NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATED: Fourth man arrested in connection with arsons in north London

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A fourth man has been arrested as part of an investigation into a series of fires in north London.

    A 48-year-old man [D] was arrested on Monday, 2 June at London Stansted Airport. He was initially stopped by officers under schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, 2000, before being arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

    The arrest is connected to an investigation into a vehicle fire in NW5 on Thursday, 8 May, a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on Sunday, 11 May and a fire at a residential address in NW5 in the early hours of Monday, 12 May.

    The man [D] has been taken to a London police station, before being released on bail to a date in July.

    The Crown Prosecution Service previously authorised charged against three other men:

    • Roman Lavrynovych 21 (06.02.04), of Sydenham, a Ukrainian national [A] was charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life.
    • Stanislav Carpiuc, 26 (15.07.98) of Romford, a Romanian national, [B] was charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.
    • Petro Pochynok 34 (25.07.90) of north London, a Ukrainian national [C] was charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

    The three men [A-C] have been remanded in custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on Friday, 6 June.

    The investigation is being led by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command due to the fires all having connections to a high-profile public figure. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May. Enquiries remain ongoing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The secret to Ukraine’s battlefield successes against Russia – it knows wars are never won in the past

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Sussex, Associate Professor (Adj), Griffith Asia Institute; and Fellow, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University

    The iconoclastic American general Douglas Macarthur once said that “wars are never won in the past”.

    That sentiment certainly seemed to ring true following Ukraine’s recent audacious attack on Russia’s strategic bomber fleet, using small, cheap drones housed in wooden pods and transported near Russian airfields in trucks.

    The synchronised operation targeted Russian Air Force planes as far away as Irkutsk – more than 5,000 kilometres from Ukraine. Early reports suggest around a third of Russia’s long-range bombers were either destroyed or badly damaged. Russian military bloggers have put the estimated losses lower, but agree the attack was catastrophic for the Russian Air Force, which has struggled to adapt to Ukrainian tactics.

    This particular attack was reportedly 18 months in the making. To keep it secret was an extraordinary feat. Notably, Kyiv did not inform the United States that the attack was in the offing. The Ukrainians judged – perhaps understandably – that sharing intelligence on their plans could have alerted the Kremlin in relatively short order.

    Ukraine’s success once again demonstrates that its armed forces and intelligence services are the modern masters of battlefield innovation and operational security.

    Finding new solutions

    Western military planners have been carefully studying Ukraine’s successes ever since its forces managed to blunt Russia’s initial onslaught deep into its territory in early 2022, and then launched a stunning counteroffensive that drove the Russian invaders back towards their original starting positions.

    There have been other lessons, too, about how the apparently weak can stand up to the strong. These include:

    • attacks on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s vanity project, the Kerch Bridge, linking the Russian mainland to occupied Crimea (the last assault occurred just days ago)

    • the relentless targeting of Russia’s oil and gas infrastructure with drones

    • attacks against targets in Moscow to remind the Russian populace about the war, and

    • its incursion into the Kursk region, which saw Ukrainian forces capture around 1,000 square kilometres of Russian territory.

    On each occasion, Western defence analysts have questioned the wisdom of Kyiv’s moves.

    Why invade Russia using your best troops when Moscow’s forces continue laying waste to cities in Ukraine?

    Why hit Russia’s energy infrastructure if it doesn’t markedly impede the battlefield mobility of Russian forces?

    And why attack symbolic targets like bridges when it could provoke Putin into dangerous “escalation”?

    The answer to this is the key to effective innovation during wartime. Ukraine’s defence and security planners have interpreted their missions – and their best possible outcomes – far more accurately than conventional wisdom would have thought.

    Above all, they have focused on winning the war they are in, rather than those of the past. This means:

    • using technological advancements to force the Russians to change their tactics

    • shaping the information environment to promote their narratives and keep vital Western aid flowing, and

    • deploying surprise attacks not just as ways to boost public morale, but also to impose disproportionate costs on the Russian state.

    The impact of Ukraine’s drone attack

    In doing so, Ukraine has had an eye for strategic effects. As the smaller nation reliant on international support, this has been the only logical choice.

    Putin has been prepared to commit a virtually inexhaustible supply of expendable cannon fodder to continue his country’s war ad infinitum. Russia has typically won its wars this way – by attrition – albeit at a tremendous human and material cost.

    That said, Ukraine’s most recent surprise attack does not change the overall contours of the war. The only person with the ability to end it is Putin himself.

    That’s why Ukraine is putting as much pressure as possible on his regime, as well as domestic and international perceptions of it. It is key to Ukraine’s theory of victory.

    This is also why the latest drone attack is so significant. Russia needs its long-range bomber fleet, not just to fire conventional cruise missiles at Ukrainian civilian and infrastructure targets, but as aerial delivery systems for its strategic nuclear arsenal.

    The destruction of even a small portion of Russia’s deterrence capability has the potential to affect its nuclear strategy. It has increasingly relied on this strategy to threaten the West.

    A second impact of the attack is psychological. The drone attacks are more likely to enrage Putin than bring him to the bargaining table. However, they reinforce to the Russian military that there are few places – even on its own soil – that its air force can act with operational impunity.

    The surprise attacks also provide a shot in the arm domestically, reminding Ukrainians they remain very much in the fight.

    Finally, the drone attacks send a signal to Western leaders. US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, for instance, have gone to great lengths to tell the world that Ukraine is weak and has “no cards”. This action shows Kyiv does indeed have some powerful cards to play.

    That may, of course, backfire: after all, Trump is acutely sensitive to being made to look a fool. He may look unkindly at resuming military aid to Ukraine after being shown up for saying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would be forced to capitulate without US support.

    But Trump’s own hubris has already done that for him. His regular claims that a peace deal is just weeks away have gone beyond wishful thinking and are now monotonous.

    Unsurprisingly, Trump’s reluctance to put anything approaching serious pressure on Putin has merely incentivised the Russian leader to string the process along.

    Indeed, Putin’s insistence on a maximalist victory, requiring Ukrainian demobilisation and disarmament without any security guarantees for Kyiv, is not diplomacy at all. It is merely the reiteration of the same unworkable demands he has made since even before Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

    However, Ukraine’s ability to smuggle drones undetected onto an opponent’s territory, and then unleash them all together, will pose headaches for Ukraine’s friends, as well as its enemies.

    That’s because it makes domestic intelligence and policing part of any effective defence posture. It is a contingency democracies will have to plan for, just as much as authoritarian regimes, who are also learning from Ukraine’s lessons.

    In other words, while the attack has shown up Russia’s domestic security services for failing to uncover the plan, Western security elites, as well as authoritarian ones, will now be wondering whether their own security apparatuses would be up to the job.

    The drone strikes will also likely lead to questions about how useful it is to invest in high-end and extraordinarily expensive weapons systems when they can be vulnerable. The Security Service of Ukraine estimates the damage cost Russia US$7 billion (A$10.9 billion). Ukraine’s drones, by comparison, cost a couple of thousand dollars each.

    At the very least, coming up with a suitable response to those challenges will require significant thought and effort. But as Ukraine has repeatedly shown us, you can’t win wars in the past.

    Matthew Sussex has received funding from the Australian Research Council, the Atlantic Council, the Fulbright Foundation, the Carnegie Foundation, the Lowy Institute and various Australian government departments and agencies.

    – ref. The secret to Ukraine’s battlefield successes against Russia – it knows wars are never won in the past – https://theconversation.com/the-secret-to-ukraines-battlefield-successes-against-russia-it-knows-wars-are-never-won-in-the-past-258172

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Media advisory – Police Media Centre, Thursday 5 June 2025

    Source: New Zealand Police

    The Police Media Centre will operate at reduced capacity on Thursday 5 June.

    Media Advisors will be available to respond to urgent queries and significant events only, during the usual hours of 6am to 9pm.

    Other queries may be held until the following day.

    We appreciate your patience and understanding.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 74 handguns and automatic rifles seized, 11 firearms traffickers arrested

    Source: Europol

    On the action day, 50 handguns of one specific make, 13 further handguns, 4 machine guns, 4 rifles, 1 revolver, 2 alarm pistols, 4 large-capacity magazines for automatic weapons, 16 other magazines and 2 homemade clubs were seized. In one location, law enforcement officers found a drug laboratory and over 450 kilos of a novel synthetic drug. Furthermore, the site…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ14: Curbing youth gambling participation

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​Following is a question by Dr the Hon Starry Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, in the Legislative Council today (June 4):
     
    Question:
     
    In April this year, the Government published a consultation paper on the regulatory regime on basketball betting. There are views pointing out that while the regime aims to combat illegal gambling activities, the community is generally concerned about possible intensification of the gambling craze upon regulation of basketball betting, particularly the negative impact on youths. In addition, it has been reported that the average age of participants in basketball betting is younger than the corresponding figures in horse racing and football betting, and statistical data from gambling counselling organizations also indicate a deteriorating trend in the gambling problem among young people. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) as the aforesaid consultation paper has pointed out that the regulation of football betting since 2003 has generally been effective in channelising illegal betting demand to the legal channel, whether the Government has compiled statistics on the changes in betting turnovers of legal and illegal gambling, as well as the number of help-seeking cases from pathological gamblers and the age distribution trend of those help-seekers, since the regulation of football betting; whether it has assessed the effectiveness of the existing betting regulatory regime in reducing youth gambling participation;
     
    (2) of the following information on the assistance provided by the Ping Wo Fund to help youths quit gambling in the past five years: the number of youths assisted, the expenditure on the relevant publicity and education activities and the number of people covered, and the percentage of help-seeking cases from youths involving basketball betting;
     
    (3) whether it will, upon implementation of the regulatory regime on basketball betting, require basketball betting operators to submit data on young bettors on a regular basis; whether it has assessed the adequacy of the existing measures to curb underage betting, including whether it will further restrict advertising targeted at youths;
     
    (4) as there are views in the community that the authorities should consider setting up a dedicated committee to monitor the impact of basketball betting on youths, and strengthening the use of the Ping Wo Fund to take forward anti-gambling education (especially publicity efforts targeting young groups), whether the authorities will study the relevant proposals; and
     
    (5) whether it has studied if implementation of the regulatory regime on basketball betting will result in a lower age range of gamblers; whether it will make use of technology to enhance the monitoring of gambling activities (such as using artificial intelligence to identify abnormal betting patterns), so as to prevent youth gambling addiction?

    Reply:
     
    President,

    As a matter of policy, the Government does not encourage gambling. To address the possible problems brought by gambling, the Government adopts a multi-pronged strategy including law enforcement against illegal gambling activities, public education on the harms of gambling addiction, provision of counselling and support services to people in need and regulation over gambling activities through legislation.
     
    The Government’s consolidated reply to Dr the Hon Starry Lee’s question is as follows:

    Combatting illegal gambling activities
     
    On law enforcement against illegal gambling activities, the existing Gambling Ordinance explicitly stipulates that all unauthorised gambling activities, apart from those situations stated in the ordinance, constitute an offence. The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) has put in place strategies to combat illegal gambling activities, especially those involving triad-related or organised crimes, in four aspects, namely prevention, education, intelligence gathering and law enforcement. The HKPF will continue to closely monitor the illegal gambling trend, take appropriate intelligence-led law enforcement actions and strengthen the promotion against these illegal gambling activities. It is worth noting that according to the Gambling Ordinance, participating in illegal gambling (such as betting with an illegal bookmaker) is also an offence. Upon conviction, an offender is liable to a maximum penalty of a $50,000 fine and imprisonment for nine months.
     
    Public education and provision of counselling and support services
     
    The Government attaches great importance to preventing gambling-related problems, particularly among youth. The Government established the Ping Wo Fund (PWF) in 2003 to finance both preventive and remedial measures to address the gambling-related problems. The Ping Wo Fund Advisory Committee (PWFAC) was also established to provide advice to the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs on the use and application of the PWF.
     
    The PWF provides appropriate counselling, treatment and other support services to individuals affected by gambling as well as their family members. The PWF will also launch targeted public education and publicity campaigns to raise public awareness (particularly among young people) on the harms of gambling addiction, thereby mitigating its associated negative consequences.
     
    The PWF has consistently prioritised public education and awareness campaigns to raise public awareness on the harms of gambling addiction, and to increase public knowledge of the services available, enabling those in need to seek help at an early stage. These public education measures include providing financial support for non-governmental organisations and schools to organise public education programmes aimed at preventing and alleviating gambling-related problems, a publicity truck programme and other promotional efforts on traditional media and online platforms.
     
    The PWF’s funding support on public education and other publicity campaigns aimed at preventing and alleviating gambling-related problems has more than doubled over the past five years. Detailed figures are set out in the Annex.
     
    In the past five years, service-seekers aged 18 or below constituted 1-2 per cent of the total number of persons receiving counselling or treatment services from the four counselling and treatment centres funded by the PWF. These data indicate that there has been no substantial change in the prevalence of gambling among young people. Relevant data (including variation in other age groups) are set out in the Annex. Separately, according to the information from The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), the proportion of bettors in the 18-21 age group has consistently remained below 2 per cent in the past five years.
     
    We do not maintain a separate breakdown on individuals receiving counselling and treatment services due to illegal basketball betting.
     
    We will review the work of the PWF from time to time, with particular focus on young people, to enhance measures for preventing and alleviating gambling-related problems. The HKJC has also committed to donate to the PWF over a four-year period starting from 2023/24, with contributions set at $45 million per annum for the first two years and $50 million per annum for the subsequent two years.
     
    Regulations
     
    The Government currently regulates the HKJC’s betting activities through the Betting and Lotteries Commission (BLC). Restricting betting activities to a limited number of authorised and regulated outlets is to address the actual and persistent public demand for certain gambling activities which is being satisfied by illegal means and the issue cannot be tackled by law enforcement alone.
     
    According to the HKJC, the amount of football betting turnover ranged from $92.5 billion to $160.3 billion in the past five years. In addition, since the legalisation of football betting in 2003, it has diverted back to the legal channel over $1,581 billion of turnover, which would have continued to flow into the unregulated and illegal gambling market without the regulation.
     
    Under the existing mechanism, the Government requires the HKJC to submit regular work reports for review by both the Government and BLC. The HKJC is also required to meet with the Government and BLC on a regularly basis to report on its progress and plans, ensuring compliance with all licensing conditions and facilitating the review of current betting-related measures. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau will continue to work closely with BLC to ensure that authorised betting activities are properly regulated.
     
    At present, a number of conditions have been imposed under the licences of horse race betting, football betting and Mark Six Lottery issued to the HKJC to require its adoption of measures to minimise the negative impact of gambling on the public, especially on young people. These conditions include that the HKJC:
     

    1. shall not accept bets from juveniles;
    2. shall not accept credit betting;
    3. shall display notices reminding the public of the seriousness of excessive gambling and provide information on the services available for those with gambling disorder; and
    4. shall not, in conducting any promotional activities, target juveniles, etc.

     
    As stated in the consultation document on the regulatory regime on basketball betting, the above stringent legal and regulatory restraints will continue to be put in place in the proposed basketball betting regime.
     
    We will continue to closely collaborate with the PWFAC and the BLC, observe the prevalence of gambling activities among Hong Kong people, maintain communication with relevant departments, and proactively enhance our efforts to prevent and alleviate problems relating to gambling. As mentioned above, the HKJC has committed to donate to the PWF over a four-year period from 2023/24. If it is decided to implement the proposed regulatory regime for basketball betting, the Government will request the HKJC to further increase the donation to the PWF for stepping up public education programmes, as well as enhancing counselling and support services.     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Aggravated burglary – Tennant Creek

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The NT Police Force is calling for information in relation to an aggravated robbery in Tennant Creek overnight.

    Around 2:10am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of an unlawful entry and stolen motor vehicle from a lodge on Paterson Street.

    It is alleged an unknown number of offenders stole a white Ford Ranger. The vehicle exited the premises by ramming through the gates of the lodge.

    General duties members coordinated a response and successfully deployed a tyre deflation device on the vehicle along Paterson Street before it came to a stop in bushland nearby Mulga Camp. The offenders fled the scene, and police are continuing investigations to identify those involved.

    Anyone with information in relation to the incident is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please reference to job number P25150339. You can anonymously report crime via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: One person killed, five injured in shooting in Toronto, Canada

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    OTTAWA, June 4 (Xinhua) — A man was killed and five people were injured in a shooting outside a shopping mall in Toronto, Canada, police said on Tuesday evening.

    According to her, one person was pronounced dead at the scene, and five others were rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds. Their condition has not yet been reported.

    Police and paramedics were called to the scene of a mass shooting in the area of Rainey Avenue and Allen Road at around 8:30 p.m. local time, Canadian media reported.

    Police have not released any details about potential suspects.

    Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow took to social media to express her sadness over the shooting and said her office was in contact with police. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Man charged by Police National Security Department

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Man charged by Police National Security Department 
         NSD arrested the man for “conspiracy to commit terrorist activities” on June 2.
     
         The case will be mentioned at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts this afternoon.
     
    Issued at HKT 13:50

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Re-Release – UPDATE #2 – Death in custody – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to investigate the death of a 24-year-old man in police custody in Alice Springs.

    This incident is being investigated by the Major Crime Section, which operates under strict protocols.

    The coronial investigation has been paused, while the criminal investigation into the man’s death is undertaken to determine whether any criminality was involved.

    The coroner has been made aware of the decision and will be provided with regular updates as the criminal investigation progresses.

    All evidence collected in relation to the death, including CCTV, cannot be released until the criminal investigation is concluded.

    The timeline for this investigation is unknown at this early stage.

    The cause of the man’s death remains undetermined.

    An independent examination of the initial undetermined findings of the autopsy is also being undertaken.

    The forensic pathologist is in the process of completing further investigation to ascertain the cause of death.

    The NTPF is aware of the public interest in this matter and further updates will be provided through a media release as relevant information becomes available.

    *This release was updated at 3:25pm on 4/06/2025. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release, fatal crash, Castlecliff

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police are now in the position to name the man who died following a crash on Seafront Road on 25 May.

    He was 25-year-old Paki Topi Rongo Whiti-ao Maaka Ngaira, from Castlecliff.

    Police extends our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Devonport man charged with trafficking

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Devonport man charged with trafficking

    Wednesday, 4 June 2025 – 3:15 pm.

    A man has been charged with major trafficking and police have seized significant quantities of ice and cannabis as part of an ongoing operation in the North West.
    The 43 year old Devonport man was charged yesterday after members from Western Drugs and Firearms Unit and Task Force Scelus, with the support of specialist police resources, executed a search warrant at a Devonport address.
    During the search police located and seized 25 grams of ice, 350 grams of cannabis, ammunition, and a chainsaw believed to have been stolen.
    The Devonport man was charged in relation to yesterday’s search as well as trafficking alleged to have occurred between December 2024 and June 2025.
    As part of the targeted operation, police have now seized a total of 65 grams of ice, and 1 kilogram of cannabis.
    The man has been charged with two counts of trafficking in controlled substance, possessing a controlled drug, dealing with proceeds of crime, possessing ammunition when not the holder of a firearms licence and unlawful possession of property.
    He was remanded in custody to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court this afternoon.
    Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Third festival to participate in NSW drug checking trial

    Source: Australian Green Party

    ​Hyperdome music festival on 7 June 2025 will be the third music festival to participate in the continuing NSW drug checking trial.
    The free and anonymous drug checking service allows festival patrons to bring a small sample of substances they intend to consume to be analysed. Qualified health staff provide a rapid evaluation of the main components of the substance in line with available technology, and an indication of potency where possible.
    NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant said there will always be risks involved when consuming these substances and this is not an endorsement of illicit drug use.
    “The drug checking trial is designed to help patrons make safer choices by connecting them with experienced health and peer staff who can provide information along with harm reduction advice,” Dr Chant said.
    “The service is staffed by peer workers, health workers and analysts who clearly communicate the capabilities and limitations of drug checking to festival patrons. 
    “Patrons are never advised that a drug is safe to use. Staff will provide patrons with a referral to health and welfare services available at the event and in the community to help support harm minimisation.”
    The first trial site was located at the Yours and Owls music festival in Wollongong on 1 and 2 March 2025. The second trial site was located at the Midnight Mafia Festival in Sydney on 3 May 2025.
    NSW Health and NSW Police Force are working closely with festival organiser Symbiotic and other stakeholders to ensure safe and effective implementation of the trial at the Hyperdome festival. The trial operates alongside other harm reduction and medical services at participating festivals. Illicit drugs remain illegal in NSW.
    “Drug checking is one more tool in the belt to create a safer event and we welcome and support NSW Health on this Government-led harm reduction initiative,” Symbiotic Co-Director Janette Bishara said.
    The 12 month trial will be independently evaluated. Up to nine additional festivals will be included in the trial following Hyperdome.
    The trial comes after the NSW Government’s Drug Summit concluded in early December. The recently released Report on the 2024 New South Wales Drug Summit provides a priority action recommending a trial of music festival-based drug testing.
    Further information on the NSW drug checking trial can be found here.
    More information for young people around how to keep themselves and their friends safe at music festivals is available on the Your Room website.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious Financial Crime Taskforce case studies

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Most people comply with their tax obligations. However, there are a small number of people who deliberately do the wrong thing. The ATO-led SFCT was established to respond to this, targeting the more serious financial crimes in Australia.

    The case studies on this page reinforce that those who deliberately cheat the system will be held to account.

    Stay up to date on the latest SFCT outcomes by subscribing to general email updates. Subscribers will receive updates on all new general content on our website, including the latest SFCT case studies.

    Government fraudster sentenced to jail

    Paolo Esmaquel was sentenced on 28 May 2025 in the Melbourne County Court to 18 months of imprisonment in addition to the jail time previously imposed for similar federal offences in November 2024.

    She was charged with 3 categories of offending against Government at both federal and state levels: tax fraud, identity and counterfeiting fraud, and social security fraud.

    The ATO worked collaboratively with other partner agencies across Government to hold Ms Esmaquel to account for her actions.

    An operation conducted by the ATO-led SFCT uncovered her elaborate scheme to commit tax fraud by stealing the identities of 3 different individuals.

    One of the assumed identities was registered by Ms Esmaquel as a tax practitioner with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). To do this, she submitted forged documents to the TPB that falsely claimed she completed the required tertiary education to become a tax agent and forged a declaration from a chartered accountant.

    Following this, she set up a tax agent profile on ATO Online Services and linked several taxpayers to her account. Ms Esmaquel then lodged 10 fraudulent business activity statements on behalf of these taxpayers without their knowledge or consent.

    As a result of the investigation, the TPB cancelled her tax agent registration.

    Acting Deputy Commissioner and Serious Financial Crime Taskforce (SFCT) Chief Kath Anderson acknowledges the prevalence of identity crime, saying ‘With a rise in scammers and cyber criminals out in the community, it’s more important than ever to protect your personal identifying information. This case shows how far criminals will go to commit identity fraud and exploit the tax and super system.’

    ‘We have strengthened our systems against fraud and financial crime through prevention, early detection, containment and consequences, such as the jail time Ms Esmaquel received’.

    Read more in the media release.

    Former registered liquidator sentenced to prison

    Former liquidator Peter Amos has been sentenced to 4 years imprisonment for dishonestly gaining an advantage for his business and himself contrary to the Corporations Act.

    Mr Amos was a registered liquidator and business owner of Amos Insolvency Pty Ltd (Amos Insolvency).

    Between 6 October 2016 and 31 December 2022, Mr Amos transferred $2,498,546 from the accounts of Mikcon Employment Services Pty Ltd, TPC (Vic) Pty Ltd, P O W 4X4 Pty Ltd, A-Force Electrics Pty Ltd, and Conomi Group Pty Ltd to Amos Insolvency.

    ATO Deputy Commissioner and Serious Financial Crime Taskforce Chief John Ford welcomed the court’s decision, saying the sentencing is a warning to those looking to use their position to exploit the system.

    ‘This outcome sends a clear message to those who look to game the system to gain an unfair advantage – you will be caught,’ Mr Ford said.

    Read more about the outcome in the media releaseExternal Link.

    Woman sentenced for false claims and forged documents

    On 1 October 2024, Ashmita Sharma appeared before the Downing Centre Local Court in NSW for sentence.

    Ms Sharma received two 18-month suspended sentences, to be served concurrently. She pleaded guilty to committing GST fraud, JobKeeper fraud and attempting to pervert the course of justice, contrary to sections 134.2(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth) and 43(1) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) respectively.

    Ms Sharma was also ordered to be of good behaviour for 3 years and repay the remaining $26,426 in stolen funds to us.

    In August 2020, Ms Sharma lodged:

    • a false COVID-19 JobKeeper application on behalf of a dormant company that listed her father as the sole director, without his knowledge or authorisation
    • 3 separate business activity statements
    • a false claim for a Cashflow Boost Stimulus which was taken into account on sentence.

    In total, Ms Sharma received $30,926 as a result of the offending.

    During the course of the matter, Ms Sharma was also charged with one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice by forging a medical certificate to avoid attending court.

    Operation Hyacinth is part of a broader investigation by the SFCT into the misuse of government funds. Our message is clear; those who think they can steal and cheat the system for their own financial gain will be caught. Attempting to avoid these consequences can make the situation worse.

    This SFCT matter was prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) (CDPP) following a referral from the ATO.

    To report any known or suspected illegal behaviour you can either complete the tip-off form or phone us on our tip-off hotline on 1800 060 062.

    Find out more about the Serious Financial Crime Taskforce.

    Attempts to commit gold bullion fraud didn’t have the outcome 2 fraudsters had planned.

    The investigation, conducted under the ATO-led SFCT, revealed that Cedric Adrian Millner and Jonatan Kelu purchased GST-free gold bullion, refashioned it into scrap and then sold it inclusive of GST to a refiner. Millner and Kelu claimed GST input tax credits by falsely stating that the GST-free gold bullion was purchased inclusive of GST under the GST second-hand rules.

    The reward for engaging in this complex $40 million fraud activity was a sentence of 8 years in jail for both men, handed down in the Supreme Court of NSW.

    These criminals thought their actions would go undetected, but our expert team of investigators uncovered the fraud and worked to solve the case, bringing together thousands of documents and multiple data sets to form a solid brief that would ultimately be their downfall.

    Operation Nosean was established to look at network participants in the gold bullion and precious metals industry. This included refiners, bullion dealers, gold kiosks, dealers and buyers within established supply chains involved in gold recycling arrangements, seeking to exploit the GST rules in relation to precious metals.

    New laws were introduced in April 2017 to combat fraud in the gold bullion and precious metals industry.

    Our message is clear to those who seek to evade or cheat the tax system: there is no place for you to hide and we will not tolerate this behaviour.

    For more information see:

    Second sentencing for Australia’s largest tax fraud case

    On 29 March 2018, Michael Issakidis faced the Supreme Court of NSW for his involvement in the largest prosecuted tax fraud case in Australia’s history.

    Alongside his co-conspirator Anthony Dickson, Issakidis deliberately absorbed $450 million of otherwise assessable income. He did this using complex domestic and international trust and tax evasion structures. This caused a loss to the Commonwealth of $135 million. By creating a web of false identities and siphoning money offshore, the pair acquired approximately $63 million.

    Issakidis was sentenced to 10 years and 3 months jail for his involvement in the operation. This followed the 2015 sentencing of Dickson, whose original 11-year sentence was increased to 14 years on appeal.

    The significant penalties handed down to both Issakidis and Dickson demonstrate the success of the SFCT in dealing with those who deliberately cheat the system. As a member of the SFCT, we are equipped with the resources, data-matching capability and international and domestic intelligence-sharing relationships to uncover even the most complex tax evasion schemes.

    People who deliberately avoid paying the correct amount of tax will be caught and will face the full force of the law.

    For more information see:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mossburn Five Rivers Road, near Diack Road, closed

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Mossburn Five Rivers Road, near Diack Road, is currently closed following a bus crash earlier this afternoon.

    The bus was carrying 17 passengers, including the driver, when it crashed about 3.45pm. Some passengers have sustained minor to moderate injuries.

    The road will remain closed while recovery crews work to move the bus.

    Motorists are advised to take alternate routes, such as the Resolution Drive on-ramp, and expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release: Tokoroa homicide

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police can now release the name of the man who died after sustaining serious injuries in Tokoroa on 27 May.

    He was 30-year-old Rapana (Raaps) Tukuru Tahana-Heretini, of Tokoroa.

    Police are still seeking any information from witnesses, including CCTV footage from Abercorn Place at around 4:15am on Tuesday 27 May.

    If you can help, please get in touch with us via our 105 service, quoting reference number 250527/7868.

    You can also provide information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE #2 – Death in custody – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to investigate the death of a 24-year-old man in police custody in Alice Springs.

    This incident is being investigated by the Major Crime Section, which operates under strict protocols and with full transparency.

    In consultation with the Northern Territory Coroner, the coronial investigation has been paused, while the criminal investigation into the man’s death is undertaken to determine whether any criminality was involved.

    The coroner has requested, and will be provided, with regular updates as the criminal investigation progresses.

    All evidence collected in relation to the death, including CCTV, cannot be released until the criminal investigation is concluded.

    The timeline for this investigation is unknown at this early stage.

    The cause of the man’s death remains undetermined.

    An independent examination of the initial undetermined findings of the autopsy is also being undertaken

    The forensic pathologist is in the process of completing further investigation to ascertain the cause of death.

    The NTPF is aware of the public interest in this investigation and further updates will be provided through a media release as relevant information becomes available.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Keep up to date with the taskforce

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Taskforce results

    The Serious Financial Crime Taskforce (SFCT) started operation on 1 July 2015.

    From this date until 31 March 2025, the Taskforce has progressed cases that have resulted in:

    • completion of 2,526 audits and reviews  
    • conviction and sentencing of 71 people
    • raised over $2.9 billion in liabilities
    • collected more than $1 billion.

    Guidance and resources

    The SFCT has valuable resources to warn taxpayers of the risks of getting involved in these kinds of behaviours, including:

    • GST refund fraud – an Intelligence Bulletin warning businesses against using related-party structuring and false invoicing, and entering into artificial and contrived arrangements to cheat the tax and super systems.
    • False invoicing – an Intelligence Bulletin warning businesses against false invoicing arrangements. These schemes involve issuing invoices where no goods or services are provided.
    • Electronic sales suppression tools (ESSTs) – a new Intelligence Bulletin warning businesses against using ESSTs. Businesses use ESSTs to illegally manipulate transaction records and avoid their tax obligations.
    • Fraud in the precious metals refining industry – The illegal manipulation of the government’s interpretation of precious metals has been a focus for SFCT, which has investigated participants alleged to have been involved in gold bullion fraud.

    Case studies and tax crime prosecution results

    Case studies show that those who deliberately cheat the system will be held to account:

    Read our past SFCT media releases and listen to the audio grabs.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ20: Estate planning

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Nixie Lam and a written reply by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, in the Legislative Council today (June 4):
     
    Question:
     
    It has been reported that according to a survey conducted by a social enterprise, only about 20 per cent of the public in Hong Kong have made wills, and nearly 40 per cent do not have any legacy planning documents, reflecting a serious lack of public awareness of estate planning. Moreover, such social enterprise projected that the number of elderly people aged over 65 in Hong Kong would reach 2.5 million in 2038, and the assets involved would amount to about $3 trillion. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether the Government will roll out a territory-wide publicity programme for popularisation of wills and work with the legal sector and social welfare organisations to enhance public awareness of the legal effect and procedures of wills; if so, of the specific measures and timetable; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) as it has been reported that currently some cities on the Mainland have already set up government-supported wills services centres to provide members of the public with one-stop public services for consultation on will making, safekeeping of wills and assistance in will execution, whether the Government will consider working with the legal sector to introduce similar referral services to meet the demand of members of the public; and
     
    (3) as it has been reported that currently more than 500 people from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan have registered their wills for safekeeping through the China Will Registration Center on the Mainland, reflecting the keen demand of Hong Kong people for cross-boundary estate planning, whether the Government will collaborate with Mainland departments to streamline the notarisation procedures for Hong Kong wills on the Mainland, such as by exempting some documents from going through the probate process again; if so, of the details; if not, the relevant factors for consideration?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    In consultation with the Administration Wing, the Department of Justice and the Home Affairs Department (HAD), the reply to various parts of the question raised by the Hon Nixie Lam is as follows:
     
    According to the Wills Ordinance (Cap. 30), a person may by means of a will, executed in accordance with the Ordinance, dispose of his/her property. Upon the death of the testator, the executor may apply to the Probate Registry for a grant of probate under the Probate and Administration Ordinance (Cap. 10) to administer the testator’s estate. If the estate is wholly made up of money not exceeding $50,000 in aggregate, the executor may apply to the Estate Beneficiaries Support Unit of the HAD for a Confirmation Notice for the administration of estate.
     
    Regarding the notarisation for Hong Kong wills on the Mainland, in general, an individual has to follow the notarisation procedures on the Mainland and provide the necessary materials (such as identification documents of the applicant, documents to be notarised such as will, etc) to prove that the applicant is a qualified executor of the estate and the legality of the relevant documents. In fact, there are certain differences between the Mainland and Hong Kong in terms of the probate mechanism and the inheritance procedures. We will monitor the relevant situations and explore arrangements that could facilitate members of the public in due course.
     
    Members of the public who require legal advice on matters relating to wills in Hong Kong, such as the making of wills, safekeeping of wills and wills execution, may make an appointment to meet a volunteer lawyer of the Free Legal Advice Scheme operated by the Duty Lawyer Service, which provides preliminary one-off legal advice. They may also visit the website of the Duty Lawyer Service for pre-recorded legal information on the relevant legal topics.
     
    As for publicity, the Government has compiled various publications on inheritance matters. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) has compiled a new promotional leaflet on wills this year to enhance public understanding of relevant information, including what constitutes a valid will, the content that a will may include, the benefits of making a will, etc. The promotional leaflet is available for public access at the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres and the Estate Beneficiaries Support Unit of the HAD. The relevant information has also been uploaded to the HYAB’s one-stop family and women information portal for public viewing. The Government will keep in view the relevant materials to meet the needs of the community, and continue to promote the importance of making of wills through various channels.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: CCTV focus in Bellerive investigation

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    CCTV focus in Bellerive investigation

    Wednesday, 4 June 2025 – 12:26 pm.

    Detectives reviewing CCTV footage from the Bellerive area have identified two people they believe could assist with the ongoing investigation into the death of a 45-year-old man.
    The body of Luke Jon Telega was found in an industrial-sized garbage bin on Monday morning, at the rear of a business premises in Percy Street.
    Police would like to speak with the woman pictured standing at a shopfront, (Photo 1) who was on Percy Street, Bellerive, around 7:50pm on Sunday, June 1.
    Police believe the member of the public may have spoken with someone in Percy Street at the time and may be able to assist with inquiries. The woman was driving what is believed to be a light-coloured Toyota Prado.
    Police would also like to speak with the woman pictured at the front of a car, (Photo 2) who was in Percy Street about 8:05pm on Sunday and who may be able to assist detectives. The woman was driving a red SUV at the time.
    Further, police would like to speak with anyone who was in the area of Percy Street, Scott Street and Cambridge Road on the evening of Sunday through to 8am on Monday, and may have seen either someone on foot, or riding a bicycle, in these areas.
    Anyone with information is asked to contact police of 131 444 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Taskforce Artemis

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A joint South Australian (SA) and Northern Territory (NT) Police Taskforce has charged a man with historical child abuse offences against young people from the Northern Territory that occurred in South Australia.

    Taskforce Artemis was launched in October 2023 shortly after a now 65-year-old man was arrested by SA Police for 2 historical child abuse offences allegedly committed in South Australia.

    The charges relate to 30 victims, with the alleged offending occurring between 1990 to 2023 in South Australia.

    SA and NT Police, along with South Australian ODPP Witness Assistance officers have continued to engage with all victims and witnesses to provide support and assistance.

    The 65-year-old man is currently on remand and has now been charged with:

    • 12 x Sexual Abuse of a Child
    •  8 x Indecent Assault
    • 6 x Unlawful Sexual Intercourse
    • 4 x Assault
    • 3 x Aggravated Indecent Assault
    • 3 x Possess Child Exploitation Material
    • 2 x Aggravated Incite or procure Child to Commit Indecent Act
    • 2 x Aggravated Assault
    • 1 x Aggravated Compelled Sexual Manipulation
    • 1 x Attempt Indecent Assault
    • 1 x Attempt Aggravated Incite or Procure Child to Commit Indecent Act
    • 1 x Gross Indecency

    He appeared in SA District Court today.

    South Australian Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Crime Service Catherine Hilliard said “Operation Artemis has been a complex and incredibly confronting investigation.

    “The SA Police have been working closing with the NTPF as we conducted investigations into this offending.

    “The privacy and safety of the victims, remains our number one priority. We have been providing updates, along with support, to everyone effected.”

    Northern Territory Police Force Assistant Commissioner Michael White said “While the scale of the alleged offending discovered during investigations by Task Force Artemis is disturbing, it is important the community be aware that these investigations have been methodical and not resulted in any other person being charged with respect to the alleged offending.

    “The NTPF is working closely with those effected.”

    Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://crimestoppers.com.au/ or to contact NTPF Police on 131 444.

    You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the ‘Report Abuse’ button at www.accce.gov.au/report.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Joint taskforce leads to further charges of child abuse

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A joint South Australia and Northern Territory Police Taskforce has charged a man with historical child abuse offences against young people from the Northern Territory that occurred in South Australia.

    Taskforce Artemis was launched in October 2023, shortly after a now 65-year-old man was arrested by SA Police for two historical child abuse offences allegedly committed in South Australia.

    The charges relate to 30 victims, with the alleged offending occurring between 1990 to 2023 in South Australia.

    SA and NT Police, along with South Australian ODPP Witness Assistance officers have continued to engage with all victims and witnesses to provide support and assistance.

    The 65-year-old man is currently on remand and has now been charged with:

    * 12 counts of sexual abuse of a child

    * 8 counts of indecent assault

    * 6 counts of unlawful sexual intercourse

    * 4 counts of assault

    * 3 counts of aggravated indecent assault

    * 3 counts of possess child exploitation material

    * 2 counts of aggravated incite or procure child to commit indecent act

    * 2 counts of aggravated assault

    * 1 count of aggravated compelled sexual manipulation

    * 1 count of attempt indecent assault

    * 1 count of attempt aggravated incite or procure child to commit indecent act

    * 1 count of gross indecency

    He appeared in the SA District Court today.

    South Australian Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Crime Service Catherine Hilliard said, “Operation Artemis has been a complex and incredibly confronting investigation.

    “The SA Police have been working closely with the NTPF as we conduct investigations into this offending.

    “The privacy and safety of the victims remains our number one priority. We have been providing updates, along with support, to everyone effected.”

    Northern Territory Police Force Assistant Commissioner Michael White said, “While the scale of the alleged offending discovered during investigations by Task Force Artemis is disturbing, it is important the community be aware that these investigations have been methodical and not resulted in any other person being charged with respect to the alleged offending.

    “The NTPF is working closely with those effected.”

    Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://crimestopperssa.com.au/ You can remain anonymous.

    You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the ‘Report Abuse’ button at www.accce.gov.au/report

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Vale Bill Meredith

    Source: South Australia Police

    The City of Wanneroo shares our respects following the passing of a pioneering figure in our local business community, Bill Meredith, at the age of 91 years old.

    A founding member and former Vice President of the Wanneroo Business Association and a true local business legend, Bill played a key role in laying the foundation for the dynamic business landscape we see in our City today.

    Even if you did not know Bill personally, chances are you knew of him – his Landsdale-based business, Bill’s Machinery, is a local landmark, instantly recognisable thanks to the big red plane out the front.

    This symbol is also a testament to Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability – qualities that contributed to his longevity and continued success as a businessman.

    Throughout his life, Bill achieved so much, including being named the City of Wanneroo Mayor’s Visionary Businessperson Award in 2008.

    His passion, mentorship and unwavering commitment to his community will leave a lasting legacy and be remembered for many years to come.

    We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and admired him.

    Mayor Linda Aitken JP 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release, fatal crash, Timaru

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash on State Highway One, Timaru on 21 May.

    He was James Campbell McKenzie, 69, from Timaru.

    Police extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal following Queenstown assault

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Queenstown Police would like to speak to the victim of a seemingly unprovoked assault in late May.

    The assault happened about 2.40am on Sunday 25 May 2025, at a taxi rank near Searle Lane and Camp Street.

    At the time, the victim was looking down at his phone and walking in the direction of the Cookie Time shop when he was punched by one of three men who had left a bar in Searle Lane.

    After the incident, a member of the public briefly spoke to the victim, handing back his beanie, which fell off during the assault.

    Detective Lisa Watt says Police discovered the incident while investigating an assault moments before, in a Searle Lane bar.

    “The alleged offender for the first incident has been arrested, but we would like to speak with the victim of the assault that happened on the footpath near the Cookie Time shop, the passerby, or any other witnesses.

    “The victim is described to have a black beard, and was wearing a black puffer jacket, blue jeans, white shoes, and black beanie. If that was you, please contact us so we can understand what happened and hold the person responsible to account.”

    If you have information that may assist, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, or call 105. 

    Please use the reference number: 250527/7943

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release, fatal crash, Okoia

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash in Okoia on Monday 26 May.

    He was 76-year-old David Hauparoa Hiroti, of Okoia.

    Our thoughts are with those close to him at this difficult time.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MENG INTRODUCES COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION TO END PERIOD POVERTY AND IMPROVE ACCESS TO MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) announced that she reintroduced her Menstrual Equity for All Act, a bold, whole-of-government approach to eradicating period poverty and improving access to menstrual products.

    Menstruation is a natural part of life for roughly half of the world’s population at one point or another. Yet, today, millions of people in the United States continue to experience period poverty. In fact, one in three American adults who menstruate report struggling to afford menstrual products, and one-third have missed school or work because they could not access these products. An estimated 86% of people who menstruate use tampons, up to 72% use pads, and 75% use panty liners. Most of them use these products on a monthly basis. It is estimated that an individual will spend over $6,000 on menstrual products in their lifetime. 

    “Period products are essential for millions of people who menstruate,” said Congresswoman Meng. “Access to these products is not only a health care right, but also a human right. It is unacceptable that they are still out of reach for more than half the population. This legislation takes critical steps toward ending period poverty by expanding access to menstrual products for individuals across a range of populations, such as in schools and universities, workplaces, and correctional and detention facilities, and through existing federal programs like the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Social Services Block Grants. Without it, women, girls, and menstruators will continue to miss out on educational and career opportunities simply because they cannot afford period products. We must keep fighting for them.”

    Specifically, Meng’s Menstrual Equity for All Act would:

    • Give states the option to use federal grant funds to provide students in elementary and secondary schools with free menstrual products;
    • Incentivize institutions of higher education to create pilot programs that provide free menstrual products to students;
    • Ensure incarcerated individuals and detainees in federal, state, and local facilities (including immigration detention centers), have access to free menstrual products;
    • Allow homeless assistance providers to use grant funds that cover shelter necessities (such as blankets and toothbrushes) to also use those funds to purchase menstrual products;
    • Require Medicaid to cover the cost of menstrual products;
    • Direct large employers (with 100 or more employees) to provide free menstrual products for their employees in the workplace;
    • Require all public federal buildings to provide free menstrual products in the restrooms;
    • Provide states and localities with funds through the Social Services Block Grant program to support free menstrual products programs;
    • Eliminate the federal sales tax on period products; and
    • Create a pilot program within the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to help families in need access menstrual products.

    “We know that period supplies are basic essentials that all people who menstruate require to participate in daily life – going to work, school, and engaging in everyday events,” said Joanne Goldblum, CEO of the Alliance for Period Supplies. “The Menstrual Equity for All Act ensures equitable access to period supplies so that millions of people can earn, learn, and thrive. We thank Congresswoman Meng for championing the Menstrual Equity for All Act and fully support the bill as it offers a comprehensive solution to a major public health issue. Its passage is long overdue.”

    “The fact of the matter is that nearly 1 in 4 students across the country are unable to afford period products and a quarter of students are unable to do their schoolwork due to a lack of access to these products,” said Michela Bedard, Executive Director of PERIOD. “The Menstrual Equity for All Act will improve student success in and out of the classroom through expanded menstrual health education and period product access.”

    “Women’s Voices for the Earth applauds Congresswoman Meng for her longstanding commitment and leadership on menstrual equity,” said Debra Erenberg, Co-Executive Director, Women’s Voices for the Earth. All people who menstruate need and deserve access to safe and healthy intimate care products. We look forward to working with the Congresswoman to pass this groundbreaking piece of commonsense legislation.”

    Meng originally introduced her Menstrual Equity for All Act in 2017. Since then, she has led numerous efforts to improve access to menstrual products and promote menstrual health. Earlier this month, she introduced a resolution to designate May as “National Menstrual Health Awareness Month.” The resolution recognizes the impact that the stigmatization of menstruation has on the lives of women, girls and people who menstruate.

    This legislation was introduced with 61 cosponsors. It is supported by the Alliance for Period Supplies, The Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Products, Days for Girls, The Flow Initiative, Helping Women Period, ISSA – The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, Mass NOW, Mujeres and Menstruators United, National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Period Education Project, PERIOD., and Period Law.

    The full text of the bill can be found here.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary of Defense Visits Sembawang Naval Installation, May 30, 2025 [Image 3 of 3]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    SINGAPORE (May 30, 2025) Yeoman 2nd Class Ayana Blake, center, assigned to Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73, shakes hands with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth after physical fitness training aboard the foc’sle of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105), May 30, 2025. COMLOG WESTPAC supports deployed surface units and aircraft carriers, along with regional allies and partners, to facilitate patrols in the South China Sea, participation in naval exercises and responses to natural disasters. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 05.30.2025
    Date Posted: 05.31.2025 02:28
    Photo ID: 9074882
    VIRIN: 250530-N-ED646-1668
    Resolution: 6730×4939
    Size: 4.51 MB
    Location: SG
    Web Views: 32
    Downloads: 2

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Philippines, June 2025 [Image 1 of 9]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    VIRAC, Philippines (June 1, 2025) – Hawaii National Guardsmen and personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines construct a platform used to conduct urban rescue training with local emergency responders and civilian authorities in Virac, Philippines, June 1, 2025. This effort is part of a two-week urban rescue training exercise supporting the humanitarian assistance and disaster response objectives of Pacific Partnership 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)

    Date Taken: 06.01.2025
    Date Posted: 06.03.2025 20:23
    Photo ID: 9081875
    VIRIN: 250601-N-YV347-1009
    Resolution: 7189×4793
    Size: 16.89 MB
    Location: VIRAC, PH
    Web Views: 2
    Downloads: 0

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Kicks off with urban rescue training in Virac, Philippines, June 2, 2025 [Image 6 of 9]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    VIRAC, Philippines (June 2, 2025) – Hawaii National Guard Spc. Jayeson Laga, instructs Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel, local emergency responders, and civilian authorities how to tie different knots to perform urban rescue operations in Virac, Philippines, June 2, 2025. This effort is part of a two-week urban rescue training exercise supporting the humanitarian assistance and disaster response objectives of Pacific Partnership 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)

    Date Taken: 06.02.2025
    Date Posted: 06.03.2025 20:23
    Photo ID: 9081880
    VIRIN: 250602-N-YV347-2108
    Resolution: 8256×5504
    Size: 23.67 MB
    Location: VIRAC, PH
    Web Views: 2
    Downloads: 0

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Santee Trucking Company Charged in $2 Million Credit Card Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Hasan Korkmaz, the owner and operator of San Diego Logistics Group Inc., a Santee trucking company, was arraigned in federal court today on an 18-count indictment charging him with bank fraud, money laundering and aggravated identity theft.

    MIL Security OSI –