NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI: Wrap Acquires W1 Global: Expands Managed Services with Former FBI, DEA, and DoD Leadership to Accelerate Made-in-America End-to-End Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    This news follows: Wrap Unveils Managed Safety and Response (MSR) Connected Ecosystem in Virginia

    TEMPE, Ariz., Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wrap Technologies (NASDAQ: WRAP) (“Wrap” or, the “Company”) today announced it has completed the acquisition of W1 Global, LLC (“W1”) a preeminent professional services and consulting firm led by an executive team of former high-ranking law enforcement and U.S. Intelligence Community professionals, with deep competencies in complex international criminal investigation, regulatory matters and compliance issues.

    The acquisition of W1 is expected to increase Wraps access to the skill and experience of this distinguished group, as well as expand the international reach of its MSR Connected Ecosystem. It is also expected to support a tech-enabled enhancement of the suite of professional and consulting services that W1 has provided to its clients all over the world.

    Wrap’s acquisition has now assembled a deep team of senior leaders from both the public sector and national security agencies:

    • Professional Services will be led by Bill McMurry, a career law enforcement and intelligence professional. Mr. McMurry is a retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent who served in the FBI’s New York Office for twenty-four years. Mr. McMurry worked closely with the US DOJ, DEA, ATF, HSI, OFAC, DOD and the USIC to develop a national strategy to implement a whole of government response to combat the threat posed by Transnational Organized Crime.
    • Managed Safety and Response will be led by Jim DeStefano, former Assistant Special Agent in Charge of a Special Operations Branch responsible for the New York field division’s preparation for, response to, and recovery from all crisis and special events – including training and tactics in response to emotionally disturbed persons. John Penza, adds experience from state and federal corrections, local law enforcement, and as the former New York Division’s Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Violent Crimes and Drug Trafficking Branch.
    • Investigative, Regulatory and Compliance professional services will be supported by Ric Bachour, a former local and state police officer, U.S. Marine, and Purple Heart recipient. His international experience includes leadership roles in the DEA Sensitive Undercover Operations Unit, Special Operations, and DEA’s Foreign and Domestic Field Offices.

    Additional Talent Pipeline and International Go-To-Market

    Wrap anticipates accessing a deep talent pool as individuals transition from long government tenures, marking the first of many strategic talent acquisitions to meet growing market demands.

    The W1 Global transaction is expected to position Wrap for international expansion by leveraging W1’s global network and expertise in investigative services. This in-country support network, consisting of former government personnel, provides valuable entry points for global distribution while aligning with U.S. resources and support systems.

    End-to-End Ecosystem

    The W1 Global transaction creates an end-to-end ecosystem with two key business lines: leveraging top talent to deliver comprehensive Managed Safety and Response (MSR) solutions and expanding tech-enabled professional services to enhance client support. Both companies’ clients demonstrate a strong appetite for each other’s services—Wrap’s international clients show significant interest in investigative services, while W1 Global’s clients are keen on Wrap’s BolaWrap, drones, and expanding cyber solutions within the MSR portfolio. This strategic combination effectively meets the market demand for integrated safety and technology-driven professional services, driving growth and enhancing client support.

    Scot Cohen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wrap, commented, “The acquisition of W1 Global is a transformational step in establishing Wrap as a leader in Managed Safety and Response services. It is expected to drive immediate revenue growth, be accretive, and create synergies with our existing business, including the revamped BolaWrap program, while supporting our expanding global channel system.”

    Bill McMurry, Chief Executive Officer of W1 Global, commented, “W1 and Wrap can now deliver comprehensive MSR solutions with expert consulting, integration, and customization. By combining cutting-edge technology like the BolaWrap with professional services, we hope to ensure seamless implementation and continuous support. Our deep industry expertise is expected to allow us to optimize safety solutions for public safety agencies, effectively addressing complex challenges.”

    About Wrap Technologies, Inc.

    Wrap Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: WRAP) is a leading global provider of advanced public safety solutions, integrating ultramodern technology, cutting-edge tools, and comprehensive services to address the complex, modern day challenges facing public safety organizations around the world. Guided by a no-harm principle, Wrap is dedicated to developing groundbreaking solutions that empower public safety agencies to safeguard the communities they serve in a manner that fosters stronger relationships, driving safer outcomes, empowering public safety and communities to move forward together.

    Wrap’s BolaWrap® solution encompasses an innovative and patented hand-held remote restraint device, strategically engineered with Wrap’s no-harm guiding principle to proactively deter escalation by deploying a Kevlar® tether that safely restrains individuals from a distance. Combined with BolaWrap® training, certified by the esteemed International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), Wrap enables officers from over 1000 agencies across the U.S. and 60 countries around the world, with the expertise to effectively use BolaWrap® as an early intervention measure, mitigating potential risks and injuries, averting tragic outcomes, with the goal to save lives with each wrap.

    Wrap Reality™, the Company’s advanced virtual reality training system, is a fully immersive training simulator and comprehensive public safety training platform that equips first responders with the discipline and practice to prevent escalation, de-escalate conflicts, and apply appropriate tactical use-of-force measures to better perform in the field. By offering a growing range of real-life scenarios, Wrap Reality™ addresses the dynamic nature of modern law enforcement situations for positive public safety outcomes, building safer communities one decision at a time.

    Wrap’s Intrensic solution is a comprehensive, secure and efficient body worn camera and evidence collection and management solution designed with innovative technology to quickly capture, safely handle, securely store, and seamlessly track evidence, all while maintaining full transparency throughout the process. With meticulous consolidation and professional management of evidence, confidence in law enforcement and the justice system soars, fostering trust and reliability in court outcomes. Intrensic’s efficient system streamlines the entire process seamlessly, empowering all public safety providers to focus on what matters, expediting justice with integrity.

    Connect with Wrap:
    Wrap on Facebook
    Wrap on Twitter
    Wrap on LinkedIn

    Trademark Information

    Wrap, the Wrap logo, BolaWrap®, Wrap Reality™ and Wrap Training Academy are trademarks of Wrap Technologies, Inc., some of which are registered in the U.S. and abroad.  All other trade names used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective holders.

    Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements – Safe Harbor Statement
    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “should”, “believe”, “target”, “project”, “goals”, “estimate”, “potential”, “predict”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, and variations of these terms or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Moreover, forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond the Company’s control. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to: the expected benefits of the acquisition of W1, the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s listing standards; the Company’s ability to successfully implement training programs for the use of its products; the Company’s ability to manufacture and produce products for its customers; the Company’s ability to develop sales for its products; the market acceptance of existing and future products; the availability of funding to continue to finance operations; the complexity, expense and time associated with sales to law enforcement and government entities; the lengthy evaluation and sales cycle for the Company’s product solutions; product defects; litigation risks from alleged product-related injuries; risks of government regulations; the business impact of health crises or outbreaks of disease, such as epidemics or pandemics; the impact resulting from geopolitical conflicts and any resulting sanctions; the ability to obtain export licenses for counties outside of the United States; the ability to obtain patents and defend intellectual property against competitors; the impact of competitive products and solutions; and the Company’s ability to maintain and enhance its brand, as well as other risk factors mentioned in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K, subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release and were based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    (800) 583-2652
    ir@wrap.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE COLLECTS $10,739,347.57 IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL ACTIONS IN FISCAL YEAR 2024

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced today that the Northern District of Florida collected $10,739,347.57 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2024. Of this amount, $6,129,268.26 was collected in criminal actions and $4,610,079.31 was collected in civil actions.            

    “Our office’s civil and criminal divisions, in coordination with our federal, state, and local law partners, have continued to work tirelessly to collect funds owed the America people in both criminal and civil matters,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Spaven.  “These efforts recover funds owed in civil and criminal debts and are used to punish criminals, make victims whole, and return funds to the federal treasury.”

    For example, in November, 2023, Chad Wade pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering, and bankruptcy fraud, for acts of COVID-related fraud.  He was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment, ordered to pay restitution to the United States Small Business Administration in the amount of about $1.58 million, and ordered to pay a fine of $100,000.00.  In FY 2024, the Northern District of Florida collected the full amount of the restitution.  In addition to the criminal judgment, the Northern District of Florida obtained a civil judgment under the False Claims Act for over $4 million, of which over $2.2 million has been collected.  The total amount collected from Wade is over $3.8 million.

    In November, 2022, Kathleen Jasper pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to commit theft of trade secrets. She was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution to the Florida Department of Education in the amount of $135,026.00.  In FY 2024, the Northern District of Florida recovered the full amount of the restitution, including over $20,000 through the Treasury Offset Program.

    The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating 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.

    Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Northern District of Florida, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $10,417,393 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2024. 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.

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met officer dismissed for football hooliganism

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A Met officer has been dismissed without notice for football hooliganism, and handed a three-year banning order.

    A misconduct hearing was held last week for Arsenal supporter Detective Constable Gordon Irikefe, attached to Central South Command Unit, following his behaviour at a Bayern Munich v Arsenal match.

    The officer also attended Westminster Magistrates’ Court today, Monday 24 February, in relation to his actions at Arsenal matches between October 2022 and April 2024.

    Detective Superintendent Emma Bond, in charge of policing for the Central South area, said: “DC Irikefe has shown an unacceptable pattern of behaviour at football matches, for anyone, let alone a police officer who should uphold the highest of standards whether on or off duty.

    “His actions have not only seen him now subject to a football banning order, but have also cost him his job.

    ”I am grateful to professional standards and football unit colleagues for pulling together the evidence in this case to ensure we have been able to take decisive action.”

    A misconduct hearing was held on Thursday, 20 February following allegations DC Irikefe lit and threw a pyrotechnic into the crowd at a football match in Munich while off duty on Wednesday, 17 April last year.

    DC Irikefe was also arrested that day by German police for wearing a full balaclava and sunglasses inside the stadium. He was fined 100 Euros for the ‘masking’ offence.

    The hearing found he had breached the standards of professional behaviour for discreditable conduct at the level of gross misconduct.

    DC Irikefe resigned on Wednesday, 12 February but his notice period meant he was still a serving officer when his misconduct hearing was held, therefore he was dismissed without notice.

    He appeared at court today after investigating officers from the Met’s Central Football Unit made an application for a football banning order to prevent violence and disorder. DC Irikefe had been served with a summons on Thursday, 10 October.

    The court heard that since October 2022 DC Irikefe had come to police notice on numerous occasions for disorderly and anti-social behaviour at football matches, including the matters in Germany for which he had also been disciplined, receiving management action.

    In February 2023 he was heard ‘tragedy chanting’ at a Leicester City march, shouting ‘helicopter’. Other allegations included making lewd gestures and shouting abuse at a substitute player, ‘masking up’ to conceal his identify and intimating other fans including using pyrotechnics.

    The order was granted and will be in place for the next three years. DC Irikefe is banned from attending any regulated football matches in the UK and must surrender his passport when asked to do so in relation to football matches played outside the UK.

    He cannot go within one mile of the Emirates stadium if Arsenal are playing four hours before and after the match, nor visit any town, city or London borough four hours before and after an away match.

    He must not go without two miles of any stadium where the England national team are playing four hours before and after the match.

    Following his dismissal, DC Irikefe will also be placed on the barred list held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Rate Launches 1stResponder+ Program, Offering Mortgage Balance Coverage to Those Working in the Line of Duty

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rate, the second largest retail lender in the U.S. and a leader in fintech mortgage solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its 1stResponder+ Program, a new initiative designed to provide financial peace of mind to active first responders and their families.

    Underscoring Rate’s commitment to those who serve and protect our communities every day, the 1stResonder+ program offers eligible first responders a complimentary, one-year accidental death insurance policy that covers their mortgage balance—up to $650,000—in the event that the first responder passes away in the line of duty. This program can be paired with Rate’s agency conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA product offerings, providing flexible options for borrowers who meet both loan program and product criteria.

    Eligible professions include:

    • Law Enforcement Officers: Police officers, correction officers, and Homeland Security personnel (including military border patrol).
    • Emergency Medical Services: EMTs, paramedics, ambulance personnel, search and rescue teams, and air ambulance crews.
    • Fire Service: Firefighters and search and rescue personnel.

    “First responders are the backbone of our communities, putting their lives at risk every day to ensure the public’s safety and well-being,” said Victor Ciardelli, President and CEO of Rate. “The 1stResponder+ program is our way of saying thank you and ensuring their families are protected, should the unthinkable occur. This initiative reflects our gratitude and respect for these individuals.”

    The 1stResponser+ not only highlights Rate’s focus on advancing the mortgage industry, but also reinforces its mission to make homeownership attainable and secure for those who selflessly serve others.

    Rate loan officers are dedicated to supporting the communities that they serve in many different ways. In addition to 1stResponder+, Rate offers an extensive product suite that includes, but is not limited to, a wide variety of Affordable, Jumbo, and Non-QM products and programs. Whether you are a first responder or not, Rate has an option that will best fit your needs.

    About Rate

    Rate Companies is a leader in mortgage lending and digital financial services. Headquartered in Chicago, Rate is the #2 retail mortgage lender in the U.S., with over 850 branches across all 50 states and Washington D.C. Since its launch in 2000, Rate has helped more than 2 million homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. The company has cemented itself as an industry leader by introducing innovative technology, offering low rates, and delivering unparalleled customer service. Honors and awards include Best Mortgage Lender for First-Time Homebuyers by NerdWallet for 2023; HousingWire’s Tech100 award for the company’s industry-leading FlashClose℠ digital mortgage platform in 2020, MyAccount in 2022, and Language Access Program in 2023; No. 2 ranking in Scotsman Guide’s 2022 list of Top Retail Mortgage Lenders; the most Scotsman Guide Top Originators for 11 consecutive years; Chicago Agent Magazine’s Lender of the Year for seven consecutive years; and Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces list for seven straight years. Visit rate.com for more information.

    Press Contact

    press@rate.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Iron River Man Sentenced To 84 Months In Federal Prison For Drug Possession And Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

              GRAND RAPIDS – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge today announced that Matthew Joseph Sheehan, 45, of Iron River, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

              According to court records, investigators received information that Sheehan was traveling out of state to obtain illicit drugs for distribution in the Upper Peninsula, including methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine. In June 2023, Sheehan was pulled over in Iron County for a traffic infraction. During the traffic stop, officers found nearly a pound of methamphetamine, a smaller quantity of cocaine, and more than $6,000 in cash. A subsequent search of Sheehan’s residence recovered additional drugs and over $37,000.

              The Michigan State Police, Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET), Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Iron River Police Department, and Iron County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: As Pennsylvania inches toward legalizing recreational cannabis, lawmakers propose selling it in state-owned dispensaries similar to state liquor stores

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniel J. Mallinson, Associate Professor of Public Policy and Administration, Penn State

    Advocates believe Pennsylvania and Hawaii may be the next fronts in recreational cannabis legalization. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

    After a long, largely successful march over 25 years to liberalize cannabis laws in the United States, the movement had a tough election in 2024.

    Legalization ballot measures failed in Florida, North Dakota and South Dakota. In Arkansas, votes on legalization were not even counted due to litigation over the measure. The only successful measures – passed in Nebraska – are also on hold due to litigation.

    Federally, many of President Donald Trump’s nominees in key posts at the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Administration have made strong anti-cannabis statements. This may not bode well for the effort started by President Joe Biden to reschedule marijuana as a less dangerous drug.

    So, what is the future of cannabis legalization in the United States?

    As political scientist Lee Hannah and I argued in our 2024 book “Green Rush,” the states are central to the story of cannabis legalization in the United States.

    In fact, advocates are looking to places such as Pennsylvania and Hawaii in 2025 as the next fronts in recreational legalization.

    Let’s zoom in on Pennsylvania.

    Pennsylvania is a middling adopter

    Pennsylvania is following about the same trajectory with adult-use recreational legalization as it did with medical marijuana. It is not an innovator but also not a laggard.

    When Pennsylvania adopted medical marijuana in 2016, 23 states had already done so.

    The political environment is very different in 2025 than 2016, however, which raises the difficulty of passing a bill that makes recreational marijuana use legal, even in a state where legalization is popular.

    In 2016, Pennsylvania’s General Assembly was controlled completely by Republicans, and the governor was a Democrat. Now, the Democrats hold a single-seat majority in the House that erodes every time there is a vacancy. Republicans still control the Senate, and Democrat Josh Shapiro is the governor.

    A major key to medical cannabis legalization passing in 2016 was Republican state Sen. Mike Folmer’s advocacy within his caucus. Without a Republican champion, it may not have passed.

    For legalization of recreational cannabis, state Sen. Dan Laughlin has been the clear Republican champion. He has been working with Democratic state Sen. Sharif Street of Philadelphia to build support and find a policy design that works for Republicans and Democrats.

    But Republican Senate leadership has remained cool to the idea. Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward is not a supporter and has been pushing the governor to get more involved.

    “If (Shapiro) wants something done, he needs to lead on it,” Ward said. “He can’t throw an idea out there, which he did last year, and say, ‘Let the legislature figure it out, I’ll sign it.’”

    Expected revenues likely to fall short

    For his part, Shapiro has included projected revenues from legalization in his budget proposals since assuming office in 2023.

    This year, he projected an even greater first-year haul – US$536 million – if recreational cannabis is legalized. This estimate includes revenue from initial licensing fees.

    The assumptions going into these projections aren’t clear. And while cannabis legalization has been lucrative for state revenues in other places, revenues often fall short of what was projected during legalization debates.

    Importantly, Pennsylvania is now nearly surrounded by states with legal recreational cannabis. That includes New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Ohio, but not West Virginia.

    It is no secret that, in the words of Shapiro, “Pennsylvanians who want to buy cannabis are just driving across the border to one of our neighbors.”

    Research on how ideas and policies spread makes clear the intense pressure that comes as a state’s neighbors adopt a policy, especially one with major economic ramifications.

    But pressure does not determine the result. The internal politics of a state can still block a policy from being adopted.

    State-owned cannabis stores

    The biggest challenge for legalization in Pennsylvania will be navigating those internal political dynamics – especially finding a compromise that can be supported by both Democrats and Republicans.

    Public safety is often raised as a concern during legalization debates. To counter this point, Democrats in the state House have proposed selling legal cannabis in state-owned stores, just like how liquor and some wine is sold in Pennsylvania now.

    The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board operates nearly 600 Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores across the state.
    Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

    No other states do this, and it puts the state on potentially very slippery ground with the federal government, which still considers cannabis to be completely prohibited. State-run stores mean that states are providing a banned substance directly to citizens. That is a significant step further than creating an infrastructure to regulate private entities that are breaking federal law.

    Moreover, there has been a decades-long effort in Pennsylvania by conservatives to privatize the state liquor stores. It seems odd that Republicans would support using that model to create a recreational cannabis market.

    If privately owned but government-regulated dispensaries are used, there is significant debate among cannabis policy experts as to whether it is wise to give existing medical dispensaries first dibs on recreational licenses. Doing so allows states to open their recreational programs very quickly.

    The drawback, however, is that large, multistate operators such as Trulieve, which runs dispensaries in several states, are positioned to gain a significant share of the market. This is why the industry supports the approach to initial licensing. Legalization advocates such as Shaleen Title, however, are very concerned about the development of a “Big Cannabis” that resembles Big Tobacco, with oligopoly control by a few large companies.

    Social equity is another challenge facing recreational legalization that was not a major factor in medical. In short, social equity is about ensuring members of marginalized communities that were previously targets of the War on Drugs somehow benefit from the cannabis industry now that it is legal. While the issue was central to recreational legalization debates in neighboring New York and New Jersey, there’s been little public discussion of this particular facet of Pennsylvania’s proposed legalization plans.

    While a middling adopter of medical cannabis, Pennsylvania’s program also had important innovations in research and social equity that influenced legislators in other states. Whatever happens in the commonwealth around recreational cannabis may well do so again, especially as fewer states have the option of adopting recreational cannabis via the ballot.

    Finding a legislative solution to these thorny issues in a divided government could thus push legalization forward. Or the recent winds against legalization could stall the effort in Pennsylvania, at least for now.

    Read more of our stories about Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.

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

    – ref. As Pennsylvania inches toward legalizing recreational cannabis, lawmakers propose selling it in state-owned dispensaries similar to state liquor stores – https://theconversation.com/as-pennsylvania-inches-toward-legalizing-recreational-cannabis-lawmakers-propose-selling-it-in-state-owned-dispensaries-similar-to-state-liquor-stores-250368

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: 3 ways Trump is acting like a king and bypassing the Constitution’s checks and balances on presidential authority

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By David Lopez, University Professor of Law, Rutgers University – Newark

    Donald Trump’s efforts to expand presidential power defy the Constitutional separation of powers. zimmytws/iStock via Getty Images

    I learned basic civics in my public school. But mostly, because it was more interesting, I also learned civics after school watching the animated series “Schoolhouse Rock,” often with my abuela – my grandmother – who took care of me.

    Back then, “Schoolhouse Rock” had a wonderful episode, “Three Ring Government.” In singing narration, the characters explained “about the government, and how it’s arranged, divided in three, like a three-ring circus.”

    Those three circles, all the same size, kept each other honest. For many in my generation, those three rings were our introduction to the idea of the checks and balances built into the U.S. government. They include the separation of powers among the legislative, judicial and executive branches.

    In short, we learned, Congress passes the laws, the president administers the laws, and the courts interpret the laws.

    This elegant but simple system stood in contrast to the nearly unshackled power of the British king, who ruled over the American colonies before independence. And it provided representation for “We the People,” because we vote for members of Congress.

    During its first month, the second Trump administration has pushed a new balance of these powers, granting the president expansive and far-reaching authority. These actions imperil the power of elected lawmakers in the House and Senate to pass legislation, oversee the federal government and exercise spending authority.

    Most U.S. legal scholars regarded these issues as fairly settled. Trump’s recent actions, however, have unsettled this understanding.

    Here are three examples of how the balance of power is being upset by Trump and his administration:

    The explanation of the separation of powers in the U.S. government in “Schoolhouse Rock.”

    Independent agencies

    On Jan. 28, 2025, President Donald Trump fired Gwynne Wilcox, a Democratic member of the National Labor Relations Board, three years before the end of her five-year term.

    The National Labor Relations Board, or NLRB, established in New Deal legislation in 1935, was designed to ensure industrial peace by protecting the rights of workers to organize and bargain collectively. Congress created the board as a bipartisan body to resolve allegations of unfair labor practices brought by workers or management.

    By design, the board operated independently from Cabinet-level departments. Congress sought to preserve this independence by ensuring that board members serve a fixed term and could be removed only for “neglect of duty or malfeasance in office, but for no other cause.”

    This independent structure – shared by other agencies such as the Securities Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – aims to provide regulatory consistency, slightly removed from the political passions of the day.

    Some legal scholars have been percolating an argument that the Constitution requires the Supreme Court to limit those agencies’ Congressionally endowed independence in favor of more expansive presidential authority, even though the court decided this issue unanimously in 1935.

    Wilcox is suing the administration for its apparent violation of Congress’ statutory language by firing her.

    “Ms. Wilcox is the first Black woman to serve on the Board, the first Black woman to serve as its Chair, and – if the President’s action is allowed to stand – will also be the first member to be removed from office since the Board’s inception in 1935,” the lawsuit states.

    If this case makes it to the Supreme Court, and the court takes the unusual step of reversing itself, its ruling would imperil the independent structure, not just of this agency but of other agencies too.

    Asylum laws

    Congress created a comprehensive system of laws for processing the asylum claims of people who say they are fleeing persecution or torture to seek protection in the U.S.

    These laws allow applicants to show likelihood of harm if they could not stay in the U.S. They were originally adopted in response to humanitarian crises, including when Jews fleeing Nazi Germany were turned away by the U.S., among other countries.

    As part of Trump’s declaration, on his first day in back in office, that immigration is both a “national immigration emergency” and an “invasion” under Article IV, Section 4 of the Constitution, the president essentially shut down the asylum process at U.S. ports of entry. His proclamation canceled the appointments of those who had waited to pursue their claim under existing asylum procedures.

    In doing so, Trump ignored critical portions of laws passed by Congress. This move places asylum seekers already in the U.S. in danger of being deported to the countries where they say they face life-threatening persecution or torture.

    Congressional spending authority

    Protesters near the White House oppose President Donald Trump’s freeze on federal grants and loans on Jan. 28, 2025.
    Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

    Under the Constitution, Congress has the power to set spending amounts and priorities for the federal government. By law, the executive branch cannot spend what has not been appropriated – meaning approved by Congress – nor can it stop that spending.

    Shortly following the inauguration, however, Trump’s Office of Management and Budget ordered a pause of federal grants and loans to organizations and programs ranging from Head Start to farm subsidies.

    Almost immediately, several states, concerned about the loss of essential federal services, filed a lawsuit to halt the freeze. A federal court in Rhode Island sided with the plaintiffs and temporarily stayed the freeze.

    The judge rejected the Trump administration’s argument that it must “align Federal spending and action with the will of the American people as expressed through Presidential priorities,” calling it “constitutionally flawed.” And he concluded that the president could not act unilaterally under the Constitution.

    “Congress has not given the Executive limitless power to broadly and indefinitely pause all funds that it has expressly directed to specific recipients and purposes,” wrote the judge, John J. McConnell, Jr. “The Executive’s actions violate the separation of powers.”

    “Schoolhouse Rock” taught that one ring must respect the other coequal rings. What has happened under Trump is one ring expanding in size to swallow up much of another ring – that of Congress.

    ‘Kinglike’ powers?

    Several of the Trump administration’s recent actions appear designed to test the legal viability of an expansive, more “kinglike” view of presidential powers.

    Yet for the most part, Congress as an institution has mostly remained silent as the executive branch invades its sphere of authority.

    Instead, the courts have served as a check on his power by stalling, temporarily, more than a dozen of Trump’s presidential actions that surpass the executive powers permitted under various laws and the Constitution.

    Most of these stays are only temporary. They were issued based on the recognition that the immediate harm of unlawful presidential overreach would be difficult to roll back.

    In the end, the Supreme Court will likely decide the scope of presidential powers in the various contexts. If they rule in Trump’s favor, the U.S. government will become a one-ring circus run by a kinglike president – precisely what it was never meant to be.

    Gwynne Wilcox is a Rutgers Law grad and has spoken to our class.

    – ref. 3 ways Trump is acting like a king and bypassing the Constitution’s checks and balances on presidential authority – https://theconversation.com/3-ways-trump-is-acting-like-a-king-and-bypassing-the-constitutions-checks-and-balances-on-presidential-authority-249347

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The murder rate in Venezuela has fallen − but both Trump and Maduro are wrong about why

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Rebecca Hanson, Assistant Professor of Latin American Studies, Sociology and Criminology, University of Florida

    Members of government-backed militias take part in a march in Caracas, Venezuela, on Jan. 7, 2025. AP Photo/Matias Delacroix

    The body of former Venezuelan army officer Ronald Ojeda was found on Feb. 19, 2024, in a suitcase buried under 5 feet of concrete. Ojeda, accused by Venezuela of plotting against the government, had gone missing nine days earlier, when men dressed as police broke into his apartment in the Chilean capital of Santiago and dragged him away.

    Following a yearlong investigation, authorities in Chile have now pointed the finger at the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, claiming members carried out the assassination at the behest of that country’s president, Nicolás Maduro.

    It comes as the relationship between Maduro’s government and criminal gangs is under increased scrutiny, both among regional governments in Latin America and in the United States.

    Conservative media outlets in the U.S. and right-leaning groups such as the Heritage Foundation have accused Maduro of sending gang members into the U.S. to destabilize the country.

    President Donald Trump has even suggested that Maduro successfully reduced crime by exporting gang members to the U.S. “Crime is down in Venezuela by 67% because they’re taking their gangs and their criminals and depositing them very nicely into the United States,” he told supporters in April 2024.

    According to data from the Venezuelan Ministry of Health, shared with me by scholar of Venezuelan politics Dorothy Kronick, homicide rates have indeed come down in recent years. And this trend is confirmed by the Venezuelan Observatory of Violence.

    The fall in homicide rates has coincided with Maduro successfully consolidating his authoritarian rule in Venezuela. And explanations of the drop in crime tend to imply that it is the result of the government co-opting and controlling gangs. Some observers have even referred to Venezuela as a “narcostate,” suggesting that drug trafficking in the country is an organized venture between top officials and criminal groups.

    I have studied crime, violence and policing in Venezuela since 2011 and know that this narrative is at best oversimplistic, at worst outright mistruth. As I explore in my new book, “Policing the Revolution: The Transformation of Coercive Power and Venezuela’s Security Landscape During Chavismo,” the case of Venezuela is not one of government control over criminal groups. Rather, it is characterized by an unstable and volatile relationship between the government and multiple competing armed actors, including gangs and the police.

    Violent, but becoming less so

    Falling homicide rates should not mask the fact that Venezuela is still plagued by violence. Since the mid-2000s it has been ranked as one of the most violent countries in the world.

    Former President Hugo Chávez was never able to get a handle on crime, particularly violent crime, which increased exponentially under his government. The trend continued during Maduro’s first years in office after Chávez’s death in 2013.

    However, all available evidence suggests that Venezuela’s homicide rate has declined since reaching a peak in 2016 – by around 42%.

    But there’s no evidence this is because the government is “offshoring” criminals.

    Maduro’s own explanation for this decline portrays the government as handily controlling criminals by means of incredibly lethal police raids carried out between 2015 and 2019. In short, Maduro claims that the police have effectively “wiped out” criminal groups.

    Competing police forces …

    But rather than “wiping out” criminal organizations, the Maduro government has instead maintained volatile relationships with many armed groups, including gangs, nonstate paramilitary groups and even the country’s own police forces.

    These relationships have produced significant conflict and dysfunction within state institutions. This is clear when looking at institutions presumed to be synonymous with state control, such as the police.

    Chávez’s and Maduro’s governments put more police and soldiers in the streets. They created security institutions, such as the Policía Nacional Bolivariana, or Bolivarian National Police.

    However, rapid growth of the security apparatus, amid competing approaches, has generated more conflict than coordination.

    Police officers and police reformers I interviewed referred to state security policies and the changes they produced as akin to Frankenstein’s monster – an aberration rapidly outpacing the creator’s ability to control it.

    What they mean is the government had created new security institutions so quickly that it is unable to supervise and control them. As one former police officer and Chavista politician told me: “Our challenge now is how to manage the monster we created.”

    Members of the National Guard take part in an anti-gang security operation in Caracas on July 13, 2015.
    Federico Parra/AFP via Getty Images

    State policies have also generated significant distrust between the police and the government, and among different police forces.

    This distrust has even resulted in police forces coming to blows with each other in the streets on multiple occasions. On Feb. 19, 2020, a section of the Prados del Este highway in Caracas was shut down as officers from Venezuela’s National Police and the country’s investigative police brandished weapons, shoving, punching and wrestling each other to the ground.

    … cooperating gangs

    It is, as such, highly unlikely that falling homicide rates are the result of policing. Indeed, I interviewed over 200 police officers while conducting research for my book, and most believed that the government’s policing initiatives contributed to crime and violence rather than reducing it.

    A more plausible explanation for falling homicide figures is that Maduro’s policies have resulted in more consolidated relationships between criminal groups themselves.

    Maduro’s government has built relationships with gangs, but this doesn’t necessarily imply control over them. Since 2013 the government has negotiated pacts with some of the country’s largest gangs, including a gang confederation led by the infamous El Koki in Caracas and the Belén gang in the state of Miranda.

    The government agreed to tolerate illicit activities within certain areas and prohibit police from entering gang territory. In exchange, gangs agreed to reduce killings and other highly visible crimes such as kidnapping. As my book and previous research with Verónica Zubillaga, Francisco Sánchez and Leonard Gómez shows, these pacts allowed gangs to consolidate control over territory and illicit markets.

    Gangs also negotiated agreements among themselves in case the government pacts fell through. For example, they agreed to divide territory and markets to avoid future conflict and share resources such as weapons and ammunition. This produced less conflict between gangs and less disruption in illicit markets, resulting in fewer homicides.

    When pacts have ruptured in the past, the spectacularly violent confrontations that ensued between gangs and the police have shown gangs’ capacity to resist government intervention. Still, the overall effect of pacts and gang consolidation has been a reduction in homicides.

    As one neighbor living in gang territory put it: “Before, gangs confronted each other; they killed each other. Now they don’t. Now they are growing.”

    ‘Mother of all infuriations’

    Relationships between the government and various nonstate armed groups, including gangs, have generated enormous discontent within police forces.

    As one police officer explained in an interview, these pacts represented the “mother of all infuriations.” For many officers, the goverment’s pacts with other armed groups is tantamount to its sponsorship of criminal activities.

    And this discontent has produced sporadic violent confrontations. Even when government-gang pacts are in place, the government has been unable to keep police forces from entering gang territory and engaging in deadly shootouts.

    Certainly from the outside, it may look like Maduro’s government has co-opted gangs for political purposes. And with the U.S. government adding Tren de Aragua to its list of global terrorist groups, that could put Venezuela in danger of being labeled a “state sponsor of terrorism.”

    However, the Ojeda case in Chile should not be taken as evidence that stable and strong ties exist between Maduro’s government and criminal groups – at least not yet.

    Instead, authoritarian survival in Venezuela for now seems to depend on volatile relationships between multiple and competing armed groups that collaborate temporarily with the government when their diverse interests overlap.

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

    – ref. The murder rate in Venezuela has fallen − but both Trump and Maduro are wrong about why – https://theconversation.com/the-murder-rate-in-venezuela-has-fallen-but-both-trump-and-maduro-are-wrong-about-why-249230

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: OSCE Reinforced Permanent Council, February 2025: UK statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    OSCE Reinforced Permanent Council, February 2025: UK statement

    UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, addresses a Reinforced meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion and underlines continued UK support for Ukraine.

    Three years ago, when Putin unleashed his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in a clear breach of the UN charter, he expected a swift victory.  What he got instead was a catastrophic failure.

    Putin’s imperial ambitions have killed and injured close to a million in his own forces and driven its economy into the ground.  The rouble is plummeting, inflation is soaring, and the deficit at record levels.  All for a war that he thought would be over in three days.

    The extent of death, destruction, and suffering caused by one man’s selfish ambition is staggering.  Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have been killed and millions more injured, displaced, and in need of urgent help as civilians are relentlessly attacked.

    Repeated findings of the Moscow Mechanism and other independent reports document Russian atrocities.  There are increasing reports of Russian forces deporting children and using rape, torture and execution as weapons of war.  The OSCE is playing a crucial role in securing justice for survivors and victims. 

    Yet, in the face of this brutality, Ukrainians continue to defend their homeland with extraordinary courage and ingenuity.  This proves that, with the right support, they can defy Putin’s barbarism.

    The UK has been at the forefront of this effort from day one.  Our military support worth £3 billion a year is putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position.  And our new 100 Year Partnership cements our unwavering commitment for generations to come.

    Make no mistake, Putin’s invasion violates laws and principles which underpin Euro-Atlantic security – including the Helsinki Final Act.

    Laws which Russia itself signed up to, and we cannot allow such aggression to succeed.

    The days ahead will determine the future security of our continent.  This is the moment for all of us to step up.  Because it is the right thing to do for the values we hold dear and because it is fundamental to European security.

    That’s why the UK will stand with Ukraine—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU reaffirms unwavering support to Ukraine on anniversary of invasion

    Source: European Union 2

    In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The EU reacted swiftly and decisively, condemning Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression, imposing wide-ranging sanctions, and offering Ukraine its unwavering support. The EU remains committed to supporting Ukraine until it achieves a just and lasting peace. 

    Strong and comprehensive EU response 

    The EU has provided almost €135 billion in support to Ukraine, including economic, military, financial, and humanitarian aid. It continues to work with international partners to ensure sustained support and hold Russia accountable.  

    Hard-hitting sanctions have significantly weakened Russia’s economy and war capabilities. The EU is also working to ensure those responsible for war crimes face justice through the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine in The Hague. 

    Peace, reconstruction, and Ukraine’s European future 

    On the third anniversary of the invasion, President von der Leyen and the College of Commissioners are visiting Kyiv. The President is meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and together, they are co-chairing a College-to-Government meeting to discuss Ukraine’s future as a free and sovereign nation.  

    The EU continues to work with Ukraine on its EU accession process. Ukraine’s progress towards EU membership reflects the will of its people for democratic reforms and a European future.  

    After the war, Ukraine will require extensive reconstruction. The EU has been actively contributing to the country’s resilience and recovery, but further support will be needed to rebuild a free and prosperous country, anchored in European values and well-integrated into the European and global economy.  

    For more information 

    EU solidarity with Ukraine 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Workers’ alleged misconduct probed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today said it is investigating an incident involving cleaning workers who allegedly removed display bills posted in Sham Shui Po, and has instructed the contractor to suspend the staff members concerned from their contractual duties until the investigation is completed.

    The department made the statement in response to media enquiries about a video circulating on social media, in which outsourced cleansing workers were suspected of removing display bills they posted in Nam Cheong Street.

    Preliminary investigations revealed that the four staff members involved were employed by an outsourced street cleaning service contractor.

    The department said it has immediately requested the contractor to submit a report on the incident and reiterated that it attaches great importance to the performance of contractors and the conduct of their employees.

    If the investigation confirms the allegation, the department will hold the contractor liable in accordance with the contract, which may include the deduction of service fees and put on record the incident as a considering factor for future service procurement.

    Additionally, the department will refer the suspected falsification of records to Police for follow-up.

    The FEHD noted that the workers concerned are responsible for removing unauthorised display bills and posters in public places, and must take photos for record purposes. It has not set a minimum target for the number of bills and posters to be removed by the contractors.

    The department added that it will closely monitor the contractor’s service performance to ensure compliance with the service contract requirements.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Last month in the field – January

    Source: Frontex

    As migration patterns shift and security challenges evolve, Frontex remains at the forefront of Europe’s border management efforts. January 2024 saw significant progress in multiple areas, from life-saving operations in the Central Mediterranean to a sharp decline in illegal border crossings in the Western Balkans. Additionally, the Agency welcomed closer cooperation with Albania, reported key migration trends, and hosted EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner for discussions on future challenges. Here’s a look at key developments from the past month.

    In January, a Swedish patrol boat participating in a Frontex operation in Italy played a critical role in a life-saving mission. The vessel intercepted a fiberglass boat packed with 58 migrants, none of whom had life jackets, putting them in immediate danger. With air support from a Frontex plane, all individuals on board were safely rescued. In addition to operational efforts, Frontex continues to support Italian authorities in identifying and dismantling smuggling networks responsible for these perilous journeys.

    Frontex’s collaboration with EU partners and neighbouring countries is yielding positive results. In the Western Balkans, illegal border crossings dropped by 78% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This significant decline underscores the effectiveness of joint efforts between the EU and its neighbours in addressing migration challenges.

    Albania remains a key partner in these efforts. A new phase of cooperation has begun with the deployment of Frontex officers in Joint Operation 2025 in Albania. They were warmly welcomed by the Albanian State Police and Regional Border and Migration Police in Gjirokastra. This partnership strengthens border security and enhances regional stability.

    Frontex data for 2024 shows a 38% decrease in irregular border crossings compared to 2023, marking the lowest level since 2021. However, challenges remain:

    • Western Africa: A notable 18% increase in arrivals, reaching nearly 47,000—the highest number since Frontex began collecting data in 2009.
    • Western Balkans and Central Mediterranean: Both routes recorded sharp declines of 78% and 59%, respectively.
    • Demographics: Women accounted for 10% of all irregular crossings, with 62% entering through the Eastern Mediterranean. Minors made up 16%, up from 13% in 2023.

    Currently, 3,000 Frontex officers and staff are deployed in operations across Europe, ensuring the security of the EU’s external borders.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Media reporting of child homicide victims

    Source: Scottish Government

    Work to begin with stakeholders on non-legislative measures following consultation.

    The responses to a public consultation on media reporting of child homicide victims have been published.

    The 12-week consultation sought views on possible legislative and non-legislative approaches to reduce trauma that media reporting of child homicide cases can cause grieving loved-ones.

    The consultation heard from bereaved families, victim support organisations, children’s organisations, media and legal organisations and legal academics.

    After careful consideration of the responses, the Scottish Government has concluded that legislation would not be an effective way of dealing with the complexities of media reporting on child homicide cases. The consultation made clear there would be serious difficulties in developing legislation that could strike a balance between privacy rights and freedom of expression, and also be practically enforced.

    The Scottish Government will now work with stakeholders on non-legislative measures that could improve the experiences of families affected by reporting on child homicide cases. This includes supporting the development of guidance for journalists by media, victims organisations and regulators; exploring the potential for journalism courses, newsrooms or regulators to offer bespoke training for journalists; and working with Victim Support Scotland to consider how media guidance provided to bereaved families could be enhanced.

    Justice Secretary Angela Constance said:

    “I have great sympathy for the distress felt by bereaved families in child homicide cases, which can be compounded by the significant media attention that such cases attract, often well beyond the death and any court case if there is one.

    “I am grateful to everyone who responded to the consultation for their thoughtful, reasoned and heartfelt views, which I considered very carefully. What is clear is that there needs to be more sensitive media reporting in child homicide cases, while striking a balance between a right to privacy and freedom of expression.

    “I do not consider that legislation would be an effective way of dealing with the complexities of reporting on child homicide cases, or flexible enough to cover the diverse circumstances of cases and the people affected by them. Any legislative approach would also likely criminalise ordinary human responses to the tragedy of a child’s death, such as public tributes.

    “However, I understand that more could be done to highlight the impact on families and we will work with stakeholders on a range of non-legislative actions.”

    Background

    Consultation on media reporting on child homicide victims and next steps

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Triathlon test event set for March

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The 15th National Games Triathlon Test Event will be held at the Central Harbourfront and Victoria Harbour on March 1 and 2, and special traffic and transport arrangements will be in place in Central and Wan Chai from February 26.

    The women’s individual and men’s individual races are scheduled for 8am and 10.30am respectively on March 1, while the mixed relay race will take place at 2pm on March 2.

    To prepare for and facilitate the test event, special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented in phases.

    From 10am on February 26 to 6pm on March 2, the section of Expo Drive between Legislative Council Road and Expo Drive Central will be temporarily closed.

    From 5am to 8am on February 28, Police will implement intermittent road closures in the vicinity of the Central Harbourfront and Wan Chai North, including Lung Wo Road, Yiu Sing Street, Lung Hop Street, Expo Drive, Expo Drive Central, and Expo Drive East.

    These road sections will be closed from 2am to 2pm on March 1 and from 8am to 6pm on March 2.

    Regarding public transport, cross-harbour bus route nos. 104 and 961 and Citybus route nos. H1 and H2 will be subject to temporary diversions.

    At the same time, the terminal point of cross-harbour bus route no. 961 at Expo Drive East will be temporarily relocated to Harbour Road outside Wan Chai Swimming Pool, and the bus stop of Citybus route no. H1 at Expo Drive East near Golden Bauhinia Square will also be temporarily suspended.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: After three years of war, the Netherlands continues to support Ukraine

    Source: Government of the Netherlands

    News item | 24-02-2025 | 12:02

    On 24 February 2022 Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For three years the Ukrainian people have been fighting for their lives and for their liberty. This article explains why supporting Ukraine remains important – to the whole of Europe.

    Enlarge image
    Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine, in the center of Kyiv.

    Why the Netherlands continues to support Ukraine:

    For the Ukrainian people

    Russia has caused devastation to the daily lives of millions of Ukrainians. Many Ukrainian towns and villages have been completely destroyed. In the areas occupied by Russia, Ukrainians have suffered violence at the hands of Russian soldiers. They have been murdered, tortured and raped. Ukrainian children have also been abducted. With international support, Ukrainians have been defending their country for three years.

    Russia started the war. And Russia could end it at any time.

    For the security of Europe as a whole

    Russia’s aggression is about more than Ukraine. President Putin has spoken publicly about a conflict with ‘the West’. And Russia is stepping up its efforts to undermine European countries. This includes cyberattacks, sabotage, election interference and spreading fake news.

    In other words: by defending itself against Russia, Ukraine is fighting for the security of Europe as a whole. That’s another reason why it’s important to support Ukraine. A Russian victory in Ukraine will not bring an end to the danger. And the costs for Europe will end up being much higher. Europe may have to deal with even more Russian cyberattacks or other kinds of attacks. And with more Ukrainian refugees who are unable to return home.

    For a world in which aggression is not rewarded

    A Russian victory would have consequences for the whole world. It would send a signal to Russia and to China, North Korea and Iran that aggression will be rewarded. And that brute strength is more important than international rules and agreements. That could lead to even more wars.

    Peace through strength, not war through weakness.

    Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And Russia must be made to pay a high price for its aggression. That is why the government is continuing to provide unwavering support to Ukraine. To help secure a positive outcome to the war, based on the idea of: achieving peace by showing strength, not risking further war by showing weakness.

    Dutch support for Ukraine

    The Netherlands continues to support Ukraine. It is for example providing:

    • Military support: equipment, such as munitions, F-16 aircraft and anti-aircraft systems. The Netherlands is also providing training to Ukrainian military personnel.
    • Sanctions against Russia: the sanctions imposed by EU member states are hurting the Russian economy. That makes it harder and more expensive for Russia to keep the war going.
    • Justice for Ukraine: working to ensure that war crimes do not go unpunished and that people who have suffered damage, loss or injury in the war receive compensation.
    • Reconstruction: support to repair damage where it is most needed: water mains, roads, hospitals and the electrical grid. This support is crucial so that Ukraine can continue to function.
    • Humanitarian aid: helping international, Dutch and Ukrainian organisations to provide emergency goods, ensure the availability of drinking water, medicine and food, provide protection, and assist civilian victims.
    • Protection of Ukrainian cultural heritage: Russia is deliberately attacking cultural targets in Ukraine, in an attempt to erase Ukraine’s culture and identity. The Netherlands is supporting Ukraine in the protection of its cultural heritage.
    • Other support: the Netherlands is also helping Ukraine by providing support in areas like healthcare, psychosocial care for victims, agriculture and cybersecurity.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Europol steps up efforts to trace sanctioned assets three years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

    Source: Europol

    Launched on 11 April 2022, Operation OSCAR was established by Europol to strengthen financial investigations into assets linked to sanctioned individuals and entities following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A total of 44 partners, including Eurojust and Frontex, are actively involved. By facilitating intelligence exchange, supporting financial investigations and enhancing international cooperation, Operation OSCAR plays a key role in enforcing EU…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Ukraine/Russia: ‘Justice, accountability and reparation’ for victims must be a global priority

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion

    ‘A genuine commitment by President Trump to securing lasting peace in Ukraine must be delivered not in words but in actions’ – Agnès Callamard

    Marking the three-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and amid the start of US-Russia peace talks, Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, said:  

    “At a time when the US President is seeking to re-write the history of the last decade, and particularly of the last three years, the 3rd anniversary of the Russian aggression is a stark reminder of how much the people of Ukraine have endured and lost; of the devastation that Russia has waged against Ukraine.

    “Any negotiations over the future of the people of Ukraine must prioritise justice for all crimes under international law committed since Russia’s military intervention in 2014, accountability for those responsible, and reparations for victims of Russia’s aggression. Past suffering, including deadly Russian airstrikes on civilians and the forcible transfer of children to Russia, must not be forgotten or left unaddressed. Those most impacted by Russia’s war of aggression must have their voices heard and their needs met, and any negotiated outcome that does not account for this will fail in the long-term. 

    “We demand justice, accountability and reparation – as well as meaningful participation in the peace process – for the Ukrainian civilians abducted by Russian security services, prisoners of war tortured and unlawfully convicted, children threatened for studying Ukrainian online, teachers in Russian-occupied Ukraine subjected to forced labour in schools reopened under a Russian curriculum, and Crimean Tatars and other minorities who face brutal suppression as Russia seeks to alter the demographics of occupied territories. Without ending these ongoing violations immediately and strong guarantees for justice, a rushed ‘peace deal’ will only prolong their suffering and ensure impunity for the perpetrators of heinous rights violations. 

    “A genuine commitment by President Trump to securing lasting peace in Ukraine must be delivered not in words but in actions – including supporting all possible avenues for real justice and accountability for those suspected of war crimes and all crimes under international law.” 

    Violations of international human rights and humanitarian law

    Amnesty has documented widespread violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began on 24 February 2022, including acts that amount to war crimes and likely crimes against humanity. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine constitutes aggression, which is a crime under international law. Its strategy and tactics, including continued use of indiscriminate weapons and deliberate targeting of civilians, have caused widespread human suffering and seriously impacted Ukraine’s most vulnerable people, including children and older people. 

    Since March 2023, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants against Russian President Vladimir Putin and several senior Russian officials. The Trump administration’s focus on a negotiated settlement has renewed attention on the war, but its executive order imposing sanctions against the International Criminal Court earlier this month undermines the rights of victims and survivors of international crimes in Ukraine and beyond. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Ukraine/Russia: Three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion, justice for victims must be a global priority 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Ahead of the three-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and amid the start of U.S.-Russia peace talks, Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, said:  

    “At a time when the US President is seeking to re-write the history of the last decade, and particularly of the last three years, the 3rd anniversary of the Russian aggression is a stark reminder of how much the people of Ukraine have endured and lost; of the devastation that Russia has waged against Ukraine.” 

    “Any negotiations over the future of the people of Ukraine must prioritize justice for all crimes under international law committed since Russia’s military intervention in 2014, accountability for those responsible, and reparations for victims of Russia’s aggression. Past suffering, including deadly Russian airstrikes on civilians and the forcible transfer of children to Russia, must not be forgotten or left unaddressed. Those most impacted by Russia’s war of aggression must have their voices heard and their needs met, and any negotiated outcome that does not account for this will fail in the long-term. 

    “On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, we demand justice, accountability, and reparation – as well as meaningful participation in the peace process – for the Ukrainian civilians abducted by Russian security services, prisoners of war tortured and unlawfully convicted, children threatened for studying Ukrainian online, teachers in Russian-occupied Ukraine subjected to forced labour in schools reopened under a Russian curriculum, and Crimean Tatars and other minorities who face brutal suppression as Russia seeks to alter the demographics of occupied territories. Without ending these ongoing violations immediately and strong guarantees for justice, a rushed ‘peace deal’ will only prolong their suffering and ensure impunity for the perpetrators of heinous rights violations. 

    “U.S. Secretary of State Rubio said last week that President Trump wants to end the war in a way that is sustainable and enduring. A genuine commitment by President Trump to securing lasting peace in Ukraine must be delivered not in words but in actions – including supporting all possible avenues for real justice and accountability for those suspected of war crimes and all crimes under international law.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Suspicious website related to Tai Sang Bank Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

         The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Tai Sang Bank Limited relating to a suspicious website, which has been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
          
         The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
          
         Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special traffic arrangements for 15th National Games triathlon test event

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

        Police will implement special traffic arrangements in Central and Wan Chai from February 26 (Wednesday) to March 2 (Sunday) to facilitate the 15th National Games triathlon test event.

    A. Road closure

        The following roads will be intermittently closed from 5am to 8am on February 28:

    – Yiu Sing Street;
    – Eastbound Lung Wo Road between southbound Man Yiu Street and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Westbound Lung Wo Road between southbound Lung Tat Path and southbound Tim Wa Avenue;
    – Eastbound Lung Tat Path;
    – Lung Hop Street;
    – Legislative Council Road between Legislative Council Complex Car Park exit and westbound Lung Wo Road;
    – The slip road of eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel heading to its Expo Drive exit;
    – The slip road of eastbound Man Kat Street heading to Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel portal;
    – Expo Drive;
    – Expo Drive Central; and
    – Expo Drive East.

        The following roads will be closed, except for vehicles with permit:

    (1) From 10am on February 26 to 6pm on March 2:

        Expo Drive between Legislative Council Road and Expo Drive Central.

    (2) From 2am to 2pm on March 1 and from 8am to 6pm on March 2:

    – Yiu Sing Street;
    – Eastbound Lung Wo Road between southbound Man Yiu Street and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Westbound Lung Wo Road between southbound Lung Tat Path and southbound Man Yiu Street;
    – Eastbound Lung Tat Path;
    – Lung Hop Street;
    – Legislative Council Road between Legislative Council Complex Car Park exit and westbound Lung Wo Road;
    – Part of the traffic lanes of the slip road of westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel heading to Central District;
    – Part of the traffic lanes of eastbound Man Po Street near Finance Street;
    – Part of the traffic lanes of southbound Man Yiu Street between westbound Man Kwong Street and westbound Yiu Sing Street;
    – Part of the traffic lanes of southbound Man Yiu Street near westbound Lung Wo Road;
    – Part of the traffic lanes of westbound Convention Avenue near northbound Fleming Road;
    – The slip road of eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel heading to its Expo Drive exit;
    – The slip road of eastbound Man Kat Street heading to Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel portal;
    – Expo Drive;
    – Expo Drive Central;
    – Expo Drive East; and
    – Part of the traffic lanes of northbound Fleming Road between eastbound Harbour Road and westbound Lung Wo Road.

    B. Traffic diversions

        In connection with the road closure as mentioned above, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:

    (1) From 10am on February 26 to 6pm on March 2:

    – Traffic along eastbound Expo Drive heading to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will be diverted via eastbound Lung Wo Road and northbound Expo Drive East; and
    – Traffic along eastbound Expo Drive heading to Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel will be diverted via eastbound Lung Wo Road.

    (2) From 2am to 2pm on March 1 and from 8am to 6pm on March 2:

    – Traffic along westbound Hung Hing Road via northbound Expo Drive East heading to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will be diverted via southbound Fleming Road and make a u-turn to northbound Fleming Road and westbound Harbour Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Connaught Road Central Flyover heading to Hung Hing Road via Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel will be diverted via eastbound Man Po Street, southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Man Kat Street heading to Hung Hing Road via Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel will be diverted via eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Man Kwong Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road via southbound Man Yiu Street will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Man Po Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road via eastbound Yiu Sing Street will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Man Po Street heading to Admiralty or Mid-levels via eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via the slip road of eastbound Man Po Street heading to westbound Finance Street, westbound Finance Street, temporary exit connecting Finance Street and Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel, the slip road of westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel heading to eastbound Man Kat Street, eastbound Man Kat Street, eastbound Connaught Road Central and eastbound Harcourt Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Man Yiu Street cannot turn left to eastbound Lung Wo Road and eastbound Yiu Sing Street, vehicles will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Man Cheung Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road,  eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Yiu Sing Street and southbound Yiu Sing Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Traffic along northbound Legislative Council Road cannot turn left to westbound Lung Wo Road. Vehicles will be diverted via southbound Legislative Council Road, eastbound Lung Wui Road, eastbound Fenwick Pier Street, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, Flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place;
    – Traffic along northbound Tim Wa Avenue cannot turn left to westbound Lung Wo Road. Vehicles will be diverted via southbound Tim Wa Avenue, northbound Tim Mei Avenue, eastbound Lung Wui Road, eastbound Fenwick Pier Street, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, Flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place;
    – Traffic along westbound Lung Wo Road heading to the Chief Executive’s Office via southbound Tim Wa Avenue will be diverted via southbound Lung Tat Path, Convention Avenue, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, Flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and make a u-turn to eastbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Tim Wa Avenue;
    – Traffic along eastbound Lung Wui Road cannot turn left to northbound Lung Hop Street;
    – Traffic along westbound Fenwick Pier Street cannot turn right to northbound Lung Hop Street. Vehicles will be diverted via Fenwick Pier Street, Flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place;
    – Traffic along westbound Convention Avenue heading to westbound Lung Wo Road via northbound Lung Tat Path will be diverted via Convention Avenue, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, Flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place;
    – Traffic along westbound Hung Hing Road heading to westbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted to southbound Lung Tat Path, Convention Avenue, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, Flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place; and
    – Traffic along southbound Expo Drive East heading to westbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Lung Tat Path, Convention Avenue, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, Flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place.

    C. Suspension of parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas

        All parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas on the following roads will be suspended:

    (1) From 10am on February 26 to 6pm on March 2:

        All metered parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas on Expo Drive.

    (2) From 10pm on February 28 to 6pm on March 2:

    – All metered parking spaces on Yiu Sing Street and Lung Hop Street;
    – All metered parking spaces on the unnamed road near General Post Office;
    – Pick-up/drop-off areas on westbound Lung Wo Road near City Hall and near Edinburgh Place; and
    – All metered parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas on Expo Drive East.

         All vehicles parked illegally during the implementation of the above special traffic arrangements will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.  

         The Police will make special arrangements depending on the traffic and crowd conditions. Members of the public are advised to use public transport to access the above areas as far as possible. Motorists are advised to exercise patience, and to take heed of instructions of the Police on site.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mandatory use of Child Restraining Device in private cars to come into effect on November 1

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Transport Department (TD) today (February 24) reminded private car drivers that, starting from November 1, 2025, child passengers travelling in private cars must use a Child Restraining Device (CRD), such as a child safety seat.

         Following the passage of the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2024 by the Legislative Council, starting from November 1, 2025, unless child passengers aged below 8 reach a body height of 1.35 metres, they must use CRDs in private cars irrespective of sitting in the front or rear seats. Passengers aged 8 or above, or with a body height of at least 1.35m must either use a CRD or wear an adult seat belt. Otherwise, the driver must not drive the car on any road. Apart from conventional types of child safety seats, there are various types of portable CRDs, such as a seat belt adjuster, a wearable safety restraint vest or a foldable booster, available in the market for selection.

         The Police may issue a Fixed Penalty Notice of $230 to drivers breaching the requirement. Serious cases may be referred to the court, which can impose a maximum fine of $2,000. To cater for individual exceptional circumstances, two statutory defences have been provided under the Amendment Regulation: (1) a private car driver having a reasonable ground to believe that the passenger has attained 8 years of age or has reached a body height of 1.35m; or (2) the child passenger is being transported in a case of emergency (such as emergency treatment) where the driver may not have time to arrange and use a CRD.

         A spokesman for the TD said, “The new requirement aims to enhance protection for children and passenger safety. CRDs provide effective protection for child passengers in traffic accidents and they can substantially reduce the risks of being killed or seriously injured.”

         The spokesman urged parents, guardians or private car drivers carrying a child passenger to select and purchase appropriate devices fit for their children’s age and body. They should take a close look at the packaging description and follow the installation guidelines. If an International Standards Organization FIX (ISOFIX) safety seat is preferred, pay special attention to its applicable vehicle models. For enquiries, they should consult the manufacturer or retailer on the product standards to meet the legal requirements.

         The TD will work with the Police and the Road Safety Council to step up publicity and public education on road safety for private car drivers, covering the legal requirements as well as points to note during selection and use of CRDs (including national and international standards recognised). The TD will also maintain close liaison with the Consumer Council to enhance information dissemination for the public to make an informed choice.

         Members of the public may refer to the TD’s Agent T Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AgentT.hk), or call the hotline 2804 2600 for details.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Investigators secure jail for plumbing fraudster

    Source: City of York

    A man from Bolton who targeted victims across the North West has been sentenced to 4 years in prison at Bradford Crown Court today, after defrauding vulnerable customers out of a total of £250,000.

    Suhaib Sirajudin, 39, of Fifth Avenue, Bolton, operated as an ‘emergency plumber’ and pleaded guilty to 2 counts of fraudulent trading on Wednesday 9 October 2024. The court heard how he took advantage of homeowners’ urgent need for a plumber by charging grossly inflated emergency callout and repair fees, frequently targeting victims who were older, vulnerable or lived alone. As well as seriously overcharging for initial works he often deliberately damaged victims’ properties in order to charge more for repairs.

    Between June 2021 and December 2022, trading as Plumbing Emergency 24/7 Limited and Expert Plumbing Limited 24/7, Mr Sirajudin advertised his services online and responded to emergency callouts from householders seeking urgent help with leaks. Mr Sirajudin would then exploit his victims, pressurising them into paying ‘extortionate’ sums for works that he completed to such a poor standard that the problem was either unresolved, or got worse.

    One older victim watched her kitchen ceiling fall in after Mr Sirajudin said a hole needed to be made in it to repair a bathroom leak. In total she and her husband, who was bedbound, paid almost £10,000 which was almost all their savings. Another victim paid over £3,000 for the repair of a toilet leak that should have cost around £300. An expert said even that minor repair was not done properly.

    Another elderly couple were quoted £39,000 to repair their gas fire and boiler, which Mr Sirajudin was not qualified to do. They said Sirajudin made them feel belittled and as though they could not question the bill. They eventually paid £21,000.

    Many victims describe how Mr Sirajudin became aggressive when challenged, shouting and refusing to leave or threatening to take away new parts if payment was not made immediately. When victims or their relatives later contacted the companies to complain, their refund requests were often refused and they were cut off on the phone.

    As well as the financial losses, the emotional, mental and physical toll taken on victims has been significant, with a loss of confidence, depression and problems sleeping being among the lasting impacts of Mr Sirajudin’s crimes.

    The defendant was sentenced following an investigation by the National Trading Standards Yorkshire and Humber Regional Investigations Team, hosted by City of York Council, and the National Trading Standards eCrime Team, hosted by North Yorkshire Council.

    As well as the custodial sentence, Mr Sirajudin is also subject to a £250,000 confiscation order for victim compensation and £30,000 in prosecution costs. He will be disqualified from being a company director for 8 years.

    Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member with portfolio for Trading Standards at City of York Council, said:

    Mr Sirajudin intimidated and exploited people at a time when they needed emergency plumbing help, often late at night, in their own homes.

    “Many victims were elderly or vulnerable and were charged extortionate amounts for often minor repairs which were badly done; in some cases made considerably worse. I hope they gain some small comfort from the sentencing today, and I’m very grateful for the persistence and dedication of our investigating teams here in York and North Yorkshire who worked hard to bring this case to trial.”

    Lord Michael Bichard, Chair, National Trading Standards, said:

    With householders in desperate need of a plumber, often in the middle of the night, Mr Sirajudin was already in a position of power by the time he arrived at a caller’s home.

    “If he saw that a customer was older, vulnerable or lived alone he took the opportunity to exploit them, leaving many feeling frightened in their own homes as well as thousands of pounds out of pocket.

    “I hope today’s sentencing provides some comfort for those involved and serves as a stark reminder that this type of callous intimidation and deceit will be investigated, and perpetrators brought to justice.

    “If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a fraud like this you should report it to the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline by calling 0808 223 1133.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Joint statement on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

    Source: European Parliament

    Joint statement by the President of the European Parliament, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission

    Three years ago Russia started its full-scale and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia’s brutal war deliberately targets civilian and critical infrastructure. The Ukrainian people have shown bravery in defending their country and the core principles of international law. We pay tribute to all those who have sacrificed their lives and have lost loved ones for Ukraine’s independence and freedom.

    Russia and its leadership bear sole responsibility for this war and the atrocities committed against the Ukrainian population. We continue to call for accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed. We welcome the recent steps made towards the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

    The European Union and its partners have acted swiftly and in unity to support Ukraine. The European Union has provided to Ukraine economic, humanitarian, financial and military assistance that totals to EUR 135 billion, with EUR 48.7 billion of military assistance. The European Union will continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support, including reconstruction of the country after the war.

    Russia and its people are paying a price for their leader’s actions. Together with partners, we have imposed unprecedented sanctions against Russia and those complicit in the war and remain ready to increase the pressure on Russia to limit its ability to wage war. We are already using windfall profits from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s defence industry and energy recovery. Today, we have adopted a sixteenth sanctions package to further increase collective pressure on Russia to end its war of aggression.

    In parallel, we have taken unprecedented actions at the EU level to ramp up European defence industry production, and we will continue to increase our capacity. This will allow us to step up our military support and cooperation with Ukraine while simultaneously strengthening our defence readiness and European sovereignty.

    Ukraine is part of our European family. Ukrainians have expressed their wish for a future within the European Union. We have acknowledged that by granting Ukraine the status of candidate country and launched accession negotiations. Ukraine has made significant progress in accession related reforms under the most challenging circumstances. We are already integrating Ukraine into the EU’s internal market. The future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the European Union.

    In a challenging international and geopolitical environment, we stress the importance of maintaining transatlantic and global solidarity with Ukraine. We highlight the need to ensure the international community’s continued focus on supporting Ukraine in achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the Ukrainian peace formula.

    We stand firm with Ukraine, reaffirming that peace, security, and justice will prevail.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Vehicle theft equipment to be banned under new government law

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Vehicle theft equipment to be banned under new government law

    Possession or distribution of electronic devices used to commit vehicle theft will be banned, carrying a maximum sentence of 5 years.

    Sophisticated electronic devices used by criminals in 40% of vehicle thefts in England and Wales will be banned under new laws, as part of the government’s mission to make the nation’s streets safer.

    Having your vehicle stolen is a costly and distressing experience for victims. It disrupts livelihoods, stopping people from working and from seeing their families.

    As the government works to prevent crimes from impacting working people’s lives, police officers and the courts will be given new powers to target criminals who steal vehicles using electronic devices, including ‘signal jammers’, along with the organised groups who manufacture and supply these devices. 

    Previously, prosecution for handling these devices was only possible if it could be proved by police that they had been used to commit a specific crime.

    Under these new laws, anyone who is found in possession of one, or to have imported, made, adapted or distributed them, could receive a maximum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine. The burden of proof will instead fall on the owner to prove they were using the device for a legitimate purpose, to avoid being prosecuted.

    This new measure acts on a key milestone in our Plan for Change to protect our neighbourhoods and is part of the government’s flagship Crime and Policing Bill, which will be introduced to Parliament on Tuesday.  

    Minister for Policing, Crime and Fire Prevention, Dame Diana Johnson, said:

    These thefts have a devastating effect on victims, who need their vehicles to go about their everyday lives. We are aware of the real concerns people feel with the use of these electronic devices being so prolific.

    This is why we are introducing new laws focused on tackling this issue at source, which is what our Safer Streets mission and Plan for Change are all about. These new laws will prevent these devices from getting into the hands of thieves and organised crime groups.

    We will also continue to work closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, which includes supporting their National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership, which brings together the police and manufacturers to clamp down on vehicle crime.

    The most common way theft from a vehicle – or the theft of the vehicle itself – occurs is with the use of these electronic devices, with keyless repeaters and signal amplifiers being used to scramble the signal from remote locking devices.

    According to the 2022 to 2023 Crime Survey for England and Wales, an offender manipulated a signal from a remote locking device in 40% of thefts of vehicles. There were also 732,000 incidents of vehicle-related theft in the year ending September 2024.

    The Metropolitan Police Service estimates that, in London, signal jammers are used in approximately 60% of vehicle theft.

    A significant proportion of vehicle theft is driven by organised crime groups, as there is a demand for stolen vehicles, which means this is a highly attractive and lucrative area for criminals to gain profit. Organised criminals are constantly trying to find ways to overcome security measures on vehicles, even in the latest models, by exploiting vulnerabilities in vehicles and new technologies.

    In support of the new measures, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:

    With government statistics showing an average of 370 vehicles being stolen every day, outlawing the possession and distribution of signal jammers cannot come soon enough and we welcome the government’s action on this.

    Having your car stolen is not only a violation, it causes massive amounts of stress and inconvenience as well as higher insurance costs for the individual concerned and drivers generally.

    AA president, Edmund King, said:

    This is a positive step, and these tougher sentences should make would-be thieves think again before stealing cars. As fast as vehicle technology has evolved, thieves have always tried to keep pace and beat the security systems.

    Relay theft and signal jamming is all too frequent and these measures will give police forces more opportunities to tackle car crime.

    ACC Jenny Sims, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for vehicle crime said:

    We welcome the announcement of new offences to criminalise the possession, manufacture, sale and supply of signal jammers which have provided an easily accessible tool for criminals to use in the theft of vehicles for far too long.

    These devices have no legitimate purpose, apart from assisting in criminal activity, and reducing their availability will support policing and industry in preventing vehicle theft which is damaging to both individuals and businesses.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Trzy lata od pełnoskalowej inwazji na Ukrainę: konkretne działania wspierane przez Eurojust na drodze ku rozliczeniu

    Source: Eurojust

    Członkowie zespołu JIT pracują nad wspólną strategią organów prokuratorskich, w której priorytetowo traktuje się postępowania przygotowawcze w sprawie zbrodni agresji, przestępstw związanych ze stosowaniem tortur, złego traktowania i filtracji w odniesieniu do nielegalnych miejsc zatrzymań, a także zbrodni ludobójstwa.

    Od marca 2022 r. Agencja zorganizowała 26 spotkań koordynacyjnych z udziałem członków zespołu JIT i innych organów krajowych prowadzących postępowania przygotowawcze w sprawie najpoważniejszych zbrodni wagi międzynarodowej, które według doniesień popełniono w Ukrainie. Umożliwiło to zaangażowanym krajom wymianę danych dotyczących krajowych postępowań przygotowawczych, omówienie strategii i priorytetów oraz koordynację czynności w ramach postępowań przygotowawczych.

    Eurojust zobowiązuje się do dalszego wspierania tej ważnej pracy zespołu JIT, w związku z czym przeznaczył około pół miliona euro na finansowanie jego działalności.

    Wsparciem dla zespołu JIT są prace Międzynarodowego Centrum Ścigania Zbrodni Agresji przeciwko Ukrainie (ICPA) i baza dowodów najpoważniejszych zbrodni wagi międzynarodowej (CICED), które prowadzi i którymi zarządza Eurojust.

    ICPA: postępy w pracach nad solidnym pakietem dowodowym dotyczącym zbrodni agresji

    W ciągu ostatnich sześciu miesięcy ICPA poczyniło znaczne postępy w opracowywaniu solidnego pakietu dowodowego. Pakiet ten opiera się na wspólnej, uzgodnionej przez uczestników ICPA strategii organów prokuratorskich w ramach postępowań przygotowawczych dotyczącej zbrodni agresji.

    Pakiet dowodowy ma zostać przekazany do przyszłego biura prokuratora ewentualnego specjalnego trybunału lub innych jurysdykcji.

    ICPA zapewniało i nadal zapewnia gromadzenie i wstępną analizę potencjalnych dowodów, które mogą dotyczyć osób na najwyższych szczeblach kierownictwa wojskowego i politycznego. Prace w ramach postępowań przygotowawczych nie są ograniczone zakresem oficjalnych stanowisk, które mogą zajmować dane osoby.

    W miarę trwania agresji w Ukrainie pojawia się coraz więcej dowodów, które ICPA aktywnie bada.

    ICPA otrzymało dodatkowe finansowanie, a w styczniu 2025 r. jego działalność przedłużono o sześć miesięcy. W tym celu Eurojust i Służba Komisji Europejskiej ds. Instrumentów Polityki Zagranicznej podpisały zmianę do umowy o przyznanie wkładu.

    CICED: ponad 3700 materiałów dowodowych

    CICED to unikalna, dostosowana do potrzeb sądowa baza danych utworzona przez Eurojust w celu ochrony, analizowania i przechowywania dowodów najpoważniejszych zbrodni wagi międzynarodowej. CICED umożliwia Agencji wspieranie krajowych organów wymiaru sprawiedliwości w identyfikacji dowodów znajdujących się w innym kraju, które mogą mieć znaczenie dla ich własnych postępowań przygotowawczych. Do tej pory 16 państw przedłożyło do CICED ponad 3700 materiałów dowodowych.

    W styczniu 2025 r. nowe narzędzie tłumaczeniowe umożliwiło przetłumaczenie złożonych przez organy krajowe materiałów dowodowych z 19 języków na język angielski. Był to przełom, który znacznie przyspieszył prace analityczne Agencji. W rezultacie funkcja wyszukiwania w bazie danych zapewnia bardziej precyzyjne wyniki, a na wnioski o udzielenie informacji składane przez organy krajowe można odpowiadać szybciej.

    Eurojust dokłada wszelkich starań, aby odpowiedzieć na wnioski organów krajowych o wsparcie prowadzonych przez nie postępowań przygotowawczych w sprawie najpoważniejszych zbrodni wagi międzynarodowej. Agencja wykazuje się również proaktywnością w identyfikowaniu materiałów, które uznaje za przydatne w prowadzonych krajowych postępowaniach przygotowawczych.

    Kontekst:

    Od wybuchu wojny Eurojust odgrywa wiodącą rolę w dążeniu do zapewnienia odpowiedzialności za rosyjskie zbrodnie. Zaledwie trzy tygodnie po pełnoskalowej inwazji dokonanej przez Rosję w 2022 r. Eurojust wsparł utworzenie zespołu JIT, który obecnie składa się z Ukrainy i sześciu państw członkowskich UE, z udziałem MTK i Europolu, a także obejmuje protokół ustaleń ze Stanami Zjednoczonymi.

    W rozdrobnionym i złożonym kontekście operacyjnym, podczas gdy wojna cały czas trwa, a dowody są rozproszone w krajach o różnych systemach prawnych, udział w zespole JIT umożliwia partnerom bezpośrednią wymianę informacji w czasie rzeczywistym. Pomaga też członkom zespołu JIT usprawnić swoje postępowania przygotowawcze, ponieważ zaangażowane organy krajowe mogą teraz skupić się na aktywnej pracy nad własnymi sprawami.

    Eurojust zapewnia zespołowi JIT specjalistyczną wiedzę prawną i analityczną, a także wsparcie logistyczne i finansowe.

    W lutym 2023 r. Eurojust uruchomił bazę dowodów najpoważniejszych zbrodni wagi międzynarodowej (CICED), opierając się na pilnej zmianie mandatu Eurojustu w następstwie inwazji na Ukrainę.

    Eurojust prowadzi również Międzynarodowe Centrum Ścigania Zbrodni Agresji przeciwko Ukrainie (ICPA), które zostało ustanowione w lipcu 2023 r. i wraz z CICED wspiera prace zespołu JIT.

    Od marca 2022 r. Eurojust aktywnie uczestniczy w pracach unijnej grupy zadaniowej „Freeze and Seize” utworzonej przez Komisję Europejską, aby zapewnić skuteczne wdrożenie sankcji UE wobec wymienionych w wykazie oligarchów rosyjskich i białoruskich w całej Unii Europejskiej. Eurojust zapewnia grupie zadaniowej wsparcie operacyjne, koordynując egzekwowanie przez państwa członkowskie sankcji unijnych za pośrednictwem prawa karnego.

    Wraz z ukraińską Prokuraturą Generalną Eurojust współprzewodniczy zespołowi roboczemu ds. krajowych postępowań przygotowawczych w ramach Dialogue Group on Accountability for Ukraine (Grupy Dialogu na rzecz Odpowiedzialności wobec Ukrainy). Zadaniem tego zespołu jest zidentyfikowanie kluczowych wyzwań w sprawach dotyczących najpoważniejszych zbrodni wagi międzynarodowej i wspólne zaproponowanie rozwiązań na poziomie politycznym, na przykład w zakresie wykorzystania zebranych ze źródeł jawnych dowodów w postępowaniach przygotowawczych w sprawie zbrodni wagi międzynarodowej w kontekście Ukrainy i w ściganiu tych zbrodni.

    Więcej informacji:

    Więcej informacji na temat różnych działań podjętych przez Eurojust od wybuchu wojny w Ukrainie można znaleźć na naszej specjalnej stronie internetowej.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kolm aastat pärast täiemahulist sissetungi Ukrainasse: Eurojusti toetatavad konkreetsed sammud vastutusele võtmise suunas

    Source: Eurojust

    Ühise uurimisrühma liikmed on tegelenud ühise õigusemõistmise strateegia väljatöötamisega, mis seab prioriteediks agressioonikuriteo ning piinamise, väärkohtlemise ja filtratsiooni kuritegude uurimise seoses ebaseaduslike kinnipidamiskohtadega, samuti genotsiidikuriteo uurimise.

    Alates märtsist 2022 on amet korraldanud 22 koordineerimisnõupidamist ühise uurimisrühma liikmete ja muude riiklike ametiasutuste vahel, kes uurivad Ukrainas väidetavalt toimepandud raskeid rahvusvahelisi kuritegusid. See on võimaldanud asjaomastel riikidel vahetada andmeid oma vastavate siseriiklike uurimiste kohta, arutada strateegiaid ja prioriteete ning koordineerida uurimismeetmeid.

    Eurojust on täielikult pühendunud ühise uurimisrühma olulise töö jätkuvale toetamisele ning on eraldanud oma tegevuse rahastamiseks ligikaudu pool miljonit eurot.

    Ühise uurimisrühma tööd toetavad Eurojusti hallatavad rahvusvaheline keskus Ukraina-vastaste agressioonikuritegude eest vastutusele võtmiseks ja raskete rahvusvaheliste kuritegude tõendite andmebaas (CICED).

    Rahvusvaheline keskus Ukraina-vastaste agressioonikuritegude eest vastutusele võtmiseks: edusammud agressioonikuritegusid käsitleva tugeva juhtumite menetlemise paketi osas

    Rahvusvaheline keskus Ukraina-vastaste agressioonikuritegude eest vastutusele võtmiseks on viimase kuue kuu jooksul teinud märkimisväärseid edusamme tugeva juhtumite menetlemise paketi koostamisel. See pakett tugineb ühisele agressioonikuritegude uurimis- ja õigusemõistmise strateegiale, milles Ukraina-vastaste agressioonikuritegude eest vastutusele võtmiseks loodud rahvusvahelise keskuse osalejad on kokku leppinud.

    Juhtumite menetlemise pakett on mõeldud edastamiseks võimalikule tulevasele erikohtu prokuratuurile või muudele jurisdiktsioonidele.

    Rahvusvaheline keskus Ukraina-vastaste agressioonikuritegude eest vastutusele võtmiseks on taganud ja tagab jätkuvalt selliste võimalike tõendite kogumise ja esialgse analüüsi, mis võivad olla seotud sõjaväe ja poliitilise juhtkonna kõrgeima tasandi isikutega. Uurimistegevust ei piira isikute ametikohad.

    Kuna agressioon Ukrainas jätkub, on üha rohkem tõendeid, mida Ukraina-vastaste agressioonikuritegude eest vastutusele võtmiseks loodud rahvusvahelise keskus aktiivselt uurib.

    Rahvusvaheline keskus Ukraina-vastaste agressioonikuritegude eest vastutusele võtmiseks on saanud täiendavat rahastamist ja 2025. aasta jaanuaris pikendati selle tegevust kuue kuu võrra. Selleks allkirjastati Eurojusti ja Euroopa Komisjoni välispoliitika vahendite talituse vahel rahalist toetust käsitleva lepingu muudatus.

    CICED: üle 3700 tõendusmaterjalide toimiku

    CICED on ainulaadne ja kohandatud kohtuandmebaas, mille Eurojust on loonud, et säilitada, analüüsida ja talletada raskete rahvusvaheliste kuritegude tõendeid. CICED võimaldab ametil toetada liikmesriikide õigusasutusi teises riigis asuvate tõendite tuvastamisel, mis võivad olla olulised nende enda juurdluste jaoks. Praeguseks on 16 riiki esitanud CICEDile üle 3700 tõendusmaterjalide toimiku.

    Jaanuaris 2025 võimaldas uus tõlkevahend liikmesriikide ametiasutuste esitatud tõendusmaterjale 19 keelest inglise keelde tõlkida. See pöördeline muutus on oluliselt kiirendanud ameti analüütilist tööd. Selle tulemusena on andmebaasi otsingufunktsioon täpsem ja liikmesriikide ametiasutuste teabepäringutele saab kiiremini vastata.

    Eurojust on teinud suuri jõupingutusi, et vastata liikmesriikide ametiasutuste taotlustele toetada raskete rahvusvaheliste kuritegude uurimist. Lisaks sellele on amet ennetavalt tuvastanud toimikuid, mida peetakse kasulikuks käimasolevate riiklike uurimiste jaoks.

    Taust:

    Alates sõja puhkemisest on Eurojust olnud Venemaa kuritegude eest vastutusele võtmise toetamisel esirinnas. Vaid kolm nädalat pärast Venemaa täiemahulist sissetungi 2022. aastal toetas Eurojust ühise uurimisrühma loomist, mis koosneb nüüd Ukrainast, kuuest ELi liikmesriigist, Rahvusvahelise Kriminaalkohtu ja Europoli osalemisest ning vastastikuse mõistmise memorandumist Ameerika Ühendriikidega.

    Ühine uurimisrühm võimaldab partneritel killustunud ja keerulisel operatiivmaastikul, kus käib sõda ja tõendid on laiali erinevate õigussüsteemidega riikides, vahetada teavet otse ja reaalajas. Samuti aitab see ühise uurimisrühma liikmetel oma uurimisi ühtlustada, kuna asjaomased riiklikud asutused saavad nüüd keskenduda oma juhtumite aktiivsele menetlemisele.

    Eurojust pakub ühisele uurimisrühmale õiguslikku ja analüütilist oskusteavet ning logistilist ja rahalist tuge.

    2023. aasta veebruaris käivitas Eurojust raskete rahvusvaheliste kuritegude tõendite andmebaasi (CICED), mis põhineb Eurojusti volituste kiireloomulisel muutmisel pärast sissetungi Ukrainasse.

    2023. aasta juulis loodud Ukraina-vastaste agressioonikuritegude eest vastutusele võtmiseks loodud rahvusvahelist keskust haldab samuti Eurojust ning see toetab koos CICEDiga ühise uurimisrühma tööd.

    Alates 2022. aasta märtsist on Eurojust aktiivselt osalenud Euroopa Komisjoni loodud ELi varade külmutamise ja arestimise töökonnas, mille eesmärk on tagada nimekirja kantud Venemaa ja Valgevene oligarhide suhtes kehtestatud ELi sanktsioonide tõhus rakendamine kogu liidus. Eurojust pakub töökonnale operatiivtuge, koordineerides liidu sanktsioonide jõustamist liikmesriikides kriminaalõiguse kaudu.

    Eurojust juhib koos Ukraina peaprokuratuuriga Ukrainas toime pandud rahvusvaheliste kuritegude eest vastutust käsitleva dialoogirühma riiklike uurimiste töösuunda. Selle töösuuna eesmärk on tuvastada raskete rahvusvaheliste kuritegude juhtumite põhiprobleemid ja pakkuda ühiselt lahendusi poliitilisel tasandil, näiteks seoses avatud allikatest pärinevate tõendite kasutamisega rahvusvaheliste kuritegude uurimisel ja nende eest vastutusele võtmisel Ukraina kontekstis.

    Lisateave:

    Lisateavet mitmesuguste meetmete kohta, mida Eurojust on võtnud pärast sõja puhkemist Ukrainas, leiate meie asjakohaselt veebilehelt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Praėjo treji metai nuo plataus masto invazijos į Ukrainą: Eurojusto remiami konkretūs veiksmai siekiant atskaitomybės

    Source: Eurojust

    JTG nariai intensyviai dirbo rengdami bendrą baudžiamojo persekiojimo strategiją, pagal kurią pirmenybė teikiama agresijos nusikaltimų, kankinimų, netinkamo elgesio ir filtravimo neteisėtose sulaikymo vietose bei genocido nusikaltimų tyrimams.

    Nuo 2022 m. kovo mėn. Agentūra surengė 26 koordinacinius pasitarimus, kuriuose dalyvavo JTG nariai ir kitos nacionalinės institucijos, tiriančios įtariamus sunkiausius tarptautinius nusikaltimus Ukrainoje. Dalyvaujančioms šalims buvo suteikta galimybė keistis duomenimis apie atitinkamus savo vidaus tyrimus, aptarti strategijas ir prioritetus bei koordinuoti tyrimo priemones.

    Eurojustas yra visiškai įsipareigojęs toliau remti svarbią JTG veiklą ir skyrė apie pusę milijono eurų jos veiklai finansuoti.

    JTG veiklą remia Tarptautinis baudžiamojo persekiojimo už agresijos nusikaltimą prieš Ukrainą centras (ICPA), taip pat sukurta Sunkiausių tarptautinių nusikaltimų įrodymų duomenų bazė (CICED), o Eurojustas organizuoja jų veiklą ir juos valdo.

    ICPA. Padaryta pažanga ruošiant patikimą agresijos nusikaltimo bylų rengimo rinkinį

    Per pastaruosius šešis mėnesius ICPA padarė didelę pažangą ruošdamas patikimą bylų rengimo rinkinį. Šis rinkinys grindžiamas bendra agresijos nusikaltimų tyrimo ir baudžiamojo persekiojimo strategija, dėl kurios susitarė ICPA dalyviai.

    Bylų rengimo rinkinį ketinama perduoti būsimai galimo specialiojo tribunolo ar kitų jurisdikcijų prokuratūrai.

    ICPA užtikrino ir toliau užtikrina galimų įrodymų, kurie gali būti susiję su aukščiausio lygio karinės ir politinės vadovybės asmenimis, rinkimą ir preliminarią analizę. Tyrimai vykdomi nepaisant asmenų užimamų oficialių pareigų.

    Tęsiantis agresijai Ukrainoje, daugėja įrodymų, kuriuos aktyviai tiria ICPA.

    ICPA gavo papildomą finansavimą, o 2025 m. sausio mėn. jo veikla buvo pratęsta šešiems mėnesiams. Šiuo tikslu Eurojustas ir Europos Komisijos Užsienio politikos priemonių tarnyba pasirašė susitarimo dėl įnašo pakeitimą.

    CICED. Daugiau kaip 3 700 įrodymų rinkmenų

    CICED yra Eurojusto sukurta unikali, specialiems poreikiams skirta teismų duomenų bazė, kurioje saugomi, kaupiami ir analizuojami sunkiausių tarptautinių nusikaltimų įrodymai. CICED suteikia Agentūrai galimybę padėti nacionalinėms teisminėms institucijoms nustatyti kitoje šalyje esančius įrodymus, kurie gali būti svarbūs jų atliekamiems tyrimams. Iki šiol 16 šalių CICED pateikė daugiau kaip 3 700 įrodymų rinkmenų.

    2025 m. sausio mėn. nauja vertimo priemonė nacionalinių institucijų pateiktas įrodymų rinkmenas leido išversti iš 19 kalbų į anglų kalbą. Ši naujovė labai paspartino Agentūros analitinį darbą. Dėl to duomenų bazės paieškos funkcija yra tikslesnė, o į nacionalinių institucijų prašymus pateikti informaciją galima atsakyti greičiau.

    Eurojustas deda daug pastangų, kad reaguotų į nacionalinių institucijų prašymus padėti joms tirti sunkiausius tarptautinius nusikaltimus. Be to, Agentūra pati nustatė rinkmenas, kurios laikomos naudingomis vykdant nacionalinius tyrimus.

    Pagrindiniai faktai

    Nuo pat karo pradžios Eurojustas aktyviai pasisakė už Rusijos atsakomybę už jos įvykdytus nusikaltimus. Praėjus vos trims savaitėms po plataus masto Rusijos invazijos 2022 m., Eurojustas pritarė JTG, kurią dabar sudaro Ukraina ir šešios ES valstybės narės, sudarymui, TBT ir Europolo dalyvavimui, taip pat susitarimo memorandumo su Jungtinėmis Valstijomis pasirašymui.

    Susiskaldžiusioje ir sudėtingoje operatyvinėje aplinkoje, vykstant karui ir įrodymams pasklidus po skirtingas teisines sistemas turinčias šalis, JTG suteikia galimybę partneriams tiesiogiai ir realiuoju laiku keistis informacija. Tai taip pat padeda JTG nariams supaprastinti savo tyrimų eigą, nes dalyvaujančios nacionalinės institucijos dabar gali sutelkti dėmesį į aktyvų savo bylų rengimą.

    Eurojustas JTG teikia teisines ir analitines ekspertines žinias, taip pat logistinę ir finansinę paramą.

    2023 m. vasario mėn. Eurojustas, remdamasis po invazijos į Ukrainą skubiai pakeistais Eurojusto įgaliojimais, sukūrė Sunkiausių tarptautinių nusikaltimų įrodymų duomenų bazę(CICED).

    Eurojuste 2023 m. liepos mėn. įsteigtas Tarptautinis baudžiamojo persekiojimo dėl agresijos prieš Ukrainą centras (ICPA) kartu su CICED remia JGT darbą.

    Nuo 2022 m. kovo mėn. Eurojustas aktyviai dalyvauja Europos Komisijos įsteigtos ES turto įšaldymo ir areštavimo darbo grupės veikloje, kad užtikrintų veiksmingą ES sankcijų, taikomų į sąrašą įtrauktiems Rusijos ir Baltarusijos oligarchams, įgyvendinimą visoje Europos Sąjungoje. Eurojustas darbo grupei teikia operatyvinę paramą, koordinuodamas valstybių narių vykdomą Sąjungos sankcijų taikymą pagal baudžiamąją teisę.

    Eurojustas kartu su Ukrainos generaline prokuratūra pirmininkauja dialogo grupės dėl atskaitomybės Ukrainai nacionalinių tyrimų darbo krypčiai. Šia darbo kryptimi siekiama nustatyti pagrindinius iššūkius sunkiausių tarptautinių nusikaltimų bylose ir kartu siūlyti sprendimus politiniu lygmeniu, pavyzdžiui, dėl atvirųjų šaltinių įrodymų naudojimo tiriant tarptautinius nusikaltimus Ukrainoje ir vykdant baudžiamąjį persekiojimą už juos.

    Papildoma informacija

    Daugiau informacijos apie įvairius veiksmus, kurių Eurojustas ėmėsi prasidėjus karui Ukrainoje, rasite mūsų specialiame tinklalapyje.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine: Concrete steps supported by Eurojust on the road to accountability

    Source: Eurojust

    JIT members have been busy working on a common prosecutorial strategy, which prioritises investigations into the crime of aggression, crimes of torture, ill-treatment and filtration in relation to illegal detention sites, as well as the crime of genocide. 

    Since March 2022, the Agency has organised 26 coordination meetings between the JIT and other national authorities investigating alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine. This has allowed involved countries to exchange data on their respective domestic investigations, discuss strategies and priorities, and coordinate investigative measures.

    Eurojust is fully committed to continuing to support the important work of the JIT, and has allocated roughly half a million euros to finance its activities. 

    The JIT is supported by the work of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA) and the Core International Crimes Evidence Database (CICED), both of which are hosted and managed by Eurojust.

    ICPA: progress made on a solid case-building package for the crime of aggression

    In the last six months, the ICPA has made significant progress in compiling a solid case-building package. This package relies on a common investigative and prosecutorial strategy on the crime of aggression, agreed on by ICPA participants. 

    The case-building package is intended for transmission to the future office of the prosecutor of a possible special tribunal or other jurisdictions. 

    The ICPA has and continues to ensure the collection and preliminary analysis of potential evidence that may relate to individuals at the highest levels of military and political leadership. Investigative efforts are not limited by the official positions that individuals may hold. 

    As the aggression in Ukraine continues, there is a growing body of evidence that the ICPA is actively investigating.

    The ICPA has received additional funding, and in January 2025, its operations were extended for six months. To this end, an amendment to the Contribution Agreement was signed between Eurojust and the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments.

    CICED: over 3 700 evidence files

    CICED is a unique, tailor-made judicial database set up by Eurojust to preserve, analyse and store evidence of core international crimes. CICED enables the Agency to support national judicial authorities in identifying evidence located in another country that may be relevant to their own investigations. To date, over 3 700 evidence files have been submitted to CICED by 16 countries.

    In January 2025, a new translation tool enabled evidence files submitted by national authorities to be translated from 19 languages into English. This game-changer has greatly accelerated the Agency’s analytical work. As a result, the database’s search function is more precise, and requests for information from national authorities can be answered more swiftly.

    Eurojust has been working hard to respond to national authorities’ requests to support their investigations into core international crimes. In addition, the Agency has proactively identified files deemed useful for ongoing national investigations.

    Background:

    Since the outbreak of the war, Eurojust has been at the forefront of supporting accountability for Russian crimes. Just three weeks following the full-scale invasion by Russia in 2022, Eurojust supported the setting up of a JIT that now consists of Ukraine, six EU Member States, the participation of the ICC and Europol, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States.

    In a fragmented and complex operational landscape, with the ongoing war and evidence spread across countries with different legal systems, the JIT allows partners to exchange information directly and in real time. It also helps JIT members to streamline their investigations, as the national authorities involved can now focus on actively building their cases.

    Eurojust provides legal and analytical expertise as well as logistical and financial support to the JIT.

    In February 2023, Eurojust launched the Core International Crimes Evidence Database (CICED), based on an urgent amendment of Eurojust’s mandate, following the invasion of Ukraine. 

    The International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine (ICPA), established in July 2023, is also hosted by Eurojust and, together with CICED, supports the work of the JIT. 

    Since March 2022, Eurojust has actively participated in the EU Freeze and Seize Task Force set up by the European Commission to ensure the efficient implementation of EU sanctions against listed Russian and Belarusian oligarchs across the European Union. Eurojust provides operational support to the Task Force by coordinating Member States’ enforcement of Union sanctions through criminal law.

    Together with the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office, Eurojust co-chairs the workstream on national investigations of the Dialogue Group on Accountability for Ukraine. This workstream aims to identify key challenges in core international crime cases and jointly propose solutions at the policy level, for example on the use of open-source evidence in the investigation and prosecution of international crimes in the context of Ukraine.

    More information: 

    For more information on the various actions taken by Eurojust since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, please consult our dedicated webpage.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tri roky od komplexnej invázie na Ukrajinu: konkrétne kroky podporované agentúrou Eurojust na ceste k vyvodeniu zodpovednosti

    Source: Eurojust

    Členovia spoločného vyšetrovacieho tímu vypracovali spoločnú stratégiu trestného stíhania, ktorej prioritou sú vyšetrovania zločinu agresie, trestných činov mučenia, zlého zaobchádzania a filtrácie v súvislosti s miestami, kde sa obmedzuje osobná sloboda, ako aj zločinu genocídy.

    Od marca 2022 agentúra organizovala 26 koordinačných stretnutí medzi spoločným vyšetrovacím tímom a ďalšími vnútroštátnymi orgánmi, ktoré vyšetrujú údajné najzávažnejšie medzinárodné trestné činy spáchané na Ukrajine. To umožnilo zúčastneným krajinám vymieňať si údaje o svojich príslušných domácich vyšetrovaniach, diskutovať o stratégiách a prioritách a koordinovať vyšetrovacie opatrenia.

    Eurojust je plne odhodlaný naďalej podporovať dôležitú prácu spoločného vyšetrovacieho tímu a na financovanie jeho činností agentúra vyčlenila približne pol milióna eur.

    Činnosť spoločného vyšetrovacieho tímu je podporovaná prácou Medzinárodného centra pre stíhanie zločinu agresie voči Ukrajine (ICPA) a databázou dôkazov najzávažnejších medzinárodných trestných činov (CICED), ktoré prevádzkuje a spravuje Eurojust.

    Centrum ICPA: pokrok v súvislosti so solídnym balíkom na rozpracovanie prípadov týkajúcich sa zločinu agresie

    Centrum ICPA v uplynulých šiestich mesiacoch dosiahlo významný pokrok pri zostavovaní solídneho balíka na rozpracovanie prípadov. Tento balík vychádza zo spoločnej stratégie vyšetrovania a trestného stíhania zločinov agresie, na ktorej sa dohodli účastníci centra ICPA.

    Balík na rozpracovanie prípadov je určený na odovzdanie budúcemu úradu prokurátora prípadného osobitného tribunálu alebo iným jurisdikciám.

    Centrum ICPA zabezpečilo a naďalej zabezpečuje zhromažďovanie a predbežnú analýzu potenciálnych dôkazov, ktoré sa môžu týkať jednotlivcov na najvyšších úrovniach vojenského a politického vedenia. Úsilie vynaložené na vyšetrovanie nie je obmedzené oficiálnymi pozíciami, ktoré môžu jednotlivci zastávať.

    Keďže útočná vojna na Ukrajine pokračuje, hromadí sa čoraz viac dôkazov, ktoré centrum ICPA aktívne vyšetruje.

    ICPA získalo dodatočné finančné prostriedky a v januári 2025 boli jeho operácie predĺžené o šesť mesiacov. Na tento účel bol podpísaný dodatok k dohode o príspevku medzi agentúrou Eurojust a Útvarom Európskej komisie pre nástroje zahraničnej politiky.

    Databáza CICED: viac ako 3 700 dôkazných spisov

    Databáza CICED je jedinečná, prispôsobená justičná databáza, ktorú zriadila agentúra na zabezpečenie, analýzu a uchovávanie dôkazov najzávažnejších medzinárodných trestných činov. Vďaka databáze môže agentúra podporovať vnútroštátne justičné orgány pri identifikácii dôkazov nachádzajúcich sa v inej krajine, ktoré môžu byť relevantné pre ich vlastné vyšetrovania. Do databázy 16 krajín do dnešného dňa odoslalo viac ako 3 700 dôkazných spisov.

    Nový prekladateľský nástroj v januári 2025 umožnil preklad dôkazných spisov, ktoré predložili vnútroštátne orgány, z 19 jazykov do angličtiny. Tento prelom analytickú prácu agentúry výrazne urýchlil . V dôsledku toho je funkcia vyhľadávania v databáze presnejšia a na žiadosti o informácie od vnútroštátnych orgánov možno odpovedať rýchlejšie.

    Eurojust vyvíja veľké úsilie v záujme toho, aby na žiadosti vnútroštátnych orgánov odpovedal a podporil tým ich vyšetrovania najzávažnejších medzinárodných trestných činov. Okrem toho agentúra proaktívne identifikovala súbory, ktoré považuje za užitočné pre prebiehajúce vnútroštátne vyšetrovania.

    Kontext:

    Od obdobia vypuknutia vojny stojí agentúra Eurojust v čele podporovania vyvodenia zodpovednosti za ruské zločiny. Len tri týždne po komplexnej invázii Ruska v roku 2022 Eurojust podporil vytvorenie spoločného vyšetrovacieho tímu, ktorý v súčasnosti zahŕňa zástupcov Ukrajiny, šiestich členských štátov EÚ, účasť Medzinárodného trestného súdu (ICC) a Europolu, ako aj memorandum o porozumení so Spojenými štátmi.

    V roztrieštenom a zložitom operačnom prostredí, v ktorom prebieha vojna, a s dôkazmi rozptýlenými v krajinách s rôznymi právnymi systémami, umožňuje spoločný vyšetrovací tím partnerom výmenu informácií priamo a v reálnom čase. Členom SVT pomáha tiež zefektívniť ich vyšetrovania, keďže zapojené vnútroštátne orgány sa teraz môžu zamerať na aktívne rozpracovanie svojich prípadov.

    Eurojust poskytuje spoločnému vyšetrovaciemu tímu právne a analytické odborné znalosti, ako aj logistickú a finančnú podporu.

    Agentúra vo februári 2023 sprístupnila databázu dôkazov najzávažnejších medzinárodných trestných činov (CICED) po tom, ako po invázii na Ukrajinu došlo k naliehavej zmene mandátu Eurojust.

    Medzinárodné centrum pre stíhanie zločinu agresie voči Ukrajine (ICPA), ktoré bolo zriadené v júli 2023, takisto prevádzkuje agentúra Eurojust a spolu s databázou CICED prispieva k práci spoločného vyšetrovacieho tímu.

    Agentúra Eurojust sa od marca 2022 aktívne zúčastňuje na osobitnej skupine EÚ pod názvom Freeze and Seize (Zmraziť a zaistiť), ktorú zriadila Európska komisia s cieľom zabezpečiť účinné vykonávanie sankcií EÚ voči ruským a bieloruským oligarchom uvedeným na zozname v celej Európskej únii. Eurojust poskytuje osobitnej skupine operačnú podporu tým, že koordinuje trestnoprávne presadzovanie sankcií Únie členskými štátmi.

    Spolu s ukrajinskou generálnou prokuratúrou Eurojust spolupredsedá pracovnému okruhu v oblasti vnútroštátnych vyšetrovaní v rámci skupiny pre dialóg o vyvodení zodpovednosti za Ukrajinu. Cieľom tohto pracovného okruhu je identifikovať kľúčové výzvy v prípadoch najzávažnejších medzinárodných trestných činov a spoločne navrhnúť riešenia na politickej úrovni, napríklad pokiaľ ide o využívanie dôkazov z otvorených zdrojov pri vyšetrovaní a stíhaní medzinárodných trestných činov v súvislosti s Ukrajinou.

    Viac informácií:

    Viac informácií o rôznych opatreniach, ktoré Eurojust prijal od vypuknutia vojny na Ukrajine, sa nachádza na našej osobitnej webovej stránke.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Trei ani de la invazia pe scară largă în Ucraina: Măsuri concrete sprijinite de Eurojust în direcția asumării răspunderii

    Source: Eurojust

    Membrii ECA s-au ocupat asiduu de elaborarea unei strategii comune de urmărire penală, care acordă prioritate anchetelor privind crima de agresiune, infracțiunile de tortură, relele tratamente și filtrarea în legătură cu centrele de lipsire de libertate în mod ilegal, precum și privind crima de genocid.

    Din martie 2022, agenția a organizat 26 de întâlniri de coordonare între ECA și alte autorități naționale care anchetează cele mai grave presupuse crime internaționale comise în Ucraina. Acest demers a permis țărilor implicate să facă schimb de date cu privire la anchetele lor naționale respective, să discute despre strategii și priorități și să coordoneze măsurile de investigare.

    Eurojust este angajată pe deplin să sprijine în continuare activitatea importantă a ECA și a alocat aproximativ o jumătate de milion de euro pentru a finanța activitățile acesteia.

    ECA este sprijinită de activitatea Centrului internațional pentru urmărirea în justiție a crimei de agresiune împotriva Ucrainei (ICPA) și de baza de date cu probe privind cele mai grave crime internaționale (CICED), ambele fiind găzduite și gestionate de Eurojust.

    ICPA: progresele înregistrate cu privire la un pachet solid de constituire de dosare pentru crima de agresiune

    În ultimele șase luni, ICPA a înregistrat progrese semnificative în compilarea unui pachet solid de constituire de dosare. Acest pachet se bazează pe o strategie comună de anchetă și urmărire penală cu privire la crima de agresiune, convenită de participanții la ICPA.

    Pachetul de constituire de dosare este menit să fie transmis viitorului parchet de pe lângă un posibil tribunal special sau altor jurisdicții.

    ICPA a asigurat și asigură în continuare colectarea și analizarea preliminară a potențialelor probe care pot avea legătură cu persoane de la cele mai înalte niveluri din conducerea militară și politică. Eforturile de anchetă nu sunt limitate de funcțiile oficiale pe care le pot deține persoanele respective.

    Pe măsură ce agresiunea din Ucraina continuă, există din ce în ce mai multe probe pe care ICPA le investighează în mod activ.

    ICPA a primit finanțare suplimentară, iar în ianuarie 2025 operațiunile sale au fost prelungite cu șase luni. În acest scop, Eurojust și Serviciul Instrumente de Politică Externă al Comisiei Europene au semnat un amendament la acordul de contribuție.

    CICED: peste 3 700 de dosare cu probe

    CICED este o bază de date judiciară unică personalizată, creată de Eurojust pentru conservarea, analizarea și stocarea probelor referitoare la cele mai grave crime internaționale. CICED permite agenției să sprijine autoritățile judiciare naționale la identificarea probelor care se află în altă țară și care pot fi relevante pentru propriile lor anchete. Până în prezent, peste 3 700 de dosare cu probe au fost depuse la CICED de către 16 țări.

    În ianuarie 2025, un nou instrument de traducere a permis traducerea dosarelor cu probe depuse de autoritățile naționale din 19 limbi în limba engleză. Acest instrument revoluționar a accelerat foarte mult activitatea analitică a agenției. În consecință, funcția de căutare a bazei de date este mai precisă, iar solicitările de informații ale autorităților naționale pot primi răspuns mai rapid.

    Eurojust a depus eforturi pentru a răspunde cererilor autorităților naționale de a le fi sprijinite anchetele privind cele mai grave crime internaționale. În plus, agenția a identificat în mod proactiv dosarele considerate utile pentru anchetele naționale în curs.

    Context:

    De la izbucnirea războiului, Eurojust a susținut din prima linie asumarea răspunderii pentru crimele ruse. La doar trei săptămâni de la invazia pe scară largă a Rusiei în Ucraina din 2022, Eurojust a sprijinit crearea unei echipe comune de anchetă care este formată în prezent din Ucraina și șase state membre ale UE, cu participarea CPI și a Europol, existând și un memorandum de înțelegere cu Statele Unite.

    Într-un peisaj operațional fragmentat și complex, cu războiul în desfășurare și cu probe răspândite în țări cu sisteme juridice diferite, ECA permite partenerilor să facă schimb de informații în mod direct și în timp real. De asemenea, acest lucru îi ajută pe membrii ECA să-și raționalizeze anchetele, deoarece autoritățile naționale implicate se pot concentra în prezent asupra elaborării active a cauzelor lor.

    Eurojust oferă expertiză juridică și analitică pentru ECA, precum și sprijin logistic și financiar.

    În februarie 2023, Eurojust a lansat baza de date cu probe privind cele mai grave crime internaționale (CICED), pe baza unei modificări urgente a mandatului Eurojust, în urma invadării Ucrainei.

    Centrul internațional pentru urmărirea în justiție a crimei de agresiune împotriva Ucrainei (ICPA), instituit în iulie 2023, este găzduit tot de Eurojust și, împreună cu CICED, sprijină activitatea ECA.

    Începând din martie 2022, Eurojust a participat activ la Grupul operativ „Înghețare și punere sub sechestru” al UE, înființat de Comisia Europeană pentru a asigura punerea eficientă în aplicare a sancțiunilor UE împotriva oligarhilor ruși și belaruși aflați pe listă la nivelul Uniunii Europene. Eurojust oferă sprijin operațional grupului operativ prin coordonarea aplicării de către statele membre a sancțiunilor Uniunii pe calea dreptului penal.

    Împreună cu parchetul general din Ucraina, Eurojust coprezidează direcția de lucru privind anchetele naționale ale Grupului de dialog privind asumarea răspunderii pentru Ucraina. Această direcție de lucru urmărește să identifice provocările-cheie din cazurile privind cele mai grave crime internaționale și să propună în comun soluții la nivel de politici, de exemplu cu privire la utilizarea probelor din surse deschise în anchetarea și urmărirea penală a crimelor internaționale în contextul Ucrainei.

    Informații suplimentare:

    Pentru mai multe informații despre diferitele acțiuni întreprinse de Eurojust de la izbucnirea războiului din Ucraina, consultați pagina noastră web dedicată.

    MIL Security OSI –