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Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gary Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Drug Conspiracy and Using a Firearm to Commit Murder

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HAMMOND–Devonte Hodge, 29 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after a jury found him guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and using a firearm to commit murder following a 6-day jury trial, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

    Hodge was sentenced to life in prison for using a firearm to commit murder. He was also sentenced to 480 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and 100 grams or more of heroin. Both sentences are to run concurrently.

    According to documents in the case, in the summer of 2016, Hodge and others conspired to sell and sold cocaine and heroin from a residence located in Gary, Indiana. Additionally, on October 8, 2016, Hodge shot and killed a victim who was sitting in a car in Gary, believing the victim was cooperating with law enforcement about the drug conspiracy.   

    This case was investigated by the FBI/GRIT Task Force and ATF/HIDTA Task Force with the assistance of the Hobart Police, the Indiana State Police, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department and the Gary Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Nozick and Joel Mathur.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kansas Resident Charged with Assaulting Flight Attendant on Flight from Bradley International Airport

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that JULIUS JORDAN PRIESTER, 24, of Wichita, Kansas, has been arrested and charged by federal criminal complaint with a charge related to his assault of a crew member on a flight from Bradley International Airport last night.

    As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on May 27, 2025, Priester was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 3359 that departed from Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, at approximately 9:30 p.m. bound for Chicago.  Thirty minutes to an hour into the flight, Priester stood up, began to take off his shirt, then ran to the back of the plane yelling “Help me.”  He then grabbed a flight attendant (“the victim”), who was seated, shouted “you’re coming with me,” and forcefully brought the victim to the ground.  Priester then attempted to drag the victim up the aisle. With the assistance of intervening passengers, Priester was returned to his seat where he continued to act erratically and made incoherent statements.  The captain declared an emergency and the flight was diverted back to Bradley Airport.  After the plane landed safely at Bradley, Priester was removed by Connecticut State Police and taken by ambulance to a local hospital for evaluation.

    Priester appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford.  He is detained pending a bond hearing that is scheduled for May 30.

    The complaint charges Priester with interference with flight crew members and attendants, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

    U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: 14 Arrested on Complaints Alleging More Than $25 Million in COVID-19 Relief and Small Business Loans Were Fraudulently Obtained

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Fourteen defendants – including San Fernando Valley and Glendale residents – were arrested on two federal criminal complaints alleging they fraudulently obtained more than $25 million in taxpayer-funded COVID-19 relief funds and federally-guaranteed small business loans.

    The 18 total defendants named in the complaints – four defendants are believed to be in Armenia – are charged with conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims; false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims; wire fraud and attempted wire fraud; bank fraud and attempted bank fraud; money laundering conspiracy; laundering of monetary instruments; engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity; and/or structuring financial transactions to evade reporting requirements.

    The defendants arrested today include:

    • Vahe Margaryan, a.k.a. “William McGrayan,” 42, of Tujunga, who allegedly orchestrated a scheme to defraud numerous banks and the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Preferred Lender Program, a program designed to help small businesses that otherwise might not obtain financing. McGrayan allegedly directed owners of sham corporations to open bank accounts, make false statements, and concoct documents, including phony resumes and financial statements, to support loan applications to buy other sham corporations. McGrayan allegedly paid for phony tax returns that falsely reported millions in revenue and tens of thousands in tax due and owing. McGrayan, whose alleged criminal activity lasted from 2018 until January 2025, then directed the laundering of millions in fraud proceeds through various bank accounts.
    • Sarkis Gareginovich Sarkisyan, 37, a.k.a. “Samuel Shaw,” of Glendale, who allegedly, among other offenses, submitted a false application and bogus documents to obtain a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which provided low-interest, forgivable loans to help small businesses retain their workforce and cover expenses. Sarkisyan allegedly applied in April 2021 on behalf of a fake business that received more than $700,000 in PPP funds.
    • Mery Babayan, 32, a.k.a. “Mery Diamondz,” of Van Nuys, together with co-defendants Margaryan and Hovannes Hovannisyan, 48, a.k.a. “John Harvard,” of Panorama City, in May 2021 allegedly defrauded a bank by representing the nonexistent sale of a sham business to another sham company to obtain an approximately $3 million federally guaranteed loan through the SBA’s Preferred Lending Program.
    • Felix Parker, 77, of North Hollywood, who in January 2023 allegedly made false statements and submitted fraudulent documents, including fake tax returns that falsely reported that his shell company, Canmar Promo, earned millions of dollars annually and owed tens of thousands in federal income taxes. Parker allegedly obtained more than $2 million in government-guaranteed funds earmarked to help small businesses.
    • Axsel Markaryan, 47, a.k.a. “Axel Mark,” of Pacoima, who in June 2023 allegedly fraudulently obtained more than $5 million in SBA loans via the submission of false statements and the submission of fake documents, including bogus tax returns. After the loans were obtained, Markaryan and his co-schemers in November 2023 laundered the money, including sending at least $100,000 to a co-schemer in Armenia.

    As a result of today’s takedown, law enforcement seized approximately $20,000 in cash, two money-counting machines, paper cash bands or currency straps in denominations of $2,000 and $10,000, multiple cell phones, multiple laptops, two loaded semi-automatic 9mm handguns, and boxes of 9mm ammunition.

    “Today’s enforcement action is intended to send a message to all criminals who take advantage of government programs designed to help those who need them most,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “If you took COVID-19 or SBA money you weren’t entitled to, your door could be the next one we visit. Together with our law enforcement partners, my office will aggressively prosecute individuals who cheat the system meant to protect and support law-abiding citizens.”

    “Scheming to fraudulently obtain federal funds that were meant to provide assistance to the nation’s small businesses is unacceptable,” said the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG) Western Region Acting Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Huang. “OIG will continue to ardently investigate fraudulently obtained SBA program funds, including COVID-19 pandemic-related loans, to protect taxpayers from fraud, waste, and abuse. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”

    “This transnational criminal network sought to defraud the government of millions of dollars and almost succeeded,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. “Through the diligent work of the El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force and our federal partners, HSI is continuing to identify these criminal groups looking to profit from the pandemic and will use all available resources to criminally prosecute or remove them from the country.”

    “Today, 14 individuals were arrested in connection with a fraudulent loan scheme in which they allegedly obtained in excess of $25 million through the SBA Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan programs, and other federal funding programs,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, Los Angeles Field Office. “These programs were established to assist individuals and businesses in need of financial assistance and instead were pilfered by the named defendants. IRS-CI is dedicated to identifying and dismantling criminal organizations that prey on assistance programs set up for the benefit of our law-abiding citizens.”

    A criminal complaint contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    If convicted, each defendant would face a statutory maximum sentence of decades in federal prison.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolster efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. 

    On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Central and Eastern Districts of California to jointly head one of the three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. The Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors, as well as those who committed instances of pandemic relief fraud. The Strike Force uses prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Additional information regarding the Strike Force may be found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-covid-19-fraud-strike-force-teams. 

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. 

    SBA-OIG, IRS Criminal Investigation, and HSI are investigating these matters.

    The cases announced today were investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, a multi-agency task force that includes federal and state investigators who are focused on financial crimes in Southern California. 

    Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Aveis and Gregg Marmaro of the Major Frauds Section and Maxwell Coll of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section are prosecuting these cases.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago Obtains Forfeiture of $214 Million in Proceeds From Alleged “Pump and Dump” Investment Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHICAGO — The U.S. Attorney’s Office has successfully obtained forfeiture to the government of approximately $214 million in proceeds from an alleged “pump-and-dump” investment fraud scheme that previously resulted in charges against seven individuals.

    From November 2024 to February 2025, the defendants engaged in misleading promotion and coordinated trading of shares of China Liberal Education Holdings, Ltd., a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands that purported to provide educational services in China, according to an indictment returned in March in U.S. District Court in Chicago.  The scheme, known as a “pump-and-dump,” allegedly involved individuals in China posing as U.S.-based investment advisors on social media and messaging platforms and falsely promising significant returns from investments in the company.  The misleading promotion and coordinated trading caused the stock price to artificially rise, at which point the defendants sold thousands of shares and made millions of dollars in profits, the indictment states.  The stock price ultimately decreased significantly, at the expense of other investors, some of whom lost almost the entirety of their investment.

    During the investigation, federal law enforcement seized approximately $214 million in alleged proceeds from the fraud scheme. The funds are currently in U.S. custody. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso granted a motion by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago to have the money permanently forfeited to the United States.  The order allows for the government to return the money to victim investors.

    The forfeiture order was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston Regional Office of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the SEC’s Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Hasten represents the government.

    “As alleged in the indictment and forfeiture complaint, the defendants defrauded U.S. investors through deceitful and coordinated trading activities,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros.  “Our attorneys and staff in this case placed a high priority on recovering funds for victims.  The large forfeiture order of more than $200 million should serve as a warning that federal law enforcement will aggressively pursue fraudulent profits from those who seek to prey upon investors by manipulating the U.S. stock market.”

    “Despite the overwhelming manipulation as alleged in this case, this serves as one of the premier FBI investigations in which the federal government was able to successfully recover victims’ hard-earned money before it disappeared into overseas bank accounts,” said FBI SAC DePodesta.  “This elaborate fraud scheme boasting bogus profit potentials has caused extensive harm to unsuspecting Americans.  The FBI will continue to work with our partner networks to ensure that justice is served against anyone who seeks to weaponize financial systems to gain personal profit.”

    Seven individuals were charged in the criminal indictment with wire fraud and securities fraud: LIM XIANG JIE CEDRIC, of Malaysia, MING-SHEN CHENG, of Taiwan, KO SEN CHAI, of Malaysia, KING SUNG WONG, of Malaysia, SIONG WEE VUN, of Malaysia, CHIEN LUNG MA, of Taiwan, and KOK WAH WONG, of Malaysia.  The defendants are not in custody and warrants have been issued for their arrests. The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    If you believe you or someone you know may have been victimized by the fraud scheme charged in the indictment, you are encouraged to notify the FBI by completing this online form or calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). 

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon Who Fired Gun Outside Crowded S.F. Bar Sentenced To Three Years And Nine Months For Unlawful Possession Of Ammunition

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN FRANCISCO – Fernando Aguilera was sentenced yesterday to 45 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition.  Senior U.S. District Judge William Alsup handed down the sentence.

    Aguilera, 37, a national of Honduras, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 18, 2023.  On Feb. 12, 2025, Judge Alsup found Aguilera guilty of being a felon in possession of ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) after a bench trial.  According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Aguilera took a gun out of his waistband on two occasions at a crowded bar in San Francisco.  He then left the bar and fired into the air two separate times with people and cars nearby.  When law enforcement arrived, Aguilera fled from the police before being apprehended in the garden area of a nearby residence.  Law enforcement found a firearm with the wrong caliber bullet stuck in the chamber next to Aguilera and ammunition in his bag.  At the time of his arrest, Aguilera had four prior felony convictions for being an accessory, being a prohibited person with ammunition, and second-degree burglary.

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

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Alsup also sentenced the defendant to a three-year period of supervised release.  The defendant has been in custody since the offense.  

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey Davidson and Sophia Cooper prosecuted the case with the assistance of Kevin Costello and Marina Ponomarchuk.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and San Francisco Police Department. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Orlando U.S. Postal Employee Sentenced In “Fenta-Pill” Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton today sentenced Orlando Rosa Rodriguez (59, Orlando) to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and money laundering. The court also ordered Rosa Rodriguez to forfeit two vehicles, both of which were traceable proceeds of the offense. Rosa Rodriguez pleaded guilty on February 24, 2025.

    According to court documents, co-defendants Jayson Perez-Quinones (48, Orlando) and Jovan Rivera Rodriguez (36, Kissimmee) arranged to receive shipments of thousands of pills that were pressed to look like pharmaceuticals but contained fentanyl – (so-called “fenta-pills”). At their home in Orlando, Perez-Quinones and co-defendant Karen AltaGracia Perez (44, Orlando) packaged those pills into individual pill bags (pictured below) for street delivery.

    Perez-Quinones and Perez then distributed those bags to mid-level distributors such as Rosa Rodriguez for resale. Rosa Rodriguez distributed those pills to customers, including in the parking of his workplace at the U.S. Postal Service. Rosa Rodriguez earned more than $300,000 in one 20-month period on top of his salary from the U.S. Postal Service and VA disability benefits. He used those proceeds to purchase sports cars, including a Corvette worth approximately $80,000, a Porsche 911 Carrera Coup worth approximately $92,000, and a Porsche 718 Cayman Coup worth approximately $120,000.   

    On June 13, 2023, AltaGracia Perez was sentenced to five years and six months in federal prison for her role in the conspiracy. On August 8, 2023, Perez-Quinones and Rivera Rodriguez were sentenced to 15 years’ and 5 years’ imprisonment, respectively, for their roles in the conspiracy.

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.       

    This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. 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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kanawha County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Fraud Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Donald A. Ennis, 43, of St. Albans, was sentenced today to two years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $513,072.28 in restitution for two counts of wire fraud. Ennis admitted that he filed false insurance claims to obtain $347,237.70 after setting fire to his residence and defrauded a volunteer fire department of $153,728 while serving as its finance and operations manager.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2018 Ennis purchased a residence on Ridgeview Way in St. Albans with assistance from a mortgage company that required him to insure the residence for loss. Ennis obtained a residential insurance policy with a maximum value of $161,100 for the dwelling and $120,825 for its contents. Ennis paid an annual premium of approximately $979.35 for the policy, which had effective dates from November 8, 2020, through November 8, 2021. The policy covered losses for multiple contingencies including fire, and explicitly excluded intentional acts of loss or damage by Ennis.

    Ennis admitted that he intentionally set fire to his residence on February 15, 2021. The fire department responded but could not extinguish the fire, which consumed the residence and left it and its contents a total loss. Ennis falsely reported the fire to his Indiana-based insurance company as an accident later that day and began the process of filing a claim. Ennis admitted that he placed a series of claims electronically from February 21, 2021, to March 19, 2021, fraudulently claiming losses from the fire. Ennis further admitted that he obtained $347,237.70 from the insurance company as a result of this wire fraud scheme. The fraudulent insurance funds were deposited in Ennis’ bank account.

    From at least 2009 through 2022, Ennis worked for a volunteer fire department serving the Tornado area of Kanawha County. As its finance and operations manager, Ennis had access to the fire department’s North Carolina-based bank debit card and regularly acted as its accountant. Ennis admitted that from some time prior to March 19, 2020 through about September 18, 2022, he fraudulently obtained $153,728 of the fire department’s funds through a series of ATM withdrawals and dozens of unauthorized online purchases with its debit card for his personal benefit.

    “This prosecution sends an important and firm message that those who commit arson for financial gain will be prosecuted and brought to justice,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “The fire put others at risk – first responders as well as neighbors. The defendant also deprived the volunteer fire department of vital funds.”

    Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU), the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner-Special Investigations Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

    United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-129.

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced To More Than Seven Years In Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron today sentenced Robert Donoso (33, Orlando) to seven years and three months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Donoso pleaded guilty on February 26, 2025. 

    According to court documents, Donoso engaged in importing and distributing methamphetamine for a year leading up to his arrest in April 2024. In April 2023, Donoso received a vehicle shipped from California that contained approximately 15 kilograms of methamphetamine and 10 pounds of marijuana that was concealed inside a hidden “trap.” On April 8, 2024, Donoso received a delivery of 11 kilograms of methamphetamine from Pherai Bogeajis and was detained by law enforcement. The next day, Bogeajis’s home was searched and agents located another 50 kilograms of methamphetamine and more than $700,000.

    Bogeajis (35, Orlando) previously pleaded guilty for his role in the case and was sentenced in November 2024 to 19 years and 7 months in federal prison. 

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Police Department, and the Oviedo Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Restaurant management company settles False Claims Act allegations involving Paycheck Protection loan

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Both Management Services, Inc., located in Virginia Beach, has agreed to pay $750,000 to settle False Claims Act allegations that it certified that it was eligible to receive first and second draw loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for which it was not eligible.

    The PPP offered loans to eligible small businesses for economic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Only businesses with fewer than 500 employees (or fewer than an industry-based size standard, if applicable) were eligible for PPP loans. Under the Small Business Administration’s “affiliation rules,” businesses under common ownership or control were required to add their employee counts together when determining their size for purposes of eligibility. The PPP allowed certain eligible borrowers that previously received a PPP loan to apply for a second draw PPP loan with the same general loan terms as their first draw PPP loan.

    The settlement began with a lawsuit involving Both Management Services, Inc.’s second draw PPP loan, United States ex rel. Verity Investigation, LLC v. Both Management Services, Inc., , which was filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act.

    The settlement resolves allegations that Both Management Services, Inc. obtained two PPP loans by falsely representing the total number of its employees and/or its affiliates’ employees. The United States alleged that Both Management Services, Inc. falsely certified it was eligible, on the date of both applications, to receive PPP loans and forgiveness.

    This resolution was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Small Business Administration.

    The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Beerbower.

    A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Case records may be found on PACER under case number 2:24-cv-474.

    The civil claims settled are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dan Goldman Leads Bipartisan Effort to Protect Federal Judges From Doxxing and Threats

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Bipartisan Appropriations Letter Urges Congress to Fund Grant to Scrub Judges’ Personal Information from the Internet 

     

    Threats Against Judges Have Risen Over 100% in the Last 6 Weeks, Coinciding with Harsh Rhetoric from Trump Administration 

     

    Read the Letter Here 

    Washington, D.C – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Congresswoman Mikie Sherill (NJ-11) led a bipartisan group of 39 of their colleagues in writing to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science Chairman Hal Rogers (KY-05) and Ranking Member Grace Meng (NY-06) requesting that they provide $10 million for a program within the bipartisan Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2022 for state and local governments to remove the personal information of federal judges and their families from the internet, such as property tax records that would list addresses. 

    “As Donald Trump has escalated his attacks on federal judges, their safety and security are increasingly at risk. If judges alter their decisions out of fear for the safety of themselves and their families, then we no longer live under the rule of law,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. In order to enhance the security of federal judges, it is vital for Congress to fund this essential grant program and ensure that sensitive personal information, including home addresses, financial records, and details about family members, is kept private.” 

    Between 2015 and 2021, threats against federal judges rose by more than 450%, from 926 incidents in 2015 to 4,511 in 2021. The Trump administration’s recent rhetoric against individual judges who have rendered unfavorable rulings has only supercharged that trend, with threats against judges rising over 100% in the last six weeks alone. 

    “Time is of the essence in implementing the Anderl Act’s protections for our federal judges and their families, as members of the Federal judiciary have been exposed to an increased number of personal threats in connection to their role,” the Members wrote. 

    Named after Daniel Anderl—the son of a federal judge who was murdered by a disgruntled attorney who obtained the judge’s home address online—the law’s provisions authorizing anti-doxxing grants for state and local governments have never been funded. 

    “The importance of the Anderl Act to our federal judiciary and to our federal legal system cannot be overstated. It is critical that Congress take action to protect all our public servants on the federal bench and prevent this type of violence and threats in the future. Our judiciary, and by extension, our democracy, cannot continue to bear this burden alone,” the Members concluded. 

    Read the letter here or below:

    Dear Chair Rogers and Ranking Member Meng: 

    As you begin consideration of the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, we ask that within the accounts funding the Department of Justice State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance account, you provide $10 million for the state and local government grant program authorized in Section 5934(c) of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-263). 

    This program permits the Attorney General to make grants to States or units of local governments so they can remove personal information about federal judges and their families from their websites, such as property tax records that would list federal judges’ addresses. 

    Time is of the essence in implementing the Anderl Act’s protections for our federal judges and their families, as members of the Federal judiciary have been exposed to an increased number of personal threats in connection to their role.  Testifying before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and the Federal Government in February of this year, U.S. Marshals Service Director Ronald Davis said that threats against federal judges have doubled in the past 3 years. In fact, from 2015 to 2021, threats against federal court personnel jumped more than 450 percent, from 926 incidents recorded in 2015 to 4,511 incidents in 2021. 

    Among the incidents demonstrating the unfortunate urgency of these measures is the 2020 murder of Daniel Anderl, for whom the legislation was named. The 20-year-old son of New Jersey District Judge Esther Salas, Daniel was shot and killed at home by a disgruntled lawyer who found the judge’s address on the internet and also critically wounded Judge Salas’ husband. 

    After Judge James Robart’s 2017 decision to block former President Trump’s travel ban, critics posted the judge’s home phone and address online. Judge Robart received 40,000 messages, 1,100 of which were serious enough to be investigated, and so many death threats that U.S. marshals set up camp around his house. Additionally, in 2022, a California man was indicted for attempting to assassinate Justice Brett Kavanaugh. An FBI affidavit stated that the would-be assassin found Justice Kavanaugh’s address online. 

    In his annual year-end report in December, Chief Justice Roberts warned about the rising number of threats to the judiciary’s independence, including calls for violence against judges and “dangerous” suggestions by elected officials to disregard court rulings they disagree with. This warning was followed by another by the U.S. Marshals to federal judges indicating an “unusually high threat level” in March. The importance of the Anderl Act to our federal judiciary and to our federal legal system cannot be overstated. It is critical that Congress take action to protect all our public servants on the federal bench and prevent this type of violence and threats in the future. Our judiciary, and by extension, our democracy, cannot continue to bear this burden alone. 

    Thank you for your consideration of this important request. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Falls-Windsor — Teenage dirt bike operator lost in wooded area safely located by Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A teenaged dirt bike operator who was lost in a wooded area near the Exploits River was safely located during the early morning hours today.

    Shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP received the report. At approximately 7:30 p.m., the boy, who was traveling alone on his dirt bike, contacted family via his cell phone and indicated that he had ran out of gas and was lost on a woods road near Exploit’s River. The boy also indicated that his cell phone battery was low.

    Through further investigation, police determined an approximate location of the missing youth and engaged Exploits Search and Rescue (SAR) to assist with a search. At approximately 3:30 a.m., prior to the arrival of SAR, Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP located the youth and his dirt bike on a woods road near Sandy Lake. The youth reported being cold but was otherwise in good health. He was transported out of the wooded area by police and safely reunited with his family.

    With increased off-road vehicle use anticipated over the summer months, RCMP NL reminds users to be prepared and wear the gear. It is recommended to travel with extra clothing, food, a communication device and fire making supplies. Additionally, sharing your intended travel plans and expected departure and return times with others is strongly advisable. The use of helmets and seatbelts where available is mandatory for those traveling on all off-road vehicles.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Orange County felon sentenced to federal prison for firearms violation

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

    BEAUMONT, Texas –An Orange, Texas man has been sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    John Marion LeBlanc, 45, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 162 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on May 27, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, on October 29, 2023, law enforcement responded to the Orange Boat Ramp on Pier Road in Orange in reference to a large disturbance with shots fired. Upon arrival, officers could see a large crowd with numerous vehicles in the boat ramp parking lot.  As officers approached the scene, they heard several gunshots and observed muzzle flashes. One person had been shot in the arm.  Video surveillance footage shows LeBlanc arrive at the boat ramp parking lot and fire a pistol in the crowd.  Other individuals also fired shots, and as police arrived on scene, video footage shows LeBlanc throwing a firearm in the grass where it was later recovered.

    Further investigation revealed LeBlanc has previously been convicted of eight felony convictions, including two prior federal drug trafficking convictions.  Federal law prohibits convicted felons from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

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

    This case was investigated by the Orange Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: Glad You Asked: Veterans Benefits Banking Program – A Simple Step to Secure Your Benefits Safely

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    In episode 4, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Honorable Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., breaks down the Veterans Benefits Banking Program – what it is, how to apply, and who’s eligible. For more information, call 800-827-1000.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILRjQX4RW7A

    MIL OSI Video –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Uruguay’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Interior Minister visited UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Uruguay’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Interior Minister visited UK

    • English
    • Español de América Latina

    On their first official visit to London, Deputy Chief of Staff Jorge Díaz and Interior Minister Carlos Negro held meetings related to justice and security.

    The main objective of the visit was to learn from experiences that will contribute to discussions on the creation of a Ministry of Justice and Human Rights in Uruguay.

    Between May 20 and 23, 2025, they met with government officials, academics, private sector companies, and non-governmental organizations, including two roundtables on cybersecurity and the space industry, in which more than 12 local counterparts participated. Additionally, they visited Parliament, the Supreme Court of Justice, the London Magistrates’ Court, and the Prosecutor’s Office.

    Ambassador Mal Green stated:

    The purpose of this invitation from the British government is to share experiences, ideas, challenges, and lessons learned to support the planning that the Uruguayan government is undertaking for the creation of its Ministry of Justice, as well as to exchange views on a priority for both countries: security.

    I trust that the connections established will continue to deepen in the coming months through future virtual and in-person meetings, training, and technical cooperation.

    Deputy Secretary Díaz expressed being pleasantly surprised by the level of pragmatism and professionalism with which security-related public policies and the Ministry of Justice operate in the United Kingdom, according to the official Presidency website.

    The activity agenda included meetings with Lords who were involved in the formation of this Ministry, created in 2007, and its leadership, as well as with current authorities such as the Undersecretary of Justice, Lord Frederick Ponsonby. Frederick Ponsonby is a relative of John Brabazon Ponsonby, a British diplomat who played a decisive role in the independence of Uruguay in 1828.

    This was the first official visit of authorities from Yamandú Orsi’s government to the United Kingdom, further strengthening the historical relationship and collaboration between both countries, which now spans nearly two centuries.

    Visit our Flickr for more photos of the visit.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 28 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canadian Forces Provost Marshal response to Military Police Complaints Commission Public Interest Hearing 

    Source: Government of Canada News

    May 28, 2025 – Ottawa, ON – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    The Military Police Complaints Commission (MPCC) plays a vital role in investigating Military Police (MP) interference complaints, reviewing closed and concluded public complaints led by the Military Police at the request of complainants, and leading public interest investigations and hearings. The Canadian Forces Provost Marshal (CFPM) is fully committed to, and supportive of the MPCC’s mandate, within the legislative framework afforded under Part IV of the National Defence Act.

    A public complaint was received by the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal’s Office of Professional Standards related the MP response to Master Corporal Orton’s death. It was subsequently determined that the complaint was one that could be more appropriately dealt with through a criminal investigation. This is one of several reasons, laid out in the National Defence Act (NDA) s.250.27(4), regarding why a conduct complaint may not require an NDA Part IV conduct investigation by the Office of Professional Standards to appropriately address the matter.

    The criminal investigation concluded on March 18, 2025. No criminal or code of service discipline charges were laid. However, a Military Police Professional Code of Conduct (MPPCC) investigation was initiated on March 18, 2025, and remains ongoing. The MPPCC is how the CFPM exercises their authority to determine whether administrative action is taken against members of the MP, which could include revocation of MP credentials.

    During and following the closure of the criminal investigation and the subsequent decision to call a Public Interest Hearing (PIH), the Office of the CFPM has corresponded with the MPCC regarding their request for disclosure of relevant information to support their existing review and in light of the decision to declare a PIH into the same matter.

    The Office of the CFPM will continue to support the MPCC during the course of the PIH, while ensuring that the integrity of the ongoing MPPCC investigation into this matter is maintained.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA, SBA and the State of Arkansas Are Adding More Sites to Assist Survivors

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA, SBA and the State of Arkansas Are Adding More Sites to Assist Survivors

    FEMA, SBA and the State of Arkansas Are Adding More Sites to Assist Survivors

    LITTLE ROCK– The state of Arkansas, FEMA and U

    S

    Small Business Administration (SBA) will offer face-to-face help at four additional sites this week for residents affected by the March 14-15 and April 2-22 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding

    Homeowners and renters in Greene, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, Sharp and Stone counties and impacted by the March 14-15 storms and tornadoes and may be eligible for FEMA assistance for losses not covered by insurance

    Assistance is also available to eligible residents living in Clark, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Desha, Fulton, Hot Spring, Jackson, Miller, Ouachita, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Sharp, St

    Francis and White counties impacted by the April 2-22 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding

    The four new locations providing survivor assistance include:CLARK COUNTYArkadelphia Recreation Center2555 Twin Rivers DriveArkadelphia, AR 71923Dates: Thursday, May 29 – Saturday, May 31Hours: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    DESHA COUNTYMcGhee Municipal Complex901 Holly Street McGhee, AR 71654Dates: Thursday, May 29 – Saturday, May 31Hours: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    CRITTENDEN COUNTYRoberta Jackson Neighborhood Center 1300 Polk AvenueWest Memphis, AR 72301Dates: Thursday, May 29 – Saturday, May 31Hours: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    FULTON COUNTYFulton County Courthouse154 South Main StreetSalem, AR 72570Dates: Wednesday, May 28 – Saturday, May 31Hours: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    Additional locations continuing to provide survivor assistance include: GREENE COUNTY Paragould Community Center3404 Linwood DriveParagould, AR 72112Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, May 29Times: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    RANDOLPH COUNTYBlack River Technical CollegeAcademic Complex Building, Room AC 1001410 Highway 304 EastPocahontas, AR 72455Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, May 29 Hours: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    IZARD COUNTYOzarka College – John Miller Auditorium218 College DriveMelbourne, AR 72556Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, May 29Hours: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    SALINE COUNTYSaline County Career and Technical Campus Auditorium13600 I-30 NorthBenton, AR 72019 Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Saturday, May 31Times: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    JACKSON COUNTYASU-Newport Center for Fine Arts7648 Victory BoulevardNewport, AR 72112 Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, May 29Times: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    SHARP COUNTY Ash Flat City Hall897 Ash Flat DriveAsh Flat, AR 72513Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Saturday, May 31Times: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    MILLER COUNTYMiller County Office of Emergency Management – Conference Room409 Hazel StreetTexarkana, AR 71854 Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Saturday, May 31Times: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    SHARP COUNTYCity Hall – Cave CityConference Room201 South Main StreetCave City, AR 72521*Entrance and parking at back of buildingDates: Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, May 29Times: 9 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    Survivors can apply to FEMA in several ways including going online to DisasterAssistance

    gov, downloading the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    Calls are accepted every day from 6 a

    m

    to 10 p

    m

    CT

    Help is available in most languages

     If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service

    To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube

    For more information, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4865 or fema

    gov/disaster/4873

    Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x

    com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook

    com/FEMARegion6/

    erika

    suzuki
    Wed, 05/28/2025 – 12:18

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary Noem Honors Nicholas Quets, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Murdered by the Sinaloa Cartel

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    President Trump and Secretary Noem are dismantling drug cartels that profit from trafficking, violence, and lawlessness

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security released a video featuring the parents of Nicholas Quets, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who was viciously murdered by members of the Sinaloa cartel.

    On October 18th, 2024, Nicholas Quets traveled to Rocky Point, Mexico, where upon entry, he encountered a Sinaloa cartel checkpoint. These cartel members attempted to steal his pickup truck before shooting him in the back through his heart, ultimately taking his life at just 31 years old.

    Watch the video.

    President Trump and Secretary Noem have taken decisive action to dismantle drug cartels. On President Trump’s first day in office, he signed an executive order to designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation expands law enforcement and the government’s ability to crack down on cartels’ drug and sex trafficking operations in the U.S.

    On what would have been Nicholas Quets’ 32nd birthday, the Treasury Department announced sanctions against six individuals and seven entities allegedly involved in a money-laundering network supporting the Sinaloa cartel.

    Earlier this month, HSI along with the help of the Mexican government arrested Jacobo Regalado “J3” a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico. He is responsible for hundreds of homicides and smuggling illicit drugs into the U.S.

    Additionally, earlier this month, Pedro Inzunza Noriega and Pedro Inzunza Coronel, key leaders of the Beltran Leyva Organization (BLO), a powerful and violent faction of the Sinaloa cartel that is believed to be the world’s largest known fentanyl production network, were charged with narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and money laundering.

    “Nicholas Quets was a patriot who served our country honorably and was killed by these cartel cowards who shot him in the back. President Trump and Secretary Noem are honoring his memory by dismantling the Sinaloa cartel and other drug cartels that profit from trafficking, violence, and lawlessness,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “President Trump’s strong leadership and these arrests and prosecutions of scum-of-the-earth cartel leaders are delivering results. The days of unchecked cartel violence are over.”

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary Noem Releases Statement After ICE Arrests Illegal Alien who Threatened to Assassinate President Donald J. Trump

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested an illegal alien who threatened to assassinate President Trump.

    “Thanks to our ICE officers, this illegal alien who threatened to assassinate President Trump is behind bars,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “This threat comes not even a year after President Trump was shot in Butler, Pennsylvania and less than two weeks after former FBI Director Comey called for the President’s assassination. All politicians and members of the media should take notice of these repeated attempts on President Trump’s life and tone down their rhetoric. I will continue to take all measures necessary to ensure the protection of President Trump.”

    On May 21, an ICE field intelligence officer received a handwritten letter in the mail from Ramon Morales Reyes, in which he promised to self-deport after he used his gun to shoot President Trump in the head at one of his rallies.

    On May 22, ICE arrested Ramon Morales-Reyes, a 54-year-old illegal alien from Mexico.

    Morales entered the U.S. illegally at least nine times between 1998-2005. His criminal record includes arrests for felony hit and run, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct with a domestic abuse modifier.

    He will remain in ICE custody at Dodge County Jail in Juneau, Wisconsin, pending his removal proceedings.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – The EU’s climate action strategy – 28-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Under the European Climate Law, the EU must reduce its net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55 % by 2030 compared with 1990, and reach climate neutrality by 2050 (see trajectory in Figure 1). Over the 2005-2023 period, net emissions in the EU decreased by 30.5 % (37 % compared with 1990). The land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector is a significant carbon sink, although its capacity to increase carbon sequestration is under pressure, while the EU emissions trading system (ETS) is one of the most effective mitigation tools, having reduced emissions by the sectors it covers by 48.1 % since 2005. Sectors for which Member States are obliged to reduce GHG emissions under the ‘effort-sharing’ legislation decreased their emissions by 17.1 % in 2023 compared with 2005. Investments tracked as climate-related spending account for 42.6 % of the total grants and loans approved under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and the REPowerEU initiative. By 30 June 2024, Member States had to update their national energy and climate plans (NECPs), aligned with the EU’s increased 2030 targets. As of May 2025, three final plans are still pending. A May 2025 assessment of submitted final NECPs show a significant gap reduction from earlier analysis, with net GHG emissions estimated to decrease by 54 % by 2030, compared with 1990 levels. In a 2023 survey, 46 % of EU citizens identified climate change as one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most Europeans (56 %) said it was the responsibility of the EU or the national government to tackle climate change, followed by business/industry (53 %); 35 % found it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – 1996 – 2024: 28 years later, Türkiye covers up for the murderers of Isaak and Solomou – E-001743/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    As an EU candidate country and a long-standing member of the Council of Europe, Türkiye is expected to respect fundamental rights, which are an integral part of EU-Türkiye relations, and implement the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). The Commission has repeatedly called on Türkiye to implement the ECtHR judgments as a matter of priority, including in the Commission’s annual enlargement reports[1].

    The Commission is not in the position to comment on how the International Criminal Police Organisation implements an international wanted persons notice, issued at the request of one of its member countries.

    • [1] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/turkiye-report-2024_en.
    Last updated: 28 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Difficulties in implementing the law on livestock housing – E-001064/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission may intervene in cases raising issues, where there is sufficient evidence of a general practice, of a problem of compliance of national legislation with EU law.

    However, Law 4056/2012 concerns national administrative proceedings related to permits for the housing of farmed animals. Those administrative proceedings are not under the remit of EU law. Hence, this question is referring to national legislation that does not fall under the competence of the Union.

    The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan Regulation[1] includes several interventions that may help farmers to adapt to the new requirements.

    Under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027[2], in addition to direct payments, Greece envisages also support for farm modernisation investments, bio-security interventions and advisory services.

    Where Union law imposes new requirements on farmers, support may be granted for investments to comply with those requirements for a maximum of 24 months from the date on which they become mandatory for the holding.

    • [1] http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/2115/oj.
    • [2] https://www.agrotikianaptixi.gr/category/sskap-2023-2027/sskap-egkrisi-tropopoiiseis/.
    Last updated: 28 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Freight Forwarding Company Executive Arrested on Federal Indictment Alleging Massive Scheme to Avoid Customs Duties Payments

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – The chief financial officer (CFO) at a Downtown Los Angeles-based shipping company has been arrested on a 22-count federal grand jury indictment charging him and the company’s CEO with using fraudulent documents, shell companies, bribes to public officials, and kickbacks to Mexican drug cartels to smuggle billions of dollars’ worth of goods from the United States into Mexico, repeatedly lying to U.S. customs officials and defrauding Mexico out of hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of duties owed, the Justice Department announced today.

    Ralph Olarte, 55, of Glendale, the CFO of Sport LA Inc., was arrested late last night at Los Angeles International Airport. He is expected to make his initial appearance and be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. 

    Also charged in the indictment is Humberto Lopez Belmonte, 53, of Mexico City, who was arrested and arraigned on Tuesday in Los Angeles federal court. Lopez pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and a July 21 trial date was scheduled. A federal magistrate judge ordered Lopez released on $100,000 bond.

    Olarte and Lopez are charged with one count of conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States. Both defendants and their company, Sport LA Inc., also are charged with one count of smuggling goods from the United States, three counts of knowingly submitting false and misleading export information, five counts of wire fraud for false information submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud against Mexico, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and seven counts of international promotional and concealment money laundering.

    Sport LA is charged with three counts of making false statements to a government agency. The other defendant companies – H&R Logistics Inc. and Olarte Transport Service Inc. – are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    According to the indictment returned on April 30 and unsealed Tuesday, Olarte and Lopez, from at least 2013 to the present, operated a lucrative international shipping enterprise. Through shipping companies they controlled, Olarte and Lopez smuggled billions of dollars’ worth of goods from and through the United States into Mexico. Many times, they concealed the nature of the shipped goods, some of which contained contraband.

    The companies allegedly submitted millions of false and misleading statements to U.S. customs officials, used shell companies in Mexico to shield their true customers, and created and presented false documents – including sham certificates for paid Mexican import taxes. They also bribed Mexican customs officials, paid kickbacks to drug cartels – including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) – to operate the scheme and smuggled bulk cash into the U.S. to avoid reporting requirements.

    Olarte and Lopez then laundered the proceeds of their scheme back from the true Mexican customers, through the shell companies, and ultimately into the companies’ U.S. bank accounts. 

    As a result of the conspiracy, Olarte and Lopez personally received millions of dollars in illicit proceeds.

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

    If convicted, Olarte and Lopez would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each count of wire fraud- and money laundering-related count, up to five years in federal prison for each smuggling- and false statements-related count, and up to two years in federal prison for each count of knowingly submitting false and misleading export information. 

    Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), CBP, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating this matter. 

    The cases announced today were investigated by HSI’s El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, a multi-agency task force that includes federal and state investigators who are focused on financial crimes in Southern California.

    The Transnational Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Inmate Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Assault with a Deadly Weapon in U.S. Penitentiary Atwater

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff sentenced Delonte Williams, 37, of Washington, D.C., Tuesday to 33 months in prison today for assault with a deadly weapon in the U.S. Penitentiary at Atwater, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, on April 28, 2024, Williams chased another inmate around a cell block while holding a knife-like, jail-made weapon. Williams, along with another inmate, used his jail-made knife to stab the victim, which wounded him and required him to seek medical attention.

    Williams’ co-defendant, Jarvell Kent, is scheduled for sentencing before Judge Sherriff on June 23, 2025.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fresno Man Pleads Guilty to Paycheck Protection Program Loan Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — Gurjeet Bath, 37, of Fresno, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of theft of government property, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, Bath and other family members operated two trucking businesses: G.S. Bath Inc. and Complete Transportation Solutions (CTS), operating in Fresno County. In 2020 and 2021, Bath applied for and received three PPP loans totaling over $1 million. To obtain the loans, Bath knowingly falsified records to inflate his businesses’ employees and their wages. Bath then used approximately $600,000 of those funds to purchase two parcels of agricultural land in Fresno County.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Spivak is prosecuting the case.

    Bath is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on Oct. 6, 2025. Bath faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Amtrak Employees Admit Participating in $11 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – Five Amtrak employees recently admitted participating in a health care fraud scheme to defraud Amtrak, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Kevin Frink, 53, of Willingboro, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to an Indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Michael Toal, 35, of Hazlet, New Jersey, David McBrien, 37, of Levittown, Pennsylvania, Damany Walker, 41, of Irvington, New Jersey, and David Lonergan, 65, of Rockaway Park, New York, in recent weeks also pleaded guilty before Judge Arleo in Newark federal court to the Indictment charging conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

    The Indictment also charges four other co-conspirators in connection with the scheme: Quinton Johnson, 53, of Irvington, New Jersey; Gregory Richardson, 35, of Roosevelt, New York; Timothy Bogen, 59, of Hamden, Connecticut; and Dion Jacob, 50, of Brooklyn, New York.  Defendant Rodolfo Rivera, 41, of Clayton, Delaware, previously pleaded guilty to the Indictment, and co-conspirator Anthony Saloka, 44, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty to an Information.

    “The defendants admitted to colluding with corrupt health care providers in a scheme to defraud Amtrak’s health care plan for personal financial gain.  My office is committed to holding accountable those who profit from health care scams, like this one, that harm the public and the health care system.”

    – U.S. Attorney Alina Habba

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    From January 2019 through June 2022, Frink, Toal, McBrien, Walker, Lonergan, and their co-conspirators—who were also Amtrak employees—engaged in a scheme to obtain cash kickbacks from health care providers in return for their agreement to allow their health insurance plan to be billed for services that were never provided and were not medically necessary. In total, as a result of the conspiracy, the Amtrak health care plan paid over $11 million in fraudulent claims associated with providers connected to the scheme.

    Each defendant received thousands of dollars in cash kickbacks from health care providers in return for their participation in the scheme, including from Punson Figueroa, an acupuncturist.  Defendants Frink, McBrien, Walker, and Lonergan also received cash kickbacks from Michael DeNicola, a podiatrist. Figueroa previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and was sentenced on September 24, 2024 to 34 months in prison. DeNicola previously pleaded guilty on June 29, 2022 to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, among other offenses. His sentencing remains pending.

    The health care fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Walker’s and McBrien’s sentencings are scheduled for July 24, 2025.  Lonergan’s sentencing is scheduled for August 20, 2025.  Toal’s sentencing is scheduled for October 23, 2025. Frink’s sentencing is scheduled for October 9, 2025.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Amtrak Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Waters, the Amtrak Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Sam Dotson, and special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III in New York, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica R. Ecker and Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud and Opioid Abuse Prevention Unit, and Senior Trial Counsel Barbara Ward of the Bank Integrity, Recovery, and Money Laundering Unit, in Newark.

    The charge and allegations contained in the Indictment against Johnson, Richardson, Bogen, and Jacob are merely accusations, and they are each presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

                                                                           ###

    Defense counsel:  Sarah Sulkowski, Esq. (for Kevin Frink)

        Michael Chazen, Esq. (for Michael Toal)

                                Michael V. Calabro, Esq. (for David McBrien)

                                Michael Rosas, Esq. (for Damany Walker)

                                Bruce S. Rosen, Esq. and Sarah Fehm Stewart, Esq. (for David Lonergan)

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Capture Fugitive Mother in California Following Multi-State Investigation

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Concord, NH – The United States Marshals Service District of New Hampshire (USMS D/NH) today announced the successful apprehension of fugitive Kristyanna Hall (31) by the USMS Central District of California (C/CA) Fugitive Task Force in Sherman Oaks, California. Hall had fled New Hampshire with her four children, defying court orders that required her to relinquish custody in early February.

    The arrest comes just six days after the children were safely recovered by the U.S. Marshals Service and law enforcement partners from a motel in Ontario, California, over fifty miles from where Hall was ultimately found.

    The Rochester Police Department initially requested assistance from the USMS D/NH on May 13, after developing credible leads that Hall and the children were in Murrieta, California. Leveraging its nationwide enforcement network and the expertise of its local partners, the United States Marshals Service-led team tracked the children from a residence in Murrieta to the motel in Ontario, where they were safely recovered.

    Subsequent intelligence and investigative efforts led the C/CA Fugitive Task Force to a facility on Valley Vista Boulevard in Sherman Oaks. Task Force Officers were granted entry and arrested Hall without incident. She is currently being held at the Van Nuys Jail on fugitive charges and will await extradition to New Hampshire.

    “This case demonstrates the strength of interagency cooperation and the commitment of the U.S. Marshals Service to safeguard our communities and protect vulnerable children,” said William R. Hart, Jr., United States Marshal for the District of New Hampshire. “Reuniting the children with their legal guardian last Thursday, and the arrest of Ms. Hall yesterday, marks the end to a months-long investigation that spanned thousands of miles, multiple jurisdictions, and required the undivided attention of many dedicated law enforcement professional that I am proud to work among.”

    The U.S. Marshals Service extends its thanks to the Rochester Police Department, Los Angeles Police Department, and multiple task force partners in California for their critical roles in this operation.

    The USMS New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force was formed in the fall of 2002 and is headquartered at the Warren B. Rudman United States Courthouse in Concord. The task force coordinates federal, state, county, and local resources to develop leads, gather intelligence, track and apprehend targeted fugitives. The Task Force receives vital support from Strafford, Merrimack and Rockingham Counties, as well as the cities of Manchester, Nashua and Concord. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: 1610 kg of cannabis intercepted by CBSA officers in Halifax

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    May 28, 2025              

    Halifax, NS                   

    Canada Border Services Agency

    On May 5, 2025, border services officers at the Port of Halifax, with assistance from CBSA intelligence officers, examined a marine container destined for export to Barbados. During this examination, officers uncovered 1,610 kilograms of suspected cannabis, valued at nearly $12 M. The drugs were falsely declared as tiles on the documentation provided to CBSA officers and were concealed in 80 boxes throughout the container.

    The cannabis and all evidence was transferred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Eastern Region Federal Policing (Nova Scotia) for further investigation.

    The CBSA and the RCMP collaborate on investigations to prevent illegal drug smuggling and organized crime from threatening the safety and well-being of our communities. Although cannabis is legal in Canada, the illicit cross-border movement of cannabis is a serious criminal offence, punishable with imprisonment of up to 5 years under the Customs Act and up to 14 years under the Cannabis Act. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash: Halswell Road, Christchurch

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A pedestrian who was seriously injured after being struck by a car in Christchurch last week has died.

    The man was taken to hospital with serious injuries after being struck by the car in Halswell Road at around 10.45am on 23 May. Sadly he passed away in hospital on 24 May.

    Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Arkansas Private Nonprofits Affected by April Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Arkansas affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding occurring April 2-22.

    The disaster declaration covers the Arkansas counties of Clark, Clay, Craighead, Cross, Dallas, Desha, Fulton, Greene, Hempstead, Hot Spring, Izard, Jackson, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lee, Little River, Lonoke, Marion, Miller, Monroe, Montgomery, Nevada, Newton, Pike, Poinsett, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Scott, Searcy, Sevier, Sharp, St. Francis, Stone and Woodruff.

    Under this declaration, PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature impacted by physical damages or financial losses directly related to the disaster are eligible to apply for both business physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools, and colleges.

    PNPs may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    Interest rates are as low as 3.62% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA will set loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is July 21, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 23, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Names New State Health Director

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Names New State Health Director

    NCDHHS Names New State Health Director
    jawerner
    Tue, 05/27/2025 – 15:32

    Dr. Lawrence Greenblatt, a distinguished physician, professor and public health champion, has been appointed as State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and will begin his duties on Monday, June 2, 2025. He is widely recognized for his commitment to high-quality care for medically and socially complex patients, his leadership in medical education and his pioneering work to improve mental health and addiction services.

    “Dr. Greenblatt is an innovator and public health advocate with a long track record of increasing access to mental and physical health care in North Carolina,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “He has the vision and experience needed to lead our state’s public health efforts as we work to create a healthier North Carolina for all.”

    Dr. Greenblatt served for three decades as a general internist, educator and leader in Medicaid policy with Duke University Health System, earning recognition for his work to integrate behavioral health and addiction services into primary care.

    Since 2008, Dr. Greenblatt has led Duke’s Medicaid Network, first as Northern Piedmont Community Care, which was part of the statewide Community Care of North Carolina network. He continued as Medical Director of Duke’s Clinically Integrated Network under Medicaid transformation in 2021. This well-run network serves 100,000 Medicaid enrollees and supports dozens of practices.

    “I am honored to be chosen for this important role in improving the health and well-being of the more than 11 million North Carolinians that call this great state home,” said Dr. Greenblatt. “As a physician and educator, I know the value of making sure every person has access to mental and physical health care when they need it and in the setting that is most appropriate for them.”

    In 2012, he launched one of the nation’s first academic initiatives to promote safe opioid prescribing and expand treatment for opioid use disorder. He also served as Chair of the NC Medicaid Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Secretary of the NC Medicaid Physician Advisory Group. As a long-time advocate for improved mental health care, Dr. Greenblatt has co-led the Durham Crisis Collaborative and actively contributed to local substance use and mental health planning efforts.

    El Dr. Lawrence Greenblatt, un distinguido médico, profesor y defensor de la salud pública, ha sido nombrado director de salud del estado y director médico del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte y comenzará sus funciones el lunes 2 de junio de 2025. Es ampliamente reconocido por su compromiso con la atención de alta calidad para pacientes médica y socialmente complejos, su liderazgo en educación médica y su trabajo pionero para mejorar los servicios de salud mental y adicción.

    “El Dr. Greenblatt es un innovador y defensor de la salud pública con un largo historial de aumentar el acceso a la atención de la salud mental y física en Carolina del Norte”, dijo el secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Dev Sangvai. “Tiene la visión y la experiencia necesarias para liderar los esfuerzos de salud pública de nuestro estado mientras trabajamos para crear una Carolina del Norte más saludable para todos”.

    El Dr. Greenblatt se desempeñó durante tres décadas como internista general, educador y líder en políticas de Medicaid con el Sistema de Salud de la Universidad de Duke, obteniendo reconocimiento por su trabajo para integrar los servicios de salud conductual y adicción en la atención primaria.

    Desde 2008, el Dr. Greenblatt ha dirigido la red de Medicaid de Duke, primero como Atención Comunitaria del Norte de Piedmont (Northern Piedmont Community Care), que formaba parte de la red estatal de Atención Comunitaria de Carolina del Norte (Community Care of North Carolina). Continuó como director médico de la Red Clínicamente Integrada de Duke bajo la transformación de Medicaid en 2021. Esta red bien administrada sirve a 100,000 miembros de Medicaid y apoya docenas de prácticas.

    “Me siento honrado de ser elegido para este importante papel en la mejora de la salud y el bienestar de los más de 11 millones de habitantes de Carolina del Norte que llaman hogar a este gran estado”, dijo el Dr. Greenblatt. “Como médico y educador, sé el valor de asegurarme de que cada persona tenga acceso a la atención de salud mental y física cuando la necesite y en el entorno que sea más apropiado para ellos”.

    En 2012, lanzó una de las primeras iniciativas académicas del país para promover la prescripción segura de opioides y ampliar el tratamiento para el trastorno por uso de opioides. También se desempeñó como presidente del Comité de Farmacia y Terapéutica de NC Medicaid y secretario del Grupo Asesor de Médicos de NC Medicaid. Como defensor desde hace mucho tiempo de una mejor atención de la salud mental, el Dr. Greenblatt ha codirigido la colaborativa de crisis de Durham (Durham Crisis Collaborative) y ha contribuido activamente a los esfuerzos locales de planificación del uso de sustancias y la salud mental.

    May 28, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 29, 2025
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