NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Circumscribing Treaty rights of non-national workers to equal treatment over the course of their careers by invoking domestic statute of limitations legislation – E-001324/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission has been following the case of former lettori in Italian Universities very closely with the aim that Italy complies with the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union in cases C-212/99[1] and C-119/04[2].

    In July 2023, the Commission decided to refer Italy to the Court of Justice of the European Union for maintaining discrimination of foreign lecturers[3]. Case C-519/23[4] is currently pending at the Court of Justice.

    The aim of the infringement procedure is to ensure that Italy puts appropriate measures in place to accommodate the requirements of the Court judgments.

    It is, however, for Italy to decide how to best accommodate the requirements of the Court judgments. Member States have a primary responsibility to monitor the application of the relevant legal provisions and to take the necessary steps for enforcement.

    In October 2024, the Italian authorities indicated to the Commission that the implementation of the procedure laid down in Ministerial Decree No 688/2023 of 24 May 2023 has ensured that former lettori had the right to reconstruct their career, in compliance with the obligations arising from EU and national legislation and the procedure has concluded with the payment of the sums due to former lettori.

    In March 2025, the Italian trade unions provided the Commission with recent information regarding the case, which the Commission has transmitted to the Italian authorities for their reaction.

    The Commission is following the developments of the case.

    • [1] Judgment of the Court of Justice of 26 June 2001, Commission of the European Communities v Italian Republic, Case C-212/99, ECLI:EU:C:2001:357 eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=oj:JOC_2001_227_R_0002_02.
    • [2] Judgment of the Court of Justice of 18 July 2006, Commission of the European Communities v Italian Republic, Case C-119/04, ECLI:EU:C:2006:489 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:62004CJ0119.
    • [3] https://curia.europa.eu/juris/liste.jsf?num=C-519/23.
    • [4] Case C-519/23: Action brought on 10 August 2023, European Commission v Italian Republic, OJ C 338, 25.9.2023, p. 15 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:62023CN0519.
    Last updated: 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information on missing person

    Source: New Zealand Police

    New Plymouth Police are working to locate missing person Jan.

    Jan was last seen walking north along State Highway 3 near the intersection of Thomason Road, between Egmont Village and New Plymouth at around 11am yesterday.

    She was last seen wearing long pants and a green jacket.

    Police have serious concerns for her welfare.

    If you see Jan, or have any information that could help, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105 and quoting file number 250611/5626.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Help Introduce Bicameral Bill to Repeal the Gun Industry’s Legal Liability Shield

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    June 09, 2025
    Legislation would give victims of gun violence their day in court & enable them to hold manufacturers accountable for negligence
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – During Gun Violence Awareness Month, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Jason Crow (D-CO), Dwight Evans (D-PA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) and more than 80 Members of Congress in introducing the bicameral Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act, legislation to ensure that victims of gun violence have their day in court and that negligent gun companies and gun sellers are not shielded from liability when they disregard public safety. The bill would repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), passed by Congress in 2005, which gives the gun industry a unique and unjustifiable legal liability shield that protects gun manufacturers from lawsuits. 
    “The needless gun violence that too many Illinoisans—and Americans across the country—experience is heartbreaking and not reflective of the kind of future my daughters or any of our young people deserve,” Duckworth said. “That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act, that will hold gun manufacturers accountable and bring justice to grieving families. I’ll never stop working for commonsense gun safety reforms.”
    “It’s unconscionable that the gun industry is shielded from the consequences of negligent behavior that would result in liability if this were any other product,” said Durbin. “Gun dealers and manufacturers do not deserve special treatment, and certainly not at the expense of the communities that are plagued by gun violence. By repealing this unjustifiable legal liability shield, this bill will allow victims of gun violence to seek justice and have their day in court.”
    When Congress passed PLCAA, its supporters argued that it was necessary to protect the gun industry from frivolous lawsuits, and that victims of gun violence would not be shut out of the courts. In reality, numerous cases around the nation have been dismissed on the basis of PLCAA, even when the gun dealers and manufacturers acted in a fashion that would qualify as negligent if it involved any other product. Victims in these cases were denied the right to even discover or introduce evidence. This legislation allows civil cases to go forward against irresponsible bad actors.
    In 2005, the National Rifle Association (NRA) identified PLCAA as their “number one” legislative priority, and the NRA celebrated the passage calling it the “most significant piece of pro-gun legislation in twenty years.” Letting courts hear these cases would provide justice to victims and their families, while creating incentives for responsible business practices that would reduce injuries and deaths. Effectively, the gun industry would once again be subject to the same laws as every other industry, just as it was prior to 2005.
    The legislation is endorsed by Brady, GIFFORDS Law Center, Everytown for Gun Safety, March for Our Lives, Guns Down America, Newtown Action Alliance and Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund.
    In addition to Duckworth and Durbin, the legislation is also co-sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    The bill is also cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04), Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Daniel Goldman (D-NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Timothy Kennedy (D-NY-26), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Joe Morelle (D-NY-25), Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-District At Large), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), David Scott (D-GA-13), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02).
    Full text of the bill is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Cassidy Call for End to Biden-Era FEMA Policy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – Today,U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in sending a letter to David Richardson, Acting Administrator of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), calling for an end of the Biden-era policy, Risk Rating 2.0, which caused flood insurance premiums to skyrocket.
    “Since the Biden Administration’s rollout of Risk Rating 2.0, premiums under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) increased in every state. By FEMA’s own estimates, 77 percent of all NFIP policies now pay more than under the old system,” said the Senators.
    “The lack of transparency surrounding Risk Rating 2.0 is beyond troubling. FEMA has never allowed for meaningful public comment nor has it published the underlying data or assumptions used to justify the steep premium increases and refuses to disclose its actuarial model. Without transparency, communities cannot plan mitigation projects, lenders cannot accurately underwrite mortgages, and citizens cannot appeal punitive rate increases. Worse still, rising costs encourage policy lapses—shifting risk back to taxpayers when disasters strike,” continued the Senators.
    Sens. Tuberville and Cassidy were joined by Sens. Katie Britt (R-AL), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Kennedy (R-LA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) in sending the letter. 
    Read full text of the letter below or here. 
    “Dear Acting Administrator Richardson,
    We write to draw your urgent attention to the increasingly untenable flood insurance premiums paid by American homeowners as a result of the Biden era policy, Risk Rating 2.0, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). We respectfully ask for your leadership to halt further premium increases under Risk Rating 2.0 and implement much needed transparency from FEMA.
    On January 20, 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order (EO) 13990, directing every federal agency to target and modify Trump era regulations under the auspice of combating climate change. A few months later, Biden signed EO 14030, requiring agencies to integrate up-to-date flood risk considerations into federal actions. Collectively, both of these EOs laid the groundwork for FEMA’s implementation of a new rating system known as Risk Rating 2.0, which was enacted on October 1, 2021.  
    Since the Biden Administration’s rollout of Risk Rating 2.0, premiums under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) increased in every state. By FEMA’s own estimates, 77 percent of all NFIP policies now pay more than under the old system. According to a 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, premiums on primary residences under Risk Rating 2.0 are subject to a maximum 18 percent increase each year until such premiums reflect “the full risk loss of the insured property,” as determined by FEMA.
    Families in the following Republican states are especially hard-hit.
    Louisiana:
    It is estimated that 80 percent of Louisiana NFIP policyholders experienced monthly premium increases in 2025 as a result of Risk Rating 2.0.
    In 2023 alone, the average flood insurance premium in our state jumped by 234 percent, forcing more than 52,000 Louisianans—many of them seniors on fixed incomes—out of the program.
    Coastal parishes, which depend on flood insurance to secure mortgages and rebuild after storms, are now facing premiums that exceed 2 percent of median household income—a threshold that federal guidance deems “cost prohibitive.”
    West Virginia:
    It is estimated that 83% of West Virginia NFIP policyholders experienced monthly premium increases in 2025 as a result of Risk Rating 2.0.
    As of August 2023 (the latest available FEMA data), Risk Rating 2.0 would increase annual NFIP premiums for homeowners in West Virginia by ~176%.
    Over the last 12 months, ~600 West Virginians have left the NFIP as a result of premium increases.
    Texas:
    It is estimated that 86% of Texas NFIP policyholders experienced monthly premium increases in 2025 as a result of Risk Rating 2.0.
    As of August 2023 (the latest available FEMA data), Risk Rating 2.0 would increase annual NFIP premiums for homeowners in Texas by ~53%.
    Over the last 12 months, ~26,300 Texans have left the NFIP as a result of premium increases.
    Alabama:
    It is estimated that 79% of Alabama NFIP policyholders experienced monthly premium increases in 2025 as a result of Risk Rating 2.0.
    As of August 2023 (the latest available FEMA data), Risk Rating 2.0 would increase annual NFIP premiums for homeowners in Alabama by ~106%.
    Over the last 12 months, ~1,200 Alabamians have left the NFIP as a result of premium increases.
    Mississippi:
    It is estimated that 84% of Mississippi NFIP policyholders experienced monthly premium increases in 2025 as a result of Risk Rating 2.0.
    As of August 2023 (the latest available FEMA data), Risk Rating 2.0 would increase annual NFIP premiums for homeowners in Mississippi by ~103%.
    Over the last 12 months, ~2,200 Mississippians have left the NFIP as a result of premium increases.
    Rural and low-income homeowners, along with high-risk coastal areas, are being priced out at far higher rates than urban or wealthier communities. In ten states, full risk NFIP premiums today exceed 2 percent of median household income.  This undermines home values, depresses property tax revenues, and ultimately inflates federal disaster assistance costs when uninsured homeowners cannot rebuild.
    The lack of transparency surrounding Risk Rating 2.0 is beyond troubling. FEMA has never allowed for meaningful public comment nor has it published the underlying data or assumptions used to justify the steep premium increases and refuses to disclose its actuarial model. Without transparency, communities cannot plan mitigation projects, lenders cannot accurately underwrite mortgages, and citizens cannot appeal punitive rate increases. Worse still, rising costs encourage policy lapses—shifting risk back to taxpayers when disasters strike.
    The President has long championed policies that reduce federal overreach and protect everyday Americans from burdensome costs. To limit the damage caused by this harmful Biden era policy, we urge you to:
    Direct FEMA to terminate the Risk Rating 2.0 pricing methodology. 
    Require FEMA to publish all actuarial inputs and outputs of future flood insurance premium increases exceeding the 5% statutory minimum so stakeholders can verify fairness and accuracy.
    Restore targeted affordability measures for coastal, low income, and historically underinsured communities—ensuring NFIP remains accessible to those who need it most.
    Time is of the essence. Each month that Risk Rating 2.0 continues unchecked, more families are forced to abandon their insurance coverage, neighborhoods face economic strain, and entire communities risk collapse after the next disaster. We respectfully urge you to act now—before further harm is done—to protect vulnerable Americans, preserve homeownership, and ensure the NFIP fulfills its mission as Congress intended.
    Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
    Sincerely,”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Fighting Discrimination Against U.S. Workers

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement agreement with Epik Solutions, a California technology recruiting company, to resolve Epik Solutions’ violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by preferring to recruit foreign H-1B visa holders over U.S. workers.

    This settlement is the first since the department re-launched its Protecting U.S. Workers Initiative to enforce the law against companies that unlawfully discriminate against American workers in favor of foreign visa workers. The company will pay $71,916 in civil penalties to the United States, undergo training, revise its employment policies, and refrain from placing job advertisements that unlawfully exclude U.S. workers from employment opportunities.

    “A top priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division is protecting American workers from unlawful discrimination in favor of foreign visa workers,” said Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet K. Dhillon. “Companies engaging in such discrimination are on notice that the days of the federal government looking the other way on American workforce protection are over.”

    The public can call Immigrant and Employee Rights (IER) Section free hotline at 1-800-255-7688 for workers or at 1-800-255-8155 for employers (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired) for informal assistance; sign up for a live webinar or watch an on-demand presentation; email IER@usdoj.gov; or visit www.justice.gov/ier.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Wear your gear, Police urge motorcyclists

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attributable to Inspector Nicky Cooney, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander:

    Bay of Plenty Police are urging motorcyclists to ensure they’re wearing appropriate safety gear before going for a ride, after recent crashes in the region.

    We are seeing more instances where riders are not wearing the correct protective equipment, including a helmet.

    No Police officer wants to knock on somebody’s door to tell them their loved one has been seriously injured or killed, so we’re asking riders to take all the necessary steps to ensure their safety.

    Ensure your safety gear, including your helmet, is properly fitted. This could be the difference between walking away from an accident or not.

    If you’re riding with friends, ensure everyone is riding safely and has all the correct equipment on before you go. Dangerous behaviour on the road that can be seen as ‘fun’ can have serious consequences.

    More safe riding tips can be found here – Safe riding tips | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pakistani National Extradited to Face Charges in Connection with Plot to Carry Out ISIS-Inspired Mass Shooting at Jewish Center in New York City

    Source: United States Attorneys General 11

    A Pakistani citizen residing in Canada, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, was extradited to the United States on June 10, in connection with an indictment filed in the Southern District of New York. Khan was charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO), the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and attempting to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries. Khan is scheduled to make an initial appearance in court on June 11.

    “The foreign terrorist organization ISIS remains a clear and present danger to the American people, and our Jewish citizens are especially targeted by evil groups like these,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice is proud to help secure this extradition, and we will prosecute this man to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “Khan allegedly tried to enter the United States to commit an attack on the Jewish community in New York City, planning an ISIS-inspired mass shooting around the one-year anniversary of the attack on Gaza by Hamas,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Thankfully, the great work of the FBI and our partners shut that down, and Khan has now been extradited to New York to face American justice. I want to thank our teams and partners for their diligent work in this case and executing the mission.”

    “As alleged, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan attempted to enter the United States to carry out a deadly terrorist attack on a Jewish center in New York City,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York. “He planned to use automatic weapons to kill as many members of our Jewish community as possible, all in support of ISIS. Khan’s deadly, antisemitic plan was thwarted by the diligent work of our law enforcement partners and the career prosecutors in this Office who are committed to rooting out antisemitism and stopping terror. Thanks to their efforts, Khan will now face justice in New York.”

    Khan was provisionally arrested in Canada on Sept. 4, 2024 based on a complaint filed in the Southern District of New York. As alleged in the complaint, Khan, who resided in Canada, attempted to travel from Canada to New York City, where he intended to use automatic and semi-automatic weapons to carry out a mass shooting in support of ISIS at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York. Khan began posting on social media and communicating with others on an encrypted messaging application about his support for ISIS in or about November 2023, when, among other things, Khan distributed ISIS propaganda videos and literature. Subsequently, Khan began communicating with two undercover law enforcement officers (collectively, the UCs).

    During those conversations, Khan confirmed that he and a U.S.-based ISIS supporter (Associate-1) had been planning to carry out an attack in a particular U.S. city (City-1). Among other things, Khan said that he had been actively attempting to create “a real offline cell” of ISIS supporters to carry out a “coordinated assault” in City-1 using AR-style rifles to “target[] Israeli Jewish chabads . . . scattered all around [City-1].” During subsequent conversations, Khan repeatedly instructed the UCs to obtain AR-style assault rifles, ammunition, and other materials to carry out the attacks, and identified the specific locations in City-1 where the attacks would take place. Khan also provided details about how he would cross the border from Canada into the United States to conduct the attacks. During these conversations with the UCs, Khan emphasized that “Oct 7th and oct 11th are the best days for targeting the jews” because “oct 7 they will surely have some protests and oct 11 is yom.kippur.”

    On or about Aug. 20, Khan changed his target location from City-1 to New York City. After initially suggesting certain neighborhoods in New York City to the UCs, Khan decided to target Location-1, a Jewish center located in Brooklyn, New York. Khan told the UCs that he planned to carry out this attack on or around Oct. 7, 2024 — which Khan recognized as the one-year anniversary of the brutal terrorist attacks in Israel by Hamas, a designated FTO, which, on Oct. 7, 2023, launched a wave of violent, large-scale terrorist attacks in Israel. In support of his choice of New York City as his target location, Khan boasted that “New york is perfect to target jews” because it has the “largest Jewish population In america” and therefore, “even if we dont attack a[n] Event[,] we could rack up easily a lot of jews.” Khan proclaimed that “we are going to nyc to slaughter them,” and sent a photograph of the specific area inside of Location-1 where he planned to carry out the attack.

    Thereafter, Khan continued to urge the UCs to acquire AR-style rifles, ammunition, and other equipment for his attack, including “some good hunting [knives] so we can slit their throats.” Khan repeatedly reiterated his desire to carry out the attack in support of ISIS, and discussed planning for the attack, including by identifying rental properties close to Location-1 and paying for a human smuggler to help him reach and cross the border from Canada into the United States. During one communication, Khan noted that “if we succeed with our plan this would be the largest Attack on US soil since 9/11.”

    On or about Sept. 4, as Khan said he planned to do in connection with his attack, Khan attempted to reach the U.S-Canada border. To do so, Khan used three separate cars to travel across Canada towards the United States, before he was stopped by Canadian authorities in or around Ormstown, Canada, approximately 12 miles from the U.S.-Canada border.

    Khan is charged with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization and one count of attempting to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI’s New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles Field Offices are investigating the case. The Justice Department is grateful to Canadian law enforcement for their actions in this matter. The Office of International Affairs of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division accomplished the extradition of Khan from Canada.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaylan E. Lasky and David J. Robles for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorney Kevin C. Nunnally of the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

    A complaint or an indictment merely contain allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: The harvesting campaign has started in Russia – the grain harvest will amount to at least 135 million tons

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    “Almost 20 million hectares of winter crops were sown for the current year’s harvest, 93% of which remained in normal condition. This figure is higher than last year. Russian farmers began spring field work in 2025 a week earlier than the average long-term dates. By now, spring sowing has already been carried out on an area of more than 52 million hectares. In accordance with the approved forecast structure, the area under grain, oilseeds, and sugar beet should be increased this year. I would like to emphasize separately that the area under vegetables and potatoes will increase, which should have a positive impact on providing the domestic market with these products,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the systemic measures taken by the Government have created a basis for high-quality preparation for seasonal field work. Thanks to this, they are completed without interruptions.

    “The necessary measures to support farmers are maintained. A significant amount of federal funds are allocated for this. Including subsidies for the purchase of seeds, fertilizers and fuel. A set of tools is provided for the development of domestic selection and stimulation of the use of Russian seeds in production. Thanks to this, we have already made significant progress in terms of self-sufficiency in this category,” added Dmitry Patrushev.

    Preferential lending remains available. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the dynamics of short-term loan issuance is ahead of last year. In addition, the Government has additionally allocated more than 4 billion rubles to Rosagroleasing this year, which will allow increasing the supply of equipment to farmers. Non-financial support measures aimed at ensuring the availability of fertilizers and fuels and lubricants are also maintained.

    “The harvesting campaign is beginning in the Russian Federation. Farmers in the Republic of Crimea are gradually starting to harvest grain. I ask the regional leadership to make sure that people on the ground are provided with everything necessary for the regular harvesting. Based on the current situation, we can count on decent harvests of the main crops. According to available estimates, the grain harvest will be at least 135 million tons. This is more than a year earlier,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

    If the weather is favorable, work will soon begin in other regions of the Southern and North Caucasian Federal Districts. First of all, this is the Republic of Dagestan, Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories. In addition, the Astrakhan Region, the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic and Krasnodar Territory are starting to harvest potatoes and vegetables. The passage of this period is directly related to ensuring food security of the country.

    Following the meeting, the Ministry of Agriculture was instructed to continue the practice of holding headquarters meetings and off-site meetings, as well as to monitor the dynamics of the delivery of state support funds to farmers.

    Dmitry Patrushev emphasized the importance of observing fire safety measures and monitoring the phytosanitary condition of crops.

    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 Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: About 11 thousand new rooms in modular hotels will appear in 55 regions of the country

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The moderators of the plenary session were Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov. The main topic was the changes that tourism brings to regions and cities, and economic sectors.

    The Deputy Prime Minister read out a greeting from Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which the head of state, in particular, noted: “In recent years, tourism in our country has been developing dynamically, its infrastructure has been improving, new routes and popular, creative tourism products aimed at people of different ages have been developed. And of course, the tourism industry serves as an important factor in strengthening the socio-economic potential of cities and entire regions, opens up opportunities for creating modern jobs, increasing entrepreneurial activity in related areas – trade and construction, public catering and folk crafts. It contributes to the preservation and revival of historical, architectural and cultural monuments.”

    A video greeting from Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin was also shown at the event.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that for the first time at one site, at VDNKh, the tourism potential of the entire country is presented to citizens and foreign guests of Russia: “89 entities, 140 exhibition objects, more than 400 organizations and 4 thousand participants from 30 countries of the world, who from June 10 to 15 will be immersed in the world of tourism and Russian hospitality. An extensive business program is planned within the framework of the forum, more than 50 sessions, where the most important issues of the industry development will be discussed with the participation of 350 speakers.”

    He emphasized that the Government is carrying out extensive and systematic work to develop domestic tourism.

    “Without investments in the industry, there would not be such rapid growth of the industry. It is important to maintain a positive trend and the desire of businesses to invest in domestic tourism. One of the most effective mechanisms of the national project is the preferential lending program. 367 hotels with a total of 78 thousand rooms are being created under this program. The cost of the projects is almost 2 trillion rubles,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    In 2024, Moscow was visited by 26 million people, which is 2 times more than the official population of the capital. The city provides 14% of the tourist flow from the all-Russian one, and in terms of foreign trips, the figure is approaching 50%.

    Another popular measure of the national project is the creation of modular accommodation facilities. Under this program, 13 thousand rooms have already been introduced. Taking into account the demand for the program, the Government decided to extend its validity, and a selection of projects was conducted for the next three years. And just now the Ministry of Economic Development summed up the results of the next selection of projects, within the framework of which it is planned to create about 11 thousand rooms in modular hotels in 55 regions of the country.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko added that the Government has launched programs to support the development of large ski resorts. Currently, the creation of 17 new resorts from the Leningrad Region to Sakhalin is supported with a total investment of 76 billion rubles.

    Also, as part of the national project, a separate federal project “Industrial Support for Tourism” is being implemented to support domestic manufacturers. Demand for equipment has been formed: cable cars, snow cannons, snow groomers, buses, and attractions.

    The government has supported the development of Suzdal in preparation for the millennium since its foundation. This includes the construction of a road from Vladimir, and the modernization of utilities and the urban environment. Suzdal is an example of private capital participating in the formation of a unique environment for tourists and local residents.

    “Our joint goal is to make travel around Russia not just an opportunity, but a natural part of the life of every citizen,” the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.

    Maxim Reshetnikov also focused on measures to support the tourism business. He emphasized the role of a single subsidy for regions, which allows for the creation of in-demand tourism products locally.

    “We provide a significant part of the national project resources to the regions in the form of a single subsidy, giving a fairly large degree of freedom in how to use it. For three years, this is 27 billion rubles, a considerable amount. It can be used to develop the city center, create a new tourist route, navigation or tourist information center. In general, to make travel more comfortable and interesting. The growth potential of the domestic tourism market is large, there will be enough tourists for everyone. But the ability to competently and unconventionally present your local features, flavor, “tricks” comes to the fore in the competition,” noted Maxim Reshetnikov.

    Representatives of small tourism businesses from the regions shared their success stories. Among them are the founder of the Leto-Leto complex from Tyumen, which is implementing the concept of an urban resort, Vladimir Shevchik, the founder of the camping and glamping for active recreation Vetreno from the Yaroslavl region Ksenia Radchenko, the creator of the Russian gastronomic guide GreatList Alexander Sysoev, the director of the Ural design bureau Ratrak-Ural, which is engaged in the production of equipment for ski resorts, Alexander Pashnin, the general director of the ceramics factory from Suzdal Dymov Keramika Vadim Dymov, the general director of the company for the development of high-speed shipping Vodolet from Nizhny Novgorod Nikita Italyantsev.

    The Governor of Krasnodar Krai, Veniamin Kondratyev, spoke about how tourism is developing in one of the most popular holiday destinations.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko and Maxim Reshetnikov presented the Ministry of Economic Development’s badges “For Contribution to Tourism Development” for the first time.

    The Deputy Prime Minister and the guests of the forum also assessed the exhibition area of the updated route “Golden Ring of Russia”. This route received national status on the opening day of the forum. The new status cemented its role as one of the key elements of the country’s cultural and historical heritage, and also opened up new opportunities for the development of tourism infrastructure. The exhibition area of the route unites exhibits from Moscow, Vladimir, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Moscow regions. The stands present the new brand of the Golden Ring.

    The Deputy Prime Minister also inspected the exposition of the national tourist route “Silver Necklace” and the stands of the Altai Republic, Crimea, Zaporozhye Region, and Krasnodar Region.

    Among the foreign expositions, the tour program included stands of Cuba and Venezuela, where guests were greeted with Latin American songs and dances. At the stand presented by the ANO “National Priorities”, patriotic routes were discussed with the participation of the Deputy Prime Minister, and at the exposition of the state corporation “Tourism.RF” – promising investment projects for the creation of new Russian resorts and tourist clusters.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko and his delegation assessed the exposition of Russian manufacturers. They participate in the program of import substitution of equipment and machinery for the tourism industry. This is one of the areas of the national project “Tourism and Hospitality”.

    The organizer of the International Tourism Forum “Travel!” is the Roscongress Foundation together with the Ministry of Economic Development with the support of the Government of Russia and the Moscow City Tourism Committee.

    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 New Zealand: Responding to requests for a child or young person’s personal information

    Source: Privacy Commissioner

    This guidance aims to help agencies respond appropriately to requests for personal information about children and young people.  The guidance covers:

    • Information Privacy Principle 6 (IPP 6) of the Privacy Act 2020.
    • Who can make an IPP 6 request for information about a child or young person.
    • Requests made by parents, legal guardians or other caregivers, including:
      • when a parent, legal guardian or caregiver is acting as a representative of the child or young person.
      • whether the Privacy Act 2020 or the Official Information Act 1982 applies
      • what other laws may apply.
    • Requests made by a Lawyer for the Child.
    • Responsibilities of an agency before giving access to personal information.
    • Requests made by other agencies.
    • Applying the guidance in practice- some examples.

    Information Privacy Principle (IPP) 6 

    The Privacy Act applies to any individual regardless of age.  A child or young person has the same privacy rights as an adult but sometimes needs the assistance of another person to exercise those rights. 

    One of those rights is a person’s right to ask for information about themselves, set out in IPP 6. 

    An agency must respond to the requester within 20 working days and usually has to provide the information, unless one of the refusal grounds applies. 

    Read more general information about responding to IPP 6 requests.

    Information covered in this guidance

    Download a copy of this guidance (opens to PDF, 333 KB).

    Who can make an IPP 6 request about children and young people?

    An IPP 6 request may be made by the child or young person themselves or their representative. A representative is a person who is lawfully acting on the child or young person’s behalf.

    Information requests from parents, legal guardians or caregivers

    The Privacy Act does not provide an automatic right of access by a parent, legal guardian, or caregiver to their child’s personal information. 
    Assessing and processing a request from a parent, legal guardian or caregiver is a two-step process:

    1. Determine whether the parent, legal guardian or caregiver is a representative.
    2. If yes, then determine whether any of the refusal grounds apply. 

    In most cases, a parent or legal guardian can be considered a representative, particularly where the child is too young or otherwise not able to act on their own behalf. Where a caregiver is making the request, determining whether they are a representative may not be so clear cut as they won’t have the same legal status as a parent or legal guardian. 

    The circumstances will be different for each request, so it is important that an agency considers each request on a case-by-case basis before deciding whether the parent, legal guardian or caregiver is acting as a representative of the child or young person. 

    Step 1: When is a parent, legal guardian or caregiver a representative?

    For the purposes of IPP 6, a parent, legal guardian or caregiver may be considered representative of the child where:

    • the child is too young or otherwise not able to act on their own behalf, or
    • an older child or young person has authorised them to make the request on their behalf. 

    Before determining that a parent, legal guardian or caregiver is a representative, agencies should consider:

    • The age and maturity of the child and whether they are capable of understanding and exercising their rights under the Privacy Act.
    • Any court orders relating to parental access or responsibility (e.g. protection orders, custody and guardianship orders).
    • Whether, based on what is known to the agency, it is (or isn’t) likely to be in the best interests of the child or young person for the parent, legal guardian or caregiver requesting the information to be able to exercise their child’s Privacy Act rights on their behalf. 

    Where there is a family breakdown of some sort such as family harm, a custody or guardianship dispute or where the child is or has experienced abuse, the best interests of the child or young person should be a primary consideration. When determining whether it is in the best interests of the child or young person agencies should consider:

    • the interests of the parent, legal guardian, caregiver and the child or young person are no longer the same or are in conflict, and/or disclosing the information to the parent/legal guardian would go against the child’s interests.
    • whether there are reasonable grounds for believing the child or young person does not or would not wish the information to be disclosed.

    If any of the factors above exist, an agency may determine that a parent, guardian or caregiver is not acting as representative of the child or young person and the request does not fall under the Privacy Act. 

    Where a parent, guardian or caregiver is not a representative you can consider the request under the Official Information Act (see table below).  

    Non-custodial parents

    A non-custodial parent is the parent who doesn’t live with their child most of the time. Non-custodial parents with guardianship rights still have legal rights and responsibilities, ensuring they can maintain a relationship with their child.  A non-custodial parent has guardianship rights if they meet the test in section 17 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (or are otherwise appointed by the Court). 

    A non-custodial parent with guardianship rights can exercise their child’s privacy rights in the same way the custodial parent can, taking the wishes of the child into account if expressed or known (for older children or young people). 

    Where an agency receives an information request from a non-custodial parent with guardianship rights, it should follow the same process for managing a request from a custodial parent or other legal guardian.

    Step 2: Decision to release or refuse the request

    A representative does not have automatic access to a child or young person’s personal information. An agency still needs to consider whether any of the refusal grounds apply in the circumstances. 

    In situations where parents are separated, agencies do not need the consent of the other parent (either custodial or non-custodial) to disclose information about the child or young person. However, agencies should consider whether the child or young person’s personal information also reveals personal information about the other parent (e.g., the other parent’s home address or contact details where there is a protection order in place). 

    Read more general information about refusal grounds: Office of the Privacy Commissioner | Principle 6 – Access to personal information. 

    When a request for information should be managed as an Official Information Act request

    The Official Information Act (OIA) enables an individual to make a request for ‘official information’ (certain information held by public sector agencies). Official information can include personal information about other people, including children and young people. 

    Where the person requesting the information isn’t the child or young person or a representative, the request should be considered under the OIA. 

    The following table can help you determine which Act may apply depending on the specific circumstances of the request:

    Individual making request Purpose of request Applicable Act

    Child/young person – capable of making their own request.

    Their own personal information 

    Privacy Act

    Parent/legal guardian/caregiver of child/young person who is too young or not capable of exercising their rights.

    (Parent/legal guardian/caregiver probably a representative)

    Personal information about the child or young person

    Privacy Act, unless there are circumstances which suggest the Parent/Legal Guardian/caregiver is not acting on their behalf or in their best interests, then the request should be processed under the OIA

    Parent/legal guardian/caregiver of older child or young person capable of making their own request with the older child/young person’s authorisation to make the request on their behalf.

    (Parent/legal guardian/caregiver probably a representative)

    Personal information about the older child or young person 

    Privacy Act, unless there are circumstances which suggest the Parent/Legal Guardian/caregiver is not acting on their behalf or in their best interests, then the request should be processed under the OIA
    Parent/legal guardian/caregiver of older child capable of making their own request where the older child/young person has made it clear they do not authorise the requestor to make the request on their behalf.(Parent/legal guardian/caregiver is not a representative) Personal information about the older child or young person Part 2 OIA/LGOIMA. 
    All other cases where a parent/legal guardian/caregiver of child/young person is determined not to be a representative. Personal information about the child or young person

    Part 2 OIA/LGOIMA.
    Subject to eligibility requirements in the OIA (s 12(1)), but not the LGOIMA

    Other laws that may apply

    Agencies should also consider whether any other laws may apply to requests made by parents, legal guardians or caregivers and proactive disclosures of children and young person’s information. These laws include:

    • The Health Act 1956 and the Health Information Privacy Code (HIPC) regulate access to “health information” held by a “health agency”. Under the HIPC, parents or guardians of children under 16 years are legally defined as their ‘representatives’, whose access requests are treated as though made by the child themselves. 
      As with any information privacy request, these requests may be refused in certain circumstances (Rule 11(4) HIPC). 
    • Section 103 of the Education and Training Act 2020 says that principals should tell parents about matters affecting their child’s progress through school or relationships with others. 
    • Under IPP 11 of the Privacy Act 2020, an agency may disclose personal information to a third party if it believes there are reasonable grounds that one of the exceptions in IPP 11 applies. 

    For example, this could be when the child or young person authorises the disclosure (IPP11(1)(c)) or where disclosure to parents is one of (or is directly related to) the purposes for which an agency obtained the information (IPP11(1)(a)). 

    However, unlike IPP 6 and the OIA, IPP 11 does not give a right to access or request information. IPP 11 gives an agency discretion to disclose personal information where that agency considers it is necessary to do so (rather than legally being required to respond to a request for the information). Whether an exception applies will depend on the circumstances.

    Information requests from Lawyer for the Child

    A Lawyer for the Child is a specialist lawyer appointed by the Family Court to represent the interests of the child or young person in Family Court proceedings involving custody or guardianship disputes, or situations of family harm.

    To fulfil their responsibilities, the Lawyer for the Child often needs information about the child or young person held by agencies such as a school or healthcare provider. When making a request for information, the Lawyer for the Child will be acting as a representative for the child or young person.

    The Lawyer for the Child should provide evidence of their appointment and brief from the Family Court. (A Lawyer for the Child is appointed by Court Minute and receives their brief by letter from the Court.) If it not clear whether the requestor is acting as the Lawyer for the Child, you should ask them to provide evidence of their appointment before you provide access to any personal information.

    Responsibilities of an agency before giving access to personal information

    Providing access to personal information to an unauthorised person can cause serious harm to an individual and be a form of notifiable privacy breach – where the personal information is about children and young people the harm can be long lasting and significant.

    When providing access to personal information under IPP 6, the agency must (Section 57 of the Privacy Act 2020): 

    • be satisfied of the identity of the requestor (e.g. the child or young person or the representative)
    • not provide access to the information if the agency has reasonable grounds to believe that the request is being made under the threat of physical or mental harm (coercion)
    • ensure that the information intended for the requestor (or their representative) is provided to the right person.

    You may need to request additional information from the requestor to satisfy these requirements of the Privacy Act. 

    Confirming a requestor’s identity

    Where additional information is required to confirm a requestor’s identity the agency should inform the requestor what information is required and why. Agencies must also ensure that any identification documentation requested is securely destroyed once confirmation of the requestor’s identity has been made. 

    Where a decision has been made to grant access to personal information, agencies should confirm with the requestor (or their representative) the method in which they would like to receive the information and double check email, or postal addresses are correct.

    Read more about how you can confirm someone’s identity.

    Information requests from other agencies

    Where a request for information about a child or young person is made by another agency other laws may apply. These include:

    • Section 66C of the Oranga Tamariki Act permits Child Welfare and Protection Agencies to request and share information about children and young people for specified purposes. 
    • Section 20 of the Family Violence Act permits Family Violence Agencies to request and share information about individuals who have been subject to family harm for specified purposes.
    • Any law that requires the information to be provided to the requestor e.g. section 66 Oranga Tamariki Act, section 11 Social Security Act, section 17 Tax Administration Act.

    Where requests for information are made under one of these laws an agency cannot refuse the request under one of the IPP 11 refusal grounds (or a withholding ground under the OIA). An agency should assess the request and decide whether to share the requested information in line with the law under which the request was made. 

    Examples

    See examples of how this guidance is applied in practice.

    Download a copy of this guidance (opens to PDF, 333 KB).

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Update 3: Alberta wildfire update (June 10, 3 p.m.)

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Coast Guard suspends search for 6 missing people in downed plane near Pt. Loma, Calif.

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 06/10/2025 04:30 PM EDT

     

    06/10/2025 04:07 PM EDT

    GRAPHIC AVAILABLE: The Coast Guard suspended its search 10 a.m. Tuesday, pending further developments, for a downed Cessna 414 with six persons aboard approximately three miles west of Point Loma.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 47 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that on June 9, 2025, Kajuan Woods, 36, of Brooklyn, New York was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 47 months of imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Woods previously pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl.

    According to court records, on January 19, 2024, Woods was one of six individuals located inside 195 St. Paul Street, Apt. A in Burlington, where law enforcement executed a search warrant as part of a drug trafficking investigation. Woods was wearing a satchel at the time, and within the satchel were nearly ten grams of fentanyl, including some fentanyl containing xylazine, drug packaging materials, and over $1,100 in U.S. currency. Within the apartment, law enforcement found seven handguns, three of which had previously been reported stolen.

    Then, in the early morning hours of May 12, 2024, when officers from the South Burlington Police Department encountered Woods and a woman apparently passed out in a running vehicle, Woods provided a false name to officers. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed over 28 grams of suspected cocaine, a partially loaded 9-millimeter Glock magazine, a stolen Apple MacBook Pro, and over $2,400 of stolen clothing.

    On June 4, 2024, after responding to reports of a male threatening a woman with a firearm, Burlington Police Department officers located Woods and a woman in a vehicle, and attempted to detain them. Woods ran from police, leading them on a foot chase through multiple backyards. After Woods was apprehended, officers learned his identity and arrested him pursuant to an active federal arrest warrant. Woods had over 34 grams of suspected cocaine on his person and a bullet in his pocket. Within the rental vehicle that Woods had been driving, officers found on the floorboard of the driver’s seat a fanny pack that contained a Glock 17 Gen4 9-millimeter pistol, suspected cocaine base, ten wax folds of suspected fentanyl, and empty wax folds. There was also $3,200 in U.S. currency.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts and hard work of the Burlington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and also thanked the South Burlington Police Department.

    “Individuals who possess distribution quantities of deadly controlled substances, thousands of dollars in cash, and firearms pose a danger to the communities where they sell drugs, to law enforcement officers, and to themselves,” Acting United States Attorney Drescher stated. “I commend the officers of the Burlington Police Department for safely apprehending defendant Woods despite his attempt to run away from them through multiple backyards. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with our federal, state, county, and local partners to investigate and prosecute armed drug traffickers in our ongoing effort to make Vermont a safer place.”

    The prosecutor was Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Cate. Woods was represented by Chandler Matson, Esq.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Delaware Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Wilmington, Del. – Tyler Ramaley, 31, of Wilmington, pleaded guilty today to distributing child sexual abuse material (“CSAM”), announced Dylan J. Steinberg, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware.  The Honorable Gregory B. Williams accepted the plea.

    According to statements made in open court, the investigation into Ramaley began in October 2024 when law enforcement received information that an individual was seen on multiple online video calls with others watching, screen sharing, and masturbating to CSAM.  Law enforcement successfully identified the individual in the video calls as Ramaley.  Ramaley also admitted to possessing CSAM on his devices and to entering the video calls and broadcasting CSAM to others over the calls.

    “Sharing explicit images of children being sexually abused is a heinous crime, and Tyler Ramaley’s actions are a tragic reminder of the persistence of individuals who prey on children,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Steinberg.  “My office remains committed to investigating and bringing to justice those who possess and distribute child sexual abuse material.  We will continue to work alongside our federal, state, and local partners to protect children and hold offenders accountable.”

    “Tyler Ramaley’s crimes are depraved and unconscionable. Viewing and sharing child sexual abuse material online continually victimizes the child. Ramaley thought he could hide behind a keyboard, but the FBI and our partners will work relentlessly to identify and hold accountable predators who exploit innocent children,” says FBI Baltimore Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski.

    The FBI investigated this case, with the assistance of the New Castle County Police Department, Delaware State Police, and the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Claudia L. Pare prosecuted this case.

    Ramaley is facing a maximum possible sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum term of 5 years.  Judge Williams will determine the defendant’s sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware.  Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Child Sexual Predator Sentenced to 96 Months’ Imprisonment

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Austin Matthew Otto, 25, of Orem, Utah, was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment and a lifetime of supervised release after he produced sexually explicit photos of two children and uploaded child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to his Google Photos account. Additionally, law enforcement found 400 images and 19 videos of child sexual abuse material on his laptop and cell phone.  

    The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Howard C. Nielson, Jr., comes after Otto pleaded guilty to the charge on June 4, 2024. In addition to his term of imprisonment, he was ordered by the court to pay $3,000 in restitution to each of the victims.

    According to court documents and statements made at Otto’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, in May 2021, Otto was identified from a Google report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children after he uploaded child sexual abuse material to his Google Photos account. The investigation of IP addresses led to the identification of Otto and he was arrested. Pursuant to a search warrant, hundreds of images and video of child sexual abuse material and a pair of child size six underwear were seized. The forensic evaluation on the digital evidence also revealed filenames, keyword and web browser hits, bookmarks, playback history of videos, hidden names and folders all containing child sexual abuse material including 17 exploitive images of two victims under eight years old located on Otto’s cell phone and laptop.  

    The case was investigated by the Orem Police Department.

    Assistant United States Attorney Carol A. Dain of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

    Attachments:

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Paul Woman Charged with Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers During Lake Street Narcotics Search Warrants, Punching an FBI Agent Upon her Arrest

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – Isabel Lopez, 27, of St. Paul, Minnesota, has been charged by federal complaint and indictment with assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.

    According to court documents, on June 3, 2025, law enforcement officers from multiple federal agencies were executing federal search warrants at eight Twin Cities locations.  These search warrants were related to a long-term investigation into narcotics trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, and related offenses.  The investigation began with the seizure of 900 pounds of methamphetamine, with a street value of between $22 million and $25 million.

    One of the search warrant locations was the Cuatro Milpas restaurant on Lake Street in Minneapolis.  Shortly after the search warrant execution began, a crowd began to gather.  The crowd appeared to be under the mistaken belief that law enforcement was present to arrest individuals illegally present in the country for immigration offenses. This was incorrect.  In fact, agents were there to collect evidence pursuant to a federal search warrant signed by a federal judge.  Indeed, no one was arrested that day.  Recognizing the apparent misunderstanding, law enforcement explained the nature of the search warrant to crowd members.

    Some people in the crowd engaged in legal protest activity. Lopez, as detailed below, obstructed, impeded, and assaulted federal agents and officers, in violation of federal law.  Lopez physically assaulted several agents and officers.  She punched, kicked, and shoved agents and officers.  Crowd members moved to restrain Lopez.  Even as they were doing so, Lopez kicked an FBI agent. Lopez continued to assault federal agents and officers.  As law enforcement attempted to depart the scene, Lopez threw a softball at the back of a deputy from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.

    On June 9, 2025, Lopez was charged by complaint with Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding Officers, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 111(a)(1).  When federal agents attempted to arrest Lopez, she punched an FBI agent in the head.

    Today, June 10, 2025, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against defendant Lopez.  The grand jury charged Lopez with three counts of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding Officers, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 111(a)(1)—two counts related to the assaults Lopez committed during the June 3rd search warrant execution and one count related to Lopez punching an FBI agent at the time of her arrest.  The grand jury also charged Lopez with one count of Obstruction of Law Enforcement During Civil Disorder, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 231(a)(3).

    “As laid out in the complaint, federal agents were executing federal search warrants signed by a federal judge,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.  “The search warrants were part of a long-term drug trafficking, money laundering, and human trafficking investigation involving a transnational criminal organization.  The defendant physically attacked law enforcement agents in the course of their duties, even as the crowd tried to hold her back.  When the defendant was arrested, she doubled-down, punching an FBI agent in the head.  Let me make clear:  it is against the law to assault or obstruct federal law enforcement agents.  We do not punch cops.”

    “Assaulting a law enforcement officer engaged in their lawful duties, or damaging government property during a protest, is not protected under the First Amendment — it is a criminal offense,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, will use every available resource to investigate these acts, identify those responsible, and ensure they are held accountable under the law.” 

    “Our agents were lawfully performing their duties when they were surrounded and obstructed by individuals attempting to interfere with a federal operation.  Let me be clear – interfering with federal law enforcement is a crime, and those responsible will be identified and held accountable,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Jamie Holt. “HSI and its partners operate with professionalism, purpose, and the full backing of the law.  I fully support the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way every day to uphold public safety.  No one should face threats, intimidation, or violence while carrying out the duties entrusted to them by the American people.  The safety of our agents and officers will never be compromised.”

    “Respect for the rule of law is the foundation of our justice system,” said Special Agent in Charge of ATF Travis Riddle. “When federal law enforcement officers are executing a lawful search warrant, which is part of ensuring due process, interference, especially violent interference, will not be tolerated. Anyone who chooses to escalate these situations and assault officers should expect to be held accountable. Actions have consequences.”

    Assaulting a federal agent is not only a criminal act–it is an attack on an individual, a member of our community, and the integrity of the justice system itself,” said Ramsey E. Covington, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “Acts of violence against federal agents will not be tolerated and will be met with swift and appropriate action. This arrest underscores our commitment to upholding the rule of law without compromise and ensuring offenders who attempt to obstruct justice are held fully accountable.”

    Lopez made her initial appearance in U.S. District Court today, before Magistrate Judge John F. Docherty.  She will remain detained pending a detention hearing.

    This case is a result of a criminal investigation conducted by the FBI, HSI, DEA, IRS-CI, ATF, USMS, and Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.

    A complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lowell Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy with Asian Boyz Gang

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Over 13,000 counterfeit “Adderall” pills containing methamphetamine recovered during search of defendant’s storage unit

    BOSTON – A Lowell man pleaded guilty yesterday to distributing thousands of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine, including to a member of the Asian Boyz gang.

    Scott Fournier, a/k/a “S.G.,” 34, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine; two counts of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine; two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine; and three counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Oct. 8, 2025.

    According to court documents, a long-term investigation identified that Asian Boyz gang members and associates had access to a plentiful supply of dangerous, homemade pills pressed with varying doses of methamphetamine and caffeine and designed to resemble pharmaceutical-grade Adderall.

    Between March 2, 2023 and May 12, 2023, Fournier supplied an Asian Boyz gang member with more than 2,000 methamphetamine pills to be used in street deals. Fournier’s fingerprints were identified on one of the bags containing the pills.

    The investigation subsequently traced Fournier’s supply operation to a storage unit in Tyngsborough. Security video recordings from the facility showed Fournier routinely accessing the storage unit, including at the times in which he delivered methamphetamine pills to the Asian Boyz gang member. During a search of the storage unit in October 2023, 13,464 counterfeit “Adderall” pills containing methamphetamine were found – with a combined weight of over four kilograms – as well as other types of pills. Upon being approached by law enforcement, following the search of his storage unit, Fournier was found in possession of a bag that contained an additional 1,684 counterfeit “Adderall” pills made with methamphetamine.      

    Additionally, over the course of five separate occasions between April 2024 and October 2024, Fournier sold approximately 8,000 counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine – with a combined weight of over two kilograms – in recorded deals to a cooperating witness.

    The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine each provide for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine each provide for a sentence of at least five year and up to life in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. 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; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Superintendent Gregory C. Hudon of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Billerica, Haverhill, North Andover and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

    This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Beloit Man Sentenced to 4 Years for Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Craig Daskam, 69, Beloit, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to four years in federal prison for possessing child pornography. This prison term will be followed by ten years of supervised release.  In addition to these penalties, Daskam was ordered to pay $22,000 in assessments to funds that support victims of child exploitation crimes. Daskam pleaded guilty to this offense on March 19, 2025.

    In 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Madison, Wisconsin, received a report from FBI-Charlotte that Daskam had received child pornography. The FBI ultimately searched Daskam’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. Agents searched Daskam’s phone and found numerous child pornography images and videos.

    In sentencing Daskam, Judge Peterson expressed concern that Daskam’s conduct was driven by a dangerous impulse that Daskam doesn’t understand and can’t control.   

    The charge against Daskam was the result of an investigation conducted by FBI Madison, FBI Charlotte, and the Beloit Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Ginsberg prosecuted this case.

    This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Suburban Chicago Physician Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Health Care Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago physician has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for billing Medicaid and private insurers for nonexistent and unnecessary services.

    MONA GHOSH owned and operated Progressive Women’s Healthcare, S.C., a medical office in Hoffman Estates, Ill., specializing in obstetrics and gynecology services.  From 2018 to 2022, Ghosh submitted and caused her employees to submit fraudulent claims to Medicaid, TRICARE, and numerous other insurers for procedures and services that were not medically necessary, including endometrial ablations and biopsies, ultrasounds, vaccinations, laboratory blood tests, and tests for sexually transmitted diseases.  Some of the procedures were performed without patient consent.  Ghosh also fraudulently overstated the length and complexity of in-office and telemedicine visits and submitted claims using billing codes for which the visits did not qualify in order to seek higher reimbursement rates.  Ghosh prepared false patient medical records to support the fraudulent reimbursement claims.

    Ghosh, 52, of Inverness, Ill., pleaded guilty last year to two counts of health care fraud.  On Monday, U.S. District Judge Franklin U. Valderrama imposed the ten-year prison sentence and ordered Ghosh to pay approximately $1.5 million in restitution.

    The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; Mario Pinto, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Jason Sargenski, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Southeast Field Office; and Kwame Raoul, Illinois Attorney General.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kavitha Babu and Hayley Altabef.

    “When physicians submit fraudulent claims to federal health care programs, they divert taxpayer-funded resources away from those who truly need them,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “Dr. Ghosh’s fraud scheme was particularly egregious because she endangered the health of her patients through unnecessary medical procedures, including procedures that denied women of childbearing age the opportunity to start their own families with children. We applaud the victims’ strength to come forward and confront this defendant.  Our Office will fight tirelessly for victims and work diligently with our law enforcement partners to safeguard taxpayer funds and hold accountable those who steal from the American public.”

    “Dr. Ghosh spent years traumatizing patients, lying to insurers, and stealing taxpayer money to feed her greed,” said FBI SAC DePodesta.  “The depraved conduct uncovered in this case represents an extreme betrayal of trust toward patients who were simply seeking care and integrity from their doctor.  The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue and hold accountable any medical professional who seeks to harm patients for their personal enrichment.”

    “Physicians and other medical professionals who place profits ahead of patient care do so at the expense of the very people they swore an oath to protect,” said HHS-OIG SAC Pinto.  “The sentence imposed in this case reflects the severity of the defendant’s crimes and the harm inflicted on numerous patients.  This investigation underscores our agency’s commitment to aggressively pursuing those who fraudulently submit claims to federal health care programs and put patients at risk.”

    “It is imperative that our service members have full confidence that the medical care they receive is both legitimate and delivered by healthcare providers who are unwaveringly committed to their well-being,” said DCIS SAC Sargenski.  “Today’s outcome should reassure the public that DCIS, alongside our investigative partners, remains steadfast in our pursuit of those who harm the health, safety, and readiness of our men and women in uniform.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alabama Chiropractor Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion and Obstruction

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    Shortly after trial began, an Alabama chiropractor pleaded guilty yesterday to tax evasion and obstructing the IRS.

    The following is according to court documents and evidence admitted at trial: Gary Forrest Edwards, of Shelby County, Alabama, owned and operated the chiropractic practice Hoover Health & Wellness Center. After not filing income tax returns for many years, in 2015, Edwards filed tax returns for 2009 through 2013. He later filed a tax return for 2017. On these returns, Edwards admitted that he owed more than $2.5 million in taxes. Nevertheless, he did not pay the taxes he reported due and did not pay the interest and penalties assessed against him.

    Edwards took steps to thwart the IRS’s efforts to assess and collect taxes against him, including concealing financial accounts he owned from the IRS, transferring funds from accounts he owned to accounts in only his spouse’s name, filing false court documents to terminate federal tax liens against his property, and lying to IRS criminal investigators.

    Edwards will be sentenced later this year. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the evasion charge and a maximum sentence of three years in prison on the obstruction charge. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. U.S. District Court Judge Anna Manasco for the Northern District of Alabama will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Isaiah Boyd of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Garnett for the Northern District of Alabama are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nadler Statement on Donald Trump’s Reckless Escalation of Tensions in Los Angeles

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

    Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) released the following statement on Donald Trump’s Reckless Escalation of Tensions in Los Angeles: 

    “Donald Trump has taken a series of provocative and dangerous steps intended to escalate tensions in Los Angeles. He floated the idea of arresting California’s governor, overrode six decades of precedent by deploying the National Guard without the state’s request, and has now mobilized a full Marine battalion, an alarming and unprecedented escalation. The use of active-duty military forces to confront civil protests, especially over the objections of state leaders, is a dangerous action that poses a direct threat to civil liberties and the foundations of our democracy.

    Let me be clear: I support peaceful protest and do not want to see violence on our streets. I am thankful that, as Governor Newsom, Mayor Bass, and the Los Angeles Police Department have stated, the protests in Los Angeles have been overwhelmingly peaceful. It is clear that state and local law enforcement did not—and do not—need assistance from the National Guard or the Marines. Even before the Guard arrived in Los Angeles, Trump credited them with restoring calm, proving that this deployment was not a response to any real public safety need, but rather a calculated attempt to use the power of the federal government to intimidate communities, silence dissent, and punish states that defy him. Additionally, LAPD leadership stated yesterday that the deployment of Marines to Los Angeles “presents significant logistical and operational challenges for those of us charged with safeguarding this city.” Indeed, the deployment, which will cost American taxpayers at least $134 million, was so poorly planned that Marines and Guardsmen reportedly lack adequate fuel, water, and even a place to sleep.

    Trump has referred to protesters in Los Angeles as insurrectionists, and his hypocrisy is staggering. When violent extremists stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6 and attacked law enforcement officers, Trump refused to call them insurrectionists or authorize the National Guard in time to stop the violence. Since then, he has pardoned many of them, including those who assaulted police and left more than 140 officers injured.

    Trump’s actions are also part of a broader effort to manufacture a crisis and use it to justify cruel, sweeping crackdowns on immigrant communities. Dreamers and longtime residents are being detained without warrants, denied access to legal counsel, and stripped of their rights. In some cases, individuals are taken in the middle of the night with no explanation and no official record of their whereabouts.

    These authoritarian crackdowns have reached as far as my own district office, where DHS officers entered without a warrant and unnecessarily detained a member of my staff. Across the country, DHS personnel are operating in secrecy, wearing masks, using unmarked vehicles, and arresting people on public streets without identifying themselves or offering any form of accountability. That is not how law enforcement should function in a democracy. Concealing identity and evading oversight are tactics of intimidation, not instruments of justice.

    Congressional Republicans cannot stand by silently while constitutional rights are trampled and federal forces are turned against the American people. That is how democracies backslide, through normalization and inaction. I will continue to do everything in my power to stop this abuse, demand accountability from the Trump Administration, and fight to ensure that our democratic principles are protected for future generations.”

                                                                                                                                                  ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton Introduces Bills to Increase Penalties on Violent Rioters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353June 10, 2025
    Cotton Introduces Bills to Increase Penalties on Violent Rioters 
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the No Visas for Violent Criminals Act and the Mitigating Extreme Lawlessness and Threats Act. Together, the pair of bills would stiffen punishment for violent rioters by establishing and increasing mandatory minimum sentences for violent offenders and by requiring deportation within 60 days of any non-citizen convicted of a criminal offense during a protest.
    “Rioters of any immigration status who assault ICE officers and engage in acts of violence should face stiff consequences. My bills make clear that Americans will not tolerate lawless rioting in support of illegal immigration,” said Senator Cotton.
    Text of the No Visas for Violent Criminals Act may be found here.
    Text of the Mitigating Extreme Lawlessness Act may be found here.
    The No Visas for Violent Criminals Act would immediately terminate any visa and require deportation within 60 days of any non-citizen convicted of:
    Any offense involving the obstruction of highways, roads, bridges, or tunnels.
    Any offense related to the individual’s conduct at and during the course of a protest.
    Any offense involving the defacement or destruction of federal property.
    The Mitigating Extreme Lawlessness Act would:
    Increase the maximum punishment for participating in a riot from five to ten years.
    Establish a mandatory minimum of one year for an act of violence as part of a riot.
    Establish a mandatory minimum of one year and eliminate the maximum penalty for assaulting a federal law enforcement officer or uniformed service member.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Democrats Fight Back with Bill to Reverse Trump, Hegseth Ban on Transgender Service Members in the Military

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    June 10, 2025
    Fit to Serve Act would enhance national security, prohibit Trump, Hegseth from attacking members of the military based on gender identity
    Text of Bill (PDF) | Bill One-Pager (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), the top Democrat for the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, introduced the Fit to Serve Act, a bill to support our military readiness and national security by prohibiting discrimination against transgender service members. 
    Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), all also members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, along with Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) joined as co-sponsors of the bill. 
    Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, led the introduction of the bill in the House of Representatives with Gabe Amo (D-R.I.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.). 
    In January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order banning transgender individuals joining and continuing to serve in the military. The Department of Defense (DoD) is forcing service members in active-duty to self-identify for voluntary separation by June 6, 2025; service members in the Reserves have until July 7, 2025. 
    Banning transgender service members undermines our military’s readiness. The administration’s actions hurt our national security and dehumanize the thousands of transgender service members who have made meaningful contributions to our armed forces.
    While the ban continues to be litigated in federal court, the Supreme Court has allowed the DoD to begin to implement the ban, threatening the careers of thousands of service members who serve as test pilots, Navy divers, intelligence analysts, weapons specialists, combat aviators, and other critical national security roles. The ban also threatens to waste billions of taxpayer dollars invested in training these troops, who have spent decades in the military, deployed multiple times, and commanded large numbers of troops. 
    Former Pentagon officials have testified that allowing transgender service members to openly serve “fosters openness and trust among team members, thereby enhancing unit cohesion” and that “transgender service members who meet the standards required for their positions serve effectively and contribute positively to unit readiness.”  To ensure the United States can continue to benefit from the service of transgender individuals, who have raised their hand to defend and protect their country and meet the same rigorous standards as their peers, the Fit to Serve Act prohibits DoD from: 
    Banning transgender service members from the military; 
    Prescribing qualifications for service on the basis of gender identity; 
    Denying necessary health care for service members on the basis of gender identity; 
    Forcing a service member to serve in their sex assigned at birth; or 
    Otherwise discriminating against service members on the basis of gender identity.
    “We recruit and train the best and bravest to protect our country – losing highly qualified service members, who meet strict standards to join the military, makes us less safe,” said Senator Warren. “While Trump plays politics with our troops, I’m fighting back to make clear that anyone who is qualified to serve should be able to regardless of who they are.”
    “Banning transgender Americans from serving in our military, and forcing current service members to quit serving, is a cruel attack on the very people who have dedicated their lives to defending our country,” said Senator Booker. “Transgender service members meet the same rigorous standards as their peers and have served our country with honor for years. The Fit to Serve Act is critical legislation to prevent the Department of Defense from discriminating against our troops on the basis of gender.”
    “If you are willing to risk your life for our country and you can do the job, it shouldn’t matter if you are gay, straight, transgender, Black, white or anything else,” said Senator Duckworth. “Every transgender servicemember earned their role through rigorous training and is more qualified to serve in those roles than Pete Hegseth is to be Secretary of Defense. I’m proud to join Senator Warren and my Democratic colleagues in working to reverse the Trump Administration’s offensive transgender military ban, which is disruptive to our military, hurts readiness and not only does nothing to strengthen our national security—it actively makes things worse.”
    “Attacking people based on who they love or how they identify does nothing to make America safer. Our LGBTQ+ servicemembers put their lives on the line to keep our nation safe, and I’m always going to have their backs,” said Senator Fetterman. “Since day one, I’ve called on Secretary Hegseth to reverse course, and he’s failed to act. Now, I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce legislation to end this disgraceful, illegal ban.”
    “Transgender service members serve our country honorably, dedicating their lives to protecting our nation,” said Senator Hirono. “Yet, Trump continues attacking the transgender community, disrespecting these individuals, discriminating against them, and undermining our military readiness. By prohibiting this discrimination on the basis of gender identity, this legislation will help to ensure transgender individuals who are qualified to serve may do so.”
    “Every willing and qualified American deserves the chance to serve and defend our country, and many transgender individuals have done so for years with dignity and honor. This legislation will ensure these patriots can continue to serve freely and openly, now and in the future,” said Senator Van Hollen.
    “As President Trump continues to denigrate and target transgender servicemembers, we must stand up for what is right and what makes our military strongest,” said Senator Kim. “We cannot build a united, incomparable force by alienating brave Americans ready and proud to serve their nation. This legislation honors our transgender troops’ service and anyone who is willing to put their life on the line for our freedoms and serve our nation in uniform.”
    “The persistent dehumanization of trans people by the Trump administration hurts many and helps no one. Trans members of the military – just like anyone else in service – have dedicated their lives to public service, and, in return, this administration dismisses them from service,” said Senator Ed Markey, “I am proud to stand with my colleagues to say this is wrong. Trans rights are human rights.”
    “Service members sign up to protect our country with patriotism and bravery,” said Senator Merkley. “Banning highly-skilled transgender service members endangers the safety and security of our nation, and takes us backward in our march towards equality.”
    “There’s no reason other than blatant discrimination for trans service members to be barred from serving in our military,” said Senator Schatz. “If someone is willing and meets the high standards to serve, they should be allowed to – it’s as simple as that.”
    “Donald Trump’s ban on transgender people in the military puts Americans’ safety last,” Senator Wyden said. “Fitness for military service has nothing to do with how a person identifies. The Fit to Serve Act will keep our military strong by ensuring that anyone who can do the job can join and serve.”
    This bill is endorsed by the following organizations: Human Rights Campaign, Minority Veterans of America, SPARTA, Out in National Security, Advocates for Trans Equality, Modern Military Association of America, National Women’s Law Center, and National Center for LGBTQ Rights.
    “Transgender servicemembers are trusted and effective warfighters. At a time when the United States faces growing threats around the world, banning them from the All-Volunteer Force will make Americans less safe,” said Luke Schleusener, CEO of Out in National Security (ONS), a professional association for LGBTQIA+ people across the national security enterprise. “This legislation underscores that the fight to honor the service of thousands of transgender Americans in uniform—and to strengthen America’s national security—is far from over.” 
    “The Fit to Serve Act is a necessary step to ensure our military reflects the values it claims to defend—honor, courage, and integrity. Banning transgender troops based on prejudice weakens our national security, erodes morale, and wastes taxpayer dollars. Transgender service members have always served with pride, even when denied recognition, and they deserve to serve openly in our armed forces and for leadership that is rooted in facts—not fear. This bill sends a clear message: Patriotism isn’t defined by gender identity, but by the selfless act of serving one’s country,” said Lindsay Church, MVA (Minority Veterans of America) Executive Director. 
    “The Fit to Serve Act is vital to stop the current unnecessary and cruel purge of trans troops, which weaponizes a gender dysphoria diagnosis. It would ensure our leaders cannot turn their backs on those fully capable and willing to serve, for no reason other than discrimination,” said Cathy Marcello, Modern Military Association of America’s Interim Executive Director. “The policy’s vague wording of ‘exhibits symptoms of gender dysphoria’ will undoubtedly be misused against anyone who military leadership wants to push out, similar to the ways Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was used to target individuals.
    “Trangender service members have already taken an extraordinary step most Americans never will: volunteering to risk their lives in defense of our nation. These thousands of patriots have already served openly and honorably around the world for nearly a decade, meeting the same standards as everyone else. Suddenly separating them and finding and training replacements will cost taxpayers billions over decades — while destroying the careers and livelihoods of thousands of military families and leaving units with critical operational and talent gaps.
    “Despite three federal courts deeming the policy unconstitutional and top military leaders noting no evidence of negative impacts of open trans service, the executive and judicial branches have failed to protect these service members. They are already experiencing the first steps of a novel and undignified separation process. We are truly thankful that Senators Warren, Duckworth, Gillibrand, Baldwin, Markey, Wyden, Hirono, Merkley, Fetterman, Van Hollen, Sanders, Kim, Booker, Schatz, and Smith are addressing this injustice by introducing the Fit to Serve Act to codify what so many of us know to be true: transgender service members are fit for service and don’t deserve to live with the uncertainty of ever-changing executive orders and litigation with each new administration.”
    “The Fit to Serve Act is a declaration that we will not stand by while our courageous troops are under political assault. Transgender servicemembers meet the same rigorous standards, deploy worldwide, put in the same hard work and demonstrate the same dedication as any of their colleagues. They have valiantly embraced the weighty responsibility of protecting our country and should not have their careers arbitrarily ended. Instead, President Trump and Secretary Hegseth are taking away their jobs, cutting off their health care benefits, and disregarding the immense sacrifices these servicemembers and their families have made. It’s a slap in the face to all who serve and puts our military readiness at risk. We thank Sen. Warren for introducing this important legislation, and we urge every Member of Congress to support it and uphold this nation’s promise to support all of our servicemembers,” said Jennifer Pike Bailey, Government Affairs Director of the Human Rights Campaign. 
    “We are grateful to lawmakers for standing up for our nation’s troops and ensuring that every American has an equal opportunity to serve. Military service is about whether you can do the job, not who you are,” said Shannon Minter, Legal Director, National Center for LGBTQ Rights (NCLR). 
    “Transgender people have long served in our military with honor, integrity, and courage. Efforts to ban them from service undermine the humanity and contributions of those who have risked their lives for our country,” said Gaylynn Burroughs, vice president for education and workplace justice at the National Women’s Law Center. “We strongly support the Fit to Serve Act and applaud Senator Warren’s leadership in defending the rights and dignity of trans service members. Everyone, regardless of who they are, deserves the right to work with dignity and without fear of harassment or other forms of discrimination, including in the military.”
    “SPARTA Pride supports the Fit To Serve Act introduced by Senator Elizabeth Warren that aims to prohibit discrimination in the military on the basis of gender identity. This legislation represents a critical step toward ensuring that all who are willing and able to serve their country can do so with dignity, authenticity, and fairness—regardless of their gender identity,” said SPARTA Pride.
    “The United States military is as diverse as our country, and trans people have always been a part of the military, serving honorably and meeting the same rigorous standards as their peers. For nearly a decade, trans servicemembers have been able to serve in the military openly and authentically as themselves,” said Olivia Hunt, Advocates for Trans Equality Director of Federal Policy. “Trump’s ban on trans servicemembers betrays the trust of the thousands of trans people who have come out and transitioned while serving, with the full support of their unit members and chain of command. It also jeopardizes their access to critical benefits such as healthcare, education, and retirement, essential for their well-being and stability. We applaud Senator Warren and her cosponsors for introducing this important legislation and joining us in standing up for servicemembers.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Charged with Methamphetamine Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two men have been charged for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

    Ramon Garcia-Parra, 37, a Mexican national, and Abraham Acevedo-Hernandez, 32, of Kansas City, Mo., were charged in a criminal complaint in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

    The complaint alleges that Ramon Garcia-Parra and Abraham Acevedo-Hernandez conspired to distribute methamphetamine. As part of the conspiracy, the defendants delivered approximately 10 kilograms of methamphetamine during a controlled purchase on June 2, 2025.

    Trinidad Garcia-Parra, 40, a Mexican national and relative of Ramon Garcia-Parra, has also been charged in a separate criminal complaint in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday, June 5, 2025, with illegal re-entry. Trinidad Garcia-Parra had previously been removed from the United States on two prior occasions.

    The charges contained in these complaints are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Smith. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, and the Internal Revenue Service.

    KC Metro Strike Force

    This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

    Operation Take Back America

    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).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: TENNESSEE WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO WIRE FRAUD

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Acting United States Attorney Ellison C. Travis announced that Trisha Milstead, age 53, of Newport, Tennessee, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson to wire fraud. 

    According to admissions made as part of her guilty plea, beginning in May 2024 and continuing through July 2024, Milstead engaged in a scheme to defraud two credit unions and three small businesses – a business in Tennessee that sells recreational vehicles (RVs) and travel trailers, a used car dealership in North Carolina, and a new and used car dealership in Gonzales, Louisiana.

    Milstead opened new accounts online at a financial institution based in California and attempted to fund the accounts by initiating wire transfers from an account that she purportedly held at another financial institution based in Mississippi, knowing that she did not have any account at the Mississippi institution and that the transfers were fraudulent. Before the financial institutions realized that Milstead’s transfers should be reversed, however, she accessed the first institution’s online “bill payment” system and issued several large checks drawn on her accounts.

    Milstead used one of the fraudulent checks in the amount of $38,000, to obtain a Ford F-150 Raptor truck from a dealership in North Carolina, another fraudulent check in the amount of $49,044.42 to obtain a 2020 Cadillac XT5 luxury sport utility vehicle from a dealership in Gonzales, Louisiana, and other fraudulent check in the amount of $35,350 to attempt to purchase a recreational vehicle from the business in Tennessee.

    This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and the Gonzales Police Department with valuable assistance from Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Department and Rutherford County (North Carolina) Sheriff’s Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan A. Stevens, who also serves as Senior Litigation Counsel.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ormond Beach Man Indicted For Making Online Threats Against The President

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the  unsealing of an indictment charging Sheldon James Biddle (25, Ormond Beach) with threatening to kill the President of the United States. If convicted, Biddle faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. 

    According to the indictment, on April 2, 2025, Biddle made a threat to take the life of the President of the United States in a series of postings from an online account belonging to him. Specifically, Biddle indicated that the President was going to get assassinated for engaging in treason, a true threat of violence.

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

    This case was investigated by United States Secret Service, the Ormond Beach Police Department, and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lasry.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hooksett Man Sentenced to 7 1/2 Years in Federal Prison for the Distribution of Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CONCORD – A Hooksett man was sentenced yesterday in federal court for distributing methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

    Erik Pena, age 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha D. Elliott to 90 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  In February 2025, Pena pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of a controlled substance.

    “The distribution of methamphetamine devastates communities, fuels addiction, and endangers public safety. Drug trafficking will not be tolerated in New Hampshire. We will vigorously support law enforcement and prosecute offenders to stop the spread of drugs in the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack.

    “Methamphetamine traffickers must be held accountable for the pain, suffering, and destruction inflicted by their crimes,” said Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Make no mistake, the FBI’s Major Offender Task Force will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue dangerous drug traffickers like Erik Pena in order to make New Hampshire a safe place for everyone who lives and works here.”

    According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2023 and 2024, law enforcement purchased over two pounds of methamphetamine from Pena. Investigators identified and searched Pena’s stash house and located distribution level quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, as well as four firearms, ammunition, and body armor. Additional fentanyl pills were found at Pena’s residence.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation Major Offender Task Force led the investigation. The New Hampshire State Police and the Hooksett Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherniske prosecuted the case.

    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).

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Sets the Record Straight on LA Riots, Condemns Violence Against Law Enforcement, Destruction of Property and Threats to ICE Agents

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Politicians, media attempt to gaslight Americans, call lawless riots in the sanctuary state of California peaceful

    WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released the following statement setting the record straight and condemning the destruction caused by the violent rioters in Los Angeles, California.  

    Sanctuary politicians and the media have falsely claimed these are “peaceful” riots.

    “While the mainstream media and far-left politicians have lied point-blank to Americans that these riots in Los Angeles have not been violent, the American people can see with their own eyes the truth,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Rioters are throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails at law enforcement, defacing public property, setting cars on fire, defacing buildings, assaulting law enforcement, and burning American flags. The violent targeting of law enforcement in Los Angeles by lawless rioters is despicable and Democrat politicians must call for it to end.”

    Source

    Source

    Source

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    Source: AP

    Source

    Click here for video showing rioter throwing rocks at law enforcement in Los Angeles.

    Click here for video showing rioter lighting fire to police vehicles on overpass in Los Angeles.

    Click here for video showing rioters launching rocks toward CBP in Los Angeles.

    Source: DHS Image

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Family law changes will better protect domestic violence victims – and their pets

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meri Oakwood, Lecturer in Law, Southern Cross University

    Zivia Kerkez/Shutterstock

    Welcome changes to family law come into effect this week to better support victims of domestic violence in property settlements.

    Importantly, the Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 will provide a new framework for determining ownership of the family pet in divorce and separation proceedings. Pets will no longer be recognised merely as property, but as “companion animals”.

    Family law courts must now consider animal abuse, including threats to harm pets, when deciding which partner is awarded ownership.

    Research suggests up to 15% of all animal cruelty cases involve domestic violence offending. Therefore, the new laws will provide some relief to partners whose beloved pets have suffered abuse.

    Part of the family

    Australia has high pet ownership, with 69% of households owning an animal companion. Some 48% have dogs and 33% have cats.

    For victims of violence, the bond with their pet is very important for emotional support. Because of this attachment, abusers often target animals as one of the ways to control their victims.

    The new laws recognise the strong emotional bond between owners and pets.
    Ksenia Raykova/Shutterstock

    Disturbing research has found animals living in violent households may be kicked, punched, held by their ears, thrown and poisoned. Injuries are common. Pets can be killed.

    When a person experiences family violence in their home, they are often asked “Why don’t you just leave?” The reasons are complicated. Perpetrators of coercive control can make their victims fearful for their own safety and their children’s – and for the safety and wellbeing of their pets.

    If victims do leave an abusive relationship, family pets are often left behind because it is too hard to find suitable accommodation. Also, the pet may be registered in the name of the abuser.

    Court’s past view of pets

    Previously, if a victim asked for ownership of their pet, courts could not consider the animal’s safety or wellbeing.

    In Australian family law, pets were viewed as personal property, similar to other possessions such as cars, furniture and electronic equipment.

    In any dispute about pets, courts would consider the following:

    • who paid for it?
    • was it a gift?
    • whose name is on the ownership documents?
    • who has possession?
    • who paid the expenses?

    In deciding custody, courts were not thinking about where the pet would be out of harm’s way. Instead the focus was on who had the superior right to title, a common question in personal property law.

    The safety and survival of a dog or cat was irrelevant in decision-making.

    Hope on the horizon

    Many Australians do not view pets as just another item of personal property. They see them as treasured family members who should be protected.

    The amended Family Law Act redefines pets as companion animals, rather than as mere property. The shift recognises the deep emotional attachments between pets and their owners.

    Any species of animal owned by a couple as a companion will be covered under the new sections of the Act. However, disputes in family law are more commonly about dogs.

    When a marriage or de facto relationship breaks down, the court will consider any past cruelty towards a pet when deciding future ownership.

    Matters for consideration will include:

    • was there family violence?
    • was there animal abuse, actual or threatened?
    • who has ownership or possession of the animal?
    • is there any attachment by an adult or child to the animal?
    • how much did each person in the household care for the animal?

    Courts will only be able to assign ownership to one party. There will be no joint custody to prevent ongoing disputes over the ownership of the pet.

    Under the new laws, custody of a pet will not be awarded to an abuser.
    Nejec Vesel/Shutterstock

    If an abused partner is confident they would be allowed to keep their companion animal if they leave a violent relationship, there is a greater chance they will seek safety.

    If a victim has fled to accommodation where they cannot keep their pet, the new laws will allow for a court order to transfer the animal to another person. A safe person.

    The sentience of animals – their ability to feel pain and fear – is still not recognised in Australian family law.

    Nevertheless, this week’s changes should lead to large numbers of companion animals gaining protection from future abuse.

    Financial abuse may constitute family violence

    Other changes to family law also come in to force this week.

    Family law courts must consider the economic effects of family violence on the victim when making decisions about property and finances after separation.

    Critically, the definition of family violence is being broadened. It will now include economic or financial abuse-related conduct, such as sabotaging the victim’s employment, forcibly controlling their money or forcing them to go into debt.

    Not paying child support for a long time might also count. Intentionally damaging a property to reduce its value will also be in the equation.

    There will also be greater protections to prevent the misuse of sensitive information that arise from confidential conversations with healthcare professionals, or with specialist support services.

    The property changes will apply to all new and existing proceedings, except where a final hearing has already commenced.

    These reforms to better protect victim-survivors of family violence and the animals they love, are long overdue.

    Meri Oakwood does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Family law changes will better protect domestic violence victims – and their pets – https://theconversation.com/family-law-changes-will-better-protect-domestic-violence-victims-and-their-pets-258189

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Resisting Dependency: U.S. Hegemony, China’s Rise, and the Geopolitical Stakes in the Caribbean

    Source: Council on Hemispheric Affairs – Analysis-Reportage

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –