Category: Security Intelligence

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DHS Announces Addition of 37 PRC-Based Companies to UFLPA Entity List

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), on behalf of the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF), announced the addition of 37 entities to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List, marking the largest single expansion of the list to date. Among entities added are a large supplier of critical minerals and one of the world’s largest textile manufacturers, both linked to forced labor practices in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This addition brings the total number of entities on the UFLPA Entity List to 144, representing significant progress in three years since the law was passed. These significant efforts reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to eliminating forced labor from our global supply chains and protecting U.S. consumers and businesses from tainted goods. 

“In adding 37 companies to the UFLPA Entities List and bringing the total to nearly 150, we again demonstrate our relentless fight against the cruelty of forced labor, our unwavering commitment to basic human rights, and our tireless defense of a free, fair, and competitive market,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas.

“With each addition to the UFLPA Entity List, we are building momentum and showing that our efforts are sustainable and enduring in eradicating forced labor in our nation’s supply chains,” said Acting Under Secretary for Policy, Robert Paschall. “This largest-ever batch of additions reinforces that we are implementing the full force of this law, making impactful updates to the UFLPA Entity List, and enhancing U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s enforcement capabilities.” 

The entities added today include globally recognized companies that mine and process Xinjiang’s critical minerals, that grow Xinjiang cotton and manufacture textiles for global export, and that manufacture inputs for solar modules with polysilicon made in Xinjiang.

The FLETF, chaired by DHS, has made significant strides in identifying and targeting nearly 150 companies benefiting from forced labor in just three years of enforcement of the UFLPA. This latest addition reflects the growing sophistication and maturity of the FLETF’s work and enhances CBP’s enforcement capabilities to protect U.S. markets. These actions are part of the FLETF’s commitment to eliminating forced labor in U.S. supply chains and holding accountable those responsible for human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other religious and ethnic minority groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). The UFLPA has been a key instrument for the Biden-Harris administration in combating forced labor and safeguarding supply chains. Through these initiatives, the administration prioritizes ethical sourcing, reinforces workers’ rights around the globe, and empowers consumers to make informed, values-based choices, underscoring a commitment to a fairer global trade system. Taken together, the Department’s efforts are protecting American businesses from unfair competition and helping them source ethically, and ensuring that American consumers can better trust the integrity of the products they purchase.

Effective January 15, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will apply a rebuttable presumption that goods produced by the named 37 entities will be prohibited from entering the United States as a result of the companies’ activities, either sourcing materials from the XUAR or working with the government of Xinjiang to recruit, transport, transfer, harbor, or receive Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, or members of other persecuted groups out of the XUAR.

Donghai JA Solar Technology Co., Ltd.:
Donghai JA Solar Technology Co., Ltd. (“Donghai JA Solar”) is a solar energy technology company located in Jiangsu Province, China, that focuses on the research and development of solar energy products and the production of silicon rods, wafers, ingots, and solar cell modules. Donghai JA Solar also imports and exports various commodities and technologies. The United States Government has reasonable cause to believe, based on specific and articulable information, that Donghai JA Solar sources polysilicon from the XUAR. Information reviewed by the FLETF, including corporate reporting and other publicly available information, indicates that Donghai JA Solar sources polysilicon from a polysilicon producer located in the XUAR. The FLETF therefore determined that the activities of Donghai JA Solar satisfy the criteria for addition to the UFLPA Entity List described in Section 2(d)(2)(B)(v). 

Hongyuan Green Energy Co., Ltd. (also known as HY Solar; and Hoyuan Green Energy Co. Ltd., and formerly known as Wuxi Shangji CNC Co., Ltd.; Wuxi Shangji Automation Co., Ltd.; and Wuxi Shangji Grinding Machine Co., Ltd.) and Hongyuan New Materials (Baotou) Co., Ltd.: Hongyuan Green Energy Co., Ltd (“Hongyuan Green Energy”) is a vertically integrated green energy manufacturing company located in Jiangsu Province, China, with several major business segments that include high-end equipment manufacturing, new energy power stations, and the production of industrial and crystalline silicon, silicon wafers, batteries, and modules. Hongyuan New Materials (Baotou) Co., Ltd. (“Hongyuan New Materials”) is a subsidiary of Hongyuan Green Energy, located in Baotou City, in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, which produces photovoltaic monocrystalline silicon. The United States Government has reasonable cause to believe, based on specific and articulable information, that Hongyuan Green Energy and its subsidiary, Hongyuan New Materials, source polysilicon from the XUAR. Information reviewed by the FLETF, including corporate procurement agreement announcements and other publicly available information, indicates that both Hongyuan Green Energy and Hongyuan New Materials source polysilicon from suppliers in the XUAR.  The FLETF therefore determined that the activities of Hongyuan Green Energy and Hongyuan New Materials satisfy the criteria for addition to the UFLPA Entity List described in Section 2(d)(2)(B)(v). 

26 Entities in the Cotton Sector: The FLETF has identified Huafu Fashion Co., Ltd. (“Huafu”) and 25 of its subsidiaries as entities engaged in the production and sale of cotton and cotton products. Huafu maintains a vertically integrated supply chain from cotton planting in the XUAR, processing, and yarn spinning through textiles manufacturing. Twenty-two of these subsidiaries are located in the XUAR, and three are located in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province. The FLETF has reasonable cause to believe, based on specific and articulable information, that the entities source cotton or cotton-based products from the XUAR. This information has been corroborated by publicly available sources. Given this evidence, the FLETF determined that activities of these entities satisfy the criteria for addition to the UFLPA Entity List under Section 2(d)(2)(B)(v). The 26 entities are:   

  • Huafu Fashion Co., Ltd. 
  • Ningbo Huafu Donghao Industrial Co., Ltd. 
  • Ninghai Huafu Textile Co., Ltd. 
  • Zhejiang Weixin Trading Co., Ltd. 
  • Aksu Huafu Color Spinning Co., Ltd. (also known as: Aksu Huafu Textiles Co., Ltd. Akesu Huafu, Aksu Huafu Dyed Melange Yarn, and Akesu Huafu Melange Yarn Co., Ltd.) 
  • Aksu Biaoxin Fiber Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Aksu Shangheng Fiber Co., Ltd.) 
  • Xinjiang Huafu Textile Co., Ltd. 
  • Xinjiang Huafu Hengfeng Cotton Industry Co., Ltd. 
  • Kuche Zongheng Cotton Industry Co., Ltd. 
  • Xinjiang Huafu Hongfeng Agricultural Development Co., Ltd. 
  • Shaya Yinhua Cotton Industry Co., Ltd. 
  • Awati Huafu Textile Co., Ltd. 
  • Xinjiang Huafu Color Spinning Group Co., Ltd.
  • Xinjiang Huafu Cotton Industry Group Co., Ltd. 
  • Shihezi Standard Fiber Co., Ltd. 
  • Shihezi Huafu Hongfeng Cotton Industry Co., Ltd. 
  • Shihezi Huafu Hongsheng Cotton Industry Co., Ltd. 
  • Xinjiang Tianhong Xinba Cotton Industry Co., Ltd. (also known as Xinjiang Tianhong New Eight Cotton Industry Co., Ltd.)
  • Huyanghe Huafu Hongsheng Cotton Industry Co., Ltd. 
  • Xinjiang Liufu Textile Industrial Park Co., Ltd. 
  • Kuitun Jinfu Textile Co., Ltd. 
  • Xinjiang Tianfu Cotton Supply Chain Co., Ltd.
  • Xinjiang Cotton Industry Group Yuepu Lake Cotton Industry Co., Ltd. 
  • Xinjiang Cotton Industry Group Jiashi Cotton Industry Co., Ltd. 
  • Xinjiang Zefu Cotton Co., Ltd. 
  • Xinjiang Shengfu Cotton Industry Co., Ltd. 

Jiangsu Meike Solar Technology Co., Ltd. and Baotou Meike Silicon Energy Co., Ltd.: Jiangsu Meike Solar Technology Co., Ltd. (“Jiangsu Meike”), located in Jiangsu Province, China, manufactures silicon rods and wafers. Baotou Meike Silicon Energy Co., Ltd. (“Baotou Meike”) is a subsidiary of Jiangsu Meike located in Baotou City in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, that manufactures silicon rods and wafers. The United States Government has reasonable cause to believe, based on specific and articulable information, that Jiangsu Meike and Baotou Meike source polysilicon from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Information reviewed by the FLETF, including corporate procurement agreement disclosures and other publicly available information, indicates that Jiangsu Meike and Baotou Meike source polysilicon from polysilicon producers located in the XUAR. The FLETF therefore determined that the activities of Jiangsu Meike and Baotou Meike satisfy the criteria for addition to the UFLPA Entity List described in section 2(d)(2)(B)(v). 

Shuangliang Silicon Materials (Batou) Co., Ltd.: Shuangliang Silicon Materials (Batou) Co., Ltd. (“Shuangliang Silicon”) is a company located in Batou City, in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, that researches, develops, processes, manufactures and sells single crystal silicon rods and wafers. The United States Government has reasonable cause to believe, based on specific and articulable information, that Shuangliang Silicon sources polysilicon from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Information reviewed by the FLETF, including corporate procurement agreement announcements and other publicly available information, indicates that Shuangliang Silicon sources polysilicon from polysilicon producers located in the XUAR.  The FLETF therefore determined that the activities of Shuangliang Silicon satisfy the criteria for addition to the UFLPA Entity List described in section 2(d)(2)(B)(v). 

Xinjiang Energy (Group) Co., Ltd. and Xinjiang Energy (Group) Real Estate Co., Ltd.:
Xinjiang Energy (Group) Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary Xinjiang Energy (Group) Real Estate Co., Ltd. are located in Urumqi, XUAR. Xinjiang Energy (Group) Co., Ltd. (“Xinjiang Energy”) is principally engaged in the development and utilization of coal, wind, photovoltaic, oil and gas, and other resources. Xinjiang Energy (Group) Real Estate Co., Ltd. (“Xinjiang Energy Real Estate”) is principally engaged in real estate development and property management.  Xinjiang Energy is a wholly state-owned enterprise, funded by the People’s Government of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and directly supervised by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the XUAR. The United States Government has reasonable cause to believe, based on specific and articulable information, that Xinjiang Energy and Xinjiang Energy Real Estate work with the government of the XUAR to recruit, transport, transfer, harbor, or receive Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, or members of other persecuted groups out of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.  Information reviewed by the FLETF, including publicly available information, indicates Xinjiang Energy and Xinjiang Energy Real Estate, as a wholly state-owned entity, and subsidiary of a state-owned entity, repeatedly participated in the transfer and receipt of ethnic minorities from the XUAR, likely Uyghurs and Kazakhs, through state-sponsored labor transfer programs in Hotan Prefecture and Barkol County. The FLETF therefore determined that the activities of Xinjiang Energy (Group) Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary Xinjiang Energy (Group) Real Estate Co., Ltd. satisfy the criteria for addition to the UFLPA Entity List described in Section 2(d)(2)(B)(ii).   

Xinjiang Zijin Zinc Industry Co., Ltd. and Xinjiang Jinbao Mining Co., Ltd.:
Xinjiang Zijin Zinc Industry Co., Ltd. and Xinjiang Jinbao Mining Co., Ltd. are Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd. subsidiaries, located in the XUAR that primarily focus on smelting and producing refined zinc and sulfuric acid and iron mining, respectively. The United States Government has reasonable cause to believe, based on specific and articulable information, that Xinjiang Zijin Zinc Industry Co., Ltd. and Xinjiang Jinbao Mining Co., Ltd. work with the government of the XUAR to recruit, transport, transfer, harbor, or receive ethnic minorities, likely Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and Kyrgyz, and/or members of other persecuted groups out of XUAR. Information reviewed by the FLETF, including publicly available information, indicates that Xinjiang Zijin Zinc Industry Co., Ltd. and Xinjiang Jinbao Mining Co., Ltd. have participated in the transfer and recruitment of ethnic minorities from the XUAR, likely including Kazakhs and Kyrgyz through poverty alleviation and recruitment programs. The FLETF therefore determined that the activities of Xinjiang Zijin Zinc Industry Co., Ltd. and Xinjiang Jinbao Mining Co., Ltd. satisfy the criteria for addition to the UFLPA Entity List described in Section 2(d)(2)(B)(ii). 

Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd., Xinjiang Zijin Zinc Industry Co., Ltd., Xinjiang Zijin Nonferrous Metals Co., Ltd.  and Xinjiang Habahe Ashele Copper Co., Ltd.:
Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd. is a global mining company located in Fujian Province, and three of its subsidiaries Xinjiang Zijin Zinc Industry Co., Ltd., Xinjiang Zijin Nonferrous Metals Co., Ltd., and Xinjiang Habahe Ashele Copper Co., Ltd., are located in the XUAR. Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd. (“Zijin Mining”), is principally engaged in the exploration and extraction of metals, including zinc, copper, lead, silver, gold, iron ore, and sulfuric acid.  Zijin Mining owns and sources material from at least three mines and smelters in Xinjiang, which are operated by the company’s various subsidiaries. These include the Ashele Copper Mine operated by Xinjiang Habahe Ashele Copper Co., Ltd. (Ashele Copper), the Wulagen Lead and Zinc Mine operated by Xinjiang Zijin Zinc Co., Ltd. (Zijin Zinc), and the Xinjiang Zijin Nonferrous Zinc Smelter operated by Xinjiang Zijin Nonferrous Metals Co., Ltd. (Zijin Nonferrous). The United States Government has reasonable cause to believe, based on specific and articulable information, that Zijin Mining, Ashele Copper, Zijin Zinc, and Zijin Nonferrous source material, specifically zinc, copper, lead, silver, and sulfuric acid, from the XUAR. Information reviewed by the FLETF, including publicly available information, indicates that Zijin Mining, Ashele Copper, Zijin Zinc, and Zijin Nonferrous have established mines and production sites in the XUAR, and source zinc, copper, lead, silver, and sulfuric acid from the XUAR. The FLETF therefore determined that the activities of Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd., Xinjiang Zijin Zinc Industry Co., Ltd., Xinjiang Zijin Nonferrous Metals Co., Ltd., and Xinjiang Habahe Ashele Copper Co., Ltd. satisfy the criteria for addition to the UFLPA Entity List described in Section 2(d)(2)(B)(v).   Xinjiang Habahe Ashele Copper Co., Ltd. (also known as Ashele Copper) is currently on the UFLPA Entity List under Section 2(d)(2)(B)(ii) and will appear on both sub-lists.

In addition to the 37 new entities, the FLETF made a technical correction to the name of an entity included in the list under Section 2(d)(2)(B)(ii), changing the listing from “Aksu Huafu Textiles Co. (including two aliases: Akesu Huafu and Aksu Huafu Dyed Melange Yarn)” to “Aksu Huafu Color Spinning Co., Ltd. (also known as Aksu Huafu Textiles Co., Ltd.; Akesu Huafu; Aksu Huafu Dyed Melange Yarn; and Akesu Huafu Melange Yarn Co., Ltd.).”

DHS will publish the revised UFLPA Entity List as an appendix to a Federal Register notice. 

The UFLPA, signed into law by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. in December 2021, mandates that CBP apply a rebuttable presumption that goods that are either mined, produced or manufactured wholly or in part in the XUAR or produced by entities identified on the UFLPA Entity List are prohibited from importation into the United States, unless the Commissioner of CBP determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that the goods were not produced with forced labor.  CBP began enforcing the UFLPA in June 2022.  Since then, CBP has reviewed more than 11,300 shipments valued at more than $3.67 billion under the UFLPA.   

This expansion of the UFLPA Entity List reflects DHS’ and the FLETF’s prioritization of combatting the introduction of forced labor into U.S. supply chains.     

You can read more about the FLETF by visiting: www.dhs.gov/uflpa.   

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Deschambault  — Deschambault Lake RCMP: Youth charged in animal cruelty investigation

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On January 9, 2025 Deschambault Lake RCMP received a report of a male teen seriously injuring a dog in Deschambault Lake, SK.

Officers located the dog deceased that day. As a result of further investigation, a male teen from Deschambault Lake was arrested at a residence in the community the same day. He has been charged with:

  • one count, causing death to an animal, Section 445(a), Criminal Code.

We are unable to identify the youth as per the Youth Criminal Justice Act. We are unable to provide more information about this incident as it may identify the youth involved.

Note: Deschambault Lake RCMP has received multiple reports from members of the public across Saskatchewan in relation to this incident. We are releasing this information to share that charges have been laid.

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Des Moines Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Producing and Possessing Child Pornography

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Des Moines man was sentenced today to 30 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a child and for possessing child pornography.

According to public court documents and evidence presented in court, in 2005 and again from at least 2013 to 2015, Jeffrey Walter Gray, 62, exploited and attempted to exploit dozens of minors to produce child sexual abuse material on more than one hundred occasions. One of the ways Gray made child pornography was through the photography business he owned and operated in the Des Moines area—Wicked Imagery. Unbeknownst to his photography clients, Gray placed hidden cameras in the dressing areas at Wicked Imagery’s photography studios to capture videos of minor children undressing. Some of the child pornography Gray created depict children as young as approximately seven years old.

To date, investigators have identified over 20 children depicted in Gray’s collection of child sexual abuse material. Many other children are yet to be identified. Gray also collected material containing child sexual abuse material from the internet. In all, Gray amassed a library of over 10,000 files containing child sexual abuse material, some of which depicted children less than twelve years of age.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Gray will be required to serve a seven-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Restitution to the victims will be determined at a later date.

“Child predators like Gray use trust as a weapon for their own depraved goals. This depravity is only outweighed by the strength and courage of the victims involved in this investigation, and the dedication of the law enforcement officers who brought him to justice,” said United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa. “Sexual predators like Gray must and will face accountability and harsh sentences for these crimes of exploitation.”

“Identifying, investigating, and apprehending child predators is one of the FBI’s highest priorities. Today’s sentence ensures that Gray will be held accountable for his horrendous actions,” said Eugene Kowel, Special Agent in Charge of the Omaha FBI Field Office. “We are proud of the work of our agents and task force officers in this case. We will remain vigilant in our pursuit of justice in cases like these, ensuring children are protected and perpetrators are brought to justice by partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement, serving victims and their families, and providing education and conducting outreach in our community.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Des Moines Police Department, with assistance from the Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Criminal Investigations.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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Marion Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement of a Minor

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

A man who attempted to entice a minor to engage in sex acts was sentenced today to 210 months in federal prison.

Cory Gall, age 30, of Marion, Iowa, received the sentence after a July 3, 2024, jury verdict finding him guilty of attempted enticement of a minor.  The evidence at trial showed that, in December 2023, Gall exchanged text messages with a person who stated that she was 13 years old.  The person was actually an undercover law enforcement officer.  Gall sent messages describing sex acts he could perform with the minor, and he traveled to Hiawatha, Iowa, to meet with her.

Gall was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Gall was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.   

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Hiawatha Police Department.

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 the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is CR 24-32.

Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

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INTERPOL operation highlights the human and environmental impact of illegal mining in Western Africa

Source: Interpol (news and events)

14 January 2025

Four-country operation seizes chemicals, explosives, drugs and pain relief medication used by illegal miners

LYON, France – An operation targeting illegal mining in Burkina Faso, the Gambia, Guinea and Senegal has led to the arrest of 200 people.

Operation Sanu (July–October 2024) brought together experts from INTERPOL and national law enforcement agencies to combat illegal mining and associated crimes, with hundreds of officers deployed to identify criminal routes and modus operandi in remote and isolated areas of the four countries.

The cross-border collaboration led to the seizure of significant amounts of chemicals and equipment used in illegal mining: 150 kgs of cyanide, 325 kgs of active charcoal, 14 cylinders of mercury  with an estimated value of over USD 100,000, 20 litres of nitrite acid, and two 57-litre containers of sulfuric acid. 10 kilogramme of cocaine and almost 7,000 explosive devices were also seized.

Underlining the human cost of illegal mining, the operations team also seized large quantities of opioid pain relief tablets, commonly used by miners in the region to alleviate the pain caused by the use of chemicals such as mercury and cyanide in illicit small-scale gold mining. These chemicals can have serious toxic effects on the human nervous system.
 
The operation also gave INTERPOL and the law enforcement officers and prosecutors involved new insights into the wider damage caused by illegal mining in the region – from deforestation to landslides and the deviation of river flows leading to drought or flooding – as well as its impact on economies and communities in the region.

Criminal organizations in Guinea exploit children in illegal gold mines

Children working in an illegal gold mine in Guinea

INTERPOL officers supported law enforcement agencies in Guinea, Burkina Faso, the Gambia and Senegal

Chemicals used in illegal gold mining pollute local rivers and endanger public health

Illegal gold mines like this one in Guinea cause significant environmental damage

Operation Sanu also targeted illegal sand mines in the Gambia

Illegal sand-mining causes pollution and soil erosion and can change the course of rivers

Officers from several law enforcement agencies joined the operation, here in Senegal

Mercury worth over USD 100,000 was seized in Burkina Faso

INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said:

“Transnational criminal networks exploit mineral resources around the world, harming the environment, hurting national economies, weakening fragile communities, and endangering public health and safety. The operation’s success highlights the effectiveness of law enforcement when they join forces to tackle these threats.”

A first in the fight against illegal sand mining

Although the central focus of the operation was illegal gold mining, it also targeted illegal sand mining in the Gambia, with raids in several locations in the Kombo and south coastal belt region, leading to seven arrests and the seizure of mining equipment and trucks loaded with sand and gravel. The operation was a first for this type of action in the Gambia and was also an opportunity for the authorities to gain a clearer understanding of how illegal sand mining and trade is organized. Illegal sand mining has recorded unprecedented levels in recent years and is a major threat to the environment and to the livelihoods and living conditions of local communities.

Operation Sanu is part of a pilot project designed to support law enforcement agencies in their efforts to tackle the complex and multifaceted issues arising from illegal mining activities in Western and Central Africa.

Operation Sanu was carried out by INTERPOL’s Environmental Security Programme with funding by the United Kingdom’s Home Office.

Participating countries:  Burkina Faso, the Gambia, Guinea, Senegal

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Former Tri-Cities Pastor Indicted for Multimillion-Dollar Cryptocurrency Scam

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

Richland, Washington – U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref announced that on November 7, 2024, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned an indictment charging Francier Obando Pinillo, age 51, of Miami, Florida, with 26 counts of fraud in connection with running a cryptocurrency scam that defrauded investors of millions of dollars between November 2021 and October 2023. Pinillo was arraigned today at the U.S. District Court in Richland, Washington.

Pinillo was pastor at Ministerio Apostolico Profetico Tiempos de Poder, a Spanish-language church in Pasco, Washington. The Indictment alleges Pinillo used his position as pastor to induce members of his congregation and others to invest their money in a cryptocurrency investment business known as “Solano Fi.” Pinillo claimed the idea for Solano Fi had come to him in a dream and that it was a safe and guaranteed investment. The Indictment further alleges that Pinillo also recruited investors using social media, including a Solano Fi Facebook page as well as a Telegram group known as “Multimillionarios SolanoFi”, which had more than 1,500 members. The Indictment further alleges Pinillo told prospective investors that Solano Fi used cryptocurrency “staking” to guarantee a compounding monthly return of 34.9% with no risk. Pinillo explained that investors could access, view, and withdraw their money from Solano Fi through an online interface. However, as alleged in the indictment, the online application was actually designed to allow investors to see fraudulent purported balances and supposed investment gains but did not permit the investors to withdraw funds.

The indictment further alleges that, rather than investing funds on victims’ behalf as he had promised, Pinillo defrauded victims into making cryptocurrency transfers into accounts he designated, then converted the victims’ funds to himself and his co-schemers. Additionally, the indictment alleges that Pinillo convinced investors to recruit other investors, promising that the person who made the referral could earn additional returns for each additional investor they recruited.

The indictment alleges when victims tried to remove their assets from Solano Fi, Pinillo claimed he could not return the assets until cryptocurrency markets improved, or because the website or application was down, or that he would not return their investment unless the victim brought in a new investor to “buy out” their account. The indictment further alleges Pinillo told investors they were required to send more money to “repair” and upgrade the Solano Fi system so that investors could get their funds back.

“Fraudulent investment schemes are not new, but cryptocurrency scams are a new way fraudsters take money from hardworking, honest people,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Cryptocurrency fraudsters often quickly route funds to international accounts, which presents new challenges for law enforcement attempting to recover lost funds. My office and our partners at the FBI are committed to doing all we can to recover the proceeds of these frauds for victims and to hold the people running these scams accountable.”

The fraud charges against Pinillo carry a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Jeremy J. Kelley.

4:24-cr-06032-SAB

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Announcing the winners of the 2024 Europol photo competition

Source: Europol

Three awards were given out this year, each decided by a different group of voters:the international law enforcement community represented in our headquarters, the Heads of Communication of the European law enforcement authorities, and members of the public.We are happy to announce that Sergio Chicharro from Spain, Connie Maria Westergaard from Denmark a Capture two-time winner, and Sara Teixeira from…

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Readout of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s Phone Call with Singapore’s Chief of Defence Force Vice Adm. Aaron Beng

Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff

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

January 13, 2025

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 Singapore’s Chief of Defence Force Vice Adm. Aaron Beng today by phone. Vice Adm. Beng last spoke with the Chairman during a visit to the Pentagon in October 2024.

Gen. Brown and Vice Adm. Beng discussed the International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue 2025. They also discussed opportunities to address key issues in the Indo-Pacific region through bilateral and multilateral military engagements. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to deterring aggression and strengthening interoperability in the region.

The critical relationship between the U.S. and Singapore plays a key role in ensuring a free and open 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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Combatting major organised crime and human trafficking priorities for Polish EU Presidency

Source: Eurojust

In the field of justice and security, the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union will focus on combatting major cross-border criminal networks, hybrid threats, and terrorism and radicalisation. Particular attention will be paid to combat the trafficking of illicit drugs, human trafficking and migrant smuggling. 

Another priority is the protection of minors from exploitation, including sexual abuse. Efforts to ensure accountability for alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine will also be a major focus. Poland took up the Presidency on 1 January. 

Commenting on the Polish EU priorities for justice and security, National Member for Poland at Eurojust Mr Paweł Wąsik said: I am delighted and honoured to begin my term as the National Member for Poland at Eurojust, at the start of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This is a significant challenge and opportunity. Given our commitment to the subject to date, it will not come as a surprise to anyone that in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, we will also prioritise supporting Ukraine’s security and justice sector, fostering greater coordination in addressing the crisis. Poland is committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights across Europe.

The focus on illicit drug trafficking and combatting organised crime is in line with the launch of the new European Judicial Organised Crime Network (EJOCN) in September 2024, hosted by Eurojust. The EJOCN brings together specialised prosecutors with the aim of taking a strategic approach to the fight against major organised crime networks, which increasingly operate on a global scale. The Polish Presidency can build on the groundwork laid in the preparation of the network and the initial activities of the EJOCN. 

The priority to focus furthermore on migrant smuggling and human trafficking aligns with the overall goal of the Polish Presidency to improve internal security and prevent and counter unauthorised entry, transit and residence in the EU. This priority also focuses on protecting the borders with Belarus.

The Polish Presidency will continue to support the accountability process for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide allegedly committed in Ukraine. Poland was one of the three countries, together with Lithuania and Ukraine that initiated the joint investigation team (JIT) into these alleged crimes in March 2022. More information on the role of Eurojust and Poland in relation to the war in Ukraine can be found here.

In the area of cybercrime, the Polish Presidency wants to focus on the protection of minors against exploitation and the sexual abuse of children, including online. Furthermore, efforts will also be made to step up research into the influence of artificial intelligence in criminal matters.

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Law Enforcement Officers Join FBI Task Force Focused on Crime on the Choctaw Indian Reservation

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

Jackson, Miss. – Choctaw Police Department Officers Robert York and Jakob Waiter along with Neshoba County Deputy Mark Flake are the newest additions to the Mississippi Safe Trails Task Force (STTF).  Robert A. Eikhoff, Special Agent in Charge of the Jackson Mississippi Field Office, administered the oath and stated, ““The implementation of the Mississippi Safe Trails Task Force ensures the FBI and partnering agencies work together to protect members of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and investigate criminal activity with a federal nexus in and around the Reservation Communities in Mississippi. The Task Force is dedicated in keeping our tribal communities safe by working along-side our partners, training together, and offering resources.”
 

The FBI Safe Trails Task Force is a collaborative effort between the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime and drug trafficking in Indian Country. The STTF works with a variety of partners, including DEA, ATF, tribal, state, and local law enforcement.  The STTF has been a key part of the FBI’s partnerships in Indian Country for almost 30 years.  
 

In December of 2022, the FBI field office in Jackson gained approval to establish the Mississippi STTF.  In addition to the Choctaw Police Department and the Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi’s STTF is comprised of officers from Leake County Sheriff’s Department, the City of Carthage Police Department, and the Jones County Sheriff’s Department.
“The Department of Justice has been working hard to strengthen law enforcement cooperation with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and other law enforcement partners in order to better address violent crime, the fentanyl crisis, and other public safety issues in Tribal communities,” said U.S. Attorney Todd Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi.