#AceNewsReport – Apr.03: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO): From approximately 2001 to September 2014, Mira Perez was a high-ranking member of La Oficina de Envigado (Oficina) a Colombia-based organized crime syndicate involved in the distribution of thousands of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia to locations worldwide, including the United States:
ICE removes Colombian crime syndicate leader: ‘Fredy Alonzo Mira Perez, a/k/a Fredy Colas 54, of Medellín, Colombia, was sentenced by the U.S. District Court in Boston to seven years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $25,000 fine, and forfeiture of $4 million’
Among other things, the organization served as a debt-collection agency for narcotics traffickers; controlled the flow of narcotics through Medellín and its surroundings; and invested in shipments of narcotics to the United States and elsewhere around the world. Members of Oficina have been known to employ kidnapping, violence and extortion to achieve these ends.
As one of the leaders of Oficina, Mira Perez conspired with others to import cocaine into the United States and to invest the proceeds from those sales. For years, including from 2012 to 2014, Mira Perez’s served as Oficina’s principal debt collector. Mira Perez also was responsible for the collection of debts on behalf of other drug-trafficking organizations in Mexico and Colombia. These organizations contracted with Oficina to recoup missing drugs and drug proceeds. Among other things, Mira Perez adjudicated disputes regarding any drugs or drug money that was lost, stolen or seized by law enforcement, and he conducted investigations to determine which parties would bear responsibility for the missing drugs and drug money. Mira Perez then set a repayment schedule. Mira Perez typically charged a forty-percent commission on behalf of Oficina for all recovered drug money and he invested the commissions to fund the ongoing operations of Oficina.
Mira Perez surrendered to U.S. law enforcement officials in Bogotá, Colombia in March 2015, and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to invest illicit drug profits in April 2015. The U.S. Treasury Department, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), sanctioned Mira Perez and assigned him to the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list based on the aforementioned activities.
Today, he was handed over to Columbian officials without incident.
ICE is charged with enforcing federal immigration laws enacted by Congress.
Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 1 (866) 347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.
#AceNewsReport – Apr.02: On Monday, March, 29, Officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) removed an Colombian crime syndicate leader sentenced to prison in connection with his role in a conspiracy to invest the proceeds from the sale of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine.
ICE removes Colombian crime syndicate leader: ‘Fredy Alonzo Mira Perez, a/k/a Fredy Colas 54, of Medellín, Colombia, was sentenced by the U.S. District Court in Boston to seven years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $25,000 fine, and forfeiture of $4 million’
From approximately 2001 to September 2014, Mira Perez was a high-ranking member of La Oficina de Envigado (Oficina) a Colombia-based organized crime syndicate involved in the distribution of thousands of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia to locations worldwide, including the United States. Among other things, the organization served as a debt-collection agency for narcotics traffickers; controlled the flow of narcotics through Medellín and its surroundings; and invested in shipments of narcotics to the United States and elsewhere around the world. Members of Oficina have been known to employ kidnapping, violence and extortion to achieve these ends.
As one of the leaders of Oficina, Mira Perez conspired with others to import cocaine into the United States and to invest the proceeds from those sales. For years, including from 2012 to 2014, Mira Perez’s served as Oficina’s principal debt collector. Mira Perez also was responsible for the collection of debts on behalf of other drug-trafficking organizations in Mexico and Colombia. These organizations contracted with Oficina to recoup missing drugs and drug proceeds. Among other things, Mira Perez adjudicated disputes regarding any drugs or drug money that was lost, stolen or seized by law enforcement, and he conducted investigations to determine which parties would bear responsibility for the missing drugs and drug money. Mira Perez then set a repayment schedule. Mira Perez typically charged a forty-percent commission on behalf of Oficina for all recovered drug money and he invested the commissions to fund the ongoing operations of Oficina.
Mira Perez surrendered to U.S. law enforcement officials in Bogotá, Colombia in March 2015, and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to invest illicit drug profits in April 2015. The U.S. Treasury Department, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), sanctioned Mira Perez and assigned him to the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list based on the aforementioned activities.
Today, he was handed over to Columbian officials without incident.
ICE is charged with enforcing federal immigration laws enacted by Congress.
Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 1 (866) 347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.
#AceNewsReport – Mar.26: Hundreds of thousands of farmers have been protesting on the outskirts of Delhi for nearly two weeks, blocking many of the main arteries into the capital: Farmers are protesting against laws that deregulate the sale of crops, allowing private buyers more free rein in a marketplace that has long been dominated by government subsidies. Farmers say the reforms to laws that have long protected small landholders’ place in the market will put them at risk of losing their businesses and land to big corporations:
Farmers fighting against Modi reforms but the government says the reforms are necessary to increase the efficiency of India’s huge but meager farming sector, which accounts for nearly half of the country’s workforce but makes up only 16% of GDP:
The explosive demonstrations show the difficulty the Indian government faces passing economic reforms in such a large sector where there are many vested interests. It is also an example of an emerging trend of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popular government running into trouble after pushing through significant laws unilaterally.
Here’s what to know about the Indian farmer protests:
What have the protests been like?
The protests began in August in the states of Punjab and Haryana, and marched on Delhi in November. There, they were met by a heavy-handed police response. Officers used tear gas and water cannon on protesters in late November. And on Dec. 1 they detained Bilkis, an 82 year-old woman who became a figurehead of demonstrations against a controversial citizenship law earlier this year, who joined the farmers out of solidarity. Farmers received worldwide shows of support too, with diaspora communities protesting on their behalf in the U.K. and Canada.
Although some economists say the reforms are necessary, many have criticized the manner in which the laws were imposed. In September, at the height of the pandemic in India, the government succeeded in passing three agricultural reform laws in a short session of parliament, using a parliamentary maneuver to push through the reforms in the upper house. There was also barely any consultation with farmers. “The government did not consult a single farmers’ organization,” says Yogendra Yadav, the national president of Swaraj India, a political party that is supporting the farmers’ demands.
Since India’s “Green Revolution” in the 1960s, the Indian government has run a scheme where it guarantees farmers a set price for certain crops. Combined with advances in farming technology, that system has helped India move from widespread hunger to big annual food surpluses. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March, officials estimated there would be 100 million tons of grain available to see India through the lockdown, enough to last at least 18 months. But the system has also affected crop diversity, impacted the environment and disproportionately benefited larger farms over smaller ones.
The new laws do not eradicate the guaranteed minimum prices, which will remain in place. But they do get rid of previous restrictions on corporations buying land and stockpiling commodities beyond a certain level. They allow businesses to bypass markets where farmers’ produce is normally sold, and strike direct deals that farmers worry will be less subject to regulations. They also outlaw the practice of stubble burning, a change that farmers have demanded be reversed despite its environmental benefits.
“There’s no doubt that agriculture and markets need a lot of very serious public investment and reform,” says Mekhala Krishnamurthy, a senior fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, a New Delhi think tank. “We have a situation where Indian agriculture is the site of enormous livelihoods and economic opportunity, but it has also been riddled with huge challenges and a lot of economic distress.”
Why have farmers been resistant to the reforms?
While the government says the new laws will “empower farmers,” farmers’ unions say that the rule changes are not policies they have asked for. Instead, they fear that instead of trying to help farmers, the government is opening the door to big corporations who may eventually force them off their land and out of business.
“For many years, a certain agri-business lobby, backed by some of the biggest corporations in the county, has been wanting to enter agriculture,” says Yadav, of Swaraj India. “Similar proposals were put to previous governments as well, but no government had the political courage to do it because they knew it would be very unpopular with the farmers. There are large groups which want to enter agriculture. The problem is the laws in the country which do not allow big corporations to purchase land.”
What farmers really want, says Yadav, is the government to actually guarantee that its minimum prices for farm produce are accessible to all farmers. Currently, Yadav says, as many as 80% of farmers don’t receive the promised amount. “The government announces the minimum support price every year, but it remains on paper,” he says. “Because the government doesn’t back it with a system where farmers are actually assured that price.”
How widespread are the protests, and what is likely to happen next?
Farmers from across north India have resisted the reforms, but the protests have by and large been led by unions from Punjab and Haryana, two relatively prosperous states where the government-mandated markets are most developed, and where the government buys a majority of the wheat and rice produced by farmers.
“Farmers who depend on the system are worried that it will be removed over time, and they are not sure what will come in its place,” says Krishnamurthy. “The narrative is that private investment will come in its place. But that is not something that gives a lot of farmers a great deal of comfort.”
The protests so far have won the unions access to the government for negotiations. Three rounds of talks have happened so far, but have been inconclusive. More are scheduled for Wednesday. “The protests and the negotiations are the beginning of a process that should have started at the beginning,” Krishnamurthy says. “When you bring consequential reforms like this, without having adequate consultation and consensus building, there is a genuine expression of anxiety and concern.”
#AceNewsReport – Mar.22: Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman, San Diego FBI Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner and San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today condemned racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States and urged members of the community to report hate-based crimes and incidents to law enforcement.
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – March 19, 2021
San Diego Law Enforcement Leaders Condemn Anti-Asian Hate Crimes: Acts of hate have no place in our community,” Grossman said. “No one should be targeted because of who they are or where they are from. When someone is targeted because of their race or ethnicity, terror reverberates to every member of their community. We want to receive reports of activities motivated by hate so that we can address civil rights violations, as well as hate and bias incidents.”
Southern District of California
Kelly Thornton (619) 546-9726
“The FBI and our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office simply won’t tolerate crimes spurred by hate and which are meant to intimidate and isolate the groups targeted,” said SAC Turner. “People of all races, ethnicity and national origins deserve to feel safe in their communities. If a crime is shown to be motivated by bias, it will be investigated by the FBI and the perpetrators held responsible for their actions.” SAC Turner emphasized, “Today, we are reminding the public to report information regarding any hate crime to the FBI.” Members of the public may report a potential hate crime to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at www.tips.fbi.gov.
“Hate crimes are despicable and inexcusable, said Stephan. “Protecting our community from hate crimes is a priority for my office because hate erodes our right to equality and fairness, leaves a lasting impact on the victim and instills fear in the wider community. Hate won’t be tolerated, and I encourage the community to report both hate incidents and hate crimes.” Stephan said the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office has seen a three-fold increase in hate crimes targeting Asian communities in San Diego County and is currently prosecuting several such criminal cases. The DA’s Office has established an online tool at SanDiegoDA.com where the public can directly report suspected hate crimes.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation review information and community reports about potential hate crimes for potential prosecution, and also provide assistance to local, state, and tribal law enforcement with investigations of hate crimes through their participation in the San Diego Regional Anti-Hate Crime Coalition. Local leaders, including Assistant U.S. Attorney and Civil Rights Enforcement Coordinator Christopher Tenorio and Deputy District Attorney and Lead Hate Crimes Prosecutor Leonard Trinh, will participate in a webinar hosted by Alliant International University ABC 10 News, San Diego, on March 23, 2021, titled “Unpacking Domestic Terrorism: Combating Hate & Targeted Violence Against the Asian-American Community.”
For information about this event, please see attached flyer.
The most recent statistics on hate crimes are available here 2019 Hate Crime Statistics from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report.
Additional resources regarding hate crimes and bias incidents are here:
‘Three arrests after cannabis factory discovered in Edgware: ‘Three people have been arrested after officers found a large amount of cannabis at a property in Edgware & around £40,000 worth of cannabis and bags containing approximately £20,000 in cash’
#AceNewsReport – Mar.21: Following a thorough search they also discovered a large amount of cannabis plants in an outbuilding behind the property. Officers estimate they are worth around £15,000.
[A large number of plants were found in an outbuilding behind the property]
[A large number of plants were found in an outbuilding behind the property]
A 41-year-old man, a 33-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs and the cultivation of cannabis. They remain in custody.
Sergeant Sean O’Connor, from the Viper unit, said: “Illegal drugs have no place on the streets of London and we will do everything we can to disrupt those involving in supplying them.”
If you have information about the illegal supply of drugs in your area, call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
#AceNewsReport – Mar.20: Two further men, aged 60 and 31, were also detained on suspicion of conspiring to supply class A drugs, offences not connected to the Belfast seizure:
Belfast cocaine haul investigation – NCA makes three more arrests: ‘A 46-year-old woman was today (18 March) detained in Wolverhampton on suspicion of involvement in the conspiracy to supply the drugs, which were recovered in empty fuel tank being transported in a van at Belfast port on Monday 22 February & a 60-year-old was additionally arrested on suspicion of firearms offences’
National Crime Agency officers investigating the seizure of cocaine worth around £1.6 million in Belfast in February have made three more arrests: All three are now being questioned by NCA investigators: Two men, including the driver of the van intercepted as it came off a ferry from Birkenhead into Belfast, have already been charged in connection with the haul. A third man was arrested and bailed:
NCA Branch Commander Adam Warnock said: “Our investigation has now broadened to take in alleged offences above and beyond the Belfast seizure. Today’s arrests reflect that, and our enquiries continue.”
#AceNewsReport – Mar.19: During the plea hearing in federal court, Bush admitted that on Oct. 24, 2018, he drove to a Kroger grocery store in Jeffersontown armed with a Smith & Wesson, model 411, .40-caliber pistol. In the store, Bush followed a Black man, who was shopping with his grandson, for the length of an aisle before pulling the gun from his waistband and shooting the victim in the back of the head. Bush then shot the victim several more times in the torso, killing him. Bush had no prior relationship with the victim and chose to shoot him because of the victim’s race. Bush then re-holstered his gun and calmly walked out of the store:
Kroger Shooter Pleads Guilty to Federal Hate Crimes and Firearm Offenses: ‘Gregory A. Bush, 53, of Louisville, pleaded guilty to federal hate crime and firearm charges arising out of his racially motivated murder of two Black patrons at a Kroger grocery store, and his attempted murder of a third, on Oct. 24, 2018, in Jeffersontown, Kentucky. Bush previously pleaded guilty-but-mentally-ill to state charges for murder, attempted murder, and wanton endangerment arising out of the shooting, and was sentenced to a life term in state prison’
In the parking lot, Bush walked up to a Black woman, and shot her several times in the head and body, killing her. Bush had no prior relationship with this victim and chose to shoot her because of her race.
Seconds later, Bush encountered a Black man who was in lawful possession of a handgun. The third victim asked Bush what was going on, and Bush, without responding, began walking toward him with the gun drawn. The third victim fired at Bush, and Bush returned fire. After about a minute, Bush stopped shooting and walked away. Bush had no prior relationship with the third victim and chose to shoot at him because of his race. Bush next encountered a white man, who was legally armed with a firearm. Bush told him, “Don’t shoot me [and] I won’t shoot you. Whites don’t shoot whites.”
“Today’s guilty plea will ensure that a violent and disturbed man will never get another chance to target and terrorize the Black community,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan for the Civil Rights Division. “It won’t bring back two pillars of the Louisville community, whose tragic and senseless deaths we mourn, but we hope it sends the message that the Justice Department will work tirelessly to bring perpetrators of bias-motivated violence to justice.”
“The work of the Jeffersontown Police Department, FBI and ATF in responding to and thoroughly investigating this tragic event is commendable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky. “The outstanding effort of the federal prosecutors assigned to this case and the solid working relationship we have with our state counterparts in the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office were instrumental in bringing about this plea.”
“The senseless murder of two of our citizens because of their race has no place in our community. Hate cannot, and will not, win,” said FBI Louisville Special Agent in Charge Robert Brown. “Today’s guilty plea is just one example of the Justice Department’s and the FBI’s commitment to protecting civil rights for all and vindicating the rights of violent crime victims.”
“In its mission to protect our nation, ATF stands committed to swiftly arresting those who create terror in our communities through violent acts of hate,” stated Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Louisville Field Division. “In this instance, two Louisville African-Americans were gunned down while shopping for groceries – merely due to the color of their skin. ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to seek justice for the victims and families of violent hate crimes and we will work tirelessly to enforce laws to prevent these tragedies.”
Bush faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Bush’s sentencing in federal court will be held on June 24, 2021.
This case was investigated by the FBI Louisville Office, the ATF Louisville Field Division and the Jeffersontown Police Department and was prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Perras of the Civil Rights Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Gregory of the Western District of Kentucky.
A Kentucky man pleaded guilty today to federal hate crimes and firearm charges arising out of the racially motivated shootings of Black individuals at a grocery store.
Gregory A. Bush, 53, of Louisville, pleaded guilty to federal hate crime and firearm charges arising out of his racially motivated murder of two Black patrons at a Kroger grocery store, and his attempted murder of a third, on Oct. 24, 2018, in Jeffersontown, Kentucky. Bush previously pleaded guilty-but-mentally-ill to state charges for murder, attempted murder, and wanton endangerment arising out of the shooting, and was sentenced to a life term in state prison.
During the plea hearing in federal court, Bush admitted that on Oct. 24, 2018, he drove to a Kroger grocery store in Jeffersontown armed with a Smith & Wesson, model 411, .40-caliber pistol. In the store, Bush followed a Black man, who was shopping with his grandson, for the length of an aisle before pulling the gun from his waistband and shooting the victim in the back of the head. Bush then shot the victim several more times in the torso, killing him. Bush had no prior relationship with the victim and chose to shoot him because of the victim’s race. Bush then re-holstered his gun and calmly walked out of the store.
In the parking lot, Bush walked up to a Black woman, and shot her several times in the head and body, killing her. Bush had no prior relationship with this victim and chose to shoot her because of her race.
Seconds later, Bush encountered a Black man who was in lawful possession of a handgun. The third victim asked Bush what was going on, and Bush, without responding, began walking toward him with the gun drawn. The third victim fired at Bush, and Bush returned fire. After about a minute, Bush stopped shooting and walked away. Bush had no prior relationship with the third victim and chose to shoot at him because of his race. Bush next encountered a white man, who was legally armed with a firearm. Bush told him, “Don’t shoot me [and] I won’t shoot you. Whites don’t shoot whites.”
“Today’s guilty plea will ensure that a violent and disturbed man will never get another chance to target and terrorize the Black community,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan for the Civil Rights Division. “It won’t bring back two pillars of the Louisville community, whose tragic and senseless deaths we mourn, but we hope it sends the message that the Justice Department will work tirelessly to bring perpetrators of bias-motivated violence to justice.”
“The work of the Jeffersontown Police Department, FBI and ATF in responding to and thoroughly investigating this tragic event is commendable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky. “The outstanding effort of the federal prosecutors assigned to this case and the solid working relationship we have with our state counterparts in the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office were instrumental in bringing about this plea.”
“The senseless murder of two of our citizens because of their race has no place in our community. Hate cannot, and will not, win,” said FBI Louisville Special Agent in Charge Robert Brown. “Today’s guilty plea is just one example of the Justice Department’s and the FBI’s commitment to protecting civil rights for all and vindicating the rights of violent crime victims.”
“In its mission to protect our nation, ATF stands committed to swiftly arresting those who create terror in our communities through violent acts of hate,” stated Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Louisville Field Division. “In this instance, two Louisville African-Americans were gunned down while shopping for groceries – merely due to the color of their skin. ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to seek justice for the victims and families of violent hate crimes and we will work tirelessly to enforce laws to prevent these tragedies.”
Bush faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Bush’s sentencing in federal court will be held on June 24, 2021.
This case was investigated by the FBI Louisville Office, the ATF Louisville Field Division and the Jeffersontown Police Department and was prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Perras of the Civil Rights Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Gregory of the Western District of Kentucky.
#AceNewsReport – Mar.19: A Florida man was charged with federal hate crime in Ocala for setting fire to a church: According to the indictment, Shields intentionally set fire to the Queen of Peace Catholic Church on July 11, 2020. The indictment alleges that he was motivated to set this fire due to the religious character of the church. Shields is charged with one count of intentional damage to religious property, a hate crime charge that falls under the Church Arson Prevention Act, and one count of using fire to commit a felony:
Florida Man Charged with Federal Hate Crime: ‘Steven Shields, 24, of Dunnellon, was charged with setting fire to and damaging the Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala by a federal grand jury in Orlando, who returned an indictment against him’
For more information and resources about the department’s work to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.
If convicted, Shields faces a maximum term of 20 years imprisonment for intentionally damaging religious property. Shields faces an additional mandatory minimum of 10 years for using fire to commit a felony. He also faces up to three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution.
The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Florida State Fire Marshal, the Florida Bureau of Fire and Arson Explosives Investigations, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion County Fire and Rescue Department and the Ocala Police Department conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert E. Bodnar Jr. of the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Maura White of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation and Shields is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
#AceNewsReport – Mar.13: The man is a serving Metropolitan Police officer in the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command. His primary role was uniformed patrol duties of diplomatic premises:
Sarah Everard investigation: man remains in custody: ‘The man, who is aged in his 40s, was arrested on the evening of Tuesday, 9 March on suspicion of kidnap. Today, Wednesday, 10 March, he has been further arrested on suspicion of murder and a separate allegation of indecent exposure’
#AceNewsReport – Mar.13: Both men have been remanded into custody ahead of an appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court today (Friday 12 March 2021).
Two men have been charged with a range of drug and firearm offences: ‘Nathan Loftus (19/04/1983) of Wilton Drive, Bury’
•Two counts of conspiring to import a class A controlled drug •One count of conspiring to import a class B controlled drug •Two counts of conspiring to supply a class A controlled drug •Conspiring to supply a class B controlled drug •Participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group •Concealing criminal property •Conspiring to sell/transfer a prohibited weapon/ammunition •Selling/transferring a prohibited weapon/ammunition
Sean Doyle (17/04/1991) of Wavertree Road, Blackley has been charged with:
•Possession of criminal property •Two counts of conspiring to supply a class A controlled drug •Conspiring to supply a class B controlled drug
At around 6am on Thursday 11 March officers executed warrants in Heywood, Hollins and Blackley as part of Operation Foam.
Two men were arrested on suspicion of a range of drug, firearm and laundering offences. A large quantity of cash and other property were also seized.
#AceNewsReport – Mar.13: When the girl’s teacher became suspicious the police were informed and Clarke was arrested in January 2020 after he was identified through phone records: Despite knowing her age they started to exchange explicit photos: Clarke was also given a sex offence prevention order and ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register:
Warwick man jailed for grooming 14-year-old girl: ‘A man who groomed a teenage girl has been jailed for 20 months: Jason William Clarke, aged 47, of Webb Drive, Warwick started chatting to the 14-year-old online in 2019’
Detective Constable Claire Scott from Warwickshire Police CID said: “Clarke showed typical behaviours associated with grooming. He made his victim feel special to the point where she believed they were in love; in fact he was just grooming her for his own sexual gratification: “ His actions continue to have a huge impact on his victim who has shown great bravery in supporting this investigation.”
What is grooming?
Grooming is when someone builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with someone so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them.
Spotting the signs of child grooming.
Spotting the signs of a child being groomed can be difficult. They may include:
Being secretive, especially around their online activity
Having an older boyfriend or girlfriend
Having money or new things such as mobile phones or clothes they can’t or won’t account for
Drinking or taking drugs
Spending more or less time online
Being upset, withdrawn or distressed
Sexualised behaviour not appropriate for their age
Going missing from home.
How to report concern around grooming
If someone is in immediate danger dial 999
If it is not an emergency call police on 101
Visit a police station to speak to an officer in person
Contact the NSPCC to speak to a professional practitioner
#AceNewsReport – Mar.12: Officers quickly identified two suspects and they were detained in Draycott Road where the knives were recovered:
Knives recovered and teenagers arrested in Coventry: ‘A 16-year-old boy was approached by three youths in Blackberry Lane, Walsgrave, at around 3pm yesterday (10 March) He was pursued by the group, but thankfully managed to escape, as officers responded to a series of calls and rushed to the area’
‘The teens, aged 14 and 16, have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and remain in custody for questioning: This is being treated as an isolated incident and we’re continuing with our enquiries’
11th March 2021:
We’re particularly keen to identify a third suspect and anyone with information or dash cam footage is asked to contact us via Live Chat or by calling 101. Quote 20CV/68807V/21.
#AceNewsReport – Mar.12: On January 28, 2018, Sanchez-Laporte and four other alleged members of the Trinidad Drug Trafficking Organization confronted four individuals selling narcotics in Reading, Pennsylvania, in a location operated and controlled by the Trinidad DTO. The confrontation escalated into threats, then Sanchez-Laporte and associates allegedly opened fire on the individuals. Three victims died at the scene, with the fourth, Sanchez-Laporte’s nephew, succumbing to his wounds at the hospital:
Help the FBI Locate Fugitive Pedro Sanchez-Laporte together with Berks County District Attorney’s Office: ‘They are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Pedro Sanchez-Laporte, wanted in connection with a quadruple murder and for gun and drug crimes’
Press release below in both English and Spanish.
Sanchez-Laporte’s associates have been indicted, arrested, and are awaiting trial in this case; only Sanchez-Laporte remains at large. He is believed to travel between Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico.
The FBI is announcing a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to Pedro Sanchez-Laporte’s arrest and conviction.
Anyone with information that may be helpful to investigators is asked to contact their local FBI office, the nearest American embassy or consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
Attached are Wanted posters for Sanchez-Laporte in English and Spanish. He is also to be featured on billboards in Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico, and has been added to FBI.gov.
El FBI y la Fiscalía Federal del Condado de Berks solicitan la asistencia del público para localizar a Pedro Sanchez-Laporte, quien es buscado en relación con un múltiple asesinato, y crímenes de armas y drogas.
El 25 de enero de 2018, Sanchez-Laporte y otros cuatro alegados miembros de la Organización de Trasiego de Drogas de Trinidad, enfrentaron a cuatro individuos que vendían drogas en Reading, Pennsylvania, en una localización controlada por dicha organización. La confrontación escaló a amenazas, cuando Sanchez-Laporte y sus asociados abrieron fuego en contra de los individuos. Tres de las víctimas perecieron en la escena, mientras que el cuarto, el sobrino de Sanchez-Laporte, murió por sus heridas en el hospital.
Los asociados de Sanchez-Laporte han sido acusados, arrestados, y se encuentran esperando juicio en este caso; sólo Sanchez-Laporte se permanece en libertad. Se cree que viaja entre Pennsylvania y Puerto Rico.
El FBI está anunciando una recompensa de hasta $25,000 por información que conduzca al arresto y convicción de Sanchez-Laporte.
Se exhorta a que cualquier persona con información que pueda ser útil para los investigadores del caso contacte su oficina local del FBI, la embajada americana amas cercana o deje una confidencia a través de tips.fbi.gov. Confidentes podrán permanecer anónimos.
Se acompañan afiches de SE BUSCA para Sanchez-Laporte en español y el inglés. Sus imágenes también serán publicadas en “billboards” en Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico, y ha sido añadido a FBI.gov.
#AceNewsReport – Mar.11: It happened shortly before 3 p.m. on Feb. 24 near the corner of 179th Street and University Avenue in University Heights.
‘ Man Seen On Video Stabbing Teen On Scooter In The Bronx, Police Say the 15-year-old victim was sitting on his scooter when the suspect walked up and started arguing with him’
Surveillance video shows the argument turn physical, with the suspect stabbing the teen multiple times: Police said he took off heading east on West Burnside Avenue:
(Credit: NYPD)
The victim was taken to the hospital, where he was treated and released.
Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call the NYPD’sCrime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip via their website or on Twitter, @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.
#AceNewsReport – Mar.10: The first incident occurred on 31 December 2020 at around 17:00hrs. A girl was approached by a male who first exposed himself and then attempted to sexually assault her. He ran off when the victim screamed:
Detectives issue appeal after two linked sex offences in Peckham Rye Park: ‘On both occasions the male has approached girls aged under 13 and exposed himself and he is described as Asian, with black wavy or curly hair, 5ft 2ins to 5ft 4ins tall and around 15-years of age’
The male was wearing a brown or black padded jacket, black trousers and black shoes.
The second incident happened on Tuesday, 2 March at approximately 16:00hrs. A male exposed himself and performed a lewd act in front of two girls.
At this time the male was wearing a black hooded top with a white circle on shoulder and white draw strings. He was also wearing grey tracksuit bottoms.
These incidents are currently being treated as linked and detectives from Central South Safeguarding are leading the investigation.
The girls and their families are being supported by specially trained officers.
Detective Inspector Richard Poynter said: “I understand that incidents of this nature are both shocking and concerning for the local community. I want to reassure local residents that since these two offences were reported to us we have increased uniformed patrols in and around the park: “ If you have any information about who this person could be it is imperative that you get in touch with us as soon as possible. Likewise if you have observed a young man acting suspiciously in the park matching the description given please make contact.”
If you have any information that could help the investigation please call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC providing the reference cad 5015 of 2 March: Alternatively information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
#AceNewsReport – Mar.10: A 17-year-old male who had sustained a gunshot wound was transported to a south London hospital by the London Ambulance Service where he remains in a serious but stable condition:
Appeal for witnesses following Lambeth shooting: ‘On Friday, 5 March at 21:44hrs, police were called to Blacktree Mews, SW9 following reports that a person had been shot’
Police believe that the shooting took place nearby at the junction of St James Crescent and Fyfield Road, SW9 at 21:36hrs.
An investigation was launched immediately after the incident, but so far no arrests have been made.
Detectives are appealing for the public’s help and for anyone who was in the area at the time and might have witnessed the incident or anything suspicious to get in touch.
Anyone with information that could help officers should call 101, using the reference CAD 7558/05MAR21: To provide information anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
#AceNewsReport – Mar.07: The police claimed the killer was the family head, Ram Chand, who slit throats of his wife, three children over suspicion that his wife had illicit relations:
Five-member Hindu family found slaughtered in their house: ‘Police have recovered murder weapons including a knife and an axe & four members of the Hindu family including a boy, two girls and their mother were slaughtered in mysterious circumstances’
Those murdered were identified as 12-year-old Prem Kumar, 10-year-old Anjali and four-year-old Aneeqa. Their mother was identified as Lakshmi Mai. Ram Chand was also found in critical condition, who later succumbed to his wounds at Shaikh Zayed Hospital, police said: The complainant, Terath Ram, a brother of Lakshmi Mai, lodged his complaint stating that his brother-in-law, Ram Chand, slit throats of his family members over suspicions: Family sources said Lakshmi Mai used to tease her husband often with complains of lack of financial resources to spend a reasonable life:
Social activist Birbal Das in Rahim Yar Khan told The News Ram Chand was a Meghwal Hindu and he was 35-36 years old. He was running a tailoring shop for a long time. He was a peaceful man and living a happy life, and the incident was quite shocking for everyone.
South Punjab Additional Inspector General Police Capt (retd) Zafar Iqbal ordered for speedy investigation into the killings and sought detailed report from the police concerned.
The Rahim Yar Khan police submitted an initial report, claiming that the family head had slit throats of all his family members and himself. Rahim Yar Khan Airport Police Station registered the FIR No 41/21 and launched an investigation.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar took notice of the incident and directed the authorities concerned to arrest the culprits at the earliest.
#AceNewsReport – Mar.07: The cocaine would be worth an estimated £1.6 million if sold on the streets of London: Vidiol Muratas and Fatjon Nakaj, both Albanian nationals aged 43 and 31, were arrested at the property and have since been charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs:
‘Two charged after £1.6m worth of cocaine and cash found in London flat: Two men have been arrested following the seizure of 20kg of cocaine and £25,000 in cash at a flat in Rotherhithe, South East London’
They appeared at Croydon Magistrates Court yesterday and were remanded in custody.
Matt McMillan from the Organised Crime Partnership said:
“We take the threat from the criminal networks involved in class A drug supply extremely seriously.
“Under the Organised Crime Partnership, the NCA and Met Police are particularly focused on disrupting the flow of illegal drugs through London and the serious violence associated with this criminality.”
#AceNewsReport – Mar.06: The sentence comes as a result of NCA’s Operation Venetic, a large scale crackdown on criminal use of encrypted communications platform Encrochat.
Five and a half years in jail for drug dealing money launderer: ‘Operation Venetic uncovered various conversations between Oliffe and other criminals facilitating the exchange of up to £50,000 at a time which Oliffe said that he would then launder through associates in Dubai’ over crackdown on EncroChat’
‘The messages illustrated that the initial exchanges of £50,000 were done to build trust so that Oliffe could then begin laundering amounts between £200k and £500k………There was also discussion of a criminal associate who was looking for somebody to launder £4m for them’
Richard Oliffe, 34 of Beckenham, Kent had been using Encrochat to communicate with fellow criminals to arrange the laundering of criminal cash over a period of at least two months. He also used the platform to buy cocaine which he then sold on.
Oliffe appeared at Southwark Crown Court yesterday, 05 March, where he received the five years and six months sentence.
Messages also showed that Oliffe was engaged in the supply of cocaine.
On 25 September 2020, Oliffe was arrested at Euston Train Station in possession of a bag containing £34,960. He was later charged with money laundering by OCP officers.
Officers searching Oliffe’s house in Hayes, Kent and found small amounts of cocaine and a £1k of cash.
Oliffe pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and money laundering.
Matt McMillan OCP Operations Manager said “Richard Oliffe believed he could use an encrypted device to conduct his criminal activity under the radar, using it to launder large quantities and to supply cocaine: “ Cash is the lifeblood of organised crime, and money launderers like Oliffe provide an essential service, allowing criminal networks to benefit from their crime and invest in further criminality: “ Removing Oliffe from the chain will have dealt a blow to the criminal networks he worked for: “ This investigation shows the commitment of the NCA and Metropolitan Police to ensure money launderers and drug suppliers face justice.”
#AceNewsReport – Mar.06: Peter Tomlinson, 63, admitted 20 charges, including ten of paying for the sexual services of a girl under 13 – by arranging, directing and paying for the live-streamed sexual abuse of children in the Philippines:
18 years for former Chamber of Commerce president who live-streamed child sexual abuse: ‘Peter Tomlinson paid for girls as young as five to be abused in the Philippines Tomlinson paid £5,511 via 127 transactions to accounts in the Philippines between May 2015 and April 2017 for a mix of live-streamed child sexual abuse (CSA) and adult sex shows’
05 march 2021
When arrested by NCA officers in October 2019 at his home on Baring Road, Cowes, he said: “The thing you’re looking for is on my computer in there. It is my escape from reality. That is all it is.”
The NCA uncovered evidence that over a three-year period (2016-2019), he repeatedly paid facilitators for the live-streamed abuse of at least eleven young girls.
The youngest was just five when the abuse began. In January 2018, Tomlinson paid £22 to view a live sex show he had requested involving the child.
In a further exchange January 2019, he said he would pay a Filipino woman £7.66 if she performed a sex act on a ten-year-old girl.
Investigators unearthed proof of thousands of messages between Tomlinson and the female facilitator – who has been arrested and the children safeguarded.
They exchanged 4,166 lines of chat on Skype – 358 indicated to be video calls and 3,809 text messages.
During those calls Tomlinson repeatedly asked for “harder” abuse footage, spelling out what he wanted to see and then complaining about what he received.
In June 2018 he paid the woman £12.99 and then complained saying for that price: “I will expect a show with two girls for 30 minutes.”
Communication between Tomlinson and the woman was at all times of the day and night with him telling her: “I am busy in meetings” and “I’m still working”.
During interview with NCA officers he admitted arranging, directing and paying for live streamed CSA and possessing indecent images of children.
His electronic devices contained 47 category A images (the most severe), 148 category B, 353 category C and 46 extreme images.
Tomlinson pleaded guilty to the initial 12 counts put to him – which included paying for the abuse of two young girls and making indecent images of children, – at Newport Magistrates Court on 18 December 2020.
NCA investigators charged him with the additional eight counts in February this year after proving he was responsible for the abuse of a further nine children in the Philippines.
Today at Newport Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to the eight charges and was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
NCA operations manager Phil Eccles said: “Peter Tomlinson believed he could carry out his sickening offences from the comfort of his own home and get away with it: “ He was directly responsible for the most heinous abuse of children thousands of miles away from him: “ Live-streaming sex crimes exploits the vulnerable; he was helped in this case by facilitators whose motive is to make money: “ Live-streaming is a key threat to the UK, and one of the main forms of financially-driven offending, for which the Philippines remains a key hub: “ The NCA does important work with international law enforcement partners in the Philippines to combat these sorts of crimes: “Anyone like Tomlinson should know that the NCA and UK police will never give up our pursuit of offenders who commit these horrific crimes.”
Child protection charity The Lucy Faithfull Foundation also runs the Stop It Now! helpline – 0808 1000 900 – which offers confidential advice to anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s behaviour towards children. www.lucyfaithfull.org.uk
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