James Ward
Criminal Analyst, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Honolulu
CSC 22-1
James Ward, an alumnus of the Comprehensive Security Cooperation Course (CSC) 22-1, describes his time at DKI APCSS as “transformational” and pivotal in advancing his professional trajectory. Among the most significant outcomes of his experience was the development of his Fellow Project, which tackled the pressing issue of real estate money laundering in Hawai‘i.
Mr. Ward’s project focused on the use of Geographic Targeting Orders (GTOs) as a strategic tool to disrupt illicit financial flows. With Hawai‘i attracting substantial foreign investment—particularly from Asian markets—the state has become increasingly vulnerable to criminal misuse of the real estate sector. These illicit transactions not only drive up housing prices but also distort local markets and community stability. GTOs require title insurance companies to identify the true owners behind shell companies, thereby improving transparency and accountability in high-risk transactions.
Leveraging data analysis and investigative methods, James developed an algorithm designed to detect suspicious real estate activity linked to money laundering. His innovative approach strengthens the integrity of the housing market and contributes to broader national economic security.
Following the development of his algorithm, Mr. Ward was invited to Washington, D.C., where he briefed three lawmakers on his findings. He presented insights into how GTO data can be used to improve investigative targeting and resource allocation. He also advocated for codifying GTOs into federal law and emphasized the need for sustained investment in this area of enforcement. In recognition of his contributions, James received the Brendan O’Rourke Award for Innovation in Criminal Analysis.
In May 2025, James returned to APCSS as part of CSC 25-2 to share his journey and provide guidance to current fellows. He highlighted how the course’s in-depth discussions, critical feedback, and cross-functional perspectives were instrumental in shaping his award-winning project.
In his own words, Mr. Ward notes that:
“The true value of the course lies in transforming the knowledge you receive into actionable outcomes that can benefit your fellow offices. Completing your project is not just a personal achievement, it's an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our collective mission. I encourage all my fellow brothers and sisters to see your projects through to completion and relish the positive impact they can have. The sense of accomplishment and the benefits to our community are truly rewarding. I know I enjoyed the outcomes of my efforts, and I hope you will too!”
Verena Neundter
Regional Delegate for Police and Security Forces, International Committee of the Red Cross
Covering Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and China (2020-2023)
CSC 22-3
Project timeline: 10/26/2022 – 4/28/2023
Ms. Verena Neundter observed a necessity to remind military personnel about their responsibilities and limitations when deployed to exercise police powers in support of local law enforcement agencies. As she was based during this period in Sri Lanka, Ms. Neundter conducted a workshop in two different regions for a total of 90 commanders of the Sri Lankan army. She designed a curriculum emphasizing procedures about the use of force and firearms and the management of crowds. Working groups were formed to discuss case studies and share the appropriate responses to such scenarios to create an interactive atmosphere.
Charlie Siniu
Agreements & Implementation Chief, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
CSC 22-2
Project timeline: 5/25/2022 – 2/28/2023
Mr. Charlie Siniu was part of the negotiating team that established the Papua New Guinea—United States Defense Cooperation Agreement in 2023. He participated in consultations with the Washington team to identify shared areas of interest and points of contention. The agreement provided a foundational framework to enhance security cooperation and bilateral relations between the United States and Papua New Guinea.
Atika Rachma
Policy Analyst, Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs
CSC 22-2
Project timeline: 6/30/2022 – 1/5/2023
Ms. Atika Rachma addressed the coordination gap in a national counterterrorism program by synchronizing national objectives with the local government’s available resources. Arranging meetings between relevant stakeholders, her efforts culminated in the formation of an initiative focusing on the social integration of former convicted terrorists. Ms. Rachma ultimately demonstrated the possibility of multi-actor collaboration under this national counterterrorism program. The Indonesian Counter Terrorism Agency has plans to implement this initiative in several provinces.
Ananda Raj Khanal
Senior Director, Nepal Telecommunications Authority
CSRT 15-1
Project timeline: 3/13/2015 – 8/7/2023
Over the course of eight years, Mr. Ananda Raj Khanal took the initiative to develop and implement Nepal’s first National Cyber Security Policy. He coordinated with international and national stakeholders, like the International Telecommunication Union and Nepal’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, to create a comprehensive policy. The Cabinet approved this document in August 2023, and Mr. Khanal is pursuing several initiatives to fully implement the policy and raise cyber awareness across government, academia, and the general population.
Shashika Sandaruwan Ekanayake
Squadron Leader, Sri Lanka Air Force
CSC 23-2
Project timeline: 6/29/2023 – 12/4/2023
As the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) continues to adapt to evolving threats in cybersecurity, Squadron Leader Shashika Sandaruwan Ekanayake identified network vulnerabilities that current and future officers must address. To best protect critical cyber infrastructures, he concentrated his efforts on revising the existing cybersecurity training module for junior and middle-grade SLAF officers. Sqn. Ldr. Ekanayake surveyed samples of students to identify weak areas of cyber awareness and successfully adjusted the curriculum accordingly.
Mohamad El Affi
Brigadier General, Land Borders Regiments Training School
Lebanon
CSC 23-1
Project timeline: 3/22/2023 – 9/15/2023
Brigadier General Mohamad El Affi proposed a multifaceted project that would fund Lebanon’s Land Border Regiments Training School (LBRTS). Losing 90% of its yearly budget, the LBRTS needed to secure funds in order to continue training the Lebanese Armed Forces on border control. As a solution, Brig. Gen. El Affi developed a Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) course to sell to national and international non-governmental organizations. With support from international partners, he organized two-week HEAT courses and plans to execute additional training in 2024.
Gregor Marco Garoa
Former Superintendent, Nauru Police Force
CCM 20-1
Project timeline: 10/19/2015 - 12/22/2020
Mr. Gregor Garoa’s project synchronized emergency response agencies according to a recently formulated National Incident Response Plan. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Mr. Garoa coordinated with various government departments to organize 11 emergency drill exercises in Nauru’s districts. This initiative produced an in-depth report with analysis highlighting areas of improvement for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Nauru Police Force, community command posts, and several other stakeholders.
Analyn Antonio
Director, Intel Research & Analysis Center, HW Naval Intelligence Security Force, Navy
CSC 22-3
Project timeline:10/26/2022 – 3/13/2023
Lieutenant Commander Analyn Antonio identified several opportunities to advance hydrographic capabilities within the Naval Meteorological and Oceanographic Center. She produced a position paper arguing for new equipment to understand the maritime environment better. Acquiring a survey boat and skiff, LCDR Antonio was responsible for this enhanced capability that assessed and prevented deployment dangers for Navy personnel.
Erich Meier, Jr.
Police and Gendarmerie Delegate in the Philippines, International Committee of the Red Cross of the Philippines
CSC 22-1
Project timeline: 2/2/2022 – 12/7/2022
Mr. Erich Meier, Jr., organized the 2nd Asia Pacific Police Colloquium with a central theme around law enforcement’s responsibilities during the early stages of detention. Hosted by the Philippines, this event gathered over 40 senior police officers across several countries in the Indo-Pacific. Mr. Meier developed a booklet in preparation for this event, covering previous iterations of the Regional Police Colloquium to be referenced for future activities. This event utilized a multidisciplinary exercise to discuss current practices for effective interviewing, information gathering, custodial facility management, and detention activities. Reflecting on his experience, Mr. Meier returned to DKI APCSS as a guest speaker for the CSC 23-1 cohort. Read more about this project here.
Harsha Sandamal Weerasuriya
Head of the Special Investigations Unit / Acting Deputy Chief Security Manager, Sri Lanka Ports Authority
CSC 22-3
Project timeline: 9/21/2022 - 8/15/2023
Mr. Harsha Weerasuriya sought to enhance the security measures within Sri Lanka’s maritime ports by streamlining access control procedures and modernizing documentation efforts. Faced with a high volume of consistent activity, Sri Lanka’s ports were faced with the challenge of manually documenting each individual and vehicle accessing these High Security Zones. Mr. Weerasuriya successfully implemented a system that digitizes this process using mobile Barcode/QR Code Scanners, alleviating the time-consuming nature of manual registration.
