Breakthrough in longstanding Dutch missing person case

Source: Interpol (news and events)

LYON, France – The remains of Dutch national Angelique Hendrix, who disappeared in 1990, have been identified after an international DNA match was made via INTERPOL. 

Angelique Hendrix was identified through international DNA match 34 years after she disappeared

In 1991, Belgian authorities found unidentified human remains in Maasmechelen, just across the border from Angelique’s home in Stein, Netherlands.

The case remained unsolved until a recent change in Belgium’s legislation allowed its DNA profiles to be shared with INTERPOL’s I-Familia database. It contains DNA data from biological relatives of missing persons.

Dutch authorities had previously shared DNA data from Angelique’s family with I-Familia, which led to the match when Belgian authorities submitted DNA data from the human remains to INTERPOL.

Further research and collaboration involving Belgium and the Netherlands confirmed Angelique’s identification.

Created and managed by INTERPOL, the I-Familia database relies on voluntary DNA submissions from family members of missing persons. The database is used to compare DNA profiles with those from unidentified deceased persons and international missing persons cases.

This case represents the first I-Familia match for both Belgium and the Netherlands since the database was launched in 2021. I-Familia contains more than 21,000 DNA profiles from 78 countries and is used exclusively for solving missing persons cases. It is not connected to INTERPOL’s criminal databases. 

INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said:

“The major breakthrough in Angelique’s identification was thanks to the efforts of Belgian and Dutch law enforcement and the crucial role of I-Familia in providing answers to families of missing persons.

“For missing persons cases, international cooperation plays a vital role in enabling investigators to put together the various pieces of the puzzle surrounding a person’s disappearance.”

The I-Familia database is also an important part of the separate Identify Me international appeal launched earlier this week, which seeks the public’s help in uncovering the identities of unknown deceased women found across six European countries.

Members of the public with any information on the circumstances of Angelique’s disappearance can contact the Dutch police via www.politie.nl/angelique.

NATO holds annual nuclear exercise: Steadfast Noon

Source: NATO

NATO will begin its annual nuclear exercise “Steadfast Noon” on Monday (14 October 2024) with more than 60 aircraft taking part in training flights over western Europe. Steadfast Noon runs for two weeks and involves fighter jets capable of carrying U.S. nuclear warheads, but does not involve any live weapons.

“Nuclear deterrence is the cornerstone of Allied security,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said. “Steadfast Noon is an important test of the Alliance’s nuclear deterrent and sends a clear message to any adversary that NATO will protect and defend all Allies.”

NATO’s nuclear exercise is a routine and recurring training activity that happens every October. Steadfast Noon involves 2,000 military personnel from eight airbases and a variety of aircraft types, including nuclear-capable jets, bombers, fighter escorts, refuelling aircraft and planes capable of reconnaissance and electronic warfare. This year’s exercise involves flights mainly over host countries Belgium and the Netherlands and in airspace over Denmark, the United Kingdom and the North Sea. Planning for the exercise began a year ago and thirteen Allies will send aircraft to take part in the drills.

NATO is taking steps to ensure the safety, security, effectiveness and credibility of the Alliance’s nuclear deterrent. For example, this year, the first Allied F-35A fighter aircraft from the Netherlands were declared ready to perform nuclear roles. NATO’s Washington Summit declaration makes clear that “the fundamental purpose of NATO’s nuclear capability is to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression,” It states that “as long as nuclear weapons exist, NATO will remain a nuclear alliance.”  

Secretary General praises the United Kingdom’s contributions to NATO and Ukraine

Source: NATO

On Thursday (10 October 2024) NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte travelled to London for meetings with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and UK Defence Secretary John Healey.

The visit marked Mr Rutte’s first official trip to an Allied nation since taking office as NATO Secretary General.

Discussions focused on the UK’s significant contributions to the deterrence and defence of the Alliance, and support for Ukraine.

The Secretary General praised the UK’s enduring commitment to NATO saying “we are really appreciative of everything the UK is doing,” noting that the UK was one of just three NATO countries that was investing 2% of its GDP in defence when Allies agreed the guideline at the Wales Summit a decade ago.

Mr Rutte also announced the start of NATO’s annual nuclear exercise ‘Steadfast Noon’ on Monday (14 October) and commended the UK’s contribution to NATO’s nuclear deterrent. 

“In an uncertain world, it is vital that we test our defences, and that we strengthen our defence so that our adversaries know that NATO is ready and is able to respond to any threat.”

Mr Rutte also highlighted the UK’s strong commitment to Ukraine describing its provision of training, artillery and aid as “crucial”. 

The UK currently provides 3 billion pounds per year as its share of the 40 billion euro financial pledge for Ukraine that Allies agreed at the Washington Summit.

The Director General of NATO IMS visits Azerbaijan

Source: NATO

From 5 to 9 October 2024, the Director General of the NATO International Military Staff (DGIMS), Lieutenant General Janusz Adamczak visited NATO Partner Azerbaijan. While in Baku, he met with military leaders and senior officials. Their discussions included military cooperation, defence reform and how to strengthen regional security and stability.

NATO and Azerbaijan have a long-standing partnership, for 30 years, since Azerbaijan joined the Partnership for Peace in 1994. The collaboration has focused on issues of mutual concern – from energy security to capability development. NATO’s Science for Peace and Security program has also underpinned cooperation to enhance counter-terrorism and strengthen cyber security. “We welcome Azerbaijan’s contributions to our shared Euro-Atlantic security. Azerbaijan has increased the supply of natural gas to Europe and provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine,” said Lieutenant General Janusz Adamczak, also welcoming Azerbaijan’s interest in contributing to NATO’s advising and capacity building mission in Iraq.

During the visit LTG Adamczak met with Colonel General Karim Valiyev, first Deputy Minister of Defence – Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, to discuss how to develop the Partnership further.  “NATO is preparing a new framework for cooperation with Azerbaijan with a special focus on defence education, interoperability, resilience and defence capacity building, LTG Adamczak said. In his speech at the Military Academy in Baku he focuseFFId on NATO’s reinforcement of collective defence, while also outlining the way ahead for the ongoing relationship between Azerbaijan and NATO. “Your dedication as a NATO Partner to our operations, missions and activities is more than welcomed. It is the proof that military cooperation between NATO and its Partners is mutually beneficial to all of us,” LTG Adamczak told his audience.

While in Baku, the Director General of the NATO International Military Staff also discussed Russia’s war on Ukraine with his hosts. It is important that Azerbaijan continues to show its solidarity with Ukraine and its independence and territorial integrity, “Lieutenant General Janusz Adamczak said.

Europol supports Latvia in dismantling major synthetic drug lab network

Source: Europol

Europol worked closely with Latvian partners to identify and track the criminal network responsible for the production and distribution of synthetic substances, including synthetic cathinones and other high-risk drugs.The operation, which culminated in coordinated raids across Latvia in the beginning of October, resulted in the arrest of eight individuals suspected of involvement in the production. Among the arrested were key…

NATO Acting Deputy Secretary General to visit Finland

Source: NATO

On 10 and 11 October 2024, the NATO Acting Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Boris Ruge, will travel to Helsinki, Finland.

On Thursday, Ambassador Ruge will chair an informal meeting of Allied Security Policy Directors.

On Friday, Acting Deputy Secretary General will meet with high-level Finnish officials, including the President of Finland, Mr Alexander Stubb, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Elina Valtonen, and the Minister of Defence, Mr Antti Häkkänen.

He will also visit Merihaka Civil Defence Shelter.

There will be no media opportunity.

Photographs will be available on the NATO website

For more information:

For general queries: contact the NATO Press Office

Follow us on X: @NATO, @RugeBoris and @NATOPress

NATO Secretary General to visit the United Kingdom

Source: NATO

On Thursday, 10 October 2024, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will travel to London, United Kingdom.

Mr Rutte will meet with the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Mr David Lammy, and other senior officials.

Media Advisory

12:00 (CEST) Remarks by the NATO Secretary General and the UK Prime Minister

13:05 (CEST) Doorstep by the NATO Secretary General

Media coverage

Both the remarks and the doorstep will be streamed live on the NATO website.

Transcripts of the Secretary General’s remarks, as well as photographs, will be available on the NATO website after the events.
 

For more information:

For general queries: contact the NATO Press Office

Follow us on X: @NATO@SecGenNATO and @NATOPress

Four arrests and nine companies seized in anti-mafia operation in Italy and Brazil

Source: Eurojust

Eurojust supported this international operation, which hit a notorious mafia organisation. Investigations into the criminal organisation uncovered an elaborate scheme that was laundering money from Italy to Brazil, through several companies. The operation on 7 October led to the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of nine companies in Italy, Hong Kong and Brazil.

The suspects arrested today were involved in the mafia organisation and used extortion, money laundering and the fraudulent transfer of valuables to facilitate important mafia organisations. The main suspect in the scheme set up multiple companies in Brazil using straw men and shell companies. The companies were used to hide the criminal gains of mafia organisations from Italy.

The investigations revealed that other companies active in the property and hospitality sectors in Italy, Hong Kong and Brazil were part of this elaborate money-laundering scheme. During the operation, nine companies were seized, as well as money worth EUR 350 000.

The operation on 7 October is the second action from a joint investigation team (JIT) set up at Eurojust between Italian and Brazilian authorities. The JIT has been investigating the mafia organisation since 2022. The first operation took place on 13 August and led to the arrest of a member of a mafia family and the freezing of assets worth EUR 50 million. 

The Italian and Brazilian authorities have been investigating the activities of the mafia organisation since 2022 through a JIT, set up with the support of Eurojust. Their investigations uncovered the activities of the organisation in Switzerland and Hong Kong.

The following authorities were involved in the actions:

  • Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Palermo – District Antimafia Directorate; Guardia di Finanza – G.I.C.O. (Organized Crime Investigative Group) of Palermo
  • Brazil: Federal Prosecutor’s Office of Rio Grande do Norte

Readout of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s Phone Call with the United Kingdom’s Chief of the Defence Staff Adm. Sir Tony Radakin

Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff


Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Public Affairs

October 8, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Joint Staff Spokesperson Navy Capt. Jereal Dorsey provided the following readout:

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., spoke with the United Kingdom’s Chief of the Defence Staff Adm. Sir Tony Radakin today by phone.

The military leaders discussed current security assistance efforts for Ukraine and the need to deescalate tensions in the Middle East.

The U.S. and United Kingdom are strong military partners and share a special relationship rooted in longstanding mutual support and cooperation.

For more Joint Staff news, visit: www.jcs.mil.
Connect with the Joint Staff on social media: 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube,
LinkedIn and Flickr.

Secretary General thanks President of Finland for contributions to NATO and Ukraine

Source: NATO

On Tuesday (8 October 2024), during his first meeting with an Allied leader since taking office, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Finland’s many contributions to NATO and its strong support for Ukraine.

“Since Finland became a NATO Ally eighteen months ago, the Alliance has become stronger and Finland has become safer. Finland has highly capable military forces and cutting edge capabilities, and you are investing more than 2% of GDP in defence,” said Mr Rutte, during a joint press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels alongside Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

The Secretary General welcomed Finland’s decision to host a NATO battlegroup and a new headquarters to lead NATO land operations in the region, which will strengthen the Alliance’s deterrence and defence along the Eastern Flank and the High North.

The Secretary General and President Stubb also discussed Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.

“NATO must and will do more to help Ukraine,” Mr Rutte said, adding that Ukraine could be facing its toughest winter since the full-scale Russian invasion began, and that Russia continues to carry out strikes against critical energy infrastructure.

Mr Rutte noted that Finland has delivered more than 2 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine.

“What Finland is doing helps save lives. And the more military support we give, the faster this war will end,” he said.

While at NATO Headquarters, President Stubb also met with the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer.