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Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Security: Allentown Man Pleads Guilty to March 2023 Armed Robbery Spree in Lehigh County

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

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Rubiel Perez, 30, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl to two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, charges arising from an armed robbery spree in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, in March of 2023.

    Perez was charged by indictment in November 2023.

    As detailed in the indictment and admitted to by the defendant, on March 28, 2023, Perez entered a 7-Eleven convenience store on Union Boulevard in Allentown, pointed a handgun at a store employee, and stole $937 before fleeing.

    The next night, the defendant targeted a 7-Eleven convenience store on South 4th Street in Allentown. He pointed a handgun at a store employee and threatened him, before stealing $150 from the store. Later the same night, the defendant entered a 7-Eleven on West Tilghman Street in South Whitehall Township and attempted to rob the store by pointing a firearm at the store employee and threatening him.

    The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on July 10 and faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison, with a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years’ incarceration.

    The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Allentown Police Department, and the South Whitehall Township Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert W. Schopf.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard establishes temporary safety zone for security exercise 4 miles east of Sandy Hook, NJ 

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 03/26/2025 05:00 PM EDT

     

    03/26/2025 04:40 PM EDT

    NEW YORK — The Coast Guard established a temporary safety zone Monday in the northern Atlantic Ocean between the Ambrose Channel Entrance and Sandy Hook Channel Entrance, which is scheduled to remain in place until April 12 to support a security-related exercise. Click the link above to view full news release.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Despite Diplomatic Progress, Security Council Told Continuing Attacks, Funding Cuts Worsening Humanitarian Situation in Ukraine

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is worsening, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today, as she both welcomed diplomatic progress and expressed deep alarm over rising attacks on civilians and severe cuts to global humanitarian funding.

    “Since 1 March, not a day has passed without an attack harming civilians,” Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, told the 15-member Council. The regions of Sumy, Odesa, Dnipro, Donetsk and Kharkiv have been hit especially hard in recent weeks, with extensive damage to homes, shops, warehouses and vehicles.

    Meanwhile, global funding cuts for humanitarian operations — including for Ukraine — are further reducing the UN’s capacity to provide life-saving aid.  While the announcement of a ceasefire on energy infrastructure and discussions regarding safe navigation in the Black Sea are positive steps, she noted that the impact of past attacks continue to undermine civilians’ access to electricity, gas, heating and water as the harsh winter persists.

    “We are deeply concerned by the human cost of continued fighting,” she said, noting that, as of 24 February 2022, at least 12,881 civilians — including 681 children — have been killed in Ukraine.  The true toll is likely much higher.  She reiterated that the protection of infrastructure critical to civilian survival is imperative, and that indiscriminate attacks are unequivocally prohibited under international law.

    And with almost 13 million people in Ukraine in need of humanitarian aid, she warned against funding cuts that could threaten vital services — including gender-based-violence support and safe spaces for 640,000 affected women and girls.  Thus far, only 17 per cent of the $2.6 billion needed for Ukraine’s 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan has been received.  Against that backdrop, she urged the international community to enforce compliance with international law, secure funding to save lives and push for an end to the war — all while ensuring that humanitarian needs remain central to peace talks.

    Speakers Express Concern over Increasing Attacks on Civilians, Urge Moscow to Demonstrate Commitment to Peace

    During the discussion that ensued, many speakers expressed concern over growing attacks on civilians in Ukraine.  “The death and destruction caused by this war are tremendous,” said Slovenia’s delegate, noting the over 42,000 verified casualties and reconstruction costs exceeding $500 billion.  Three years on, and the fighting does not seem to be diminishing — in February 2025, civilian casualties increased by 35 per cent compared to February 2024.  “Every human life matters and is not merely a number,” added Pakistan’s delegate, welcoming deals reached between Ukraine and the Russian Federation banning the targeting of energy sites and ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea.

    While also noting progress on those fronts, other speakers continued to call on the Russian Federation to demonstrate its commitment to peace, with France’s delegate highlighting “the gaping disconnect between [the Russian Federation’s] actions and words”.  Romania’s delegate pointed out that “the dialogue efforts and the proposals in the last weeks are yet to be met by deeds”, spotlighting new attacks by the Russian Federation since the night of 21 March.

    “It is now for Russia to show its willingness to achieve peace,” said the representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, adding:  “There can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine, and no negotiations that affect European security without Europe.”  Finland’s delegate, speaking also for Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, echoed that, also expressing concern that limited humanitarian access makes it hard for humanitarian workers to deliver life-saving aid — especially in front-line areas.

    “A ceasefire seems not to be enough,” observed Greece’s delegate, adding that peace should only be possible “with credible and robust security guarantees, which will deter and prevent the recurrence of war in the future”.  Any peace must be more than a mere pause that allows the aggressor to rearm and strike again — as it has done before — Poland’s delegate underscored.  “We must have enduring peace in Ukraine,” stressed the representative of the United Kingdom, adding that, until Moscow’s forces withdraw from Ukraine, “the United Kingdom will continue to work with Kyiv to achieve a just and lasting peace”.

    Meanwhile, the representative of the Republic of Korea said that interviews with soldiers from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea captured in Kursk show men deceived and told they were being sent to Moscow for training.  “Pyongyang must stop sacrificing its own people to sustain the regime in exchange for military, political and economic support from Moscow,” he stressed.

    The representative of Denmark, Council President for March, spoke in her national capacity to describe the latest report by the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine as a “grim catalogue of crimes against humanity” perpetrated by the Russian Federation’s forces against civilians.  Lithuania’s delegate, also speaking for Estonia and Latvia, drew attention to the 4,000 cases against the Russian Federation in the European Court of Human Rights, all related to events in Crimea, Donbas and the wider war against Ukraine.

    Russian Federation, Ukraine Acknowledge Limited Ceasefire Agreements while Expressing Reservations

    For his part, the representative of the Russian Federation said that the European Union and the United Kingdom are trying to thwart efforts by his country and the United States to settle the Ukrainian crisis.  He went on to say that Moscow’s air forces target only military sites, and that civilian casualties in Ukraine occur because Kyiv stores ammunition in residential areas.  He also stated that Ukraine’s European supporters ignore the crimes committed by Kyiv, reiterating that Moscow’s military operation started three years ago to end the war being waged on fellow Russians.

    Regarding the agreement concerning the Black Sea, he said that this will go into effect only after a series of measures are adopted — including the lifting of sanctions against some Russian Federation banks.  And while agreement has been reached to ban strikes on energy sites both in Ukraine and in the Russian Federation, Kyiv continues to violate that agreement.  “The Russian Federation reserves the right to respond should the Kyiv regime continue on this destructive course,” he emphasized.

    Further, he asked those present if they would prefer to either continue providing weapons to “private-military-company Ukraine”, or to join the Russian Federation and the United States to “find a long-term solution that would address the root causes of the Ukraine crisis and strengthen security in Europe and the world over”.

    “Moscow speaks of peace while launching brutal strikes almost daily on densely populated residential areas” in her country, Ukraine’s delegate said, adding that the Russian Federation launched — in the first half of March alone — hundreds of strikes against her people, using approximately 2,800 guided aerial bombs, nearly 2,000 attack drones and over 100 missiles of various types.  Moscow has also sought to block Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea, forcibly transferred Ukrainian children to its territory and that of Belarus, and made use of munitions containing hazardous chemicals.

    While welcoming the United States’ mediation and Saudi Arabia’s hospitality, and reaffirming her country’s commitment to peace, she underscored:  “We won’t accept peace at any price.”  Ukraine will not recognize any of its temporarily occupied territories as belonging to the Russian Federation, and Kyiv will not agree to any foreign diktat regarding the structure or other characteristics of its defence forces.

    While Ukraine has agreed to a ceasefire regarding energy facilities and in the Black Sea, she warned that this does not extend to Russian Federation warships that enter Ukraine’s territorial waters.  “Everyone should focus on Russian actions, not their statements,” she urged, noting that the coming days will be critical in determining “whether Russia is serious about peace or intends to deceive the United States and the world”.

    Nevertheless, Speakers Point to Path towards Peace

    “The war must end now,” the representative of the United States stressed, as she commended both the Russian Federation and Ukraine for taking the first steps towards a ceasefire.  If fully implemented, the agreements concerning energy infrastructure and the Black Sea will open a path towards peace.  “We call on both sides to abide by these agreements and expand on them,” she said.

    Some speakers expressed optimism about the talks under way in Riyadh.  “A window of peace is opening,” said China’s delegate, welcoming recent negotiations that the Russian Federation and Ukraine have had bilaterally with the United States.  Positive progress was made on numerous issues, he said.  Algeria’s delegate, welcoming progress, as well, added that a lasting peace must consider the legitimate concerns of both parties.  The representative of Panama, noting that maritime security is fundamental to his country, expressed optimism about the steps towards a cessation of hostilities in the Black Sea.

    Similarly, the representative of Somalia said that the agreement to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea represents a practical step towards reducing tensions and protecting vital economic infrastructure.  The recent breakthrough is “creating tangible momentum towards de-escalation”, he said.  “Even as we celebrate the modest breakthroughs,” Guyana’s delegate warned that the slightest misstep could doom millions of civilians to even more bombardment and displacement.  Sierra Leone’s representative observed that “cautious hope has begun to emerge”, but highlighted the severe impact already had on children — trauma from constant shelling, loss of loved ones, displacement and abduction.

    “Even when bombings subside, the scars of war remain,” said the Permanent Observer for the Sovereign Order of Malta, pointing to the need for psychological support for those affected by war-related trauma.  Ukraine’s health system will need restoring, he said, adding that it is also crucial to facilitate the safe and dignified return of displaced families.  “The land must be restored and made habitable,” he added, as the detritus of war is cleared away.

    Quoting Pope Francis, he asked those present:  “Can we get out of this spiral of sorrow and death?  Can we once more walk and live in the ways of peace?  I would like for each one of us — from the least to the greatest, including those who are called to govern nations — to respond in one voice: ‘Yes, we want peace.’”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Newburyport Man Pleads Guilty to Scheme to Defraud Home Repair Insurance Provider

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Newburyport man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to defrauding a home repair insurance provider by billing for purported repair jobs that never were performed.

    Christian Decristofaro, 40, pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for June 23, 2025. In October 2024, Decristofaro was arrested and charged by criminal complaint.

    According to the charging documents, Decristofaro caused NE Premier Home Services LLC (NE Premier) – a purported home repair company he controlled – to enroll as a contractor with a home repair insurance provider (the victim). Decristofaro used false identities to enroll non-existent homeowners in insurance plans with the victim insurance provider. Decristofaro then reported fictitious home emergencies to the victim on behalf of the purported homeowners and requested that NE Premier be assigned to perform the repairs. He then caused NE Premier to bill the victim insurance provider for the repair jobs, even though there was no repair work done. As a result of these fraudulent billings, between approximately October 2020 and June 2023, the victim insurance provider paid NE Premier approximately $2,196,323 for services that NE Premier had not rendered.

    The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, restitution and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan C. Cleary and Leslie A. Wright of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Memphis Man Sentenced to 22 Years of Federal Imprisonment for Drug Distribution and Possession of Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Memphis, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Claibon Burrus, 51, of Memphis, to 260 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute drugs and possession of firearms. Reagan Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

    According to the information presented in court, on January 19, 2021, detectives with the Memphis Police Department served a search warrant at a residence in Memphis, Tennessee pursuant to an overdose death investigation. They discovered that Burrus was in possession of large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana. He was also in possession of multiple firearms. He admitted to officers he was engaging in drug distribution. Following Burrus’s arrest, he directed other individuals to move additional drugs and firearms from storage units he rented to avoid seizure by law enforcement.

    In July 2024, Burrus pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. On March 25, 2025, United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr. sentenced Burrus to 260 months of federal imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was investigated by detectives with the Memphis Police Department Heroin/Opioid Response Team and Organized Crime Unit (OCU).

    Acting United States Attorney Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Musselwhite and Greg Allen, who prosecuted this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case.

    ###

    For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Final Member of Multi-State Poly-Drug Conspiracy Sentenced

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jackson, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Anthony Hines, 46, of Memphis, TN, to over ten years in federal prison for his role in an organized drug trafficking scheme in West Tennessee. Hines was the final defendant of multi-defendant and multi-state drug conspiracy.  Reagan Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. 

    According to the evidence presented in court, in early 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with the Henry County Metro Narcotics task force, began an investigation into the illegal distribution of narcotics in the Western District of Tennessee.  The investigation revealed that Terry Smith, 38, of Memphis, arranged for large quantities of methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl to be shipped into the West Tennessee. Smith used contraband cellular devices from Texas, Arizona, and California to arrange the shipments.  The drugs were delivered for redistribution by Smith’s network of co-conspirators, including Hines, in locations that ranged from Western Kentucky to Northwest Mississippi. 

    Ultimately, law enforcement agents determined that Smith and his co-conspirators were responsible for distributing approximately 119 pounds of methamphetamine, 10,000 fentanyl pills, 20 ounces of heroin/fentanyl mix, 2 ounces of fentanyl and 40 pounds of marijuana throughout West Tennessee and surrounding areas.  Agents physically seized a total of 17.24 kilograms of actual methamphetamine, 141.76 grams of marijuana, 68.645 grams of Heroin/Fentanyl mixture and 10.845 grams of Fentanyl. 

    On May 15, 2023, Hines pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.  On March 24, 2025, United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Hines to 125 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.  There is no parole in the federal system.  

    The following co-conspirators have already pled guilty and have been sentenced: 

    • Terry Smith, 38, of Memphis, Tennessee: 240 months and a 5-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.
    • Rodney Ayers, 51, of Memphis, Tennessee: 180 months and a 5-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.
    • James Dumas, 49, of Lansing, Michigan: 150 months and a 5-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.
    • Kayla Henderson, 31, of Memphis, Tennessee: 80 months and a 5-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.
    • Dustin Chambers, 38, of Jackson, Tennessee: 120 months and a 5-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.
    • Horace McNeary, 37, of Paris, Tennessee: 130 months and a 5-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.
    • Brianna Norsworthy, 25, of Murray, Kentucky: 110 months and a 5-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, as well as possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
    • Jessica Vestal, 34, of Hendersonville, Tennessee: 80 months and a 5-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, as well as possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
    • Michael Broady, 51, of Memphis, Tennessee: a time served period of 13 months and a 3-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.
    • Jermichael Buggs, 37, of Grand Junction, Tennessee: 84 months and a 3-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.
    • Christopher Hamilton, 49, of Memphis, Tennessee: 60 months and a 4-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.
    • Teddy Reed, 43, of Memphis, Tennessee: 63 moths and a 4-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
    • Aerielle Coleman, 34, of Memphis, Tennessee: 30 months and a 2-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
    • Danielle Cunningham, 38, of Memphis, Tennessee: time served and a 3-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
    • Tracy Coleman, 50, of Memphis, Tennessee: a time served period of 18 months and a 2-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute marijuana
    • Johnnie McGhee, 51, of Olive Branch, Mississippi: 60 days and a 2-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute marijuana.  

    This investigation was conducted as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational 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.

    The DEA; West Tennessee Drug Task Force; Jackson Police Department; Jackson-Madison County Metro-Narcotics; Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Paris, Tennessee Police Department; Henry County Sheriff’s Department; Murray, Kentucky Police Department; Kentucky State Police; Arkansas State Police; and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Davis and Hillary Parham, who prosecuted this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case.

    ###

    For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Starkville Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Violating Federal Firearms Laws

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Greenville, MS – A Starkville man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for violation of federal firearms laws.

    According to court documents, Antonio Johnson, 49, pled guilty to possession of one or more firearms by a previously convicted felon as well as possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Johnson today to 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Johnson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following sentencing.

    “The public has every right to expect repeat offenders to receive significant sentences, and this defendant will now have 10 years in a federal prison to reconsider his actions,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “AUSA Robert Mims and our partners at the FBI, ATF and Starkville Police Department worked seamlessly to bring justice to an individual who earned every day of this sentence.”

    “Protecting the safety of our communities is one of the cornerstones of what ATF seeks to accomplish every day,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “To convicted felons and others making our streets unsafe with gun violence and drugs – law enforcement is here. No matter how long it takes, we will investigate, arrest, prosecute and ensure you are held accountable for your actions.”

    “Mr. Johnson’s sentencing demonstrates a steadfast commitment of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to protect the public from those individuals who illegally possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes,” stated FBI Jackson Field Office Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff. “Criminals possessing and using firearms in the commission of any crime are threats to our communities, for those who seek to threaten and intimidate Mississippians through these egregious crimes will be aggressively pursued by the FBI and brought to justice.  We will continue our collective efforts through the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, to reduce violent crime and gun violence in our communities across Mississippi.”

    “Strong convictions matter; they have a lasting impact and require hard work,” said Chief Mark Ballard of the Starkville Police Department. “Our community is safer as a result of these agencies’ efforts. On behalf of the Starkville Police Department, we are very thankful for our working relationship with FBI Jackson, the ATF New Orleans, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi.”

    This case was investigated by the FBI, the Starkville Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Mims prosecuted the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hot Springs Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOT SPRINGS – An Arkansas man was sentenced yesterday to 144 months in Federal Prison for Possession of More Than 50 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute.  The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing, which took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.

    According to court records, on April 24, 2023, Alton Scott Moody, age 61, of Hot Springs, was stopped by Hot Springs Police Department Officers for a traffic infraction.  Officers recognized Moody and knew that he was on active felony parole supervision through the Arkansas Department of Correction.  Ultimately, Moody was found to be in possession of 242.8 grams of pure methamphetamine.

    On July 8, 2024, Moody pleaded guilty to Possession of More Than 50 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. 

    United States Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.

    The 18th East Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Little Rock Field Office, investigated the case.

    Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Achorn prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.  

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Security Minister observes counter-terrorism exercise in Wales

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Security Minister observes counter-terrorism exercise in Wales

    Meeting emergency responders at a counter-terrorism training exercise in Wales, the Security Minister praised their collaboration to keep the public safe.

    The Security Minister re-emphasised the need for close working between national and devolved emergency services and responders to minimise the impact of a terrorist attack in Wales, during a visit to Swansea to observe a multi-agency counter-terrorism exercise on Wednesday (26 April).

    At the exercise at Swansea.com Stadium, he was able to watch emergency responders in Wales, including the police, fire and rescue, ambulance and other responder organisations, test their preparedness for a large-scale attack and ensure they work effectively together to keep the public safe.

    Thanking all those taking part in the exercise for their unwavering commitment to protecting the public, the Security Minister gave a speech to participants, to say that responding to an incident with mass fatalities successfully depends on trust, close working and collaboration between multiple agencies.

    Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:

    It was an immense privilege to witness the dedicated work of the emergency services and responder organisations and their unwavering commitment to keeping the people of Wales safe.

    National security is the foundation of our Plan for Change. This essential training ensures we are prepared for every eventuality and in the best position to save lives and protect our communities.

    It comes after the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill completed its final parliamentary stage this week ahead of Royal Assent. This new legislation will ensure venues across the UK – which will include premises such as sports stadiums – consider the security of the public and take steps to protect them from harm.

    The new law is better known as Martyn’s Law in memory of Martyn Hett, who tragically lost his life alongside 21 others in the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack.

    Wednesday’s exercise also sought to test the stadium’s internal contingency response plans. Under the Bill, qualifying premises like Swansea.com Stadium will be required to plan how best to respond to a terrorist attack.

    The exercise was part of a routine training exercise between the police, including Counter Terrorism Policing Wales and South Wales Police; and other services, such as the South Wales Fire and Rescue service, health and social care, and the Welsh Government; which work together in partnership to respond to and mitigate the impacts of incidents of this nature.

    The various agencies taking part were able to practice the application of the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP) which are widely acknowledged as critical to the success of a response to an incident and are the adopted principles for multi-agency working across the UK.

    The Security Minister also visited the Senedd in Cardiff where he met with the First Minister of Wales to discuss strengthening national security in Wales and remaining prepared for terrorist attacks.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Acting U.S. Attorney Announces $5 Million False Claims Act Settlement With Providers Of Programs For Adults With Developmental Disabilities

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Community Options, Inc. and New York Affiliate Admit Billing Medicaid for Services Without Accurate and Adequate Supporting Documentation and Failing to Report and Return Overpayments to Medicaid

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Naomi Gruchacz, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”), announced today that the United States has filed and simultaneously settled a civil fraud lawsuit against COMMUNITY OPTIONS, INC. (“COI”) and COMMUNITY OPTIONS NEW YORK, INC. (“CONY”, and together with COI, the “Defendants” or “Community Options”).

    CONY is a New York not-for-profit corporation that, among other things, operates a network of residential and non-residential facilities and programs for adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities throughout the State of New York. As part of its operations, CONY provides Day Habilitation services—which are programs intended to help adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities improve their independence and skills in daily activities. COI is a New Jersey not-for-profit corporation that, among other things, oversees CONY’s operations in New York and provides administrative support, including a centralized billing team that handles CONY’s submission of claims for reimbursement to the New York Medicaid Program. The settlement resolves claims that the Defendants fraudulently billed Medicaid by submitting claims for Day Habilitation services that did not meet applicable requirements, and improperly avoiding the return of overpayments received from the Medicaid program for Day Habilitation services that failed to meet those requirements.

    Under the settlement agreement approved today by U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni, the Defendants will pay the U.S. $2,148,540.37 and have admitted and accepted responsibility for certain conduct alleged in the Complaint as further described below. The Defendants have also agreed to pay $2,868,085.74 to the State of New York to resolve the State of New York’s claims, for a total recovery of $5,016,626.11.

    In connection with the settlement agreement, the Defendants have also entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with HHS-OIG. The Corporate Integrity Agreement requires that the Defendants maintain a compliance program designed to foster adherence to federal health care program requirements and thereby protect the programs, and that they engage an independent organization to review claims they submit to Medicaid to ensure they comply with applicable requirements.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Community Options billed Medicaid for services that failed to meet program requirements and retained potential overpayments received from Medicaid when it had an obligation to report and return those funds. Community Options has now admitted and accepted responsibility for its conduct. This Office will continue to ensure that our most vulnerable New Yorkers receive the services they deserve, and that our federal health care programs are protected against fraud and abuse.”

    HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz said: “Individuals and entities that participate in the federal healthcare system are required to obey the laws meant to preserve the integrity of program funds and the provision of appropriate services to patients. The settlement in this case involves a provider that is responsible for a vulnerable population, for which it should be prioritizing quality services.”

    As alleged in the Complaint filed in Manhattan federal court:

    In order to receive payment from the New York Medicaid Program for the provision of Day Habilitation services, COI was required to ensure that such services were delivered and documented in compliance with applicable program requirements promulgated by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (the “OPWDD Requirements”).

    However, between January 1, 2017, and September 13, 2024, (the “Relevant Period”), COI failed to maintain adequate policies concerning the provision and documentation of Day Habilitation services consistent with the OPWDD Requirements and failed to adequately train their employees on compliance with the OPWDD Requirements. As a result, COI’s employees failed to document CONY’s provision of Day Habilitation services in accordance with the OPWDD requirements.

    COI understood that they were prohibited from submitting claims for reimbursement to New York’s Medicaid program for Day Habilitation services if the OPWDD Requirements were not met. Nonetheless, COI frequently submitted claims to Medicaid for Day Habilitation services that did not meet these requirements.

    COI further understood that, as a provider of services under New York’s Medicaid Program, they were required to report and return identified overpayments to the New York Medicaid Program. During the Relevant Period, COI conducted non-routine reviews that identified their receipt and retention of Medicaid overpayments associated with Day Habilitation services. Nevertheless, COI failed to report and return those overpayments to the New York Medicaid Program.

    As part of the settlement, the Defendants admitted and accepted responsibility for certain conduct alleged by the U.S., including the following:

    • In order to receive payment from the New York Medicaid Program for the provision of Day Habilitation services, the Defendants were required to ensure that such services were delivered and documented in compliance with the OPWDD Requirements.
    • During the Relevant Period, the Defendants failed to maintain adequate policies concerning the provision and documentation of Day Habilitation services consistent with the OPWDD Requirements and failed to adequately train their employees on compliance with the OPWDD Requirements. As a result, the Defendants’ employees failed to document CONY’s provision of Day Habilitation services in accordance with the OPWDD Requirements.
    • Nonetheless, the Defendants submitted claims for, and received, reimbursement from the New York Medicaid Program for Day Habilitation services that did not meet OPWDD Requirements.
    • CONY was required to report and return overpayments associated with Day Habilitation services that did not meet the OPWDD Requirements to the New York Medicaid Program. Nonetheless, when the Defendants conducted non-routine reviews that identified their receipt and retention of overpayments associated with Day Habilitation services, they failed to report and return those overpayments to the New York Medicaid Program. 

    In connection with the filing of the lawsuit and settlement, the Government joined a private whistleblower lawsuit that had been filed under seal pursuant to the False Claims Act.

    *                *                *

    Mr. Podolsky thanked both HHS-OIG for its investigative efforts and assistance with the case, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at the New York State Attorney General’s Office for its collaboration in the resolution of this case.

    The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Frauds Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Farber is in charge of the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Tammany Man Sentenced For Threatening Federal Employee

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOHN JOSEPH KEIPER, JR. (“KEIPER”), age 57, a resident of Lacombe, La., was sentenced on March 18, 2025, by United States District Judge Brandon S. Long, after previously pleading guilty to threatening a federal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 115(a)(1)(B), announced Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson .

    KEIPER was sentenced to 17 months’ imprisonment, to run consecutive with any sentence that may be imposed in any other State case.  Judge Long also ordered a 3-year term of supervised release following KEIPER’s release from prison.  Additionally, KEIPER was ordered to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

    According to the indictment, KEIPER threatened to assault a Social Security Administration (SSA) employee.  On November 6, 2023, KEIPER placed a phone call to the SSA office.  During the call, KEIPER became irate, disruptive, and threatened SSA employees in the Lacombe, La. office.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crime Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ellensburg Sex Offender Sentenced to Federal Prison for Downloading Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker announced that Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Aaron Edger Dollarhide, age 39, of Ellensburg, Washington, to 180 months in prison on one count of Receipt of Child Pornography, after a prior conviction for a similar offense. Chief Judge Bastian also imposed 5 years of supervised release.

    According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on January 19, 2022, Homeland Security Investigation agents and Ellensburg police officers served a search warrant at Dollarhide’s Ellensburg home. Agents seized Dollarhide’s phone pursuant to that warrant.

    Investigators completed a forensic review of Dollarhide’s phone and learned that on January 18, 2022, Dollarhide had downloaded a folder of digital files containing child sexual abuse material. Investigators also located 687 additional videos on the phone depicting children being sexually abused.

    Ten years earlier, in 2012, Dollarhide had been sentenced to prison following a conviction for Second Degree Child Molestation in Yakima County Superior Court.

    “Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and holding individuals accountable for exploiting children,” said Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker. “Mr. Dollarhide’s actions of repeatedly downloading and possessing child pornography, despite a prior conviction for molesting a child, demonstrate a disturbing disregard for the safety and well-being of children. Our office will continue to pursue and prosecute those who exploit children, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that those who do harm young children will face the full consequences of their actions.”

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy.

    1:22-cr-02024-SAB

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Felipe De Jesus Zavala Medel falsely represented that his name was Johny Joe Olivo & that he was born in Texas

    BANGOR, Maine: A Mexican national pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to making a false statement to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent.

    According to court records, in January 2025, Felipe De Jesus Zavala Medel, 64, approached the Coburn Gore port of entry in a vehicle from the Canadian side of the international border and presented a North Dakota driver’s license in the name of “Johny Joe Olivo” along with identifying documents to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent. Zavala Medel falsely told the agent he was born in Texas. He also completed and signed a Customs Declaration form containing the false information. During questioning, he admitted that he did not have any documents that allowed him to legally enter, reside, or work in the U.S.

    Zavala Medel faces a maximum prison term of five years and a fine up to $250,000. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    CBP and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tips to NCMEC CyberTipline Lead to Guilty Plea from Lewiston Man for Possessing, Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Devices seized from Harold Clayton III contained images/videos of toddlers, young children being sexually abused

    PORTLAND, Maine: A Lewiston man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material.

    According to court records, in June 2022, the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit (MSPCCU) received two CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and traced the identified phone number to Harold Clayton III, 35. In September 2022, MSPCCU and the Lewiston Police Department executed a search warrant at Clayton’s residence. A cell phone and laptop seized from the residence contained multiple images and videos of children, some as young as toddlers, being sexually abused by adult men. The cell phone also contained Telegram Messenger communications in which Clayton distributed such images and videos.

    Clayton faces 5–20 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the distribution of child pornography charge and up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 on the possession charge. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and MSPCCU investigated the case with assistance from the Lewiston Police Department.

    To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child sexual abuse material: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as “child pornography” – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.

    Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Statement On The National Security Failures Of Senior Members Of The Trump Administration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    March 26, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement regarding senior members of the Trump administration discussing classified military operations via unsecured text chains, which jeopardizes our national security and endangers the lives of American service members:

    “It is outrageous to suggest that what was shared on this Signal text chain was not classified material. We are talking about an attack on another country and the possible endangerment of the men and women in the United States’ military. This is a serious life and death matter and should be treated as such.

    “I believe that DNI Director Gabbard and CIA Director Ratcliffe intentionally misled Congress yesterday in trying to make us believe that this was a casual conversation. This was a war plan, and American lives were at risk. We should deal with it in that seriousness.

    “This matter must be investigated by the Department of Justice. To dismiss it, as the President tried yesterday, is incredible and not fair to our men and women in uniform.”

    This morning, Durbin joined U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and top Senate Democrats on national security committees in sending a letter to President Trump for answers after The Atlantic revealed that an unsecured text chain with at least 18 senior-level Trump administration officials was used to coordinate and share classified information about sensitive military planning and operations.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: March 26th, 2025 Two New Mexico lawmakers get good grades in congressional report card

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Sen. Martin Heinrich was more effective than the average senator and Rep. Gabe Vasquez exceeded expectations as a freshman lawmaker during the 118th Congress, according to a report from the nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking released Tuesday.

    The CEL ranks every member of Congress based on 15 metrics, including how far their bills make it in the legislative process and how substantive those bills are. New Mexico’s congressional delegation was especially effective on issues related to public lands and Native Americans. While the number of stand-alone bills have decreased, there is a notable increase in bills being added to larger omnibus legislation, said CEL Co-Director Alan Wiseman.

    “The level of lawmaking that’s occurred across time has been relatively consistent. It’s just happening behind the scenes, so to speak, with members working with each other to compromise,” Wiseman said.

    CEL grades lawmakers by the categories of exceeds expectations, meets expectations or does not meet expectations based on how they to compare to lawmakers with similar experience and status.

    Senators up for reelection are among the most effective lawmakers in the Senate, the report found. Heinrich was in a high-profile Senate race last year, which he won by a 10-point margin. He ranked the 11th most effective Democratic senator out of 51. He was most effective on issues related to public lands, Native Americans and agriculture.

    Heinrich introduced 62 substantive bills, three of which passed the Senate and two of which became law, according to the CEL report. One of those bills was the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act, which created a pilot program meant to make mine cleanup easier. One commemorative bill he sponsored with Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., also became law. It designated the Department of Veterans Affairs in Gallup the Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura VA Clinic after the Medal of Honor winner. Commemorative bills are weighted less heavily in the report.

    Twelve first-term House representatives exceeded expectations, including Vasquez. The 12 lawmakers may set “the agendas of the Democratic and Republican parties in the future,” the report says. The list also includes Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz. Vasquez and Ciscomani launched the Southwest Caucus in 2023 to advocate for issues like economic development, international trade, border security and conserving public lands.

    “While we see a loss of lawmaking capacity as those on our lists of high performers leave Congress, there are also bright spots of newly elected members bringing new ideas and high levels of legislative skill toward the advancement of policy solutions,” the report says.

    Vasquez ranked the 50th most effective Democratic member of the House, out of 220. He was most effective on issues related to defense, Native Americans and public lands, according to the CEL report. Vasquez introduced 26 substantive bills, one of which became law. While none of the bills Vasquez sponsored passed into law as stand-alone bills, the report also considers bill text included in larger omnibus bills. Vasquez’s Rural Installation Job Protection Act, which requires the Defense Department to notify Congress before canceling contracts that impact 50 or more jobs at rural military installations, was included in the December National Defense Authorization Act.

    The rest of the state’s congressional delegation met expectations. Luján was ranked the 38th most effective Democrat in the Senate. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández was ranked the 66th most effective Democrat in the House, and Rep. Melanie Stansbury ranked 144. Leger Fernández was 16 times more effective on issues related to Native Americans than the average House Democrat. She introduced eight bills related to Native Americans, five of which had action in committee, according to the report. None passed.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Hungary’s latest attack on LGBTIQ people: a ban on Pride marches in Hungary – E-001162/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001162/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Alice Kuhnke (Verts/ALE)

    On 17 March 2025, members of the ruling coalition in Hungary submitted a bill to the Hungarian Parliament that would ban Budapest Pride, as well as other Pride marches in Hungary, and allow authorities to use facial recognition software to identify those participating in the marches.

    The bill, passed on 18 March, will significantly exacerbate the repression and marginalisation of the Hungarian LGBTIQ community that has resulted from the so-called ‘child protection law’, and constitutes a blatant violation of EU law, in particular the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union.

    The Commission, joined by 16 Member States, has already brought Hungary before the Court of Justice of the EU in ongoing infringement proceedings over the anti-LGBTIQ legislation introduced in 2021. It is now urgent that the Commission take measures to ensure the bill is suspended, so that Hungary’s queer community and their allies can march freely and safely on 28 June, as is their fundamental right.

    • 1.Will the Commission take action to have the bill suspended?
    • 2.In response to the bill, will the Commission consider the possibility of an additional freeze on EU funds for Hungary?
    • 3.What further measures will the Commission take to ensure the safety, freedom and rights of the LGBTIQ community in Hungary?

    Submitted: 19.3.2025

    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Insurance market in Ireland – P-000194/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The case-law of the Court of Justice confirms the principle of freedom to set rates in the non-life insurance sector.[1] In accordance with this case-law, this does not preclude national measures liable to have effects on the rates.

    It is the responsibility of the national competent authorities to supervise insurance undertakings, including ensuring that these undertakings comply with their obligations under the applicable national laws, taking into account all relevant factual and legal circumstances of each case.

    The Commission may intervene only in cases where a breach of EU law has been identified. At this stage, the Commission is not aware of any such instance.

    • [1] See, to that effect, the judgment of the Court of Justice of 7 March 2013, C-577/11, paragraphs 21 and 22.
    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – ‘Men Having Babies’ surrogacy conference – E-002599/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission remains committed to upholding children’s and women’s rights within the framework of its competences. Substantive family law, such as rules on the definition of family and on surrogacy, falls within the competence of the Member States. Each Member State therefore decides its position as regards surrogacy.

    EU law already requires Member States to recognise the parenthood of children as established in another Member State for the purposes of children’s rights derived from EU law, such as the rights to enter or reside in another Member State[1].

    Based on Article 81(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Commission adopted a proposal[2] on the recognition of parenthood between Member States to protect all children’s rights, including children’s rights derived from national law, such as the rights to inheritance and maintenance. Negotiations in the Council on the proposed legislation — which requires adoption by unanimity — are ongoing.

    Given that, under international[3] and EU law[4], all children have the same rights, the Commission proposal covers the recognition of parenthood established in a Member State irrespective of how the child was conceived or born, and irrespective of the child’s type of family.

    The proposal thus includes the recognition of the parenthood of children born abroad through surrogacy, provided the parenthood has been established in a Member State.

    The exploitation of surrogacy, among others, is included as a form of exploitation in the Anti-Trafficking Directive, modified by Directive (EU) 2024/1712 of 13 June 2024[5].

    It targets those who coerce or deceive women into acting as surrogate mothers, without prejudice to the national rules on surrogacy, including criminal law or family law.

    • [1] This was confirmed, including as regards children with same-sex parents, by the Court of Justice in its judgment of 14 December 2021 in the VMA case (C-490/20).
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52022PC0695, 7 December 2022, COM(2022) 695.
    • [3] In particular the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children (UNCRC) and the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR).
    • [4] Including the EU Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.
    • [5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1712/oj

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Measures to combat domestic violence and protect children – E-002802/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Both Directive (EU) 2024/1385[1] and the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention[2] consider children who have witnessed domestic violence as victims of said violence themselves.

    Specific requirements of protection and support under both instruments include specialised, age-appropriate medical and psychosocial care, as well as child-sensitive provision of shelters.

    The directive requires Member States to ensure that authorities have access to relevant information when assessing the best interests of the child in civil proceedings concerning them, though decisions on parental custody lie with Member States, and to take the risk of child abuse when assessing the victims’ protection needs[3].

    In case an offender has rights of access, Member States must create safe spaces where such access can take place, under the supervision of trained professionals, where appropriate.

    The recommendation on integrated child protection systems[4] calls on Member States to set up special support and early intervention programmes for child victims, their family and other caregivers as soon as the competent authorities have any indication of violence.

    The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV)[5] programme funds activities such as the establishment of help centres and child helplines[6], improving accessibility of services for victims of gender-based violence and domestic violence, training for professionals and exchanges of best practices at EU level.

    The Justice Programme[7] also supports the protection of children through child-friendly justice by strengthening capacities of specialised staff so that they are able to access child-friendly procedures[8], and raise awareness of concerned children, before, during and after judicial proceedings.

    • [1] Directive — EU — 2024/1385 — EN — EUR-Lex https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1385/oj/eng
    • [2] Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence https://rm.coe.int/168008482e
    • [3] Directive 2024/1385, Article 16(3), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1385/oj/eng
    • [4] Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1238 adopted 23 April 2024 on developing and strengthening integrated child protection systems in the best interests of the child at https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32024H1.238
    • [5] Regulation (EU) 2021/692 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1381/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (EU) No 390/2014, OJ L 156, 5 May 2021, 1-21 (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L:2021:156:TOC).
    • [6] Child Helpline International (https://childhelplineinternational.org/) funded under the CERV programme, provides mental health support to children. This support can include emotional, psychological, and sometimes legal support for children who contact the helpline.
    • [7] Regulation (EU) 2021/693 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing the Justice Programme and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1382/2013 (OJ L 156, 5.5.2021)- provides funding opportunities for stakeholders working to protect children and their rights in the area of justice.
    • [8] Under an indirect management grant under the European Commission’s justice programme to the Council of Europe, a joint European Commission and Council of Europe project will help to better protect children.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Recognition of gender apartheid – E-000022/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, the EU has been expressing concerns on the breaches of fundamental rights of Afghans, notably of women and girls, also directly with the Taliban.

    In 2023, the EU listed five Taliban individuals under the EU Global Human Rights Sanction Regime for their role in depriving Afghan girls and women of their right to education, access to justice and equal treatment between men and women[1].

    In reaction to the most recent (December 2024) restrictions ordering to suspend medical education for women and girls the European External Action Service has promptly issued a statement[2].

    Moreover, the EU is supporting all efforts aiming at strengthening the respect of human rights and accountability mechanisms, notably through United Nations’ led initiatives.

    The term ‘gender apartheid’ is not used in international law. But, the policies and practices of the Taliban may amount to gender persecution, which is recognised as a crime against humanity in accordance with Article 7 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court[3] (ICC), to which Afghanistan is a party.

    The EU has recalled this fact on several occasions, also reminding that accountability for human rights violations and abuses and violations of international law must be ensured, notably in the September 2021[4] and March 2023[5] Council conclusions.

    The ICC is an independent judicial institution established to investigate, prosecute and try individuals accused of committing the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.

    The EU does not interfere with the investigative work of the ICC, as this would violate the independence and impartiality of the court.

    • [1] The listed individuals are the acting Taliban Ministers of Higher Education and the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (March 2023) and the Taliban Ministers of Education and Justice and the acting Taliban Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Afghanistan (July 2023),
      https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L:2023:069I:FULL, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32023R1499
    • [2] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/afghanistan-statement-spokesperson-latest-restrictions-imposed-taliban-women-and-girls_en
    • [3] https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/RS-Eng.pdf
    • [4] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-11713-2021-REV-2/en/pdf
    • [5] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-7264-2023-INIT/en/pdf

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Switzerland signs Council of Europe Convention on Artificial Intelligence

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    On 27 March Federal Councillor Albert Rösti will sign the Council of Europe Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law in Strasbourg on Switzerland’s behalf. By signing the agreement, Switzerland is reaffirming its commitment to the responsible use of AI technologies in accordance with fundamental rights.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Marton

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    One person has died after a two-vehicle crash on SH1, near Marton, last night.

    Emergency services were called to the scene about 9.45pm.

    Sadly, one person died at the scene.

    Another person sustained minor injuries.

    The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene, and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man charged after indecency incidents on buses, Wellington

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A 27-year-old man has been charged following a series of offending which occurred on the Wellington public transport network.

    In early March, Police received reports relating to several incidents where a male passenger travelling on the Metlink bus network had acted in a sexually inappropriate manner, specifically directing his unwanted behaviour towards lone female passengers. This behaviour obviously caused them distress and to feel unsafe.

    Police promptly launched an investigation and as a result were able to identify, locate and arrest the offender without incident.

    Police understand these incidents can be distressing and we hope this arrest provides reassurance to large sector of the community who rely on public transport.

    Wellington Police are committed to ensuring all members of the public are safe and feel safe as they move about our community.

    Police are ensuring the victims of this offending are being provided support.

    The offender has been charged with multiple counts of performing indecent acts and is due to appear in Wellington District Court on 31 March.

    ENDS
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Dominican Republic: The fight against racism must be respected and protected by the authorities

    Source: Amnesty International –

    On 21 March, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Amnesty International calls on the Dominican authorities to comply with their international obligations to respect and guarantee the right to defend human rights without discriminating against those fighting structural racism in the country. In this regard, Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International, said:

    “The authorities must act decisively in the face of the increasing threats against those defending the human rights of Haitian migrants, Dominicans of Haitian descent affected by statelessness and Afro-descendants. Failure to do so could result in physical violence and the permanent silencing of a part of Dominican civil society.”  

    The authorities must act decisively in the face of the increasing threats against those defending the human rights of Haitian migrants, Dominicans of Haitian descent affected by statelessness and Afro-descendants. Failure to do so could result in physical violence and the permanent silencing of a part of Dominican civil society

    – Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International

    The Dominican authorities must end the anti-human rights discourse, practices, policies and decisions that sustain structural racism and have created an enabling environment for discrimination. This includes guaranteeing the right to nationality of Dominicans of Haitian descent who were made stateless in 2013 through judgment 168-13 of the Constitutional Court, and ending the racist migration policy based on the collective expulsions of Haitians and the racial profiling of black persons.

    The authorities must also refrain from making stigmatizing statements against Haitian migrants, Dominicans of Haitian descent and those who defend their rights. This includes ending denials and acknowledging the arbitrariness and human rights violations committed as part of a racist migration policy, as well as ceasing to put the blame on the Haitian migrant population for the deterioration of public services such as education and health.

    The lack of guarantees and protection measures to enable individuals to exercise their right to defend human rights, the context of attacks on defenders and an environment of structural racism result in indirect racial discrimination, as these conditions restrict access to justice for victims of racism and racial discrimination. The state has an obligation to adopt effective measures for protection, access to justice and reparation, and to cooperate with organizations to prevent racial discrimination.

    “The government’s racist policies have validated a climate of terror. In the bateyes – communities made up of Haitian migrants and Dominicans of Haitian descent – fear of migration operations is prevalent. We have received painful testimonies from people who, despite having their documentation in order, are reluctant to seek medical care or go to work because of this fear,” said Ana Piquer, Americas director for Amnesty International.

    The government’s racist policies have validated a climate of terror. In the bateyes – communities made up of Haitian migrants and Dominicans of Haitian descent – fear of migration operations is prevalent. We have received painful testimonies from people who, despite having their documentation in order, are reluctant to seek medical care or go to work because of this fear

    -Ana Piquer, Americas director for Amnesty International

    It is alarming that racist discourse has also increased in the media and on social media. This has led to a digital siege that is stigmatizing, discrediting and defamatory, and even includes threats against human rights defenders. Amnesty International has heard of cases where personal details have been published – a practice known as “doxing” –, which is not only a violation of privacy, but also a threat to the person’s physical integrity in a context of xenophobia and systemic racism. Women defenders have told Amnesty International that the messages they receive are usually misogynistic. There is at least one documented case of cyberattacks succeeding in disabling the website of a non-governmental organization.

    Since the end of last year, the Sociocultural Movement for Humanitarian and Environmental Work (MOSCTHA) and the National Commission on Human Rights reported attacks against their headquarters. The media and the Participación Ciudadana organization also reported similar incidents. As rallies that espouse and promote racist and xenophobic discourse multiply, racial justice defenders have expressed fears that the digital and verbal threats they receive may materialize into physical attacks.

    The authorities have also curtailed freedom of expression in public spaces on the basis of racial prejudice. On 8 March, police officers disrupted a public event to mark International Women’s Day because they confused a syncretic expression of Dominican national culture with a song in Creole. In addition to unjustifiably restricting the freedom of peaceful assembly of those present, their intervention constituted a violation of cultural rights based on racial stereotypes on grounds of language, reflecting the stigma against Haitian culture and those who are perceived to be allies of the Haitian population. The authorities should facilitate rather than restrict peaceful anti-discrimination events in physical public spaces, in line with the objectives stated by the organizers, and ensure that police operations are carried out free from racial bias.

    In this regard, Johanna Cilano, regional researcher for the Caribbean at Amnesty International, stated: “The government has an international obligation to protect any attack against human rights defenders, including those who oppose the Dominican Republic’s racist migration policy. Failure to do so sets a dangerous precedent for the freedom of expression of anyone in the country.”

    The government has an international obligation to protect any attack against human rights defenders, including those who oppose the Dominican Republic’s racist migration policy. Failure to do so sets a dangerous precedent for the freedom of expression of anyone in the country

    – Johanna Cilano, regional researcher for the Caribbean at Amnesty International

    Finally, these threats and attacks against human rights defenders must be investigated independently and impartially without discrimination, including an investigation into possible discriminatory motives. Only if the state acts, provides preventive protection measures and condemns these actions will there be any guarantee that they will not happen again. Amnesty International has received information regarding complaints lodged with the Attorney General’s Office and the National Police, which are allegedly not being investigated with due diligence, and progress whereon would depend solely on the efforts of the defenders involved.

    “President Abinader has the opportunity to take concrete steps to strengthen respect for critical voices and ensure an environment in which the defence of racial justice is protected. Moving in this direction would not only reaffirm the country’s commitment to human rights but would also prevent these violations from becoming normalized and affecting any individual who expresses views that differ from those who promote discrimination,” said Ana Piquer.

    President Abinader has the opportunity to take concrete steps to strengthen respect for critical voices and ensure an environment in which the defence of racial justice is protected. Moving in this direction would not only reaffirm the country’s commitment to human rights but would also prevent these violations from becoming normalized and affecting any individual who expresses views that differ from those who promote discrimination

    – Ana Piquer, Americas director for Amnesty International.

    Amnesty International urges the government of the Dominican Republic to adopt urgent and enhanced measures to guarantee the right to defend human rights without discrimination, especially for those fighting racial discrimination.

    MIL OSI NGO –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Pakistan: Opaque ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’ targeting Afghan refugees must be withdrawn 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The Pakistani government’s plans to arbitrarily and forcibly expel Afghan nationals, including refugees and asylum seekers, as part of the opaque ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’ will only add to their plight, Amnesty International said today, ahead of the authorities’ 31 March deadline to oust Afghan nationals from the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The exact content of the Pakistan government’s ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’ used for deportations has never been made public, but it comes amid a campaign to wrongfully demonize Afghan nationals as so-called criminals and terrorists.  

    “The Pakistani government’s unyielding and cruel deadline, which is less than a week away, to remove Afghan refugees and asylum seekers from two major cities, resulting in deportation of many at risk, shows little respect for international human rights law, particularly the principle of non-refoulement. The opaque executive orders contravene the government’s own promises and repeated calls by human rights organizations to uphold the rights of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers,” said Isabelle Lassée, deputy regional director for South Asia at Amnesty International. 

    “It is disingenuous to frame Afghan refugees as a menace to the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The Government of Pakistan is only making a scapegoat of a community that has long been disenfranchised and fleeing persecution.” 

    It is disingenuous to frame Afghan refugees as a menace to the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The Government of Pakistan is only making a scapegoat of a community that has long been disenfranchised and fleeing persecution.

    Isabelle Lassée, Deputy regional director for South Asia at Amnesty International

    Risk of relocations and deportations 

    According to a government notification dated 29 January 2025, reviewed by Amnesty International, all Afghan nationals are required to leave the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi by 31 March —some due to be relocated to other cities within Pakistan and others to be deported back to Afghanistan.  

    Those holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, issued by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), are to be moved outside Islamabad and Rawalpindi by the deadline. Speaking to Amnesty, human rights lawyer Moniza Kakar pointed out that forcing Afghan refugees to relocate even within Pakistan is devastating for families. “Many PoR card holders are people who’ve been here for decades, asking them to relocate means you’re asking them to leave homes, businesses, communities and lives they’ve built for years,” she said. 

    Meanwhile, Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders are to be immediately and unlawfully deported to Afghanistan, along with other undocumented refugees and asylum seekers, in violation of the principle of non-refoulement as set out in international human rights law. Afghan refugees due to be resettled in a third country will also be moved outside the cities, far from foreign missions who had promised visas and travel documents, and risk deportation due to the increased difficulty in coordinating their relocation with missions such as the United States. 

    Lawyer Umer Gillani, who has challenged the government’s decision to deport refugees at the Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court, said that “the official notification [for the 31 March deadline] has not been issued under any particular law, it is just an executive instruction. This is not just against fundamental rights, but also against plain black letter law.” 

    Demonization campaign amid conflicting directives 

    While the government has largely failed to give any rationale for its hardline stance against Afghan refugees and those seeking asylum, calls for their deportation have been frequently accompanied by the portrayal of refugees as ‘traitors’, terrorists, drug peddlers, and criminals by Pakistani media. “A significant portion of those involved in criminal and terrorist activities are among these illegal immigrants,” said Pakistan’s then interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar in November 2023. This signaling has been used as a pretext to impose restrictions on Afghan refugees and asylum seekers, leading to widespread discrimination and harassment, amongst numerous conflicting directives from government officials. 

    In January 2025, Minister of Interior, Moshin Naqvi, announced that no Afghan refugees would be allowed to stay in Islamabad without a no-objection certificate (NOC) – a notoriously difficult document to obtain. He gave no explanation for the legal basis of this requirement. Shortly afterwards, Amnesty International noted a surge in arbitrary detentions at the start of the year and 986 deportations were recorded in January by UN International Organization for Migration.  

    In another notification dated 7 March 2025, the Ministry of Interior again stepped-up pressure on Afghan refugees and asylum seekers, urging all “illegal foreigners” and ACC holders to “leave Pakistan voluntarily before 31 March 2025”. The notification was removed from the ministry’s website within hours, but a copy of the text was reproduced on the Joint Action Committee for Refugees (JAC-R) website which has also documented similar eviction notices beyond the capital’s twin cities.   

    In addition to these threats, Afghans living in Islamabad have also been subjected to racial profiling following statements by Pakistani officials, including the country’s interior minister, who have accused Afghan refugees of being involved in political unrest following protests by opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on 26 November 2024 in Islamabad. These developments became a precursor to the March 31st deadline. 

    We call on the authorities to immediately withdraw the ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’ and take corrective action in accordance with international human rights law.

    Isabelle Lassée

    “The Pakistani authorities are violating the rights of Afghan refugees with impunity, subjecting them to arbitrary decisions that are shrouded in secrecy, totally lacking transparency and accountability. Carrying out this brazen plan of expelling Afghan refugees and asylum seekers who have long resided in these two cities, will undo the years of hard work that the Afghans have put in rebuilding their lives in Pakistan,” said Isabelle Lassée. 

    “We call on the authorities to immediately withdraw the ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’ and take corrective action in accordance with international human rights law.”  

    Background: 

    Between September 2023 and February 2025, Pakistan forcibly deported at least 844,499 Afghan nationals back to Afghanistan where they are at real risk of persecution by the Taliban and an ongoing economic crisis. Many of those facing forced return to Afghanistan, including journalists, human rights defenders, women protestors, artists, and former government officials are at imminent risk of persecution and repression by the Taliban if forced to return to Afghanistan. 

    In January 2025, the government assured the Supreme Court of Pakistan that all Afghan refugees who have been registered in “any way” would not be “apprehended” nor “deported”. Earlier this month, the Islamabad High Court directed authorities to cease all harassment of PoR card holders. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global: Leaders must unite to resist all who undermine the international legal order, in Ukraine and beyond

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Speaking ahead of Thursday’s summit in Paris, where a coalition of states bringing together leaders across Europe, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Türkiye will discuss support for Ukraine and defense against Russian aggression, Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard said:

    “As European and other leaders come together to affirm their determination to defend Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression, Amnesty International calls on them to prioritize justice for Ukraine and center their proposals on human rights protection for all.  

    “Russia has perpetrated all manner of war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law in Ukraine, including deadly deliberate airstrikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure, the torture and enforced disappearance of Ukrainian civilian detainees and prisoners of war, and executions and killings of individuals in Russian captivity. It has also overseen the forcible transfer of children to Russia, the suppression of non-Russian identities and a campaign of harassment and intimidation to ensure compliance with Russian authorities in Crimea and other Russian-occupied territories.

    “We urge leaders at the summit to do all within their power and authority to put a stop to these heinous crimes, protect the people of Ukraine and uphold their rights to justice, accountability, and reparation. We call on the leaders to ensure that those most impacted by Russia’s war of aggression have their voices heard and their needs met.

    By failing to enforce international law anywhere, Europe’s leaders help weaken it everywhere.

    Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General

    “As the people of Ukraine and many others caught up in the world’s conflicts demonstrate daily, justice and freedom from oppression are secured though resistance that upholds human rights, shared values and a clear-minded vision for a better, more just future.

    “The coalition of European and other states must recognize that their stand for Ukraine is grounded on a broader vision: a vision for the freedom and human security of Ukrainians and all people the world over; a vision grounded in the promise of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Today’s leaders must defend those standards steadfastly, without fear or favour.

    “In this instance, it is the Russian authorities and Vladimir Putin that are the aggressors. But many world leaders, from Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump to Xi Jinping and Nayib Bukele, are actively undermining the international rule of law. We watch with alarm as increasingly authoritarian leaders are rising to power across the globe – and many of them finding comfort in Presidents Putin and Trump’s shared disdain for international law and willingness to sacrifice justice and victims’ rights.

    “European Leaders in particular must be alert to this ominous trend. They must reject the double standards that have become the hallmark of European international policy, painfully evident in its failure to protect the people of Gaza from Israel’s genocide. By failing to enforce international law anywhere, Europe’s leaders help weaken it everywhere.

    “Instead, Europe must build a different, broader and much stronger international coalition – one capable of withstanding not only Russia’s belligerent ambitions, but also of protecting human rights, and the multilateral and international legal order. Supporting Ukraine demands that they hold all governments to the same standards they apply to Russia. It demands too that they enforce the arms embargo to Sudan and rectify all instances of double standards. Persisting with a selective, inconsistent approach to international law will deprive the European leaders’ position of any international credibility.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global: Leaders at Paris summit urged to defend international rule of law ‘without fear or favour’

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Leaders from Europe, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Türkiye to meet tomorrow in Paris

    The coalition will discuss support for Ukraine and defense against Russian aggression

    Persisting with a selective, inconsistent approach to international law will deprive European leaders’ position of any international credibility

    ‘We watch with alarm as increasingly authoritarian leaders are rising to power across the globe’ – Agnès Callamard

    Speaking ahead of Thursday’s summit in Paris, where a coalition of states bringing together global leaders to discuss support for Ukraine and defense against Russian aggression, Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, said:

    “As European and other leaders come together to affirm their determination to defend Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression, Amnesty International calls on them to prioritise justice for Ukraine and center their proposals on human rights protection for all.  

    “Russia has perpetrated all manner of war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law in Ukraine, including deadly deliberate airstrikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure, the torture and enforced disappearance of Ukrainian civilian detainees and prisoners of war, and executions and killings of individuals in Russian captivity. It has also overseen the forcible transfer of children to Russia, the suppression of non-Russian identities and a campaign of harassment and intimidation to ensure compliance with Russian authorities in Crimea and other Russian-occupied territories.

    “We urge leaders at the summit to do all within their power and authority to put a stop to these heinous crimes, protect the people of Ukraine and uphold their rights to justice, accountability, and reparation. We call on the leaders to ensure that those most impacted by Russia’s war of aggression have their voices heard and their needs met.

    “The coalition of European and other states must recognise that their stand for Ukraine is grounded on a broader vision: a vision for the freedom and human security of Ukrainians and all people the world over; a vision grounded in the promise of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Today’s leaders must defend those standards steadfastly, without fear or favour.

    “In this instance, it is the Russian authorities and Vladimir Putin that are the aggressors. But many world leaders, from Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump to Xi Jinping and Nayib Bukele, are actively undermining the international rule of law. We watch with alarm as increasingly authoritarian leaders are rising to power across the globe – and many of them finding comfort in Presidents Putin and Trump’s shared disdain for international law and willingness to sacrifice justice and victims’ rights.

    “European Leaders must reject the double standards that have become the hallmark of European international policy, painfully evident in its failure to protect the people of Gaza from Israel’s genocide. By failing to enforce international law anywhere, Europe’s leaders help weaken it everywhere.

    “Europe must build a different, broader and much stronger international coalition – one capable of withstanding not only Russia’s belligerent ambitions, but also of protecting human rights, and the multilateral and international legal order. Supporting Ukraine demands that they hold all governments to the same standards they apply to Russia. It demands too that they enforce the arms embargo to Sudan and rectify all instances of double standards. Persisting with a selective, inconsistent approach to international law will deprive the European leaders’ position of any international credibility.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: How the Coast Guard Seizes 45,000 lbs of Cocaine at Sea

    Source: US Coast Guard (video statements)

    INSIDE THE U.S. COAST GUARD’S COCAINE SEIZURE AT SEA

    The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stone has offloaded over 45,600 pounds of cocaine worth $517.5 million at Port Everglades following 14 high-stakes drug interdictions in international waters. These operations, spanning from the Eastern Pacific Ocean to the waters off Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, and Costa Rica, resulted in the apprehension of 35 suspected smugglers—a major blow to transnational drug cartels, including Sinaloa and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación.

    Highlights from the CGC Stone’s Deployment
    Interdicted four go-fast vessels in just 15 minutes—seizing 11,000 pounds of cocaine
    HITRON aircrews deployed airborne use-of-force tactics to stop non-compliant drug runners
    Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS drones) assisted in locating traffickers hundreds of miles offshore
    Seizures took place hundreds of miles off Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, and Costa Rica

    “The fight against drug trafficking starts far from U.S. shores,” said Cmdr. David Ratner, underscoring the Coast Guard’s relentless mission to stop narco-terrorism before it reaches America.

    Featured Coast Guard Assets & Teams
    USCGC Stone (WMSL 758) & USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 913)
    Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON)
    Tactical Law Enforcement Team-Pacific (PAC-TACLET)
    Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATFS)
    Eleventh Coast Guard District

    Subscribe for more real-life Coast Guard missions, maritime law enforcement, and drug interdiction operations! #CoastGuard #DrugBust #CocaineSeizure #USCG #MaritimeSecurity #HITRON #DrugInterdiction #NarcoTerrorism #BorderSecurity

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Gbo_B2wHbs

    MIL OSI Video –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Week 2 of “Dirty Dems” campaign exposes Mike Gipson

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    GARDENA, CA — (March 25, 2025) — As part of the ongoing “Dirty Dems” campaign, Greenpeace USA, in collaboration with the California Working Families Party and Courage California, continues to hold California State legislators accountable for their damaging connections to the oil and gas industry and their track record of voting against critical climate, economic justice, and other progressive priorities.

    This week, the spotlight is on Assemblymember Mike Gipson, who represents the 65th District of Los Angeles’ South Bay, including Gardena, Compton, and Wilmington. Serving in the California State Legislature since 2014, Gipson has amassed an alarming $260,000 in campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry, the most of any of the Dirty Dems. This overwhelming influence is juxtaposed to his voting record and his failure to take decisive action to protect the health of his constituents.

    Amy Moas, Ph.D., Greenpeace USA Senior Climate Campaigner, said: “Mike Gipson is a prime example of a ‘Dirty Dem’ who has chosen corporate donors over the people he is supposed to represent. His repeated failures to vote on critical environmental, economic, and social justice issues are an affront to his constituents and a betrayal of the values we need in our leaders.”

    Assemblymember Gipson has a disturbing pattern of abstaining from votes on key progressive legislation, earning a series of failing grades from environmental groups like the Sierra Club and California Environmental Voters. In both 2023 and 2024, he received these failing grades, mostly due to his repeated absences on critical bills aimed at fighting climate change and protecting the health and safety of his community.

    Mike Gipson represents a district that is over 80% people of color, many of whom live in close proximity to oil refineries and one of the largest ports in the United States. The devastating impact of these industries, such as high rates of asthma and other respiratory illnesses, is felt daily by his constituents. Yet, Gipson has failed to take action on key legislation designed to protect his community from harmful pollutants and hold the oil industry accountable. In 2024, he scored an F from the California Environmental Justice Alliance for his lack of action on environmental and climate justice.

    The “Dirty Dems” campaign will continue to expose the harmful practices of legislators who prioritize corporate donations over their duty to their constituents. 

    Contact: Gigi Singh, Communications Manager at Greenpeace USA
    (+1)  631-404-9977, [email protected]  

    Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.

    MIL OSI NGO –

    March 27, 2025
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