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Appeal to trace man wanted for distraction burglary

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Appeal to trace man wanted for distraction burglary

Police in Hackney have released an image of a man they want to speak with in connection with a distraction burglary.

John MacDonald, 51 (28.02.66), of no fixed address, is wanted in connection with a residential burglary which took place at Lordship Road, London N16 on Thursday, 11 January 2018.

The victim, a lone female aged 69, was burgled after a man attended her home address and pretended to be a council maintenance worker.

McDonald is described as white, of five foot ten inches height and of medium build, with short light brown and grey hair.

He is believed to be in the north London area.

If MacDonald is seen, the public are asked not to approach him, but to phone 999.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police in Hackney on 07825 793 215 or 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

ADVICE: Please remain vigilant when unexpected callers attend your address.

If you have a security chain, always put it on before you open the door as barrier against unwanted callers.

Ask to see ID and examine it carefully, genuine trades persons carry identity cards that show a photograph. If you are suspicious contact the company or council which they claim to be from in order to confirm that the caller is genuine.

Beware of anyone who says they are in a hurry or that the matter is urgent, if in doubt contact a friend or neighbour.

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Dallas Woman Sentenced to 14 Months in Prison for Disaster Fraud

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Dallas Woman Sentenced to 14 Months in Prison for Disaster Fraud

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – DOROTHY D. BARNEY, 58, of Dallas, Texas, has been sentenced to 14 months in federal prison for fraud in connection with federal disaster relief, announced Robert J. Troester, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.

On May 20, 2013, a tornado caused significant damage in Moore, Oklahoma.  According to an indictment filed on December 6, 2016, Barney applied for disaster aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) relating to the tornado in early June 2013.  Rather than using her own name, she used the name, date of birth, and Social Security number of a person with the initials C.W.  The application claimed damage to an apartment at 854 S.W. 10th Street in Moore.  There was no apartment at that address, however.  Furthermore, C.W. had not given Barney permission to submit an application for disaster aid and did not live in Moore.

On August 11, 2017, Barney pleaded guilty and admitted she had used a materially false document to request disaster aid from FEMA.

Today U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Barney to 14 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release.  She was also ordered to pay $14,974.83 in restitution to FEMA.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security–Office of Inspector General and the United States Secret Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Maxfield Green prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to court filings for further information.

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Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission Officials Meet with Chinese Anti-Monopoly Agencies in Beijing

Source: United States Department of Justice

Headline: Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission Officials Meet with Chinese Anti-Monopoly Agencies in Beijing

Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and Acting Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen of the Federal Trade Commission participated in high-level bilateral meetings with officials responsible for China’s three anti-monopoly agencies: Vice Chairman Hu Zucai and Director General Zhang Handong of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Assistant Minister Li Chenggang and Director General Wu Zhenguo of the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), and Vice Minister Wang Jiangping and Director General Yang Hongcan of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC). NDRC Chairman He Lifeng welcomed Assistant Attorney General Delrahim and Acting Chairman Ohlhausen to NDRC before the meetings.

The meetings took place this week in Beijing, China, where participating agencies discussed their ongoing work to ensure fair and effective antitrust enforcement and increased cooperation between the agencies.  The meetings covered a wide range of topics, including enforcement and policy developments and priorities, the treatment of intellectual property, and future opportunities for cooperation.  In addition, the agencies exchanged views on the role of sound and effective procedures in competition enforcement and the importance of competition advocacy in promoting innovation.  The meetings will continue today and tomorrow, with separate meetings between U.S. antitrust enforcers and each of the three Chinese agencies.

Following the high-level bilateral meetings, Assistant Attorney General Delrahim spoke on competition, intellectual property and economic prosperity at an event co-hosted by the China Intellectual Property Law Society, the Peking University Intellectual Property Alumni Association, and the U.S. Embassy in Beijing.  Assistant Attorney General Delrahim discussed the importance of strong IP protections to a successful and vibrant economy, and shared his views regarding how competition enforcement should be calibrated to maximize innovation for the benefit of consumers.  He also addressed the role of international engagement in enhancing innovation and competition, and discussed his hopes for continued engagement between the United States and China on these issues.  

The U.S. delegation’s visit to China is the fourth occasion for joint, high-level meetings between the agencies since the Justice Department and the FTC signed an antitrust memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Chinese antitrust agencies on July 27, 2011.  The MOU is designed to promote communication and cooperation between the U.S. and Chinese antitrust enforcement agencies, and provides for periodic high-level consultations. 

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Police seek Steven Graham on recall to prison

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Police seek Steven Graham on recall to prison

Police in Kingston are appealing for help from the public to trace a man wanted on recall to prison.

Steven Graham, 44 (30.12.73), of Kingston, was released on licence from HMP Wandsworth on Friday, 29 December 2017. An emergency recall to prison was issued on the same day after Graham breached the conditions of his licence.

Graham is white, around 6ft tall, of stocky build, with blue eyes and short light brown hair. He has a scar in the centre of his forehead, a vertical scar above his right eye and the upper part of his left ear lobe missing.

Graham has links to Kingston, Richmond, Sutton, Merton, Wandsworth and the Epsom and Ewell areas in Surrey.

Anyone who sees Graham is asked not to approach him but call 999.

Anyone with information on Steven Graham’s whereabouts should call police 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Man sentenced for manslaughter – Reading

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Headline: Man sentenced for manslaughter – Reading

Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Ross said: “PC Gareth Browning put his life on the line to serve and protect the public and on 30 November 2013 he made the ultimate sacrifice when he was struck by a stolen vehicle.

“Gareth and a colleague used a stop stick in an attempt to stop the stolen car which was being driven by Luke Haywood, who was on day release from prison. The vehicle, which was being driven by Haywood recklessly and at speed, hit Gareth who suffered serious injuries and needed constant care from that day on.

“Gareth never recovered from his injuries and sadly he died on 1 April last year. Gareth’s death was a stark reminder of the sacrifices that police officers make across the country.

“Gareth was proud to be a police officer, and we could not be more proud of him.

“Gareth was a hugely respected police officer and friend whose colleagues have felt his loss every day since the incident occurred.

“He was also a wonderful husband and father and our thoughts still go out to his family who must miss him terribly.

“The force will continue to support Gareth’s family as well as staff and officers who have been affected by the incident.

“In April 2014 Haywood was jailed for nine years after pleading guilty to one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of aggravated vehicle taking and one count of going equipped for burglary. However, following Gareth’s death last year the Attorney General granted the authority to prosecute Haywood with manslaughter.

“Although I am satisfied that Haywood pleaded guilty to manslaughter and saved Gareth’s family and witnesses the painful task of attending court for trial, this is little consolation because no conviction or sentence will ever bring back Gareth.”

James Cable, Senior Crown Prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said: “This case represents a tragedy for Gareth’s family and friends, who have been devastated by his appalling injuries and his subsequent death. I cannot praise Gareth’s family enough; they have remained dignified and courageous throughout, despite the unimaginable nightmare they have endured.

“We have worked closely with Thames Valley Police since this investigation was launched, sought consent from the Attorney General to prosecute, as Haywood had already been convicted of offences arising out of the same incident, and as a result of the hard work and diligence of the prosecution team, a just outcome has been achieved. We know that nothing will bring Gareth back to his family and friends, but we hope that today’s conviction and sentence bring them at least a small sense that justice has been done. Our thoughts are very much with them all at this time.”

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Update on Didcot Power Station investigation following Coroner’s pre-inquest review

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Headline: Update on Didcot Power Station investigation following Coroner’s pre-inquest review

Thames Valley Police (TVP) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the partial collapse at Didcot A Power Station, which led to the deaths of Michael Collings, Ken Cresswell, Christopher Huxtable and John Shaw and also led to a number of men being injured.  

The joint investigation is being led by Thames Valley Police.

At the Coroner’s pre-inquest review, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Craig Kirby, who is leading the investigation, updated HM Coroner Mr D.M. Salter on the status of the investigation.

Following the pre-inquest review, DCI Kirby said: “We continue to carry out a thorough investigation in order to obtain answers for the affected families and friends who lost their loved ones, and those who were injured following the partial collapse at Didcot.

“This is an extremely wide scale and hugely complex investigation. 

“To date over 1900 witness statements have been taken by the investigative team, and a number of interviews have been conducted under caution in line with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984).

“These interviews have taken a significant length of time, and further interviews will need to be undertaken.

“The joint TVP and HSE investigative team continue to meet regularly with a specialist dedicated prosecutor from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to ensure that all lines of enquiry are being appropriately and robustly explored.

“At this time it is not possible for us to put a timeframe on the completion of the investigation however an initial file was submitted to the CPS at the end of December for investigative advice.

“On-site recovery of evidence continues to be a key line of enquiry, to understand why the boiler house collapsed.

“Clearance of boilers one and two has been completed, and independent contractors continue to clear boilers three and four. This work is expected to be completed by spring 2018.

“The site remains a crime scene with a 24/7 police scene guard. A TVP and HSE evidence recovery team continue to work on site.

“TVP and HSE remain committed to carrying out a thorough investigation to ascertain if any criminal or health and safety related offences have taken place, and to obtain justice for the families and all those affected.”

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Police Officer dismissed for gross misconduct

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Police Officer dismissed for gross misconduct

A police constable has been dismissed from the Metropolitan Police Service following a misconduct hearing.

PC Rae Layzell, attached to the East Area Command Unit, faced allegations that her conduct amounted to a breach of the Met’s standards of professional behaviour in respect of honesty and integrity, discreditable conduct and duties and responsibilities.

It was alleged that on 28 August 2016 PC Layzell had exhausted her annual leave entitlement and so dishonestly and inappropriately applied to take carer’s leave, under the pretence of taking a relative to a medical appointment. In fact she took a pre-booked flight at 17:45hrs on 30 September to go on holiday.

It was further alleged that PC Layzell was dishonest when she indicated that a flight she was booked on from abroad on 8 October had been delayed and then cancelled. An investigation found there were no cancellations or delays from the airport that day and PC Layzell had instead missed the flight.

The hearing also heard that PC Layzell failed to attend work on 9 and 10 October.

PC Layzell did not attend the two-day hearing, which began on Monday, 29 January.

The chair of the hearing, having considered all of the evidence, found one case of gross misconduct and one case of misconduct proven, and that PC Layzell had breached the standards of professional behaviour.

She was subsequently dismissed without notice.

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11 arrests and 16 victims safeguarded in operation against sexual exploitation of women

Source: Europol

Headline: 11 arrests and 16 victims safeguarded in operation against sexual exploitation of women

The victims were Nigerian women who were tricked into working as prostitutes by using voodoo threats to control them

The Spanish National Police, supported by Europol, have safeguarded 16 Nigerian women who were forced into prostitution in Zaragoza (Spain), and have arrested 11 members of a criminal network. The organised group operated from Europe, mainly in Spain, Italy, Germany and Denmark.

The women were recruited in the city of Benin in Nigeria, under false promises of a better life in Europe. Once recruited, they were trafficked to Spain, by using land routes to Libya, and from there to Italy by sea. Once on the Spanish territory they were handed over to a madam and forced into prostitution until they paid off their debt.

During an action day in Spain, Europol supported the investigation on the ground by deploying an analyst to Zaragoza equipped with a mobile office and a data extraction device. This allowed for real-time information exchange and cross-checks of the data gathered during the course of the action against Europol’s databases.

Voodoo threats used by human traffickers

The victims were coerced under voodoo threats by which they pledged to pay the debt incurred and not to denounce their exploiters to the police. This method, used by criminal organisations with women from Western Africa, aims to control women under threat of death for them or their family members if they do not comply with that commitment.

Victims can be controlled even through telephone conversations, making it unnecessary for the madams to be in the same physical location where the women are being exploited.

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Victim named – HMP Wormwood Scrubs murder

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Victim named – HMP Wormwood Scrubs murder

A murder investigation has been launched following the death of an inmate at HMP Wormwood Scrubs, Shepherd’s Bush, W12.

Police were called to the prison at 15:19hrs on Wednesday, 31 January following reports of a stabbing.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found a man suffering from stab wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Next of kin are aware.

While formal identification awaits, officers are confident the deceased is 25-year-old Saleh Khader.

A post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course.

Four men, all prisoners at HMP Wormwood Scrubs, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

They are:

[A] and [B] – both aged 21;
[C] – aged 20;
[D] – aged 23.

All four remain in police custody.

Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command are investigating.

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IP crime: high-level meeting on a joint strategy at Europol

Source: Europol

Headline: IP crime: high-level meeting on a joint strategy at Europol

Figures from studies produced by the OECD and EUIPO show that counterfeit and pirated products represent up to 5% of all EU imports, worth up to 85 billion. Brands that suffer the most from IP infringements are primarily registered in the EU.

The Europol-EUIPO joint report points out the significant involvement of organised crime in IP infringements.

Considering the above, a high level meeting took place at Europol, with representatives from CEPOL, EUIPO, Europol, Eurojust and the European Commission (OLAF, TAXUD, GROW) to discuss how to step up cooperation to fight IP crime.

During the meeting participants highlighted the importance of data exchange and analysis, as well as of enhanced cooperation between EU and national authorities. Concrete actions to make the fight against IP infringements more efficient and effective were discussed.

Participants expressed the wish to meet on a regular basis and to set up a framework to ensure that progress is made on agreed actions.