Category: Security

MIL-OSI USA: Judiciary Releases Workplace Conduct Report and Employee Survey Results
Source: United States Courts

The federal Judiciary today released the results of its first-ever employee survey exploring workplace issues, along with a new report containing recommendations for improvements aimed at achieving the Judiciary’s goal of fostering an exemplary workplace.

The survey results show that the overwhelming majority of Judiciary employees are satisfied with their workplaces. Eighty-four percent responded that they are satisfied or very satisfied with their jobs and 80 percent said they would recommend their court or employing office to others.

The survey was conducted by the Federal Judicial Center for the Workplace Conduct Working Group, a group of judges and court executives who have been working on workplace conduct issues since early 2018 at the request of the Chief Justice. It was sent to nearly 28,000 employees in 2023, and the response rate was a statistically impressive 50 percent.

The results provided a wealth of data that the Judiciary is using to gain a deeper understanding of employees’ experiences and to guide continued efforts to foster an exemplary workplace for all employees. The Working Group used the survey results as a basis for nine new recommendations in a report to the Judicial Conference of the United States, which was also released today.

The recommendations are designed to build on the substantial steps taken over the past seven years. Most respondents who indicated experiencing wrongful conduct did not avail themselves of employment dispute resolution (EDR) procedures. Two priority areas that the Working Group has targeted for improvement are reducing potential barriers to reporting misconduct and increasing employees’ confidence in using available resolution procedures.

“These results tell me and my colleagues on the Working Group that we have done a lot, but we have more work to do to address the reluctance of employees to seek help or report wrongful conduct. And that work begins immediately, with a new set of recommendations for the Judicial Conference to consider,” said Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr., the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.

The recommendations include the following:
- Review current definitions and guidance on abusive conduct and assess whether greater clarity can be provided on the distinctions between inappropriate behavior. Abusive conduct is a workplace protection unique to the Judiciary that goes beyond current statutory protections.
- Extend and clarify procedural rights, remedies, and obligations under the Model Employment Dispute Resolution (EDR) Plans, including clarifying that modifications to local plans cannot diminish or curtail rights or remedies under the model plan; ensuring that consideration of interim relief for complainants occurs consistently and at the outset of an investigation, incorporating additional monetary remedies for victims of misconduct, and removing the procedural requirement that employees first use assisted resolution prior to filing a formal complaint.
- Establish standards for the qualification and selection of EDR coordinators and enhance existing training.
- Promote the use of trained investigators in EDR assisted resolutions and in informal investigations at the local level.
- Ensure the appearance of impartiality of presiding judicial officers (PJOs) in formal complaint proceedings by appointing PJOs from outside a complainant’s district or circuit, ensure that PJOs appoint trained investigators, and develop additional resources for PJOs.
- Expand feedback and information about EDR by ensuring that follow up occurs with employees who report wrongful conduct, developing uniform standards for the redaction and publication of EDR decisions in formal complaint proceedings, developing a publicly available source of published EDR decisions and relevant Judicial Conduct and Disability Act opinions, and augmenting data collection.
- Continue to incorporate workplace conduct training into orientation programs for all judges and employees.
- Clarify distinctions between inappropriate behaviors and abusive conduct in training programs for judges and employees.
- Provide continuing education for leaders at all levels of the Judiciary, including management training on listening, communication, building trust, and effective response to both inappropriate workplace behavior and allegations of wrongful conduct.
Learn more about workplace conduct initiatives in the federal Judiciary.

MIL OSI USA News –
April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Stops Discriminatory Practices Targeting Jewish New Yorkers at Rockland County Car Wash

Source: US State of New York

EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that her office has stopped Super 4 Seasons, a Rockland County car wash company, from running a discriminatory scam that targeted Jewish customers preparing for Passover. In the days leading up to Passover, many Jewish families clean their homes, cars, and other spaces to remove “chametz,” or leavened products. An Office of the Attorney General (OAG) investigation found that in the weeks leading up to the holiday, Super 4 Seasons advertised a “Passover Special” cleaning promotion, targeting Jewish customers, that cost more than three times the standard price for the same service. Attorney General James is requiring Super 4 Seasons to immediately stop promoting or offering any discriminatory car wash special and, if the company fails to do so, pay a $75,000 penalty.

“Targeting Jewish New Yorkers with deceptive pricing around Passover is a clear act of religious discrimination and will not be tolerated,” said Attorney General James. “Every New Yorker, regardless of their faith, deserves to be treated fairly and equally. My office will not hesitate to hold businesses accountable when they exploit families’ religious observance.”

The OAG opened an investigation into Super 4 Seasons in April 2024 after receiving several complaints that the car wash company was knowingly charging Jewish customers $169 for a service that was otherwise available for just $47. As part of the investigation, OAG conducted undercover testing, interviewed complainants, and reviewed thousands of the company’s sales entries. The OAG found that Super 4 Seasons had promoted similar Passover-specific services dating back to at least 2018 and that in the weeks leading up to Passover, Jewish customers had been routinely denied access to standard pricing and were falsely told that only the high-priced “Passover Packages” were available.

The OAG investigation also found that Super 4 Seasons persistently posted promotional signs advertising that only “Passover Packages & Up” were available, falsely claiming that standard services were not offered ahead of Passover. When an OAG investigator dressed in traditional Orthodox Jewish clothing inquired about standard pricing, he was told the car wash is “not doing anything except shampoos and Passover cleanings right now.” The car wash employee even told the investigator, “We are doing this just for you guys.”

However, when another OAG investigator who was not wearing Orthodox Jewish clothing asked Super 4 Seasons for the standard services, he was offered and sold standard-priced services. When he inquired about the promotion, an employee responded that it was “for Jews,” adding that they needed to pay more “because their cars are so dirty.” The OAG recovered sales records for this same period, confirming that regular services had in fact been provided throughout the holiday.

As a result of the OAG’s investigation, Super 4 Seasons will immediately stop these discriminatory practices, and is barred from promoting or advertising car wash services that allude to special pricing for religious holidays. Super 4 Seasons is also prohibited from charging Jewish customers more than other customers for the same car wash services and is not allowed to change its pricing or limit available services in the two months leading up to and during Passover. If Super 4 Seasons fails to adhere to these terms, it will be required to pay a penalty of up to $75,000.

Attorney General James recently issued a consumer alert urging Jewish communities to be cautious of illegal and discriminatory practices ahead of Passover. Attorney General James reminds New Yorkers to be vigilant against scams on essential Passover goods and services, including car washes, essential food items, matzah and kosher-for-Passover products, cleaning services, travel, and accommodations. Under New York law, it is illegal to discriminate against someone based on religion. Anyone who is aware of businesses using discriminatory practices or believes that they were charged more for services because of their religion, race, or background is encouraged to file a complaint online or call 1-800-771-7755.

This matter was handled by Hate Crimes and Bias Prevention Section Chief Rick Sawyer, Assistant Attorney General Rachel Finn, and Assistant Attorney General in Charge of the Westchester Regional Office Andy Aujla, with assistance from Research Analyst Heather-Destiny Konan, under the supervision of Civil Rights Bureau Chief Sandra Park and Deputy Bureau Chief Travis England. The investigation was led by Investigators Liam Cassidy and Andy Rodriguez under the supervision of Supervising Investigator Cynthia Kane. The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes, the Civil Rights Bureau is part of the Division for Social Justice led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux, and the Westchester Regional Office is a part of the Division of Regional Affairs led by Deputy Attorney General Jill Faber. All are overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Richmond Sexual Predator Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

INDIANAPOLIS— Moises Bojorquez, 29, of Richmond, Indiana, has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a child, distribution of child sexual abuse material, and possession of matter containing child sexual abuse material.

According to court documents, Bojorquez sexually abused a one-year-old relative, who was in his care and custody. Bojorquez forced the victim to perform oral sex on him on multiple occasions. In several instances, Bojorquez live chatted the sexual abuse. In other instances, Bojorquez recorded the sexual abuse and sent it to a woman via Telegram, an encrypted, cloud-based instant messaging service.

Bojorquez and the woman engaged in a months-long conversation via Telegram in which they described their shared sexual interest in children. Bojorquez also shared other child sex abuse material with the same woman via Telegram and with others via email. Investigators located more than 1,000 images and videos on Bojorquez’s two cell phones, some of which depicted infants or toddlers engaged in sexually explicit conduct and sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence.

“No child should suffer sexual abuse,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This predator cruelly exploited an innocent child to satisfy his criminal sexual desires with other likeminded predators. Thanks to the efforts of law enforcement officers, this defendant will now spend 40 years in federal prison, where he cannot sexually abuse another child.”

“This case is a sobering reminder of the depths of pravity some individuals will go to exploit the most innocent among us,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. “HSI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying and bringing to justice those who prey on children. We will continue to use every available resource to protect the innocent and disrupt the networks that facilitate these horrific crimes.”

“The Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force remains vigilant and committed to working with its local and federal partners to protect society’s most vulnerable to sexual exploitation: our children. Caretakers, parents, and others in positions of trust who fail in their duty to protect children but instead seek to sexually exploit them for their own selfish and devious reasons will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted,” said Christopher D. Cecil, Commander of Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Homeland Security Investigations and members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including Indiana State Police, Richmond Police Department, and Plainfield Police Department, investigated this case, with assistance from the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker.

Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Wood and Tiffany J. Preston, who prosecuted this case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

If you are a victim of child sexual exploitation, please contact your local police department. Resources for victims of child exploitation can be found on our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/project-safe-childhood

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MIL Security OSI –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: South Carolina Construction Company to Pay $191,070 to the United States to Resolve False Claims Allegations

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Claims Relate to Fraudulent Disaster Recovery Services After Devastating 2016 Flooding in West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced today that Thompson Construction Group Inc., of Sumter, South Carolina, has agreed to pay the United States $191,070 to resolve civil allegations that it violated the federal False Claims Act by submitting false claims for payment from federal disaster recovery grant funds and by falsely certifying that homes it had constructed were compliant with contract conditions.

On June 26, 2016, portions of central and southern West Virginia experienced extreme levels of rainfall, resulting in historic flooding over a vast swath of the region. Flood waters rushing across West Virginia’s mountainous landscape damaged or swept away thousands of homes, businesses, bridges and other infrastructure, leaving thousands of West Virginia residents homeless and at least 23 dead. Following a presidential disaster declaration issued in response to the flooding, Congress appropriated funds for disaster recovery in West Virginia to be administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the form of Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds. These funds were made available to fund an array of recovery needs in West Virginia including housing rehabilitation and replacement for low income homeowners.

Thompson was awarded a series of contracts to reconstruct homes that were damaged or destroyed during the catastrophic flood. Because future flooding and water intrusion was a concern, the contracts included specific requirements for water management including crawl space drainage systems and sump pumps to be installed in homes constructed in a flood plain. These requirements were detailed in pre-bid construction specifications and incorporated into the contracts awarded.

Thompson completed construction of these homes and submitted invoices certifying compliance with the contract terms and was paid from federal CDBG-DR funds. Investigators later learned, however, that crawl space drainage systems and sump pumps had not been installed as required, making Thompson’s claims and certifications false.

The Settlement Agreement announced today requires Thompson to pay $95,535 in restitution and $95,535 in double damages pursuant to the False Claims Act.

“Numerous West Virginia families devastated by the 2016 flooding relied on Thompson Construction, which received significant taxpayer dollars only to leave these families vulnerable to future flooding,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “I commend HUD-OIG and the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations for conducting the civil investigation, the Affirmative Civil Enforcement-Health Care Fraud Investigative Specialist Tyler E. Japhet in our office for assisting the investigation, and Assistant United States Attorney Gregory P. Neil for securing this settlement.”

“Thompson Construction Group’s actions diverted limited federal taxpayer resources that were intended to help victims rebuild homes that had been damaged by devastating floods and instead used that money to line their pockets.” said Special Agent-in-Charge Shawn Rice with HUD-OIG. “HUD OIG remains steadfast in its commitment to working with our prosecutorial, law enforcement, and oversight partners to aggressively pursue individuals who engage in activities that threaten the integrity of HUD programs.”

“The Commission on Special Investigations is committed to investigating all matters involving the misappropriation and theft of public funds,” said Commission Director Rick Eplin. “Commission investigators spent many days in the field interviewing homeowners and contractors in this matter. In addition, they collected photographic evidence that clearly supported the allegations set forth. We are thankful for the support of our federal partners with HUD-OIG and the United States Attorney’s Office who made a successful resolution of this case possible.”

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.

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MIL Security OSI –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Federal grand jury indicts Buffalo man on multiple drug charges

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury indicted Michael R. Prell, Jr. a/k/a Struggle Mike a/k/a Struggle a/k/a Jr, 43, of Buffalo, NY, with narcotics conspiracy and attempted possession of five kilograms or more of cocaine with intent to distribute, which carry a minimum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that between early 2024 and September 26, 2024, Prell conspired with others to sell cocaine. In addition, on August l, September 25, and September 26, 2024, Prell attempted to possess, with intent to distribute, cocaine.

The defendant was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was released on conditions.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, III, New York Field Division, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie P. Feroleto.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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MIL Security OSI –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Red Lake Man with Multiple Prior Felonies Charged with Illegal Possession of a Firearm

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

MINNEAPOLIS – Darrell Emery Loud, a Red Lake man, has been indicted for possessing a firearm as a felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

According to court documents, on September 12, 2024, Darrell Emery Loud, 42, was found in possession of a Remington Model 870 Express 20-gauge shotgun. Because Loud has multiple prior felony convictions in Beltrami County for DWI, domestic assault, and fleeing from a peace officer, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.

The indictment charges Loud with one count of illegal possession of a firearm as a felon. His arraignment hearing is scheduled for April 2, 2025, in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Leo I. Brisbois.

“The safety and security of Red Lake Nation is of the upmost importance to my office,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “We deeply value our partnership with the Red Lake Police Department. Together, along with our federal partners, we will continue to hold accountable those who would bring violence to the Red Lake Indian Reservation.”

This case is the result of investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Red Lake Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren O. Roso is prosecuting the case.

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

MIL Security OSI –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Louisville Man Sentenced to Over 16 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms Offenses

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

Louisville, KY – A Louisville, Kentucky, man was sentenced this week to 16 years and 3 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony offense and for possession of an unregistered firearm.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division made the announcement.

According to court documents, Hassan Mohamed 20, was sentenced to 16 years and 3 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing 3 firearms, one of which was a short barrel rifle that required registration. Mohamed was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

On April 23, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mohamed was convicted of two counts of complicity to robbery in the first degree, three counts of robbery in the first degree, complicity to assault in the first degree and tampering with physical evidence.

On January 4, 2022, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mohamed was convicted of robbery in the first degree, rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, and criminal attempt rape in the first degree.

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the Louisville Metro Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Lantz and Josh Porter prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Operation Take Back America is 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.

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MIL Security OSI –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint Declaration by the Foreign Ministers of the Weimar +
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Joint Declaration by the Foreign Ministers of the Weimar +

Joint Declaration by the Foreign Ministers of United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Spain as well as the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in Madrid (31st March 2025)
30/03/2025. Madrid, Spain. Foreign Secretary David Lammy poses for family photo ahead of Weimar+ meeting. Picture by Ben Dance / FCDO

Three days after the anniversary of the Bucha massacre, we reiterate our unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, building on our Warsaw Declaration of 19 November, our Berlin Declaration of 12 December and our Paris Declaration of 12 February.

Ukraine has shown its strong commitment to peace, also by agreeing to a full ceasefire without preconditions. However, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has not ceased. Instead of imposing new conditions and launching continued attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure that cause more and more victims, Russia must now show it is serious about ending its war. We call on Russia to stop its delaying tactics and reciprocate by agreeing without delay, as Ukraine has done, to an immediate unconditional ceasefire on equal terms and implementing it fully. We need to see progress within a clear timeframe.

Building on the recent meetings in Paris and London, we took forward the discussion on how best to support a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which is vital for Ukraine, for Europe and for the whole international community.

We remain committed to further political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine, together with our international partners. To this end, we will strengthen Ukraine through significant short and long-term military support, also in the framework of Capability Coalitions and the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which will hold its next meeting on 11 April. Many European partners, including the members of this group, have made substantive additional pledges to support Ukraine militarily and are planning similar commitments in the future.

We also stand ready to apply further pressure on Russia using all tools available, including by adopting new sanctions, to hinder its ability to wage its war of aggression and to ensure Ukraine is placed in the best position possible to secure a just and lasting peace. We reiterate that Russia’s assets should remain immobilized until Russia ceases its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates it for the damage caused.

We are also strongly committed to ensuring full accountability for war crimes and the other most serious crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The progress made on establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, within the framework of the Council of Europe, is an important step.

A credible pathway to peace must include humanitarian relief efforts, notably the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilians and the return of all Ukrainian children and other civilians unlawfully deported and transferred to Russia and Belarus.

We support efforts for a ceasefire that can lead to the establishment of a just and lasting peace. We welcome recent progress to define the essential elements for a viable and sustainable ceasefire, including a clear framework of monitoring and verification.

Peace must be sustainable, backed by effective guarantees to prevent further acts of aggression. Real, robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine are an indispensable element of a just and lasting peace, based on Ukraine’s sovereign right to determine its security relationships with its partners, and on the duty of the international community to prevent future Russian aggression. We stand ready to play a leading role in this regard.

Peace must be just, and Russia’s war of aggression cannot end with a reward to the aggressor. There can be no agreement that compromises on Euro-Atlantic security and the independence, sovereignty territorial integrity of Ukraine. We will not accept any agreement that restricts Ukraine’s military and defence industry or the military presence of partner countries in Ukraine.

We stand ready to do our share in order to achieve this peace. Europe now provides almost two thirds of all support to Ukraine, and 60% of military aid. We reiterate our ironclad commitment to NATO as the bedrock of Euro-Atlantic security and commit to take on greater responsibility for the future of the security and defense of the European continent, aiming at a significant result at the summit in The Hague.

We reiterate the inherent right of Ukraine to choose its own destiny and to defend its democracy. Ukraine’s future is in Europe and in the European Union, and Ukraine’s future is crucial for the security of Europe. Europe must be fully involved in the negotiations and will make its own decisions.

We remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s repair, recovery and reconstruction, in coordination with international partners.

We reaffirm our commitment to our democratic values, and to further engage with our global partners in order to promote together a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on the universal principles of the United Nations Charter.

We reaffirm that Europe must assume more responsibility for its own security and become better equipped and deal with immediate and future challenges.

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Updates to this page

Published 31 March 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rosanna Law to visit Beijing

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law will depart Hong Kong tomorrow evening on a visit to Beijing, where she will meet various officials.

Miss Law will call on the State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office, the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, the General Administration of Sport of China, and the China Film Administration. She will also meet officials from other cultural institutions.

The culture chief will return to Hong Kong on Friday. During her absence, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Raistlin Lau will be Acting Secretary.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Former Fifth-Grade Teacher at San Gabriel Valley School Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

RIVERSIDE, California – A former elementary school teacher who worked at a school district in the San Gabriel Valley was sentenced today to 48 months in federal prison for possessing more than 400 videos containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Steven Pilar, 47, of Las Vegas, was sentenced by United States District Judge Sunshine S. Sykes, who also ordered him to pay $115,000 in restitution.

Pilar pleaded guilty in December 2024 to one count of possession of child pornography. He has been in federal custody since August 2024.

In February and April of 2020, Pilar used his computer and a peer-to-peer file-sharing program called BitTorrent to download videos and images containing CSAM via the internet. Specifically, Pilar – at his then-home in Victorville – knowingly received and downloaded approximately 444 videos containing CSAM, and knowingly possessed the videos for a time before deleting them.

At the time of download and possession, Pilar knew these videos and images contained visual depictions of actual children engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Many of the videos and images that Pilar knowingly downloaded involved a pre-pubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age, sadistic and masochistic conduct, and sexual abuse and exploitation of an infant and toddler.

Pilar was employed as a fifth-grade teacher working in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District at the time of the offense. He no longer works at the school.

In April 2020, Pilar was arrested on state charges, which were later dropped so a federal case could be pursued.

“His actions caused direct and significant harm to the victims in this case, and his offense is aggravated by fact that he was teaching young children at the time,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “In fact, when [Pilar] downloaded and viewed the CSAM, he took part of a perpetual re-victimization of the victims.”

The FBI and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department investigated this matter.

Assistant United States Attorney Joshua J. Lee of the General Crimes Section prosecuted this case.

MIL Security OSI –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Lower Ship Harbour — RCMP seeking information about hate motivated crime in Lower Ship Harbour

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is investigating hate motived crime that occurred at a property in Lower Ship Harbour.

On March 25, at approximately 11:10 a.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment received a report of mischief at a residential property on West Ship Harbour Rd. RCMP officers learned that a Pride flag and an Every Child Matters flag located at the end of a driveway had been vandalized sometime the previous day.

The mischief is considered to have been motivated by hate based on race, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.

Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance to identify a person of interest who has grey hair and was wearing a black jacket, black pants and grey shoes at the time of the incident.

The RCMP takes incidents of hate with the utmost seriousness and condemns these criminal acts.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident, or who can identify the person of interest, is asked to contact police at 902-490-5020. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

File #: 25-40728

MIL Security OSI –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Twenty-Three Lubbock-Area Defendants Charged in Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking Cases

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

Twenty-three alleged methamphetamine and fentanyl traffickers in Lubbock, Texas, have been federally charged with drug crimes, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.

The defendants, charged in nine indictments, were apprehended on Wednesday, March 26th. Initial appearances began today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Amanda ‘Amy’ R. Burch.

This investigation began in March 2023. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized over 43 kilograms of methamphetamine, 285.4 grams of fentanyl (approx. 1,902 pills), 335.5 grams of cocaine, 2,296.7 grams of marijuana, and six firearms. The 285.4 grams of seized fentanyl equals potentially 21,662 lethal doses of fentanyl.

Those charged in the indictments include:

•    Vida Tamor Overstreet, 49, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, unlawful use of communication facility, distribution of methamphetamine

•    Patrick Wayne Frazier aka Pat Pat, 38, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine

•    Juantay Dewayne Frazier aka Broadway, 39, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, unlawful use of communication facility, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

•    David Wayne Frazier aka Dinky, 39, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, unlawful use of communication facility, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

•    Santiago Daniel Baltazar aka Chago, 26, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl

•    Walter Wood, 36, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl

•    Santos Moncada aka Tos, 28, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine

•    Jessie Franco, 41, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

•    Shondra Christine Walker, 40, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

•    Orian Emanuel Garcia, 35, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

•    Rudolfo Luna aka Roy Luna, 43, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine

•    Adam Lee Arredondo, 37, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

•    Justin Lee Dominguez, 37, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine

•    Anthony James Lockett, 44, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, distribution of methamphetamine

•    Rita Adelita Castillo, 44, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine

•    Paul Wayne Frazier, 38, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

•    Charles Andre Sykes, 41, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

•    Heather Jane Whitehead, 40, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

•    Henry Tienda, Jr., 35, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

•    Gary Dewayne Bolton aka Bay Bay, 36, charged with distribution of fentanyl

•    Arhmad Rashad Fountain aka Ra Ra, 47, charged with distribution of methamphetamine

•    Rubith Diaz Rodriguez, age 24, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

•    Tyler Kristian Piseno, 37, charged with distribution of fentanyl.

“Cooperation of local, state and federal law enforcement led to success in disrupting a drug trafficking organization,” said Dallas FBI Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “These arrests will have a considerable impact on the distribution of methamphetamine in the greater-Lubbock area, and law enforcement will continue work together to ensure the safety and security of our communities.”

“This operation sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the flow of illegal drugs into our neighborhoods,” said Eduardo A. Chavez, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA. “By working together at every level of law enforcement, we are leveraging all available resources to destroy these criminal networks and commit to safeguard our communities from drug trafficking and violent crime.”

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If convicted, some of the defendants face up to life in federal prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Chad E. Meacham praised the joint efforts of all law enforcement agencies involved in the case, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office – Lubbock Resident Agency, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Office – Lubbock Resident Office, the Caprock HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Task Force, the U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Lubbock Police Department, the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Anti-Gang Center, the Levelland Police Department, and the Hockley County Sheriff’s Office. The cases are being prosecuted by the West Texas Branch of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.

This prosecution stems from an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transitional criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

This investigation 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).

MIL Security OSI –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Taos Man Admits to Killing Up-And-Coming Native American Artist Deanna Suazo

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ALBUQUERQUE – Santiago Martinez pleaded guilty in federal court to voluntary manslaughter for the death of his girlfriend, DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo, a talented Indigenous artist, following a late-night argument in November 2021.

According to court records, on November 12, 2021, Santiago Martinez and his girlfriend, DeAnna Suazo, were at their shared home, where they consumed alcohol and listened to music in her vehicle. Early in the morning hours, the couple engaged in a heated argument outside their home about the future of their relationship, during which Suazo reiterated her desire to end things. The argument escalated into a physical altercation, leading to Martinez intentionally running over Suazo with her SUV, resulting in her death due to mechanical asphyxia and blunt trauma

Although Martinez had consumed alcohol, he acknowledged being aware of his actions and their wrongfulness at the time of the incident.

DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo (Diné, Taos Pueblo) was a talented artist and the daughter of Native American artists Geraldine Tso, a Navajo artist, and David Gary Suazo, a Taos Pueblo painter. She celebrated her Indigenous heritage through figural paintings of strong Indigenous women, blending traditional and contemporary styles with inspiration from Japanese manga. Suazo’s work was exhibited nationwide, including at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts and the Balzer Contemporary Edge Gallery. In 2022, IAIA established the DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo Memorial Fund for Indigenous female artists in the MFA in Studio Arts Program, honoring her legacy and contributions to the art world.

DeAnna pictured with her artwork courtesy of David Gary Suazo

At sentencing, Martinez faces between 10 and 15 years in prison followed by not less than three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrinand Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary Jones and Nora Wilson are prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Euless Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Transporting Illegal Aliens in Tractor Trailer Tank

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

DEL RIO, Texas – A Euless man was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 72 months in prison for his role in an alien smuggling operation.

According to court documents, Oland Maurice McKenzie, 43, was the driver of an 18-wheeler tractor trailer truck that was stopped on June 29, 2023, as it was transporting 18 illegal aliens in metal grain hopper trailer. A Maverick County Sheriff’s deputy initiated the traffic stop when McKenzie failed to utilize a turn signal as he entered a parking lot. The deputy learned McKenzie did not have a commercial driver’s license required to drive the tractor trailer.

During the traffic stop, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrived and initiated a canine inspection, which led to the discovery of 18 individuals inside the pneumatic tank trailer, which was a completely enclosed metal cylinder, commonly used to transport powdered concrete or sand.

McKenzie was arrested and charged in a criminal complaint. He was eventually indicted by a grand jury for one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens placing lives in jeopardy and one count of illegal alien transportation placing lives in jeopardy. He was found guilty of both counts on May 1, 2024 by jury verdict.

“The disruption by law enforcement on the front end of this event absolutely saved lives,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “The tractor trailer was loaded with human cargo and bound for San Antonio out of Eagle Pass. Fortunately, there were no injuries beyond heat exhaustion but, if not for our law enforcement partners, this event could have ended much worse—potentially resulting in death.”

“This conviction highlights the severity of human smuggling and the critical need to enforce U.S. immigration and border security laws,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge for San Antonio, Craig Larrabee. “ICE and HSI will continue to target those who engage in these unlawful activities, which pose significant risks to public safety.”

HSI and the U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Miner prosecuted the case.

###

MIL Security OSI –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Former CBP Officer Sentenced to Federal Prison and Community Service for Bribery and Role in Alien Smuggling

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

EL PASO, Texas – A former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was sentenced in a federal court in El Paso to 51 months in prison and 80 hours of community service for one count of bribery of a public official and one count of bringing in certain aliens for financial gain.

According to court documents, in December 2022, investigating agents received information that Omar Moreno, 46, of Horizon City, was smuggling illegal aliens into the United States as a CBP officer, receiving $4,000 per alien from a smuggling organization. On Feb. 1, 2024, a video recording captured Moreno escorting two illegal aliens, one being a foot guide, into the U.S. through the Ysleta Port of Entry without undergoing an inspection.

On Feb. 23, 2024, two undercover officers posed as illegal aliens and used a confidential human source as a foot guide to enter the U.S. from Mexico. Again, Moreno allowed the smuggling to occur through the port of entry. After his shift ended, Moreno was paid $8,000 and arrested.

Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

The case was investigated by the FBI, Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility, and Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Johnston and Andres Ortega prosecuted the case.

###

MIL Security OSI –

April 1, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Fake employees of the Bank of Russia offer to close the “international account”

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Central Bank of Russia (2) –

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Categoris24-7, Central Bank of OF Russia, Miles, Russians Banks, Russians savings, Russians finance, Russians Language, Russian economy, Russian banks

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Fraudsters have begun to use a new fraudulent scheme involving the Bank of Russia. They send potential victims an email with the regulator’s logo, which includes the person’s last name, first name, and patronymic.

In the letter, the scammers report that the person allegedly has an active account in a European financial institution. They demand to close an “international account” with a large sum of money and offer to withdraw it while preserving the interest income. The scammers claim that to do this, you need to use your Russian bank account, which has the most money. To get more detailed instructions, the person should reply to the letter or contact its senders via instant messengers. Some letters include a phishing link to a site where you are asked to enter personal data and bank details, allegedly for identification and closing the account.

Refusal to close the account, according to the scammers, threatens a significant fine, seizure of property or forced collection from wages. In the future, the scammers can use this information to steal money or arrange loans and credits.

In addition, the link may contain malicious software that is automatically installed on the user’s device and provides attackers with remote access to banking applications.

Be vigilant and do not respond to such letters: do not follow links in the message, do not provide personal or financial information. Real employees of the Bank of Russia do not call people and do not send them copies of any documents, do not request personal or bank information, do not offer to perform any transactions with the account. If possible, install an antivirus program on your devices and update it regularly. If you have any doubts, call your bank yourself at the number indicated on the back of the card or on the credit institution’s website.

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 1, 2025

MIL-OSI USA News: ONDCP Recognizes Law Enforcement’s Work to Stop Drug Traffickers

Source: The White House

class=”wp-block-heading has-text-align-center”>National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Awards Ceremony Recognizes Excellence Across 14 Key Categories

Washington, D.C.—Last night, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) recognized individuals and initiatives of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program at the 2025 National HIDTA Awards Ceremony for their critical work to combat the national security threat posed by drug traffickers, including those who traffic deadly illicit fentanyl in the United States, killing tens of thousands of Americans each year.

The Trump Administration is taking the fight to the cartels and drug traffickers in order to save American lives. The HIDTA Program plays a key role in disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations and provides assistance to federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug trafficking regions across all 50 states. Last year, the 33 HIDTAs seized 4.1 million pounds of fentanyl and other drugs and denied drug traffickers $17.7 billion in illicit profits. For every dollar invested in the HIDTA Program, the American people get $68.07 in benefits, making HIDTA an effective and efficient use of taxpayers’ money, and an important tool in the nation’s effort to stop drug traffickers and save American lives.

The following awards were presented March 27 to individuals and initiatives of the HIDTA Program for their efforts to reduce the supply and trafficking of dangerous drugs in communities across the country:

INVESTIGATIVE COLLABORATION

Chicago HIDTA, Chicago HIDTA Counternarcotics and Cryptocurrency Task Force

Created to identify, disrupt, and dismantle transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), the Chicago HIDTA Counternarcotics and Cryptocurrency Task Force (CNCTF) targeted one of the largest, fastest-growing dark net markets in the world – Nemesis Market. This marketplace facilitated drug trafficking, fraud, hacking, and other illicit activities responsible for more than $20 million in illicit transactions to more than 150,000 registered users around the world. Led by DEA and comprising an array of federal and local partners, CNCTF undertook Operation Keyboard Warrior, which received designation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). In March 2024, CNCTF, working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the German Bundescriminalamt, disrupted Nemesis Market by executing simultaneous, multinational search and seizure warrants on critical technological infrastructure. The warrants resulted in nearly $1 million in frozen and seized cryptocurrency-related assets, twelve computer servers, various electronic devices, and terabytes of data containing financial records and personal information of more than 1,000 vendors trafficking in drugs and engaging in fraud, hacking, and forgeries on the marketplace. CNCTF leveraged this information to effect arrests and warrants in eight U.S. federal districts, and provided investigative leads to foreign law enforcement counterparts in multiple countries using international treaty-based disclosure agreements that were novel to cyber cases.

PROSECUTION

South Florida HIDTA, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Gerarde and Sean McLaughlin

With the support of the South Florida HIDTA and assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) Kevin Gerarde and Sean McLaughlin secured a jury verdict against the Premier of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) for drug trafficking. Andrew Fahie, who was elected as the Premier in 2019, was accused of assisting the Sinaloa Cartel in transporting loads of cocaine weighing three metric tons from the coast of Colombia through the BVI en route to the United States for distribution. In exchange for his assistance, Fahie allegedly received a 12 percent cut of the proceeds when the cocaine was sold in the United States. After an extensive undercover operation conducted with the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, DEA arrested Fahie. In prosecuting Fahie, AUSAs Gerarde and McLaughlin overcame a variety of evidentiary challenges, including United Kingdom and BVI foreign law determinations regarding the applicability of U.S. money laundering statutes. On February 8, 2024, the jury returned a verdict finding Fahie guilty on all counts, and he was subsequently sentenced to 135 months imprisonment.

PUBLIC HEALTH/PUBLIC SAFETY COLLABORATION

Texoma HIDTA, Caprock Drug Initiative

The Texoma HIDTA’s Caprock Initiative launched a program at the behest of local officials to address alarming increases in fentanyl overdoses in and around Lubbock, Texas. Since its inception, the program has reached nearly 26 thousand individuals from all walks of life. Undertaken with substantial support from the United States Attorney’s Office, the Texas Anti-Gang Center, and the Lubbock County District Attorney’s Office, the program has become the most requested fentanyl awareness presentation in the South Plains region. It has been presented to numerous local schools, including to the Texas Tech football team. The program provides candid, factual information from people in recovery, overdose survivors, and families of overdose victims. It is credited with raising public awareness and contributing to a reduction in overdoses in the region.

HIDTA SUPPORT

Atlanta Carolinas HIDTA, Lydia Sheffield

Lydia Sheffield has served the Atlanta Carolinas HIDTA for two decades, providing continuity with her outstanding support to three executive directors. In addition to her myriad duties as the Executive Assistant, Ms. Sheffield is the primary Performance Management Process (PMP) Coordinator for the HIDTA, and has established herself as an expert user of PMP. In that role, she has generously provided training to PMP users from multiple other regional HIDTAs at the behest of the National HIDTA Assistance Center and to National HIDTA Program staff. Ms. Sheffield has drawn upon her own background and experience as a skilled trainer to develop curriculum materials to support trainings to both peer PMP coordinators and initiative commanders across the United States.

INVESTIGATION INVOLVING INNOVATIVE APPROACHES

Gulf Coast HIDTA, Mobile Baldwin Major Investigations Team

In 2023, the Mobile Baldwin Major Investigations Team (MBMIT) began investigating a deactivated DEA confidential source who was coordinating large shipments of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine from Texas and Georgia into the Mobile, Alabama area. Because the former source was familiar with law enforcement communication and investigative techniques and was still being used by local law enforcement agencies, the source was emboldened to conduct illicit drug-related transactions via an end-to-end encrypted phone app. MBMIT agents successfully executed a search warrant to clone the source’s phone and initiated real-time Title III intercepts of the encrypted app. This was the first time an end-to-end encryption application was successfully intercepted in the New Orleans Division and only the third time this type of intercept had been conducted worldwide within DEA. The success of this investigative technique enabled 120 electronic and voice Title III intercepts resulting in 24 state and federal arrests, the seizure of 19 kilograms of cocaine and 20 kilograms of methamphetamine, and the seizure of over $500,000 in cash, jewelry, and vehicles. Additionally, these intercepts lead to the identification and follow-on investigation of regional drug traffickers in the United States with links to multiple Mexican TCOs.

INTELLIGENCE AND INFORMATION SHARING

Nevada HIDTA, Investigative Research Assistant Phillip Scichilone

In early 2024, the Nevada Highway Patrol received a tip regarding a suspicious trucking company suspected of transporting illicit drugs from northern Nevada across the county, and subsequently passed the tip to Investigative Research Assistant Phillip Scichilone. Mr. Scichilone provided Northern Nevada Interdiction Task Force members with key intelligence related to the travel patterns of the vehicle involved, suspicious financial activity of the trucking company, and identification of the suspected owner and driver of the vehicle. The task force used this information to interdict the vehicle involved, resulting in the seizure of approximately $1 million and the identification of the driver and passenger, who were suspected of being linked to a known terrorist organization. After conducting follow-up analysis linking the suspects to out-of-state DEA and FBI investigations, Mr. Scichilone connected representatives of both agencies to deconflict and share information and then worked with both agencies to pass on key intelligence information.

INTERDICTION

New England HIDTA, Greater Boston HIDTA Task Force

The Greater Boston HIDTA Task Force, co-led by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), initiated an investigation targeting a California-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) involved in large-scale illicit drug smuggling, distribution, and transportation from the Southwest Border to destinations throughout the United States and Canada. The initial phase of this ongoing investigation resulted in the disruption of a large-scale criminal enterprise with two arrests and the interdiction of 32 kilograms of methamphetamine and 490 kilograms of cocaine from a tractor trailer that traveled cross country to meet with undercover law enforcement agents in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts State Police have claimed this to be the largest seizure of narcotics from a tractor trailer in New England history, and the ongoing investigation has wide-ranging impact on DTO operations in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

INVESTIGATION INVOLVING A VIOLENT ORGANIZATION

Texoma HIDTA, ATF Oklahoma City Violent Crime Initiative

The ATF Oklahoma City Violent Crime Initiative led interagency Operation Sonic Boom that used information from the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to overlay maps of Oklahoma City with shooting incidents to identify critical, high gun violence areas to deploy additional resources. In a 60-day operation, ATF Confidential Sources and Undercover Agents conducted 117 undercover firearm purchases that led to the indictment of 64 defendants and the seizure of 110 firearms, 83 machinegun conversion devices (MCDs), 53 kilograms of methamphetamine, 5 kilograms of cocaine, and more than 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl tablets. Highlighting the critical links between the undercover operations in this case and the ongoing violent crime investigations in Oklahoma City, twelve of the firearms purchased by undercover agents had confirmed links in NIBIN to open shooting and homicide cases by violent criminal gangs in the greater Oklahoma City area. From a HIDTA perspective, the case was also a statistical success, with investigators identifying eight separate Drug Trafficking or Money Laundering Organizations and disrupting six of them during the course of the operation.

COMMUNITY IMPACT INVESTIGATION

Northwest HIDTA, DEA Bellingham Regional HIDTA Task Force

Over the past year, the DEA Bellingham Regional HIDTA Task Force (BRHTF) initiated an investigation that resulted in a substantial impact concerning public safety and health on the greater Lummi Nation Tribal Lands. Over a one-year period, BRHTF, along with partner agencies, seized over 850,000 fentanyl pills, seven kilograms of fentanyl powder, seven kilograms of cocaine, 29 illicit firearms, over $120,000 in U.S. currency, and disrupted a centralized DTO responsible for trafficking and distributing fentanyl and other drugs in the Lummi Nation within Whatcom County, WA. This investigation resulted in a notable decrease in both fentanyl availability and overdose deaths on Lummi Tribal Lands.

OVERDOSE REDUCTION

South Texas HIDTA, Laredo DEA HIDTA Task Force

In 2023, the DEA Laredo District Office created a HIDTA Overdose Task Force initiative to address the dramatic rise in overdose deaths in Laredo, Texas, and its surrounding communities. The City of Laredo experienced 21 overdose deaths in 2021, rose to 41 overdose deaths in 2022, and was on pace to experience nearly 100 overdose deaths in 2023, when the task force was launched. Formed with multiple local and federal agencies and comprising six task force officers, the task force proved to be effective, with Laredo reporting 73 deaths in 2023, well short of the expected numbers. Throughout 2024, Laredo and its surrounding communities experienced 40 overdose deaths, and preliminary data indicate the city is on pace for a remarkable 45 percent decrease.

INVESTIGATION

Arizona HIDTA, Metro Intelligence Support and Technical Investigative Center (MISTIC)

Throughout 2024, the Phoenix Police Department (PPD) Drug Enforcement Bureau’s (DEB) Conspiracy Squad and the DEA Phoenix Field Division’s Financial Investigations Group (FIG) conducted a long-term, complex investigation that targeted a TCO responsible for the trafficking and distribution of bulk quantities of illicit drugs, as well as for money laundering. Investigators conducted 2,000 hours of surveillance, utilized 225 court orders and search warrants, and initiated 35 wire intercepts targeting TCO members. Through the course of this investigation, detectives identified, disrupted, and dismantled the international drug trafficking activities of both foreign and United States-based sources of supply, load coordinators, couriers, stash house operators, and distribution coordinators, while also dismantling metropolitan Phoenix-based DTO operations.

TASK FORCE OF THE YEAR

Appalachia HIDTA, Appalachia HIDTA Diversion Task Force

In response to an influx of counterfeit pharmaceuticals flooding southeastern Kentucky that were contributing to a rise in drug poisoning deaths, investigators with the Appalachia HIDTA Diversion Drug Task Force initiated an investigation into a dark net market distributor operating under the name GreenBeansUSA. This investigation was conducted jointly with the Appalachia HIDTA DEA London Task Force in coordination with the FBI, Internal Revenue Service, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service under the OCDETF Operation “Loyal Business.” Investigators identified GreenBeansUSA as a global supplier responsible for the sale and distribution of over 16 million counterfeit pharmaceutical pills, and the receipt of over $11 million in drug proceeds in the form of illicit cryptocurrency. In the course of the operation, investigators issued more than 200 grand jury subpoenas, 47 pen registers, 8 ping orders, Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) requests, IP analysis, blockchain and cluster analysis, 2703(d) orders, undercover purchases, undercover money laundering operations, pole cameras, and electronic search warrants to multiple telecommunications and technological entities. Their efforts resulted in federal indictments of six key members of the organization, the seizure of 11 kilograms of controlled pharmaceuticals (nitazene, benzodiazepine, and ketamine), six pill press machines, and approximately $1.2 million in assets.

HIDTA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

Ohio HIDTA, Sergeant Breck Williamson, Ohio State Highway Patrol

Sergeant Breck Williamson has distinguished himself as both a prolific and successful interdictor of illicit drugs transiting the nation’s highways, and as an expert instructor and mentor to other officers conducting highway interdictions. Since October 2023, Sergeant Williamson has personally seized over 405 pounds of methamphetamines, 11 pounds of fentanyl, 141 pounds of cocaine, 3,203 pounds of marijuana, and $135,000 in U.S. currency. He also serves as an instructor for both the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) and the Drug Interdiction Awareness Program (DIAP), sharing his expertise with hundreds of students throughout the past year. In addition to his day-to-day supervisory and highway interdiction duties, Sergeant Williamson is a DEA task force officer and is regularly called upon by DEA offices nationwide to advise on interdiction tactics and techniques.

HIDTA OF THE YEAR

SOUTH FLORIDA HIDTA

The South Florida HIDTA has demonstrated an exemplary capacity for multidimensional vision and leadership. Through its Executive Director and Executive Board, it has targeted emerging threats, such as synthetic drugs, while remaining steadfastly committed to the interdiction of metric tons of cocaine destined for the United States from South America. It has inspired national efforts, like the launch of Crime Gun Intelligence Centers in HIDTA regions across the United States, without losing focus of the core HIDTA mission to disrupt and dismantle DTOs and while maintaining deep and sustaining partnerships at the local level. It has launched enterprising collaborations with law enforcement partners, such as partnering with the Federal Aviation Administration to access radar interdiction operability and records of straw registration of aircraft, while embracing public health initiatives focused on overdose reduction and drug use prevention.

Among its many accomplishments, in 2023 South Florida HIDTA initiatives dismantled or disrupted 54 DTOs, of which 19 were international in scope and nearly 20 percent were OCDETF-designated or linked to consolidated or regional priority organization targets. Task forces seized illicit drugs with a total estimated value of $748 million, including 23 metric tons of cocaine, 248 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 224 kilograms of fentanyl. South Florida HIDTA initiatives also seized more than $105 million in cash and other assets, delivering a return on investment of $56.22 for every dollar financed by the National HIDTA Program. Finally, in pursuit of one of its most vital functions – ensuring officer safety – the South Florida HIDTA provided deconfliction services to all its partners, preventing more than 400 “blue on blue” incidents.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Health authority review launches to ensure support for front-line services

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Details about the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) appointees are as follows:

Tim Manning has completed his term as board chair, as have board members Donisa Bernardo, Dianne Doyle, Sandra A. Martin Harris (Wii Esdes), Piotr Majkowski and Richard Short. Additional departing directors are, Dr. Morgan Price, Gary Caroline, Bill Chan, Julia Dillabough, Joanna Gislason and Gloria Morgan.

The interim board of directors are:

Maureen Maloney, OBC, KC, chair –

Maureen Maloney is a professor at Simon Fraser University’s school of public policy and former dean of law and Lam chair in law and public policy at the University of Victoria. Maloney served as British Columbia’s deputy minister to the Attorney General from 1993 to 2000, and deputy attorney general from 1997 to 2000. She has been a member of the numerous boards, including the Canadian Human Rights Foundation, the International Commission of Jurists (Canadian Section), the International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy, and also served as a member of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. She chaired the Province’s Expert Panel on Money Laundering in Real Estate from 2018 to 2019.

Heather McKay –

Heather McKay is a professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC) where she is the Active Aging Research Team’s lead scientist. She has collaborated with the B.C. Ministry of Health for more than 15 years and leads a partnership between researchers, governments, health authorities and NGOs to enact Health Aging B.C. From 2006-16, McKay was the inaugural director of the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, a multidisciplinary CFI centre funded by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation. More recently, she co-led UBC’s Health Aging Research Excellence cluster. McKay leads an Implementation Science Team at UBC. Her work focuses on healthy aging research. She also holds a position on the editorial board of the scientific journal Implementation Research and Practice. She has received a CIHR Knowledge Translation Award, a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award and has been inducted into the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (2018) in recognition of her academic scholarship and community engagement.

Tiffany Ma, CPA –

Tiffany Ma is the associate deputy minister of the B.C. Ministry of Health. Since joining the BC Public Service in 2006, Ma has served in progressively senior capacities across several ministries, including as chief financial officer for the Ministry of Education. Prior to joining the Ministry of Health, Ma was the assistant deputy minister and deputy secretary to Treasury Board at the Ministry of Finance. Ma also served as a trustee on the Public Service Pension Board.

MIL OSI Canada News –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Department of Defense Completes Underway Recovery Test 12 with NASA

Source: United States Navy

SAN DIEGO — NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Landing and Recovery team and the Department of Defense successfully completed the third recovery test for the crewed Artemis II mission aboard amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) off the coast of San Diego, March 31.

MIL Security OSI –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski, Bennet Urge Trump Administration to Reinstate Critical Protections for Unaccompanied Migrant Children

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

03.27.25

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) wrote to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) to express bipartisan concern following EOIR’s decision to rescind the 2023 Memorandum on Children’s Cases in Immigration Court and reinstate 2017 guidelines. This decision weakens critical protections for unaccompanied migrant children, increases inefficiencies in the immigration court system, and risks higher levels of child trafficking and exploitation.

“The 2023 memorandum established specialized juvenile dockets with dedicated judges, child-appropriate court practices, and stronger safeguards against trafficking. It also improved address verification to reduce procedural errors that often lead to removal orders for children who never received proper notice of their hearings,” wrote Murkowski and Bennet .

In their letter, the senators express concern that reverting to the 2017 guidelines undermines important safeguards, increases case backlogs, and weakens protections. It also reintroduces a tone of suspicion toward unaccompanied minors rather than recognizing their vulnerabilities and need for fair proceedings.

“EOIR must ensure that immigration proceedings for unaccompanied children remain fair, efficient, and protective against trafficking. This includes maintaining specialized juvenile dockets, strengthening interagency coordination, and preserving procedures that prevent unnecessary delays and due process failures,” continued the senators.

In 2023, Murkowski and Bennet introduced the Immigration Court Efficiency and Children’s Court Act, a bipartisan bill to establish a dedicated Children’s Court within EOIR. The legislation would combat the immigration court backlog and strengthen due process rights for unaccompanied migrant children.

The text of the letter is available HERE and below.

Dear Acting Director Owen:

We write with deep concern over the Executive Office for Immigration Review’s decision to rescind the Director’s 2023 Memorandum on Children’s Cases in Immigration Court (DM 24-01) and reinstate the 2017 Guidelines. This decision weakens critical protections for unaccompanied children, increases inefficiencies in the immigration court system, and risks greater trafficking and exploitation.

The 2023 memorandum established specialized juvenile dockets with dedicated judges, child-appropriate court practices, and stronger safeguards against trafficking. It also improved address verification to reduce procedural errors that often lead to removal orders for children who never received proper notice of their hearings. At the same time, the Department of Homeland Security committed to training government attorneys to identify trafficking indicators and assess legal relief options for children.

Reverting to the 2017 guidelines undermines these safeguards, increases case backlogs, and weakens protections under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) of 2008. It also reintroduces a tone of suspicion toward unaccompanied minors rather than recognizing their vulnerabilities and need for fair proceedings. EOIR must ensure that immigration proceedings for unaccompanied children remain fair, efficient, and protective against trafficking. This includes maintaining specialized juvenile dockets, strengthening interagency coordination, and preserving procedures that prevent unnecessary delays and due process failures.

Congress has long recognized the need for reforms that balance efficiency with fairness. That’s why we introduced the Immigration Court Efficiency and Children’s Court Act, a bipartisan bill to establish a dedicated Children’s Court within EOIR. This legislation would ensure trained judges oversee these cases with the expertise and resources they require. We urge EOIR to consider these principles moving forward.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Young Kim’s Record Ranked Among Most Effective in Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

Washington, DC – The Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL) announced the release of the Legislative Effectiveness Scores (LES) for the 118^th Congress (2023-25).

Rep. Young Kim (CA-40)’s record was ranked among the most effective, with her score being 8^th highest among House Republicans and 10^th highest in the House of Representatives.

Her score was the highest of all representatives and senators from California.

“Representing my community is not a job I take lightly. I am thrilled my record of effectiveness shows my commitment to getting things done,” said Rep. Young Kim. “I am just getting started and remain willing to work with whoever wants to work with me to deliver results and improve the lives of the American people.”

In the 117^th Congress, Rep. Kim’s LES was the highest of House Republican freshmen and was one of ten whose was “exceeding expectations.” She has also been named a Common Ground Champion, ranked most bipartisan freshman by the Lugar Center and McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University and according to data by Quorum Analytics, and she received the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Legislative Action Award.   

MIL OSI USA News –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Fitchburg Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Role in Drug Trafficking Organization

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that David Junius, 47, of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 7 years in federal prison for possessing 500 or more grams of cocaine intended for distribution. Junius pleaded guilty to this charge on December 19, 2024.

In late 2022, agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating a large cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking organization operating in Portage, Madison, and La Crosse. Intercepted phone communications in April 2023 led to the surveillance of a delivery of 4 kilograms of cocaine from Junius to other individuals. Further investigation led agents to a storage unit in Madison rented and regularly accessed by Junius in which police found almost 1½ kilograms of cocaine and $20,000 in U.S. currency.

In sentencing Junius, Judge Peterson expressed concern that despite Junius’s extensive criminal history, which included nine prior convictions for drug-related offenses, Junius again became involved in drug trafficking. Judge Peterson found that Junius played a significant role in the drug organization by storing drugs and cash, as well as by making deliveries. Judge Peterson further found that such large-scale trafficking encouraged criminal enterprises and violence in the community.

Junius’s co-defendant, Angel Flores, also pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 3, 2025.

The charge against Junius was the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Dane County Narcotics Task Force, and Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Anderson and William M. Levins prosecuted this case.

The investigation was conducted and funded by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a multi-agency task force that coordinates long-term narcotics trafficking investigations.

MIL Security OSI –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Africa’s data workers are being exploited by foreign tech firms – 4 ways to protect them

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Mohammad Amir Anwar, Senior Lecturer in African Studies and International Development, University of Edinburgh

Data workers in Africa often have a hard time. They face job insecurities – including temporary contracts, low pay, arbitrary dismissal and worker surveillance – and alarming physical and psychological health risks. The consequences of their work can include exhaustion, burnout, mental health strain, chronic stress, vertigo and weakening of eyesight.

Data work includes text prediction, image and video annotation, speech to text validation and content moderation.

The world of data work is built on labour arbitrage – exploiting the fact that workers earn less and have less protection in some countries than in others.

Large technology firms often outsource this work to the global south, including African countries like Kenya, Uganda and Madagascar, and also India and Venezuela. The result is complex production networks that are generally opaque and shrouded in secrecy.

Workers and researchers have issued many warnings about data workers’ health. Despite numerous court cases in multiple jurisdictions, nothing much has been done to address these issues either by tech companies or by regulators.

Read more: For workers in Africa, the digital economy isn’t all it’s made out to be

Still, the news of the death of a Nigerian content moderator, Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, who was found dead in her apartment in Nairobi, Kenya on 7 March 2025, came as a shock. While the circumstances of her death are still unclear, it has renewed calls for wider systemic change. Her death has sparked condemnation from the Kenyan Union of Gig Workers, which demanded an investigation.

Since 2015, we have been studying the central role of African data workers in building and maintaining artificial intelligence (AI) systems, acting as “data janitors”. Our research found that companies rarely acknowledge the use of human workers in AI value chains, thus they remain “hidden” from the public eye. In other words, the world of AI is built on the toil of human workers most people are unaware of.

In this article, we outline key steps needed to protect these data workers in Africa. They include business process outsourcing regulations, ensuring quality rather than quantity of jobs, and providing social protection. There is also a need to name and shame companies that maltreat data workers.

Data work needs tighter regulation.

Read more: Digital labour platforms subject global South workers to ‘algorithmic insecurity’

Regulation

Business process outsourcing is the practice of procuring various processes or operations from external suppliers or vendors. Firms that do this are sometimes trying to evade local regulations (like minimum wages) and responsibility towards workers’ welfare (via sub-contracting and the use of temporary employment agencies).

This is happening in Africa as some data training firms and digital labour platforms circumvent local labour laws.

But there is more to the story.

Data work is also seen by lawmakers and practitioners as a solution to the rampant unemployment and informality across Africa. African governments have actively created regulatory environments that enable these practices to thrive, despite adverse outcomes for workers.

Nonetheless, new regulations have been proposed lately, like the Kenyan government’s Business Law (Amendment) Bill, 2024 targeting the wider business process outsourcing and IT-enabled services sector. Particularly, it makes business process outsourcing firms responsible for any claim raised by employees. It ensures some accountability for firms bringing data work to Africa.

Other governments should follow with similar measures ensuring worker rights are enforceable. Some data workers are hired on contracts as short as five days and get paid less than the local minimum wage. Firms found violating labour standards should be penalised.

In fact, there is an urgent need to create regional or continent-wide regulatory frameworks covering the business process outsourcing sector, limiting the space for firms to exploit workers.

It’s possible, however, that jobs might be lost as firms relocate to places with favourable laws, an everyday reality in the outsourcing networks.

Read more: Most call centre jobs are a dead end for South Africa’s youth

Quality, not quantity

African governments should prioritise the quality of jobs and not quantity. Policymakers should think about wider national economic development plans, particularly structural diversification and upgrading of their economies.

Historically, these strategies have resulted in success in some states, addressing social and economic issues such as unemployment, poverty and inequality.

Another option for African governments is to enhance social protection among data workers. Financing this is a serious issue, so proper taxation and compliance among workers and employers is urgently needed.

Finally, there is a role for naming and shaming firms that treat their data workers poorly. There is evidence that such efforts improve compliance and firms’ behaviour.

Read more: Digital trade protocol for Africa: why it matters, what’s in it and what’s still missing

Worker movements

African data workers have taken risks in openly speaking about their experiences. But these kinds of approaches work well when combined with collective bargaining.

Workers have historically won their labour and civil rights after long and hard-fought struggles. There is a long history of African worker movements and trade unions resisting the apartheid and colonial regimes across the continent.

While the freedom of association is enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and most governments have legislation committed to collective bargaining, it is rarely implemented in the new outsourcing sectors, particularly data work.

It is also difficult to organise workers in the industry, because of the high churn rate. For instance, data training firms like Sama offer short-term contracts to employees, often as short as five days.

Some firms are hostile to workers’ organising activities.

But numerous data worker-led associations have emerged in Africa recently, some led by the co-authors of this article. Techworker Community Africa, African Tech Workers Rising, African Content Moderators Unions and Data Labelers Association are among them.

These initiatives are crucial to ensure workers have decent remuneration, work-life balance, adequate working hours, protection against arbitrary dismissal, safe working environments, and contributions towards their health and welfare.

Several high-profile court cases are currently being pursued by African data workers against Meta and Sama. There is precedent. In 2021. Meta was ordered by a Californian court to pay US$85 million to 10,000 content moderators.

AI-dependent tools such as ChatGPT or driverless cars would not exist without African data workers. They are tired of being “hidden”. They deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

Mophat Okinyi, Kauna Malgwi, Sonia Kgomo and Richard Mathenge co-authored this article.

– Africa’s data workers are being exploited by foreign tech firms – 4 ways to protect them
– https://theconversation.com/africas-data-workers-are-being-exploited-by-foreign-tech-firms-4-ways-to-protect-them-252957

MIL OSI Africa –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Africa’s data workers are being exploited by foreign tech firms – 4 ways to protect them

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Mohammad Amir Anwar, Senior Lecturer in African Studies and International Development, University of Edinburgh

Data workers in Africa often have a hard time. They face job insecurities – including temporary contracts, low pay, arbitrary dismissal and worker surveillance – and alarming physical and psychological health risks. The consequences of their work can include exhaustion, burnout, mental health strain, chronic stress, vertigo and weakening of eyesight.

Data work includes text prediction, image and video annotation, speech to text validation and content moderation.

The world of data work is built on labour arbitrage – exploiting the fact that workers earn less and have less protection in some countries than in others.

Large technology firms often outsource this work to the global south, including African countries like Kenya, Uganda and Madagascar, and also India and Venezuela. The result is complex production networks that are generally opaque and shrouded in secrecy.

Workers and researchers have issued many warnings about data workers’ health. Despite numerous court cases in multiple jurisdictions, nothing much has been done to address these issues either by tech companies or by regulators.

Read more:
For workers in Africa, the digital economy isn’t all it’s made out to be

Still, the news of the death of a Nigerian content moderator, Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, who was found dead in her apartment in Nairobi, Kenya on 7 March 2025, came as a shock. While the circumstances of her death are still unclear, it has renewed calls for wider systemic change. Her death has sparked condemnation from the Kenyan Union of Gig Workers, which demanded an investigation.

Since 2015, we have been studying the central role of African data workers in building and maintaining artificial intelligence (AI) systems, acting as “data janitors”. Our research found that companies rarely acknowledge the use of human workers in AI value chains, thus they remain “hidden” from the public eye. In other words, the world of AI is built on the toil of human workers most people are unaware of.

In this article, we outline key steps needed to protect these data workers in Africa. They include business process outsourcing regulations, ensuring quality rather than quantity of jobs, and providing social protection. There is also a need to name and shame companies that maltreat data workers.

Data work needs tighter regulation.

Read more:
Digital labour platforms subject global South workers to ‘algorithmic insecurity’

Regulation

Business process outsourcing is the practice of procuring various processes or operations from external suppliers or vendors. Firms that do this are sometimes trying to evade local regulations (like minimum wages) and responsibility towards workers’ welfare (via sub-contracting and the use of temporary employment agencies).

This is happening in Africa as some data training firms and digital labour platforms circumvent local labour laws.

But there is more to the story.

Data work is also seen by lawmakers and practitioners as a solution to the rampant unemployment and informality across Africa. African governments have actively created regulatory environments that enable these practices to thrive, despite adverse outcomes for workers.

Nonetheless, new regulations have been proposed lately, like the Kenyan government’s Business Law (Amendment) Bill, 2024 targeting the wider business process outsourcing and IT-enabled services sector. Particularly, it makes business process outsourcing firms responsible for any claim raised by employees. It ensures some accountability for firms bringing data work to Africa.

Other governments should follow with similar measures ensuring worker rights are enforceable. Some data workers are hired on contracts as short as five days and get paid less than the local minimum wage. Firms found violating labour standards should be penalised.

In fact, there is an urgent need to create regional or continent-wide regulatory frameworks covering the business process outsourcing sector, limiting the space for firms to exploit workers.

It’s possible, however, that jobs might be lost as firms relocate to places with favourable laws, an everyday reality in the outsourcing networks.

Read more:
Most call centre jobs are a dead end for South Africa’s youth

Quality, not quantity

African governments should prioritise the quality of jobs and not quantity. Policymakers should think about wider national economic development plans, particularly structural diversification and upgrading of their economies.

Historically, these strategies have resulted in success in some states, addressing social and economic issues such as unemployment, poverty and inequality.

Another option for African governments is to enhance social protection among data workers. Financing this is a serious issue, so proper taxation and compliance among workers and employers is urgently needed.

Finally, there is a role for naming and shaming firms that treat their data workers poorly. There is evidence that such efforts improve compliance and firms’ behaviour.

Read more:
Digital trade protocol for Africa: why it matters, what’s in it and what’s still missing

Worker movements

African data workers have taken risks in openly speaking about their experiences. But these kinds of approaches work well when combined with collective bargaining.

Workers have historically won their labour and civil rights after long and hard-fought struggles. There is a long history of African worker movements and trade unions resisting the apartheid and colonial regimes across the continent.

While the freedom of association is enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and most governments have legislation committed to collective bargaining, it is rarely implemented in the new outsourcing sectors, particularly data work.

It is also difficult to organise workers in the industry, because of the high churn rate. For instance, data training firms like Sama offer short-term contracts to employees, often as short as five days.

Some firms are hostile to workers’ organising activities.

But numerous data worker-led associations have emerged in Africa recently, some led by the co-authors of this article. Techworker Community Africa, African Tech Workers Rising, African Content Moderators Unions and Data Labelers Association are among them.

These initiatives are crucial to ensure workers have decent remuneration, work-life balance, adequate working hours, protection against arbitrary dismissal, safe working environments, and contributions towards their health and welfare.

Several high-profile court cases are currently being pursued by African data workers against Meta and Sama. There is precedent. In 2021. Meta was ordered by a Californian court to pay US$85 million to 10,000 content moderators.

AI-dependent tools such as ChatGPT or driverless cars would not exist without African data workers. They are tired of being “hidden”. They deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

Mophat Okinyi, Kauna Malgwi, Sonia Kgomo and Richard Mathenge co-authored this article.

Mohammad Amir Anwar receives funding from United Kingdom Research and Innovation, Royal Society of Edinburgh, and British Academy.

– ref. Africa’s data workers are being exploited by foreign tech firms – 4 ways to protect them – https://theconversation.com/africas-data-workers-are-being-exploited-by-foreign-tech-firms-4-ways-to-protect-them-252957

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Update following the death of a baby boy in Notting Hill

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Update in connection with the ongoing investigation into the discovery of a baby’s body in Notting Hill.

Over the past week, Met detectives, alongside partners from the NHS and local councils, have been conducting enquiries following the discovery of a deceased baby boy in Notting Hill. The baby was sadly found inside a bag near All Saints Church.

Officers have expressed their thanks to members of the local community, who have offered their support to the local police teams as the investigation has progressed.

Following an appeal by officers, on Saturday, 29 March, a woman, aged in her 30s, was safely located and arrested on suspicion of concealing a birth, neglect and infanticide. In a case of this nature this is necessary to enable officers to continue with their enquiries and understand more about the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death.

The woman was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and to ensure all necessary medical care was provided to her.

She remains in hospital currently.

A forensic post-mortem will take place later this week, which will help officers understand more about the baby boy’s death. However at this time, officers remain open-minded about the circumstances.

Superintendent Owen Renowden, who leads policing for Kensington and Chelsea said: “This is an ongoing, fast-paced investigation, with officers working tirelessly to ascertain the circumstances of the baby boy’s death.

“We believe that the woman is the baby’s mother and I am reassured that she is receiving the support she needs, while officers continue their work to understand what took place.

“I recognise that the news of this arrest may cause concern among our community, but when dealing with investigations of this nature our priority is to ensure the welfare of all involved and ensure that all lines of enquiry are fully explored.

“I appreciate the high level of attention that this investigation has received, but we politely ask for the public not to speculate.

“Although this is a significant development, we are still appealing for anyone with any information to contact police on 101 or at @MetCC quoting CAD1879 of 26 March.”

MIL Security OSI –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: NRRP steering committee meeting held at Palazzo Chigi on implementation progress report

Source: Government of Italy (English)

A steering committee meeting for the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) was held at Palazzo Chigi this morning, chaired by the Minister for European Affairs, the NRRP and Cohesion Policy, Tommaso Foti. The meeting, attended by all Ministers and Undersecretaries of State involved as well as by representatives from ANCI [National Association of Italian Municipalities], UPI [Union of Italian Provinces] and the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces, approved the sixth NRRP implementation progress report for its subsequent submission to Parliament. Minister Foti outlined the work carried out by the Government in the second half of 2024 to achieve all the planned objectives, allowing Italy to receive payment for the fifth instalment worth EUR 11 billion and for the sixth instalment worth EUR 8.7 billion, as well as to request payment for the seventh instalment, worth EUR 18.3 billion, which is linked to the achievement of 32 targets and 35 milestones.

“This sixth report to Parliament on the progress of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan confirms Italy’s leading position in Europe in terms of implementation, the number of goals achieved, total resources obtained and the number of payment requests formalized and received”, President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni writes in her foreword to the report. “The Government, the Administrations concerned, Prefectures and all implementing bodies will continue to work, with perseverance and determination, to complete all the investments and reforms. We will do so with the same rigor, passion and selfless approach that have enabled us to become a model in Europe in NRRP implementation. We still have a lot of work to do, but we are proud of the results achieved so far, and they are spurring us on to do even better, in the interest of Italy and Italians”, she added.

During the steering committee meeting, the main legislative measures that have been adopted to support the NRRP’s implementation were also highlighted, details of which are provided in the report. In particular, reference was made to Decree Law no. 19/2024, which led implementing bodies to update data on the ‘ReGiS’ IT platform, strengthened governance of anti-fraud measures and made over a hundred coordination committees within Prefectures fully operational, making connections between the NRRP task force, the NRRP steering committee, central government authorities and implementing bodies more effective, to ensure any critical issues with completing the projects are resolved. Decree Law no. 113/2024 was also outlined, which allows for an acceleration in transfers of financial resources, up to 90%, in order to meet the liquidity needs expressed by ANCI [National Association of Italian Municipalities] and the implementing bodies themselves during meetings of the aforementioned coordination committees. The report to Parliament also highlights that, of the EUR 145.3 billion in NRRP resources that can be assigned to specific areas, the Meloni Government has allocated EUR 59.3 billion to the Mezzogiorno, equal to 40.8% of the total of measures for specific areas.

MIL OSI Europe News –

April 1, 2025

MIL-OSI: Resolutions of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Resolutions of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders

Actions taken and resolutions made according to agenda issues of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on 31 March 2025:

Presentation of the consolidated management report of Šiaulių bankas AB for 2024.

The consolidated management report was introduced (enclosed).

Presentation of the conclusion of the independent auditor of Šiaulių bankas AB and the conclusion of the assurance of sustainability reporting.

The conclusion of the independent auditor and the conclusion of the assurance of sustainability reporting were introduced (enclosed).

Comments and proposals of Šiaulių bankas AB Supervisory Council.

The comments and proposals of the Bank’s Supervisory Council were announced.

Selection of the audit company to provide sustainability reporting assurance services for the period 2024-2025 and determination of payment terms.

Resolved:

1) To elect UAB “KPMG Baltics” as the audit company to provide sustainability reporting assurance services for Šiaulių bankas AB and the group for the years 2024 and 2025.

2) To determine the price for the sustainability reporting assurance services of Šiaulių bankas AB and the group for the years 2024-2025 at EUR 145 500 (excluding VAT).

Approval of the set of audited financial statements of Šiaulių bankas AB and the group for 2024.

The set of financial statements for 2024 has been approved (enclosed).

6. Allocation of Šiaulių bankas AB profit for 2024.

The allocation of Šiaulių bankas AB profit has been approved (enclosed).

According to approved profit allocation EUR 0.061 dividends per one ordinary registered EUR 0.29 nominal value share will be paid. Record date is 14 April 2025.

7. Determination of the procedure for the acquisition of Šiaulių bankas AB own shares.

1) Resolved to acquire Bank own shares under the following conditions:

the purpose of acquisition of own shares is to reduce the authorized capital of the Bank by cancelling the shares purchased by the Bank; and / or to grant to the employees of the Bank, as well as it’s Group under the approved variable renumeration and payment programmes;
maximal acquisition price per share – 20% higher than the market price of the Bank’s shares on the Nasdaq Vilnius Stock Exchange, when the Management Board makes a decision on the purchase of its own shares;
minimum purchase price of the shares – 10% lower than the market price of the Bank’s shares on the Nasdaq Vilnius Stock Exchange when the Bank’s Management Board decides to buy back its own shares;
the time limit for the Bank to acquire its own shares – 18 months from the date of adoption of this decision;
maximal number of shares to be acquired – no more than 7 000 000 shares;
the procedure for sale of own shares and the minimum selling price – the purchased shares are not planned to be sold and therefore the minimum selling price and the selling procedure for the shares are not determined;

vii. to delegate the Management Board of the Bank, in accordance with the provisions of this resolution and the requirements of the Law on Companies of the Republic of Lithuania, the requirements of the Law on Banks of the Republic of Lithuania and other legal acts, as well as, when required with the permission of the supervisory authorities, to make specific decisions regarding the purchase of the Bank’s own shares, to organize buyback of own shares, determine the method and procedure for buying back shares, the time, exact number and price of shares to be acquired, as well as perform other actions related to the purchase and sale of own shares.To establish that after adopting this resolution the resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders of 29 March 2024 regarding acquisition of the Bank’s own shares shall expire.

2) To establish that after adopting this resolution the resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders of 29 March 2024 regarding acquisition of the Bank’s own shares shall expire.

8. Approval of the new version of the Articles of Association of Šiaulių bankas AB.

The Article of Association of Šiaulių bankas AB was approved (enclosed).

Approval of the reduction of the authorised capital of Šiaulių bankas AB and the amendment of the Articles of Association.

Resolved:

1) To reduce the authorised capital of Šiaulių bankas AB from EUR 192 269 027,34 to EUR 189 195 680,13 by annulling 10 597 749 ordinary registered uncertificated shares of Šiaulių bankas AB with a nominal value of EUR 0,29 each. The total value of the shares to be cancelled is EUR 3 073 347,21. The purpose of the reduction of the authorised capital is to annul the shares acquired by Šiaulių bankas AB.

2) To amend Clause 3.4 of the Articles of Association of Šiaulių bankas AB and to approve the new draft of the Articles of Association: “3.4. The authorized capital of the Bank shall be the total amount of the par values of all registered shares. The authorized capital of the Bank shall amount to EUR 189 195 680.13. The authorized capital of the Bank shall be divided into 652 398 897 ordinary registered shares. The par value of one share shall be EUR 0.29”

3) To authorise the CEO of Šiaulių bankas AB or another person duly authorised by him to sign the new version of the Articles of Association and to arrange for the registration of the amended Articles of Association in accordance with the procedure established by law after obtaining the supervisory authority’s permission to register the amendment to the Articles of Association relating to the reduction of the authorised capital (enclosed).

10. Approval of the updated Remuneration Policy of Šiaulių bankas AB.

The Remuneration Policy of Šiaulių bankas AB was approved (enclosed).

11. Approval of the updated Rules for Granting Shares of Šiaulių bankas AB.

The Rules for Granting Shares of Šiaulių bankas AB was approved (enclosed).

Election of the member of Šiaulių bankas AB Supervisory Council.

Resolved:

1) To elect John Michael Denhof as a member of the Supervisory Council of Šiaulių bankas AB until the end of the tenure of the current Supervisory Council.

2) To determine that the elected person will take up his position as a member of the Supervisory Council of Šiaulių bankas AB only after receiving the permission of the supervisory authority.

Additional information:
Tomas Varenbergas
Head of the Investment Management Division
Email: tomas.varenbergas@sb.lt

Attachments

The MIL Network –

April 1, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Baltimore Man Sentenced for Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Robert Jackson, 39, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 57 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

On January 26, 2024, while observing a Citi Watch Camera, a Baltimore City Police Department (BPD) detective observed a hand-to-hand gun exchange, on Milton Avenue. The detective witnessed Jackson and co-defendant, Derek Harvey, walking southbound on North Milton Avenue in Baltimore City.

Jackson reached into the hoodie he wore and pulled out a tan handgun and handed it to Harvey who then placed the gun in his waistband. Baltimore City detectives arrested both men shortly after observing the weapon exchange, seizing the firearm and ammunition. Both men were prohibited from possessing the weapon and ammunition because of prior convictions.

Harvey has previously pled guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on May 8, 2025.

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.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and BPD for their help with the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon who prosecuted the case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

# # #

MIL Security OSI –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Romanian National Sentenced To 24 Months’ Imprisonment For Wire Fraud Conspiracy And Aggravated Identity Theft

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Stefan-Alin Doleanu, age 29, of Romania, was sentenced on March 27, 2025, to 24 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between November 2022 and March 2023, Doleanu and multiple co-conspirators, including co-defendant Eliza Doleanu, conspired to use stolen SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (“EBT”) card information at Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club stores in Camp Hill, Chambersburg, Mechanicsburg, and York. During this period, the Doleanus illegally purchased several thousand dollars in goods.

Judge Wilson further ordered Doleanu to pay restitution in the amount of $14,255.97.

Doleanu will be removed from the United States upon the completion of his sentence.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Williams prosecuted the case.

# # #

MIL Security OSI –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Mexican Man Sentenced To Three Months’ Imprisonment For Illegal Re-Entry

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eustolio Sanchez-Ramirez, age 38, of Chiapas, Mexico, was sentenced on March 27, 2025, by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson, to three months’ imprisonment on the charge of illegal re-entry into the United States, to run consecutive to any sentence that may be imposed at Dauphin County Magisterial Docket No: CR-796-2024.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Sanchez-Ramirez was last deported from the United States to Mexico in November 2018. He re-entered the United States again sometime after November 2018 without first obtaining legal permission to do so. Sanchez-Ramirez was encountered in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, on December 19, 2024.

The case was investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Harrisburg Police Bureau. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Williams is prosecuting the case.

# # #

MIL Security OSI –

April 1, 2025

Category: Security

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Quality, not quantity

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