New York Man Charged in Multi-State Organized Cargo-Theft Conspiracy

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

BOSTON – A New York man has been arrested and charged for allegedly conspiring to infiltrate email accounts of legitimate truck-load carriers, using the hacked accounts to book cargo with shippers and selling the items for illicit profit. The goods allegedly stolen include over 33,000 pounds of frozen snow crab, pallets of blueberries and more than $400,000 of designer cologne.

Illegal Sex Trafficking Ringleader Indicted in the District of Utah

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a Venezuelan national who was residing in the United States illegally with sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion after he allegedly threatened a commercial sex worker prior to transporting the alleged victim to Utah to continue doing commercial sex work under threat of force. 

Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Biofuel Fraud Conspiracy

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

The owner of a company that produces and sells renewable fuel and fuel credits pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida to conspiracy for his role in a scheme that generated over $7 million in fraudulent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) renewable fuels credits and sought over $6 million in fraudulent tax credits connected to the purported production of biodiesel.

According to court documents, Christopher Burdett, 59, owned a biofuel company based in Fort Pierce, Florida, that claimed to turn various feedstocks into biodiesel. However, when reporting to the IRS and the EPA the number of gallons they produced, Burdett and his company vastly overstated their production volume to generate more credits. When auditors sought more information from the company, Burdett and general manager Royce Gillham, who was sentenced last year to 37 months in prison, provided false information about their fuel production and customers.

“The defendant’s fraud undermines the integrity of EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard and hurts farmers and refiners who follow the law,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “This guilty plea is another example of the Justice Department’s broader efforts to hold those accountable, like Burdett and Gillham, who defraud American taxpayers.”

“The defendants compromised the core of a program designed to secure abundant renewable fuel. By claiming credit (RINs) for fuel they never produced or sold, the defendants not only defrauded American fuel producers and consumers but also compromised our energy security,” said Assistant Administrator Jeffrey A. Hall of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Lying to the federal government and to others under federal programs for profit is an elemental federal crime and intolerable in our society.”

“This was not a paperwork error or a regulatory misunderstanding — it was fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “The defendant inflated production numbers to steal millions in fuel and tax credits, taking money straight from taxpayers. Working closely with our partners at EPA and IRS, we will continue to hold accountable anyone who lies, cheats, and tries to game federal programs for personal profit.”

“Fraudulent tax schemes erode trust in our tax system and harm every honest taxpayer,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “Our mission is to ensure that those who attempt to exploit tax credits are identified and brought to justice, protecting the integrity of our nation’s tax laws.”

Burdett pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and to file false claims. He is scheduled to be sentenced in the coming months. The conspiracy count has a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine whether to accept the plea agreement after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and IRS Criminal Investigations investigated the case.

Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of ENRD and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Funk for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting this case.

ENRD is a member of the Department of Justice Trade Fraud Task Force, a cross-agency law enforcement effort that also involves the Criminal and Civil Divisions’ Fraud Sections, the Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide. The Task Force was created to leverage all of the Department’s tools and authorities to prevent trade fraud that deprives the government of vital revenue, threatens critical domestic industries, undermines consumer confidence, and weakens national security. The Task Force is designed to pursue enforcement actions against parties who seek to evade tariffs and other duties, as well as smugglers who seek to import prohibited goods into the American economy. The Justice Department encourages whistleblowers to alert the government to credible allegations of fraud, including utilizing the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act or through the Criminal Division’s Corporate Whistleblower Program at CorporateWhistleblower@usdoj.gov using the form available here.

Defense News: A shared burden: African Lion 26 planning concludes, uniting NATO and African partners for regional security

Source: United States Army

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

TUNIS, Tunisia — Allies representing Tunisia, the United States, France and Italy met in Tunis Jan. 21-24 for the final planning event of the Tunisian portion of African Lion 2026.

Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of U.S. Africa Command, the exercise seeks to strengthen the collective security capabilities of the United States, African nations and global allies.

“The primary purpose of AL26 is to build joint warfighting readiness, multinational interoperability and reinforce strategic partnerships in a critical region,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Corbett Baxter, lead planner for AL26. “Strong, enduring partnerships are critical to countering terrorist groups and malign actors while advancing shared international security interests.”

For the second, consecutive year, the Tunisian portion of AL26 will feature a large contingent of Italian and French special operations units that will partner directly with Tunisian counterparts to conduct airborne operations, live fire training and joint targeting and site exploitation enabled by U.S. intelligence and explosive ordinance disposal assets. AFRICOM welcomes European allies’ active participation and sees it as critical to the future of the exercise.

“AL26 is a strategic investment in the security and stability of the region,” Baxter said. “The training we execute alongside partners and allies ensures that we are collectively prepared to respond to crises across the full spectrum of conflict.”

African Lion 2026 will take place April 20-May 8 throughout Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Senegal. This year’s exercise involves more than 5,600 personnel from over 30 nations.

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About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

Anti-ICE Antifa member arrested on federal charges of Cyberstalking and Threatening Communications after allegedly calling for the murder and assault of federal immigration officers in Minneapolis

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

MINNEAPOLIS – Self-identified Antifa member Kyle Wagner was arrested today on federal threat and cyberstalking charges following alleged murder and assault threats against ICE, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. Wagner, 37 of Minneapolis, is expected to make an initial appearance in federal court today.

“This man allegedly doxxed and called for the murder of law enforcement officers, encouraged bloodshed in the streets, and proudly claimed affiliation with the terrorist organization Antifa before going on the run,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Today’s arrest illustrates that you cannot run, you cannot hide, and you cannot evade our federal agents: if you come for law enforcement, the Trump Administration will come for you.”

“It’s no surprise that an Antifa terrorist is allegedly threatening to kill and assault federal law enforcement officers as they dutifully remove criminal threats from neighborhoods,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “After all, this is what Antifa is about, lawlessness and violence. But under the leadership of President Trump and Attorney General Bondi, there is no safe haven for terrorists and no protection from the full weight of justice.

“We know that a ‘worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.’ And Wagner’s alleged actions were an attempt to spread fire into our peaceful community. That is not going to happen,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon.

According to the criminal complaint, Wagner has escalated his opposition to ICE operations, including conspiring and threatening to assault federal law enforcement officers in Minneapolis. In January 2026, Wagner repeatedly posted on Facebook and Instagram encouraging his followers to forcibly confront, assault, impede, oppose, and resist federal officers whom he referred to as the “gestapo” and “murderers.”

On January 8, 2026, Wagner posted a video directly threatening ICE agents by stating, “I’ve already bled for this city, I’ve already fought for this city, this is nothing new, we’re ready this time, ICE we’re f—ing coming for you.” The following day, Wagner posted about the “constant harassment of ICE” and said that “we need to continue that, but we also need to cripple them.” Wagner then advocated for physical confrontation, stating, “Anywhere we have an opportunity to get our hands on them, we need to put our hands on them.”

Wagner also urged others to “hunt” ICE, including those who are “armed” to “fight [ICE]. This is kill or be killed.” He described agitators’ “goal [ ] to unmask and identify [ICE] agents – stop their ability to arrest individuals through group resistance.” On January 10, 2026, Wagner asserted that “we are at f—– war” and stated, “So, either we’re going to win, or I will die in this process.” On January 13, 2026, Wagner praised the success of the agitators’ anti-ICE efforts, stating, “This is where ICE has come to die” and then threatened ICE agents, “We want to know who they are. We will identify every single one of them and we will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. If it has to be done at the barrel of a gun, then let us have a little f—— fun.”

On January 24, 2026, Wagner stated that he was “not talking about peaceful protests anymore.” And urged violence against federal officers: “Get your f—– guns and stop these f—— people.” Wagner also reposted a video where he passed out gas masks and shields to agitators.

The complaint further alleges that on January 29, 2026, Wagner, used his Instagram account to dox a pro-ICE individual by publishing a phone number, birth month and year, and address in Oak Park, Michigan, threatening the individual. Wagner later admitted that he doxxed the victim’s parents’ house.

A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent.  As a felony trial cannot be held on a complaint, a decision to seek an indictment will be made in the near future.

The case was investigated by the agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

FIVE INDICTMENTS RETURNED AND THIRTEEN ILLEGAL ALIENS CONVICTED OF IMMIGRATION, FALSE DOCUMENT OFFENSES IN JANUARY

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PENSACOLA and GAINESVILLE – Today, United States Attorney John P. Heekin announced that five previously deported illegal aliens have been indicted separately by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States, and thirteen illegal aliens were convicted of federal crimes in the month of January.

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS MAN FEDERALLY CHARGED FOR ARMED TRAFFICKING OF METHAMPHETAMINE AND ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Bobby Womack, 45, of DeFuniak Springs, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon armed career criminal. 

Defense News: Military planners in Rome finalize tech industry’s debut at ALFS 2026

Source: United States Army

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

ROME, Italy — Military planners from U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) convened in Rome, Jan. 26-29, for the final planning event of the African Land Forces Summit 2026.

The final planning event confirmed the objectives and logistical requirements for ALFS 2026, an annual forum dedicated to fostering cooperation and addressing security challenges across the African continent.

“This final planning event is critical for a successful ALFS 2026,” said Maj. Mike Scholmuca, SETAF-AF lead planner for ALFS 2026. “Our goal is to ensure the summit continues to be a vital platform for our African partners to strengthen security cooperation, address shared challenges effectively and increase our collective lethality.”

The final planning event in Rome represents one of the last steps in the extensive preparations necessary for the large-scale summit, aiming to ensure ALFS 2026 is a productive and impactful gathering for all participating nations.

A new addition to ALFS is the inclusion of industry partners from Africa, Europe, and the U.S. Incoprorating industry partners allows for a collaborative dialogue between the public and private sectors on dual-use technologies and military acquistion.

ALFS is centered on enabling African partners by sharing knowledge and best practices. ALFS 26 will provide a platform for leaders to discuss strategies that reinforce sovereignty and security on the African continent.

Established in 2010 and hosted by SETAF-AF on behalf of the Chief of Staff of the Army, the African Land Forces Summit has become a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration among African military leaders and international partners.

In addition to industry partners, ALFS 2026 is expected to draw military and academic leaders from across Africa, Europe, and the U.S, to facilitate strategic discussions and collaborative efforts to address the complex security challenges facing Africa and to prepare for future challenges.

The spotlight now shifts to the final preparations for ALFS 26.

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

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