NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SCST at World Snooker Grand Prix 2025 opening ceremony (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Speech by SCST at World Snooker Grand Prix 2025 opening ceremony (English only)
    Speech by SCST at World Snooker Grand Prix 2025 opening ceremony (English only)
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         Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the World Snooker Grand Prix 2025 opening ceremony today (March 4):      Mr Ferguson (Chairman of World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, Mr Jason Ferguson), Mr Mok (Director of F-Sports Promotion Limited, Mr Tony Mok), Mr Law (Chairman of Billiard Sports Council of Hong Kong China Limited, Mr Vincent Law), esteemed guests, fellow players, ladies and gentlemen,     Good evening, what an exciting day it is as we gather here for the World Snooker Grand Prix 2025 at the stunning Kai Tak Arena. Today marks a historic moment for Hong Kong, as we welcome this prestigious snooker tournament to our vibrant city.     This event is not just a competition; it is a celebration of excellence in sports. As a recognised “M” Mark event, the Grand Prix guarantees an exceptional standard of play. We are thrilled to witness the world’s best snooker players showcasing their extraordinary talent and creating unforgettable memories right here at the state-of-the-art Kai Tak Sports Park.     I want to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to the organisers, F-Sports Promotion Limited, the World Snooker Tour, and the Billiard Sports Council of Hong Kong China Limited. Your hard work and dedication have brought this significant event to life, enhancing Hong Kong’s position as a prime destination for international sports events.     We also extend our heartfelt thanks to all our generous sponsors and supporting units. Your vital support is instrumental in making this event a spectacular success.     As we kick off this remarkable journey, I wish the World Snooker Grand Prix 2025 tremendous success. May all players and visitors have an unforgettable experience here in Hong Kong.     Thank you.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, March 4, 2025Issued at HKT 20:02

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda chairs 9th meeting of Mission Steering Group for National Health Mission

    Source: Government of India

    Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda chairs 9th meeting of Mission Steering Group for National Health Mission

    There is a need for enhancing the capacity- building of medical officers to achieve required results of healthcare schemes at the grassroot level: Shri Nadda

    National Health Policy target of Maternal Mortality Rate of 100 deaths per 1 lakh live births achieved; 83% decline in MMR achieved between1990 to 2020, much higher than the Global MMR decline

    Annual footfall of 121.03 crores at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs; 1.54 crore wellness sessions conducted for Primary Healthcare increased in 2023-24

    The no. of NCD screenings increased from 10.94 crores in 2019-20 to 109.55 crores in 2023-24

    The no. of Tele-consultations increased from 0.26 crores in 2019-20 to 11.83 crores in 2023-24

    Posted On: 04 MAR 2025 5:31PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda chaired the ninth meeting of Mission Steering Group (MSG) of National Health Mission (NHM), today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Union Ministers of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav and Smt. Anupriya Patel, Shri Suman K. Bery, Vice chairman, NITI Aayog, Shri V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog were also present.  

    The Mission Steering Group is the highest policy-making and steering institution under the NHM, providing broad policy direction and governance for the health sector. Secretaries of Ministries of Government of India including MoHFW, AYUSH, Drinking Water & Sanitation, Punchayati Raj, Development of North Eastern Region along with officials from Women and Child Development, Social Justice & Empowerment, Education, Housing and Urban Affairs, Department of Expenditure, NHSRC and Secretaries from various central ministries, Health Secretaries from high-focus states including Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura and senior officials from NITI Aayog and MoHFW also attended the meeting.

    Addressing the meeting, Shri Nadda commended NHM for its achievements and thanked the MSG for its role in ensuring the outputs of different initiatives and schemes. He stressed on the need “to ensure the translation of agendas and objectives of different health schemes” for which he underlined the importance of the roles of officers like the Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) at the ground level. Citing the administrative hindrances, he stressed on “enhancing and strengthening the capacities of Chief Medical Officers” and suggested the “need for training and capacity- building exercises so that their capacities can be utilized in the best way possible that will pave way for achieving required results of healthcare schemes at the grassroot level”.

    Shri Nadda also commended the role of ASHA workers, “grassroot foot soldiers”, in the healthcare system and stressed on the need for their further empowerment and welfare through revised incentives for routine activities, and providing enhanced honorariums.

    While commending the developments made in strengthening the health infrastructure through new technological advances and additions, he also stressed on the need to ensure quality of the latest additions like the BHISHM cubes (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri).

    The MSG was apprised about the achievements made under NHM during the past few years while marking the future targets for different missions. For the first time, Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) was also included in the MSG. Presentations on achievements and future targets of NHM and PM-ABHIM were also made that covered the developments made under the Mission, its components and agenda for the future.

    The achievements highlighted in the meeting include:

    • India has achieved the National Health Policy (NHP) target of MMR 100 deaths per 1 lakh live births. Between 1990 to 2020, MMR in India declined 83% which is much higher than the Global MMR decline
    • 69% decline was observed in Infant Mortality Rate in India during this period, while the Global IMR decline was 55%
    • 75% decline in Under 5 Mortality Rate while the global decline rate was 58%. As per SRS 2020, 11 states/ UT have attained the SDGs target
    • Reduction in Total Fertility Rate from 3.4 in 199293 to 2.0 in 2019-21. 31 states have achieved replacement level of fertility as per National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 2019-21
    • Out of Pocket Expenditure has declined from 69.4 of the Total health expenditure (THE) in 200405 to 39.4 in 2021-22 of THE while the Government Health Expenditure has increased from 22.5% of the TFR in 2004-05 to 48% of THE in 2021-22
    • Increase in Health Human Resources Augmentation (HRH) under NHM, increased from 23 thousand in 200607 to 5.23 lakhs in 2023-24
    • On 15.05.2015, WHO certified India for eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus
    • On 8th October 2024, WHO declared that Government of India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem
    • As of 28th February 2025, Expanded Package of Services is available at 85% of total operational Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
    • More than 1.76 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational in the country today
    • In the last 5 years, annual footfall at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs has increased from 13.49 crores in 201920 to 121.03 crores in 2023-24
    • The no. of wellness sessions conducted for Primary Healthcare have increased from 0.11 crores in 201920 to 1.54 crores in 2023-24
    • The no. of NCD screenings increased from 10.94 crores in 201920 to 109.55 crores in 2023-24
    • The no. Teleconsultations increased from 0.26 crores in 2019-20 to 11.83 crores in 2023-24
    • Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program, 18% reduction was observed in incidence of TB during 201523 which is more than double the global reduction; while 21% reduction in mortality was observed
    • Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program, all the states & UTs and 748 districts have been covered. 26.97 lakh patients have been covered and a total of 3.27 Crore sessions have been held
    • As of 28th February 2025, Under the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, more than 5 crore people have been screened, out of which 1.84 lakh patients have been diagnosed and 2.24 crore sickle cell cards have been distributed
    • Under the Malaria Elimination Mission, 79.3% reduction in Malaria cases was observed in 2023 as compared to 2014; while the number of deaths due to Malaria reduced 85.2% in 2023 compared to 2014
    • India achieved the Kalaazar elimination target in 2023 i.e. to reduce the annual incidence of Kala- azar cases to less than one case per ten thousand population at block level, ahead of the SDG target
    • ODK tool kit launched for selfassessment of health facilities in June 2024 and 95% of total health facilities have been assessed

    The attendees commended the progress achieved under the National Health Mission (NHM) through targeted programs and the support extended to states over the years. They proposed several key suggestions, including emphasizing on the need to increase internet connectivity in the Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs that is necessary to ensure tele-consultations. To address the issue of obesity in the country, AYUSH interventions along with screening and management through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs was emphasized upon.

    The meeting also covered crucial discussions on policy frameworks, operational strategies, and financial norms aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery and achieving the NHM’s objectives. The focus remained on ensuring universal access to equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare, reducing child and maternal mortality, stabilizing population growth, and maintaining gender and demographic balance.

    Shri Nadda observed that the decisions made during the MSG meeting will enhance the delivery of healthcare services and bring about results at the grassroots level. He added that the feedback and suggestions from the meeting will be taken into consideration to build the roadmap for future interventions.

    Background: The Mission Steering Group is the highest policy-making and steering institution under the NHM, providing broad policy direction and governance for the health sector. The MSG plays a critical role in shaping policies and strategies that drive the nation’s healthcare initiatives. It is fully empowered to approve financial norms for all schemes and components under the NHM and advises the Empowered Programme Committee (EPC) in policy formulation and operation.

    Since its inception in 2005 under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), which was later subsumed into the NHM, the MSG has convened 8 meetings under the NHM and 9 meetings under the NRHM. The last meeting of the MSG was held on January 11, 2023, under the chairpersonship of the then Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare. These meetings have historically provided a platform for critical decision-making and alignment of policies to strengthen healthcare services across the country.

    The Mission Steering Group has been instrumental in guiding initiatives that strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve service delivery, and respond effectively to public health challenges. The meeting was held with an objective of contributing significantly to the ongoing efforts towards building a resilient and responsive health system in India.

    The MSG has been instrumental in guiding initiatives that strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve service delivery, and respond effectively to public health challenges. The meeting was held with an objective of contributing significantly to the ongoing efforts towards building a resilient and responsive health system in India.

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    MV/AKS

    HFW/HFM 9th Meeting of Mission Steering Group of NHM/04March2025/1

    (Release ID: 2108121) Visitor Counter : 27

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jacksonville restauranter pleads guilty to harboring illegal aliens

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville Beach sushi restauranter has pleaded guilty to harboring illegal aliens for commercial advantage and private financial gain following a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation.

    Ping Ping Zheng, 37, of Jacksonville, faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. As part of the plea agreement, Zheng has agreed to forfeit to the United States a residence in Jacksonville and a transit van. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

    According to the plea agreement, Zheng owned and operated the Kamiya 86 Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar located in Jacksonville Beach. At the restaurant, she employed workers who were unlawfully present in the United States and who were not legally authorized to work in the country. Zheng violated federal employment and federal immigration laws by not requiring the workers to provide employment documentation indicating they could legally work in the United States.

    Zheng also owned a residence at which she provided rent-free housing to the undocumented aliens, provided them with free transportation between the house and the restaurant, and with free food when working. Zheng paid the workers in cash and did not withhold taxes and other payments from the worker’s wages.

    This case was investigated by ICE Jacksonville and the U.S. Border Patrol, with assistance from the Jacksonville Beach Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Supreme Court of Maryland holds off-site oral arguments at Montgomery College

    Source: US State of Maryland

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 4, 2025

    Government Relations and Public Affairs
    187 Harry S. Truman Parkway
    Annapolis, Maryland 21401

    Supreme Court of Maryland holds off-site oral arguments at Montgomery College

    ROCKVILLE, Md. – On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the Supreme Court of Maryland held oral arguments in Montgomery County. The arguments were held at Montgomery College in the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center auditorium and livestreamed. The Supreme Court of Maryland holds off-site oral arguments at secondary or post-secondary educational institutions twice a term year at geographically diverse locations. This marks the third year that the Supreme Court has held oral arguments outside the city of Annapolis.

    “The Maryland Judiciary continues to advance our mission to provide fair, efficient, and effective justice for all by promoting public understanding of the Supreme Court of Maryland through off-site oral arguments,” said Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader, Supreme Court of Maryland. “By conducting oral arguments at various educational institutions across the state, students, teachers, and community members have the opportunity to observe and learn about the Maryland judicial system. I want to thank the staff at Montgomery College for their support of this program and allowing us to hold oral arguments on their campus.”

    Three hundred and twenty students from six different Montgomery County Public Schools participated, including Quince Orchard High School, Northwood High School, Springbrook High School, Montgomery Blair High School, Seneca Valley High School, and Thomas Edison High School of Technology.

    “It was a great honor to bring the Supreme Court of Maryland to Montgomery County,” said Justice Steven B. Gould, Supreme Court of Maryland, who represents the Seventh Appellate Judicial Circuit (Montgomery County). “Today’s off-site oral arguments provided the students in attendance with a wonderful opportunity to watch the Supreme Court of Maryland in action. I join Chief Justice Fader in thanking all of the students and staff at Montgomery College for making today happen.”

    After oral arguments were heard, college and local high school students participated in a question-and-answer session with the justices covering topics such as judicial procedures, their paths to the bench, and educational advice for aspiring jurists.

    “Youth, especially students, are often catalysts for social change, and many Supreme Court cases in our country’s history reflect the issues students care about,” said Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Thomas Taylor. “Learning and experiencing how the Supreme Court works opens up the path to understanding how the law works in our country, at the local, state and national level. We are creating learning experiences that will not only guide them when they make their professional choices but also guide them when they become eligible to vote and function as active members of American society.”

    The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two cases – Estefany Martinez v. Amazon.com Services LLC and Fred Cromartie v. State of Maryland.

    The Supreme Court’s off-site oral arguments are made possible by the Amended Administrative Order on the Supreme Court of Maryland Sitting Temporarily Outside of the City of Annapolis. The justice from the host circuit selects the educational institution to hold oral arguments, with the approval of the full Supreme Court.

    The Appellate Court of Maryland also holds oral arguments outside of Annapolis. Under current Maryland law, the Appellate Court sits only in Annapolis with one exception: the court’s chief judge can set arguments at either of Maryland’s law schools. The Appellate Court has traditionally held one day of oral arguments at University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law in the fall and at University of Baltimore School of Law in the spring.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – List of organisations that have raised concerns with the Commission about the arrest of Russian spy Pavel Rubtsov – E-000024/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    As mentioned in the reply to E-001534/2024, the Commission’s position on Russia’s espionage, hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns is one of strong condemnation.

    As also stated before, the country chapter for Poland of the 2023 Rule of Law Report[1] contains a factual reference to the case and indicates the sources of the relevant information, which include the Council of Europe platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists. The Commission usually refers to such alerts in the Rule of Law Report under the pillar of media freedom in relation to all Member States.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/b576c76e-0755-4690-9266-7895c4294433_en?filename=48_1_52627_coun_chap_poland_en.pdf
    Last updated: 4 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Actions of Viktor Orbán’s government in granting asylum to Marcin Romanowski, former Polish Deputy Minister of Justice, who faces prosecution on corruption charges – E-003079/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The European arrest warrant (EAW) is a judicial procedure between judicial authorities in the Member States based on the particular circumstances of each individual case where surrender is requested. Neither the Commission nor the Member States’ governments can interfere or influence decisions taken by the judicial authorities.

    The Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) held that the principle of mutual recognition, which underpins the EAW framework decision, means that, in accordance with Article 1(2) thereof, the Member States are in principle obliged to act upon an EAW, arresting the persons concerned and bringing them before a national court competent to examine the warrant, including to see whether any grounds for refusal apply.

    In order to assess whether there is a ground for refusing the EAW, the executing court should take into account the CJEU’s case-law on the EAW, and in particular regarding the two-step procedure set out in that case-law[1].

    The Commission notes that an Article 7(1) of the Treaty on EU procedure against Hungary is ongoing in Council. This procedure was initiated by the European Parliament in 2018. It is for the Council to decide on next steps in this ongoing procedure.

    The Commission shares the concerns expressed by the European Parliament in this procedure and always stands ready to participate in hearings and state-of-play points in the Council.

    • [1] Judgment of the Court of Justice of 25 July 2018, LM, C-216/18 PPU, ECLI:EU:C:2018:586 and Judgment of the Court of Justice of 31 January 2023, Puig Gordi and Others, C-158/21, ECLI:EU:C:2023:57.
    Last updated: 4 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission opinion on the amendment of Law 5/2018 on the Horta of Valencia in the Valencian Country – E-000780/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000780/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Diana Riba i Giner (Verts/ALE)

    The Valencian Government intends to amend Law 5/2018 on the Horta of Valencia to reclassify protected areas and allow construction in zones affected by the catastrophe produced by the DANA storm. The Horta of València is a historic agricultural system recognised by the FAO and plays a key role in food production, environmental sustainability and Valencian cultural heritage. The EU’s Natura 2000 network protects some parts of this area, which is covered by Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC), requiring impact assessments to prevent habitat degradation. Additional laws, such as the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (2011/92/EU), ensure compliance. Any land reclassification affecting these sites should align with EU environmental regulations.

    Given the EU’s commitment to environmental protection, we would like clarification on the following:

    • 1.Does the Commission think that this land reclassification aligns with EU directives on conserving traditional landscapes and ensuring climate resilience in vulnerable areas?
    • 2.What will the Commission do to protect the Natura 2000 sites and peri-urban green spaces in the Valencian Country?
    • 3.Can the Commission also specify the mechanisms in place to monitor this situation and act if EU environmental legislation is at risk of being infringed?

    Submitted: 20.2.2025

    Last updated: 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Joint Operation Focuses on Registered Offender Compliance

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Waterloo, IA – From March 2-4, the U.S. Marshals Service partnered with six law enforcement agencies in Black Hawk County to conduct Operation Black Hawk County, an enforcement/compliance initiative to investigate and arrest non-compliant and fugitive sex offenders.

    Operation Black Hawk County’s goal is to ensure 100% compliance of the 322 registered sex offenders in Black Hawk County.  By mid-day March 4, law enforcement personnel also conducted 284 sex offender compliance checks, and arrested six total offenders on outstanding warrants.

    As a part of Operation Black Hawk County, one registered offender was identified as having an active deportation order through Immigrations and Custom Enforcement (ICE). On March 2, law enforcement officers took the individual into custody at his residence without incident. ICE transported him from Black Hawk County, where he awaits deportation to the country of Myanmar.

    “The safety and well-being of our community is our highest priority,” said U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Iowa Christopher Barther. “We remain committed to working tirelessly, using every resource available, to protect our citizens, uphold the law, and ensure justice prevails.”

    Operation Black Hawk County investigators initiated both state and federal criminal cases for failure to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, apprehended sex offenders in violation of registration requirements or wanted on active warrants and conducted sex offender compliance checks to increase police presence and identify non-compliant sex offenders for further investigation.

    All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

    As the federal government’s primary agency for sex offender and fugitive investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service use its resources and investigative expertise to make neighborhoods safer. The agency has a key mission to help keep non-compliant sex offenders accountable.

    Convicted sex offenders are required to comply with federal, state, and local requirements to register. The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act (AWA) authorizes USMS to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities in the location and apprehension of non-compliant and fugitive sex offenders; investigate violations of the AWA for federal prosecution; and assist in the identification and location of sex offenders relocated because of a major disaster.

    The U.S. Marshals Service is the federal government’s primary agency for fugitive investigations. Nationwide, 60 local task forces are dedicated to violent crime reduction by locating and apprehending wanted criminals. These task forces also serve as the central point for agencies to share information on fugitive matters. The Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force comprises officers from the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Cedar Rapids Police Department, Waterloo Police Department, Marion Police Department, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Iowa Department of Corrections.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty To Bribery And Introduction Of Contraband Into Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ocala, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Samuel Brandon Smith (37, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of a bribe by a public official and one count of providing contraband to a federal prisoner. Smith faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the bribery offense and up to 5 years’ imprisonment for the contraband offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to court records, Smith was a correctional officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) working at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman) in Sumter County. Between December 18, 2023, and September 4, 2024, Smith received bribes to smuggle contraband into FCC Coleman for inmates. In total, Smith received $43,901 in bribes.

    On September 4, 2024, BOP staff stopped Smith when he reported to work at FCC Coleman. They found 668.1 grams of marijuana and other substances containing approximately 90 grams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on Smith’s person, hidden within his duty vest. Smith was smuggling this contraband into the facility with the intent to distribute it to federal prisoners in exchange for monetary payments.

    This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice – Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Schuylkill County Man Sentenced To 60 Months’ Imprisonment For Firearm Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Cornelius Green, age 37, of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 27, 2025, to 60 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Green previously pleaded guilty to possessing a Kel-Tec, Model RFB 18, caliber .308 semi-automatic rifle, which had been shipped or transported in interstate commerce, knowing that he had previously been convicted by a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.  Judge Mariani ordered the five-year sentence to run consecutive to an early seven-year sentence of imprisonment previously imposed for Green’s brandishing of a firearm in relation to a robbery.   

    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.

    The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Schuylkill Haven Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dauphin County Woman Indicted For Drug Trafficking Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG– The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Latika Rainey, age 35, of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 19, 2025, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment charges Rainey for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, cocaine, and marijuana between February 26, 2023 and March 1, 2023.  The indictment further charges Rainey for distributing cocaine, as well as possessing with intent to distribute cocaine base, cocaine, and marijuana on March 1, 2023.

    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.

    The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Bureau of Police – Organized Crime Vice Control Unit, the Harrisburg Bureau of Police – Street Crimes Unit, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe is prosecuting the case.

    The maximum penalties under federal law for the indicted offenses are 100 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release after imprisonment, a fine, and a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Santa Maria Investment Advisor Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Elderly Clients Out of More Than $2 Million

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A Santa Barbara County investment advisor pleaded guilty today to stealing approximately $2.25 million from elderly clients of her investment advisory business – some of whom were receiving end-of-life care. 

    Julie Anne Darrah, 52, of Santa Maria, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. She remains free on $50,000 bond.

    Darrah ran a Santa Maria-based investment advisory business called Vivid Financial Management Inc. (VFM). At all relevant times, she was an investment advisor registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and, from 2015 to 2021, she was the president, chief compliance officer, and a one-third shareholder of VFM.

    During the scheme, Darrah stole approximately $2.25 million from her firm’s clients. She did so by obtaining control of her victims’ assets, and then – without the victims’ knowledge or consent – she liquidated their security holdings and transferred the proceeds to accounts she controlled. As part of this, she convinced victims to sign documents making her the trustee of their trusts or a signatory on their bank accounts or giving her power of attorney over their brokerage accounts and allowing her – as their investment advisor – to transfer funds from their accounts to other bank accounts, including to her own accounts.

    Darrah took advantage of trust victims placed in her — often convincing them she would take care of them in their older years like a daughter, and she used this trust to convince them to sign the documents that she then used to steal money from them. In this way, Darrah stole money from victims from approximately November 2016 to July 2023. She used stolen funds to buy properties for herself, pay other personal expenses, buy luxury vehicles, and operate other business ventures. Some victims were left in desperate circumstances, without the money to pay for end-of-life care, when the fraud was discovered.

    Darrah also convinced a company identified in the plea agreement as “Business Victim 1,” a Minnesota-based investment advisor firm, to acquire VFM based on false and misleading statements and the concealment of material facts, including not telling that firm about her theft of individual client funds.  After the fraud was discovered, Business Victim 1 incurred approximately $5.4 million in losses.

    “The defendant took advantage of her clients’ trust,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “Many of them were elderly and she stole from them using their funds as her own. Our seniors should never have to question whether their money is safe. She will now be held accountable for her actions.”

    United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II scheduled a May 19 sentencing hearing, at which time Darrah will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

    In October 2023, the SEC filed a civil complaint against Darrah in connection with this scheme. In December 2024, United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer found Darrah liable to pay $2,416,511, including interest.

    The FBI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Kerry L. Quinn of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case.

    If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. English, Spanish and other languages are available.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland-wide virtual jobs fair week opens new opportunities 17-21 March 2025

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Following the success of our winter virtual job fair, The Highland Council’s Employability team has announced details of their spring fair, to highlight new job opportunities, and will run from the 17 to the 21 March 2025.

    The week-long virtual event is being delivered by the Local Employability Partnership – Work. Life. Highland in partnership with, The Highland Council, Skills Development Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Department for Work and Pensions, Developing the Young Workforce and UHI North West and Hebrides.

    Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: “The Highland-wide virtual jobs fair proved very successful last year, and therefore I’m delighted that another has been organised entering the spring/summer months, to offer people and businesses the opportunity to connect and showcase the wide range of opportunities there are to develop and learn new skills. Employers and The Highland Council’s Employability team will be on hand to support attendees, answer questions and explain what opportunities they have for training and up-skilling people.

    “Being held online works well as it offers flexibility, without the need for travel. The sessions are designed for people to drop in and out of throughout the week. It will be accessible to everyone no matter their location or circumstances and will directly connect potential employees with the businesses providing information about work opportunities.”

    Programme Manager at DYW West Highland, Jennifer Grant, said: “This virtual jobs fair is an exciting way for employers to showcase their offer to a wider audience. It’s also a superb opportunity for job seekers of all ages across the Highlands to connect with a range of employers in areas which interest them. We’re delighted to be part of the team working on delivering this opportunity and look forward to further initiatives as our contribution to the Highland Employability Partnership group.”

    Spring is good time to consider employment opportunities, as many businesses gear up for the busy months ahead. Anyone interested in finding out more about career opportunities, looking to change careers or to return to work after a break will be able to log onto sessions hosted by businesses from the comfort of their own home.

    Employers taking part include Balfour Beatty, Cross Reach, RAF, NHSH, Norscot, BBM Solicitors. Castle Project, Go Green, CALA, Glenmorangie House, High Life Highland, Highland Home Carers, Careers At Sea, Police Scotland and The Highland Council. More businesses still to be added.

    They will host sessions to provide information about the full-time and part-time opportunities their businesses have, along with apprenticeship schemes and initiatives to attract seasonal and year-round workers.

    Work. Life. Highland is the brand name for the Highland Employability Partnership (HEP).  The Partnership brings together public, private and third sector organisations supporting individuals on their journey towards, into and within employment.

    To register your interest and receive further information, please email: employ.ability@highland.gov.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Standards for non-EU foods – E-002514/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The ‘Healthier Together’ initiative[1] provides a strategic framework for the Commission’s support to Member States in reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases. Financial support under the EU4Health programme has been provided for collaborative actions between Member States on health determinants, such as nutrition and tobacco, and on mental health. These actions aim at reducing health inequalities and focus on vulnerable groups such as children. The Commission will continue to work with Member States and stakeholders to provide solutions to facilitate healthier food choices. Together with United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), the Commission is developing a prevention toolkit for children to support policymakers in promoting their mental and physical health. In line with the political guidelines and mission letter to the Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare[2], the Commission will step up its work on preventive health with a focus on improving cardiovascular health in the EU, and will propose a European cardiovascular health plan.

    2. Ensuring a high level of public health is a fundamental principle of EU food law legislation. Under the General Food Law Regulation[3], all food placed on the EU market must be safe, i.e. not injurious to health or unfit for human consumption. To this end, the General Food Law Regulation lays down the responsibilities of the various actors along the food supply chain and of the Member States’ competent authorities to ensure that food placed on the EU market complies with these requirements. Furthermore, strict EU import rules with respect to food and feed hygiene, consumer safety and animal health status in place aim at assuring that all imports fulfil the same high standards as those required for products originating within the EU.

    • [1] https://health.ec.europa.eu/non-communicable-diseases/healthier-together-eu-non-communicable-diseases-initiative_en
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/b1817a1b-e62e-4949-bbb8-ebf29b54c8bd_en?filename=Mission%20letter%20-%20VARHELYI.pdf
    • [3] Regulation (EC) 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety, (OJ L 31, 1.2.2002, p. 1).
    Last updated: 4 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Spanish judiciary continues to face pressure and attacks from Pedro Sánchez’s government – E-003019/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In the 2022, 2023 and 2024 country chapters on the rule of law situation in Spain[1], the Commission underlined that stakeholders had raised concerns about public statements made by politicians criticising the judiciary.

    In this context, the Commission recalled that, according to European standards, while courts are not immune to criticism and scrutiny, the judiciary must enjoy public confidence to be successful in view of its special role in society.

    This is particularly important in relation to statements by members of the legislative and the executive branches, as all powers of the State must foster and protect the trust of the general public in constitutional institutions including the judiciary.

    This is an issue not specific to Spain alone, and in the Rule of Law Report the Commission has recalled these standards in comparable situations in other Member States.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/abdcd1f9-681e-43be-980b-f4205c3e0556_en?filename=23_1_194017_coun_chap_spain_en.pdf, https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/62fdb34b-78d4-4d53-b9ea-67286facc01e_en?filename=23_1_52576_coun_chap_spain_en.pdf and https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/2bd09a6f-ef56-494a-8303-e0de808ee981_en?filename=23_1_58063_coun_chap_spain_en_0.pdf
    Last updated: 4 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Protecting human rights in the Republic of Peru – E-000730/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000730/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Anthony Smith (The Left), Rima Hassan (The Left), Leila Chaibi (The Left)

    In July 2024, Amnesty International published a report entitled ‘Who called the shots?’, which notes that Dina Boluarte could be held criminally responsible, as commander-in-chief of the Peruvian armed forces and national police, for the deaths that occurred during the protests between December 2022 and March 2023.

    In a speech on 6 February 2025, Dina Boluarte was extremely critical of the activities of international NGOs, maintaining that they weaponise respect for human rights to ‘undermine the authority of the state and delegitimise the principle of order’.

    In the same vein, the bill amending Law No 27692, considered by the Peruvian Congress in 2024, was aimed at significantly restricting the work of civil society organisations in receipt of international cooperation funds. The bill was shelved after diplomatic intervention by the US, which was concerned about the repercussions of such a text on democracy in Peru.

    Could the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy:

    • 1.state her opinion on these government attacks on both democracy and respect for human rights in Peru;
    • 2.condemn government attempts to block the work of international NGOs?

    Submitted: 18.2.2025

    Last updated: 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cape Girardeau Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced a man who admitted recording his sexual activity with a child to 30 years in prison.

    Steven Lee Brown, 33, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau in December to one count of producing child pornography.

    According to court documents, the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office received a report that Brown had sexually abused a 10-year-old child last May. The child was interviewed and confirmed the abuse. Officers immediately responded to Brown’s residence. During an interview, Brown admitted that he engaged in various sexual acts with the child. Brown further admitted that he used his cell phone to record some of the sexual activity. Officers seized Brown’s phone and discovered sexually explicit images of the minor child on the device. At his guilty plea hearing, Brown admitted that he used his cell phone to produce the sexually explicit material. After serving his 30-year sentence, Brown will be subject to lifetime supervised release.

    This case was investigated by the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Koester handled the prosecution for the Government.

    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 of Justice Criminal Division’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, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Correctional Officer Arrested For Bribery And Introduction Of Contraband Into Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ocala, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the arrest of Michael Jason Brooks (37, Citra) on an indictment charging him with one count of receiving a bribe by a public official and one count of providing contraband to a federal prisoner. If convicted, Brooks faces up to 15 years in federal prison on the bribery count and up to 6 months’ imprisonment for the contraband offense. 

    According to court documents, on June 12, 2024, Brooks was employed by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons as a correctional officer at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County. Brooks knowingly agreed to receive and accept money in return for being influenced to introduce contraband into the federal prison for an inmate. On June 12, 2024, Brooks provided contraband in the form of tobacco to an inmate at the prison.  

    An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice – Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Poplar Bluff Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Attempting to Sell Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced a man from Poplar Bluff, Missouri who tried to sell methamphetamine shortly after his release from prison to 12 more years in prison.

    Lonnie C. Hamilton, 40, pleaded guilty in December to one felony count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. His plea says that on May 16, 2023, a Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force officer was approached by someone who said Hamilton tried to sell him an ounce of meth on the street. The officer found Hamilton, who removed a baggie containing meth from his pocket, admitted that the substance was methamphetamine and further admitted that he had recently been released from prison. Hamilton said an acquaintance gave him two ounces of methamphetamine to sell so that he could make some money, adding that he’d used some and intended to sell some. Hamilton was caught with about 48 grams, or roughly 1.7 ounces, of meth.

    Because he has at least two prior felony convictions of either a crime of violence or a drug offense, Hamilton qualified as a “career offender.”

    The Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Hunter prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Baltimore County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Elder Fraud Schemes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant alleged to have received and transmitted victim funds to fraudsters.

    Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher has sentenced Ambrose A. Obinna Warrior, 44, of Milford Mill, Maryland, to 42 months in federal prison. Warrior served as an unlicensed money transmitter in connection with various romance, business email compromise, and investment schemes.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed, FBI Salt Lake City Field Office; and Acting Postal Inspector in Charge Ajay Lall, U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Washington Division.

    According to the plea agreement, beginning in March 2018, and continuing through at least August 2021, Warrior received victims’ funds and transferred them to other scheme participants through federally insured financial institutions in exchange for a percentage.  Warrior opened personal and business bank accounts and formed the limited liability company, The Golden Voice of Orientals, to conduct, control, manage, and direct his unlicensed money transmitting business.

    Additionally, Warrior used WhatsApp to communicate bank account information to other scheme participants and his fee for receiving and transmitting funds from victims, which was usually 20 percent or more.  After depositing the funds, Warrior retained a portion of the money as a fee and ensured others received a portion of the fraudulent funds.  Warrior also transferred victims’ funds to scheme participants overseas.

    In total, Warrior transmitted or attempted to transfer more than $700,000 in proceeds from various schemes. Victims lost at least $467,912.

    Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcement’s efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older, and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available. Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).  This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers through assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps, including identifying appropriate reporting agencies, providing information to callers to assist them in reporting or connecting them with agencies, and providing resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis.  The hotline is staffed from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday.  English, Spanish, and other languages are available.  Learn more about the Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at www.elderjustice.gov.  Victims are encouraged to file a complaint online with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at this website or by calling 1-800-225-5324.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and United States Postal Inspection Service for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evelyn Lombardo Cusson and Adeyemi Adenrele who prosecuted the federal case. The FBI’s Baltimore and Salt Lake City Field Offices, along with the St. George Resident Agency, investigated this case.

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

    # # #

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kanawha County Man Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Prison for Federal Drug Crime

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jonathan Fitzpatrick, 33, of Pratt, was sentenced today to 16 years and two months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 3, 2024, Fitzpatrick sold approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in the Kanawha City area of Charleston. Fitzpatrick admitted to the transaction and further admitted to distributing a total of approximately 90 pounds of a substance that contained methamphetamine to the confidential informant from approximately December 2022 to in or about April 2024.

    Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Route 119 Drug Task Force, which consists of members of the Mingo County Sheriff’s Office, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, and the West Virginia State Police.

    Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Samuel D. Marsh prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-112.

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Business-as-usual with Azerbaijan – E-000694/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000694/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)

    On 24 October, the European Parliament adopted the resolution ‘on situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia’, in which MEPs unilaterally rejected the idea of business-as-usual with the Aliyev dictatorship regime.

    However, on 4 December, the newly-elected Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas met with Azerbaijan’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, in the margins of the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council. The EU representative later posted that the meeting had been ‘good’ and that the two sides discussed the EU-Azerbaijan partnership.

    In view of the above, can the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy answer the following:

    • 1.What was so ‘good’ about the meeting? Did the Aliyev regime’s foreign affairs minister commit to release more than 320 political prisoners, repatriate Armenian hostages and give assurances about a dignified return of Armenians to Artsakh, in line with the legally binding rulings of the International Court of Justice?
    • 2.Why can’t the EU do away with the policy of appeasement when dealing with dictatorial states like Azerbaijan?
    • 3.Will the VP/HR continue to work with Azerbaijan’s dictatorship regime as normal?

    Submitted: 13.2.2025

    Last updated: 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Middle District Of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects More Than $47 Million In Civil And Criminal Actions In Fiscal Year 2024

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, FL ― Acting U.S. Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announced today that the Middle District of Florida (MDFL) collected $47,486,214 related to local criminal and civil matters in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024 (FY 2024). Of this amount, $16,429,786 was collected in criminal cases and $31,056,428was collected in civil actions. 

    The MDFL’s Civil Division, led by Civil Chief Randy Harwell, recovered a total of $104,533,923 on behalf of federal agencies and programs in affirmative civil enforcement cases during the last fiscal year. This amount has two components. In addition to its recoveries in local civil cases noted above, the District’s Civil Division also joins forces with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and with the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section to address fraud schemes and illegal practices extending beyond district boundaries. The MDFL’s Civil Division recovered an additional $73,477,495 in FY24 in these jointly handled cases.

    “These strong recovery figures show a continued commitment by our office in the critical areas of criminal and civil enforcement,” said Acting United States Attorney Sara Sweeney. “Safeguarding the interests of crime victims, the American taxpayers, and vital public programs will always be a part of our district’s core mission.”

    U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigation divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

    The MDFL’s Asset Recovery Division, led by Chief Laura Taylor, recovered a total of $16,456,189. This amount has two components―criminal monetary penalties and forfeiture. First, in addition to the $16,429,786 in criminal monetary penalties collected in cases prosecuted by the District, the Asset Recovery Division worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $26,403 in criminal monetary penalties pursued jointly by these offices. 

    Additionally, the District’s Asset Recovery Division, working with partner agencies, forfeited $35,981,653 from criminal and civil asset forfeiture actions in FY 2024. For instance, in FY 2024, $10,604,039 million forfeited in the MDFL was returned to victims of the criminal offenses, and more than $4 million was shared with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

    Significant Affirmative Civil Enforcement Cases

    United States ex rel. Jacob v. Walgreens Boots Alliance, Case no. 8:20-cv-858 (M.D. Fla.). This qui tam case alleged that between 2009 and 2020, Walgreens submitted false claims for payment to Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health care programs for prescriptions that it processed but that were never picked up by beneficiaries. Through this practice, Walgreens received tens of millions of dollars for prescriptions that it never actually provided to health care beneficiaries. Collaborating with the Dept. of Justice Civil Frauds Section and the United States Attorneys’ Offices for the District of New Mexico and Eastern District of Texas, we resolved all of the allegations in the qui tam case for $106.8 million.

    Press release: https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/walgreens-agrees-pay-1068m-resolve-allegations-it-billed-government-prescriptions-never

    United States v. Lubin, Case no. 8:21-cv-2231 (M.D. Fla.). This False Claims Act complaint was filed against Dr. Edward Lubin, who was an outlier prescriber of a powerful opioid medication called Subsys which is prescribed primarily for treatment of various oncology conditions. We alleged that Dr. Edward Lubin received kickbacks from the manufacturer of Subsys, Insys, Inc., through a bogus speaker program sponsored by Insys that paid Lubin hundreds of thousands of dollars to incentivize him to prescribe the potent medication. In October 2023, we settled with Dr. Lubin for $1.5 million.

    Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/tampa-pain-management-physician-edward-lubin-agrees-pay-15-million-settle-false-claims

    U.S. ex rel. Loscalzo v. Bluestone Physician Services, et al., Case No. 2:20-cv-295 (M.D. Fla.).  This qui tam case alleged that Bluestone, a geriatric health care provider for residents of assisted living facilities in Florida, Minnesota and Wisconsin, submitted false claims to the government by billing monthly medical visits that are either unnecessary or upcoded. In collaboration with the Department of Justice Civil Frauds section and the United States Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we corroborated the allegations and on June 5, 2024, resolved the claims in the qui tam complaint for $14.9 million, on an ability to pay basis.

    Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/chronic-disease-management-provider-pay-149m-resolve-alleged-false-claims

    Dan Hurt.  Daniel Hurt owned and operated Fountain Health Services LLC, Verify Health, Landmark Diagnostics LLC, First Choice Laboratory LLC and Sonoran Desert Pathology Associates LLC, that we alleged submitted false claims to Medicare for cancer genomic (CGx) tests that were not medically necessary and that were procured through illegal kickbacks. From January 2019 to November 2021, Hurt allegedly conspired with telemarketing agents to solicit Medicare beneficiaries for “free” CGx tests; with telemedicine providers to “prescribe” CGx tests that were not medically necessary; with reference laboratories to conduct the CGx tests, and with billing laboratories and a hospital to submit claims for payment to Medicare.  Mr. Hurt pled guilty to criminal healthcare fraud offenses and agreed on an ability to pay basis to settle the civil fraud claims for approximately $27 million.

    Press release:  https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/florida-businessman-daniel-hurt-pay-over-27-million-medicare-fraud-connection-cancer?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

    United States v. Robert J. Remington, et al., Case no. 8:24-cv-511 (M.D. Fla.). This False Claims Act case was initiated by a referral from the Veterans Administration Inspector General concerning Jacksonville and Orlando franchises of New Horizons Computer Learning Center.  These schools provide federally subsidized educational programs for veterans.  The complaint alleged that both franchises violated subsidy program requirements concerning the percentage of student population that were entitled to receive the subsidies. We filed a complaint against the two schools in February 2024, and on July 10, 2024 reached an agreement that resolved all claims in return for $1,350,000.

    Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/new-horizons-computer-learning-centers-tampa-and-orlando-resolve-post-911-gi-bill

    United States ex rel. GNGH2, Inc. v. Miles Partnership, LLC, Case No. 8:23-cv-649 (M.D. Fla.).  In this qui tam, the relator alleged that Miles Partnership, LLC (“Miles Partnership”) obtained a $2 million second draw Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan by failing to disclose that it was required to register under the Foreign Agent Registration Act (“FARA”), 22 U.S.C. § 611 et seq .  Any entity required to register under FARA was ineligible for a second draw PPP loan.  Based on various contracts it had with foreign tourism boards, including the Bermuda Tourism Authority, the relator alleged that Miles Partnership was required to register under FARA. On Sept. 17, 2024, we settled these claims for $2,281,950.

    Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/travel-tourism-company-pays-2-2-million-resolve-civil-claims-regarding-funds-obtained

    H. Lee Moffitt Cancer and Research Center.  A leading Tampa, Florida cancer research center disclosed issues to the Health and Human Services Inspector General concerning its bills to Medicare associated with clinical oncology trials. Specifically, Moffitt disclosed that it had billed federal healthcare programs for items and services provided as part of clinical trial research that should have been billed to non-government trial sponsors. The research center cooperated extensively with the United States Attorney’s Office, Department of Justice Civil Frauds section, and HHS OIG, ultimately agreeing in January 2024, to pay $19,564,743 to resolve all of the billing issues that it had disclosed.

    Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/florida-research-hospital-agrees-pay-more-195-million-resolve-liability-relating-self 

    Baptist Health System A Jacksonville, Florida area hospital network voluntarily disclosed conduct to the Health and Human Services Inspector General that may have violated the federal Anti-Kickback statute. Specifically, Baptist Health disclosed that it had offered discounts to patients as an inducement to purchase or refer Baptist Health services that are reimbursed by federal health programs. Baptist Health cooperated with the government’s investigation into these issues and agreed to resolve them in exchange for $1.5 million.

    Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/florida-hospital-system-agrees-pay-15-million-resolve-liability-relating-self 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Major Nuclear Repository Adopts New Fully Searchable Digital Platform

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The IAEA’s International Nuclear Information System, a multi-million strong digital library, has been further strengthened with the addition of a modern repository platform – that offers full text search for the first time.

    Founded in 1970, the International Nuclear Information System (INIS) Repository hosts a massive library of nearly five million reports, books, scientific articles, conference papers and other knowledge products covering topics in nuclear science, reactor technology, materials science, medical applications, decommissioning, and all other areas the IAEA is involved in.

    Using Invenio, an open-source platform developed by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and tailoring it to its own needs the Agency was to make advancements in automation and accessibility as well as a major increase in capacity for handling new knowledge product entries in INIS. The new functionalities built with the platform allow INIS to connect with other repositories, facilitating the sharing of content and expanding the utility of all participating databases. INIS will be the first large repository to implement full-text search with Invenio – searching both the metadata and the text of a PDF.

    “In today’s knowledge-based economy, information is considered one of the most valuable resources. It is critical for research, innovation, decision making, efficiency and productivity, knowledge sharing and continuous learning,” said Dibuleng Mohlakwana, Head of the IAEA’s Nuclear Information Section. “This new platform will help INIS expand its role as a global player in open science improving its capabilities as an information hub that facilitates the pursuit of nuclear science for peaceful purposes.”

    INIS relies on contributions from more than 130 countries and 11 international organizations, with well over 100 000 new knowledge products being added each year.  INIS staff supplement national contributions by harvesting information from some of the largest publishers, including Elsevier, Nature-Springer and the Institute of Physics.

    The landscape of scientific publishing has changed greatly in the years since INIS was founded, with an increasing emphasis on open access. Publishers are providing more information and making it freely available, while repositories such as arXiv, the Directory of Open Access Journals, PubMed, etc. have made scientific knowledge more accessible than ever before.

    “One of the great things about this platform is that whatever we develop here can be shared with all the other organizations. So not only are we sharing scientific information with the world, but we’re also sharing what we develop with Invenio,” said Astrit Ademaj, Nuclear Systems Support Analyst and Project Manager for the implementation of Invenio. INIS is the first large repository to implement full-text search – searching both the metadata and the text of a PDF.

    Knowledge products entered into Invenio will be automatically categorized and tagged with descriptors. This had previously been done manually in what had been a highly time-consuming endeavour. This work will now primarily be handled by NADIA (Nuclear Artificial intelligence for Document Indexing and Analysis), an AI tool developed by the IAEA. Previously, contributors sent their entries using a unique language and format. Now a user-friendly form is provided, so specialized knowledge and training are no longer necessary.

    “Many of the items available on INIS are quite fascinating,” said Brian Bales, INIS Coordinator. “One of the most popular recent additions is the Prospective Study Bluebook on Nuclear Energy to Support Low Carbon – a cooperative effort between nuclear companies in China and France to address the challenges of climate change. Over the last 5 years, we’ve added over 600 000 such knowledge products.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Parents of Former Boone County Schools Maintenance Director Plead Guilty to Evading Financial Reporting Requirements

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

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Michael P. Barker, 68, and Lana Barker, 66, both of Foster, pleaded guilty today to structuring transactions with one or more domestic financial institutions.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, starting on or about November 7, 2023, through on our about November 28, 2023, the Barkers made or caused to be made 11 cash deposits to their bank accounts in amounts ranging from $8,000 to $9,500 and totaling $97,215. The Barkers admitted that these transactions were specifically designed to avoid currency reporting requirements. Financial institutions are required to report cash deposits of more than $10,000, and federal law prohibits structuring multiple cash deposits to avoid this reporting requirement.

    The Barkers furthered admitted that they used the $97,215, a $30,000 bank loan, and $50,000 provided by their son, former Boone County Schools Maintenance Director Michael David Barker, to purchase property in Foster.

    Michael P. Barker is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2025, and Lana Barker is scheduled to be sentenced on July 1, 2025. Each faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a forfeiture money judgment.

    Today’s guilty pleas result from an investigation that led to the indictment of Michael David Barker, 47, of Foster, by a federal grand jury on December 10, 2024. The 18-count indictment alleges that Michael David Barker entered into a scheme to defraud the Boone County Board of Education out of approximately $3,400,000 while serving as maintenance director. The charges against Michael David Barker are pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    Jesse Marks, 65, of Rush, Kentucky, pleaded guilty on February 27, 2025, to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Marks was the sole owner and operator of Rush Enterprises when Michael David Barker contacted him in November 2019 about Rush Enterprises selling custodial and janitorial supplies to Boone County Schools. Marks admitted that he and Barker entered into the overbilling scheme at that time. Marks is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16, 2025.

    Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU), and the assistance provided by the West Virginia Department of Education.

    United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorney Gabriel Price is prosecuting the cases.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:25-cr-4 (Michael P. Barker) and 2:25-cr-5 (Lana Barker).

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Final Defendant Pleads Guilty to Role in Drug Trafficking Organization

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

    BECKLEY, W.Va. – Jermaine Antoine Johnson, 34, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Johnson admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl as well as cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in Beckley and elsewhere within the Southern District of West Virginia.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Johnson participated in the DTO conspiracy in April and May 2024. Johnson admitted to supplying others with controlled substances that they distributed. Johnson further admitted that he spoke to co-conspirators about obtaining and distributing fentanyl during May 2024 phone calls that were intercepted by law enforcement.

    During a May 15, 2024, phone call, Johnson told a co-conspirator about a supplier prepared to sell controlled substances to them, and the two discussed providing $6,000 to this supplier for drugs they planned to distribute in and around the Southern District of West Virginia. Johnson admitted that he was picked up by the co-conspirator on May 20, 2024, and the two traveled to Baltimore, Maryland, where they purchased approximately $6,000 worth of fentanyl. Johnson further admitted that he and his co-conspirator returned to West Virginia the next day and discussed increasing the volume of the purchased fentanyl by adding such cutting agents as sugar and brown sugar.

    Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on July 3, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

    Johnson is among 12 individuals indicted on charges alleging the defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine base within the Southern District of West Virginia from in or about June 2023 to in or about May 2024. All 12 have pleaded guilty, including two defendants who pleaded guilty to separate charges in lieu of the offenses alleged in the indictment.

    “Today’s guilty plea marks a major milestone in this case, which has disrupted a significant drug trafficking operation in the Beckley area,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “The fact that all 12 defendants have pleaded guilty is also a testament to the teamwork of our law enforcement partners and this office and to our shared dedication to protecting our communities.”

    Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department.

    United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over today’s hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell is prosecuting the case.

    The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-90.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: OKX Pleads Guilty to Violating U.S. Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Agrees to Pay Penalties Totaling More Than $500 Million

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

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that Aux Cayes Fintech Co. Ltd, d/b/a “OKEx,” d/b/a “OKX” (“OKX”), a Seychelles-based entity, that since at least 2017 has operated OKX, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, pled guilty today to one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. In connection with today’s guilty plea and sentencing, OKX agreed to pay monetary penalties totaling more than $504 million.  The case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla, who presided over today’s guilty plea and sentencing.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “For over seven years, OKX knowingly violated anti-money laundering laws and avoided implementing required policies to prevent criminals from abusing our financial system. As a result, OKX was used to facilitate over five billion dollars’ worth of suspicious transactions and criminal proceeds.  Today’s guilty plea and penalties emphasize that there will be consequences for financial institutions that avail themselves of U.S. markets but violate the law by allowing criminal activity to continue.”

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy said: “For years, OKX flagrantly violated U.S. law, actively seeking customers in the United States—including here in New York—and even going so far as to advise individuals to provide false information to circumvent requisite procedures. Furthermore, in their failure to adhere to U.S. law, significant illicit transactions which furthered other criminal activity went undetected on their platform. Blatant disregard for the rule of law will not be tolerated, and the FBI is committed to working with our partners across government to ensure that corporations that engage in this type of conduct are held accountable for their actions.”

    According to court documents and admissions: 

    OKX is one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange platforms, with billions of dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency transactions occurring daily on its platform.  OKX allows registered users to place orders for spot trades in over three hundred cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. OKX users can also place orders for derivative products, including futures contracts, tied to the value of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. 

    Financial institutions that operate wholly or in substantial part in the United States must register with the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) as a money services business (“MSB”) and comply with federal anti-money laundering (“AML”) laws, including the Bank Secrecy Act.  These laws require the filing of suspicious activity reports and the maintenance of an adequate AML program, including an effective know-your-customer (“KYC”) program. AML programs are critical to ensure that entry-points into the U.S. financial system do not become tools criminals can use to profit from illicit activity.

    Since 2017, OKX has had an official policy preventing U.S. persons from transacting on its exchange. But contrary to this official policy, OKX sought out customers in the United States, including in the Southern District of New York. 

    From in or about 2018 through in or about at least early 2024, OKX served U.S. retail and institutional customers that engaged in over one trillion dollars’ worth of transactions through OKX. Transactions from those U.S. customers generated hundreds of millions of dollars in trading fees and profits for OKX. 

    Because OKX served U.S. retail and institutional customers, OKX knew it was required by U.S. law to register as a money services business with FinCEN, but OKX chose not to do so.[1] In fact, despite OKX’s official policy prohibiting U.S. persons from transacting on the exchange, OKX was fully aware that individuals in the United States could, and did, easily create and use OKX trading accounts.  From OKX’s founding in approximately 2017 through approximately November 2022, OKX allowed retail customers the option to create an account, receive and transfer funds, and place trades without completing a KYC process. This meant that OKX, a large financial institution, facilitated transactions on behalf of customers that it could not identify. Further, while OKX implemented a policy blocking customers with U.S.-located IP addresses from trading or depositing assets onto OKX (the “IP Ban”), OKX knew that the IP Ban could be circumvented through cheap, widely available VPN technology.  Also, through at least early 2023, OKX allowed existing accounts to continue to receive and transfer funds, and place trades, all without completing a KYC process.  And until approximately early 2024, OKX also allowed customers to place trades on the exchange through third-party entities known as “non-disclosure brokers” without the third-party entity disclosing any identifying information to OKX about the customers on whose behalf the trades were placed. 

    Even after OKX began requiring all customers to provide some KYC information to trade, OKX employees on certain occasions advised customers how to provide false information to circumvent the company’s KYC process and official policy prohibiting U.S. customers.  For example, in April 2023, an OKX employee encouraged a potential U.S. customer to open an account by providing false information about the customer’s nationality during the KYC processing, writing “I know you’re in the US, but you could just put a random country and it should go through. You just need to put Name, nationality, and ID number. You could just put United Arab Emirates and random numbers for the ID number.”  At that time, OKX did not verify the information that customers provided to open an account to trade.  In January 2024, the same employee wrote to another potential U.S. customer and asked if the individual had “any workaround on KYC outside of the US to make it potentially work.”

    During the relevant period, OKX advertised in the United States, sponsoring the Tribeca Film Festival, for example, and used affiliate marketers based in the United States to promote the exchange. OKX also allowed existing customers to promote the exchange, and provided such customers benefits for recruiting additional users. At least one such OKX customer produced a publicly-available, step-by-step instructional video educating U.S. customers about how to register with OKX using a VPN to conceal their U.S. presence.

    OKX also focused its efforts on attracting and retaining certain U.S. institutional customers, including large institutions who could provide liquidity and help OKX become one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges by making a broad range of cryptocurrencies available at competitive rates.  OKX’s U.S. institutional customers were some of OKX’s largest customers, with one such firm alone generating more than a trillion dollars in spot and derivatives transactions on OKX during the relevant period.  They provided significant liquidity, volume and trading fees for the platform, despite OKX’s knowing failure to register as an MSB and OKX’s “official” policy banning U.S. customers.

    Until approximately May 2023, OKX did not adequately or consistently use commercially available software to monitor and detect suspicious activity, including money laundering, and OKX did not have adequate controls to determine whether either party to transactions on the exchange was potentially subject to sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department. As a result, through at least early 2024, OKX was used by numerous customers as a vehicle for laundering the proceeds of suspicious and criminal activities, including more than five billion dollars of suspicious transactions and illicit proceeds, based on a review of third-party transaction data.

    In early 2024, OKX retained an external compliance consultant (the “Consultant”) to advise OKX on policies and controls reasonably designed to prevent U.S. persons from engaging in transactions on OKX’s platform through accounts held at OKX.  As part of the plea agreement, OKX is continuing to retain the Consultant, at its own cost, through February 2027, and has agreed to continue to cooperate with the United States Attorney’s Office.

    *                *                *

    In addition to the guilty plea, OKX, a Seychelles-based entity, also agreed to criminally forfeit $420.3 million and pay a criminal fine of approximately $84.4 million.  OKX received credit for its cooperation with the investigation and timely engaging in remedial measures, resulting in a 25% reduction off the bottom of the otherwise applicable recommended fine range.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI New York Field Office. 

    This matter is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance & Money Laundering Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher D. Brumwell, Eli J. Mark, and Vladislav Vainberg are in charge of the prosecution.

    [1] OKX has an affiliate U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange named OKCoin USA, Inc. (“OKCoin”) which, in contrast with OKX, has registered with FinCEN as a MSB. OKCoin serves customers globally, including in the United States, and offers retail and institutional customers the ability to spot trade, including purchasing cryptocurrency using U.S. dollars. The conduct described herein that gives rise to the charge in the Information, and to which OKX pled guilty, is solely that of the unregistered MSB, Aux Cayes Fintech Co. Ltd., d/b/a “OKEx,” d/b/a “OKX,” the defendant.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Prison Guard Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing Inmates

    Source: US State of California

    A Hawaii man pleaded guilty yesterday to sexual abuse of inmates under his custody or control.

    According to court documents, Mikael Rivera, 47, of Kapolei, was a correctional officer at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu from approximately 2014 to 2018. While on duty as a correctional officer, Rivera committed multiple sexual acts with one inmate who did not consent and engaged in sexually abusive conduct with two additional inmates under his supervision.

    Rivera pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual abuse of a ward. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 3 and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii, and Special Agent in Charge Zachary Shroyer of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG) Western Region made the announcement.

    DOJ-OIG is investigating the case with assistance from the FBI.

    Trial Attorney Nicole Lockhart of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Ayabe for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from former PIN Deputy Chiefs Jennifer Clarke and Marco Palmieri.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Coast Guard cutter visits Australia, furthers collaboration and maritime security

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    03/04/2025 01:55 PM EST

    The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) recently completed a port call in Sydney, Feb. 25, 2025, conducting several engagements with Australian partners that strengthened ties and furthered collaborative maritime security throughout Oceania. Reflecting the spirit of the Pacific Quadrilateral Defense Coordinating Group, the U.S. Coast Guard continues its vital collaboration with Australian law enforcement to identify maritime vulnerabilities and cooperate on solutions that reduce risks to safety, health, and security throughout the region.

    For breaking news follow us on twitter @USCGHawaiiPac

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  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ governments enjoy an ‘executive paradise’ – a longer parliamentary term won’t change that

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Shaw, Professor of Politics, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University

    Getty Images

    Extending the length of the parliamentary term is one of those recurring issues in New Zealand politics, emerging from the constitutional shadows every 30 years or so and quickly retreating from the bright light of scrutiny.

    The pending introduction of the Term of Parliament (Enabling 4-year Term) Legislation Amendment Bill – a coalition initiative of the ACT Party but which enjoys qualified cross-party support – sees the question once again enjoying a moment in the sun.

    Because of the constitutional protection of the parliamentary term, and if the bill becomes law, an extension would require a public referendum with the 2026 general election (or the support of 75% of all MPs, a route the government will not take).

    The standard maximum term of parliament would remain three years. But a prime minister would have the option at the start of a new parliamentary term of advising the governor-general it would be extended to four years.

    This could only happen if the allocation of places on select committees reflected the distribution of non-executive MPs across all parliamentary parties. Theoretically, this would be a check on executive power.

    But while the coming debate will be framed as one about parliament, the real issue is whether voters wish to extend the length of time governments spend in office. This is a crucial distinction.

    Lack of checks and balances

    New Zealand voters do not directly elect the executive branch. Rather, the government is formed by the party or parties able to command a majority of MPs following each election.

    In short, we elect parliaments, which then provide governments. The length of one is connected to that of the other – meaning elections are one of the few ways New Zealanders can hold their governments to account.

    Perhaps for this reason, voters have consistently supported a three-year term, despite historical attempts by earlier governments to extend it. Two previous referendums, in 1967 and 1990, maintained the status quo.

    This does make New Zealand something of an outlier internationally. Of 190 lower houses and unicameral national legislatures around the world, only nine have terms of three years or less. The vast majority have terms of four or five years.

    But New Zealand also lacks the checks and balances found in many of those other countries: a codified constitution, a Supreme Court responsible for policing it, and an upper legislative chamber.

    Consequently, the frequency with which governments are held accountable to the people really does matter.

    An ‘executive paradise’

    This absence of the sorts of constitutional guardrails common elsewhere is what led former prime minister and constitutional lawyer Geoffrey Palmer to call New Zealand an “executive paradise”.

    Former prime minister Geoffrey Palmer.
    Getty Images

    The introduction of a four-year parliamentary term would do little to alter that, despite the argument it would improve the quality of parliamentary law and the standard of public policy-making.

    A three-year cycle, it is often claimed, forces governments to spend their first year in office removing as many traces of the previous administration as possible, the second consolidating its own policy agenda, and the third campaigning for the next election.

    A four-year term, the logic goes, would give ministers more time to learn the intricacies of their portfolios and develop policy expertise. It would allow for longer parliamentary deliberation on complex legislation, and ensure parliament properly scrutinises government policies, budgets and performance.

    All things being equal, a longer parliamentary term could improve governance and create a more stable, durable policy mix. But, of course, all things are rarely equal.

    Missing provisions

    In and of itself, a longer parliamentary term is unlikely to produce the benefits its proponents promise. Improved policy-making requires resources as well as more time, including policy and procedural expertise, judgement and institutional wisdom.

    These things reside in the professional bureaucracy. Without also addressing the systemic crisis in the public service, an extra year won’t improve matters.

    It would be especially important to ensure a longer term went hand in hand with more effective parliamentary scrutiny of government activity, both its forecasts and actual results.

    As a 2019 report from the Institute for Governance and Policy Studies suggested, investment in MPs’ policy expertise, systematic work plans for select committees and changes to parliament’s Standing Orders are also needed to improve the legislative process.

    But these do not feature in the draft legislation. And without them, an extended parliamentary term would simply tip the balance even further towards the executive branch and away from the legislature.

    Democratic accountability

    There are other important issues the draft legislation doesn’t address, including the implications of making a four-year term discretionary, and what might prevent a government from ignoring irksome select committee recommendations (as can and does presently occur).

    Worryingly, too, advice from the Ministry of Justice to the justice minister points out that parts of the proposed legislation are “constitutionally and practically problematic”.

    The inevitable uncertainty at the start of every new parliament would “undermine democratic accountability” and “risks undermining the legitimacy of parliament and its exercise of public decision-making powers”.

    The advice also says the legislation is “out of step with other long-standing legal and constitutional principles, including that it appears to encroach on the House of Representatives’ right to control its own operations”. In our constitutional tradition it is not for the executive to determine how parliament functions. A king’s head once rolled over this issue.

    The proposed legislation starkly illustrates the tensions that can emerge when constitutional arrangements blur the boundaries between the executive and legislative branches, enabling the former to dictate terms to the latter.

    Without other changes – an increase in the size of the House relative to the executive, say, or restrictions on the power of the prime minister to call early elections – the variable parliamentary term promised by the bill will inject more uncertainty into public life, not less.

    And it will not improve the quality of our laws. It will simply extend the length of time government ministers get to spend in paradise.

    Richard Shaw does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. NZ governments enjoy an ‘executive paradise’ – a longer parliamentary term won’t change that – https://theconversation.com/nz-governments-enjoy-an-executive-paradise-a-longer-parliamentary-term-wont-change-that-251139

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –