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Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ13: Electric wheelchairs

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Rock Chen and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (February 19):Question:     It is learnt that in recent years, more and more people with disabilities and elderly people with impaired mobility have chosen to use electric wheelchairs as a substitute for traditional manual wheelchairs. However, it has been reported that an electric wheelchair user collided with a motorcycle in July last year, arousing public concern about the safety of electric wheelchairs. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:(1) of the number of cases in which the Police (i) issued advice to electric wheelchair users and (ii) instituted prosecutions against electric wheelchair users for contravening traffic regulations in each of the past three years, as well as the respective reasons for issuing such advice and instituting such prosecutions;(2) as the Consumer Council has earlier on recommended that the Government tighten regulation of the use of electric wheelchairs, including limiting their maximum travelling speed, requiring users to take out insurance, etc, whether the Government will, in accordance with the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374), formulate regulations on the use of electric wheelchairs for outdoor travel (e.g. restrictions on the modification of electric wheelchairs, loading requirements, insurance requirements, fire safety standards, prohibition on the carriage of passengers, and maximum speed limits), so as to protect the safety of electric wheelchair users and other road users; if so, of the specific details and timetable; if not, the reasons for that; and(3) as there are views that pavements in many districts in Hong Kong are so narrow that electric wheelchair users may easily come into conflict with pedestrians due to competition for road space, whether relevant government departments will provide additional barrier-free facilities for electric wheelchair users when planning and constructing roads for new towns and new development areas in the future; if so, of the specific details and timetable; if not, the reasons for that?Reply:President,     Having consulted the Health Bureau, the Hong Kong Police Force (Police) and the Transport Department (TD) in respect of electric wheelchair, my reply to the various parts of the question raised by the Hon Rock Chen is as follows:(1) The Police does not maintain statistics on enforcement against electric wheelchair users.(2) Proper use of electric wheelchairs can help ensure the safety of both the wheelchair users and others. The allied health professionals of Hospital Authority (HA) hospitals, when prescribing electric wheelchairs, will teach patients how to use the wheelchairs safely and correctly according to the needs of individual patients. In addition, the Community Rehabilitation Service Support Centre under the HA provides systematic group training for electric wheelchair users so that they could familiarise the skills and attitudes of using the wheelchairs safely in order to cope with different situations including using public transport and public facilities and handling outdoor obstacles.     Under section 4(8) of the Summary Offences Ordinance (Cap. 228), it is an offence if any person, in any public place, drives recklessly or negligently or at a speed or in a manner which is dangerous to the public. As regards the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374), as it seeks to regulate road traffic and the use of vehicles, it is not suitable for further regulation of electric wheelchairs. Nevertheless, the TD will continue to help promoting the safe use of electric wheelchairs to enhance the safety of road users (including pedestrians).(3) It is the Government’s established policy objective to provide barrier-free environment for people in need (including manual or electric wheelchair users) with a view to enabling them to access premises and make use of the facilities and services therein on an equal basis with others, thereby facilitating them to live independently and integrate into the community.     In planning the pedestrian network in new towns and new development areas, the Government will fully consider the needs of pedestrians (including wheelchair users and other people in need), provide footpaths of sufficient width and set up appropriate pedestrian crossing facilities to enhance the travel experience of wheelchair users and other pedestrians.     The Government will keep in contact with organisations of persons with disabilities, and pay heed to their views on the circumstances which they encounter in the daily use of barrier-free access and facilities.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: EDB announces arrangements for third round of Basic Law and National Security Law Test in 2024/25 school year

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    EDB announces arrangements for third round of Basic Law and National Security Law Test in 2024/25 school year
    EDB announces arrangements for third round of Basic Law and National Security Law Test in 2024/25 school year
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Education Bureau (EDB) today (February 19) announced that the third round of the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (BLNST) in the 2024/25 school year will be open for application from 9am on February 21 to 5pm on March 6. The test will be held on April 12 (Saturday).           The target participants for the third round of the test are persons with a bachelor’s degree or those who will attain a bachelor’s degree in the 2024/25 or 2025/26 academic year and are planning to join or change to another secondary school, primary school or kindergarten to take up a teaching post. Applications can be made through the EDB’s online application system (www.edb.gov.hk/en/blnst). Limited places for the test will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who have already obtained a pass result in the BLNST organised by the EDB, the Civil Service Bureau or recruiting departments/grades for degree holders will not be accepted to sit the test again.     Starting from the 2023/24 school year, all newly appointed teachers in public sector schools, Direct Subsidy Scheme schools and kindergartens joining the Kindergarten Education Scheme (including newly joined teachers and teachers changing schools) are required to pass the BLNST in order to be considered for appointment. The requirement applies to all ranks of the teacher grade including principals.     The EDB is conducting five rounds of the BLNST for degree holders and non-degree holders respectively this school year. Details are available on the EDB webpage (www.edb.gov.hk/en/blnst). The fourth round will be open for non-degree holders and will be held on June 22 (Sunday). The fifth round will be open for degree holders and will be held on July 19 (Saturday). Relevant arrangements will be announced in due course.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 19, 2025Issued at HKT 11:30

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Suspicious website related to DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Suspicious website related to DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited
    Suspicious website related to DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited
    **********************************************************

    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 DBS Bank (Hong Kong) 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.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 19, 2025Issued at HKT 17:50

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ6: Administration of estate of late Mrs Nina Wang

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ6: Administration of estate of late Mrs Nina Wang
    LCQ6: Administration of estate of late Mrs Nina Wang
    ****************************************************

         Following is a question by the Hon Judy Chan and a reply by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, in the Legislative Council today (February 19): Question:     The Department of Justice issued a statement last month, formally appointing Nina Wang Charity Management Limited as the trustee of the charitable trust of Mrs Wang’s estate. There are views that as it has almost been 10 years since the Court of Final Appeal handed down its judgment on the estate of over $140 billion, coupled with the high management fees of the charitable trust while yielding no social benefits, the trustee should release the estate for charitable purposes as soon as possible, particularly when the Government is facing a deficit and needs the support of the business sector to promote charitable causes. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) whether it knows the relevant expenses incurred in dealing with the management, legal proceedings, etc, of the aforesaid charitable trust since the Court of Final Appeal handed down its judgment in 2015; (2) when the authorities plan to announce the membership of the trustee’s board of governors, the scheme of administration for the estate, and other relevant information; and (3) how it supports the trustee in fulfilling its responsibilities, including assisting the trustee in manpower deployment and formulation of relevant budgets, so as to facilitate the trustee’s vetting and approval of charity projects, conduct of fundraising, and preparation for setting up a “fund and a Chinese prize of worldwide significance similar to that of the Nobel Prize” in accordance with Mrs Wang’s testamentary wishes? Reply: President,       In relation to the Estate, the Secretary for Justice (SJ) has been actively following up on the blueprint of the scheme for administration of the Estate (Scheme) as laid down in the judgment of the Court of Final Appeal dated May 18, 2015, as well as the subsequent legal proceedings, court orders and directions in the legal capacity of the protector of charities. On May 16, 2024, the court approved the Scheme submitted by the SJ. The SJ then made an application to the court to appoint Nina Wang Charity Management Limited as the Trustee of the charitable trust under Mrs Wang’s Estate, with the court’s approval granted on November 21, 2024. The SJ has also appointed three independent individuals, namely Mrs Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai, Mr Joseph Yam Chi-kwong and Mr Cheng Yan-kee, as members of the supervisory managing organisation (SMO) responsible for supervising the operation of the Trustee.      In relation to the Hon Judy Chan’s questions, I reply as follows: (1) The expenses incurred by the interim administrators in managing the Estate have been prescribed by the Court in the Appointment Order and are subject to the Court’s scrutiny. However, according to the court’s order, the relevant terms of the order are subject to confidentiality and cannot be disclosed without the court’s approval. The SJ in the capacity of the protector of charities will continue to follow up as appropriate so as to ensure that the interim administrators’ expenses are maintained at a reasonable level.      Regarding the expenses incurred in the related legal proceedings, we are unable to provide such information at this stage as the relevant legal proceedings are still ongoing, and the legal costs will have to be eventually taxed by the court. (2) As to when information regarding the composition of the Trustee’s board of governors, details of the Scheme and other information will be announced, according to the Scheme approved by the court, the Trustee will pursuant to the terms of the Scheme and its relevant Articles of Association disclose related information at a suitable time later. (3) The Trustee’s main duty is to implement the Court’s judgments and the relevant procedures under the Scheme. In view of the significant public interest involved, during the interim period the Department of Justice (DoJ) has been providing suitable support and assistance in respect of the preliminary work, including assisting the Trustee in forming its board of governors, so as to facilitate the Trustee to properly and expeditiously make use of the Estate for charitable purposes pursuant to the Scheme and the late Mrs Nina Wang’s wishes. Upon formal commencement of the Trustee’s operations, the same will be supervised, as I have mentioned earlier, by the SMO comprising three persons as provided for under the Scheme. The DoJ generally would not be directly involved with its operations unless necessary, but the SJ will, of course, in accordance with general legal principles continue to keep the matter in view in the capacity of the protector of charities, and exercise legal power to take appropriate actions when necessary.      The DoJ firmly believes that once the Trustee’s board of governors is established and commences its operations, the Trustee will do its utmost in administering the charitable trust under the supervision of the SMO, including considering to conduct independent auditing of the Trust assets, launching charitable projects, carrying out fundraising and establishing a “fund and a Chinese prize of worldwide significance similar to that of the Nobel Prize”, to fulfil Mrs Wang’s testamentary wishes and bring benefits to the country, including different sectors of Hong Kong society.      Thank you, President.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 19, 2025Issued at HKT 17:38

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ9: Burglary crimes

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Chan Yuet-ming and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, in the Legislative Council today (February 19):Question:      Some members of the public have relayed that there has been an increase in the number of burglary crimes targeting low-density residential properties and shops in rural areas and suburbs, and the situation is even worse near Chinese New Year. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the numbers and detection rates of burglary crimes in each of the past five years, with a tabulated breakdown by the 18 districts in Hong Kong; the numbers of persons convicted of such crimes and, among them, the respective numbers of those who were minors and non-Hong Kong residents; (2) of the details of both the publicity activities on the prevention of burglary and joint operations against burglary crimes conducted by the Hong Kong Police Force in the whole year of 2024, as well as the effectiveness of such efforts; (3) of the details of the publicity activities conducted by the Fight Crime Committee and District Fight Crime Committees on the prevention of burglary in the whole year of 2024; and (4) whether the Government will review the existing mechanism on the prevention of burglary crimes, including whether it will consider installing smart lampposts fitted with cameras and subsidising village offices to install closed-circuit television monitoring systems or other appropriate alarm devices at major entrances and exits of villages so as to deter law-breakers? Reply: President,      The Police pay close attention to burglary cases which occurred in different locations and premises. In addition to actively taking measures against such crimes, the Police have been providing home security and anti-burglary advice to the public through various channels.      After consultation with the Hong Kong Police Force and the Home Affairs Department, our consolidated reply to the Member’s question is set out below: (1) The number of burglary cases and detection rates by Police Districts in the past five years (from 2020 to 2024) are set out in Annex I.      Regarding the number of persons convicted, the number of persons convicted of burglary-related offences (i.e. burglary under section 11 and aggravated burglary under section 12 of the Theft Ordinance (Cap. 210)) and, among them, the number of those who were minors or not holders of Hong Kong Identity Cards at the time of their first appearance, from 2020 to the third quarter of 2024, are set out in Annex II. (2) The Police adopt a multi-pronged approach to enhance the prevention and combating of burglary cases. In terms of enforcement, the Police have stepped up intelligence gathering and adopted an intelligence-led approach. They have increased high-profile patrols and stop-and-search operations in high-risk areas, such as village houses. Additionally, drones and helicopters from the Government Flying Service are deployed for nighttime aerial patrols and the pursuit of burglars. Roadblocks are also set up at different times and locations to stop and search suspicious vehicles or individuals, thereby enhancing deterrence.      On the publicity front, to enhance public awareness, the Police have launched a one-stop platform, SafeCity.HK, to provide the public with crime prevention tips, including information on burglary prevention. The Police also conduct publicity through various channels, such as social media platforms, press conferences, OffBeat 360 and Offbeat 120s, to share with the public ways to enhance home security and encourage them to report to the Police any suspicious persons or behavior. The Police also organise regular seminars for different sectors (for example, members of the property management and security sectors, the retail industry, and so on) and distribute anti-burglary pamphlets to the public in conjunction with District Councils, Rural Committees, Area Committees and property management companies to enhance anti-burglary awareness from different perspectives.      As a result of the Police’s vigorous efforts in combating burglary, the situation of burglary cases has improved significantly. In 2024, 1 220 burglary cases were reported, representing a decrease of 134 cases or 9.9 per cent compared to 2023, and the amount of loss was also reduced by 48 million Hong Kong Dollars or 25.5 per cent. The Police will continue with its related work, such as stepping up publicity during high-risk periods, such as the Chinese New Year and long holiday periods (e.g. using the Anti-crime Promotional Truck to visit different districts across the territory) to educate the public on the importance of and ways to prevent theft. (3) In response to burglary cases, the Fight Crime Committee (FCC) has adopted Beware of Burglary and Theft as the theme of one of its anti-crime publicity campaigns in 2024-25. The campaign will be launched through various media, including online advertisements and distribution of publicity materials such as door and window alarms, to remind members of the public to step up their home security to prevent burglary and theft.      As for the District Fight Crime Committees (DFCCs), various DFCCs organised different publicity campaigns under the theme of Beware of Burglary and Theft in 2024, such as carnivals, seminars and design competitions; distribution of promotional souvenirs, leaflets, banners, etc; and placing advertisements on the backs of minibus chairs and on the lightboxes of bus shelters. The aim is to integrate messages about preventing burglary and theft into various aspects of citizens’ daily lives at the district level. (4) To further enhance law and order and combat crime in a comprehensive manner, the Police Force has started installing closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) in various districts (including rural areas) in Hong Kong since April 2024. The installation points are located at traditional lampposts, smart lampposts and government buildings. 615 sets of cameras have been installed by the end of last year, with the first phase of installation to be completed within 2025 with a total of 2 000 sets of cameras. As at the end of 2024, the system has assisted the Police in detecting 122 cases, including serious crimes such as murder, robbery and burglary, with 202 arrests. Of the 16 burglary cases detected with the assistance of CCTV, half of them (eight cases) were solved within one day, demonstrating that CCTV has not only made investigations more effective, but has also greatly enhanced the efficiency of crime detection.      Apart from assisting in crime detection, CCTV also has a deterrent effect on criminal behavior. In order to understand the relevant data, the Police have analysed the number of street crime cases for various types of crimes and found that they have dropped after the installation of CCTV. This shows that the scheme has brought about a very positive effect on crime prevention and elimination. The Police will progressively install CCTVs according to the crime rate or pedestrian flow of individual districts and locations (including rural areas), with a view to maximising the effectiveness of CCTVs in preventing and combating crime.      In addition, the Police, in conjunction with the DFCCs, have also encouraged and assisted in the installation of CCTV systems in old low-security buildings. Police Districts also distribute door and window alarms to rural residents, so as to enhance the security level of residential premises.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NHRC, India organises an open house discussion on ‘Ensuring privacy and human rights in the digital era: A focus on corporate digital responsibility’

    Source: Government of India

    NHRC, India organises an open house discussion on ‘Ensuring privacy and human rights in the digital era: A focus on corporate digital responsibility’

    NHRC, India Chairperson, Justice Shri V. Ramasubramanian emphasises the need for safeguarding privacy as a human right in the digital world

    Cautions against the consequences of the significant decline in value systems

    NHRC, India Member, Justice (Dr) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi raises concerns over the lack of digital literacy in the financial transactions

    Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal says, protecting people’s privacy online is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders

    Among various key suggestions, simplifying the user agreements and policy frameworks to enhance consumer understanding and control over personal data highlighted

    Establishing clear accountability structures for data breaches, especially for research institutions and third-party data processors also emphasised

    Posted On: 19 FEB 2025 12:25PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India organised an open house discussion in hybrid mode on ‘Ensuring privacy and human rights in the digital era: A focus on corporate digital responsibility’ at its premises. It was chaired by the Chairperson, Justice Shri V Ramasubramanian in the presence of Member, Justice (Dr) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal, senior officers, domain experts, industry representatives among others.

    Addressing the participants, NHRC, India Chairperson, Justice Shri V. Ramasubramanian emphasised that safeguarding privacy as a human right in the digital world is necessary. The technological advancements should align with fundamental human rights and privacy protections. The responsibility must begin with the individual user. He highlighted that maintaining digital hygiene is crucial. He also pointed out the significant decline in value systems, cautioning that one must bear the consequences of this shift.

    He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to fostering inclusive discussions on digital rights and corporate accountability for developing a robust regulatory framework that balances innovation, security, and individual privacy.

    NHRC, India Member, Justice (Dr) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi raised concerns regarding the lack of digital literacy which make many people dependent on others who may dupe them. He said that simplifying the processes of digital technology to maximise its safe usage by the common people in the country.

    Before this, NHRC, India Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal while setting the agenda for discussion, gave the objective of this discussion on an important emerging issue i.e. ‘Ensuring privacy and human rights in the digital era: A focus on corporate digital responsibility’. He gave an overview of three sub-themes: ‘Establishing a proper regulatory framework and compliance mechanism’, ‘Building a culture of data privacy’, and ‘Identifying threats and best practices’. Citing data from 2023, he mentioned that over 20% of global data is generated in India whereas it has only about 3% of the storage capacity requiring a major role for Indian corporates. He said that while the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and other regulations are in place, the challenges in the digital age are increasing. The draft rules have been notified and consultation process is going on. He also said that collection, storage and processing of personal data ‘brings’ huge responsibility of entities and they keep this data as a ‘trustee’. Any breach of trust in this trusteeship, is unacceptable. He stressed that protecting people’s privacy online is a collective responsibility requiring joint efforts from individuals, private sectors which plays a major role and the government and its agencies.

    The meeting extensively discussed the intensity of the problem that arises due to misuse of data and data breaches. Further, several key provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 were also discussed.

    Data Usage and Privacy Concerns

    The participants raised concerns over the extensive control exerted by global technology companies on user data, which complicates regulatory enforcement. Law enforcement agencies often face challenges in accessing critical data due to data storage in offshore centres. Additionally, the increasing reliance on digital platforms makes maintaining individual privacy more challenging.

    Cyber Law and Regulatory Framework

    Discussions also highlighted the gaps in the draft data protection rules, including the requirement to report data breaches within 72 hours and the accountability of research institutions handling personal data. The Government representatives highlighted ongoing consultations on data protection regulations, particularly the introduction of the Right to Nomination to enhance data privacy rights.

    Corporate Digital Responsibility

    The Corporate representatives shared best practices in data protection, digital well-being, and compliance-by-design strategies. However, they also highlighted operational challenges, particularly in navigating complex multi-layered digital operations. Companies transitioning from a low digital penetration environment to a structured data protection framework emphasised the need for regulatory flexibility to accommodate evolving business models and global compliance requirements such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union. Referring to the Draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, the corporate stakeholders said that it should include explicit penal provisions for non-compliance and guidelines for obtaining verifiable parental consent for minors.

    Consumer Rights and Policy Simplification

    The participants noted that consumers have limited choices in consenting to data collection, as many business models mandate data sharing. The existing Do-Not-Disturb (DND) mechanism by TRAI was deemed ineffective.

    The participants included Shri Shailendra Trivedi, Chief General Manager-in-Charge, Department of Information Technology, Reserve Bank of India, Shri Deepak Goel, Group Coordinator (Cyber Law), Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ankur Rastogi, Principle Project Engineering, EGSTM, Centre For Railway Information Systems (CRIS), Shri Sanjoy Bhattacharjee, Chief Data Officer, HDFC Bank, Shri Ajay Gupta, Executive Director, ICICI Bank, Shri Soumendra Mattagajasingh, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, ICICI Bank, Shri Rajiv Kumar Gupta, President, PB Fintech, Policy Bazaar, Shri Sameer Bajaj, Head of Communication & Corporate Affairs, MakeMyTrip, Shri Ashish Aggarwal, Vice President and Head of Policy, NASSCOM, Dr Muktesh Chander, NHRC Special Monitor, Cyber Crime and Artificial Intelligence, Shri Tanveer Hasan A K, Executive Director, Centre for Internet & Society (CIS) in India and Shri Sameer Kochhar, President SKOCH Development Foundation, NHRC, India Registrar (Law), Joginder Singh, Director, Lt Col Virender Singh among others.

    Some of the important suggestions that emanated from the discussion included;

    • Simplify the user agreements and policy frameworks to enhance consumer understanding and control over personal data;
    • Establish clear accountability structures for data breaches, especially for research institutions and third-party data processors;
    • Strengthen user consent frameworks for greater transparency and informed decision-making;
    • Define the mandate and composition of the proposed Data Protection Board;
    • Develop a localised approach to data privacy regulations to support small businesses while addressing India-specific challenges;
    • Encourage companies to integrate privacy-by-design principles in digital operations;
    • Enhance consumer awareness through targeted digital privacy and cybersecurity literacy programmes;
    • Have explicit penal provisions for non-compliance;
    • Need for bilateral agreements to address cross-border security and data-sharing concerns;
    • Address the challenges arising from strict data localisation mandates; and
    • Clear guidelines for obtaining verifiable parental consent for minors.

    ***

    NSK

    (Release ID: 2104596) Visitor Counter : 69

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Donald J. Trump Intends to Nominate Individuals to Key Posts at the Department of Justice

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Today the Department of Justice is proud to announce President Trump’s intent to nominate John Eisenberg to serve as Assistant Attorney General for National Security, Brett Shumate to serve as Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division, and Patrick Davis to serve as Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legislative Affairs.

    John Eisenberg (The National Security Division)

    During President Trump’s first term, John served as the Legal Advisor to the National Security Council, Assistant to the President, and Deputy Counsel to the President for National Security Affairs. John has also served at the Department of Justice in several positions, including Associate Deputy Attorney General in the Office of the Deputy Attorney General and Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Legal Counsel. In addition to his government experience, John was also a partner at Kirkland & Ellis, where he focused on white-collar and internal-investigation matters as well as data-security issues.

    John clerked for J. Michael Luttig of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and Justice Clarence Thomas of the Supreme Court of the United States. He is a graduate of Yale Law School and Stanford University.

    Brett Shumate (The Civil Division)

    Brett presently serves as the Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division. Prior to rejoining the Department, Brett was a partner at Jones Day in Washington, D.C. He previously served at the Department as the Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Federal Programs Branch in the Civil Division.

    Brett clerked for Judge Edith H. Jones of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He is a graduate of Wake Forest University School of Law and Furman University.

    Patrick Davis (The Office of Legislative Affairs)

    This will be Patrick’s third stint with the Department of Justice. During President Trump’s first term, Patrick served in DOJ management as Deputy Associate Attorney General. Earlier in his career, he served as a trial attorney in the Federal Programs Branch of the DOJ’s Civil Division. On Capitol Hill, Patrick was the Deputy Chief Investigative Counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he led the Committee’s “Russiagate” investigation and was instrumental in the confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh. He later served as the Chief Investigative Counsel for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

    Patrick rejoined the Department of Justice as the Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legislative Affairs. Prior to his return to the Department, he served as Senior Counsel at the American Petroleum Institute.

    Patrick is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and the University of Nebraska.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Protection of the rights of the Greek ethnic minority in Northern Epirus – E-002630/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission attaches the highest importance to the respect of rule of law and fundamental rights, including the protection of minorities in Albania.

    Through the enlargement process and the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Agreement[1], the Commission closely follows reforms on the rule of law and the strengthening and protection of the fundamental rights in Albania, including rights of persons belonging to minorities — matters that fall under the so-called fundamentals of the enlargement process .

    The Commission assesses progress and provides policy recommendations in its annual report[2]. Moreover, as from 2024 Albania also participates in the annual Rule of Law Report[3], which assesses Albania’s progress on the protection of fundamental rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02009A0428%2802%29-20210901
    • [2] SWD(2024) 690 final , https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/a8eec3f9-b2ec-4cb1-8748-9058854dbc68_en?filename=Albania%20Report%202024.pdf
    • [3] SWD(2024) 828 final, https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/0154dce1-5026-45de-8b37-e3d56eff7925_en?filename=59_1_58088_coun_chap_albania_al.pdf
    Last updated: 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: President Donald J. Trump Intends to Nominate Individuals to Key Posts at the Department of Justice

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Today the Department of Justice is proud to announce President Trump’s intent to nominate John Eisenberg to serve as Assistant Attorney General for National Security, Brett Shumate to serve as Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division, and Patrick Davis to serve as Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legislative Affairs.

    John Eisenberg (The National Security Division)

    During President Trump’s first term, John served as the Legal Advisor to the National Security Council, Assistant to the President, and Deputy Counsel to the President for National Security Affairs. John has also served at the Department of Justice in several positions, including Associate Deputy Attorney General in the Office of the Deputy Attorney General and Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Legal Counsel. In addition to his government experience, John was also a partner at Kirkland & Ellis, where he focused on white-collar and internal-investigation matters as well as data-security issues.

    John clerked for J. Michael Luttig of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and Justice Clarence Thomas of the Supreme Court of the United States. He is a graduate of Yale Law School and Stanford University.

    Brett Shumate (The Civil Division)

    Brett presently serves as the Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division. Prior to rejoining the Department, Brett was a partner at Jones Day in Washington, D.C. He previously served at the Department as the Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Federal Programs Branch in the Civil Division.

    Brett clerked for Judge Edith H. Jones of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He is a graduate of Wake Forest University School of Law and Furman University.

    Patrick Davis (The Office of Legislative Affairs)

    This will be Patrick’s third stint with the Department of Justice. During President Trump’s first term, Patrick served in DOJ management as Deputy Associate Attorney General. Earlier in his career, he served as a trial attorney in the Federal Programs Branch of the DOJ’s Civil Division. On Capitol Hill, Patrick was the Deputy Chief Investigative Counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he led the Committee’s “Russiagate” investigation and was instrumental in the confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh. He later served as the Chief Investigative Counsel for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

    Patrick rejoined the Department of Justice as the Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legislative Affairs. Prior to his return to the Department, he served as Senior Counsel at the American Petroleum Institute.

    Patrick is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and the University of Nebraska.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New members appointed to Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    DPTAC has an important role to play in our ambition to have an inclusive transport network allowing disabled people to travel easily and with dignity.

    • Transport Minister appoints new members to committee
    • membership will help remove barriers to transport accessibility, supporting the government’s inclusivity goals
    • the new appointees bring experience in disability academia, policy and transport accessibility

    Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood has today (19 February 2025) announced the appointment of 13 new members to the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC).

    The independent committee provides advice to the Department for Transport (DfT) on the transport needs of disabled people – particularly on ministerial policy priorities and areas they think need urgent attention.

    Their works helps DfT stand by its ambition to ensure transport is accessible for all, including keeping it at the heart of bus and rail reform, as well as the establishment of the Passenger Standards Authority.

    Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, said: 

    We are clear in our ambition to have an inclusive transport network so disabled people can travel easily confidently and with dignity. DPTAC has a key role in ensuring we develop policy that delivers this.

    This unique committee has membership with broad understanding of the barriers faced by disabled people and it ensures those issues are understood right from the start of policy development.

    The new members of DPTAC are:

    • Damian Joseph Bridgeman – prominent leader in public policy, disability advocacy, and corporate governance
    • Mark Cutter – Chair of Northern’s Accessibility User Group (NAUG) and the Rail Accessibility and Inclusion Forum for the North (RAIFN)
    • Carly Danesh Jones – autism advocate who has previously held advisory roles with Heathrow Airport and East Midlands Rail
    • Mary Doyle – coach who advises multinational companies on inclusivity and accessibility policy 
    • Paul Finnegan – Chief Executive of suicide prevention charity Lighthouse
    • Dr Miro Griffiths – disability scholar at the University of Leeds
    • Prof Mari Martiskainen – Professor of Energy and Society at Science Policy Research Unit within the University of Sussex
    • Rachael Mole – consultant and advisor within accessibility and people management
    • Ruth Murran – english and drama teacher with life-long experience of global travel
    • Maral Nozratzadeh – postgraduate researcher at the University of Leeds School of Law
    • David Sindall – previously Head of Disability and Inclusion for the Association of Train Operating Companies for 12 years
    • Zamila Skingsley– former Cabinet Office Director
    • Edward Trewhella – Chief Executive at Driving Mobility

    DPTAC has helped to inform DfT’s work to improve transport accessibility, including the Access For All programme which has made over 260 train stations accessible, as well as the Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group that was launched by DfT in November 2024.

    It has also helped inform bus and coach policy, including the Public Service Vehicles (Accessible Information) Regulations 2023 that require operators of local bus and coach services to provide information on the route, direction of travel and each upcoming stop.

    DPTAC chair, Matthew Campbell-Hill, said:

    I am delighted to welcome our new DPTAC members, who bring a wealth of diverse experiences and expertise.

    Their insights will be invaluable as we work together to remove barriers and improve accessibility across our transport network. By harnessing this collective knowledge, we can drive meaningful change and ensure that transport truly works for everyone.

    Existing member Sue Sharp, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Society for Blind Children, has also been appointed the group’s Deputy Chair.

    Those appointed to DPTAC serve terms of 2 to 3 years.

    Under the Transport Act 1985, DPTAC’s membership should have between 10 and 20 members, excluding its chair. These appointments bring DPTACs membership to a total of 17.

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    Published 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: CORRECTION – African Union Summit: African Development Bank President Highlights a Decade of Economic Transformational Impact

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, February 19, 2025/APO Group/ —

    • “It’s been my greatest honor to serve you and Africa”—Adesina tells African leaders
    • Governments across Africa pay tribute to Adesina’s exceptional leadership
    • UN Secretary General Guterres says global financial architecture hampering Africa’s development, calls for reforms

    African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, delivered a compelling farewell address to Heads of State and Government at the 38th African Union Summit, highlighting a decade of remarkable achievements by the Bank in driving Africa’s economic transformation. Adesina’s participation at the august continental gathering in Addis Ababa ended on a high note as African leaders considered and endorsed four Bank-led initiatives including the drive to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, measuring Africa’s green wealth as part of its GDP, an innovative facility to provide Africa with a financial buffer and a roadmap for the continent to achieve inclusive growth and rapid sustainable development.

    Adesina, who is also the Chairman of the Group’s Boards of Directors, underscored the impact of the Bank’s High 5s Agenda—Light up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa—which has impacted more than half a billion lives across the continent.

    “It has been an unprecedented partnership to advance the goal of the African Union towards achieving Agenda 2063: the Africa we want,” said Adesina who in February 2022, became the first president of the Bank Group to address the AU Summit.

    During the final day of the assembly, several African governments and AU officials paid tribute to Dr. Adesina for his exceptional leadership of the Bank and strong global advocacy for Africa, He ends his tenure as the Bank Group’s president on 1st September 2025.

    The February 15–16 Summit saw the election of Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as Chairperson of the African Union Commission, taking over from Moussa Faki Mahamat. Algeria’s Ambassador, Salma Malika Haddadi, was elected the Commission’s Deputy Chairperson.

    Reflecting on his tenure at the helm of the African Development Bank, Dr. Adesina said the Bank has transformed 515 million lives, including 231 million women, over the past decade:

    • 127 million people gained access to better services in terms of health.
    • 61 million people gained access to clean water.
    • 33 million people benefited from improved sanitation.
    • 46 million people gained access to ICT services, and
    • 25 million people gained access to electricity.

    He cited the landmark Africa Energy Summit held in Tanzania in January, where 48 nations signed the Dar Es Salaam Declaration to adopt bold policies in support of an initiative by the World Bank and the African Development Bank to extend electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030. That meeting, attended by 21 heads of state, secured $48 billion in commitments from the two institutions and an additional $7 billion from other development partners.

    The Addis Ababa Summit endorsed the Dar Es Salaam Energy Declaration, the Baku Declaration by African Heads of State on Measuring the Green Wealth of Africa. The Assembly also adopted the African Financing Stability Mechanism, a groundbreaking initiative mandated by the African Union Heads of State and Government. Co-led by the African Union Commission and the African Development Bank, it could generate, if immediately implemented, approximately USD 20 billion in debt servicing savings for African countries by 2035. The Assembly also adopted the Strategic Framework on Key Actions to Achieve Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development in Africa report which outlines key actions required to enable Africa to achieve, and sustain an annual growth rate of at least 7% of GDP over the next five decades.

    On food security, Adesina cited the Bank’s Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT), the Dakar 2 Food Summit that mobilized $72 billion in 2023, and the $1.5 billion Africa Emergency Food Production Facility that was launched in May 2022 to avert a major food and fertilizer crisis triggered by global conflicts.

    “The African Development Bank accelerated food production in Africa. Over 101 million people became food secure. We mobilized $72 billion to implement the food and agriculture delivery compacts across the continent,” he stressed. With the support of the Bank, Ethiopia has achieved self-sufficiency in wheat production within four years and is now a wheat-exporting nation.

    A Decade of Transformative Impact

    With a strong focus on job creation, the Bank has trained 1.7 million youth in digital skills and is rolling out Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Banks to drive youth-led economic growth. “Our goal is simple: create youth-based wealth across Africa,” Adesina reiterated.

    Additionally, the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative has provided $2.5 billion in financing to over 24,000 women-owned businesses, said Adesina.

    Over the past decade, the African Development Bank has invested over $55 billion in infrastructure, making it the largest multilateral financier of African infrastructure.

    The Bank has also prioritized healthcare, committing $3 billion in quality healthcare infrastructure and another $3 billion for pharmaceutical development, including establishing the Africa Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation.

    Historic Financial Mobilization for Africa

    Under Adesina’s presidency, the Bank achieved its largest-ever capital increase, growing from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion currently. The most recent replenishment of the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional window, raised a record $8.9 billion for Africa’s 37 low-income countries, setting the stage for a target of $25 billion for its upcoming 17th replenishment.

    The Africa Investment Forum, a joint effort with eight other partner institutions, has also mobilized over $200 billion in investment commitments, reinforcing Africa as a leading investment destination.

    As he bade farewell, the outgoing Bank chief expressed gratitude to the African Heads of State, the African Union Commission, regional economic communities, and the people of Africa for their unwavering support.

    “As today will be my final attendance of the AU Summit as President of the African Development Bank, I would like to use this opportunity to immensely thank your Excellencies Heads of State and Government for your extraordinary support over the past ten years. I am very grateful for your always being there for the African Development Bank—your Bank. I am very grateful for your kindness, friendship, and partnership as we forged global alliances to advance the continent’s interest around the world,” he said.  

    The 2025 Summit under the theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” drew global political leaders and other dignitaries, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley.

    Guterres reiterated calls for reform of the international financial architecture, which is hampering the development of many African economies, beset by expensive debt repayments and high borrowing costs, which limits their capacity to invest in education, health and other essential needs.

    Prime Minister Mottley emphasized Africa’s strategic role in shaping global economic trends, particularly highlighting the continent’s control of 40% of the world’s minerals. She stressed the importance of addressing emerging challenges like artificial intelligence, urging African nations to take a proactive role in technological advancement rather than becoming “victims of technology.”

    She also underscored the urgency of removing artificial barriers between Africa and the Caribbean, calling for the elimination of transit visa requirements to boost trade and integration. Mottley echoed demands for reparatory justice, noting that both the Caribbean and Africa began their independence journey with “chronic deficits” in resources, fairness, and opportunity.

    Opening the Summit on Saturday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed urged continued unity among member countries in addressing the challenges.

    “In a world marked by rapid change and multiple challenges, we find ourselves at the crossroads of uncertainty and opportunity. This movement calls upon us to strengthen our collective resolve, embrace resilience and foster unity across Africa”, he said.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: University takes leading role in boosting UK hydrogen distribution network A project that will help establish a sustainable distribution network of hydrogen in Scotland and across the UK has got underway at the University of Aberdeen.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    New Materials and Methods for Hydrogen Transportation and Storage: Repurposing the Economic Future of the North Sea (MHYSTIC) will see existing energy asset and skills used to develop a suite of innovations that will boost the UK’s hydrogen distribution network.A project that will help establish a sustainable distribution network of hydrogen in Scotland and across the UK has got underway at the University of Aberdeen.
    Led by a team of researchers at the University of Aberdeen with expertise in chemical, mechanical and materials engineering along with economic analysis for field applications in geological settings, the MHYSTIC project is one of 10 selected by the UK-HyRES Flexible Fund to advance hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels technologies.
    The projects represent a broad spectrum of groundbreaking research, each aligned with the mission to accelerate the UK’s hydrogen transition and drive impactful scientific innovation. Collectively, nearly £3 million in funding has been awarded, enabling pioneering studies across multiple institutions and disciplines.
    New Materials and Methods for Hydrogen Transportation and Storage: Repurposing the Economic Future of the North Sea (MHYSTIC) will see existing energy asset and skills used to develop a suite of innovations that will boost the UK’s hydrogen distribution network.
    With support from international collaborators at the Lithuanian Energy Institute, industry partners including Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group, ABL Group, the European Marine Energy Centre, the Net Zero Technology Centre, John Lawrie Group, Statera Energy and  Dräger Ltd will also play a crucial role in developing and disseminating outputs from the project.

    The characterisation methods and models will reveal detailed mechanisms of H2 adsorption and material failure at a granular level, which will result in stepwise advances in knowledge with high academic impact and will help implement hydrogen economies in Scotland and the UK.” Project lead Dr Alfonso Martinez-Felipe

    “MHYSTIC is one of the only 10 projects funded in this first round of applications and will have research, commercial and societal impacts by transferring its innovations to productive actors involved in the project,” explained project lead Dr Alfonso Martinez-Felipe from the University’s School of Engineering.
    “The characterisation methods and models will reveal detailed mechanisms of H2 adsorption and material failure at a granular level, which will result in stepwise advances in knowledge with high academic impact and will help implement hydrogen economies in Scotland and the UK.”
    Dr Martinez-Felipe is joined by colleagues Dr Amin Sharifi, Dr M. Amir Siddiq, Dr Marcin Kapitaniak and Dr Mehmet Kartal, all from the School of Engineering; and Professor John Underhill, Director of the Interdisciplinary Center for Energy Transition at the University of Aberdeen.
    “Being the smallest molecule, hydrogen is prone to leakage. It also embrittles steel,” said Professor Underhill. “Consequently, it’s essential to find new materials for hydrogen’s safe and secure storage and transportation if it is to play a role in the energy transition, something this research will address.”
    UK-HyRES aims to define and tackle the research challenges blocking the wider use of low carbon fuels in the UK – funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The project is expected to run for 2.5 years.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor to be grilled on final budget for 2025-26

    Source: Mayor of London

    The Mayor is responsible for overseeing a budget of over £20 billion, and published his final Draft Consolidated Budget for 2025-26 on Monday 17 February.1

    Key changes from the original draft Consolidated Budget published last month include:

    • Gross additional funding of £130m, however £26m of this has been allocated to cover the additional NI costs introduced by the Government on all employees across the Greater London Authority (GLA) Group in the Autumn 2024 Budget, which has not been covered by further funding.
    • The additional funding is mainly from further Government funding for policing of £73m, business rates £39m, and council tax £14m.
    • The policing funding includes a one-off grant of £50m in 2024-25 that will be carried forward to spend in 2025-26.
    • The majority of the additional funding has been allocated to the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) which receives £83m.

    MOPAC has announced a projected net reduction of 1,479 officers by March 2026 and cuts to the Mounted branch, Dogs unit and closure of the Royal Parks Operational Command Unit. However, further calculations will be made to reflect the additional £83m announced in the Mayor’s final Draft Consolidated Budget.2

    Tomorrow, the London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee will meet to question the Mayor on his final draft budget.

    Guests include:

    • Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
    • David Bellamy, Mayor’s Chief of Staff
    • Fay Hammond, Chief Finance Officer, GLA

    The meeting will take place on Thursday 20 February from 10am, in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

    The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two men arrested on suspicion of murder following stabbing in Hackney

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Officers investigating the murder of a 20-year-old man in Hackney have arrested two men on suspicion of murder.

    Police were called to reports of an altercation in Bodney Road, E5 at 17:59hrs on Tuesday, 18 February. Sadly, despite the best efforts of officers and the London Ambulance Service, the man was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering a stab wound.

    Officers arrested a 25-year-old man and a 23-year-old man later that evening on suspicion of murder. They remain in police custody.

    Detective Superintendent Vicky Tunstall, leading the investigation in Hackney, said:

    “Our thoughts are with the young man’s family at this incredibly difficult time. I am grateful to the people of Hackney for their patience while we conduct our enquiries, we know this is a distressing time for residents and they can expect to see an increased police presence in the area.

    “While we have made initial arrests, there is still work to be done to build a bigger picture, and our investigation is still in the early stages.

    “If anyone has any information – particularly dashcam, doorbell or phone footage in Bodney Road from 17:30hrs – I would urge them to contact us via 101 quoting 5635/17FEB. Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

    A crime scene will remain in place around Bodney Road, E5 until the forensic teams concludes an examination of the area.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. Rescues Seven Mariners

    Source: United States Naval Central Command

    U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY —

    Crewmembers of the U.S. Coast Guard fast-response cutter USCGC Clarence Sutphin, Jr. (WPC-1147) and the mine countermeasures ship USS Devastator (MCM 6) rescued seven mariners from a disabled vessel in the international waters of the Central Arabian Gulf, Feb. 18.

    Following a distress signal from the mariners, the Coastguardsmen embarked a rigid-hull inflatable boat to offer assistance. After determining the vessel was no longer sea worthy, the Coastguardsmen brought the mariners back to their ship. Devastator provided back-up support during the operation.

    None of the mariners appeared to be injured.

    “Providing assistance at sea to mariners in distress is a core Coast Guard mission,” said Coast Guard Lt. Michael O’Dell, Clarence Sutphin, Jr.’s commanding officer. “It is inherently dangerous, but the team executed without hesitation – without fear – to extend their compassion to people in a dire situation. I’m incredibly proud of to be a part of this team.”

    Clarence Sutphin, Jr. is forward deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations as part of Patrol Forces Southwest Asia. Devastator is an Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship also forward deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet. Both ships help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

    The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse is comprised of 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic Wins Appeal Case Filed by Dyson Regarding Nanocare EH-NA0G Hair Dryer

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic Wins Appeal Case Filed by Dyson Regarding Nanocare EH-NA0G Hair Dryer

    Osaka, Japan – Panasonic Corporation (“Panasonic”) announced today (February 19, 2025) that the Intellectual Property High Court of Japan delivered a judgment dismissing the appeal (the “Appeal Court Decision”) regarding a lawsuit brought by Dyson KK (“Dyson”) against Panasonic seeking an injunction against advertisements for the nanocare EH-NA0G Hair Dryer (the “Lawsuit”).
    Dyson filed the Lawsuit with the allegation that Panasonic’s advertisements for the nanocare EH-NA0G Hair Dryer were misleading for consumers and seeking an injunction against them. The court of first instance (Tokyo District Court) ruled on April 27, 2023, that the advertisements were not misleading for consumers and did not violate the Unfair Competition Prevention Act, but Dyson appealed the judgment to the court of second instance.
    The Appeal Court Decision fully upheld Panasonic’s arguments, stating that Panasonic’s experiments of the Hair Dryer are reasonable, and ruled that the advertisements are based on the results of such experiments. At the same time, the court noted that the Dyson’s experiment methodologies, even taken together with those for the second instance, are inappropriate, and judged all the Dyson’s appeals are baseless. Panasonic achieved a complete victory once again in the court of second instance.
    Nanoe technology is supported by long years of research and development and its value is highly appreciated by customers. Panasonic will continue to provide customers with correct information on the commercial value of nanocare hair dryers while adhering to pertinent laws, regulations, and guidelines.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Director General Joins International Experts for Seawater Sampling Near Fukushima

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi joined scientists from the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, and Switzerland, along with IAEA experts, as they collected seawater samples near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station. (Dean Calma/IAEA)

    International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi joined scientists from the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, and Switzerland, along with IAEA experts, as they collected seawater samples near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station (FDNPS) today.

    The activity is part of the additional measures established after China and Japan agreed to extend the sampling and testing of ALPS treated water which TEPCO – operator of the FDNPS – started to discharge in August 2023.

    The IAEA agreed with Japan in September to implement additional measures to facilitate the broader participation from other stakeholder countries in the monitoring of ALPS-treated water.

    “By welcoming countries to engage directly in sampling and analysis under the additional measures, Japan is increasing transparency, understanding, and trust, particularly in the region.” said Director General Grossi. “Through these efforts, third parties can independently verify that water discharge levels are, and will continue to be, in strict compliance and consistent with international safety standards.”

    During the sampling today, scientists from the Third Institute of Oceanography in China, the Korean Institute for Nuclear Safety in Republic of Korea and the Spiez Laboratory in Switzerland collected seawater samples from a boat in the vicinity of the FDNPS.

    Director General Grossi collected seawater samples from a boat in the vicinity of the FDNPS.

    The samples will be analysed by the IAEA laboratories in Monaco, by laboratories in Japan and in the participating laboratories from China, Korea and Switzerland, each members of the IAEA’s Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity (ALMERA) network, chosen to ensure a high level of proficiency and expert data.

    “Additional measures focus on expanding international participation and transparency, allowing hands-on independent measurements of the concentration level of the water,” said Director General Grossi. “This work is conducted within agreed parameters set by the IAEA in its role as an independent, impartial and technical organisation.”

    Additionally, IAEA experts stationed at the Agency’s office at FDNPS conduct regular independent on-site analyses of the batches of treated water. The Agency has confirmed that the tritium level in the ten batches of ALPS treated water already released was far below Japan’s operational limit.

    The IAEA initiated the first practical steps of the additional measures in October last year when Agency staff carried out marine sampling with international experts from China, Republic of Korea and Switzerland.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: 14 arrested in hit against money laundering gang in Portugal and Spain

    Source: Europol

    The action day took place on 21 January 2025 in Spain (Madrid, Málaga, Marbella, Torremolinos, Coín and Ayamonte) and Portugal (Lisbon). All in all, the operation led to:14 arrests9 house searchesSeizure of over EUR 1 million in cash and cryptocurrencies.Suspects mainly operated in Spain, used the Hawala method to move the cash sourced mainly from drugs trafficking, and launder the…

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: US, Japan Conduct Combined Operations

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    “Combined operations are a testament to our nations’ shared commitment: ensuring we are able to fly, sail, and operate safely and responsibly, wherever international law allows,” said Capt. Justin Harts, Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. “The experience our US destroyers gain from operating alongside our allies and partners is invaluable, and we take any opportunity to do so.”

    Operations included dynamic maneuvering and communications drills during this multi-lateral exercise. We continue to integrate with partner nations to train, exercise and develop tactical interoperability.

    “Through these operations, we enhanced our tactical capability and interoperability with the U.S. Navy. We are closely collaborating together anytime at sea in order to contribute to regional stability, as well as a Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” CDR Shota TAKASHIRO, Commanding Officer, JS Asahi said.

    The U.S. Navy regularly operates alongside our allies in the Indo-Pacific region as a demonstration of our shared commitment to upholding international law. Combined operations such as this one provides valuable opportunities to train, exercise and develop tactical interoperability across allied navies in the Indo-Pacific.

    Dewey is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.

    U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: COMLOG WESTPAC Holds Awards Ceremony, Feb. 13, 2025 [Image 2 of 11]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    SINGAPORE (Feb. 13, 2025) Rear Adm. Todd F. Cimicata, left, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC), places the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal onto Lt. Nathanael Brown, assigned to Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific, during an awards ceremony on Sembawang Naval Installation, Feb. 13, 2025. COMLOG WESTPAC supports deployed surface units and aircraft carriers, along with regional Allies and partners, to facilitate patrols in the South China Sea, participation in naval exercises and responses to natural disasters. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 02.12.2025
    Date Posted: 02.19.2025 02:09
    Photo ID: 8875936
    VIRIN: 250213-N-ED646-1064
    Resolution: 8256×5504
    Size: 3.73 MB
    Location: SG
    Web Views: 1
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    This work, COMLOG WESTPAC Holds Awards Ceremony, Feb. 13, 2025 [Image 11 of 11], by PO2 Moises Sandoval, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: COMLOG WESTPAC Holds Awards Ceremony, Feb. 13, 2025 [Image 5 of 11]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    SINGAPORE (Feb. 13, 2025) Rear Adm. Todd F. Cimicata, left, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC), presents the award of the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal to Lt. Cmdr. Max Cutchen, assigned to COMLOG WESTPAC, during an awards ceremony on Sembawang Naval Installation, Feb. 13, 2025. COMLOG WESTPAC supports deployed surface units and aircraft carriers, along with regional Allies and partners, to facilitate patrols in the South China Sea, participation in naval exercises and responses to natural disasters. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 02.12.2025
    Date Posted: 02.19.2025 02:09
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    VIRIN: 250213-N-ED646-1102
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    Location: SG
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  • MIL-OSI Security: COMLOG WESTPAC Holds Awards Ceremony, Feb. 13, 2025 [Image 9 of 11]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    SINGAPORE (Feb. 13, 2025) Rear Adm. Todd F. Cimicata, left, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC), presents the award of the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal to Lt. Jacob Jones, assigned to COMLOG WESTPAC, during an awards ceremony on Sembawang Naval Installation, Feb. 13, 2025. COMLOG WESTPAC supports deployed surface units and aircraft carriers, along with regional Allies and partners, to facilitate patrols in the South China Sea, participation in naval exercises and responses to natural disasters. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 02.12.2025
    Date Posted: 02.19.2025 02:09
    Photo ID: 8875952
    VIRIN: 250213-N-ED646-1269
    Resolution: 8256×5504
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    MIL Security OSI –

    February 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: First festival to commence pill testing trial in NSW

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: First festival to commence pill testing trial in NSW

    Published: 19 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Health

    The Minns Labor Government has announced Yours and Owls Festival on 1 and 2 March will be the first music festival to participate in New South Wales pill testing trial.

    Illicit drugs remain illegal in NSW. The NSW Government reiterates that there will always be risks involved when consuming these substances and this announcement is not an endorsement of illicit drug use.

    However, the trial is designed to help people make safer choices by connecting them with qualified health staff who can provide harm reduction advice.

    The free and anonymous service allows festival goers to bring a small sample of substances they intend to consume to be analysed by qualified health staff to test for purity, potency and adulterants.  

    The pill testing service will be staffed by peer workers, health workers and analysts who will clearly communicate the limitations of drug checking to festival goers.

    People will never be advised that a drug is safe to use. They’ll be advised that all drug use carries risks, and that the only way to avoid this risk is to not consume drugs.

    Where needed, staff at the service can provide patrons with referral to health and welfare services available at the event or in the community.

    NSW Health and NSW Police are working closely with festival organisers and other stakeholders to ensure safe and effective implementation of the trial at these events.

    The trial will operate alongside other harm reduction and medical services at the participating festivals.

    The trial will run for 12 months and will be independently evaluated. The government is working with other festivals on their prospective participation.

    The trial comes after the Government’s Drug Summit concluded in early December. The Drug Summit co-chairs provided interim advice recommending a trial of music festival-based drug testing.

    Further information on the NSW Drug Checking trial can be found here.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

    “Let me be clear, no level of illicit drug use is safe and pill testing services do not provide a guarantee of safety. There will always be risks involved when consuming these substances.

    “However, this trial has been designed to provide people with the necessary information to make more informed decisions about drug use, with the goal of reducing drug-related harm and saving lives.

    “Illicit drug use remains illegal in NSW. These services will not be made available to suppliers and police will continue to target them.”

    Quotes attributable to Ben Tillman, Yours and Owls:

    “We enthusiastically welcome this move by the NSW Government. Pill testing is something we have been fighting for, for some time now.

    “While Yours and Owls maintains a zero-tolerance policy to illegal drugs, we are realists and see the abstinence-only approach as unhelpful. Pill Testing is not a panacea. However, it is a proven harm minimisation strategy that has been successfully implemented in many countries overseas for the past twenty or so years.

    “Ultimately, we ask individuals to take responsibility for themselves and their decision-making to ensure they have a great time safely.

    “We also encourage anyone who finds themselves or their mates in trouble to seek medical assistance immediately; there will be no judgment, you won’t get into trouble, patrons need to remember their safety and that of their mates is the most important thing.”

    MIL OSI News –

    February 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Explainer: New national and NSW hate crime laws

    Source: Australian Human Rights Commission

    The Australian Government recently updated national hate crime laws and the NSW Government is proposing similar updates to NSW laws. This explainer is designed to help readers better understand these changes and the potential human rights implications. 

    New national hate crime laws  

    On Thursday 6 February 2025, the Federal Parliament passed the Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2025 (Cth). The new laws are widely seen as a response to the recent surge in antisemitic violence in Australia. The bill amends the existing hate crime provisions in the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). Key changes include: 

    Expanded offences: It was already a serious criminal offence under federal law to urge force or violence against specific groups and members of those groups, including those distinguished by race, religion, or national origin. These new laws strengthen some existing offences within the Criminal Code. Sections 80.2A and 80.2B now criminalise ‘advocating’ force or violence against specific groups, members of those groups and their close associates, including those distinguished by sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status and disability. These offences no longer require an intention that the force or violence actually occurs. Instead, it is enough if a person is ‘reckless’ as to whether force or violence occurs. Existing offences prohibiting the display of Nazi symbols, the Nazi salute and terrorist organisation symbols have also been expanded to protect groups distinguished by the broader list of attributes. 

    New offences: The laws introduce a number of new offences, including threatening to use force or violence against protected groups, their members and close associates, and either advocating or threatening damage to, or destruction of, places of worship or property owned or occupied by members of a protected group or their close associates.  These offences protect groups distinguished by race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status, disability, nationality, national or ethnic origin or political opinion. The exception to this is the offence of advocating force or violence against a group through causing damage to property (which includes minor damage such as painting a slogan on a building) which only applies to groups distinguished by race, religion or ethnic origin. 

    Mandatory minimum sentences: The new laws increase the maximum penalties for the offences relating to the display of Nazi symbols, the Nazi salute and prohibited terrorist organisation symbols from one year to five years, and impose mandatory minimum sentences of 12 months’ imprisonment for these offences. They also impose mandatory minimum sentences for certain terrorism-related offences ranging from one to six years.  

    New NSW hate crime laws 

    The NSW Government is in the process of introducing tougher hate crime laws in response to the recent escalation of violent antisemitism in NSW. Key changes that were introduced into Parliament over the last 10 days include: 

    Expanded offences: The Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) currently contains an offence of displaying a Nazi symbol, by public act and without reasonable excuse. This offence is punishable by a maximum of 12 months’ imprisonment. Proposed amendments would introduce a new specific offence for displaying Nazi symbols on or near synagogues, Jewish schools and the Sydney Jewish Museum, with a maximum penalty of two years. The meaning of ‘public act’ for the offences of threatening or inciting violence and the offences of displaying Nazi symbols, which currently includes ‘writing’, would be expanded to also specifically include ‘graffiti’.  

    New offences: The amendments would introduce new offences for intentionally blocking a person from accessing or leaving places of worship without reasonable excuse, and for harassing, intimidating or threatening people accessing or leaving these places, with a maximum penalty of two years. The NSW Government has also introduced into Parliament new laws to create a new criminal offence for intentionally and publicly inciting racial hatred, with a proposed maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, fines of up to $11,000, or both, and with fines of $55,000 for corporations. 

    Expanded police powers: The proposed laws would empower police officers to issue move on directions for demonstrations and protests if they occur in or near a place of worship.  

    Aggravating circumstances: The amendments would expand the aggravating circumstances that apply to sentencing to include when an offence is partly, rather than just wholly, motivated by hatred or prejudice. Proposed amendments to the Graffiti Control Act 2008 (NSW) would also expand the circumstances of aggravation for graffiti offences where they relate to places of worship. An aggravated offence permits tougher sentencing by judges. 

    Background

    The narrow scope of these laws, which focus only on violence relating to race and religion, has been criticised, with it being suggested that they should be expanded to also protect (for example) other vulnerable groups such as LGBTIQ+ people and people with disability. 

    Last year, the NSW Law Reform Commission was tasked with reviewing s 93Z of the Crimes Act and report on its effectiveness in addressing serious racial and religious vilification in NSW. While their report acknowledged ‘the significant impact that hate-based conduct has on individuals, groups and our wider community’, it concluded that s 93Z should not be amended.

    Human rights implications 

    Both the federal laws and proposed NSW laws aim to address hate crimes, and have been introduced in response to the increase in incidents of racial hatred and violence seen recently in Australia, particularly antisemitism. The laws are intended to protect human rights by ensuring equality, non-discrimination and security of person, safeguarding individuals from targeted violence and intimidation. 

    At the same time, the laws raise a number of specific human rights concerns, notably in relation to freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly, and mandatory minimum sentencing. 

    Freedom of expression: Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right that allows individuals to share their opinions and ideas without undue interference or censorship. While these laws aim to protect individuals from harm and uphold equality, they also raise concerns about where the boundary between harmful speech and legitimate expression should be drawn. Striking a balance between protecting free speech and preventing harm is a key challenge in implementing hate speech laws.  To the extent that the new laws criminalise advocating or threatening physical force or violence, they will be a legitimate restriction on freedom of expression. Proposals that go beyond this to, for example, criminalise the promotion of hatred, require careful scrutiny. Guidelines developed by the United Nations emphasise that the criminalisation of hate speech should be a last resort, and reserved for the most severe forms of incitement to discrimination, hostility and violence. The NSW Law Reform Commission recently expressed concern that terms like ‘hatred’ are imprecise and subjective, with this ambiguity making them ‘an inappropriate standard for the criminal law’.  

    The right to peaceful assembly: The right to peaceful assembly is critical in a democracy. While it can be restricted to ensure public safety and protect the rights and freedoms of others, any limits must be lawful, necessary and proportionate. The proposed laws are designed specifically to protect people exercising their freedom to worship, repeat language (such as ‘harass, intimidates or threaten’) already well known to the law and contain a number of exemptions, including for authorised public assemblies. However, the provisions also use language that is less precise and imposes substantially greater penalties than similar laws, as well as expanding police powers. The proposed NSW laws should be referred to a parliamentary committee to ensure an appropriate balance is struck between the different human rights that will be impacted. 

    Mandatory minimum sentencing: Mandatory minimum sentencing laws require courts to deliver a minimum penalty for particular offences. The Australian Human Rights Commission has consistently opposed mandatory sentencing laws because they undermine judicial independence and the ability of courts to ensure that the punishment fits the crime, as well as having an unfair impact on disadvantaged groups. The Commission maintains that courts are best placed to weigh up all the relevant circumstances and impose an appropriate penalty for criminal offences.

    ENDS | Media contact: media@humanrights.gov.au or +61 457 281 897

    MIL OSI News –

    February 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: JACET CEM arrest southern district

    Source: South Australia Police

    Today, Wednesday 19 February, following an investigation Detectives from SA JACET, a joint taskforce between SA Police Public Protection Branch and the Australian Federal Police, arrested a 33-year-old southern suburbs man.

    It will be alleged that the accused engaged in conversation with a person to facilitate the sexual abuse of a child, where in fact he was having a conversation with an online undercover police officer operating on the internet.

    He was charged with two counts communicating to make a child amenable to sexual activity and producing child exploitation material. A number electronic devices located at the house were seized as evidence.

    Detective Chief Inspector George Fenwick, Officer in Charge of Special Crimes Investigation Section, said; “The scale and severity of child sexual abuse committed online is appalling. My investigators must be unrelenting in the pursuit of offenders. Our message has not changed, individuals who choose to procure, access, produce or disseminate child exploitation material utilising electronic devices and the internet, will be found, arrested and prosecuted.

    If you think you are safe because you are using technology or anonymising technologies, think again, we will use all of our considerable specialist abilities to find you and place you before the courts.”

    Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or phone 1800 333 000 – you can remain anonymous.

    If you know of abuse that is happening right now or there is a child at risk call police immediately on 131444 or 000 in an emergency.

    CO2500007217

    MIL OSI News –

    February 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tourism Board Chairman named

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government today announced the appointment of Peter Lam to succeed Pang Yiu-kai as Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). Mr Lam’s appointment is effective from April 1, 2025 until March 31, 2028.

    In addition, Jeffrey Lam, Nikki Ng and Melissa Pang were announced as new members of the HKTB, effective from April 1, 2025 until March 31, 2027.

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law commented that Peter Lam, who previously served as the board’s chairman previously, possesses rich experience in promoting tourism in Hong Kong.

    “With his diverse experiences in business management and public services, along with a strong vision, Mr Lam is the best candidate to lead the HKTB and the tourism sector of Hong Kong to reach new heights.

    “Under his leadership, the board will advance further while promoting Hong Kong worldwide and showcasing its charms, so that visitors will indulge in pleasure when staying in this city, thinking about it, and returning time and again.”

    Miss Law expressed her gratitude to Pang Yiu-kai for his distinguished contributions to the HKTB, stating that his exemplary leadership helped the board to overcome various challenges during the pandemic and subsequently to drive a recovery in Hong Kong tourism.

    She also welcomed the three new appointees, and thanked outgoing member Lam Ho-yi for her contributions to the board’s work.

    Appointments to the Tourism Board are made by Chief Secretary in exercise of powers delegated by Chief Executive and pursuant to section 9 of the Hong Kong Tourism Board Ordinance.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honolulu Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Prison for Child Exploitation of Multiple Minors

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson announced that Jonathan Farr, 31, of Honolulu, was sentenced today in federal court by U.S. District Judge Shanlyn A.S. Park to 151 months of imprisonment followed by 30 years of supervised release for receipt of child pornography. Farr will also be required to pay $3,000 in restitution to two minor victims and register as a sex offender when he is released. Farr previously pled guilty on February 14, 2024.

    In his plea agreement, Farr admitted that from approximately June 2019 through May 2020, he used the internet to contact two minor females and engaged in sexually explicit conversations with them. Farr also solicited and received images and videos of the minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including masturbation videos.

    In Court at sentencing, the government explained that Farr not only groomed the minors over time and solicited sexually explicit images and videos, `but also distributed those videos to others, including to other minors. Farr also discussed purchasing flights for the minors to travel to Hawaii or for him travel to the mainland where they were located. According to information provided to the Court, Farr’s predatory conduct included additional victims beyond the two minors who were victimized as part of the federal charges. Farr admitted to law enforcement and told other minor victims that he had hands-on sexual contact with at least three minor females and another minor, all located in Hawaii.

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

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes Against Children Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca A. Perlmutter prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Rosen Express Concern, Demand Transparency Regarding Termination of Forest Service and Department of the Interior Employees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) sent two letters to the Trump administration regarding his recent decision to terminate several thousand employees at the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the Department of the Interior (DOI). The senators expressed deep concerns about the risks that these mass firings could have on the millions of acres of public lands in Nevada and demanded transparency about the projects the terminated employees had been responsible for.

    “The Trump administration has made the chaotic decision to fire thousands of hard-working federal employees who keep Nevadans safe from wildfires and protect their access to clean water,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The federal government is responsible for managing over 80% of the land in Nevada, and our families deserve answers about how this decision will impact their communities.”

    “President Trump’s reckless firing of thousands of employees at the Department of the Interior and the United States Forest Service raises serious concerns about the impacts this could have on Nevada’s public lands,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m joining Senator Cortez Masto in pushing back and requesting more information from the Trump Administration to understand how this will impact ongoing projects across our state.”

    Nevada has the highest percentage of land managed by DOI – more than any other state. Specifically, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages over 60 percent (approximately 48 million acres) of Nevada’s land. Nevada is also home to prominent lands managed by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), National Park Service (NPS), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Additionally, the USFS manages approximately 5.9 million acres of land in Nevada, including some of our most cherished landscapes such as the Lake Tahoe Basin, the Ruby Mountains within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, and the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area outside of Las Vegas. Many Nevadans rely on the services provided by Forest Service staff.

    The Senators asked that the following information about the terminated employees be made public:

    • The number of employees terminated.
    • A description of the position and responsibilities of each terminated employee.
    • A list and description of the projects to which each terminated employee was assigned.
    • A description of what information the terminated employees were provided.

    The letter to the USFS can be found here and the letter to the DOI can be found here.

    Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen are champions for Nevada’s great outdoor spaces and public lands. They passed critical legislation to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which protects public lands in Nevada and across the U.S. They passed bipartisan, bicameral legislation to reauthorize the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, and they delivered critical funding to protect Lake Tahoe in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Cortez Masto has introduced legislation to ban oil and gas development in Nevada’s beautiful and pristine Ruby Mountains.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Information sought after possible sighting of Tom Phillips

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police have confirmed the group sighted on State Highway 4 around 8:30am, Sunday 16 February, who were believed to potentially be Tom Phillips and his children, were not.

    Following the initial reported sighting on Sunday, Police responded to the area conducting several enquiries to locate the group, however they were not located.

    Following our appeal for information yesterday, we have received a number of calls from people in the area, and a person who was part of the group in question, which has since confirmed this sighting was not Tom Phillips or his three children.

    Police would like to thank members of the public who contacted us following the appeal, and the initial caller who reported the sighting.

    We rely on information from the public to assist in our search and active investigation, and we ask anyone who sees Maverick, Ember, Jayda, or Tom to please contact Police.

    You can report information to Police via 105 either online or over the phone.

    Please reference file number: 211218/5611

    ENDS 

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    February 19, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Acton man charged after police seize MDMA during search

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Acton man charged after police seize MDMA during search

    Wednesday, 19 February 2025 – 3:36 pm.

    A man has been charged with trafficking after a targeted search at Acton yesterday.
    Members of Western Drugs and Firearms Unit alongside Burnie Uniform and the Dog Handler Unit, executed a search warrant at a Madden Street residence.
    Approximately 70grams of MDMA – seven times the trafficable quantity – in addition to LSD, cannabis, cannabis plants and a quantity of cash believed to be proceeds of crime were located.
    A 45 year old Acton man was arrested and charged with several offences including trafficking in a controlled substance, dealing in property suspected of being proceeds of crime and selling a controlled drug. 
    He will appear in the Burnie Magistrates Court on April 29.
    Anyone with information about illicit substances in the community should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au 

    MIL OSI News –

    February 19, 2025
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