Category: MIL OSI

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Hillsborough County High School Teacher Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Provide Firearms To Trinidad-Based Transnational Criminal Organization

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Shannon Lee Samlalsingh (46, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to making false statements to a firearms dealer on June 20, 2025. Samlalsingh faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, in 2020 and 2021, Samlalsingh purchased several firearms and firearms components from federally licensed firearms dealers in Hillsborough County and Miami-Dade County where she falsely stated on ATF 4473 forms that she was the actual transferee or buyer of said firearms. In reality, Samlalsingh had received money via international wire transfers from members of a Trinidadian transnational criminal organization with instructions to purchase specific model firearms and firearms components, then transfer them to other members of the transnational criminal organization already in Florida, to smuggle them back to Trinidad. Samlalsingh kept a percentage of the wire transfer funds as compensation. The firearms were smuggled back to Trinidad and Tobago by concealing them in a large wireless speaker and punching bags.

On or about April 21, 2021, authorities at the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and Tobago seized a shipment from the United States containing two punching bags and other goods. Concealed within the two punching bags were approximately eleven 9mm pistols, two .38 caliber special revolvers, a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, three AR-15 barrel foregrips, 19 lower pistol grip assemblies, 11 forearm bolt assemblies, three AR-15-style barrels with forearm grips, 32 AR-15 magazines, one AR-15 drum magazine, 470 rounds of AR-15 ammunition, 34 9mm magazines, three 9mm drum magazines, 284 9mm rounds, fifteen .38 caliber rounds, 36 shells, six magazine couplers, and two shotgun chokes.  Specifically, Samlalsingh purchased a SAR-9 9mm pistol, a Ruger-9 9mm pistol, a Taurus G3 9mm pistol, a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol which were all traced to the April 21, 2021, seizure in Trinidad and Tobago.   

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of National Security (Transnational Organized Crime Unit) and Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (Special Investigations Unit), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Adam W. McCall.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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Dozens Charged in South Florida with Federal Firearms and Drug Trafficking Crimes, 80 Firearms and Multiple Kilos of Fentanyl, Other Dangerous Drugs Seized

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

MIAMI – U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and acting Special Agent in Charge Gordon Mallory of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Miami Field Division announced today the results of a two-month, multi-agency effort targeting repeat offenders in South Florida during a press conference.  

In April, the ATF launched “Operation Showdown,” an enhanced enforcement initiative focused on combating violent crime and the illegal possession and trafficking of firearms in South Florida. As part of this initiative, ATF personnel from around the country were deployed to work alongside federal and local law enforcement agencies, bringing with them a broad range of expertise—including tactical operations, technical support, and undercover capabilities.

So far, the ATF-led initiative has resulted in federal charges and arrests of 31 Miami-Dade and Broward County residents with firearms and narcotics trafficking offenses. In total, 80 firearms were seized along with 900 rounds of ammunition. The seized firearms include automatic and semiautomatic weapons, rifles, handguns, and machine gun conversion devices. Additionally, approximately 10 kilograms of illegal narcotics were confiscated, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, crack, oxycodone, and others.

“Drugs and guns continue to fuel the violence that threatens the safety of our community,” said U.S. Attorney O’Byrne. “By prosecuting violent offenders, in close collaboration with ATF and other federal and local law enforcement agencies, we send a clear and unified message that South Florida will not be defined by fear but by safety and justice. I commend the agents and officers that made Operation Showdown a success.”

“This Enhanced Enforcement Initiative in Southern Florida has resulted in long term results,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Mallory. “ATF will continue to prioritize keeping violent offenders, those who traffic, possess, and utilize firearms illegally, and narcotics traffickers, out of our communities, because it is a critical component of keeping our communities safe.  This targeted program could not have been possible without the support and collaboration from our local and federal partners. ATF strives to foster and maintain these relationships to ensure that we safeguard the public that we serve.”

U.S. Attorney O’Byrne and acting ATF Miami Special Agent in Charge Mallory acknowledged and commended the investigative support and assistance from the United States Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Broward Sheriff’s Office, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, and The Fort Lauderdale Police Department.

The federal cases are being coordinated by Deputy Chief Sharad Motiani of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section.

United States v. Bethel, Case No. 25-cr-20256, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Montes.

United States v. Breedlove, Case No. 25-mj-06411, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Gerarde.

United States v. Doe, Case No. 25-mj-06390, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Carre.

United States v. Downing, Case No. 25-mj-06403, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Killoran.

United States v. Ferdinand, Case No. 25-mj-06409, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Mahoney.

United States v. Graham, Case No. 25-cr-60143, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Mahoney.

United States v. Harris, Case No. 25-cr-20264, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey Pence Tomanelli.

United States v. Holmes, Case No. 25-cr-60136, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Koffsky.

United States v. James et al., Case No. 25-cr-20212, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kseniya Smychkouskaya.

United States v. Jefferson, Case No. 25-cr-20206, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Koffsky.

United States v. McIntyre, Case No. 25-cr-20113, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Fugate.

United States v. Memnon et al., Case No. 25-mj-06406, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Gerarde.

United States v. Moultry, Case No. 25-cr-60131, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Thompson.

United States v. Rodriguez, Case No. 25-cr-20246, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brianna Coakley.

United States v. Roxton, Case No. 25-mj-06404, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Mahoney.

United States v. Washington et al., Case No. 25-mj-03196, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena Smukler.

United States v. Williams, Case No. 25-mj-06402, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Killoran.

United States v. Williams, Case No. 25-cr-20112, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Fugate.

United States v. Worthy, Case No. 25-cr-60139, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kseniya Smychkouskaya.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The charges contained in indictments and complaints are not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Note: images on display during the press conference can be viewed here.

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Large-scale fraud using trusted online seller accounts uncovered

Source: Eurojust

The criminals used phishing techniques to obtain login credentials from legitimate sellers on a well-known online commerce platform. After gaining access to the account, they changed the login details, locking the rightful users out of their accounts. The criminals then continued to post advertisements of fake goods on the seller account. Because customers trusted the seller accounts, they initially put orders in for over EUR 106 million. In the end, 556 customers completed their order and purchased goods that would never arrive, causing damages of over EUR 400 000.

When investigators identified the locations of the criminal group, Romanian and German authorities quickly began working together through a joint investigation team established by Eurojust. The cooperation led to a series of actions in December 2024, during which evidence was collected through house searches in Germany, Romania and Austria. Based on the evidence obtained, the authorities arrested four suspects in Romania and three in Germany. Preventative measures are in place for the four suspects in Romania, and two suspects in Germany remain in custody.

Following the actions in December, investigations into the group continued. Authorities discovered that three members of the criminal group had continued their criminal activities. The Romanian and German investigators quickly identified the individuals and prepared further action.

During an action day on 24 June, the three members were detained in Romania following a European Arrest Warrant issued by the German authorities. Eight house searches were also conducted where IT systems were seized containing more evidence. Investigations into the criminal group are ongoing.

The following authorities carried out the operation:

  • Romania: Prosecutor’s Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice –Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism –Vâlcea Territorial Office; Service for Combating Organised Crime Vâlcea; Service for Combating Organised Crime Sibiu; Service for Special Actions Vâlcea; Service for Special Actions Sibiu
  • Germany: Bavarian Central Office for the Prosecution of Cybercrime; Criminal Police Department Nuremberg – K 52
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Ten arrests in Flying Squad investigation into phone shop robberies

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Met Police officers have arrested 10 people as part of an investigation into a series of robberies at phone shops in London and across the south of England.

Flying Squad detectives worked to identify an organised crime group believed to be behind 13 robberies between February and early June.

The arrests are part of the Met’s continued focus on tackling phone robbery and theft across London. As well as targeting organised gangs, officers have also increased patrols in phone snatch hotspot areas.

The Met took on the investigation after identifying a number of similar incidents where suspects stole thousands of pounds worth of new phones from secure store rooms at high street phone stores.

Staff reported being threatened by the suspects who often had their faces covered and were sometimes armed with weapons.

On Thursday, 19 June eight men, aged between 20 and 31, and two 17-year-old boys were arrested at addresses in London on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery.

Detective Chief Inspector Laura Hillier, who is leading the investigation from the Met’s Flying Squad, said:

“Phone robbery has boomed globally, and London is not immune. There is a concerted effort by criminal gangs to steal phones and sell them overseas as part of a multi-million-pound industry.

“The Met is catching more of these criminals and operations such as this are vital to disrupting offenders who cause fear and misery to shop workers and communities.”

They were charged and remanded in custody with conspiracy to commit robbery.

The Met continues to focus on tackling phone theft across London with increased patrols in hotspot areas and better use of technology to identify perpetrators. A recent two-week focus on prolific offenders resulted in 292 arrests across London.

Details of the offences

Staines High Street on Saturday, 1 March
Ilford High Street on Wednesday, 19 March
Mare Street in Hackney on Sunday, 23 March
St Benedict’s Court in Huntingdon on Friday, 4 April
Orpington High Street on Friday, 25 April
London Road in East Grinstead on Tuesday, 29 April
Alton High Street on Saturday, 10 May
Pier Avenue in Clacton-on-Sea Sunday, 11 May
West Street in Horsham on Saturday, 17 May
The Broadway in St Alban’s on Monday, 2 June
Tavern Street in Ipswich on Thursday, 5 June
Stamford High Street in Lincolnshire on Friday, 13 June
Market Street in Eastleigh on Friday, 13 June

A new way for Londoners to hear about policing in their area is being rolled out by the Met.

Local officers will use Met Engage to provide crime prevention advice, updates on ongoing incidents and investigations, and information about successful outcomes and operations.

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U.S. Navy Honors 80th Anniversary of Battle of Okinawa at Candle Lighting

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ITOMAN, OKINAWA, Japan (June 22, 2025) — U.S. Navy Sailors and family members joined local Okinawan volunteers at Peace Memorial Park on June 22 to prepare nearly 7,000 candles for a vigil on the eve of Okinawa Memorial Day. The event honored the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa — an 82-day conflict in 1945 that claimed more than 200,000 lives and stands as the deadliest battle of the Pacific theater during WWII.

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134th MSG strengthens joint readiness in Japan

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

OKINAWA, Japan – More than 120 Airmen from the Tennessee Air National Guard’s 134th Mission Support Group deployed to Okinawa for annual field training in June 2025, immersing themselves in a high-tempo, joint environment that included collaboration with U.S. Marines, active-duty Airmen and host nation forces.

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The Hawaii National Guard conducts Urban Rescue training during Pacific Partnership 2025 in Virac, Philippines

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

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Virac, Philippines (June 3, 2025) – Hawaii National Guard Spc. Elvis Salinas and personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Disaster Response Unit instruct local emergency responders and civilian authorities on knot-tying techniques used in rappelling during a training session in Virac, Philippines, June 3, 2025. This effort is part of a two-week urban rescue training exercise supporting the humanitarian assistance and disaster response objectives of Pacific Partnership 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)

Date Taken: 06.03.2025
Date Posted: 06.24.2025 23:13
Photo ID: 9130337
VIRIN: 250603-N-YV347-1041
Resolution: 8256×5504
Size: 20.63 MB
Location: VIRAC, PH
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Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 23, 2025 [Image 7 of 11]

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

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NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (June 23, 2025) Lt. Cmdr. Derek Gresko conducts an eye exam for a local resident at Vaiola Hospital as part of Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25) in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, June 23, 2025. PP-25 medical teams are providing free eye exams and prescription glasses at Vaiola Hospital and Mu’a Health Center while in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Courtesy Asset)

Date Taken: 06.23.2025
Date Posted: 06.23.2025 23:29
Photo ID: 9128315
VIRIN: 250623-N-RM599-6451
Resolution: 4032×3024
Size: 2.72 MB
Location: NUKU’ALOFA, TO
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Pacific Partnership 2025 Concludes Successful Mission in Virac, Philippines

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

VIRAC, CATANDUANES, Philippines (June 12, 2025) — Pacific Partnership 2025 successfully concluded its mission in Virac, Philippines, marking the end of a series of intensive training exercises and collaborative engagements aimed at strengthening disaster response capabilities and fostering lasting partnerships, June 12, 2025.

Over the past two weeks, members of the Hawaii National Guard, the Center for Excellence-Disaster Management, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) worked alongside local emergency responders and civilian authorities, focusing on urban search and rescue (USAR), Incident Command System (ICS) training, and a disaster management workshop. These activities were designed to enhance technical skills, exercise coordination frameworks, and support community-based resilience initiatives, ultimately increasing natural disaster preparedness in Virac and the greater Catanduanes province.

“Catanduanes is frequently hit by typhoons year-round and the people here have learned to adapt in their own ways; they can still smile and laugh right after their properties were damaged by storm,” said Armed Forces of the Philippines Air Force Lt. Col. Gil L Andal, the AFP Officer in Charge. “The AFP, as a regular partner, is committed to continually improving the synergy in disaster response mechanisms in vulnerable communities to foster resilience built with strong capabilities”

The ICS and disaster management workshops, modelled after the U.S. National Incident Management System (NIMS), provided a standardized framework for incident management, improving disaster preparedness and response capabilities. The Hawaii National Guard and AFP’s USAR component focused on lifesaving operations in challenging environments, including hands-on training in simulated collapsed structure rescue, shoring and stabilization techniques, and rubble pile operations.

“The success of Pacific Partnership in Virac is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our Philippine partners,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Robert Reyes, the officer in charge for the Philippines mission stop. “Their commitment to enhancing disaster resilience is truly inspiring. We are deeply grateful for their warm hospitality, collaborative spirit, and unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of their community. The bonds forged here will undoubtedly strengthen our shared ability to respond effectively to future challenges.”

Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.

For updates and multimedia from Pacific Partnership 2025, follow #PacificPartnership, #PP25, and #PacificPartnership25 on social media or visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/PacificPartnership

Date Taken: 06.12.2025
Date Posted: 06.24.2025 22:44
Story ID: 501425
Location: VIRAC, PH
Web Views: 4
Downloads: 0

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Hawaii Guardsman Returns to the Philippines with Pacific Partnership

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

VIRAC, Philippines (June 12, 2025) — The tropical heat of Virac felt familiar to Hawaii Army National Guard Spc. Elvis Lorenz T. Salinas. This wasn’t a vacation, however. As a 12B Combat Engineer with the Hawaii Army National Guard’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosives Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) Search and Extraction team, Salinas was participating in Pacific Partnership, a multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission.

Born in Manila, Salinas immigrated to Hawaii in 2015 and joined the Guard to serve his new home while staying connected to his roots. The mission to the Philippines was deeply personal.
“It feels like coming full circle,” Salinas explained. “I left for better opportunities, and now I get to come back and support local communities. It’s very humbling.”

Salinas’s Filipino heritage proved invaluable. Speaking the language and understanding the culture allowed him to easily communicate with local firefighters, Armed Forces of the Philippines service members, and volunteers.

“My heritage allows me to connect with people on a deeper level,” said Salinas. “I speak the language, I understand the culture, and I know how important family and community are here. It has helped build trust quickly, and I think it reminds both sides that we’re all working together as partners.”

The Hawaii National Guard team provided training in structural collapse, confined space rescue, and disaster preparedness, working side-by-side with local responders.

Salinas was impressed by the professionalism of the Philippine military. “We talked stories with each other, shared meals … It reminded me that what we do affects real people and real lives.”

“I never imagined I’d have the chance to return in this capacity,” Salinas reflected. He hopes the local community gains tools for future disaster response. “To my family and all Filipinos, I thank you for your strength, resilience, and warm hearts. I’m proud to represent our people here, and I promise to continue serving with honor and compassion. Mabuhay kayo!”

Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.

For updates and multimedia from Pacific Partnership 2025, follow #PacificPartnership, #PP25, and #PacificPartnership25 on social media or visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/PacificPartnership

Date Taken: 06.12.2025
Date Posted: 06.24.2025 22:41
Story ID: 501424
Location: VIRAC, PH
Web Views: 5
Downloads: 0

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