Category: Intelligence

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NATO’s scientific cooperation with Azerbaijan

Source: NATO

On 25 and 26 September, a team from the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme was in Baku, Azerbaijan to review practical scientific cooperation and kick off a new research project focused on protecting critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks.

Through the new project, contributors will develop a cyber platform that will allow organizations to train staff, test new technologies, and assess processes under pressure from simulated cyber-attacks. Over the next two years, the National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics – ICI Bucharest (Romania) and the Special Communication and Information Security State Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan will work together to bring this initiative to life. The aim is to help cyber defence teams better understand the vulnerabilities of Operational Technology systems so they can be better protected. These systems are the backbone of critical infrastructure such as power grids, water treatment plants, and transportation systems. 

While in Baku, the NATO team also organized an Information Day at ADA University. It focused on NATO’s scientific cooperation activities involving Azerbaijan, and on encouraging new ideas involving the local research community. Over 40 participants from academia, as well as from Azerbaijan’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Defence participated in the event.

NATO’s SPS Programme has a history of cooperation with Azerbaijan. Over the years, this has included activities focused on neutralising toxic rocket fuel left behind from Soviet times, securing energy infrastructure against seismic hazards, protecting cyber networks, and developing sensors for the detection of landmines and explosives. 

Through its activities, the SPS Programme provides opportunities for academics, experts and officials in Azerbaijan, as well as other partner countries, to develop proposals for innovative scientific projects to be implemented with peers in NATO countries. Through these activities, participants exchange knowledge on security-related topics and build relationships that expand international scientific networks. 

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Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman hosts final day of fall Defense Senior Enlisted Leader Council

Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. — Senior enlisted leaders concluded the two-day Defense Senior Enlisted Leader Council (DSELC) on Sept. 24, 2024, after engaging in critical discussions to align strategies on key issues affecting the enlisted force and families across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The event, led by Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman (SEAC) of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, featured prominent leaders from every service and multiple defense agencies. Discussions emphasized the importance of Joint Force readiness, modernization, and improving the quality of life for service members and their families.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James N. Honea provided key updates on Navy service matters, focusing on force organization, deployment rotations, and cooperative solutions to challenges faced by the defense industrial base. His remarks underscored the Navy’s commitment to maintaining operational readiness while adapting to modern warfare requirements.
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David A. Flosi briefed on the Air Force’s Force Generation (AFFORGEN) model, explaining how unit and wing structures support agile combat employment. He addressed the Air Force’s efforts to develop solutions to the evolving strategic environment, ensuring the service remains adaptable and prepared for future conflicts.
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer provided an overview of the Army’s updates, including advancements in weapons platform prioritization and enlisted force development. He reiterated the Army’s commitment to equipping the Joint Force with combat capabilities that all services can rely on.
U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Kyle B. Ellison, Deputy Director for Current Operations at the Joint Staff’s J3 directorate, presented a briefing on the global security environment, providing an in-depth analysis of geopolitical challenges and their impact on the U.S. military’s operations.
Master Gunnery Sgt. Daniel M. Jackson shared the Marine Corps’ lessons learned during recent force modernization efforts. He highlighted how the Marine Corps’ consistent culture and commitment to excellence have contributed to their recruiting success—lessons that other services undergoing modernization can adopt.
Mr. Thomas Emswiler, Director of the 14th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation, updated the council on the progress of the upcoming report, outlining projected officer and enlisted pay figures and emphasizing how the review will ensure military compensation remains competitive in modern society.
U.S. Air Force Col. Jonathan Kuntz from the Joint Staff J7 Directorate presented on the Joint Warfighting Concept, detailing how this strategy is shaping the integration of capabilities across the services and allied and partner nations to confront future threats in any environment.
During the event, the spouses of the Senior Enlisted Advisors and Leaders continued discussions focused on the vital role of family support in military life. Mrs. Sharene Brown, spouse of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, highlighted the importance of strong command team relationships in fostering a supportive environment for service members and their families. Ms. Erika Slaton, Director of Military Community Support Programs from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, spoke on the wide range of family support initiatives, including updates to the Military OneSource Networks, which provide crucial resources to military families. These discussions underscored the collective commitment to strengthening the family support system across the services.
The conference concluded with an hour-long briefing from Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., who addressed the global security environment and the changing character of warfare. He outlined his expectations for the enlisted force and its most senior leaders and discussed how the Joint Force must balance current operations with advancing integration and modernization efforts. Gen. Brown stressed the importance of relationships and integration across U.S. services, departments, and with Allied and partner nations. Gen. Brown reaffirmed that the enlisted service member remains the single largest strategic advantage of the U.S. Armed Forces.
“This year’s fall edition of the DSELC reinforced a collective commitment to ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of the U.S. military, with a focus on modernization, joint force integration, and improving the well-being of service members and their families,” said Sgt. Maj. Black. “Spending our most precious resource, time, to have these discussions in person has an undeniably valuable return on investment.”
The DSELC positions the advisors to the world’s most powerful military leaders to strengthen the relationships, readiness, and Joint culture that enables service members to do the only thing they exist to do.
“We win. We’re not here to merely fight our Nation’s wars—we’re here to win them. The next DSELC in spring of ‘25 will be another critical junction for the Service SELs and Combatant Command CSELs to ensure our enlisted force lives up to the Chairman’s expectations and we uphold the oaths we swore.”

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Readout of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s Phone Call with Thai Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Songwit Noonpakdee

Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff

September 26, 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 Thai Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Songwit Noonpakdee today by phone.

The two military leaders discussed military cooperation between the two countries, cyber modernization, and regional security and stability concerns. Gen. Brown thanked Gen. Songwit for his role in strengthening the bilateral military relationship, emphasizing the benefits of integrated military training. They reiterated the importance of working together to foster cooperation and regional dialogue.

The U.S. remains committed, as a long-time friend and ally, to supporting Thailand’s leading role in advancing security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

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

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Readout of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s Meeting with Chief of Defense of North Macedonia, Maj. Gen. Sashko Lafchiski

Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff

September 26, 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., met with the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia Chief of General Staff, Maj. Gen. Sashko Lafchiski today at the Pentagon.

The two military leaders discussed North Macedonia’s military modernization, continued support to NATO and cooperation with the surrounding region. Gen. Brown also expressed appreciation for North Macedonia’s willingness to host training and exercises at Krivolak Training Area.

North Macedonia is a key member of NATO and plays a critical role in maintaining peace and stability in Europe.

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

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Eurojust supports major operation against Albanian drug-trafficking ring in Italy: 66 arrests

Source: Eurojust

26 September 2024|

A large-scale cocaine-smuggling ring was dismantled by authorities in Italy, Albania, Poland and Switzerland, coordinated by Eurojust. During an action day, a total of 45 suspects were arrested, most of them in Italy. Prior to the action day, 21 suspects involved in the sale of cocaine in and around the city of Brescia were arrested. In total, 66 arrests were made. The Albanian-led organised crime group (OCG) had been selling cocaine from Latin America for at least four years, mainly in the north of Italy.

Eurojust set up a coordination centre this week to support and coordinate the actions of all authorities involved. During the investigations and the action day, for an estimated amount of EUR 4 million in cash was seized, as well as 360 kilograms of cocaine, luxury vehicles and watches, telecommunications equipment, arms and ammunition.

Investigations into the drug-smuggling network started in 2020 at the request of the Public Prosecutor’s Office (PPO) of Brescia. The OCG used five warehouses and storage centres in and around Brescia to distribute the cocaine.

Credits: Guardia di Finanza di Brecia 

The suspects laundered their illegal profits via an extensive network of enterprises run by an Italian-Chinese organisation set up for this purpose, which supplied fake invoices with a total value of around EUR 375 million. The OCG members will be charged with the trafficking of illicit drugs, money laundering and investment fraud.

During this week’s action day, over 400 officers were deployed across Italy. To assist the authorities on the ground, Eurojust set up a coordination centre at its premises in The Hague and supported the execution of European Arrest Warrants and requests for Mutual Legal Assistance towards Albania and Switzerland. Europol facilitated the exchange of information between the involved countries and provided operational coordination as well as analytical support. On the action day, a Europol analyst with a mobile office was deployed to cross-check information on the spot in Italy.

The operations were carried out at the request of the PPO of Brescia via the following authorities:

  • Italy: PPO Brescia; Anti-Mafia District Directorate of the Guardia di Finanza – Provincial Command of Brescia; Central Investigation Service for Organised Crime (SCICO), Rome; International Police Cooperation Service Liaison Bureau, Tirana
  • Poland: PPO Warsaw; Central Police Bureau of Investigations
  • Albania: Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK); Albanian State Police
  • Switzerland: Office of Attorney-General; Federal Police (Fedpol)
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Successful operation against fraudsters targeting cities and municipalities

Source: Eurojust

German and Italian authorities worked together with Eurojust and Europol to stop a fraudulent scheme. The suspects targeted public institutions, cities, and municipalities, and were able to cause damages of several million euros. On 24 September, an operation took place where technology and assets were seized and search warrants against five suspects were executed.

For over a year, suspects ran a fraudulent scheme in Germany that made them millions. Several public institutions, companies, cities, and municipalities were affected by the scheme. By using phishing techniques, the suspects gained access to real invoices that were addressed to public institutions and companies. The fraudsters manipulated them with their own financial information. The manipulated invoices were then sent to victims, who paid them to the fraudsters instead of their business partners.

Investigations into the scheme identified five suspects with Italian and German citizenship. As authorities needed to search properties in Germany and Italy, a cross-border case was opened at Eurojust. Coordination through Eurojust defined the strategy of the investigation between the German and Italian authorities. Authorities decided to execute simultaneous searches in the two countries to gather evidence of the fraud and seize assets that were gained through the fraudulent scheme. Europol provided continuous intelligence development to map out the different targets and their criminal activity.

On 24 September, search warrants against five suspects were executed in Germany and Italy and ten propereties were searched. During the operation, Europol activated a Virtual Command Post to provide support from its headquarters to the investigators on the field as they carried out their enforcement actions. Assets were provisionally secured, and cell phones, computers, and data storage devices were seized. Special Forces will now investigate the seized technology as the investigation continues.

The following authorities were involved in the actions:

  • Germany: Public Prosecution Office Leipzig – Central Cybercrime Office, Leipzig Criminal Investigation Department – Commissariat 33 (Cybercrime)
  • Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office Naples; Economic and Financial Police Units of the Guardia di Finanza Naples, Verona, Treviso and Bolzano
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20 rescued, 144 arrested in major child abuse operation across South America

Source: Interpol (news and events)

26 September 2024

 

LYON, France – An international operation targeting child sex offenders has led to 144 arrests and enabled the safeguarding of 20 victims across South America.

During Operation Orion International, 12 South American countries joined forces to combat the production, distribution and possession of online child sexual abuse and exploitation material, focusing particularly on victim identification and rescue.

As a result of the operation, undertaken with the coordination and support of INTERPOL, 18 direct abusers were caught and 111 people were charged with possession and distribution of abuse material. Seven individuals wanted internationally for child sex offenses, who were the subjects of INTERPOL Red Notices, were also arrested as part of the crackdown.

The arrested individuals, predominantly men, were aged between 14 and 86 and came from diverse backgrounds. Their occupations included: professor, graphic designer, security guard, mechanic, musician, journalist, psychologist and taxi driver.

Case studies: child victims safeguarded after years of abuse

In Argentina, local authorities had identified abuse material circulating on messaging applications.  With the support of INTERPOL and its additional data, authorities were able to identify and safeguard a nine-year-old victim who had suffered at least six years of abuse.

In a separate case in Chile, police identified an offender sharing child sexual exploitation material in messaging groups. Following his arrest, investigators analysed the seized information and established that the same person had also produced child sexual abuse material at the arrest location. This made it possible to identify and safeguard a 14-year-old girl, the daughter of the perpetrator’s partner.

As part of Operation Orion International, participating countries were also asked to assess existing Red Notices for child sexual offenders believed to be living within their borders.

In one such case, Korean authorities had provided information about the manager of a website which shared child exploitation material. Thanks to the collaboration between Korea and Ecuador, with coordination from INTERPOL, the individual was apprehended.

 

Chile: Targeting the production and distribution of online child sexual abuse material

Hardware seized in Argentina has opened new avenues for investigation

Paraguay: 144 arrests were made during the international operation

Venezuela was one of 12 participating countries in the operation

Arrests in Colombia as part of Operation Orion International

International cooperation throughout South America

The region-wide initiative, which ran from May to September 2024, was launched by INTERPOL following information provided by Chile’s cybercrime unit and the Buenos Aires’ prosecutor’s office, concerning investigations into the transnational distribution of child sexual abuse material on instant messaging applications.

INTERPOL’s Crimes Against Children unit analysed and consolidated this information, along with its existing data, and then shared this intelligence with participating countries. A preoperational meeting with prosecutors and investigators, supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, laid out the roadmap for cross-border collaboration.

INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said:

“This operation, and the harrowing cases it exposed, is yet another reminder that child abusers are from all walks of life. Thanks to this international effort, children who have known a lifetime of abuse have been protected from further exploitation.

“INTERPOL will continue to work with all member countries in our continued, and vital, efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of society.”

As well as joint international action, the operation required cooperation at a national level, across multiple states. It resulted in arrests and victim identification in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.

The hardware seizures and evidence gathered during Operation Orion International have opened new avenues for investigation, with further results to follow.

Participating countries: Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.

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NATO announces launch of the third cycle of the Young Professionals Programme

Source: NATO

We are pleased to inform you that the third cycle of the NATO Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is now open for applications!

Are you a young professional, interested in accelerating your career by gaining experience working for a political and military alliance that protects one billion people?

If you are a citizen of a NATO member country with a Master’s degree and at least one year of work experience, the YPP offers a unique opportunity to work with NATO for three years across different countries and NATO bodies.

For the third cycle of the YPP there are 13 positions available for talented people from a wide variety of educational and professional backgrounds, including:

  • Data Science and Innovation
  • Economics and Finance
  • Engineering and Logistics
  • Human Resources
  • ICT and Cyber Security
  • International Political Affairs
  • Legal Affairs
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Programme and Project Management

The deadline to apply is 27 October 2024. We encourage you to apply well in advance.

For more information about the NATO Young Professionals Programme, including eligibility criteria and the full application process, please visit the Young Professionals Programme web page.  

Following Sweden’s accession to NATO on 7 March 2024 as NATO’s 32nd member, we are pleased to announce that Swedish nationals are welcome to apply to the Young Professionals Programme, alongside candidates from NATO’s 31 other member countries.

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Looking back and moving forward: Marking 20 Years of NATO – Istanbul Cooperation Initiative partnership

Source: NATO

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called for stronger, more strategic and results-orientated partnerships with countries in the Gulf region during an event in the margins of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday (25 September 2024). Hosted by the Crown Prince of Kuwait, his Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Sabah, the event celebrated 20 years of NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI). It brought together NATO’s four ICI partners (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates) as well as Saudi Arabia, Oman and the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Mr. Stoltenberg thanked the Crown Prince for hosting the anniversary event and reaffirmed the importance of the NATO-ICI partnership as a platform for cooperation, highlighting its evolution and achievements. The Secretary General underlined areas of close cooperation between NATO and the ICI partners – including cyber defence, security sector reform, climate change, energy security, maritime security, and the protection of critical infrastructure. “During these two decades, our cooperation has grown from strength to strength”, he said, praising the Gulf partners’ contributions and participation.

Mr. Stoltenberg emphasized that, when faced with “a deeply deteriorated security environment, we see more than ever that our security is not regional, but global”, closer cooperation with partners in the Gulf and wider Middle East region is a necessary step. He outlined the decisions taken by Allies at the Washington Summit in July 2024 to increase NATO’s engagement in the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel. Referring to Javier Colomina’s appointment as the new Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood, the Secretary General stated that it is “the first time the Alliance has a dedicated focal point for this work”. He also referred to the upcoming​opening of the NATO Liaison Office in Jordan, the broadened scope of the training mission in Iraq, the NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative Regional Centre in Kuwait and the Hub for the South in Naples, which provide “an even stronger basis on which to take our partnerships forward”, said the Secretary General.

The Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) was launched in 2004 and provides a partnership forum to practical cooperation and political dialogue between NATO and partner countries in the Gulf region. Four countries, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, have joined the initiative, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

The NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative Regional Centre in Kuwait (NIRC) opened in 2017 and helps strengthen political dialogue, education and training, and public diplomacy. The centre was inaugurated in 2017 by Secretary General Stoltenberg, marking NATO’s first such presence in the Gulf region.

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Outgoing KFOR Commander briefs Allied and partner Ambassadors on contributions to regional stability

Source: NATO

The outgoing Commander of the NATO-led KFOR mission, Major General Özkan Ulutaş, from Türkiye, updated the North Atlantic Council and operational partners on Wednesday (25 September) at NATO Headquarters. He also met with NATO’s Acting Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Boris Ruge.

KFOR makes critical contributions to stability in Kosovo and the Western Balkans, providing a safe and secure environment for all communities and freedom of movement in an impartial manner. During his tenure, Major General Ulutaş has forged close relations with representatives of the Institutions in Kosovo, the Chief of Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces, and the international community, including the EU, the OSCE and the UN missions.

One year  after the attacks in Zvecan and Banjska, it is urgent to bring those responsible to justice and NATO looks to Serbia to help ensure full accountability. KFOR aims to ensure such attacks do not happen again. It is paramount that both sides refrain from uncoordinated actions which could fuel tensions, jeopardise security or put KFOR soldiers at risk. NATO continues to support the EU-facilitated Dialogue as the framework to achieve a long-term, sustainable solution that respects the rights of all communities. 

“Under my command, KFOR has successfully maintained peace and security throughout Kosovo, in accordance with our long-standing UN mandate. Through a visible, flexible and adaptable posture, we have prevented risks for renewed violence, and swiftly contained situations that could lead to incidents or escalation. We have further reinforced the mission and continued our role as an impartial force, working with all communities to foster safety and security, for all. We have also continued to provide the secure environment necessary for diplomatic efforts to move forward,” said Major General Ulutaş.

Major General Ulutaş steps down on 11 October 2024. He will be succeeded by Major General Enrico Barduani, from Italy.