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Biweekly Homeland Security Insights for a Safer New Jersey |
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NJ Resident Sentenced for Role in Russian Money Laundering Scheme
On August 18, federal authorities sentenced dual U.S. and Russian national Vadim Yermolenko, of Upper Saddle River, NJ, to 30 months in prison for his role in an illicit procurement and money laundering network that sought to acquire ammunition and sensitive dual-use electronics for Russian military and intelligence services.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Yermolenko laundered more than $12 million and purchased "highly sensitive military equipment for Russia — aiding Russia's military and intelligence agencies in violation of U.S. laws," including electronic components which could be used in the development of nuclear and hypersonic weapons, quantum computing, and various other military applications.
In November 2024, Yermolenko pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act, bank fraud conspiracy, and conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government.
Analyst Comment: Foreign nations recognize the importance of gathering intelligence on the U.S., a global superpower with significant advantages and influence in the political, military, technological, and economic arenas. Various countries, both allies and adversaries, employ their intelligence agencies to collect information that can provide strategic advantages, shape policies, and protect or even advance their own interests. Yermolenko's recent sentencing highlights the persistent threat from foreign adversaries and their willingness to leverage U.S. individuals to achieve their desired goal. NJOHSP remains committed to preventing and deterring foreign intelligence threats, while safeguarding New Jersey and its residents, visitors, businesses, and partners.
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NJCCIC: Phishing Scam Exploits Legitimate Google AppSheet Platform |
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 The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) has received multiple reports of a phishing scam sent to State of New Jersey employees.
The scheme abuses Google AppSheet, a trusted no-code application development platform. Threat actors impersonate a legitimate global law firm in the phishing emails, which claim to be notifications of intellectual property rights violations. The emails use urgent language and contain a "Download Evidence" link to purported details regarding the infringement. If clicked, the target is directed to a fraudulent webpage associated with SmokeLoader malware.
The NJCCIC advises users to exercise caution when handling unexpected communications. Before taking any action, such as clicking links or opening attachments, confirm requests using contact information obtained from verified and official sources. For more information, view the NJCCIC's latest alerts and advisories.
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Deadline Nears for Submitting NJ Nonprofit Security Grant Program Applications
 The deadline for NJOHSP's application period for the State fiscal year 2026 New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NJ NSGP) is rapidly approaching, with the closing date set for September 15, 2025. Applicants are advised to ensure their Vulnerability Risk Assessments (VRAs) are current, particularly if recent security improvements have mitigated previous vulnerabilities.
All VRAs must now include photographs of the facility for which security upgrades are requested, as well as images of specific areas requiring upgrades, including door locks, window blast film protection, and locations where closed-circuit television installation is requested.
This requirement applies to VRAs completed by local-, county-, and State-level law enforcement or private security firms. Failure to update a facility's VRA and provide the specified photographs may result in disqualification of the grant application.
For more information and to apply, visit NJOHSP's grants web page.
NJOHSP Delivers 'Stop the Bleed' Kits and Training to NJ Faith-Based Groups
 Participants in NJOHSP's recent "Stop the Bleed" training for houses of worship are taught the appropriate technique for applying tourniquets.
On August 4, the NJOHSP Houses of Worship Bleeding Control Kit Team partnered with the New Jersey Injury Prevention Trauma Council and the Iglesia Pentecostal Mi Casa Refugio Church in Carteret, NJ, to administer a "Stop the Bleed" training course to area faith-based communities.
Team members provided training in English and Spanish to 43 participants from 16 houses of worship and distributed 35 bleeding control kits at the completion of the course.
NJOHSP launched its "Bleeding Control Kit" program in March 2024 to help prevent deaths among victims with traumatic injuries received during an active shooter or hostile event incident, prior to the arrival of first responders.
To date, NJOHSP has distributed more than 2,000 bleeding control kits to faith-based communities throughout the state. Religious communities can register to receive a bleeding control kit and "Stop the Bleed" training through the Houses of Worship Distribution Survey.
For more information regarding this initiative, visit NJOHSP's Houses of Worship Bleeding Control Kits web page.
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Upcoming Training Programs
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NJOHSP-Coordinated Training
All NJOHSP-coordinated training courses are posted on the NJOHSP State Training Calendar. The calendar provides a course description, training location, target audience, and point of contact.
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 Administrative Analyst 3
NJOHSP has an opening for a full-time Administrative Analyst 3 position assigned to the Training and Exercise Bureau within the Preparedness Division. The selected candidate will support activities for the Active Threat Team. The Active Threat Team focuses on preparing first responders, private sector partners and communities across New Jersey for active threat incidents through the development, coordination, and delivery of educational programs; collaborating with partners on developing standardized protocols across multiple disciplines; providing assistance on the development of emergency action plans; testing and validating plans, policies, procedures, and capabilities through discussion- and operations-based exercises; and the creation of resources.
To apply, visit NJOHSP's careers web page.
Analyst Trainee
NJOHSP has an opening for a full-time Analyst Trainee position assigned to the Training and Exercise Bureau within the Preparedness Division. As an Analyst Trainee, the selected candidate will, among other duties, learn to review, analyze, and evaluate the efficiency of NJ Learn activities, courses, programs, and processes; assist with providing recommendations to leadership for changes and/or revisions; assist in the continuous evaluation of the currently used LMS platform; explore new technologies to increase efficacy and decrease LMS costs; learn to support NJ Learn users by processing new accounts and troubleshooting account issues; learn to verify NJ Office of Emergency Medical Services and NJ Division of Fire Safety certifications; and assist with attending and representing NJOHSP at meetings, conventions, symposiums, and/or other opportunities relevant to the Training and Exercise Bureau programs and initiatives.
To apply, visit NJOHSP's careers web page.
Counter-Threat Watch Specialist
NJOHSP invites talented individuals to apply for a Counter-Threat Watch Specialist position assigned to the Mission Support Bureau within the Intelligence and Operations Division, located at the New Jersey Regional Operations and Intelligence Center in West Trenton, NJ. Requirements include a background in law enforcement/criminal justice, intelligence, or homeland security, as the job requires a basic understanding of the current threat environment. The position also requires strong writing and computer skills, the ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects in collaboration with various NJOHSP staff, the ability to adapt to a fluctuating workload, and the ability to work with individuals of all backgrounds. The successful candidate will be a team member with the ability to adapt easily to meet priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced and ever-changing threat environment.
To apply, visit NJOHSP's careers web page.
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Contact Information
For more information or to share feedback, please contact the Communications Bureau at communications@njohsp.gov.
The NJ Security Spotlight is a biweekly newsletter of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and is intended to provide constituents with important agency updates, publications, and announcements.
Please visit njohsp.gov/connect/nj-security-spotlight to read previous newsletters.
Report Threat-Related Suspicious Activity
Call 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ or email tips@njohsp.gov.
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