Baldemar Calderon-Carrillo, aka “Don Valde,” and his son, Walfre Donaldo Calderon-Calderon, aka “El Teniente Jr.”

    On June 13, 2025, federal agents in San Diego received information that Calderon-Carrillo, the lead defendant in the indictment, had been killed during a June 8, 2025, shootout with Mexican authorities. U.S. agents continue to obtain information confirming the details of Calderon-Carrillo’s death. Video of the incident was posted on various news outlets and in social media showing Mexican law enforcement in a shootout with members of a drug trafficking organization.

    In January 2023, one of Calderon-Carrillo’s sons, Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon, aka “Panon,” who is charged in the same indictment, was arrested in Paris, France. Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon was extradited to the United States from France in March 2024 and pleaded guilty in February 2025 to international cocaine distribution conspiracy charges.

    As part of his plea agreement, Calderon-Calderon admitted that since at least 2017, up to and including May 31, 2019, he conspired with others to distribute cocaine in Guatemala and elsewhere, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States.

    Calderon-Calderon admitted that he participated in the distribution of large quantities of cocaine in Guatemala on behalf of a drug trafficking organization based in La Mesilla, Huehuetenango, Guatemala. From Huehuetenango, the cocaine was transported to co-conspirators operating near the Guatemala-Mexico border, into Mexico, and ultimately smuggled into the United States.  As part of his plea agreement, Calderon-Calderon admitted that the conspiracy involved at least 550 kilograms of cocaine. On May 30, 2025, Calderon-Calderon was sentenced to 87 months in prison.

    The remaining defendants charged in the indictment are fugitives.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mokhtari. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and French authorities provided substantial assistance to secure the arrest and extradition of Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon.

    DEFENDANTS                                                               Case Number 19-cr-2025-DMS              

    Baldemar Calderon-Carrillo, aka “Don Valde”                     Age: 67           Guatemala

    Amado Calderon-Calderon, aka “Don Juan”                         Age: 46           Guatemala

    Walfre Donaldo Calderon-Calderon,  aka “El Teniente Jr.”  Age: 43           Guatemala

    Ceidner Ivan Calderon-Villatoro, aka “Chene”                     Age: 35           Guatemala

    Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon, aka “Panon”                    Age: 45           Guatemala

    Boris Brandon Calderon-Villatoro, aka “Leon”                     Age: 31           Guatemala

    Fredy Estuardo Villatoro-Calderon, aka “Nalo”                    Age: 31           Guatemala

    Juan Carlos Escobedo-Herrera, aka “Ducati”                        Age: 34           Guatemala

    Marvin Waldemar Mendez-Aldana, aka “Don Pelado”         Age: 44           Guatemala

    German Zaldana-Lima, aka “Gorgo”                                     Age: 50           Guatemala

    Arnoldo Bexsael Morales-Aguilar, aka “Bex”                       Age: 57           Guatemala

    Ranferi Godinez-Vasquez, aka “Chilo”                                 Age: 31           Guatemala

    Maximo Morales-Godinez, aka “Max”                                  Age: 37           Guatemala

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Count 1 – International Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 959, 960, 963

    Maximum penalty: Life in prison; a maximum $10 million fine

    All defendants

    Count 2 – Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine – Title 46, U.S.C., Sections 70503, 70506(b)

    Maximum penalty: Life in prison; a maximum $10 million fine

    Defendant Walfre Donaldo Calderon-Calderon only

    INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    Homeland Security Investigations

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alleged Members of Major Guatemalan Drug Trafficking Organization Indicted

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – A federal grand jury indictment was unsealed in San Diego Friday alleging that 13 Guatemalan nationals are part of a Guatemala-based cocaine trafficking organization operating out of La Mesilla and Democracia, Huehuetenango, Guatemala, which is on the Guatemala-Mexico border.

    The indictment was returned on May 31, 2019. Among the individuals charged are Baldemar Calderon-Carrillo, aka “Don Valde,” and his son, Walfre Donaldo Calderon-Calderon, aka “El Teniente Jr.”

    On June 13, 2025, federal agents in San Diego received information that Calderon-Carrillo, the lead defendant in the indictment, had been killed during a June 8, 2025, shootout with Mexican authorities. U.S. agents continue to obtain information confirming the details of Calderon-Carrillo’s death. Video of the incident was posted on various news outlets and in social media showing Mexican law enforcement in a shootout with members of a drug trafficking organization.

    In January 2023, one of Calderon-Carrillo’s sons, Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon, aka “Panon,” who is charged in the same indictment, was arrested in Paris, France. Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon was extradited to the United States from France in March 2024 and pleaded guilty in February 2025 to international cocaine distribution conspiracy charges.

    As part of his plea agreement, Calderon-Calderon admitted that since at least 2017, up to and including May 31, 2019, he conspired with others to distribute cocaine in Guatemala and elsewhere, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States.

    Calderon-Calderon admitted that he participated in the distribution of large quantities of cocaine in Guatemala on behalf of a drug trafficking organization based in La Mesilla, Huehuetenango, Guatemala. From Huehuetenango, the cocaine was transported to co-conspirators operating near the Guatemala-Mexico border, into Mexico, and ultimately smuggled into the United States.  As part of his plea agreement, Calderon-Calderon admitted that the conspiracy involved at least 550 kilograms of cocaine. On May 30, 2025, Calderon-Calderon was sentenced to 87 months in prison.

    The remaining defendants charged in the indictment are fugitives.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mokhtari. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and French authorities provided substantial assistance to secure the arrest and extradition of Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon.

    DEFENDANTS                                                               Case Number 19-cr-2025-DMS              

    Baldemar Calderon-Carrillo, aka “Don Valde”                     Age: 67           Guatemala

    Amado Calderon-Calderon, aka “Don Juan”                         Age: 46           Guatemala

    Walfre Donaldo Calderon-Calderon,  aka “El Teniente Jr.”  Age: 43           Guatemala

    Ceidner Ivan Calderon-Villatoro, aka “Chene”                     Age: 35           Guatemala

    Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon, aka “Panon”                    Age: 45           Guatemala

    Boris Brandon Calderon-Villatoro, aka “Leon”                     Age: 31           Guatemala

    Fredy Estuardo Villatoro-Calderon, aka “Nalo”                    Age: 31           Guatemala

    Juan Carlos Escobedo-Herrera, aka “Ducati”                        Age: 34           Guatemala

    Marvin Waldemar Mendez-Aldana, aka “Don Pelado”         Age: 44           Guatemala

    German Zaldana-Lima, aka “Gorgo”                                     Age: 50           Guatemala

    Arnoldo Bexsael Morales-Aguilar, aka “Bex”                       Age: 57           Guatemala

    Ranferi Godinez-Vasquez, aka “Chilo”                                 Age: 31           Guatemala

    Maximo Morales-Godinez, aka “Max”                                  Age: 37           Guatemala

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Count 1 – International Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 959, 960, 963

    Maximum penalty: Life in prison; a maximum $10 million fine

    All defendants

    Count 2 – Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine – Title 46, U.S.C., Sections 70503, 70506(b)

    Maximum penalty: Life in prison; a maximum $10 million fine

    Defendant Walfre Donaldo Calderon-Calderon only

    INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    Homeland Security Investigations

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Two arrested after Birkenhead aggravated robbery

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police pulled out all the stops after a man was allegedly carjacked on the North Shore early this morning.

    Two offenders face serious charges after being arrested in Manukau.

    At around 1.22am, Police were called to Waratah Street in Birkenhead.

    “A man was parked outside an address, when a stolen vehicle carrying a group of offenders arrived,” Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie, of Waitematā Crime Squad, says.

    “The victim was assaulted and pulled from his vehicle, before it was stolen by these offenders.”

    The vehicle was soon picked up on cameras on the North-Western motorway, heading west.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Goldie says the Police Eagle helicopter also deployed and monitored the vehicle’s movements.

    “It carried onto the South-Western motorway, stopping briefly on Dominion Road where two passengers exited and carried on southbound,” she says.

    Spikes were successfully deployed on the Lambie Drive off-ramp.

    “Our staff took both remaining occupants into custody quickly and without incident,” Detective Senior Sergeant Goldie says.

    “Those arrested were the 16-year-old driver and 17-year-old passenger.

    “Both vehicles involved in the offending this morning have been seized and will be examined.”

    In the vehicle dumped in Birkenhead, Police have located a range of items stolen from other car break-ins across the Albany area.

    Both males arrested this morning will face the North Shore Youth Court, charged with aggravated robbery.

    The driver will also face a charge of dangerous driving.

    Police will oppose both teenagers’ bail when they appear in court.

    “There is no tolerance for the blatant violence that occurred, and I want to acknowledge the raft of Police staff that responded this morning,” Detective Senior Sergeant Goldie says.

    “The victim in this case did not suffer serious physical injuries, and enquiries are ongoing into the two passengers that exited near Dominion Road.”

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whatcom County Man Sentenced to Four Plus Years in Prison for Brutal and Lengthy Assault of Intimate Partner

    Source: US FBI

    Member of Lummi Nation committed assault on tribal land; obstructed justice following tribal charges

    Seattle – A 50-year-old member of the Lummi Nation was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 51 months in prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller.  Jason Sieber Sr. was charged federally in February 2024, for the October 20, 2023, assault of his then intimate partner. Sieber has been detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac since his arrest in February 2024. At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez said, “This was a horrific attack over a long period of time – it could have ended her life.”

    According to records filed in the case, Sieber became angry with the victim over the amount of time it was taking her to cook dinner. He struck her repeatedly in the face and head and kept her from leaving the home to get help. The blows with his closed fist caused the victim to suffer facial fractures, extreme pain, and disfigurement.

    Prosecutors described the assault in their sentencing memo: “Sieber’s assault of Victim 1 on October 20, 2023, was brutal and prolonged. Over the course of multiple hours, Sieber repeatedly beat his intimate partner, breaking her nose and fracturing bones in her face. As Sieber himself admitted, his actions ‘caused her to suffer extreme physical pain, as well as protracted and obvious disfigurement.’ In addition to punching and slapping Victim 1, Sieber tied Victim 1’s feet to hooks in his bedroom ceiling, leaving her suspended and trapped for 45 minutes. He burned her using a cigarette and strangled her, while telling her how easily he could end her life.” In court today, Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Forstein recounted those threats Sieber made to the victim. “He said ‘I could kill you right now and stuff you in a crab pot and no one would ever find you.’”

    The victim reported the assault to Lummi Nation Police ten days after the assault. Sieber was originally charged in tribal court. The case was ultimately referred to federal prosecutors.

    Even after Sieber was charged with the assault he attempted to have the victim change her account of what happened. For that conduct the judge determined that he had tried to obstruct justice.

    Sieber will be on three years of supervised release following prison.

    The case was investigated by the Lummi Nation Police Department and the FBI as part of the Safe Trails Taskforce.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Forstein and former Assistant United States Attorney J. Tate London.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whatcom County Man Sentenced to Four Plus Years in Prison for Brutal and Lengthy Assault of Intimate Partner

    Source: US FBI

    Member of Lummi Nation committed assault on tribal land; obstructed justice following tribal charges

    Seattle – A 50-year-old member of the Lummi Nation was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 51 months in prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller.  Jason Sieber Sr. was charged federally in February 2024, for the October 20, 2023, assault of his then intimate partner. Sieber has been detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac since his arrest in February 2024. At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez said, “This was a horrific attack over a long period of time – it could have ended her life.”

    According to records filed in the case, Sieber became angry with the victim over the amount of time it was taking her to cook dinner. He struck her repeatedly in the face and head and kept her from leaving the home to get help. The blows with his closed fist caused the victim to suffer facial fractures, extreme pain, and disfigurement.

    Prosecutors described the assault in their sentencing memo: “Sieber’s assault of Victim 1 on October 20, 2023, was brutal and prolonged. Over the course of multiple hours, Sieber repeatedly beat his intimate partner, breaking her nose and fracturing bones in her face. As Sieber himself admitted, his actions ‘caused her to suffer extreme physical pain, as well as protracted and obvious disfigurement.’ In addition to punching and slapping Victim 1, Sieber tied Victim 1’s feet to hooks in his bedroom ceiling, leaving her suspended and trapped for 45 minutes. He burned her using a cigarette and strangled her, while telling her how easily he could end her life.” In court today, Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Forstein recounted those threats Sieber made to the victim. “He said ‘I could kill you right now and stuff you in a crab pot and no one would ever find you.’”

    The victim reported the assault to Lummi Nation Police ten days after the assault. Sieber was originally charged in tribal court. The case was ultimately referred to federal prosecutors.

    Even after Sieber was charged with the assault he attempted to have the victim change her account of what happened. For that conduct the judge determined that he had tried to obstruct justice.

    Sieber will be on three years of supervised release following prison.

    The case was investigated by the Lummi Nation Police Department and the FBI as part of the Safe Trails Taskforce.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Forstein and former Assistant United States Attorney J. Tate London.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sherrill Statement On The Indictment of Rep. McIver

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement denouncing the Trump Administration’s weaponization of the Justice Department through their indictment of Representative LaMonica McIver (NJ-10):

    “This indictment against Rep. McIver is extreme and purely political. The Trump DOJ is weaponizing the justice system to go after a Member of Congress for doing their job. 

    “Every Member has a constitutional right to conduct oversight. That means the right to inspect a federal facility on behalf of their constituents. I will continue to stand with Rep. McIver because this sham prosecution is an attempt to intimidate Congress and stop us from holding Trump accountable.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: BUCKS COUNTY – Lt. Gov. Austin Davis to Advocate for Shapiro-Davis Administration’s Proposed Mass Transit Investments, Connecting Communities and Powering Pennsylvania’s Economy

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    June 17, 2025 – Croydon, PA

    ADVISORY – BUCKS COUNTY – Lt. Gov. Austin Davis to Advocate for Shapiro-Davis Administration’s Proposed Mass Transit Investments, Connecting Communities and Powering Pennsylvania’s Economy

    Lt. Gov. Austin Davis will join representatives from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), as well as leaders from local employers, to highlight the importance of investing in mass transit to create jobs, connect communities and grow Pennsylvania’s economy.
    The Lieutenant Governor will host a news conference Tuesday, June 17, at 9:15 a.m. at SEPTA’s Croydon Station, 751 Bristol Pike, Croydon.

    The Lieutenant Governor will then board a Trenton Line Regional Rail train to travel to Suburban Station in downtown Philadelphia.
    The Shapiro-Davis 2025-26 budget proposal calls for significant investment in mass transit and road and bridge infrastructure all across the Commonwealth ensuring Pennsylvanians can get where they need to go.

    WHO:
    Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, state Sen. Steve Santarsiero, SEPTA Board Chair Ken Lawrence, Transport Workers Union Local 234 President Brian Pollitt, Holy Family University President Dr. Anne Prisco, Bucks County Transportation Management Association Executive Director Stephen Noll

    WHAT:
    News conference and ride-along to highlight the importance of investing in public transit

    WHEN:
    Tuesday, June 17, at 9:15 a.m.

    WHERE:
    SEPTA’s Croydon Station
    751 Bristol Pike, Croydon

    RSVP:
    Members of the news media who are interested in attending the news conference must RSVP to Kirstin Alvanitakis at kirstinalv@pa.gov. There will be opportunities for b-roll footage during the ride-along.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: BUCKS COUNTY – Lt. Gov. Austin Davis to Advocate for Shapiro-Davis Administration’s Proposed Mass Transit Investments, Connecting Communities and Powering Pennsylvania’s Economy

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    June 17, 2025 – Croydon, PA

    ADVISORY – BUCKS COUNTY – Lt. Gov. Austin Davis to Advocate for Shapiro-Davis Administration’s Proposed Mass Transit Investments, Connecting Communities and Powering Pennsylvania’s Economy

    Lt. Gov. Austin Davis will join representatives from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), as well as leaders from local employers, to highlight the importance of investing in mass transit to create jobs, connect communities and grow Pennsylvania’s economy.
    The Lieutenant Governor will host a news conference Tuesday, June 17, at 9:15 a.m. at SEPTA’s Croydon Station, 751 Bristol Pike, Croydon.

    The Lieutenant Governor will then board a Trenton Line Regional Rail train to travel to Suburban Station in downtown Philadelphia.
    The Shapiro-Davis 2025-26 budget proposal calls for significant investment in mass transit and road and bridge infrastructure all across the Commonwealth ensuring Pennsylvanians can get where they need to go.

    WHO:
    Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, state Sen. Steve Santarsiero, SEPTA Board Chair Ken Lawrence, Transport Workers Union Local 234 President Brian Pollitt, Holy Family University President Dr. Anne Prisco, Bucks County Transportation Management Association Executive Director Stephen Noll

    WHAT:
    News conference and ride-along to highlight the importance of investing in public transit

    WHEN:
    Tuesday, June 17, at 9:15 a.m.

    WHERE:
    SEPTA’s Croydon Station
    751 Bristol Pike, Croydon

    RSVP:
    Members of the news media who are interested in attending the news conference must RSVP to Kirstin Alvanitakis at kirstinalv@pa.gov. There will be opportunities for b-roll footage during the ride-along.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Declines Prosecution of Private Equity Firm Following Voluntary Disclosure of Sanctions Violations and Related Offenses Committed by Acquired Company

    Source: US State of California

    Department Credits Firm’s Swift Disclosure and Cooperation in Stopping Violations and Securing Former CEO’s Conviction

    Note: View a copy of the White Deer declination letter, Unicat non-prosecution agreement, and Mani Erfan’s plea agreement.

    The Justice Department’s National Security Division (NSD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) today announced that they declined the prosecution of private equity firm White Deer Management LLC (White Deer) and its affiliates after the firm discovered and voluntarily self-disclosed criminal violations of U.S. sanctions and export laws committed by a company it acquired, Texas-based Unicat Catalyst Technologies LLC (Unicat).

    NSD and SDTX also announced that the Justice Department entered into a non-prosecution agreement (NPA) with Unicat, and that, on Aug. 19, 2024, the former chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder of Unicat, Mani Erfan, pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions against Iran and other countries and foreign governments, as well as concealment and international promotional money laundering. As part of his plea, Erfan also agreed to pay a money judgment in the amount of $1,600,000.

    “After acquiring a company with a hidden history of sanctions violations, this private equity firm uncovered the misconduct, stopped it, and quickly reported it to the government, leading to the successful prosecution of a senior executive,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Our decision to decline prosecution of the acquiror and extend a non-prosecution agreement to the acquired entity in this case reflects the National Security Division’s strong commitment to rewarding responsible corporate leadership.”

    “Illegally exporting sensitive items to Venezuela and Iran to help them evade sanctions directly undermines U.S. foreign policy and threatens our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Houston. “HSI will not sit by idly while businesses or individuals operating in the U.S. blatantly help our nation’s adversaries procure sensitive technologies or weapons and today’s announcement of a $3 million fine and the imposition of criminal charges is just another example of that enduring commitment.”

    As detailed in court documents and in the Department’s agreements with White Deer and Unicat, from approximately 2014 through 2021, Mani Erfan, Unicat’s former CEO, conspired with others, including at least one other Unicat employee, to cause Unicat to submit bids and make sales to customers in Iran, Venezuela, Syria, and Cuba in violation of U.S. economic sanctions. In total, Erfan caused Unicat to make a total of 23 unlawful sales of chemical catalysts used in oil refining and steel production to customers in Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba. Some of the sales were effected through exports of catalysts from the United States and further violated U.S. export control laws.

    To further the conspiracy, the conspirators made false statements in export documents and financial records about the true identities and locations of Unicat’s customers and falsely assured some Unicat employees that the company’s business with customers subject to U.S. economic sanctions was lawful. Unicat obtained approximately $3.33 million in revenue from its unlawful sales.

    Erfan and Unicat employees additionally falsified invoices to reduce the tariffs assessed on catalysts that Unicat imported from China. By undervaluing these imports, Unicat caused a loss of revenue of approximately $1.66 million in duties, taxes, and fees. Further, during negotiations to sell Unicat to White Deer, Unicat’s prior owners provided representations and warranties to White Deer attesting to Unicat’s compliance with U.S. sanctions and export control laws.

    The scheme came to light in June 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, after White Deer acquired Unicat and a second company based in the United Kingdom, and Unicat’s new CEO was able to travel to the United States to visit Unicat and begin to integrate the operations of the company. During his visit, the new CEO learned that Unicat had a pending transaction with an Iranian customer and immediately ordered the deal’s cancellation. Over the next month, White Deer and Unicat’s new CEO retained counsel to investigate, and learned that Unicat had engaged in a series of transactions with counterparties subject to different U.S. sanctions programs. Before the investigation was complete, but after determining that Unicat employees had engaged in potentially criminal violations of U.S. sanctions laws, White Deer and Unicat’s new management submitted a voluntary self-disclosure to NSD.

    Pursuant to the NPA, Unicat agreed to pay forfeiture totaling $3,325,052.10, representing the proceeds of its violations of U.S. sanctions and export control laws. In parallel resolutions coordinated between the Justice Department, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Office of Export Enforcement (OEE), Unicat agreed to pay $3,882,797 to OFAC for its apparent violations of U.S. sanctions laws, and agreed with OEE to pay a penalty of $391,183 for its violation of U.S. export control laws. OFAC agreed to credit Unicat’s payment of forfeiture pursuant to the NPA against the OFAC penalty, and OEE has agreed to credit Unicat’s payment to OFAC against the OEE penalty. In a separate administrative resolution with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Unicat agreed to pay $1,655,189.57, in underpaid duties, taxes, and fees.

    NSD and SDTX declined White Deer’s prosecution and entered into the NPA with Unicat after considering the factors set forth in the Department’s Principles of Federal Prosecution of Business Organizations, the National Security Division Enforcement Policy for Business Organizations (NSD Enforcement Policy), and pursuant to the provisions of the NSD Enforcement Policy that apply to Voluntary Self-Disclosures in Connection with Acquisitions (the NSD M&A Policy).

    The NSD M&A Policy provides that when a company (1) completes a lawful bona fide acquisition of another entity, (2) voluntarily and timely self-discloses to NSD potentially criminal violations of laws affecting U.S. national security committed by the acquired entity, (3) fully cooperates with NSD’s investigation, and (4) timely and appropriately remediates the misconduct, NSD generally will not seek a guilty plea from the acquiror, and there is a presumption that NSD will decline to prosecute the acquiror. The NSD M&A Policy further provides that while a presumption of declination is not available to the acquired entity, NSD will credit the acquiror’s timely voluntary self-disclosure to the acquired entity and will consider whether the acquired entity otherwise satisfies the NSD Enforcement Policy’s requirements to obtain the benefits of the Policy.

    NSD and SDTX determined that White Deer’s acquisition of Unicat was a lawful bona fide acquisition, and that White Deer’s self-disclosure was timely under all of the relevant circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic and in the context of White Deer’s acquisition of Unicat and efforts to integrate the company’s operations into another acquired entity. White Deer and Unicat fully cooperated with the government’s subsequent investigation by proactively identifying, collecting, and disclosing relevant evidence to investigators, including foreign language evidence and evidence located overseas, and providing detailed and timely responses to the government’s requests for information and evidence. White Deer’s and Unicat’s cooperation materially assisted the government’s investigation, leading to the successful prosecution of Unicat’s former CEO. Unicat remediated the root cause of the misconduct in less than one year from the date of its discovery by terminating culpable employees, disciplining other employees involved in the misconduct, seeking reimbursement from Unicat’s sellers, and designing and implementing a comprehensive and robust internal controls and compliance program that has proven effective in practice at identifying and preventing similar potential misconduct.

    This resolution marks the first time since the creation of the Justice Department’s Mergers and Acquisitions Policy in March 2024 that the Department has declined the prosecution of an acquiror for self-disclosing criminal conduct discovered at an acquired entity.

    Trial Attorneys Adam P. Barry and Yifei Zheng of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Mark McIntyre for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

    ICE-HSI, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and BIS investigated the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Declines Prosecution of Private Equity Firm Following Voluntary Disclosure of Sanctions Violations and Related Offenses Committed by Acquired Company

    Source: US State of California

    Department Credits Firm’s Swift Disclosure and Cooperation in Stopping Violations and Securing Former CEO’s Conviction

    Note: View a copy of the White Deer declination letter, Unicat non-prosecution agreement, and Mani Erfan’s plea agreement.

    The Justice Department’s National Security Division (NSD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) today announced that they declined the prosecution of private equity firm White Deer Management LLC (White Deer) and its affiliates after the firm discovered and voluntarily self-disclosed criminal violations of U.S. sanctions and export laws committed by a company it acquired, Texas-based Unicat Catalyst Technologies LLC (Unicat).

    NSD and SDTX also announced that the Justice Department entered into a non-prosecution agreement (NPA) with Unicat, and that, on Aug. 19, 2024, the former chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder of Unicat, Mani Erfan, pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions against Iran and other countries and foreign governments, as well as concealment and international promotional money laundering. As part of his plea, Erfan also agreed to pay a money judgment in the amount of $1,600,000.

    “After acquiring a company with a hidden history of sanctions violations, this private equity firm uncovered the misconduct, stopped it, and quickly reported it to the government, leading to the successful prosecution of a senior executive,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Our decision to decline prosecution of the acquiror and extend a non-prosecution agreement to the acquired entity in this case reflects the National Security Division’s strong commitment to rewarding responsible corporate leadership.”

    “Illegally exporting sensitive items to Venezuela and Iran to help them evade sanctions directly undermines U.S. foreign policy and threatens our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Houston. “HSI will not sit by idly while businesses or individuals operating in the U.S. blatantly help our nation’s adversaries procure sensitive technologies or weapons and today’s announcement of a $3 million fine and the imposition of criminal charges is just another example of that enduring commitment.”

    As detailed in court documents and in the Department’s agreements with White Deer and Unicat, from approximately 2014 through 2021, Mani Erfan, Unicat’s former CEO, conspired with others, including at least one other Unicat employee, to cause Unicat to submit bids and make sales to customers in Iran, Venezuela, Syria, and Cuba in violation of U.S. economic sanctions. In total, Erfan caused Unicat to make a total of 23 unlawful sales of chemical catalysts used in oil refining and steel production to customers in Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba. Some of the sales were effected through exports of catalysts from the United States and further violated U.S. export control laws.

    To further the conspiracy, the conspirators made false statements in export documents and financial records about the true identities and locations of Unicat’s customers and falsely assured some Unicat employees that the company’s business with customers subject to U.S. economic sanctions was lawful. Unicat obtained approximately $3.33 million in revenue from its unlawful sales.

    Erfan and Unicat employees additionally falsified invoices to reduce the tariffs assessed on catalysts that Unicat imported from China. By undervaluing these imports, Unicat caused a loss of revenue of approximately $1.66 million in duties, taxes, and fees. Further, during negotiations to sell Unicat to White Deer, Unicat’s prior owners provided representations and warranties to White Deer attesting to Unicat’s compliance with U.S. sanctions and export control laws.

    The scheme came to light in June 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, after White Deer acquired Unicat and a second company based in the United Kingdom, and Unicat’s new CEO was able to travel to the United States to visit Unicat and begin to integrate the operations of the company. During his visit, the new CEO learned that Unicat had a pending transaction with an Iranian customer and immediately ordered the deal’s cancellation. Over the next month, White Deer and Unicat’s new CEO retained counsel to investigate, and learned that Unicat had engaged in a series of transactions with counterparties subject to different U.S. sanctions programs. Before the investigation was complete, but after determining that Unicat employees had engaged in potentially criminal violations of U.S. sanctions laws, White Deer and Unicat’s new management submitted a voluntary self-disclosure to NSD.

    Pursuant to the NPA, Unicat agreed to pay forfeiture totaling $3,325,052.10, representing the proceeds of its violations of U.S. sanctions and export control laws. In parallel resolutions coordinated between the Justice Department, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Office of Export Enforcement (OEE), Unicat agreed to pay $3,882,797 to OFAC for its apparent violations of U.S. sanctions laws, and agreed with OEE to pay a penalty of $391,183 for its violation of U.S. export control laws. OFAC agreed to credit Unicat’s payment of forfeiture pursuant to the NPA against the OFAC penalty, and OEE has agreed to credit Unicat’s payment to OFAC against the OEE penalty. In a separate administrative resolution with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Unicat agreed to pay $1,655,189.57, in underpaid duties, taxes, and fees.

    NSD and SDTX declined White Deer’s prosecution and entered into the NPA with Unicat after considering the factors set forth in the Department’s Principles of Federal Prosecution of Business Organizations, the National Security Division Enforcement Policy for Business Organizations (NSD Enforcement Policy), and pursuant to the provisions of the NSD Enforcement Policy that apply to Voluntary Self-Disclosures in Connection with Acquisitions (the NSD M&A Policy).

    The NSD M&A Policy provides that when a company (1) completes a lawful bona fide acquisition of another entity, (2) voluntarily and timely self-discloses to NSD potentially criminal violations of laws affecting U.S. national security committed by the acquired entity, (3) fully cooperates with NSD’s investigation, and (4) timely and appropriately remediates the misconduct, NSD generally will not seek a guilty plea from the acquiror, and there is a presumption that NSD will decline to prosecute the acquiror. The NSD M&A Policy further provides that while a presumption of declination is not available to the acquired entity, NSD will credit the acquiror’s timely voluntary self-disclosure to the acquired entity and will consider whether the acquired entity otherwise satisfies the NSD Enforcement Policy’s requirements to obtain the benefits of the Policy.

    NSD and SDTX determined that White Deer’s acquisition of Unicat was a lawful bona fide acquisition, and that White Deer’s self-disclosure was timely under all of the relevant circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic and in the context of White Deer’s acquisition of Unicat and efforts to integrate the company’s operations into another acquired entity. White Deer and Unicat fully cooperated with the government’s subsequent investigation by proactively identifying, collecting, and disclosing relevant evidence to investigators, including foreign language evidence and evidence located overseas, and providing detailed and timely responses to the government’s requests for information and evidence. White Deer’s and Unicat’s cooperation materially assisted the government’s investigation, leading to the successful prosecution of Unicat’s former CEO. Unicat remediated the root cause of the misconduct in less than one year from the date of its discovery by terminating culpable employees, disciplining other employees involved in the misconduct, seeking reimbursement from Unicat’s sellers, and designing and implementing a comprehensive and robust internal controls and compliance program that has proven effective in practice at identifying and preventing similar potential misconduct.

    This resolution marks the first time since the creation of the Justice Department’s Mergers and Acquisitions Policy in March 2024 that the Department has declined the prosecution of an acquiror for self-disclosing criminal conduct discovered at an acquired entity.

    Trial Attorneys Adam P. Barry and Yifei Zheng of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Mark McIntyre for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

    ICE-HSI, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and BIS investigated the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Venezuelan National and U.S. Citizen Arrested for Sanctions Evasion and Smuggling in Scheme to Supply Venezuela’s State-Owned Steel Industry

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Defendants Allegedly Moved Millions Through Global Front Companies and Illegally Supplied Industrial Goods to Sanctioned Venezuelan Entities

    Note: View the criminal complaint.

    Juan Carlos Cairo-Padron, 56, of Huntsville, Texas, and Thomas Michael Fortinberry, 51, of Decatur, Alabama, were arrested on June 13, 2025 on a federal criminal complaint charging them with violating U.S. sanctions related to Venezuela, illegally smuggling goods from the United States, and money laundering. The defendants will make their initial court appearances in the Southern District of Texas today.

    According to the complaint, Cairo, a Venezuelan national and U.S. lawful permanent resident, and Fortinberry, a U.S. citizen, conspired for years to sell chemical catalysts, industrial equipment, and associated services to Venezuelan state-owned steel mills and petrochemical companies that are subject to U.S. sanctions. Cairo and Fortinberry’s scheme involved the use of U.S. and overseas front companies that served as intermediaries on shipping documents, foreign bank accounts that moved money into and out of the United States, and other activities designed to conceal the fact that the goods and services were destined for sanctioned entities.

    As alleged, from at least 2022 through the present, Cairo and Fortinberry — at times acting through companies that they owned or controlled such as DRI Reformers and Reformer Technologies — sold millions of dollars’ worth of catalysts, industrial equipment, and related services to the Venezuelan steel company Complejo Siderurgico de Guayana S.A. (COMSIGUA), which is owned by the Venezuelan government and is subject to U.S. sanctions. Cairo and Fortinberry used Chinese suppliers to ship the catalysts or industrial equipment directly from China to Venezuela, and in at least one instance, they shipped the goods from the United States to Venezuela. As part of their scheme, Cario and Fortinberry also transferred millions of dollars between bank accounts in the United States, Spain, and China — in transactions involving companies based in China, Germany, and Spain — all for the purpose of continuing their sanctions evasion scheme, and to conceal the true parties involved.

    If convicted, both Cairo and Fortinberry face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the sanctions and money laundering violations, and 10 years in prison for the smuggling violation. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Adam P. Barry and Yifei Zheng of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Mark McIntyre and John Marck for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case. Trial Attorney Christopher Magnani provided substantial assistance.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Declines Prosecution of Private Equity Firm Following Voluntary Disclosure of Sanctions Violations and Related Offenses Committed by Acquired Company

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Department Credits Firm’s Swift Disclosure and Cooperation in Stopping Violations and Securing Former CEO’s Conviction

    Note: View a copy of the White Deer declination letter, Unicat non-prosecution agreement, and Mani Erfan’s plea agreement.

    The Justice Department’s National Security Division (NSD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) today announced that they declined the prosecution of private equity firm White Deer Management LLC (White Deer) and its affiliates after the firm discovered and voluntarily self-disclosed criminal violations of U.S. sanctions and export laws committed by a company it acquired, Texas-based Unicat Catalyst Technologies LLC (Unicat).

    NSD and SDTX also announced that the Justice Department entered into a non-prosecution agreement (NPA) with Unicat, and that, on Aug. 19, 2024, the former chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder of Unicat, Mani Erfan, pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions against Iran and other countries and foreign governments, as well as concealment and international promotional money laundering. As part of his plea, Erfan also agreed to pay a money judgment in the amount of $1,600,000.

    “After acquiring a company with a hidden history of sanctions violations, this private equity firm uncovered the misconduct, stopped it, and quickly reported it to the government, leading to the successful prosecution of a senior executive,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Our decision to decline prosecution of the acquiror and extend a non-prosecution agreement to the acquired entity in this case reflects the National Security Division’s strong commitment to rewarding responsible corporate leadership.”

    “Illegally exporting sensitive items to Venezuela and Iran to help them evade sanctions directly undermines U.S. foreign policy and threatens our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Houston. “HSI will not sit by idly while businesses or individuals operating in the U.S. blatantly help our nation’s adversaries procure sensitive technologies or weapons and today’s announcement of a $3 million fine and the imposition of criminal charges is just another example of that enduring commitment.”

    As detailed in court documents and in the Department’s agreements with White Deer and Unicat, from approximately 2014 through 2021, Mani Erfan, Unicat’s former CEO, conspired with others, including at least one other Unicat employee, to cause Unicat to submit bids and make sales to customers in Iran, Venezuela, Syria, and Cuba in violation of U.S. economic sanctions. In total, Erfan caused Unicat to make a total of 23 unlawful sales of chemical catalysts used in oil refining and steel production to customers in Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba. Some of the sales were effected through exports of catalysts from the United States and further violated U.S. export control laws.

    To further the conspiracy, the conspirators made false statements in export documents and financial records about the true identities and locations of Unicat’s customers and falsely assured some Unicat employees that the company’s business with customers subject to U.S. economic sanctions was lawful. Unicat obtained approximately $3.33 million in revenue from its unlawful sales.

    Erfan and Unicat employees additionally falsified invoices to reduce the tariffs assessed on catalysts that Unicat imported from China. By undervaluing these imports, Unicat caused a loss of revenue of approximately $1.66 million in duties, taxes, and fees. Further, during negotiations to sell Unicat to White Deer, Unicat’s prior owners provided representations and warranties to White Deer attesting to Unicat’s compliance with U.S. sanctions and export control laws.

    The scheme came to light in June 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, after White Deer acquired Unicat and a second company based in the United Kingdom, and Unicat’s new CEO was able to travel to the United States to visit Unicat and begin to integrate the operations of the company. During his visit, the new CEO learned that Unicat had a pending transaction with an Iranian customer and immediately ordered the deal’s cancellation. Over the next month, White Deer and Unicat’s new CEO retained counsel to investigate, and learned that Unicat had engaged in a series of transactions with counterparties subject to different U.S. sanctions programs. Before the investigation was complete, but after determining that Unicat employees had engaged in potentially criminal violations of U.S. sanctions laws, White Deer and Unicat’s new management submitted a voluntary self-disclosure to NSD.

    Pursuant to the NPA, Unicat agreed to pay forfeiture totaling $3,325,052.10, representing the proceeds of its violations of U.S. sanctions and export control laws. In parallel resolutions coordinated between the Justice Department, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Office of Export Enforcement (OEE), Unicat agreed to pay $3,882,797 to OFAC for its apparent violations of U.S. sanctions laws, and agreed with OEE to pay a penalty of $391,183 for its violation of U.S. export control laws. OFAC agreed to credit Unicat’s payment of forfeiture pursuant to the NPA against the OFAC penalty, and OEE has agreed to credit Unicat’s payment to OFAC against the OEE penalty. In a separate administrative resolution with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Unicat agreed to pay $1,655,189.57, in underpaid duties, taxes, and fees.

    NSD and SDTX declined White Deer’s prosecution and entered into the NPA with Unicat after considering the factors set forth in the Department’s Principles of Federal Prosecution of Business Organizations, the National Security Division Enforcement Policy for Business Organizations (NSD Enforcement Policy), and pursuant to the provisions of the NSD Enforcement Policy that apply to Voluntary Self-Disclosures in Connection with Acquisitions (the NSD M&A Policy).

    The NSD M&A Policy provides that when a company (1) completes a lawful bona fide acquisition of another entity, (2) voluntarily and timely self-discloses to NSD potentially criminal violations of laws affecting U.S. national security committed by the acquired entity, (3) fully cooperates with NSD’s investigation, and (4) timely and appropriately remediates the misconduct, NSD generally will not seek a guilty plea from the acquiror, and there is a presumption that NSD will decline to prosecute the acquiror. The NSD M&A Policy further provides that while a presumption of declination is not available to the acquired entity, NSD will credit the acquiror’s timely voluntary self-disclosure to the acquired entity and will consider whether the acquired entity otherwise satisfies the NSD Enforcement Policy’s requirements to obtain the benefits of the Policy.

    NSD and SDTX determined that White Deer’s acquisition of Unicat was a lawful bona fide acquisition, and that White Deer’s self-disclosure was timely under all of the relevant circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic and in the context of White Deer’s acquisition of Unicat and efforts to integrate the company’s operations into another acquired entity. White Deer and Unicat fully cooperated with the government’s subsequent investigation by proactively identifying, collecting, and disclosing relevant evidence to investigators, including foreign language evidence and evidence located overseas, and providing detailed and timely responses to the government’s requests for information and evidence. White Deer’s and Unicat’s cooperation materially assisted the government’s investigation, leading to the successful prosecution of Unicat’s former CEO. Unicat remediated the root cause of the misconduct in less than one year from the date of its discovery by terminating culpable employees, disciplining other employees involved in the misconduct, seeking reimbursement from Unicat’s sellers, and designing and implementing a comprehensive and robust internal controls and compliance program that has proven effective in practice at identifying and preventing similar potential misconduct.

    This resolution marks the first time since the creation of the Justice Department’s Mergers and Acquisitions Policy in March 2024 that the Department has declined the prosecution of an acquiror for self-disclosing criminal conduct discovered at an acquired entity.

    Trial Attorneys Adam P. Barry and Yifei Zheng of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Mark McIntyre for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

    ICE-HSI, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and BIS investigated the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Five Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JUNE 16, 2025

    Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced five appointments to various boards and commissions. Governor Kehoe filed the official appointment letters for these individuals on Friday, June 13.

    Shalonn “Kiki” Curls, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.

    Former Senator Curls currently serves as the deputy director of the Heavy Constructors Association of Greater Kansas City. She most recently served as commissioner for Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations in Jefferson City, having been appointed by Governor Parson in 2020. Prior to her appointment, she served in the Missouri legislature for 13 years, representing the people of Jackson County in the Missouri House and Senate. Curls serves on the board of Jobs for America’s Graduates, Community Builders of Kansas City, University Health Hospital, and more. She received her education from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

    Logan Hobbs, of Jefferson City, was appointed as chair of the State Board of Mediation.

    Mr. Hobbs serves as the director of labor standards for the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, managing a division of over 30 state government workers to ensure state labor standards are enforced throughout the State of Missouri. He previously served as the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ legislative liaison, representing the Department’s interests in the state capitol. Hobbs has also served as the supervisor of English instructors for a private English academy in the Republic of Korea, as well as assisted in maintaining his family cow-calf operation in McDonald County. Mr. Hobbs earned his degree in political science and international relations from Truman State University in Kirksville.

    Rhonda Mammen, of Springfield, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

    Ms. Mammen previously served as director of school counseling services for the Springfield School District and an instructor for in-person and online courses for master’s level students in the School Counseling Program at Missouri State University. She has served on the Child Abuse and Neglect Collaborative and the Underage Drinking Task Force of the Community Partnership of the Ozarks. Mammen actively volunteers for organizations such as the Council of Churches Crosslines Food Pantry, O’Reilly Center for Hope, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and more. She holds a bachelor’s in education and a master’s in school counseling from Missouri State University.

    Jennifer Schoonover, of Trimble, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

    Ms. Schoonover is the vice president of clinical services at Synergy Services, Inc., a non-profit mental health center helping survivors of family violence and creating safe communities. She is a certified counselor with the National Board of Certified Counselors. She is also an active member of the Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Schoonover received a bachelor’s degree in psychology rehabilitation and a master’s degree in counseling psychology from University of Central Missouri.

    Kristen Tuohy, of Rogersville, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

    Ms. Tuohy serves as the Prosecuting Attorney for Christian County. Touhy previously served as the First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Christian County and Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Targeted cost of living support for Canberrans

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

    You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Suspect Wanted in 26 Count Indictment Arrested by Task Force

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Cleveland, OH – Late this afternoon, members of the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) along with the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s (OSHP) Aviation Unit and Special Response Team arrested Gianni Gray Jr. 26.

    Gray Jr. was wanted by the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department for a 26-count indictment, with charges that include trafficking offenses, drug possession, having weapons while under disability, possession of criminal tools, and receiving stolen property.  Many of the charges have firearms specifications attached to them as well. Gray has been on the run from these charges for a year.  

    Two months ago, members of the NOVFTF began looking for Gray Jr. and his codefendant, Jamal Taylor.  Taylor was arrested by the NOVFTF on April 18 after a short foot pursuit on Cleveland’s westside.  Gray Jr. was recently featured as Crimestoppers most wanted last month.  

    Early this morning, members of the NOVFTF and the OSHP Aviation Unit and SRT began searching for Gray Jr. on the eastside of Cleveland.  Officers were able to locate Gray Jr. in the parking lot of a business in the 9200 block of Miles Ave.  After a short foot pursuit, Gray Jr. was taken into custody.  A handgun was seized from Gray Jr., along with an unknown amount of drugs. The task force will work with local and federal partners to determine if further charges are warranted. 

    U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “This suspect is a menace to our communities with the laundry list of charges against him.  His violent felonies, possession of drugs and a gun at his arrest today show he has no intention of stopping his criminal activity.  Cleveland and the surrounding communities are safer with this suspect behind bars.”

    Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.  

    The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Cleveland Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies:  U.S. Marshals Service, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Euclid Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Independence Police Department, Parma Police Department, Aurora Police Department, Solon Police Department, Cleveland RTA Police Department, Westlake Police Department, Bedford Police Department, Middleburg Heights Police Department, Newburgh Heights Police Department and the Metrohealth Police Department. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Bolsters America’s Supply Chains, Critical Infrastructure, and Domestic Industry Through Arctic ICE Pact

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Representatives from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) met with Canadian and Finnish counterparts as part of a two-day summit for the ongoing Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact), a trilateral agreement to strengthen United States supply chains, increase domestic jobs, and improve U.S. shipbuilding capabilities to defend the American people.

    “ICE Pact is a key component of America’s economic future. President Donald Trump and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem understand that economic security is national security,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “By revitalizing U.S. shipyards, creating jobs, strengthening industrial capabilities, and opening up the Arctic’s vast potential to American businesses, the Trump administration is putting America’s prosperity and security first.” 

    During the two-day event, government leaders discussed with public and private stakeholders plans to advance four key areas: technical expertise and information exchange; workforce development; relations with allies and industry; and research and development.

    The three partner countries concluded this successful meeting with a commitment to reconvene in person by the end of the year for a meeting hosted by the U.S. government.

    Icebreakers are vital for America’s presence in the Arctic, a region increasingly contested by Russia and China due to its growing potential for oil and gas exploration, critical minerals, trade route traffic, fishing, and tourism. Russia maintains the largest icebreaker fleet in the world with 40-plus icebreakers and has made the Arctic its top naval priority; China is rapidly expanding its presence in this field as well and is collaborating with Russia on Arctic expansion efforts.

    In contrast, until last month, the United States Coast Guard operated just two icebreakers. In late May, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Storis began its maiden voyage to the Arctic. ICE Pact will steer more investment into U.S. industry to boost our icebreaker fleet.

    Plans developed during ICE Pact meetings will allow the U.S., Canada, and Finland to build American-made Arctic and polar icebreakers.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Debunks Fake News Demonizing ICE Officers, Sets the Record Straight on L.A. Operations

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    These disgusting smears are designed to demonize and villainize our brave ICE law enforcement and have led to a more than 400 percent increase of assaults on our officers

    WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement to set the record straight on media reports demonizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers as they work to remove criminal illegal aliens from American streets in Los Angeles (LA), California.

    Below are just a handful of FALSE headlines about recent DHS operations in Los Angeles that attempt to villainize federal law enforcement.

    To set the record straight, the Department’s responses to the false claims are below.

    THE FACTS: “DHS targets have nothing to do with an individuals’ skin color. What makes someone a target is if they are in the United States illegally. These types of disgusting smears are designed to demonize and villainize our brave ICE law enforcement. This kind of garbage has led to a more than 400 percent increase in the assaults on ICE officers. Politicians and activists must turn the temperature down and tone down their rhetoric.” – Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

    THE FACTS: “The facts are a U.S. citizen was arrested because he ASSAULTED U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agents. Secretary Noem has been clear: if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” – Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

    THE FACTS: “This is blatantly FALSE. ICE is NOT in homeless shelters, ERs and schools. This rhetoric from the Mayor of LA and California politicians demonizes the brave men and women of law enforcement.” – Senior DHS Official

    THE FACTS: “Claims that ICE has conducted operations at Douglas Park to target and arrest nannies and caregivers are unequivocally FALSE. These are the type of lies being spread to demonize our brave ICE law enforcement who risk their lives to remove criminal illegal aliens including suspected terrorists, gang members, murderers, and rapists from American communities. The facts are that ICE, and our federal partners, are targeting the worst of the worst.” – Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: Participants of the anniversary shift should take with them in their hearts love for our country and for Artek

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On June 16, 2025, a special commemorative postage stamp cancellation ceremony dedicated to the centenary of the center was held at the Artek International Children’s Center. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko, Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov, and Director of the Artek International Children’s Center Konstantin Fedorenko.

    They greeted the Artek children and took part in the special cancellation procedure – a special postmark that is valid for only one day. This postmark with the date and place of the ceremony turns the postal products that have undergone the cancellation into real philatelic rarities.

    “Being a participant in the anniversary shift is a great honor and privilege. You should carry in your hearts the love for our country, for Artek, meet the children with whom you will go through life, who will forever remain Artekites and will be with you. Here you learn to be friends, work and be useful to our country and your families. This is the main thing you should learn here. Artek has been around for over 100 years, and now we can say so, it is an international standard for the best children’s recreation. Happy anniversary, Artek! Happy holiday, guys!” Dmitry Chernyshenko addressed the participants.

    “On this festive day, I want to thank the counselors, the organizers, who do everything to ensure that each of you realizes your talents. Guys, I think that you will also join these words. Today is a significant event for the international children’s center “Artek” and for other children’s centers. We laid a capsule in 2125, the ceremony of cancellation of the anniversary postage stamp took place. I am sure that in 100 years, the children will also strive to get to “Artek” and rejoice at the opportunity to be here,” said Sergey Kravtsov at the ceremony of cancellation of the stamp.

    During the celebration, Artek member Ruslan Minyaylenko from the Luhansk People’s Republic, the author of the drawing that won the competition to create a sketch for a postage stamp, spoke about the creation of the sketch. His work reflects the spirit and long-standing traditions of Artek, uniting the past and the present.

    The camp counselors and educators prepared a creative exhibition where they presented postage stamps, envelopes and postcards issued in different years on significant dates in the history of Artek. Among them: a postage stamp from 1938 from the Children of the Land of Soviets series; a stamp from 1948 dedicated to the All-Union Pioneer Organization; a stamp from 1958 for International Children’s Day with an image of a bugler from a pioneer camp; postage envelopes from 1963, 1965, 1971 issued by the USSR Ministry of Communications; a postcard from 1975 in honor of the 50th anniversary of the camp; stamps from 1985 and 2015 dedicated to the 60th and 90th anniversaries of Artek, respectively. This exhibition allowed guests and Artek residents to see how the images and symbols of Artek on postal items changed and to feel the connection between generations.

    The release of the anniversary postage stamp is accompanied by the publication of first day covers, maximum cards, artistic covers and vignettes. All these collectibles can be purchased at post offices throughout Russia. Particular attention is paid to the special cancellation stamps, which were made not only for Moscow and Gurzuf (Republic of Crimea), but also for Ulyanovsk and Chelyabinsk.

    The festive mood was created by the theatrical composition “Native Artek” with the participation of the famous song theater “Neposedy”. Artek residents had the opportunity to personally sign envelopes and receive unique impressions of a special stamp in the post house “Artek Post”.

    In addition, Dmitry Chernyshenko, Sergey Kravtsov and Konstantin Fedorenko, together with Artek children, unveiled a memorial bas-relief dedicated to the sculptor Ernst Neizvestny at the entrance to the educational space for artistic creativity.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Robber Gets Seven Years For 7-Eleven Robberies

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Kevon Holston, 27, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in Superior Court for robberies he committed on two separate dates at 7-Eleven stores in Northwest, Washington, D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Holston pleaded guilty on March 31, 2025, to one count each of armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery. Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced Holston to seven years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. 

                According to the government’s evidence, at approximately, 11:27 p.m., on November 27, 2024, Holston entered a 7-­Eleven store located in the 1600 block of 7th Street, Northwest, and pointed a gun at a store employee and demanded money. The victim complied and gave the defendant $200 in cash. Holston took the money and fled the store.

                On December 28, 2024, at approximately 8:05 p.m., Holston entered a different 7-Eleven store located in the 500 block of K Street, Northwest. The defendant brandished a gun and told the victim, “give me all you got.” The victim did not have the PIN to the cash register and called over another employee to assist with opening it. The second victim opened the register and handed $5 in cash to the defendant. Holston took the money and fled the store.

                In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Rashmika Nedungadi, who prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Robber Gets Seven Years For 7-Eleven Robberies

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Kevon Holston, 27, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in Superior Court for robberies he committed on two separate dates at 7-Eleven stores in Northwest, Washington, D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Holston pleaded guilty on March 31, 2025, to one count each of armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery. Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced Holston to seven years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. 

                According to the government’s evidence, at approximately, 11:27 p.m., on November 27, 2024, Holston entered a 7-­Eleven store located in the 1600 block of 7th Street, Northwest, and pointed a gun at a store employee and demanded money. The victim complied and gave the defendant $200 in cash. Holston took the money and fled the store.

                On December 28, 2024, at approximately 8:05 p.m., Holston entered a different 7-Eleven store located in the 500 block of K Street, Northwest. The defendant brandished a gun and told the victim, “give me all you got.” The victim did not have the PIN to the cash register and called over another employee to assist with opening it. The second victim opened the register and handed $5 in cash to the defendant. Holston took the money and fled the store.

                In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Rashmika Nedungadi, who prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –