NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Security: Monte Vista Drug Dealer Sentenced to 15 Years of Federal Prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DURANGO – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Blas Villa, 41, of Monte Vista, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

    According to the plea agreement and information presented at sentencing, Villa is a well-known drug dealer in the San Luis Valley. Villa possessed close to a pound of pure methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl pills over three incidents in 2023. In August 2023, Villa and an associate were found at a home in Monte Vista with significant amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine, a handgun, five cell phones, a scale with drug residue, and $13,400 in cash. A search of Villa’s phone revealed photos of Villa posing with firearms, as well as many photos of fentanyl pills associated with a pill counting app. Villa was originally charged in state court and bonded out of custody. While on bond, Villa was arrested again for possessing heroin and methamphetamine in November 2023. Villa bonded out of state custody again. In December 2023, law enforcement pulled over a car driven by Villa and found over 2,500 fentanyl pills and distribution amounts of methamphetamine. Prior to this case, Villa had fifteen prior convictions, including several felonies.   

    “Mr. Villa is a serial offender,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado J. Bishop Grewell. “I thank our law enforcement partners for removing him and his deadly wares from the San Luis Valley.”

    “Villa consistently brought harm and poison to Colorado, and with his sentencing the state is that much safer,” said DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen. “The men and women of DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to take down people and organizations causing harm to Coloradans and those around the country.”

    “The removal of these dangerous drugs is a testament to the tireless efforts of the Monte Vista Police Department, specifically the dedicated work of our Detective, in collaboration with key federal partners,” said Interim Monte Vista Police Chief Tyler Harford. “This operation represents a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. We remain committed to addressing this issue and protecting our residents.”

    United States District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher presided over the sentencing in Durango, Colorado.  The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Monte Vista Police Department handled the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey K. Graves handled the prosecution.

    Case Number: 24-cr-00046-GPG-JMC

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Sentenced to Serve More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison after Traveling to Oklahoma to Engage in Sexual Acts with a Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OKLAHOMA CITY – BRYAN DEVIN CRUZ, 25, of Texas, has been sentenced to serve 210 months in federal prison for interstate travel with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    Public record reflects that, in April 2024, an officer with the Moore Police Department (MPD) was dispatched to a home on reports of a stranger peeking into the window of a 13-year-old girl. MPD then deployed a thermal imaging drone to survey the area and located the suspect, later identified as Cruz, moving away from the property. Cruz was arrested shortly after. The minor’s parents consented to the search of a laptop used by the teenager. Investigators learned the teen and Cruz met online through an online application, and that Cruz told the minor he was a high school student and claimed to be 17 years old. Eventually, Cruz expressed interest in meeting the minor, and traveled from Dallas, Texas, to the minor’s residence on April 5, 2024, with the purpose of engaging in illicit activity.

    On May 7, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a two-count Indictment against Cruz, charging him with coercion and enticement of a minor and interstate travel with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor. On September 12, 2024, Cruz pleaded guilty to Count 2 of the Indictment, and admitted he traveled from Dallas, Texas, to Moore, Oklahoma, for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.

    At the sentencing hearing on May 1, 2025, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Cruz to serve 210 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the need to protect the public from further crime and the nature and circumstances of the offense, indicating that Cruz’s conduct was pervasive, rather than isolated.

    This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Moore Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: San Jose AI Solutions Company Agrees To Pay $1.5 Million To Resolve Allegations That It Improperly Obtained Federal Grant Funds

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN FRANCISCO – Vimaan Robotics, Inc. (Vimaan), a San Jose-based company that develops computer vision and AI warehouse management solutions, has agreed to pay $1.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by improperly accepting and drawing down funds from a grant award that it was ineligible to receive.  

    The settlement relates to a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant that Vimaan obtained from the National Science Foundation (NSF).  The terms and conditions of the SBIR grant preclude companies that are majority-owned by one or more venture capital operating companies from applying for or receiving such an award.  The settlement resolves allegations by the United States that at the time Vimaan received the award on April 16, 2020, Vimaan failed to disclose that it had become majority-owned by one or more venture capital companies one month earlier, making it ineligible for the award.  Between June 2020 and August 2022, the United States contends, Vimaan submitted 14 separate requests to NSF for disbursement of the award funds and falsely certified its eligibility to receive the award funds in each of these payment requests.

    “Federal small business research grants awarded by NSF are designed to support and foster innovative research by small businesses, not to provide taxpayer funding for businesses primarily owned by venture capital firms,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins.  “When companies evade program restrictions and obtain grants even though they are not eligible, this office will vigorously enforce the False Claims Act to ensure that federal dollars go to proper recipients.”

    “The SBIR program is a valuable tool in advancing NSF’s mission to promote the progress of science by increasing opportunities for small businesses to undertake cutting-edge scientific research. Entities that misrepresent their eligibility in order to obtain government funding undermine the integrity and effectiveness of the program. The NSF Office of Inspector General is committed to vigorously pursuing oversight of these taxpayer funds and I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its strong support in this effort,” said Megan E. Wallace, NSF’s Acting Inspector General.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Savith Iyengar handled this matter for the government.  The investigation and settlement resulted from a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California and NSF-OIG.  

    The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating fraud in federal grants.  One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act.  Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement involving NSF can be reported to NSF’s Office of Inspector General at https://oig.nsf.gov/contact/hotline.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

    Vimaan Settlement Agreement
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Vermilion County Man Sentenced to Five and a Half Years in Prison for Counterfeiting and Violating Supervised Release

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    URBANA, Ill. – A Bismarck, Illinois, man, Jacob R. Kirkley, 48, was sentenced on May 2, 2025, to four years in prison for his second federal counterfeiting conviction, as well as an additional 18 months in prison for violating his federal supervised release, which was imposed following his first counterfeiting conviction. When Kirkley completes his combined five-and-a-half year sentence, he will be required to serve three years of federal supervised release.

    The sentences followed a trial last December in Urbana where a federal jury convicted Kirkley of manufacturing, selling, and possessing counterfeited United States currency. During two days of trial testimony, the government presented evidence to establish that, on December 7, 2023, Kirkley sold an undercover officer with the Illinois State Police $1000 of counterfeited U.S. currency that he had made for $250. On December 13, 2023, and January 8, 2024, Kirkley sold the same undercover officer another $1000 and $5000 in counterfeit U.S. currency that he had made, respectively. On January 11, 2024, agents of the U.S. States Secret Service and Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group executed a federal search warrant at Kirkley’s residence in Bismarck and recovered additional counterfeit currency, as well as various items used to counterfeit the currency.

    At the time Kirkley committed those offenses, he was on federal supervised release for a previous federal counterfeiting conviction. In 2022, Kirkley was convicted of one count of manufacturing U.S. currency and two counts of passing U.S. currency after a 2020 incident where a Vermilion County Sheriff’s Deputy found over $20,000 of counterfeit U.S. currency in his truck and then learned Kirkley had passed counterfeit currency at Carnaghi’s Towing and McDonald’s in Danville, Illinois, and Dollar General in Tilton, Illinois. At the time, the Deputy also found over $20,000 counterfeit U.S. currency, plus four printers, a paper cutter, and numerous counterfeit-making implements in Kirkley’s hotel room at the Budget Inn in Danville. Kirkley served 27 months in federal prison for those offenses and was serving a three-year term of federal supervised release at the time that he committed his latest counterfeiting offenses. Kirkley was released from federal prison in May 2023, six months before committing these offenses.   

    At the time of sentencing, the government presented evidence that Kirkley violated his federal supervised release not only by committing a new counterfeiting offense, but also by testing positive for methamphetamine use on eight separate occasions. The government also presented evidence that Kirkley had told the undercover officer during a covertly recorded conversation that “my name’s a red flag for any kind of . . . counterfeit material at all,” that he learned how to use “Bible paper” to counterfeit currency when he was in federal prison the first time, and that he believed he would “be screwed” and would have “the book” thrown at him if he were caught counterfeiting again.

    Also at the hearing, U.S. District Judge Colin S. Bruce found that Kirkley had not accepted responsibility for his criminal conduct. Judge Bruce followed the government’s recommendation to impose a sentence above the range recommended by the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines because Judge Bruce was troubled by Kirkley committing his offense while on federal supervised release for the same crime and so soon after being released from federal prison.

    The maximum statutory penalties for each of Kirkley’s five counts of conviction are up to twenty years of imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine. The maximum statutory penalty for Kirkley’s violation of his conditions of supervised release is up to two years of imprisonment.

    “Counterfeiting offenses undermine the integrity and stability of our financial system and leave hardworking business owners who receive these false payments in the lurch,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois Gregory M. Gilmore. “Repeat offenses are particularly problematic. We are grateful to our federal and local law enforcement partners for their dedicated investigative work.”

    “Protecting the nation’s currency and financial infrastructure have long been key missions for the U.S. Secret Service, along with safeguarding our country’s leaders,” said Resident Agent in Charge Michael Kurzeja, of the U.S. Secret Service Springfield Resident Office. “The Secret Service goes to extraordinary lengths to detect, investigate, and stop those who manufacture and try to profit from counterfeit currency, and attempt to weaken the nation’s financial infrastructure. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Central District of Illinois, as well as all our local partners who helped in this case.”

    “The impact of counterfeiting can be widespread with the potential of hurting both businesses and individuals as false currency circulates,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at all levels to help protect the integrity of our U.S. currency and hold those who break the law accountable.”

    The case investigation was conducted by the Springfield Division of the United States Secret Service, Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group, and Illinois State Police. Supervisory Assistant United States Attorney Eugene L. Miller represented the government at trial.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Louis Chop Shop Operator Pleads Guilty

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A man on Monday admitted running a “chop shop” that aided car thieves connected to a local gang.

    Jorge Alberto Luviano-Martinez, 41, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of operating a chop shop. As part of his plea, he admitted running a chop shop in the 2900 block of Cass Avenue in St. Louis. Members of a local gang, “Big 5,” discussed obtaining electronic keys for stolen vehicles from Luviano-Martinez and switching vehicle identification numbers (VINs) on stolen vehicles. Investigators conducted a court-approved search of the shop on June 10, 2024, finding eight stolen vehicles. One vehicle had its VIN replaced with a new VIN and another vehicle had a VIN removed.

    Before the search warrant was served, investigators saw Luviano-Martinez leaving the property in a stolen Jeep. He refused to stop for police, instead leading officers on a chase that lasted about 15 minutes. After driving down a dead end street, Luviano-Martinez jumped out of the Jeep and over a fence, but was arrested.

    “Our investigation shut down two chop shops, disrupting a scheme in which gang members were able to easily profit from vehicle thefts,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “The impact should help stem the flow of rising vehicle thefts across the region.”

    Luviano-Martinez, also known as “Charlie Cruz,” is scheduled to be sentenced in August. The charge carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both prison and a fine. 

    The FBI, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Finlen is prosecuting the case.

    The investigation was conducted by the St. Louis Gateway Strike Force, which is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and includes members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. The OCDETF strike forces are permanent, multi-agency, prosecutor-led teams that conduct intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Central Coast Woman Pleads Guilty to Misusing Doctors’ Credentials to Create Bogus Medical Documents for Immigration Applicants

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A San Luis Obispo County woman who operated a medical clinic pleaded guilty today to misusing physicians’ medical identities to create hundreds of fraudulent immigration documents to help immigrants obtain lawful status in the United States and for using a deceased doctor’s credentials to acquire and distributed controlled substances.

    Chantelle Lavergne Woods, 54, of Nipomo, pleaded guilty to one count of presentation of false immigration document or application and one count of possession with intent to distribute phendimetrazine. Woods is free on $10,000 bond.

    According to her plea agreement, Woods formerly operated and managed a clinic in Arroyo Grande that at times was known as “Medical Weight Loss and Immigration Services.” Beginning in February 2021, Woods knowingly misused the identities of three physicians to create hundreds of fraudulent documents pertaining to medical examinations of individuals seeking to register for a lawful permanent resident (LPR) card – commonly known as a “green card” – or otherwise adjust their immigration status.

    United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires the submission of a medical examination and vaccination record that assess several physical and mental health factors to determine if an applicant is inadmissible to the United States on health-related grounds.

    Federal law requires licensed physicians to perform these examinations and then sign a form attesting, in part, that the physician performed the medical examination and truly and accurately completed the form based on the examination and the information provided by the applicant. Woods completed at least 328 such forms on which she falsely included the signature of medical doctors, thereby representing that the individual had been medically examined by a doctor, when in fact they had not.

    At times, there were no physicians present at the clinic, Woods acted without physician authorization, and the clinic did not provide legitimate medical services.

    Woods further admitted that – from February 2021 to June 2022 – she used the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number of a deceased physician to order more than 150,000 tablets of controlled substances, including testosterone, codeine, alprazolam (sold under the brand name Xanax), diethylpropion (an appetite suppressant), and phentermine (weight-loss medicine).

    In July 2022, at the clinic, Woods knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute phendimetrazine – a weight-loss drug – as well as a loaded firearm.

    United States District Judge Fernando M. Olguin scheduled a July 31 sentencing hearing, at which time Woods will face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for each count.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Ventura Resident Office Tactical Diversion Squad and USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy K. Beecher of the Transnational Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced For Firearm Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DARNELL D. LEE (“LEE”), age 26, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on April 24, 2025 by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to thirty (30) months incarceration after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).  LEE was also placed on supervised release for three (3) years following release from imprisonment and ordered to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Further, Judge Fallon ordered that his term of imprisonment run consecutive to the prison terms imposed by the 24th Judicial Court, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.

    According to court records, on November 24, 2023, New Orleans Police Department Officers patrolling the 300 block of Bourbon Street observed LEE with what appeared to be a handgun concealed in the front waistband of his pants.  When NOPD Officers approached LEE to investigate , LEE fled but was quickly apprehended.  Officers recovered a Smith and Wesson Model SD9VE, nine-millimeter handgun that had fallen from his waistband.  LEE was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm due to his prior felony convictions.

    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.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigating this matter.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Irene M. Gonzalez of the General Crime Unit. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: District Felon Sentenced for Distributing ‘Boot,’ Illegal Possession of a Pistol

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – John Parker, 23, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 27-months in prison in connection with distributing the designer synthetic stimulant called “boot” near a school and for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

    The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, Chief Jessica M. E. Taylor of the United States Park Police, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

    Parker pleaded guilty on March 5, 2025, to one count of unlawful possession with intent to distribute N, N-Dimethylpentylone near schools and to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 27-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb ordered Parker to serve 72 months of supervised release.

    According to court documents, on Aug. 24, 2023, about 8:30 p.m., USPP officers saw an unidentified male approach Parker near 7th and H Streets, about 400 feet from a school, and hand Parker an unknown amount of cash. Parker then handed the male an unknown quantity of white powder. Officers followed Parker into a nearby drug store, stopped him, and arrested him. 

    During a search, officers recovered a loaded Ruger LCP semi-automatic pistol that Parker had tucked in his pants. Parker previously was convicted in D.C. Superior Court of carrying a pistol without a license.

    In addition, police recovered a clear-knotted plastic bag which contained a white rock-like substance weighing 54.6 grams. a plastic bag that contained 75 clear capsules filled with a white rock-like substance, six purple capsules each containing a white rock-like substance, and $211 in cash. The rock-like substance was sent to a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lab for analysis. The bag containing the 54.6 grams of a white rock-like substance tested positive for N, N-Dimethylpentylone, a Schedule I controlled substance.

    This case was investigated by U.S. Park Police and the Metropolitan Police Department with assistance from the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory Cole.

    23cr307

    ##

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Postal Employee Sentenced for Stealing U.S. Mail Contents

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SONIA MILLER (“MILLER’), age 54, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on April 24, 2025, by United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, after previously pleading guilty to theft of U.S. mail matter by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709(a).

    MILLER was sentenced to three (3) years of probation.  Judge Brown also ordered that MILLER pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

    According to court documents, on or about March 14, 2023, MILLER unlawfully removed the contents of several parcels of mail entrusted to her as a postal employee.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Pop-up clinics helping families stay well this winter

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 06/05/2025

    The ACT Government is making it easier for parents and carers to protect our youngest community members with a series of free pop-up influenza vaccination clinics for children.

    Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the clinics – for aged 6 months to under 5 years – are a simple and convenient way for busy parents to keep their little ones protected against serious illness.

    The clinics can be accessed via booking or walk-in and will be located across the ACT, in Belconnen, Gungahlin, Central Canberra, Tuggeranong and Weston Creek.

    This service is another part of our commitment to high quality, free healthcare for Canberrans. The clinics are a part of the biggest investment in healthcare in our Territory’s history.

    “Respiratory illnesses like influenza (flu) can be serious for young children, and an annual influenza vaccine is the best way to reduce the risk of your child getting sick with influenza and spreading it to others,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    “We know it can be challenging for families to find time while juggling work, childcare and daily responsibilities. That’s why we have set up these after-hours pop-up clinics to make it faster and more convenient for parents to get their child’s annual influenza vaccine.

    “The clinics are available to families with children aged from 6 months to under five, with locations across Canberra. Influenza vaccination for this age group is also available through ACT Early Childhood Immunisation Clinics and GPs, so there are a range of options for parents and carers to have their young children vaccinated.”

    “There are also other simple actions you can take to keep yourself and your family well this winter, including practising good hand hygiene, staying home if you’re unwell, keeping active and eating well.”

    ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman encouraged all Canberrans to look after their health and wellbeing this winter, starting with getting an influenza vaccination.

    “Respiratory viruses are more than just a cold and they can be far more serious than you think,” Dr Coleman said.

    “For best protection against influenza, it is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over to be vaccinated every year.

    “Vaccinations are a safe and easy way to protect both yourself and the people in your community who are at risk and now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment to visit our pop-up clinics”.

    For many people, the influenza vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program, although providers may charge a fee to administer the vaccine. This includes:

    • children aged six months to under five years
    • people aged 65 years and older
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older
    • pregnant people
    • people aged six months or older with underlying medical conditions

    Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are widely available from GPs and a range of pharmacies around Canberra as well as at selected public health facilities for some eligible people.

    Walk-ins at the clinics are welcome but a booking is recommended, which can be made through myDHR or by calling: 02 5124 9977.

    For more information on the pop-up influenza vaccination clinics visit www.act.gov.au and search ’pop up clinic’.

    – Statement ends –

    Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: VOICE: Angel Parents Speak Out About Son Matthew Denise

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

    The Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office today released a video featuring the parents of Matthew Denice. Matthew was killed by an illegal alien who was driving drunk in 2011. The illegal alien ran a stop sign and knocked Matthew off his motorcycle and then dragged a quarter mile to his death. He was only 23 years old.

    Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and President Trump stand with the victims of illegal alien crimes and their families.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEj3KCSMtc4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: India/Pakistan & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:

    – India/Pakistan
    – Secretary-General/Trip Announcement
    – Sudan
    – Sudan/Humanitarian
    – South Sudan
    – Gaza
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – Lebanon
    – Ukraine
    – Senior Personnel Appointment – Cyprus
    – Cyprus
    – Portuguese Language Day

    INDIA/PAKISTAN 
    The Secretary-General spoke to reporters just an hour ago to say that, with tensions between India and Pakistan at their highest in years, he once again strongly condemns the attack in Pahalgam on 22 April and extends his condolences to the families of the victims. He said that those responsible must be brought to justice through transparent, credible, and lawful means. 
    The Secretary-General said that it is also essential – especially at this critical hour — to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control. Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink. 
    He once more offered his good offices to both governments in the service of peace.  

    SECRETARY-GENERAL/ TRIP ANNOUNCEMENT 
    The Secretary-General will be travelling to Copenhagen, in Denmark, tonight, where he will chair the biannual session of the UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination, also known as the CEB, which brings together the heads of the UN system organizations. 
    The Secretary-General is scheduled to meet the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen. He will also take part in a dinner, hosted by Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Denmark, in honour of the gathered leaders of the Chief Executives Board for Coordination.  
    The Secretary-General will also engage with UN staff based in Copenhagen, as well as with Danish media and he will have a number of meetings with UN senior officials, ahead of the CEB session.  
    During their biannual session, the Chief Executives Board Members will reflect on current world affairs as they affect and are related to the UN system. They will also engage in deliberations on ‘Adapting to New Realities: Leveraging the UN80 Initiative’ and ‘Upholding Respect for International Law’. 
    The Secretary-General will be back in New York on Friday evening. 

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/ossg/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=05%20May%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irQjqaS5q20

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Department of Justice Announces Civil Rights Investigation into the Consideration of Race in Prosecutorial Decision making by Minnesota’s Hennepin County

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    Under our Constitution, no government may distribute different burdens or benefits on the basis of race without facing strict judicial scrutiny. This is especially true in the criminal justice system. Any attempt to subject Americans to different punishments or penalties based on race violates the Constitution and a number of federal civil rights laws.

    Today, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division announced an investigation into the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, led by County Attorney Mary Moriarty, to determine whether the Office is depriving its residents of their federal rights to be free from race-based prosecutorial decision making. According to public reporting, the Hennepin County Attorney recently adopted a policy requiring her prosecutors to consider “racial identity” during prosecutorial decision making, including when negotiating plea agreements that influence the burdens that criminal defendants face, and the benefits that they receive, in criminal prosecutions. The investigation announced today will involve a comprehensive review of all relevant Hennepin County Attorney’s Offices policies and practices that may involve illegal consideration of race.

    “As a longtime prosecutor, I firmly believe in the paramount importance of a colorblind criminal justice system,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will avail itself of every tool at its disposal to protect all Americans from illegal DEI discrimination.”

    “It is unconstitutional and morally abhorrent to make different prosecutorial decisions based on a person’s race,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will not tolerate any attempt to do so.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash: South-Western Motorway

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can confirm one person has died following a crash on the South-Western Motorway this morning.

    The single vehicle crash was reported just before 5am, on northbound lanes near Onehunga.

    Sadly, the sole occupant of this vehicle died at the scene.

    Earlier closures of northbound lanes have now lifted, and Police advise motorists to continue to expect delays as earlier backlogs clear.

    We appreciate motorists’ understanding this morning while emergency services carried out their work.

    The Serious Crash Unit examined the scene this morning, and an investigation is underway into this morning’s crash on behalf of the Coroner.

    ENDS

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Investigation launched into fire

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding a fire at McDonalds in Pakuranga.

    Emergency services attended the fire on Pakuranga Road just before 3pm on 5 May.

    The fast food restaurant has sustained significant fire damage as a result.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Michele Gillespie, of Counties Manukau CIB, says a scene guard has been in place at the restaurant overnight.

    “At this point in time we are treating this fire as a suspected arson,” she says.

    “A scene examination is being conducted this morning and Police will work alongside a fire investigator.

    “As part of these enquiries we will be working to understand how the fire originated.”

    Detective Senior Sergeant Gillespie says Police would like to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity prior to the fire.

    If you have information to assist enquiries, please contact Police on 105 using the reference number 250505/2106.

    Information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police and Health NZ continue to implement mental health response changes

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Phase Two of the Police Mental Health Response Change Programme is set to be extended with a second group of districts implementing Phase Two from 19 May.

    The tranche two districts have been jointly assessed for their readiness and the multi-agency Mental Health Response Change Programme Governance Group has endorsed their implementation.

    Included in this second tranche will be:

    • Police districts Auckland City, Canterbury, Kaikōura as part of Tasman, Wellington, Bay of Plenty (excluding Tokoroa and Taupo), Eastern (excluding Wairoa), and Southern (excluding Waitaki and Central Lakes), and
    • Health NZ districts Auckland, Canterbury, South Canterbury, Capital Coast & Hutt Vally, Wairarapa, Bay of Plenty, Lakes (excluding Taupo), Hawke’s Bay (excluding Wairoa), Tairāwhiti, and Southern (excluding Waitaki and Southern Lakes).

    Police and Health NZ will continue to work closely with these teams and districts to support their preparation and implementation for the changes and will continue work with remaining districts to get them ready to start Phase Two.

    The agencies anticipate tranche three districts will implement Phase Two changes on 16 June, pending final readiness assessments and governance group endorsement.

    Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson says we remain committed to our joint efforts towards a system that supports mental wellbeing and gives people access to the best help that works for them.

    “Safety is always Police’s number one priority.  Police have always, and will always, respond when there is an immediate risk to life or safety.  This will not change.

    Outside of an emergency, Police have a threshold for what mental health related work sits with police and what doesn’t.

    “This supports us all to clarify roles and responses, ensuring Police are only involved where it’s appropriate. That means where there is an offence identified (that we would attend through normal prioritisation) or where there is an immediate risk to life or safety,” says Assistant Commissioner Johnson.”

    Health NZ Director of Specialist Mental Health and Addiction Karla Bergquist says agencies are committed to getting it right and have been working together to ensure the changes are well implemented.

    “The safety and well-being of patients and our staff is paramount as we work to ensure people requiring mental health support receive the right care at the right time.

    “We have adopted a staged approach and extended our timeframes for Phase Two, introducing it in a planned and safe way. As part of this planning work, we have developed new procedures with clinical input and created training materials for staff to support them through this change.

    “We are focussed on continuous improvement and will keep listening to feedback from our teams and stakeholders and take a joint approach to review learnings as we go.”

    “We’d like to assure the public that as always, there is a range of services to help people in serious mental distress or those who are concerned about whānau. You can free call or text 1737 , contact your local crisis assessment team or in a life-threatening situation, call 111.”

    Phase One of the joint agency approach commenced on 4 November 2024, and Phase Two roll-out commenced in some districts on 14 April 2025. The changes will see an increased health-led response, enabling Police more time to do the work that only Police can, which the community expects them to do.

    ENDS

    Notes to media:

    Contact numbers for local crisis assessment teams are available online at: https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/services-and-support/health-care-…

    Phase Two of the mental health response changes began on 14 April in Police districts Waitematā, Counties Manukau, Waikato, and Tasman (excluding Kaikoura) and Health NZ districts Waitematā, Counties Manukau, Waikato (excluding Tokoroa and Taumarunui), Nelson-Marlborough, and West Coast.

    The Phase Two changes remain the same and include:

    • 60-minute handover detained persons in EDs – Police who have detained a person under the MH Act and transported them for an assessment will remain in the ED for a maximum one hour before departing, unless they consider there is an immediate risk to life or safety.
    • Changes to mental health assessments in custody – If someone is placed under the MH Act while in a Police custody suite, they will need to be taken to a health facility within 30 minutes. Custody rules will ensure people in distress are assessed appropriately, preferably in a health setting.

    NZ Police and Health NZ districts are not the same (Police has 12, Health has 20), so there are some parts of a Police district which are not included in the comparable Health NZ district or vice versa.

    Police media contact: media@police.govt.nz

    Health NZ media contact: hnzmedia@tewhatuora.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, Southwestern Motorway

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Emergency services are at the scene of a serious single-vehicle crash on the Southwestern Motorway, northbound, between the Onehunga Harbour Rd on-ramp and the Queenstown Rd off-ramp.

    Traffic management is in place. 

    Motorists should avoid the area or expect delays. 

    ENDS 

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Delays on the Auckland network

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Motorists should expect delays on parts of the Auckland motorway network this morning.

    Emergency services are responding to a two-truck collision on the Northern Motorway, near the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

    Southbound traffic is being impacted this morning, with some lanes closed while the scene is cleared.

    Fortunately no injuries have been reported.

    Crews will work as quickly as possible to clear the scene, however motorists should expect delays on their commute this morning.

    This is in addition to an earlier serious crash this morning further south, on the South-Western Motorway near Onehunga.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 2 blocked, Waiotahe

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    State Highway 2 is blocked at Waiotahe, west of Ōpōtiki, due to a serious crash.

    It happened at the intersection with Baird Road about 5:35am, and involved two vehicles.

    Indications are that one person is seriously injured.

    Diversions are in place and motorists are asked to delay travel if possible.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mautohe Cathedral Cove closed for conifer removal

    Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

    Date:  05 May 2025

    DOC Coromandel Senior Ranger Matt Flynn says the conifers are invasive weeds that threaten to permanently alter the unique landscapes only found in New Zealand.

    Conifers were introduced to New Zealand in the 1880s. Since then they have spread across the country from forests, shelterbelts and erosion plantings.

    Matt says there are five large wilding conifers dotted across Mautohe Cathedral Cove to be removed, and if left unchecked they are likely to spread the invasive species further across the reserve.

    “Removing the wilding conifers supports our weed management and biodiversity restoration goals – enabling native flora and fauna to regenerate at Mautohe Cathedral Cove,” he says.

    Contract arborists will be conducting the work, which will focus on areas above the rock archway and near the beach, on 8 and 9 May weather permitting.

    The closure of the track is to ensure public safety, and visitors should stay out of the reserve while the arborists carry out their work.

    People are discouraged from landing on the beach when the conifer removal is underway, and any visitors will be guided by contractors to a safe area away from the worksite.

    The walking track is scheduled to reopen on Saturday, 10 May 2025.

    Invasive species, over-exploitation, habitat loss, pollution and climate change are putting immense pressure on our ecosystems.

    What we do makes a difference. We have proven in many parts of the country that when we remove or manage the threats, restore habitats or modify how we use or interact with nature, it comes back.

    Tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove were closed in February 2023 due to extensive damage caused by Cyclone Garbrielle. DOC repaired the tracks through the second half of 2024, and they reopened to visitors in December 2024.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police acknowledge Race Unity Speech Awards winner

    Source: New Zealand Police

    The winner of the 2025 Race Unity Speech Awards is Jordyn Joy Pillay, from Ormiston Senior College, Auckland.

    Jordyn’s speech highlighted that diversity must be more than a moment – it must be a movement.

    “I am the ocean I cannot be read I am calm and soothing and so accepting. Come to me …I’ll bring you peace. I see no difference. I’m home to fins and feathers, skin and scales …home to many, I freely give. I welcome you warmly. Abide in me.”

    The awards were held at the Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae, Manukau Institute of Technology Ōtara Campus over the weekend and featured students from several schools across New Zealand.

    This year’s theme – ‘Te Moana Nui o te Kanorau – The Great Ocean of Diversity’ – highlights our need for the natural harmony that we see in the outdoors to be replicated in our society. The metaphor also talks to our strength being in our differences.

    Police Commissioner Richard Chambers is delighted to be the first Commissioner to attend the awards.

    “Supporting initiatives like this represents our commitment to building trust and confidence with the diverse communities we serve,” Commissioner Chambers says.

    Police Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers, the chief judge of the awards, stressed the importance of providing a platform for rangatahi to discuss and share their thoughts on important societal issues.

    “I am astonished by the quality of the speeches from our young people over the weekend,” she says.

    “As Police, we are proud to be supporting a platform for our young people to voice their aspirations and solutions.”

    Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo MNZM – National Partnerships Manager Ethnic, acknowledged the history of the award the partnership.

    “As Iwi and Community Partnerships, we are honoured to have been supporters of these awards for nearly two decades. These awards offer us a meaningful platform to be highly visible amongst our youth and positively engage with them on issues that are important to them and their communities. Each year, we are inspired by the voices of our young people – who are leading us now and into the future,” he says.

    About the Awards

    The Race Unity Speech Awards were established by the New Zealand Bahá’í Community in memory of race relations advocate and Bahá’í Faith member Hedi Moani. Organised by the New Zealand Bahá’í Community, a religious community dedicated to promoting the oneness of humanity at various levels, the Speech Awards is supported by the New Zealand Police, the Human Rights Commission, Foundation North, Manukau Institute of Technology, Ministry for Ethnic Communities, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, Speech New Zealand, Hedi Moani Charitable Trust, and Studio Marque.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of three workers and injuries to three others in an explosion at a propellant mixing unit of an explosives manufacturing plant in Yadadri Bhongir district of Telangana

    Source: Government of India

    NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of three workers and injuries to three others in an explosion at a propellant mixing unit of an explosives manufacturing plant in Yadadri Bhongir district of Telangana

    Issues notices to the Chief Secretary and DGP, Telangana, calling for a detailed report within two weeks

    Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 6:03PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that three workers died and three others were injured in an explosion that occurred at a propellant mixing unit of an explosives manufacturing plant at Katepalli village in Yadadri Bhongir district of Telangana. Reportedly, the incident happened on 29th April, 2025.

    The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of the human rights of the victims. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana and the Director General of Police, Telangana, calling for a detailed report in the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the health status of the injured persons.

    According to the media report, carried on 29th April, 2025, the explosion caused the complete collapse of the mixing unit structure of the plant. Reportedly, the company has been manufacturing explosives for both commercial and leading organisations, including DRDO.

    ***

    NSK

     

    (Release ID: 2127107) Visitor Counter : 21

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri B.L. Verma presides over Special Programme focused on ‘NAMASTE Yojana’, to honour Sanitation Workers, in Budaun today

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 7:29PM by PIB Delhi

    A special programme focused on the ‘National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE), through the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, was organized on May 5, 2025, at the DIET Auditorium in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh. Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B. L. Verma, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and honored sanitation workers.

    The aim of the NAMASTE programme is to socially and economically empower the workers engaged in sanitation work, enabling them to have safe, dignified, and sustainable livelihoods.

    Addressing the gathering on the occasion the Minister said that this is not just a government scheme, but a resolution to bring real change in the lives of the people in society who work the hardest. He appreciated the social organizations and citizens for participating in this public-sensitive programme and becoming a part of this social change.

    Key Highlights of the Programme were:

    • Distribution of PPE kits and Ayushman cards to Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs).

    • Distribution of Sewing Machines to beneficiaries.

    • Teachers and staff of DIET created attractive Rangoli in honor of the sanitation workers.

    So far, 73,768 sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs) have been profiled across the country. Out of these, 45,871 have been provided with PPE kits, 354 with safety equipment, and 27,103 beneficiaries have received Ayushman cards. In Budaun and Shahjahanpur districts, the profiling of a total of 324 SSWs has been completed and provided with PPE kits and Ayushman cards during the program. Sewing machines for self-employment were also distributed to some beneficiaries from Shahjahanpur.

    *****

    VM

    (Release ID: 2127139) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah reviews implementation of three New Criminal Laws in New Delhi with Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah reviews implementation of three New Criminal Laws in New Delhi with Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta

    Implementation of New Criminal Laws brought under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will enhance efficiency and accountability of Police at the grassroots level

    There should be continuous monitoring of the process of filing charge-sheets within 60 and 90 Days, with strict adherence to timelines

    In heinous crime cases, efforts should be made to increase conviction rates by at least 20 per cent

    e-Summons to be issued directly from courts, with copies sent to local police stations

    Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 6:47PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today chaired a review meeting in New Delhi with Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta to review the implementation of three new criminal laws in the national capital. The meeting reviewed the implementation and current status of various new provisions related to police, prisons, courts, prosecution, and forensics. The meeting was attended by Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretary of the National Capital Territory, Commissioner of Delhi Police, Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), Director of the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), and senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Delhi Government.

    In his address, Shri Amit Shah stated that the implementation of the three new criminal laws, introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, will enhance the efficiency and accountability of the police at the grassroots level. Home Minister issued directives to ensure accountability of officers in the implementation of these new criminal laws. Shri Shah emphasized that the process of filing charge-sheets within 60 and 90 days must be continuously monitored, with strict adherence to their timelines. He further directed that efforts be made to increase the conviction rate in cases of heinous crimes by at least 20 per cent.

    Union Home Minister stated that e-Summons should be issued directly from courts, with copies sent to local police stations. He also called for expediting the appointment process in the Directorate of Prosecution and ensuring that decisions regarding appeals in any case are made by the Directorate of Prosecution itself.

    *****

    VV/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2127124) Visitor Counter : 135

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Missing woman in Western District located

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

        A woman who went missing in Western District has been located.

        Li Tsoi-kam, aged 74, went missing after she left her residence on Ko Shing Street on May 3 afternoon. Her family then made a report to Police.

        The woman was located in Nam Shan Estate, Sham Shui Po this afternoon (May 5). She sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Johnson Request Biden White House and NARA Records on Politically-Motivated Investigations into President Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) are calling on the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to release all government records demonstrating the Biden administration’s role in advancing investigations into then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. The senators are also opening an inquiry into NARA and its Inspector General’s role in those investigations. 
    The chairmen requested:

    All records between or among Department of Justice (DOJ), FBI and Biden White House officials referring or relating to President Trump’s election interference case, that began as the Arctic Frost investigation and ultimately became part of Jack Smith’s elector case.
    All records between or among DOJ, FBI and Biden White House officials referring or relating to the investigation into President Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified information.
    All NARA records, including the NARA Office of Inspector General, referring or relating to the Arctic Frost and the classified document investigations.

    Read their full letter to NARA HERE.
    Previous Arctic Frost oversight:
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard apprehends 4 aliens during an interdiction near San Diego

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 05/05/2025 06:45 PM EDT

     

    05/05/2025 06:15 PM EDT

    SAN DIEGO — A boat crew from Coast Guard Station San Diego interdicted four aliens in the Quivira Basin near San Diego, May 2, 2025. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer on Senate Floor: Congress Must Pass the Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
    Today, during a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) called on her colleagues to pass her Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency (FACT) Act – approved by the Senate Commerce Committee last week – which will require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to publicly identify entities that hold FCC licenses, authorizations, or other grants of authority that are owned, wholly or partially, by foreign adversarial governments.
    In her remarks, Fischer highlights the threats the United States faces from companies with strong ties to foreign adversaries. She specifically calls out Huawei, a major global supplier of cellphone network equipment, citing its troubling and potentially dangerous access to critical communications infrastructure.
    Click the image above to watch a video of Fischer’s remarks.
    Click here to download audio 
    Click here to download video
    Following is a transcript of Fischer’s remarks as prepared for delivery:M. President,
    Last week, my bill, the Foreign Adversary Communication Transparency Act—or FACT Act— cleared the Commerce Committee unanimously. Now, it will come before us here, on the Senate floor, for a vote.
    I stand before you today because the threat our foreign adversaries pose is not a distant concern. It is real, it is relentless, and it is constantly evolving.
    We cannot afford to wait and deal with the consequences. The cost of inaction is too great.
    Congress must anticipate the threats and we must work together to curb the malign influence of foreign adversaries like Communist China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
    For too long now, we have allowed foreign adversarial governments to secure a silent foothold in our telecommunications infrastructure.
    Take, for example, Huawei.
    Huawei, a Chinese-owned telecommunications giant, is one of the leading producers of cellphone network equipment. This equipment spans across our country and finds its home in most of our cellular devices.
    Over a decade ago, our intelligence agencies began noticing a peculiar pattern of Huawei equipment on cell towers across my home state of Nebraska, as well as nearby Colorado and Montana. That Chinese gear was clustered near sensitive military assets, including Nebraska’s Offutt Air Force Base and our nuclear missile silos.
    Then, just four years ago, U.S. intelligence officials sounded the alarm. Their investigations found that Huawei could secretly access mobile phone networks around the world through “back doors” – unbeknownst to carriers.
    And perhaps even more concerning: Huawei has had this capability for more than a decade.
    And, Huawei’s ownership is bankrolled by billions of dollars from the Chinese government.
    What government freely hands over that kind of money without expecting something in return?
    Despite being based in China and having deep connections to the Chinese Communist Party—as confirmed by the U.S. intelligence community—the company continues to refuse to acknowledge the Chinese government’s influence.
    However, in 2020, under President Trump’s administration, the Federal Communications Commission designated Huawei as a national security threat and banned the sale of its telecommunications equipment in the United States. This past December, Congress also secured the remaining funding to enable smaller, rural communications companies to rip risky Chinese-made equipment out of their networks.
    In 2022, the Justice Department charged two Chinese intelligence officers with an unsettling crime: attempting to obstruct a federal investigation into Huawei by stealing sensitive case material from a U.S. District Attorney’s office.
    Colleagues, I pose to you this question: Why would the Chinese government go to such lengths to interfere in a case involving a so-called ‘private company’ in which they have no stake? They wouldn’t.
    While recent actions to curtail Huawei equipment, and those from other high-risk Chinese firms, are steps in the right direction, they don’t go far enough.
    We must have far greater transparency about which companies holding federal communications licenses and authorizations also have influential ties to foreign adversarial governments.
    And we must look deeper at: Who has this access? And, how many more companies like Huawei are out there?
    Companies like Huawei must be stopped. We can no longer permit authoritarian regimes, like China, to infiltrate our networks and lurk in the shadows, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. It is not enough to brace ourselves for the aftermath of disaster. We must root out the threat before it has time to fester.
    The reality is that our foreign adversaries have stakes in numerous companies operating freely and legally within the United States.
    Yet, in many cases, the public remains unaware of which companies are owned – wholly or partially – by these adversaries.
    That’s why, today, I call upon the Senate to pass my FACT Act, which takes a much-needed step to strengthen our visibility into our telecommunications market to weed out that access we have seen from malicious foreign adversaries.
    Because the first step in defending our national security is understanding the threat.
    My bill directs the Federal Communications Commission to publicly identify any companies – with an FCC license or authorization – that are owned by foreign adversarial governments. Under the FACT Act, companies with foreign ties will no longer be able to operate in secrecy. And they will no longer be able to conceal their financial backers or obscure their true loyalties.
    Huawei should serve as a warning. China is on the offensive, to undermine the security of America’s communications. An attack on our networks is a direct attack on the United States, and it is not one we should tolerate.
    Thank you, M. President, I yield the floor.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Washington, D.C. arrests Honduran alien after Virginia court drops home invasion, abduction charges

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    FAIRFAX, Va. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested an illegally present Honduran national after local authorities dropped his charges for abduction of a person with intent to defile and burglary: entering a house to murder, rape, etc. Officers with ICE Washington, D.C. arrested Hyrum Baquedano-Rodriguez, 26, in Fairfax, Virginia, May 2.

    “Though the court saw fit to drop his most recent charges, Hyrum Baquedano-Rodriguez has been convicted of numerous crimes in Virginia and represents a calamitous hazard to our Virginia residents,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Russell Hott. “Every one of his convictions represents another one of our neighbors that Baquedano-Rodriguez has victimized. ICE Washington, D.C. will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders from our Washington, D.C. and Virginia communities.”

    U.S. Border Patrol arrested Baquedano-Rodriguez Aug. 25, 2018, after he illegally entered the United States near Yuma, Arizona. Border Patrol officials issued Baquedano-Rodriguez a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge.

    A DOJ immigration judge in Eloy, Arizona, released Baquedano-Rodriguez on an immigration bond Jan. 22, 2019.

    Fairfax County Police arrested Baquedano-Rodriguez Nov. 9, 2021, and charged him with three counts of indecent liberties: expose genitals to child and indecent exposure.

    “Protecting Virginians has been a top priority of our administration since day one, and it should be a priority for every leader at the federal, state and local level,” said Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin. “That’s exactly why the Virginia Homeland Security Task Force is so important. I’m grateful to our law enforcement officers at every level for working hard to keep Virginians and Americans safe, and I’ll always stand with them.”

    On Sept. 27, 2022, the Fairfax County General District Court convicted Baquedano-Rodriguez with entering property with intent to damage, petit larceny: less than $1,000 and entering property with intent to damage. The court sentenced Baquedano-Rodriguez to a total of 18 months in prison and imposed restitution.

    The Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court convicted Baquedano-Rodriguez Oct. 7, 2022, of disorderly conduct and contribute to delinquency of minor. The court sentenced Baquedano-Rodriguez to 12 months in prison for each conviction.

    On March 8, 2023, the Fairfax County General District Court convicted Baquedano-Rodriguez of entering property with intent to damage and sentenced him to 12 months in prison.

    Fairfax County Police arrested Baquedano-Rodriguez June 17, 2023, and charged him with abduction of a person with intent to defile and burglary: entering a house to murder, rape, etc.

    On June 7, 2024, a DOJ immigration judge in Annandale ordered Baquedano-Rodriguez removed from the United States to Honduras.

    On May 2, 2025, the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court dismissed Baquedano-Rodriguez’ charges for abduction of a person with intent to defile and burglary: entering a house to murder, rape, etc.

    Later that day, officers from ICE Washington, D.C. arrested Baquedano-Rodriguez in Fairfax and served him with a warrant of removal. Baquedano-Rodriguez remains in ICE custody.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @EROWashington.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Hungry Jack’s pays penalties for supplying toys with its children’s meals that allegedly breached the mandatory information standard for button batteries

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    Australian fast-food franchise Hungry Jack’s Pty Ltd has paid penalties totalling $150,240 after the ACCC issued it with eight infringement notices for alleged breaches of the Australian Consumer Law by failing to comply with the mandatory button battery information standard.

    The infringement notices relate to a Garfield toy powered by button batteries that was supplied nationwide without the important warnings and information required by the mandatory information standard.

    Between 20 May 2024 and 30 May 2024, Hungry Jack’s supplied 27,850 of the Garfield toys with its children’s meals.

    While the Garfield toy complied with the button battery safety standard, it did not advise consumers that it contained button batteries, nor provide relevant warnings about the potentially fatal hazards these pose or advice about what to do if a child ingested one.

    “Button batteries are extremely dangerous for young children and tragically, children have been seriously injured or died from swallowing or ingesting them,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

    “The ACCC continues to see non-compliant products on the market which pose unacceptable safety risks to vulnerable young children. We take non-compliance with these important standards seriously and will not hesitate to take enforcement action where appropriate.”

    The ACCC has also accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Hungry Jack’s in which it admitted the Garfield toy is likely to have failed to comply with the button battery information standard.

    Hungry Jack’s has undertaken to establish and implement a compliance program designed to minimise Hungry Jacks’ risk of future breaches of the Australian Consumer Law.

    Millions of consumer goods worldwide contain button batteries. If swallowed, a button battery can become stuck in a child’s throat and result in catastrophic injuries, and even death, in as little as two hours. In Australia, three children have died and more than one child a month is injured from incidents involving button batteries. 

    Businesses involved in the supply of button batteries and products containing them must ensure compliance with both the mandatory safety and information standards. The safety standards require products containing button batteries to be sold in child resistant packaging and to have secure battery compartments to prevent children from gaining access to the batteries.  The information standards require warnings and emergency advice on packaging and instructions.

    Images of the Garfield toy including packaging

    Recalled product

    Hungry Jack’s has recalled the Garfield toy. Consumers can return the toy to their nearest Hungry Jack’s restaurant for a free replacement for a non-battery toy.

    ACCC guidance for businesses and consumers

    Button batteries are small, round and shiny and can be appealing for young children to swallow or insert, which poses a significant risk of serious injury or death. Compliance with the mandatory standards helps to prevent this.

    If you suspect your child has swallowed or inserted a button battery:

    • call Triple Zero (000) immediately if your child is bleeding or having any difficulty breathing
    • call 13 11 26 immediately for 24/7 fast and expert advice from the Poisons Information Centre.

    Prompt action is critical, do not wait for symptoms to develop. Serious injury can occur in as little as two hours and can be fatal.

    The ACCC strongly encourages consumers to check for button battery products in their homes and take steps to secure them to keep them safe for young children. Consumers can check the list of recalled products on the ACCC Product Safety website.

    Anyone who has experienced product safety incidents (including near misses) is strongly encouraged to report these to the supplier and to report safety concerns about particular products to the ACCC via the Product Safety website.

    Suppliers of button battery products must submit a report to the ACCC within 2 days if they become aware that a consumer good they have supplied caused or may have caused a death, serious injury or serious illness. Further information about this reporting can be found in the ACCC’s Mandatory Reporting Guideline.

    The ACCC has published a fact sheet and guide for businesses on the button battery mandatory standards to assist businesses with meeting their obligations.

    Notes to editors

    The ACCC can issue an infringement notice when it has reasonable grounds to believe a person or business has contravened certain consumer protection provisions in the Australian Consumer Law.

    The payment of a penalty specified in an infringement notice is not an admission of a contravention of the Australian Consumer Law. The Australian Consumer Law sets the penalty amount.

    Background

    Hungry Jack’s Pty Ltd is an Australian fast-food franchise of the Burger King corporation.

    Four mandatory button battery standards operate in Australia which aim to make button battery products safer and provide consumers with important safety information.

    The ACCC consulted and engaged extensively with industry during the 18-month transition period before the standards became mandatory, including working with businesses to explain the changes that would be required to comply with the new standards.

    Product safety, and consumers experiencing a vulnerability or disadvantage, are enduring ACCC priorities, and consumer product safety issues for young children (with a focus on compliance with the button battery standards) is a 2025-26 ACCC compliance and enforcement priority.

    Other button battery enforcement outcomes include:

    • In April 2025 the ACCC commenced proceedings against Fewstone Pty Ltd (trading as City Beach) regarding allegations that City Beach offered for sale 70 product lines containing button batteries which did not comply with Australia’s mandatory button battery standards.
    • In May 2023, the Reject Shop and Dusk paid a total of nearly $240,000 in penalties after the ACCC issued infringement notices for alleged failure to comply with mandatory product safety and information standards in Halloween novelty products containing button batteries.
    • In June 2023, the ACCC, in collaboration with state and territory consumer protection regulators, announced the outcome of market surveillance of over 400 businesses and 8 online platforms which identified a concerning level of non-compliance with the information standards, and to a lesser extent with the safety standards.
    • In October 2023, Tesla Motors Australia Pty Ltd paid penalties totalling $155,460 after the ACCC issued 10 infringement notices for alleged contraventions of the Australian Consumer Law in relation to the supply of 3 types of car key fobs and 2 types of illuminating door sills that allegedly did not comply with the safety and information standards.
    • In December 2023 Repco, Supercheap Auto and Innovative Mechatronics Group paid penalties totalling $119,280 after the ACCC issued them with infringement notices for supplying aftermarket car key remotes that allegedly did not comply with the information standards.
    • In June 2024, MDI International Pty Ltd and TEEG Australia Pty Ltd  each paid penalties of $49,500 after the ACCC issued them with infringement notices for alleged breaches of the Australian Consumer Law, by failing to comply with the testing requirements of the button battery safety standard.

    MIL OSI News –