Category: Security

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Secretary of State challenged on Baroness O’Loan appointment to Finucane inquiry

Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

Statement by TUV leader and North Antrim MP Jim Allister:

“The Secretary of State’s decision to appoint Baroness Nuala O’Loan as an assessor to the Pat Finucane public inquiry is highly questionable and fundamentally undermines public confidence in a process which is already highly suspect in the eyes of many.

“Baroness O’Loan has been personally and publicly invested in the Finucane case for nearly two decades. As Police Ombudsman her office produced Operation Ballast in 2007, a report that investigated alleged collusion between the RUC and loyalist paramilitaries, including in relation to the Finucane murder. That report formed a key part of the narrative that ultimately led to sustained political pressure for a public inquiry.

“On her departure from the Ombudsman role, The Guardian noted that her work had been dominated by collusion cases, and highlighted her personal frustration that no prosecutions had followed, singling out the Finucane case. This was not the dispassionate stance of an investigator concluding her work — it was the expression of someone who clearly regarded the Finucane case as unfinished business.

“More than a decade later, in December 2020, she publicly criticised the UK government for its refusal to initiate a public inquiry, continuing to advocate for the very process she has now been appointed to help direct. Her comments made clear she had already formed a view on the need for such an inquiry and on the alleged failures of state agencies.

“To now place her in a formal advisory role — after so many years of active and vocal involvement — compromises the credibility of the inquiry before it has even begun. This is not a matter of legal competence, but of perceived impartiality, which is essential if justice is to be seen to be done.

“At a time when countless victims of terrorist violence have never had so much as a day in court, let alone a public inquiry, the decision to proceed with this case in this manner, and with this appointment, will be seen by many as confirmation of a two-tier approach to victims.

“I have therefore today written to the Secretary of State to formally challenge the appointment of Baroness O’Loan.

“I am not questioning Baroness O’Loan’s professionalism, but nonetheless this is not the case for her talents.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Cryptocurrency Financial Services Firm “Gotbit” and Founder Sentenced for Market Manipulation and Fraud Conspiracy

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BOSTON – Gotbit Consulting LLC (Gotbit), a financial services firm known in the cryptocurrency industry as a “market maker,” was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for criminal charges relating to Gotbit’s fraudulent manipulation of cryptocurrency trading volume on behalf of client cryptocurrency companies.

Aleksei Andriunin, 26, of Russia and Portugal, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to eight months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. In March 2025, Andriunin pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud. Andriunin was arrested in Portugal on Oct. 8, 2024 and extradited to the United States on Feb. 25, 2025.

As part of its criminal resolution, Gotbit was ordered to forfeit a total of approximately $23 million in seized cryptocurrency. The court also sentenced Gotbit to a term of probation for five years, during which time Gotbit shall cease to exist or operate.

Gotbit and Andriunin were indicted by a federal grand jury on the same charges in October 2024. The indictment also charges two of Gotbit’s directors, Fedor Kedrov and Qawi Jalili.

Gotbit was a well-known “market maker” in the cryptocurrency industry. Between 2018 and 2024, Gotbit provided market manipulation services to create artificial trading volume for multiple cryptocurrency companies, including companies located in the United States and companies whose cryptocurrencies traded on platforms available to investors located in the United States. Andriunin was Gotbit’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer. In a 2019 interview, Andriunin described how he developed a code to “wash trade” cryptocurrencies to artificially inflate trading volume for the purpose of getting cryptocurrencies listed on CoinMarketCap (a website that published information about “trending” cryptocurrencies) and trading on larger cryptocurrency exchanges. Andriunin and Gotbit’s employees marketed these wash trading tactics to prospective clients and explained how Gotbit used multiple accounts to avoid detection of the wash trades on the public blockchain. Gotbit made wash trades worth millions of dollars on behalf of clients and received tens of millions of dollars in payments from clients.

Gotbit admitted that it engaged in manipulative trades to artificially increase the trading price and volume of tokens for clients that included Robo Inu and Saitama. Leaders of those cryptocurrency companies were charged in separate cases unsealed in October 2024.

Gotbit is the third market maker to resolve criminal charges relating to wash trading in the cryptocurrency industry. In October 2024, the founder of MyTrade pleaded guilty in connection with providing an unlawful wash trading service identified through an undercover law enforcement operation. In April 2025, CLS Global FZC LLC was sentenced in connection with offering illegal “volume support” services uncovered by the same operation.

The Securities & Exchange Commission brought a related civil enforcement action against Gotbit alleging violations of the securities laws.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Markham and David M. Holcomb of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol Head, Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit is handling the forfeiture matter.

MIL Security OSI –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Identity fraud: BaFin additionally warns consumers about the website goldingdigital.net

Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

On 22 May 2025, BaFin issued a warning about the services being offered on the website goldingdigital.com, which has since been deactivated. The unknown operators are now using the website goldingdigital.net. BaFin suspects the operators of this website of offering consumers financial and investment services without the required authorisation. Contrary to the claims on the website, the services being offered do not originate from Golding Capital Partners GmbH, which has its registered office in Munich. This is a case of identity fraud.

BaFin is issuing this warning on the basis of section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

Please be aware:

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

MIL OSI Global Banks –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: UNOC3: “Fine words must now translate into action”, Greenpeace comment

Source: Greenpeace Statement –

Nice, France, The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) concludes today with significant progress made towards the ratification of the High Seas Treaty and a strong statement on a new plastics treaty signed by 95 governments. Once ratified, it will be the only legal tool that can create protected areas in international waters, making it fundamental to protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. 50 countries, plus the European Union, have now ratified the Treaty.

Deep sea mining rose up the agenda in the conference debates, demonstrating the urgency of opposing this industry. The expectation from civil society and a large group of states, including both co-hosts of UNOC, was that governments would make progress towards stopping deep sea mining in Nice. UN Secretary General Guterres said the deep sea should not become the wild west. French President Macron said a deep sea mining moratorium is an international necessity. Four new countries pledged their support for a moratorium at UNOC bringing the total to 37. Attention now turns to what actions governments will take in July to stop this industry from starting.

Megan Randles, Greenpeace Head of Delegation regarding the High Seas Treaty and progress towards stopping deep sea mining said: “High Seas Treaty ratification is within touching distance, but the progress made here in Nice feels hollow as this UN Ocean Conference ends without more tangible commitments to stopping deep sea mining.

“We’ve heard lots of fine words here in Nice, but these need to turn into tangible action. Countries must be brave, stand up for global cooperation and make history by stopping deep sea mining this year. They can do this by committing to a moratorium on deep sea mining at next month’s International Seabed Authority meeting. We applaud those who have already taken a stand, and urge all others to be on the right side of history by stopping deep sea mining.”

Following this UNOC, attention now turns to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) meetings in July. In the face of The Metals Company teaming up with Trump to mine the global oceans, the upcoming ISA provides a space where governments can come together to defend the deep ocean by adopting a moratorium to stop this destructive industry.

Negotiations on a Global Plastics Treaty resume in August.

John Hocevar, Oceans Campaign Director, Greenpeace USA said: “The majority of countries have spoken when they signed on to the Nice Call for an Ambitious Plastics Treaty that they want an agreement that will reduce plastic production. Now, as we end the UN Ocean Conference and head on to the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Geneva this August, they must act. The world cannot afford a weak treaty dictated by oil-soaked obstructionists.

“The ambitious majority must rise to this moment, firmly hold the line and ensure that we will have a Global Plastic Treaty that cuts plastic production, protects human health, and delivers justice for Indigenous Peoples and communities on the frontlines. Governments need to show that multilateralism still works for people and the planet, not the profits of a greedy few.”

Nichanan Thantanwit, Project Leader, Ocean Justice Project said: “Coastal and Indigenous communities, including small-scale fishers, have protected the ocean for generations. Now they are being pushed aside by industries driving ecological collapse and human rights violations.

“As the UN Ocean Conference ends, governments must recognise small-scale fishers and Indigenous Peoples as rights-holders, secure their access and role in marine governance, and stop destructive practices such as bottom trawling and harmful aquaculture. There is no ocean protection without the people who have protected it all along.”

The anticipated Nice Ocean Action Plan, which consists of a political declaration and a series of voluntary commitments, will be announced later today at the end of the conference. None will be legally binding, so governments need to act strongly during the next ISA meeting in July and at plastic treaty negotiations in August.

ENDS

Photos and Video available in the Greenpeace Media Library.

Contacts:

James Hanson, Head of Communications, Greenpeace Protect the Oceans campaign, +44 7801 212 994, [email protected]

Magali Rubino, Global Media Lead, Greenpeace Protect the Oceans campaign, +33 7 78 41 78 78, [email protected]

Greenpeace International Press Desk: +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

MIL OSI NGO –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Statement on the Situation in Iran

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. (Photo: D. Calma/IAEA)

Early this morning, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was informed of the military operation launched by Israel which includes attacks on nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

We are currently in contact with the Iranian nuclear safety authorities to ascertain the status of relevant nuclear facilities and to assess any wider impacts on nuclear safety and security. At present, the competent Iranian authorities have confirmed that the Natanz enrichment site has been impacted and that there are no elevated radiation levels. They have also reported that at present the Esfahan and Fordow sites have not been impacted.

This development is deeply concerning. I have repeatedly stated that nuclear facilities must never be attacked, regardless of the context or circumstances, as it could harm both people and the environment. Such attacks have serious implications for nuclear safety, security and safeguards, as well as regional and international peace and security.

In this regard, the IAEA recalls the numerous General Conference resolutions on the topic of military attacks against nuclear facilities, in particular, GC(XXIX)/RES/444 and GC(XXXIV)/RES/533, which provide, inter alia, that “any armed attack on and threat against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes constitutes a violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law and the Statute of the Agency”.

Furthermore, the IAEA has consistently underlined that “armed attacks on nuclear facilities could result in radioactive releases with grave consequences within and beyond the boundaries of the State which has been attacked”, as was stated in GC(XXXIV)/RES/533.

As Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and consistent with the objectives of the IAEA under the IAEA Statute, I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. I reiterate that any military action that jeopardizes the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond.

Yesterday, the Board of Governors adopted an important resolution on Iran’s safeguards obligations. In addition to this, the Board resolution stressed its support for a diplomatic solution to the problems posed by the Iranian nuclear programme.

The IAEA continues to monitor the situation closely, stands ready to provide technical assistance, and remains committed to its nuclear safety, security and safeguards mandate in all circumstances. I stand ready to engage with all relevant parties to help ensure the protection of nuclear facilities and the continued peaceful use of nuclear technology in accordance with the Agency mandate, including, deploying Agency nuclear security and safety experts (in addition to our safeguards inspectors in Iran) wherever necessary to ensure that nuclear installations are fully protected and continue to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.

I wish to inform the Board that I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran.

I have also been in contact with our inspectors in Iran and Israel. The safety of our staff is of paramount importance. All necessary actions are being taken to ensure they are not harmed.

Despite the current military actions and heightened tensions, it is clear that the only sustainable path forward—for Iran, for Israel, the entire region, and the international community—is one grounded in dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace, stability, and cooperation.

The International Atomic Energy Agency, as the international technical institution entrusted with overseeing the peaceful use of nuclear energy, remains the unique and vital forum for dialogue, especially now.

In accordance with its Statute and longstanding mandate, the IAEA provides the framework and natural platform where facts prevail over rhetoric and where engagement can replace escalation.

I reaffirm the Agency’s readiness to facilitate technical discussions and support efforts that promote transparency, safety, security and the peaceful resolution of nuclear-related issues in Iran.

MIL Security OSI –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: NATO Secretary General in Stockholm, highlights Sweden’s defence industry leadership and support to Ukraine

Source: NATO

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson in Stockholm on Friday (13 June 2025) to discuss preparations for the NATO Summit in The Hague.

Mr Rutte noted that Sweden – NATO’s newest member – is “already making major contributions across the Alliance” since joining in March 2024, including through contributions to Forward Land Forces in Latvia, and leading NATO’s newly established Forward Land Forces in Finland.

“Your Gripen fighter jets help patrol the skies over Poland, and your ships contribute to our enhanced military presence in the Baltic Sea through Baltic Sentry,” he said. The Secretary General also highlighted how Sweden’s expertise in the High North strengthens NATO’s regional posture and reinforces the Alliance’s ability to support Baltic Allies.

In 2024, Sweden invested 2.66% of GDP on defence, with plans to go further. “This is a clear demonstration of Sweden’s commitment to collective defence,” said the Secretary General. Mr Rutte also underlined Sweden’s leadership in strengthening NATO’s defence industrial base. “You have a world-class defence sector,” he said. He welcomed Sweden’s role in defence industrial production, research, and resilience.

Secretary General Rutte also commended Sweden for its staunch support of Ukraine. “Since 2022, you have provided over 7 billion euros in military assistance – including 1.25 billion in the first four months of this year alone. In terms of GDP, this places Sweden among the top contributors to Ukraine.” He also welcomed Sweden’s investment in Ukraine’s defence industry, saying: “You are truly leading by example.”

Turning to the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, the Secretary General highlighted the need for increased investment and stronger defence industrial capacity. “I expect leaders to make bold decisions to further strengthen our deterrence and defence – including agreeing a new defence investment plan that would bring our defence investment to 5% of GDP.”

In Stockholm, Secretary General Rutte also took part in a panel discussion at the annual Bilderberg meeting, alongside the President of the European Investment Bank Nadia Calviño and US Army General Chris Donahue. The discussion was moderated by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Radoslaw Sikorski.

MIL Security OSI –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: EC intensifies relief efforts after extreme weather claims 78 Lives

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government, in collaboration with municipalities and social partners, is providing essential relief and recovery services to the communities affected by heavy rains and strong winds that have battered the province since Monday.

The devastating weather conditions have so far claimed the lives of 78 people across multiple districts, with the OR Tambo District Municipality recording the highest number of fatalities.

“The OR Tambo District Municipality accounts for more than 50 fatalities, while Amathole District Municipality accounts for more than six. Bodies are being held at the Mthatha Forensic Mortuary, with identification efforts currently underway,” the provincial government said.

Giving an update on the provincial government’s response and recovery efforts on Thursday, it said a coordinated, multi-agency response was in full effect focusing on rescue operations, relief distribution, and infrastructure recovery.

A reception area has been set up at Sir Henry Elliot Hall to offer counselling the affected families. In the Amathole District alone, approximately 1 000 displaced residents are being sheltered in community facilities.

Emergency relief measures, including food, blankets, and clean water, have also been distributed to affected communities, and Primary Health Care (PHC) services are being delivered on-site. Emergency medical referrals are being facilitated where necessary.

Rescue efforts for hard-hit areas

Among the areas hard-hit by the severe weather conditions include Slovo Park and Decoligny Village in Mthatha, within the OR Tambo District.

A total of 38 people were successfully rescued in Mthatha, through joint efforts by Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the South African Police Service (SAPS), and various volunteer organisations.

“Two helicopters, search and rescue vehicles, K9 units, and technical rescue teams have been deployed. In Joe Gqabi District, heavy snow has led to road closures [while] Alfred Nzo District and surrounding areas [have suffered] critical damage to infrastructure, including roads, clinics, schools, and hospitals,” the provincial government said.

The storm has further caused widespread damage to public infrastructure, with at least 127 schools across 10 districts, and about 20 health facilities affected.

“Assessment and mapping of affected schools are ongoing, while restoration efforts for power, water supply, and road infrastructure are currently underway with the support of engineering teams,” the provincial government said.

Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in the disaster and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring safety and dignity to the affected communities. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Man arrested following fatal shooting in Hammersmith

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 30-year-old man was fatally shot in Hammersmith.

Police were called to Claxton Grove, W6 at 23:19hrs on Wednesday, 11 June.

Upon arrival, the London Ambulance Service were treating two men for gunshot wounds. Both were taken to hospital where, despite the best efforts of emergency workers and medical professionals, the 30-year-old man sadly died on Thursday, 12 June.

His next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

The second man, also in his 30s, was treated for minor injuries and has since been discharged from hospital.

A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He has since been re-arrested on suspicion of murder, and remains in police custody.

Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah, from the Central West Command Unit, said: “Our deepest sympathy is with the victim’s family who are being supported by specialist officers at this time.

“This is a shocking crime to occur in any community, and we thank locals for their patience. They will see an increased police presence in the area as we conduct our enquires.”

If anyone witnessed the incident, or has any information that can help the investigation, please contact the police as a matter of urgency on 101 quoting 8916/11JUN.

To remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org

Claxton Grove will remain closed while a crime scene is in place.

MIL Security OSI –

June 13, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lifesaving partnership wins national award

Source: City of Leicester

A LIFESAVING initiative that enables front-line police officers in Leicestershire to carry and administer an antidote to opiate drugs has won a national award.

The city council’s public health team worked in partnership with the police and local drug and alcohol treatment service Turning Point to develop the initiative, which has potentially already saved 14 lives in its first 12 months of operation.

Last night they were named as winners of the Public/Public Partnerships category at the 2025 Local Government Chronicle’s Awards, which recognise excellence in local government across the whole of the UK.

Feedback from the LGC said: “Judges were wowed by a partnership solution which is both innovative and pragmatic. The clarity on the role of each partner and the way they overcame challenges was truly impressive. We could see how all places could apply this model to save lives and strengthen services – amazing outcomes.”

The partnership was developed in response to a national rising trend in drug deaths. Many of these could have been avoided with the use of the antidote Naloxone, which reverses the effects of an opiate overdose – if given quickly enough.

Leicester’s Director of Public Health Rob Howard said: “It’s great to see our partnership recognised in this way as it will help to raise awareness of what can be achieved by public bodies working together with the same aim.”

The scheme saves lives through Naloxone being administered immediately in the event of an opiate overdose. It’s given in the form of a nasal spray which reverses respiratory arrest and allows time for emergency medical services to be called.

Rob Howard said: “Police officers are most likely to be the first on scene at such incidents, and thanks to years of hard work by all involved, we believe that the Leicestershire police service is now the first in England and Wales to commit to enabling all front-line officers to carry Naloxone.

“This incredible partnership work has not only saved lives, and will save lives in the future, but is also supporting a broader understanding of the challenges faced by people who use drugs.”

Grace Strong, Head of Prevention at Leicestershire Police said; “Partnership working is at the heart of prevention and the Naloxone project is an exemplary example of the police joining forces with partners to ensure we prevent harm. We are proud of this ground-breaking project and to this receive a national award is a very welcome external recognition.”

Approval for a pilot scheme was given by Leicestershire Police in 2023, after Turning Point and the city council’s public health team had found funding and established pilot sites.

Initially small groups of police officers were trained in overdose awareness and administering Naloxone, after which almost 200 officers voluntarily agreed to carry it.

Julie Bass, Turning Point’s Chief Executive said: “Winning this prestigious award is testament to the power of partnership. We have been delighted to work with Leicestershire Police and Leicester City Council on this initiative, which genuinely has saved lives and also strengthened joint working across our organisations.”

In the first 12 months of the scheme, police officers administered Naloxone on 14 separate occasions, in situations where people were likely to have otherwise died, before calling for ambulance back-up.

New recruits to Leicestershire Police are now trained in administering Naloxone as part of their core training, and offered the chance to carry at that time. Since this was introduced, every new recruit has volunteered to carry it.

Around 1000 entries were submitted to the 2025 LGC Awards, with winners announced at a ceremony on 11 June 2025 in London.

Picture caption: Leicestershire police officers are trained in the use of Naloxene by Turning Point Leicester.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 13, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Nigeria: Pardon for executed Ogoni Nine activists ‘falls far short’ of real justice

Source: Amnesty International –

Responding to the announcement on Wednesday that the Nigerian government has pardoned the Ogoni Nine, Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International Nigeria’s Director, said:

“This is welcome news but it falls far short of the justice the Ogoni Nine need and deserve – the Nigerian government must recognise formally that they are innocent of any crime and fully exonerate them.

“The Ogoni Nine, led by Ken Saro-Wiwa, Nigeria’s leading author and campaigner, were brutally executed by a regime that wanted to hide the crimes of Shell and other oil companies that were destroying – and continue to destroy – the lives and livelihoods of tens of thousands of people across the Niger Delta as a result of their devastating oil spills and leaks.

“The execution of these activists nearly 30 years ago has given the Nigerian government and oil companies, including Shell, licence to crackdown on protests and intimidate people in the Niger Delta who have been demanding justice and an end to their toxic pollution.

“Full justice for the Ogoni Nine is only a first step – much more needs to be done to get justice for communities in the Niger Delta, including holding Shell and other oil companies to account for the damage they have done and continue to do. They must pay the Niger Delta’s communities full compensation for the devastation their oil spills and leaks have caused and clean up their toxic mess before they leave the region.”

The Ogoni Nine

Ken Saro-Wiwa, environmental activist and writer, Barinem Kiobel, John Kpuinen, Baribor Bera, Felix Nuate, Paul Levula, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo and Daniel Gbokoo, were executed after a blatantly unfair trial on 10 November 1995. Officially accused of involvement in murder, the men had in fact been put on trial because they had challenged the devastating impact of oil production by Shell, in the Ogoniland region of the Niger Delta. Shell has been accused of complicity in the unlawful arrest, detention and execution of the nine men.

Niger Delta devastation

For 60 years Shell and other oil companies have been responsible for oil spills and leaks due to poorly maintained pipelines, wells and inadequate clean-up attempts that have ravaged the health and livelihoods of many of the 30 million people living in the Niger Delta – most of whom live in poverty. People can’t fish anymore because their water sources, including their wells for drinking water, are poisoned and the land is contaminated which has killed plant life, meaning communities can no longer farm. 

The Ogale and Bille communities as well as the Bodo community are taking Shell to the UK’s Royal Courts of Justice demanding the oil giant cleans up the oil spills that have wrecked their livelihoods, health and caused widespread devastation to the local environment.

MIL OSI NGO –

June 13, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Nigeria: Ogoni Nine pardon ‘falls far short’ of real justice

Source: Amnesty International –

Responding to the announcement on Wednesday that the Nigerian government has pardoned the Ogoni Nine, Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International Nigeria’s Director, said:

“This is welcome news but it falls far short of the justice the Ogoni Nine need and deserve – the Nigerian government must recognise formally that they are innocent of any crime and fully exonerate them.

“The Ogoni Nine, led by Ken Saro-Wiwa Nigeria’s leading author and campaigner, were brutally executed by a regime that wanted to hide the crimes of Shell and other oil companies that were destroying – and continue to destroy – the lives and livelihoods of tens of thousands of people across the Niger Delta as a result of their devastating oil spills and leaks.

“The execution of these activists nearly 30 years ago has given the Nigerian government and oil companies, including Shell, licence to crackdown on protests and intimidate people in the Niger Delta who have been demanding justice and an end to their toxic pollution.

“Full justice for the Ogoni Nine is only a first step – much more needs to be done to get justice for communities in the Niger Delta, including holding Shell and other oil companies to account for the damage they have done and continue to do. They must pay the Niger Delta’s communities full compensation for the devastation their oil spills and leaks have caused and clean up their toxic mess before they leave the region.”

Background

The Ogoni Nine

Ken Saro-Wiwa, environmental activist and writer, Barinem Kiobel, John Kpuinen, Baribor Bera, Felix Nuate, Paul Levula, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo and Daniel Gbokoo, were executed after a blatantly unfair trial on 10 November 1995. Officially accused of involvement in murder, the men had in fact been put on trial because they had challenged the devastating impact of oil production by Shell, in the Ogoniland region of the Niger Delta.

Shell have been accused of complicity in the unlawful arrest, detention and execution of nine men.

Niger Delta devastation

For 60 years Shell and other oil companies have been responsible for oil spills and leaks due to poorly maintained pipelines, wells and inadequate clean-up attempts that have ravaged the health and livelihoods of many of the 30 million people living in the Niger Delta – most of whom live in poverty. People can’t fish anymore because their water sources, including their wells for drinking water, are poisoned and the land is contaminated which has killed plant life, meaning communities can no longer farm. 

The Ogale and Bille communities as well as the Bodo community are taking Shell to the UK’s Royal Courts of Justice demanding the oil giant cleans up the oil spills that have wrecked their livelihoods, health and caused widespread devastation to the local environment.

MIL OSI NGO –

June 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Violation of the rights of ‘non-citizens’ in Estonia and Latvia according to EU law, with exclusion from fundamental civil and political rights – E-002211/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002211/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Danilo Della Valle (The Left), João Oliveira (The Left), Carolina Morace (The Left)

In Estonia and Latvia, a significant part of the population, including individuals of Russian-speaking, Ukrainian, and Georgian origin, hold the status of ‘non-citizen,’ despite often being born and residing in these Member States for decades. This status excludes them from fundamental civil and political rights, such as voting rights and access to public employment, violating the principles of equality and non-discrimination set out in Articles 20 and 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFR) and the right to political participation under Article 39 CFR.

This treatment conflicts with Article 18 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which prohibits discrimination based on nationality, and Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

The European Court of Human Rights (Strasbourg) and the Court of Justice of the EU have ruled on similar cases, such as X v Latvia (application no 27853/09) and the Petruhhin case (C-182/15).

In the light of this:

1.What is the Commission’s position on the persistence of ‘non-citizen’ status in Estonia and Latvia?

2.What measures will it take to ensure equal treatment and civic inclusion?

3.How does the Commission assess Estonia’s and Latvia’s compliance with EU obligations, and what steps might it consider to ensure conformity?

Submitted: 3.6.2025
Last updated: 13 June 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
June 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Study – Reporting obligations – 13-06-2025

Source: European Parliament

This study of Reporting Obligations was commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Justice, Civil Liberties and Institutional Affairs at the request of the JURI Committee. It provides an overview of regulatory reporting and disclosure overlaps that businesses face across the recently enacted Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and the EU Taxonomy. It provides recommendations on how to mitigate the burdens caused by these overlaps, together with a preliminary assessment of the Commission’s efforts to reduce burdens in the proposed Omnibus Directives.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 13, 2025
Air India crash survivor says he escaped through broken emergency exit

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The sole survivor of the Air India plane crash that killed more than 240 people said he walked out of a broken emergency exit after the aircraft hit a medical college hostel in the city of Ahmedabad.

Ramesh Viswashkumar, who police said was on seat 11A near the emergency exit and managed to escape through the broken hatch, was filmed after Thursday’s crash limping on the street in a blood-stained T-shirt with bruises on his face.

“I don’t believe how I survived. For some time I thought I was also going to die,” 40-year-old Viswashkumar told DD News from his hospital bed on Friday.

“But when I opened my eyes, I realised I was alive and I tried to unbuckle myself from the seat and escape from where I could. It was in front of my eyes that the air hostess and others (died)”, he added.

Police said some people at the hostel and others on the ground were also killed in the crash. Rescue workers were searching for missing people and aircraft parts in the charred buildings of the hostel on Friday.

Viswashkumar said the plane appeared to come to a standstill in midair for a few seconds shortly after take-off and the green and white cabin lights were turned on.

He said he could feel the engine thrust increasing but then the plane “crashed with speed into the hostel.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site in Ahmedabad and also met Viswashkumar at the hospital on Friday.

Doctors said that he did not sustain any major injuries.

“The side of the plane I was in landed on the ground, and I could see that there was space outside the aircraft, so when my door broke I tried to escape through it and I did,” Viswashkumar said.

“The opposite side of the aircraft was blocked by the building wall so nobody could have come out of there.”

Viswashkumar said he walked out of the crash site with only burn injuries on his left arm.

-Reuters

June 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Beware of fraudsters posing as HKMA staff

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

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

â€‹The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has received enquiries from members of the public about fraudsters posing as HKMA senior staff, issuing forged documents falsely claiming that certain securities or investment companies are “recognised financial institutions”, in an attempt to deceive members of the public into placing funds with these securities companies as a prerequisite for loan approval.

The HKMA wishes to clarify that the above schemes are fraudulent, and the HKMA will not contact individual members of the public regarding personal financial matters.

Should members of the public wish to verify whether an institution is authorized by the HKMA, they should refer to the Register of Authorized Institutions and Local Representative Offices available on the HKMA website.

The HKMA has reported the case to the Hong Kong Police Force.

Members of the public who suspect that they have become victims of any fraudulent acts should contact the Police or the Commercial Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012 for follow-up actions and investigation by the Police.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: NATO’s Digital Ocean Vision concludes three-day wargame

Source: NATO

From 10 to 13 June (2025), as part of its pioneering initiative Digital Ocean Vision, NATO offered participants the opportunity to test and compare next-generation systems alongside traditional naval platforms, in a digital wargame.

During the event, participants from across the NATO structures, as well as wargaming experts from the United Kingdom, Sweden, and the Netherlands, were able to test next-generation systems against traditional naval platforms such as frigates, corvettes, maritime patrol aircraft and submarines. The wargame was designed to measure and compare how emerging disruptive technologies perform, with findings directly supporting NATO’s Task Force X and enhancing the Alliance’s overall defensive posture.

NATO’s Digital Ocean Vision initiative aims to enhance NATO’s maritime situational awareness from seabed to space, by strengthening coordination between national and Allied capabilities employed for maritime surveillance. It includes a broad range of assets from satellites to autonomous systems below, on, and above the sea.

MIL Security OSI –

June 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Senior Police Call AGM cum Luncheon held (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Senior Police Call AGM cum Luncheon held
Speaking at the luncheon, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, said the SPC has been established for over ten years, aiming at promoting safety, health and community participation of the elderly. The Government adopted measures to promote the silver economy last month to enhance the quality of life for the elderly. In line with the policy direction, the SPC has launched a wide range of activities and training programmes to help its members achieve physical, mental and spiritual health.

In order to enhance the anti-deception awareness among senior citizens and to tackle the various and emerging deception tactics, the SPC launched the “IT Captain” training programme in May this year. This includes the education on the use of the one-stop scam and pitfall search engine “Scameter+”. Together with the “SPC Wealth Management and Anti-Investment Scam Ambassador” programme, the elderly get familiarised with the latest scam tactics and cyber traps, and are encouraged to spread the message of fraud prevention in the community. Trained “IT Captains” will guide elderly and citizens in the community to use the commonly-used mobile apps of the Government, assisting them to integrate into digital life.

An increase of 28 per cent was recorded in the number of deception cases involving elderly victims, reaching 6 345 cases in 2024 compared to 4 929 cases in 2023. There was also an increase of approximately 20 per cent in related fraud cases from January to April this year compared to the same period last year, to over 1 700 cases. Of these, more than half were classified as online frauds, while around 40 per cent were related to telephone scams.

At the AGM today, 44 SPC members were presented with the “Best SPC Captain” and “Most Active SPC Member” awards in recognition of their enthusiastic participation over the past year.

The newly launched “PALS@SPC” initiative this year represents four key themes of the SPC’s activities, with “P” standing for “Participate”, “A” for “Alert”, “L” for “Learn” and “S” for “Safeguard”. The SPC will continue to collaborate with various organisations to roll out a broader range of programmes, encouraging more senior citizens to become SPC members, and to enhance themselves through recreation and sports activities as well as courses and seminars. Being crime-fighting partners of the Police, SPC members join hands to serve the community and achieve the SPC sprit – “Helping Oneself and Others”.

Issued at HKT 18:11

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CategoriesMIL-OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 15 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Contribute”, “Lightshadow” and “Twilight”, and a joint operation with the Hong Kong Police Force codenamed “Windsand”, for four consecutive days from June 9 to yesterday (June 12). A total of 12 suspected illegal workers, two suspected employers and one suspected aider and abettor were arrested.

During the anti-illegal worker operations, ImmD Task Force officers raided 81 target locations including commercial buildings, an industrial building, residential buildings, a massage parlour, restaurants and retail stores. Twelve suspected illegal workers, two suspected employers and one suspected aider and abettor were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised five men and seven women, aged 21 to 57. Among them, two men and one woman were holders of a recognisance form, which prohibits them from taking any employment. In addition, one woman was also suspected of using and being in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card; one man was suspected of using and being in possession of a Hong Kong identity card related to another person. One man and one woman, aged 30 and 63, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested. One woman, aged 32, who was suspected of aiding and abetting a person who breached the condition of stay in Hong Kong, was also arrested.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Judge orders Trump to give California back control of its National Guard

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

LOS ANGELES, June 13 (Xinhua) — A federal judge on Thursday issued a temporary order ordering U.S. President Donald Trump to return control of the state’s National Guard to California authorities.

Trump’s deployment of the California National Guard and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles was unlawful because it violated the Tenth Amendment and exceeded the president’s statutory powers, according to the order, which will go into effect Friday at 12 p.m.

US District Judge Charles Breyer said Trump overstepped his authority when he ordered about 4,000 National Guard troops to be deployed to Los Angeles, where immigration protests have erupted.

California Governor Gavin Newsom challenged the measure in court. California later filed an emergency motion asking a judge to bar the National Guard from assisting immigration enforcement raids.

Breyer’s injunction was “a sharp rebuke of President Trump’s efforts to deploy thousands of National Guard troops to the streets of an American city, which has led to nearly a week of political standoffs and protests across the country,” the New York Times writes.

During an hour-long hearing in San Francisco, a Justice Department official said courts do not have the authority to review the president’s decisions regarding the National Guard and Marines, which Trump sent to Los Angeles despite objections from state and local officials.

C. Breyer expressed doubt that D. Trump fulfilled the conditions of the law determining when National Guard units, which are usually commanded by the state governor, can be federalized.

The judge stayed the order until Friday afternoon to allow an appeal, but he set a June 20 hearing on whether to make the restrictions permanent. The Trump administration has appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Multi-pronged approach to combat gang violence

Source: South Africa News Agency

Multi-pronged approach to combat gang violence

Government is embarking on a multi-pronged approach to address gang-related crime and its underlying socio-economic causes, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said.

Speaking on the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cabinet Committee’s strategy, the Deputy President emphasised that combating crime requires more than traditional policing.

He further highlighted several key points of the strategy, which include the development of a national anti-gang initiative, the enhancement of anti-gang units within the South African Police Service (SAPS), the implementation of Operation Shanela to focus on strategic law enforcement efforts, and an emphasis on community engagement and collaboration with stakeholders.

The need for a multi-disciplinary approach involving various government departments to address crime effectively was also emphasised.

“This strategy, supported by the anti-gang action plan, focuses on gangsterism through intelligence gathering, proactive policing, community engagement and stakeholder collaboration in this regard,” he said during a question-and-answer session in Parliament on Thursday.

WATCH | Question and answer session in the National Assembly

READ | Deputy President to respond to oral questions

Additionally, the country’s second-in-command said the SAPS is working around the clock to investigate and finalise gang-related cases, including drug trafficking, shootings and murders.

“As a result, according to the latest statement released by SAPS, ongoing operations, which are focusing on combating and preventing crime, including gender-based violence and femicide [GBVF], have led to the arrest of more than 13 000 suspects.”

He believes that the latest statistics show a significant decrease in most crime categories compared to the previous financial year but added that more efforts are needed.

As the Chair of the JCPS, he stated that he will continue to engage with the Minister of Police, the National Police Commissioner, and the MECs of Safety in all provinces.

Their goal is to enhance efforts in combating organised crime and gang-related killings, particularly in provinces like KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, where these issues are prevalent.

“Our goal is to eliminate immediate threats posed by crime and gangs in identified high crime areas, while fostering a safe and secure environment for long-term stability.”

The Deputy President emphasised a multidisciplinary approach, engaging various government departments to tackle root causes such as poverty and unemployment.

He noted that economic growth and job creation are crucial in preventing youth from turning to criminal activities.

Water issues

The Deputy President discussed the Water Task Team’s efforts to address water shortages, with a focus on 105 non-performing municipalities and enhancing municipal service management.

The team was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa last year under the leadership of the Deputy President to address water challenges in various areas in the country.

The Deputy President told the Members of Parliament that the Department of Water and Sanitation has established oversight structures and a specialised unit for priority projects and that a comprehensive water debt management plan is recommended.

“We are going to carefully look at the resolutions of the Water Indaba because it does address, particularly these issues, because some of the municipalities can’t be water authorities,” he said.

READ | Call for national turnaround plan on water security

In addition, he stated that consequence management for underperforming municipal managers is being considered.
“So, we are going to look at how we can, where possible, assist them to be effective in generating revenue. We have realised that poor maintenance of facilities is one of the biggest problems.

“If you visit many of our cities, you’ll find that there are problems with leakages and that non-revenue water is a significant issue. So, we’re going to work with them to try and deal with those challenges.”

HIV and AIDS

Shifting focus to HIV and AIDS, he said the withdrawal of US$8 billion in the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding for the HIV/AIDS programme will be offset by increased government spending and engagement with other markets. This as funding by the United States Government has been withdrawn. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 06/13/2025 – 09:26

MIL OSI Africa –

June 13, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Director of mobile phone shops given suspended sentence for £150,000 Covid loan fraud
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Director of mobile phone shops given suspended sentence for £150,000 Covid loan fraud

Zahid Afzal, of Pembrokeshire, fraudulently claimed extra Covid Bounce Back loans for his phone sales and merchandise companies.
Zahid Afzal claimed £150,000 in Covid loans – most of which he moved to personal accounts.

He had already received Bounce Back loans for his two companies when he applied for three more.

He was handed a two-year suspended sentence, and 300 hours of unpaid work, at Swansea Crown Court on 12 June 2025.

The director of two companies which run mobile phone shops across the UK has been handed a two-year suspended sentence, after he fraudulently claimed £150,000 in Covid Bounce Back loans.

Zahid Afzal, the director of Phone Bits Ltd and Phones Onn Ltd, had already received Covid loans for both companies legitimately – totalling £52,500 – when he applied for three more.

The 37-year-old, from Haverfordwest, falsely claimed the applications were the first he had made and exaggerated the turnover of each company.

He received the three additional loans of £50,000 each – one for Phone Bits Ltd and two for Phones Onn Ltd – between May and November 2020.

Afzal was sentenced for three counts of fraud by false representation at Swansea Crown Court on 12 June 2025.

The Insolvency Service is seeking to recover the fraudulently obtained funds under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Insolvency Service Chief Investigator David Snasdell said:

It is clear from our investigations that Zahid Afzal felt he could continue to apply time and time again for loans he was not entitled to.

Not satisfied with the substantial funds he had legitimately received, he went on to lie on applications and exaggerate his companies’ turnovers.

His sentencing should serve as a reminder to those contemplating fraudulently pocketing taxpayers’ money to think again.

Afzal’s companies ran mobile phone shops or kiosks in Carmarthen, Shropshire, Andover and North Devon.

The Insolvency Service investigation did not find any wrongdoing with the use of his initial loans for Phones Onn Ltd (£20,000) and Phone Bits (£32,500), which he was entitled to and were used entirely for business purposes.

But he moved the majority of the £150,000 he received from his second round of loans to personal accounts despite stating they were for business purposes.

The Bounce Back loan scheme helped small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000, at a low interest rate, guaranteed by the Government.

The loans were made on the condition that they were not to be used for personal purposes, but could be used, for example, to purchase a company asset such as a vehicle, if it would provide an economic benefit to the business.

The money lent to a company had to be paid back, over six or 10 years, with payments starting 12 months after the company received the loan.

Further information:

Zahid Afzal: DOB 09/03/1988 of Albert Street, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.

Phone Bits Ltd Company number 10136495, registered in Andover.

Phones Onn Ltd Company number 11771257, registered in London.

Zahid Afzal was charged on three counts in relation to sections 1 and 2 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Read more about the Bounce Back Loan Scheme and the action the Insolvency Service can take if it finds misconduct.

The Insolvency Service can investigate complaints about corporate abuse by live companies. This may include serious misconduct, fraud, scams or dishonest practice in the way the company operates. Further information on our live investigations can be found here  

Further information about the work of the Insolvency Service, and how to complain about financial misconduct.

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Published 13 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 13, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free family event set to get more kids giving sport a go
Source: City of Canterbury

Home » Latest News » Free family event set to get more kids giving sport a go

Children have the chance to try their hand at a whole range of sports at a free summer event being held by Canterbury City Council and Kent Police alongside a range of other organisations.

Taking place at Canterbury Rugby Club on Saturday 12 July, families will get to have a go at rugby, football, judo, taekwondo, boxing, wrestling, cricket, wheelchair rugby, combat archery and more.

The Give it a Go! event aims to encourage active lifestyles and greater wellbeing through sport and is open to all abilities and ages between four and 18 years old.

There will be organisations from the emergency services, food and drink options, as well as health and wellbeing and community safety stalls to take any questions.

A dedicated quiet zone will also be available for children with special educational needs and disabilities on the ground floor of the Kent MS Centre.

No pre-booking is required – simply come along to the rugby club between 10am and 4pm.

You also don’t need to be a Canterbury district resident to attend the event.

A free bus service will run every 30 minutes starting at 9.30am from Canterbury bus station to the rugby club, and the last bus leaving the rugby club will be 4.30pm.

Cllr Connie Nolan, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, said: “Giving young people the opportunity to try new things, stay active and gain skills is so important.

“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to get together with other local organisations to do just that.

“If your kids have ever been curious to try a new sport or you’re simply looking for a fun day out for the whole family this summer, please do come along and give it a go!”

The event is being organised by The Purple Partnership which is a partnership of local sports providers and businesses, led by the council and Kent Police, with the aim of:
- providing life skills to young people
- introducing young people to sports they may not have had the opportunity to try
- introducing young people to professional work environments
- delivering events and activities that are friendly and accessible to all young people
You can find out more about the Give it a Go! event here.

Published: 13 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 13, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Scam alert related to bank

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Scam alert related to bank

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

Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the scams concerned, should contact the relevant bank with the information provided in the corresponding press release, and report the matter to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
Issued at HKT 17:45

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 13, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal Crash, SH2, Maharahara

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a serious crash on State Highway Two, Maharahara earlier this evening.

Emergency services received a report of the two-vehicle crash at around 5.05pm.

Sadly, despite best efforts from emergency services, one person died at the scene.

Two others have received moderate to serious injuries.

The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducts a scene examination.

Motorists are advised to follow diversions and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: NATO Secretary General calls for “quantum leap” in collective defence on visit to the United Kingdom

Source: NATO

On Monday 9 June [2025], NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte travelled to the United Kingdom for a bilateral meeting with the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, ahead of the NATO Summit in The Hague later this month. During his trip, Mr Rutte also joined British Minister of Defence, John Healey, on a tour of the historic steel production site at Sheffield Forgemasters and delivered a keynote speech at Chatham House.

The Secretary General’s visit came one week after the unveiling of the United Kingdom’s Strategic Defence Review, marking a shift toward warfighting readiness and a ‘NATO first’ defence policy spurred by innovation.

The factory in Sheffield is a key catalyst for British plans to make their defence industry a driver for growth. There, the Secretary General met members of staff, including apprentices, whose specialist skills are contributing to the manufacture of nuclear-grade steel components for Royal Navy submarines.

Later, in London, Mr Rutte met Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street to discuss increasing defence investment and production as well as continued support for Ukraine. Speaking at Chatham House shortly afterwards, Mr Rutte thanked the UK for “more than seven decades of continuous commitment to NATO” and outlined his priorities for the upcoming NATO Summit.

“This Summit will transform our Alliance,” Mr Rutte stated. “We will build a better NATO, one that is stronger, fairer and more lethal. So that we can continue to keep our people safe and our adversaries at bay.”

He continued with a call to action. “The fact is, we need a quantum leap in our collective defence. The fact is, we must have more forces and capabilities to implement our defence plans in full. The fact is, danger will not disappear even when the war in Ukraine ends.”

The Secretary General stressed that major new investment was needed Alliance-wide and urged a 400% increase in air and missile defence alongside the doubling of NATO’s enabling capabilities including logistics, supply, transportation, and medical support. “We all benefit from the protection our transatlantic Alliance provides and it is vital that every member of NATO pulls their weight” he added.

MIL Security OSI –

June 13, 2025

MIL-OSI: Formatting Correction: NBPE – Result of AGM

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Formatting correction: The numbering in the table of resolutions within the Result of AGM announcement released on the 12 June 2025 at 18:14 has been corrected to reflect the correct resolution numbers. The results text remains unchanged and is reporoduced in full below.

12 June 2025

NB Private Equity Partners Limited (the “Company”) is pleased to announce that at the Annual General Meeting of its Class A Shareholders held at 1.45 p.m. on 12 June 2025, each of the Resolutions tabled were duly passed without amendment.

All resolutions as set out in the Notice of AGM, of which resolutions 1-10 were proposed as ordinary resolutions and resolutions 11 and 12 were proposed as special resolutions, were voted on by way of a poll and the results were as follows:

Resolution	Votes For	% votes cast	Votes Against	% votes cast	Votes Withheld*
1. To receive the Audited Financial Statements and Directors Report for the year ended 31 December 2024.	29,176,689	100%	Nil	Nil	28,512
2. To approve the Directors Remuneration Report as set out in the Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2024.	29,157,113	99.95%	14,774	0.05%	33,314
3. To re-elect William Maltby as a Director of the Company.	28,884,679	99.01%	289,794	0.99%	30,726
4. To re-elect Trudi Clark as a Director of the Company.	28,529,372	97.79%	645,101	2.21%	30,726
5. To re-elect Wilken von Hodenberg as a Director of the Company.	28,907,148	99.08%	267,005	0.92%	31,046
6. To re-elect Louisa Symington-Mills as a Director of the Company.	28,905,644	99.08%	268,098	0.92%	31,457
7. To re-elect Pawan Dhir as a Director of the Company.	28,905,637	99.09%	265,967	0.91%	33,595
8. That KPMG Channel Islands Limited be re-appointed as auditor of the Company.	26,983,892	92.49%	2,190,477	7.51%	30,832
9. That the Directors may determine the remuneration of the auditors.	28,794,977	98.69%	381,712	1.31%	28,512
10. That the interim dividend paid on 28 February 2025 of $0.47 per share be approved and ratified.	29,078,022	99.66%	98,614	0.34%	28,565
11. That the Company be authorised in accordance with Section 315 of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 (as amended) to make market acquisitions of its ordinary shares in accordance with the terms set out in the Notice of Annual General Meeting.	29,060,885	99.6%	115,804	0.4%	28,512
12. That the Directors be authorised to allot and issue (or sell from treasury) equity securities for cash, up to an aggregate amount not exceeding 9.99% of the Ordinary Shares in issue.	28,938,707	99.19%	237,715	0.81%	28,779

* A vote withheld is not a vote in law and has not been counted in the votes for and against a resolution.

Mr. John Falla retired from the Board upon the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting, and Mr. Dhir takes the role of the Audit Committee Chairman as set out in the Notice of Annual General Meeting.

For further information, please contact:

NBPE Investor Relations +44 20 3214 9002
Luke Mason NBPrivateMarketsIR@nb.com

Kaso Legg Communications +44 (0)20 3882 6644

Charles Gorman nbpe@kl-communications.com
Luke Dampier
Charlotte Francis

About NB Private Equity Partners Limited
NBPE invests in direct private equity investments alongside market leading private equity firms globally. NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (the “Investment Manager”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC, is responsible for sourcing, execution and management of NBPE. The vast majority of direct investments are made with no management fee / no carried interest payable to third-party GPs, offering greater fee efficiency than other listed private equity companies. NBPE seeks capital appreciation through growth in net asset value over time while paying a bi-annual dividend.

LEI number: 213800UJH93NH8IOFQ77

About Neuberger Berman

Neuberger Berman is an employee-owned, private, independent investment manager founded in 1939 with over 2,800 employees in 26 countries. The firm manages $515 billion of equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and hedge fund portfolios for global institutions, advisors and individuals. Neuberger Berman’s investment philosophy is founded on active management, fundamental research and engaged ownership. Neuberger Berman has been named by Pensions & Investments as the #1 or #2 Best Place to Work in Money Management for each of the last eleven years (firms with more than 1,000 employees). Visit www.nb.com for more information. Data as of March 31, 2025.

The MIL Network –

June 13, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Allister calls for Police Ombudsman to stand aside

Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

Statement by TUV leader and North Antrim MP Jim Allister:

“I have written to the Justice Minister urging her to act decisively in relation to the Police Ombudsman, who is now the subject of a file submitted to the Public Prosecution Service.

“It is wholly inappropriate and frankly farcical that the Ombudsman should continue to sit in judgment over police officers while she herself is under the shadow of possible prosecution. The very idea that she can continue to make determinations about others, while facing such serious scrutiny herself, undermines public confidence in the integrity of the office she holds.

“The Justice Minister cannot sit idly by. She has a duty to act — and I believe that means the Ombudsman must be suspended immediately pending the outcome of the PPS’s deliberations.

“If the Ombudsman does not do the decent thing and step aside voluntarily, then steps must be taken to ensure she is stood down. The public will rightly ask: if the First and deputy First Ministers can jointly recommend her for appointment, can they not now jointly act to suspend her? Why haven’t they?

“There is a growing sense of disbelief that someone at the head of an accountability body can continue to operate as normal in such circumstances. This cannot be allowed to continue.“

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Tenderloin Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced To More Than 11 Years In Federal Prison For Drug Trafficking Offenses

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

SAN FRANCISCO – Maria Valle-Rodriguez, 47, a Honduran national, was sentenced yesterday to 135 months (11 years and three months) in federal prison for drug trafficking offenses in the Bay Area. Her co-defendants, Emilson Valle-Zuniga, 33, and Jonsan Valle-Rodriguez, 31, both Honduran nationals, were previously sentenced on May 21, 2025, to federal prison terms of 42 months and 24 months, respectively. U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley handed down all three sentences.

A federal grand jury indicted all three defendants in December 2023, and all three pleaded guilty on Aug. 21, 2024. Maria Valle-Rodriguez pleaded guilty to distribution of 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Valle-Zuniga pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jonsan Valle-Rodriguez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

According to their plea agreements, between August and December 2023, Maria Valle-Rodriguez, Valle-Zuniga, and Jonson Valle-Rodriguez engaged in a drug trafficking conspiracy with each other and unindicted co-conspirators to sell fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other controlled substance in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco and in Oakland. Maria Valle-Rodriguez admitted to engaging in multiple sales of fentanyl and/or methamphetamine. For part of this time, Maria Valle-Rodriguez had multiple vehicles registered to her name that she and her codefendants used to drive from Oakland into the Tenderloin District during the nighttime hours to deal drugs.

The defendants, who are related, lived together with several minor children in an apartment in Oakland that was used for drug trafficking. Maria Valle-Rodriguez admitted knowing that there was fentanyl in the apartment where she resided with several minor children.

On Dec. 12, 2023, law enforcement executed search warrants on the defendants’ residence and vehicles connected to and being driven by them. In total, law enforcement recovered approximately eight pounds of fentanyl and fentanyl analogue, two gross pounds of methamphetamine, as well as over $127,000 in cash at the premises and in the vehicles connected to the drug trafficking conspiracy.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and DEA Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris made the announcement.

Maria Valle-Rodriguez had been out of custody pending sentencing so she could receive medical care. While out on bond, she was arrested on April 29, 2025, by San Francisco Police Department officers at an apartment where officers were executing a search warrant related to a drug trafficking operation. Large quantities of drugs were found at the apartment where Maria Valle-Rodriguez was residing. A minor child was also living at the residence.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Corley also sentenced Maria Valle-Rodriguez to a four-year period of supervised release. Valle-Zuniga and Jonsan Valle-Rodriguez were each sentenced to a three-year term of supervised release.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ivana Djak is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Lance Libatique and Gabriel Flesher. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DEA.

MIL Security OSI –

June 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Former State Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty To Planting Prison Contraband That He Then Pretended To Discover

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

SAN FRANCISCO – Avelino Ramirez, a former K-9 sergeant at California state correctional facilities, pleaded guilty in federal court today to one count of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to plant contraband that he would then discover.

Ramirez, 52, of Vallejo, Calif., was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 31, 2024. According to his plea agreement, from approximately 2013 to September 2022, Ramirez worked as an Investigative Services Unit K-9 Officer with the California Department of Corrections and

Rehabilitation at San Quentin State Prison. In September 2022, he was promoted to K-9 sergeant and began working at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, Calif., around November 2022.

From October 2021 to February 2024, Ramirez engaged in a scheme to smuggle and then plant contraband in common areas of San Quentin State Prison and the California Medical Facility, which he would then pretend to discover. Ramirez did so in order to hold himself out as a successful K-9 officer with the hope that it would help him obtain a promotion to K-9 sergeant. The contraband items Ramirez planted included drugs, such as methamphetamine, marijuana, and cocaine; drug paraphernalia; tobacco; cell phones; and weapons. At times, Ramirez mixed the narcotics he planted in the prisons with salt and/or sugar and mixed the marijuana he planted in the prisons with lawn trimmings.

Ramirez also sought to inflate his salary by claiming overtime related to searches where contraband was recovered pursuant to his fraudulent scheme and writing reports of these false discoveries. In total, Ramirez fraudulently obtained approximately $8,200 in overtime pay.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.

Ramirez is currently released on bond. Ramirez’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. District Judge William H. Orrick. Defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343. Any sentence will be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin K. Kleinman is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James and Lance Libatique. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.

MIL Security OSI –

June 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Arrest – Indecent act on a child – Palmerston

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The NT Police Force has arrested a 35-year-old male in relation to an indecent act on a child in Palmerston yesterday morning.

Around 3:15pm, police located the alleged offender in Palmerston where he was arrested without incident.

He remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Detectives continue to urge anyone who witnessed the incident to make contact on 131 444 or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, and quote reference NTP2500059923.

MIL OSI News –

June 13, 2025

Category: Security

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