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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former teacher admits to receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A 42-year-old Laredo resident has pleaded guilty to receipt and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Roberto Ortiz Jr. admitted he downloaded and possessed child pornography on his computer and an external hard drive.  

    The investigation began March 23, 2024, when law enforcement downloaded files containing child pornography from an IP address linked to Ortiz. On June 4, 2024, authorities executed a search warrant at Ortiz’s residence. He gave them access to his computer and showed them where he saved his downloaded content. They saw images of child pornography and took Ortiz into custody.  

    Forensic analysis resulted in the discovery of over 3,000 files containing child pornography on Ortiz’s computer and external hard drive.

    U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing May 19. At that time, Ortiz faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

    The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Child Exploitation Task Force.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine A. Cortez is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Felon Is Sentenced To 17 ½ Years In Prison On Drug And Gun Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jason Travis Shook, 42, of Conover, N.C., was sentenced today to 210 months in prison and five years of supervised release on drug and gun charges, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which oversees the Charlotte District Office, and Sheriff Donald G. Brown II of the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.

    According to court documents and proceedings, in August 2022, officers with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office learned that Shook was distributing large amounts of methamphetamine in the area. As part of the investigation into Shook, law enforcement began surveilling Shook’s property in Conover and his black Chevrolet Suburban vehicle. On August 25, 2022, officers observed Shook walking back and forth from his property to the Suburban, which had a white boat attached to it. Shook was seen carrying a backpack that he placed in the back seat of the Suburban before he drove away from the property. Law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop of Shook’s vehicle for multiple traffic violations, including driving with a revoked license. Shook did not obey and instead he led law enforcement on a vehicle pursuit which ended with Shook crashing the Suburban and boat into a wooded area at the end of a road in Hickory. Shook then ran on foot and jumped into Lake Hickory. A short time later Shook was taken into custody.

    According to filed court documents, law enforcement retrieved the backpack from the Suburban, which contained a clear plastic bag with a large amount of methamphetamine, $24,707 in cash, a clear plastic bag with approximately 7 grams of methamphetamine and over one gram of loose methamphetamine, digital scales, other drug paraphernalia, as well as two unspent 12-gauge shot gun shells. Law enforcement also searched Shook’s flight path and located a Ruger, model SR40C, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol along the side of the road. The firearm contained one round of ammunition in the chamber and an additional round in the magazine. The seized methamphetamine was analyzed at the DEA Mid-Atlantic Laboratory and determined to be 368.99 grams of pure methamphetamine.

    On August 8, 2024, Shook pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a felon. Shook has a prior criminal history that includes felony convictions for Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury and Second-Degree Kidnapping, and he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Shook will remain in federal custody until he is transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the DEA and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nick J. Miller, Brandon Boykin, and Regina Pack with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary Noem Statement on Indictment of CBP Agent for Drug and Human Smuggling

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Release Date: February 11, 2025

    WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary Kristi Noem addressed the indictment of a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer accused of human smuggling and drug trafficking. 

    A statement from Secretary Noem is below:  

    “To traffic drugs and smuggle humans while wearing the badge is not only a disgusting betrayal of our patriotic Customs and Border Protection officers, but of our nation and the American people. Manuel Perez will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” 

     The CBP officer was arrested by fellow federal agents at the Paso del Norte Port of Entry on February 8.  

    Last Updated: 02/11/2025

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Statement from a DHS Spokesperson on Termination of 4 FEMA Employees Who Made Payments to Luxury Hotels for Migrants

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Release Date: February 11, 2025

    WASHINGTON–Effective immediately, FEMA is terminating the employment of four individuals for circumventing leadership to unilaterally make egregious payments for luxury NYC hotels for migrants. Firings include FEMA’s Chief Financial Officer, two program analysts and a grant specialist.  

    Under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS will not sit idly and allow deep state activists to undermine the will and safety of the American people.

    Last Updated: 02/11/2025

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Teenager Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Nationwide Swatting Spree

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Alan W. Filion, 18, of Lancaster, California, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for making interstate threats to injure the person of another.

    According to the plea agreement, from approximately August 2022 to January 2024, Filion made over 375 swatting and threat calls, including calls in which he claimed to have planted bombs in the targeted locations or threatened to detonate bombs and/or conduct mass shootings at those locations. Filion targeted religious institutions, high schools, colleges and universities, government officials, and numerous individuals across the United States.

    Filion intended his calls to cause large-scale deployment of police and emergency services units to the targeted locations. During these calls, he provided information to law enforcement and emergency services agencies that he knew to be false, such as false names, false claims that he and others had placed explosives in particular locations, false claims that he and others possessed dangerous weapons, including firearms and explosives, and false claims that he and other individuals had committed, or intended to imminently commit, violent crimes.

    In some instances, armed law enforcement officers approached and entered a targeted residence with their weapons drawn and detained individuals that occupied the residence. Indeed, Filion claimed in a post on Jan. 20, 2023, that when he swats someone, he “usually get[s] the cops to drag the victim and their families out of the house cuff them and search the house for dead bodies.” Additionally, Filion’s calls caused law enforcement officers and dispatchers to respond, and to be unavailable in response to other emergencies.

    Filion became a serial swatter for both profit and recreation. He claimed in a Jan. 19, 2023, online post that his “first” swatting was like “2 to 3 years ago” and that “6-9 months ago [he] decided to turn it into a business. . .” On several occasions, Filion placed posts on social media channels advertising his services and swatting-for-a-fee structure.

    On Jan.18, 2024, Filion was arrested in California on Florida state charges arising from a May 2023 threat he made to a religious institution in Sanford, Florida. In that threat, he claimed to have an illegally modified AR-15, a Glock 17 pistol, pipe bombs, and Molotov cocktails. He said that he was going to imminently “commit a mass shooting” and “kill everyone” he saw. He pleaded guilty in federal court to making that threat.

    Filion also pleaded guilty to making three other threatening calls: an October 2022 call to a public high school in the Western District of Washington, in which he threatened to commit a mass shooting and claimed to have planted bombs throughout the school; a May 2023 call to a Historically Black College or University in the Northern District of Florida, in which he claimed to have placed bombs in the walls and ceilings of campus housing that would detonate in about an hour; and a July 2023 call to a local police department dispatch number in the Western District of Texas, in which he falsely identified himself as a senior federal law enforcement officer, provided the federal law-enforcement officer’s residential address to the dispatcher, claimed to have killed the federal officer’s mother, and threatened to kill any responding police officers.

    The FBI and U.S. Secret Service investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the Seminole County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office; the Anacortes (Washington) Police Department; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; the California Department of Justice; the Los Angeles County (California) Sheriff’s Office; and the Volusia County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kara Wick for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case, with valuable assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section; the State Attorney’s Office for Seminole County, Florida, 18th Judicial Circuit; and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Western District of Washington, Northern District of Florida, Western District of Texas, and District of Columbia. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Epiq Earns Great Place To Work Certification™ in India

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HYDERABAD, India, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Epiq today announced it has earned the 2025 Great Place To Work® Certification™ in India, a prestigious award based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Epiq. This year, an impressive 90 percent of respondents said it’s a great place to work.

    Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention, and increased innovation.

    “This certification highlights our dedication to creating an inclusive workplace where our associates feel proud, valued, and empowered,” said Abhay Garg, Epiq’s Senior Vice President, Business Services and Products. “This achievement is a testament to the outstanding team, environment, and culture we’ve established in India. We celebrate and thank our committed associates, whose contributions have earned us this honor. This award belongs to every member of our team, inspiring us to continue offering exceptional products and solutions.”

    According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93 percent more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits, and have a fair chance at promotion.

    Epiq scores high on all key parameters in India offices

    A summary of the company’s survey highlights include:

    • 96 percent said they feel Epiq is a physically safe place to work.
    • 95 percent said people are treated fairly, regardless of sexual orientation or gender.
    • 94 percent said clients would rate the service Epiq delivers as ‘excellent.’
    • 93 percent indicated that when employees join Epiq, they are made to feel welcome.
    • 92 percent said they are given the resources and equipment to do their job.
    • 92 percent said they are proud to tell others that they work at Epiq.

    About 1,500 associates work for Epiq’s India global capability centre at Hyderabad and Pune. Epiq is a US-based technology-enabled legal and compliance services company that operates in 18 countries to support clients anytime and anywhere in the world.

    Building an exceptional employee experience

    At Epiq, creating a supportive and dynamic workplace culture is a top priority.

    “Our efforts to foster meaningful connections, support professional growth, and build an inclusive workplace are being recognized by our employees,” Garg said. “We are proud of the strides we have taken and are excited about the future as we continue to champion this.”

    Here are some of Epiq India’s initiatives:

    • Employees Benefits Program: Free transport to and from the office, free meals in office, medical insurance to cover the family, and industry-leading opportunities for learning and development.
    • Inclusive Work Culture: Through Epiq’s Women Employee Resource Group and other initiatives, Epiq fosters an environment that values diversity, promotes a sense of belonging, and supports the professional growth of women.
    • Wellness and Safety Programs: Epiq prioritizes the safety and well-being of all employees, especially women colleagues who come to work in office, with comprehensive wellness policies, flexible work arrangements, and enhanced security measures.
    • Innovation: Programs including ‘Innovation Day’ and ‘Annual Hackathon’ inspire employees to form teams and develop their ideas into client solution prototypes.
    • Rewards and Recognition: Monthly, quarterly, and annual recognition programs motivate individuals to embody Epiq’s values, inspiring them to excel and perform at their best in the workplace.

    Epiq is Hiring
    To learn more about Epiq’s people, culture, and career opportunities, visit Epiq’s careers page at: https://www.epiqglobal.com/en-us/careers

    About Epiq
    Epiq is a leading legal and compliance services platform integrating people, process, and technology. Through this combination of innovative technology, legal and business expertise, and comprehensive solutions, Epiq drives efficiency in large-scale and increasingly complex tasks. High-performing clients around the world rely on Epiq to streamline the administration of business, settlement administration, legal, and compliance operations to solve immediate challenges and provide scalable ongoing support to transform the enterprise. Learn more at www.epiqglobal.com. 

    About Great Place to Work Certification™
    Great Place To Work® Certification™ is the most definitive “employer-of-choice” recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience – specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place To Work-Certified.

    About Great Place To Work®
    As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work® brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their proprietary platform and For All™ Model helps companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified™ or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List.

    Press Contact
    Carrie Trent
    Epiq, Director of Communications and Public Relations
    Carrie.Trent@epiqglobal.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: EIA revises forecast for 2025 U.S. natural gas prices, leaves other forecasts largely unchanged

    Source: US Energy Information Administration – EIA

    Headline: EIA revises forecast for 2025 U.S. natural gas prices, leaves other forecasts largely unchanged

    U.S. ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION
    WASHINGTON DC 20585

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 11, 2025

    The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) published its February Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), revising its forecast for 2025 average U.S. benchmark Henry Hub natural gas spot prices upward following a cold end to January.

    U.S. energy market indicators 2024 2025 2026
    Brent crude oil spot price (dollars per barrel) $81 $74 $66
    Retail gasoline price (dollars per gallon) $3.30 $3.20 $3.10
    U.S. crude oil production (million barrels per day) 13.2 13.6 13.7
    Natural gas price at Henry Hub (dollars per million British thermal units) $2.20 $3.80 $4.20
    U.S. liquefied natural gas gross exports (billion cubic feet per day) 12 14 16
    Shares of U.S. electricity generation       
    Natural gas 43% 40% 39%
    Coal 16% 16% 15%
    Renewables 23% 25% 27%
    Nuclear 19% 19% 19%
    U.S. GDP (percentage change) 2.8% 2.1% 2.0%
    U.S. CO2 emissions (billion metric tons) 4.8 4.8 4.8
    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook, February 2025

    Some key highlights from the February STEO include:

    • Natural gas prices: Cold weather at the end of January increased demand for space heating and contributed to a 12% increase in U.S. natural gas consumption over the previous five-year average for the month. Higher natural gas consumption led to above-average inventory withdrawals, and EIA now expects the benchmark Henry Hub spot price to average $3.80 per million British thermal units in 2025, about 20% higher than previously forecast.
    • Crude oil production and prices: EIA continues to expect growth in global oil production and significant decreases in crude oil prices through 2026. EIA completed its January forecasts before additional sanctions against Russia’s oil and shipping sectors were announced, which created additional uncertainty in outlooks for crude oil supply. EIA does not expect the sanctions to have significant impact on global oil production or prices, although trade flows could be affected.
    • U.S. refinery operations: EIA expects U.S. production of refined petroleum products to decrease by about 190,000 barrels per day in 2025 and by 180,000 barrels per day in 2026 as two refineries close operations. LyondellBasell began closing its Houston refinery on January 27 and Phillips 66 plans to close its Los Angeles refinery at the end of the year. EIA expects that in 2026, the United States will begin importing more gasoline and jet fuel than it exports while remaining a net exporter of distillate fuel oil.
    • Residential electricity prices: EIA forecasts that retail electricity prices for the U.S. residential sector will grow by 2% in 2025, which would be the smallest annual increase in residential electricity prices since 2020. The modest price increase, similar to the expected rate of inflation growth, reflects relatively low natural gas prices over the past year offset by continuing expenses for improvements in grid infrastructure.
    • U.S. coal exports: EIA expects the United States to export about 100 million short tons of coal in both 2025 and 2026, about 2% less than EIA’s January forecast. EIA expects that China’s tariffs against the United States will affect U.S. coal exports, but exporters are likely to find customers in other markets, limiting the tariff’s impact.

    The full February 2025 Short-Term Energy Outlook is available on the EIA website.

    The product described in this press release was prepared by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. By law, EIA’s data, analysis, and forecasts are independent of approval by any other officer or employee of the U.S. government. The views in the product and this press release therefore should not be construed as representing those of the U.S. Department of Energy or other federal agencies.

    EIA Program Contact: Tim Hess, STEO@eia.gov
    EIA Press Contact: Chris Higginbotham, EIAMedia@eia.gov

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why annexing Canada would destroy the United States

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Aisha Ahmad, Associate Professor, Political Science, University of Toronto

    As United States President Donald Trump relentlessly threatens to annex Canada, some Canadians are worried that an American invasion could one day become a reality.

    How would that scenario play out? Looking at the sheer size of the American military, many people might believe that Trump would enjoy an easy victory.

    That analysis is wrong. If Trump ever decides to use military force to annex Canada, the result would not be determined by a conventional military confrontation between the Canadian and American armies. Rather, a military invasion of Canada would trigger a decades-long violent resistance, which would ultimately destroy the United States.

    But in this nightmare scenario, could Canadians successfully resist an American invasion? Absolutely. I know this because I have studied insurgencies around the world for more than two decades, and I have spent time with ordinary people who have fought against powerful invading armies.



    Read more:
    Attempting to annex Canada would spell disaster for the U.S. at home and abroad

    How insurgencies begin

    The research on guerrilla wars clearly shows that weaker parties can use unconventional methods to cripple a more powerful enemy over many years. This approach treats waging war as a secret, part-time job that an ordinary person can do.

    Guerrillas use ambushes, raids and surprise attacks to slowly bleed an invading army, and local communities support these fighters by giving them safe havens and material support. These supporting citizens can also engage in forms of “everyday resistance,” using millions of passive-aggressive episodes of sabotage to frustrate and drain the enemy.

    Trump is delusional if he believes that 40 million Canadians will passively accept conquest without resistance. There is no political party or leader willing to relinquish Canadian sovereignty over “economic coercion,” and so if the U.S. wanted to annex Canada, it would have to invade.

    That decision would set in motion an unstoppable cycle of violence. Even if we imagine a scenario in which the Canadian government unconditionally surrenders, a fight would ensue on the streets. A teenager might throw a rock at invading soldiers. That kid would get shot, and then there would be more rocks, and more gunfire. An insurgency would be inevitable.

    The myth of Canadian ‘niceness’

    This idea may shock Canadians today because they see themselves as friendly and affable people. However, Canada’s current self-image of “niceness” only exists because they’re at peace. War changes people very quickly, and Canadians are no more innately peaceful than any other human beings.

    When your child is dying in your arms, you become capable of violence. Once you lose what you love, resistance becomes as natural as breathing.

    Except for a few collaborators and kapos, my research suggests many Canadians would likely engage in various forms of everyday resistance against invading forces that could involve steal, lying, cutting wires and diverting funds.

    Meanwhile, the insurgents would unleash physical devastation on American targets. Even if one per cent of all resisting Canadians engaged in armed insurrection, that would constitute a 400,000-person insurgency, nearly 10 times the size of Taliban at the start of the Afghan war. If a fraction of that number engaged in violent attacks, it would set fire to the entire continent.

    Canada’s geography would make this insurgency difficult to defeat. With deep forests and rugged mountains, Canada’s northern terrain could not be conquered or controlled. That means loyalists from the Canadian Armed Forces could mobilize civilian recruits into decentralized fighting units that could strike, retreat into the wilderness and blend back into the local communities that support them.

    The Canada-U.S. border is also easy to cross, which would give insurgents access to American critical infrastructure. It costs tens of billions of dollars to build an energy pipeline, and only a few thousand to blow one up.

    What about American air strikes?

    But wouldn’t the Americans crush the rebellion with missiles and drone strikes? They would try, but that approach to counterinsurgency won’t work.

    In fact, it is a well-known booby trap of insurgent warfare. The harder more powerful nations strike, the larger and more fragmented the insurgency becomes, making it impossible to achieve either a military victory or negotiated agreement. Canada’s rugged terrain would protect insurgents from those types of attacks, while global outrage at the bombings would only boost support for the rebellion.

    Americans have already been defeated by insurgents in many parts of the world because they could not escape this trap. If they dare to invade Canada, they would create this unsolvable security problem on their own soil.

    Russia and China rise to power

    How could Canadians pay for this decades-long insurgency? The answer lies in every single historical example of the old adage: “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

    The prospect of Americans becoming trapped by an insurgency on their own continent would delight Moscow and Beijing, which could easily establish covert northern passages to send weapons to the insurgency. Financing an insurgency is an effective way to ensnare and bankrupt a rival power, as counter-insurgency operations are exponentially more expensive than the price of a few arms shipments.

    A chronic violent insurrection in North America could financially and militarily pin down the U.S. for decades, ultimately triggering economic and political collapse. Russia and China, meantime, would enjoy an uncontested rise to power.

    Forewarned

    This scenario would guarantee the destruction of both Canada and the United States. No one in their right mind would choose this gruesome future over a peaceful and mutually beneficial alliance with a friendly neighbour.

    Nevertheless, if Trump is reckless enough to think the violent annexation of Canada is an achievable goal, then let it be known that all these horrifying outcomes were predictable well in advance, and that he was forewarned.

    Aisha Ahmad has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Why annexing Canada would destroy the United States – https://theconversation.com/why-annexing-canada-would-destroy-the-united-states-249561

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: We hear about the health impact of climate-related events. But what about the health-care workers who respond to them?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Christopher Buse, Assistant Professor, Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University

    In British Columbia, like elsewhere in Canada, the impacts of climate change on health and health services are apparent. In recent years, the province has experienced a range of climate change-related extreme weather events, with considerable negative consequences.

    The 2021 heat dome caused wide disruptions to emergency services and led to more than 600 heat-related deaths. Wildfires have resulted in increased reports of illness and the evacuation of tens of thousands of people from their homes.

    B.C.’s health system, still recovering from the staffing issues and burnout of the COVID-19 pandemic, has stepped up to respond to these emergencies.



    Read more:
    Wildfire smoke is an increasing threat to Canadians’ health

    Health systems are made up of people who are often members of the same disaster-stricken communities they serve. However, to date, existing studies have focused primarily on health service provision during climate-related emergencies, rather than their specific impacts on health system workers.

    In order to understand the unique challenges they face during these events, we interviewed health service workers from across B.C. and in a wide range of roles, including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and emergency responders.

    Mental and physical health risks

    Although the nature of their experiences varied depending on their position, a majority of our interviewees reported experiencing some form of physical or mental health threat during and after climate-related emergencies.

    These health service workers — and particularly those in front-line positions like paramedics, home health workers and clinical staff — described being exposed to heat and poor air quality. This was the case for those working in the community as well as in health facilities, especially when facilities were not equipped with cooling and air filtration technologies.

    Health service workers also described suffering negative mental health impacts like stress, trauma and anxiety. Participants reported experiencing burnout due to the challenges related to organizing logistics during an emergency, compounded by long hours and back-to-back periods of intense activity.

    Climate-related events that overwhelmed infrastructure — such as the 2021 heat dome, during which wait times for an ambulance stretched up to 16 hours in some areas — caused trauma to health service workers, who were placed in situations where they were unable to provide sufficient care to all who needed it.

    System problems aggravate impact

    Interviewees also explained that these mental and physical health impacts were aggravated by pre-existing health system challenges, like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and staffing shortages. As described by one interviewee, concerns about COVID-19 transmission complicated clinical decision-making and created ethical dilemmas:

    “It was really challenging during the heat dome to provide adequate cooling for people when you’re supposed to follow infection prevention and control guidelines about not having fans… How do I prioritize the acute risk of heat versus the more delayed risk of COVID infection?”

    Meanwhile, staffing shortages meant health service workers had to work longer shifts and with greater frequency during climate-related events. They also experienced challenges getting to and from work because of flooded or blocked roads, or concerns for their family and homes. All of these factors can contribute to burnout.

    Adaptations to protect workers

    The good news is that adaptations are being implemented to protect against the risks shouldered by health service workers during climate-related emergencies. In our interviews, we heard about measures like facility upgrades, emergency response training, climate change education, mental health supports and the development of occupational health and safety plans.

    However, these adaptations are not happening uniformly across B.C.’s health system. In many cases, participants knew of occupational health, safety and emergency response plans for climate-related events, but were unfamiliar with or had not received direct guidance on how to follow them.

    Moreover, while the growing focus by B.C.’s health-care leaders on reducing carbon emissions is laudable, going “all-in” on mitigation may compete with resources needed to help health service workers adapt to the ongoing climate crisis. An overly technocratic approach focused exclusively on reducing carbon emissions risks undermining necessary preparation for the people responsible for keeping health systems going in emergencies.

    Building resilience and reducing systems risk

    Recognizing health service workers as community members, and understanding how they are impacted by climate-related events in their work and personal lives, is essential to building resilience.

    Our research suggests that central to building this resilience in health service workers is an organizational culture led by transformative leadership that:

    • Fosters a sense of trust;
    • Prioritizes open communication, flexibility and training; and
    • Encourages the use of mental health supports.

    In our interviews, we were heartened to hear this type of leadership within health systems is emerging.

    But there are, of course, limits to personal resilience. It is both unrealistic and unfair to expect health service workers to shoulder alone the burden of increasingly frequent and severe climate-related emergencies in the absence of systemic change, including the energy transition required to reduce emissions.

    Ultimately, the health system must continue to shift towards a culture of risk reduction to prepare for climate-related emergencies, increasing co-ordination and collaboration within and among health regions and authorities, governments and communities. This includes addressing chronic health system issues such as work-life balance and staffing shortages.

    Creating organizational cultures that are proactive and mindful that health service workers are community members first is key to adapting health systems to climate change, in B.C. and beyond.

    Christopher Buse receives funding from the Michael Smith Health Research BC, the BC Ministry of Health, Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

    Sandra Smiley is affiliated with UBC Medical Students for Climate Action and the UBC Political Advocacy Committee.

    Tim K. Takaro receives funding from Health Canada. He is affiliated with Protect the Planet, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment.

    – ref. We hear about the health impact of climate-related events. But what about the health-care workers who respond to them? – https://theconversation.com/we-hear-about-the-health-impact-of-climate-related-events-but-what-about-the-health-care-workers-who-respond-to-them-249267

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator McConnell Continues Efforts to Address Impact of the Substance Abuse Epidemic on Kentucky’s Workforce

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) introduced the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery through Effective Employment and Reentry (CAREER) Act of 2025, which helps address the impact of substance abuse on America’s workforce. This bill reauthorizes and improves federal programs that support individuals in states most devastated by substance abuse to reenter the workforce.

    The CAREER Act supports Americans recovering from substance use disorder by providing funding for stable, transitional housing, and by providing the support they need to reenter the workforce and maintain gainful employment. The legislation reauthorizes and builds on the success of two programs created by the CAREER Act: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s Treatment, Recovery and Workforce Support Grant Program and the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Recovery Housing Program.

    Since the CAREER Act was first signed into law, Kentucky has received about $12.5 million in federal funding. Through SAMHSA’s workforce reentry program, Isaiah House, St. Elizabeth Medical Center, and Mountain Comprehensive Care Center have received several million dollars in federal funding over the past few years to address workforce participation challenges caused by the prevalence of substance abuse in Kentucky.

    “The substance abuse epidemic has claimed lives in Kentucky at an unprecedented rate, but this problem isn’t only devastating families and communities. It’s also a workforce emergency. That’s why I’m proud to once again champion legislation that addresses this crisis’s devastating effects on the American worker, and the American workforce,” said Senator McConnell. “Since shepherding the CAREER Act into law six years ago, and funding it through the annual appropriations process, this legislation has helped countless Kentuckians return to productive, healthy lives through the structure and support that come from stable housing and employment. This epidemic requires our continued attention, and we’ll keep working to deliver the tools Kentuckians in recovery need to rebuild their lives and stay drug free.”

    “The CAREER Act and its Recovery Housing Program have been transformative for our recovery consumers at Pathways, as can be seen through the women we serve at The Journey, our Women’s Residential Recovery Center. By addressing the critical connection between stable housing, recovery, and workforce development, this program empowers women, expectant mothers, and postpartum women to rebuild their lives while nurturing their families. Through the support of the CAREER Act, we’ve seen remarkable success stories at The Journey—mothers who’ve overcome addiction, found meaningful employment, and created stable, loving environments for their babies. One graduate, for example, completed her recovery program, gained skills through workforce training, and is now a certified peer support specialist helping others on their journey to recovery. Programs like The Journey do not just transform individual lives; they strengthen families and uplift entire communities. The CAREER ACT and the Recovery Housing Program help make these programs a reality and we are grateful to Senator McConnell for his support,” said Jennifer Willis, CEO, Pathways, Inc.

    The CAREER ACT is cosponsored by Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Abbeville man arrested on Criminal Solicitation of a Minor and related chargesRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of David Hoyt Williams, 36, of Abbeville, S.C., on six charges connected to the attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Abbeville Police Department made the arrest.  

     

    Investigators state Williams solicited and traveled to meet a person he believed to be a minor for sex, and sent sexually explicit material to a person he believed to be a minor.

     

    Williams was arrested on February 5, 2025. He is charged with one count of criminal solicitation of a minor (§16-15-342), a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment; one count of attempted criminal sexual conduct with a minor (§16-3-655(B)(1)); and four counts of dissemination of obscene material to a person under the age of eighteen (§16-15-345), a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment on each count.

     

     

    This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

     

    Attorney General Wilson stressed all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

     

     

     

    * Child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, is a more accurate reflection of the material involved in these heinous and abusive crimes. “Pornography” can imply the child was a consenting participant.  Globally, the term child pornography is being replaced by CSAM for this reason.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: EcoClaim and Northbridge Team Up to Turn Claims into Climate Action

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EcoClaim and Northbridge Financial are helping change the way insurance claims are handled by adding a focus on sustainability. Northbridge, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, has made a commitment to reducing emissions across its supply chain by encouraging its restoration vendors to become EcoClaim Certified Contractors and begin using EcoClaim’s TRAX software. This enables Northbridge’s three insurance brands, Northbridge Insurance, Federated Insurance, and TruShield Insurance, together with their vendors, to move beyond generic industry benchmarks by tracking real data and working toward measurable emissions reductions.

    In addition to requiring EcoClaim Certification for their preferred contractors, Northbridge has also invested in sustainability training for its own claims staff, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to make environmental responsibility a part of their claims process.

    “At Northbridge, we recognize that technology, tools, and training are key to driving meaningful change across our industry,” said Alfred DeSousa, Vice President, Claims National Field Services at Northbridge Financial. “By introducing EcoClaim’s software platform and certification model into our claims process, we’re working to reduce the impact of our operations and equipping our vendor network with the resources they need to take real action and achieve measurable results in reducing emissions and building greener practices.”

    With these changes, Northbridge is empowering its network to reduce landfill waste, cut emissions, and lower costs, all while enabling practical, measurable sustainability improvements in every claim.

    “Sustainability isn’t about vague goals, it’s about creating a clear pathway to measurable progress,” said Jodi Scarlett, CEO at EcoClaim. “Through this multi-year partnership, Northbridge is equipping their staff and contractors with the tools, data, and training they need to embed sustainability into their claims process and achieve tangible results.”

    About EcoClaim
    EcoClaim™ transforms insurance claims into climate action with its innovative platform, offering industry-leading training, GhG management software and a Carbon Exchange marketplace. Tailored for P&C insurers, EcoClaim replaces generic emissions benchmarks with precise claim-level data, empowering insurers to measure, manage and reduce Scope 3 emissions effectively. The platform not only strengthens sustainability disclosures but also lowers claims costs, proving that the low-carbon way can also be the cost-efficient way.

    About Northbridge Financial Corporation

    Northbridge Financial Corporation is a leading commercial property and casualty insurance company that has helped protect Canadian businesses for more than 100 years. We offer a wide range of innovative solutions to Canadian businesses through our Northbridge Insurance, Federated Insurance, and TruShield Insurance brands. We are proud to be a 100% Canadian company, wholly-owned by Fairfax Financial Holdings. Visit us at www.nbfc.com to learn more.

    Media Contact: 

    Meaghan Ralston
    CMO, EcoClaim 
    mralston@ecoclaim.ca 
    403.926.8112 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Madrona-backed Gradial to Expand Agentic AI Ecosystem with Three Strategic Hires

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gradial, the agentic AI content supply chain company backed by Madrona Venture Group, has tapped three strategic hires to expand the company’s ecosystem of technology platforms, digital experience agencies and enterprise customers. Jason Michaels joins as head of partnerships, Lisa Hillman as head of customer success and Cara Olson as a senior account executive.

    Gradial is an agentic AI platform that supercharges content supply chains, enabling enterprises to drive smarter and faster engagements. The tool allows marketing teams to automate content updates, streamline enterprise migrations and generate pages at scale, breaking free from legacy systems and eliminating content debt. Large enterprises use anywhere from tens to hundreds to marketing technology tools but, according to research from Foundry, an IDG, Inc. company, only 29 percent of companies say they have the right tech to manage content across the organization, 32 percent have the technology but aren’t using its potential, and 28 percent say they haven’t acquired the right technology.

    Founded in 2024, Gradial is already reducing friction, delivering operational cost savings and accelerating publishing speeds for Fortune 500 brands in the technology, healthcare, retail and financial services sectors. Over the past year, the company has also established strategic partnerships with companies such as Slalom, Huge, Dentsu, Infogain and EPAM Systems, delivering transformation initiatives for marketing leaders at world-leading companies.

    “Gradial is changing the game for modern marketing teams, empowering them to focus on high-impact customer experiences and use Gradial to deliver, integrate and optimize content across the entire enterprise,” said Doug Tallmadge, Gradial’s co-founder and CEO. “Bringing in Jason, Lisa and Cara to build partnerships across the digital experience ecosystem represents the next evolution of our mission of creating agentic AI at enterprise scale.”

    Michaels joins Gradial from Accenture Song, where he built and served as head of agency services for North America, leading a 1,000-person team responsible for strategic partnerships, digital user experiences and content supply chain optimization, and working with blue chip clients including Cisco, Intel, Microsoft and TIAA. Previously, he was managing director and chief strategy officer at Wire Stone, a creative marketing and user experience agency that Accenture acquired to amplify its marketing agency services business unit.

    Hillman joins from Kaiser Permanente, the largest managed care company in the United States, where she was a senior director for digital services. Previously, she held senior corporate strategy, digital experience and operations roles at T-Mobile, worked with Fortune 500 companies as a consultant at Accenture, and served as chief operating officer at venture capital firm Tola Capital.

    Olson joins from Merkle, a global digital marketing and customer experience agency, where she served as growth orchestration and enable officer as well as senior director for partnerships. Previously, she was senior director of partnerships and director of relationship marketing at DEG Digital, a digital experience, commerce and advertising services agency.

    “When I saw Gradial, I saw something readily adoptable that customers already wanted but couldn’t find anywhere else,” said Michaels. “The product is powerful and the roadmap is exciting. Gradial has the opportunity to truly transform how enterprises and marketing teams operate at a scale I’ve never seen before.”

    About Gradial

    Founded by veterans of SpaceX and Microsoft and backed by Madrona Venture Group, Gradial is building a modern marketing content supply chain, partnering with enterprises, agencies and technology platforms to deliver reimagined digital experiences at scale. To learn more, visit https://gradial.com/.

    Media Contact:
    Sam Butler for Gradial
    sam@35thAvenuePartners.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ICC and IE University expand partnership to strengthen multilateralism 

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: ICC and IE University expand partnership to strengthen multilateralism 

    Leveraging the unique networks of both institutions across the private sector, academia, and the multilateral system, the “Rethinking Multilateralism: A New Role for the Private Sector” project aims to promote pragmatic and inclusive pathways to respond to global challenges.

    The growing threat of fragmentation, the need to secure over US$1 trillion of sustainable finance to meet the Paris Agreement and rising trade frictions present major global challenges. Rethinking the role of multilateralism in addressing these global issues and advancing sustainable development goals is more urgent than ever.

    ICC Secretary General, John W.H. Denton AO said:

    “International organisations need to realise that the private sector has so much more to offer beyond funding in efforts to advance sustainable development and prosperity around the world. We know things can be done better, so now we need to find practical ways to make change happen.”

    The “Rethinking Multilateralism” project, led by an ICC-IE Steering Committee, will provide insights and capacity-building opportunities. The two partners believe that tackling global challenges requires the private sector as a true partner in multilateral efforts, with stronger collaboration across sectors capable of delivering practical solutions.  

    IE University Provost Manuel Muñiz said:

    “IE University, as a catalyst for change, aims to strengthen the private sector’s role in multilateralism through this project with ICC, fostering an inclusive, pragmatic model that leverages innovation and knowledge to address global challenges and drive sustainable development.”

    Since 2019, ICC and IE University have developed a range of programming together, including executive master’s programmes, field trips to the ICC Court of Arbitration and ICC Global Headquarters in Paris, and capstone projects for students.

    About IE University

    IE University promotes positive change through education, research, and innovation. It offers a technology-based learning ecosystem for leaders with a global vision, an entrepreneurial mindset, deep respect for diversity and sustainability, and a unique focus on the humanities. IE University is comprised of six schools: IE Business School, IE Law School, IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, IE School of Architecture and Design, IE School of Science and Technology, and IE School of Humanities. The institution has a faculty of more than 500 professors who produce high-quality research and teach students from 160 countries in Bachelors, Masters and Executive Education programs. IE University’s platform of more than 82,000 alumni is present in 185 countries.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Guest blog: Navigating cross-border disputes in MENA

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: Guest blog: Navigating cross-border disputes in MENA

    Overcoming legal complexities

    Cross-border disputes often involve multiple jurisdictions, each with distinct legal principles. The MENA region, with its unique combination of civil law, common law, and Sharia principles, presents additional challenges for arbitration. Successfully navigating these disputes demands a deep understanding of local and international arbitration rules, including frameworks like ICC, LCIA, and DIAC.

    Professionals with experience in this region can mitigate risks by identifying applicable laws and ensuring procedural compliance. By leveraging their knowledge of the legal landscape, they provide clients with clear, actionable strategies to resolve their disputes effectively.

    Strategic approaches to cross-border arbitration

    Effectively managing cross-border disputes requires a proactive and strategic approach. Some of the key methodologies include:

    1. Early risk assessment: Evaluating potential risks and liabilities to establish a focused strategy
    2. Tailored advocacy: Adapting strategies to align with the specifics of each case and jurisdiction
    3. Efficient resource management: Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to utilise expertise and resources efficiently
    4. Collaboration with local counsel: Engaging local experts to understand jurisdiction-specific nuances and enhance representation

    Case example: arbitration support for a large-scale infrastructure project

    One recent example in the Gulf Cooperation Council region involves arbitration support for a major infrastructure project valued at over QAR 15 billion. The case required reconciling conflicting contractual provisions under multiple legal frameworks. Through thorough preparation and strategic advocacy, the dispute was resolved favourably, underscoring the importance of tailored approaches in high-stakes arbitration.

    Conclusion

    Navigating cross-border disputes in the MENA region is a complex process requiring expertise, strategic insights and a commitment to excellence. Professionals with experience in cross-border arbitration provide invaluable support to clients dealing with jurisdictional conflicts, enforcement challenges or intricate legal frameworks. Their ability to manage disputes ensures favourable outcomes and long-term success.

    *Disclaimer: The content of this article may not reflect the official views of the International Chamber of Commerce. The opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and other contributors.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Twelve months to re-negotiate contracts before income threshold policy takes effect

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says an income threshold for unjustified dismissal claims will apply to existing employment agreements after one year. 

    The income threshold was announced last year and will be introduced as part of upcoming changes to the Employment Relations Act. It delivers on the ACT-National coalition agreement commitment to set an income threshold above which personal grievances cannot be pursued. 

    “Cabinet agreed that the income threshold applies to existing employment agreements with a 12-month transition period and I can now announce further details. This means:

    • An employee is no longer on an existing employment agreement if they move to a new employer, or they shift to a new role within the same employer. However, if the employee shifts to a new role with the same employer as a result of a restructure, the transition period will still apply. 
    • If an employee is dismissed before the threshold applies to them, the employee will be able to raise an unjustified dismissal grievance within the 90-day period. For example, if an employee on an existing employment agreement is dismissed 10 days before the end of the transitional period, they will be able to raise an unjustified dismissal claim after the end of the transition period, so long as it is within the 90-day period.

    “The $180,000 threshold will apply to new employment agreements once the Bill is passed and will apply to existing employment agreements 12 months after the Bill is passed,” says Ms van Velden. 

    The transition period gives workers and employers time to amend employment agreements if they choose to. This includes the ability to opt back in to unjustified dismissal protection or negotiate their own dismissal procedures by agreeing to any changes and including them in their employment agreement. 

    “This policy will provide greater labour market flexibility, enabling businesses to ensure they have the best fit of skills and abilities for their organisation. It allows employers to give workers a go in high impact positions, without having to risk a costly and disruptive dismissal process if things don’t work out.” 

    “This policy will provide more flexibility and choice by allowing high income workers and employers to negotiate the terms and conditions related to dismissal that best suit their preferences and circumstances,” says Ms van Velden.

    Editor notes:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Call for Papers: International Conference on Emergency Preparedness and Response

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    “This conference provides a unique platform to bring together stakeholders from across the EPR community to discuss best practices, future trends and new technologies to enhance emergency preparedness,” said Carlos Torres Vidal, Director of the IAEA Incident and Emergency Centre, which is organizing the event. “By fostering international cooperation and sharing insights, we aim to help countries bolster their emergency response capabilities in a rapidly changing world.” 

    “Saudi Arabia is privileged to host this significant conference, organized by the IAEA, as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness nationally, regionally, and globally. Over the years, we have worked closely with the IAEA to advance capabilities and foster international cooperation in this vital field,” said Khalid Aleissa, Chief Executive Officer of the NRRC.  

    “Through this conference, we aim to provide a platform for experts and decision-makers from all organizations involved in emergency response to collaborate, exchange insights, and shape the future of nuclear emergency preparedness and response, ensuring readiness for the challenges of an evolving world,” he added. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Caisse Française de Financement Local: Report on asset quality as of December 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, February 11, 2025

    REPORT ON ASSET QUALITY AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024

    In accordance with the regulatory requirements in force, Caisse Française de Financement Local announces that the French version of the report on asset quality as of December 31, 2024 was filed with the Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution (ACPR) and that it can be obtained from its website: https://caissefrancaisedefinancementlocal.fr/investisseurs/publications/ (heading: Rapport sur la qualité des actifs). The English version of the report on asset quality as of December 31, 2024 can be obtained from its website: https://caissefrancaisedefinancementlocal.fr/en/investor/publications/ (heading: Report on asset quality).

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Melexis: update on the share buy-back program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release – Regulated Information

    Ieper, Belgium – 11 February 2025, 17.45 hrs CET

    Further to the initiation of the share buy-back program announced on 10 December 2024, Melexis reports the purchase of 16,000 Melexis shares on Euronext Brussels in the period from 6 to 7 February 2025.

    Trade date Total shares purchased Average price (€) Min price (€) Max price (€) Buyback amount (€)
    6/2/2025 8,000 55.15 54.25 57.10 441,205
    7/2/2025 8,000 55.24 54.20 56.15 441,910
    TOTAL 16,000 55.19 54.20 57.10 883,115

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NNIT A/S: NNIT RELEASES UNAUDITED FINANCIAL FIGURES FOR 2024, 2025 OUTLOOK AND ADJUSTS FINANCIAL ASPIRATIONS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Today, NNIT releases its preliminary financial key figures for 2024, the financial outlook for 2025 and announces an adjustment of the group’s financial aspirations.

    Preliminary financial figures for 2024
    Based on unaudited financial figures, NNIT delivered results in line with the latest outlook for organic growth of around 6-7% and group operating profit margin excluding special items of 6-7%. Group revenue amounted to DKK 1,851m corresponding to organic growth of 6.0% and reported growth of 7.1%. Group operating profit excluding special items was DKK 117m equating to a margin of 6.3%. Special items amounted to DKK 69m.

    Financial outlook for 2025
    Although market conditions and the geopolitical landscape have become more uncertain, NNIT expects to continue growing its underlying business across the Life Science, Public and Private verticals in 2025. Organic growth is expected to be 7-10% with profitability anticipated to increase driven by top line growth, improving billability and cost optimization. The group operating profit margin excluding special items is expected to be 7-9%. Special items are anticipated to be at a lower level than 2024. 

    Financial aspirations adjusted
    NNIT remains committed to its strategic direction of becoming a pure-play IT consultancy company with strong positions in globally attractive markets and ample opportunities to profitably grow its business.

    NNIT adjusts its financial mid-term aspirations based on lower-than-initially-expected financial performance in 2024, the impact on expectations for 2025 and beyond from continued macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty combined with a significant downgrade of the market outlook for the Life Science industry1 from around 8% CAGR in 2023-2026 to around 5% CAGR in 2024-2028. For the mid-term strategy period 2025-27, NNIT aspires to deliver profitable growth with annual organic revenue growth between 7 to 10%, and an operating profit margin before special items above 10% in 2027.

    NNIT will release its Annual Report 2024 on February 18, 2025, and host a webcast on the following day as planned.

    1Source: Gartner data from 2023 and latest data from Everest Group, November 2024

    For more information, please contact:
    Investor Relations
    Carsten Ringius
    EVP & CFO
    Tel: +45 3077 8888
    carr@nnit.com

    Media Relations
    Sofie Mand Steffens
    Senior Communications Consultant
    Tel: +45 3077 8337
    smst@nnit.com

    ABOUT NNIT
    NNIT is a leading provider of IT solutions to life sciences internationally, and to the public and private sectors in Denmark.

    We focus on high complexity industries and thrive in environments where regulatory demands and complexity are high.

    We advise on and build sustainable digital solutions that work for the patients, citizens, employees, end users or customers.

    We strive to build unmatched excellence in the industries we serve, and we use our domain expertise to represent a business first approach – strongly supported by a selection of partner technologies, but always driven by business needs rather than technology.

    NNIT consists of group company NNIT A/S and the subsidiary SCALES. Together, these companies employ more than 1,700 people in Europe, Asia and USA.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: At AI Summit, diplomats and Pharrell mull destiny of tech revolution

    Source: United Nations 4

    Economic Development

    AI is already transforming our world but its power rests “in the hands of a few”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Tuesday in Paris, in an appeal for countries to use the revolutionary technology together, “to bridge the gap between developed and developing countries – not widen it”.

    Addressing the AI Action Summit against the glittering backdrop of the Grand Palais museum in the French capital, the UN chief warned that the growing concentration of AI capabilities risked deepening geopolitical divides. “Global guardrails” must be agreed and deployed urgently and best practices shared, Mr. Guterres insisted, in the interests of solidarity, equitable policies and fair business.

    With national leaders, tech CEOs and even Pharrell Williams looking on, the UN chief also called for clean energy solutions, as AI data centres already place “an unsustainable strain” on our planet.

    “It is crucial to design AI algorithms and infrastructures that consume less energy and integrate AI into smart grids to optimize power use,” he insisted. “From data centres to training models, AI must run on sustainable energy so that it fuels a more sustainable future.”

    The rapidly developing field of AI should help to accelerate universally agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and not “entrench inequalities”, Mr. Guterres continued.

    Unfounded fears

    Also at the summit to discuss AI’s possibilities and perils, singer-superstar Mr. Williams rejected concerns that it might make humans redundant or take people’s jobs. “There’s just too much fear around it,” he said.

    “We wouldn’t use AI to help us write a song,” he added, insisting that the tech “wouldn’t replace creativity…You know, there was a whole thing around the year 2000 as well, but we’re fine, we survived that.”

    Representing US interests, Vice-President JD Vance said that $450 billion of investment in the sector was planned. He cautioned against overly stringent controls. “Excessive regulation of the AI sector could kill a transformative industry as it’s taking off,” he added.

    Soundcloud

    Commercial edge

    Offering insight into how AI is evolving, Choi-Soo-yeon, head of South Korean AI giant Naver, explained that what people want today is “not websites, but information” that is more relevant to their needs.

    “By understanding users underlying intent and context, AI will recommend products their users really want,” she said. “This is expected to create a commerce platform where various tastes to end personalities coexist and are actively connected.”

    The UN’s role in AI

    Highlighting the UN’s mission to ensure that no one is left behind by this new technology, Mr. Guterres pointed to the Global Digital Compact on AI governance which Member States agreed to in September last year. The Compact “brings the world together around a shared vision: one where technology serves humanity, not the other way around,” the Secretary-General said, as he urged all countries to support the creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI.

    Equally important is the establishment of a Global Dialogue on AI Governance featuring all UN Member States, “to align [AI] governance efforts around the world and reinforce their interoperability, uphold human rights in AI applications and prevent misuse…We must prevent a world of AI ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots,’” the UN chief insisted.

    Energy angle

    Addressing the need to square the circle of energy-hungry AI data centres, Fatih Birol, Executive director of the intergovernmental International Energy Agency (IEA) confirmed that electricity demand trends have already been impacted by data centres and other key AI infrastructure requirements.

    “There is no AI without energy,” he said, noting that “thousands” of data centres are going to be built. “This is the challenge for governments to find electricity in a clean way, in a sustainable way and in an affordable way.” 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: DR Congo crisis: Thousands of displaced in Goma forced to flee again

    Source: United Nations 4

    Humanitarian Aid

    Thousands of people affected by the fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are leaving displacement sites in and around Goma for safer areas, the UN humanitarian affairs office OCHA reported on Tuesday. 

    Last month, M23 rebels captured the city – the largest in the region and capital of North Kivu province. Nearly 3,000 people have reportedly been killed and 2,880 injured.

    OCHA Spokesperson Jens Laerke said more than 110,000 displaced people have left sites in Goma and have started to move to villages in the Masisi, Rutshuru and Nyiragongo territories.

    UN teams carried out humanitarian assessments in Rutshuru last week and will continue assessments this week in return areas to inform the response.

    Ultimatum to leave

    He said humanitarian partners remain concerned by the 72-hour ultimatum given by M23 representatives two days ago urging displaced people living in sites and collective centres in Goma to leave and return to their villages.

    Mr. Laerke noted, however, that the M23 issued a statement on Monday, which he quoted. It explained that the group “fully supports and encourages voluntary returns, but does not compel anyone to return without firm security guarantees.” 

    “We reiterate that all returns had to be voluntary and take place under safe, informed and dignified conditions in accordance with international humanitarian law,” he said.

    Displacement sites dismantled

    Meanwhile, humanitarian partners are also alarmed by the ongoing but unplanned dismantling of sites for internally displaced people.

    “This situation leads to the loss of humanitarian infrastructure at the sites, including border facilities, health centres and cholera treatment centers, resulting in significant losses of humanitarian investments and reduced response capacities,” he said.

    More to follow… 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE HSI RGV, law enforcement partners arrest member of Cartel del Golfo during routine enforcement action 

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    February 11, 2025Harlingen, TX, United StatesTransnational Gangs, Enforcement and Removal

    ICE HSI Rio Grande Valley, in partnership with our law enforcement partners arrested a member of the Cartel del Golfo. HSI is committed to strengthening our borders and protecting our communities from harm.

    HARLINGEN, Texas – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, in coordination with our law enforcement partners, arrested a member of the Cartel del Golfo, Feb. 6.

    The 36-year-old Mexican citizen was arrested for being in the United States illegally. During the interaction, agents discovered his prior criminal record, which includes a felony conviction for possession of marijuana and illegal entry.

    “This enforcement action is part of our relentless fight against violent cartel members who have little regard for the law and degrade the quality of life in our communities,” said HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “Our ultimate goal is to get these cartel members off the streets of South Texas and ensure they face justice for their crimes.”

    HSI further identified him as the leader of a sicario cell.

    Individuals can report suspicious criminal activity to the ICE Tip Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: How Healthy Are Oregonians’ Finances? Annual Scorecard Shows Households Are Earning More, Yet Many Families Are Still Struggling To Save And Make Ends Meet

    Source: US State of Oregon

    edian income has risen, the impact of inflation has slackened, and more Oregonians are saving for retirement and college, according to the 2025 Oregon Financial Wellness Scorecard, released today by the Oregon State Treasury.

    However, the data also show that many Oregonians are in a precarious financial position, and are ill-equipped to weather even a modest economic shock:

    • A majority of families say it’s difficult make ends meet each month, especially families with children at home;
    • Almost half of Oregonians are so financially fragile that they do not have $500 saved to cover an unexpected expense; And
    • More than a third of households can’t afford to save at all, after bills are paid each month – and the frequency of saving declined markedly in households with children where income was less than $75,000

    Those are some of the more than 40 takeaways from the annual scorecard, which assembles data from state and federal sources including a statewide survey to help policymakers and the public better understand how pocketbook and economic factors affect Oregonians’ quality of life.

    The new summary – which shows both positive and concerning trendlines — is compiled by the Oregon State Treasury in partnership with the Oregon Financial Empowerment Advisory Team, a public-private partnership for which State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner serves as chair.

    “The latest financial snapshot shows that Oregonians work hard, which is leading to higher incomes for many people,” said State Treasurer Steiner. “Innovative Oregon State Treasury programs such as OregonSaves are helping more people set aside money for retirement. But too many people and families barely get by each month. At Treasury, we’ll continue to promote financial empowerment and explore new tools to help Oregon families get ahead and thrive financially.”

    Among the positive data points: More Oregonians were medically insured in 2023, and the latest data on retirement saving from the U.S. Census showed that more Oregon households were saving in 2022, and at a frequency higher than the national average.

    Also, notably, Oregon household borrowing dipped slightly overall in 2023, according to data from the Federal Reserve.

    Financial fragility — which describes the ability of people to handle an economic emergency — was substantially worse for women, for those with a high school education or less, and for families with children at home.

    Overall, about half of Oregon households (49%) could not cover an emergency costing $500 or more from savings.

    The Scorecard statistics are benchmarked to national figures. Several data categories are also broken down by demographics, by county, or by rural versus urban areas, helping to show that Oregonians experience financial challenges differently.

    For instance, in rural counties homeownership rates are higher and so is the percentage of households who rely on public assistance. Some figures are also broken down by age, race, level of education and household income.

    Convened to help guide efforts to improve financial wellness statewide, the Oregon Financial Empowerment Advisory Team brings together citizens, representatives of the financial sector, and liaisons from key state agencies that focus on financial education and consumer protection. Quarterly meetings are open to the public.

    The advisory team also connects the public to financial resources in partnership with Oregon’s 211info network, and recognizes standout educators and champions annually with the Oregon Financial Empowerment Awards. Nominations are being accepted until March 1.

    The Treasury Financial Empowerment Initiative helps inform the work of the Oregon Treasury Savings Network, which administers savings programs to help Oregonians to build long term financial security. Those are the Oregon College Savings Plan, for higher education and career training; Oregon ABLE Savings Plan, for disability-connected costs; and OregonSaves, which allows people to save for retirement if they don’t have a plan at work.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Multiple defendants indicted on federal gun charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAVANNAH, GA: Newly returned indictments in the Southern District of Georgia include charges alleging felons illegally possessed firearms, while other defendants have been sentenced to federal prison or await further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal gun charges. 

    “Getting guns out of the hands of those who can’t legally possess them is a vital part of the effort to reduce violent crime,” said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “We applaud our law enforcement partners for their diligent work in keeping our communities safe.”  

    The cases are prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI, to reduce violent crime with measures that include targeting convicted felons who illegally possess guns.

    Those indicted in February include:

    • Taron Charleston, 20, of Dublin, Georgia, charged with Illegal Possession of a Machine Gun;
    • Shanan Lee Grover, 35, of Wrightsville, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
    • Timothy Lee Cheeks, 37, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and,
    • Charles Harmon Porter, 54, of Savannah, charged with Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon.

    Also previously indicted are:

    • Stephen Joseph Sala, 33, of Augusta, charged with Possession of an Unregistered Firearm (referring to a short-barreled rifle); and,
    • Jahmz Ransom, 24, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

    All indicted defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

    Defendants recently adjudicated on federal firearms charges include:

    • Nathan Sparks, 27, of Savannah, was sentenced to 130 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police found a pistol in Sparks’ waistband during a traffic stop.
    • Darnell Harold Miller, 25, of Savannah, was sentenced to 120 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police in January 2024 found Miller in possession of a pistol while investigating a domestic disturbance.
    • Barry Christopher Carpenter, 44, of Gainesville, Ga., was sentenced to 84 months in prison and fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Carpenter was arrested on state charges in Columbia County during a burglary investigation and found to be in possession of two firearms.
    • Corinthian Lamar Colonel, 26, of Savannah, was sentenced to 70 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Officers from the Savannah Police Department and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision found two firearms in Colonel’s residence during a September 2023 search.
    • Maleak J. Parrish, 24, of Savannah, was sentenced to 57 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police fund a pistol in Parrish’s possession during a traffic stop.
    • Eddie Robertson, 30, of Savannah, was sentenced to 52 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police officers found Robertson in possession of a handgun after a December 2023 traffic stop and foot chase.
    • Anthony Orlando Jones, 34, of Augusta, was sentenced to 46 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Richmond County deputies and the U.S. Marshals found Jones in possession of a semiautomatic pistol in November 2023 while serving him with an arrest warrant on a state felony charge.
    • Pedro Walker, 24, of Savannah, was sentenced to 46 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police officers investigating a reported disturbance found Walker had been in possession of a pistol.
    • Willie Dunbar, 45, of Villa Rica, Georgia, was sentenced to 37 months in prison and fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Machine Gun. During a January traffic stop, Wheeler County deputies found Dunbar in possession of a Polymer80 “ghost gun” fitted with a device converting it to automatic fire.
    • Deleon Alexander Jackson, 23, of Augusta, was sentenced to 21 months in prison and fined $1,000 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Richmond County deputies found Jackson in possession of a rifle while investigating a reported disturbance at an Augusta store.
    • Stanley Hall, 22, of Savannah, was sentenced to 71 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police found Hall in possession of a handgun while investigating a reported attempted vehicle break-in.
    • Lemar Neil Robinson, 36, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Georgia state troopers and Savannah police found Robinson in possession of a pistol after a vehicle chase and traffic stop.

    The cases are being prosecuted for the United States by the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office.

    Under federal law, it is illegal for an individual to possess a firearm if he or she falls into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon; illegal alien; or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to purchase – firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, also is a federal offense.  

    For more information from the ATF on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atfw-form-4473

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal immigrant convicted as part of India-based fraud conspiracy scheme targeting the life savings of elderly victims in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A southern Illinois jury convicted an illegal immigrant from India for his involvement in an imposter scam, in which victims across the Midwest were defrauded out of more than $400,000. 

    The jury convicted Nirav B. Patel, 44, an Indian citizen, of one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, three counts of wire fraud and one count of illegal entry into the U.S. by an alien.

    “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is working aggressively to prosecute illegal immigrants who break our laws and exploit elderly victims,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “An imposter scammer may call, text, or email to convince you they are someone in authority, but government agencies typically initiate conversation with you through the mail. Unexpected contact or demands through any other method are more than likely a scam.”

    Patel was convicted of acting on behalf of an imposter scam, in which the fraudsters pose as government officials to manipulate and exploit elderly victims for money. Patel traveled to the victims’ residences to pick up cash and assets to support the conspiracy.

    The scheme targeted elderly victims with text messages and emails purportedly warning that their Amazon accounts had been compromised. When the victims followed up on the messages, they were redirected to coconspirators posing as federal agents who convinced the victims that they were victims of identity theft who needed to withdraw their life savings to be held in phony U.S. Treasury or FTC trust accounts for safekeeping. In reality, the money was stolen and ultimately transferred to accounts controlled by the scammers in India.

    In addition to the fraud charges, Patel was also convicted for entering the U.S. illegally. Evidence showed that Patel snuck into the U.S. near Vancouver and moved throughout Washington, Tennessee, Georgia, New Jersey and elsewhere. Patel took the witness stand and testified that he moved to the Chicago suburbs, because he was able to acquire an Illinois driver’s license despite being in the U.S. unlawfully. Soon after, he began driving on behalf of the fraud scheme.

    “This conviction represents a significant victory in our fight against fraud schemes that target vulnerable elderly victims,” said HSI Chicago acting Special Agent in Charge Daniel Johnsen. “Patel’s reprehensible actions, along with his illegal presence in our country, underscore the critical importance of our efforts to protect our communities and bring such criminals to justice. We remain steadfast in our commitment to dismantling fraud conspiracies and ensuring that those who exploit others are held accountable for their crimes.”

    Patel was arrested in Edwardsville in April 2023 when he attempted to pick up $35,000 in cash from a retiree. In total, Patel personally made six trips picking up, or attempting to pick up, $403,400 from elderly victims in Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois.

    Patel could face up to 20 years’ imprisonment and fines up to $250,000 for conspiracy and each of the wire fraud counts. His sentencing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on May 29 at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis.

    The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Edwardsville Police Department, the Merrill Wisconsin Police Department, the Lincoln County Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office, and the Franklin Indiana Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter T. Reed and Steve Weinhoeft are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Country Man Indicted in Alien Smuggling Event

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Bailey Burger, age 38, of Chazy, New York, was indicted last week for alien smuggling and conspiracy to commit alien smuggling.

    United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia of United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector, made the announcement.

    Burger is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling for profit and four additional counts of alien smuggling for profit, all of which allege his involvement in a cross-border smuggling event in which he smuggled four citizens of India into the United States, on January 26, 2025. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    If convicted on all charges, Burger faces at least 5 years and up to 15 years in prison, as well as at least 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. 

    Burger was arraigned today, in Plattsburgh, before United States Magistrate Judge Gary L. Favro, and continues to be detained until a hearing on February 20.

    U.S. Border Patrol is investigating this case. Special Assistant United States Attorney Parvinder Nijjar and Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Stitt are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Towanda, Illinois, Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Prison for Paying Adults to Sexually Assault Children During Online Video Chats

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PEORIA, Ill. – A Towanda, Illinois, man, Triston Michael Roberts, 22, was sentenced on February 4, 2025, to fifteen years’ imprisonment, to be followed by a ten-year term of supervised release, after being convicted of two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. He also must register as a sex offender once he is released.At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge Jonathan E. Hawley, the government established that between April 2023 and February 2024, Roberts used his cellphone to visit online platforms where he located adults offering to engage in sexual acts with children in exchange for money. Roberts used a screen record function on his phone to produce videos of the child sex abuse as it occurred. During the video chat sessions, Roberts provided monetary “tips” in exchange for the performance of specific acts of sexual abuse. Roberts also communicated directly with a prepubescent minor and sent her lewd photographs of himself. At Roberts’s request, the minor female sent him sexually explicit photographs.During the execution of a search warrant at Roberts’s residence, agents with Homeland Security Investigations and the Illinois State Police located three child pornography images and 82 child pornography videos on Roberts’s phone, in addition to the videos that Roberts produced.Roberts was charged by criminal complaint in February 2024 and indicted eight days later. He entered a guilty plea to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in September 2024. Roberts has remained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since his arrest.The statutory penalties for sexual exploitation of a minor are 15 to 30 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years to a life term of supervised release.“Preventing the exploitation of children is a top priority for our office,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Gilmore. “Predators like the defendant inflict long-lasting trauma on child victims. We are committed to seeking justice in these cases and are grateful to our federal and local law enforcement partners for their dedicated work in investigating these crimes.”“This case underscores our relentless dedication to protecting children from exploitation,” said HSI Chicago acting Special Agent in Charge Daniel Johnsen. “The abhorrent actions of Roberts have caused severe harm, and his conviction ensures he will face justice for his vile offenses. We are committed to leveraging all resources at our disposal to prevent such heinous acts and ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.”“Preying on children is a despicable crime, and ISP special agents are committed to relentlessly pursuing justice and safety for all children every day,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly.The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Illinois State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz represented the government in the prosecution.The case against Roberts was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six Sentenced in Federal Fraud Pandemic Unemployment Benefit Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ABINGDON, Va. – Six of the 17 defendants charged with conspiring to defraud the United States, commit program fraud, and commit mail fraud in connection to a scheme involving the filing of fraudulent claims for pandemic unemployment benefits, were sentenced recently in U.S. District Court in Abingdon.

    Stephanie Amber Barton, 31, and Hayleigh McKenzie Wolfe, 30, both of Cedar Bluff, Virginia, were each sentenced yesterday to serve 12 months and 1 day in federal prison. Barton previously pled guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States and was ordered to pay $28,964 in restitution to the Virginia Employment Commission.

    Wolfe previously pled guilty to knowingly making materially false and fraudulent statements and representations on a claim for emergency assistance benefits and was ordered to pay $13,978 in restitution.

    Last month, four other defendants were sentenced for their roles in the scheme. 

    Jonathan Webb, the individual charged with ‘recruiting’ others to file fraudulent claims, mostly inmates at local jails, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison and was ordered to pay $150,218 in restitution.

    Terrence Brooks Vilacha was sentenced to 18 months in prison and was ordered to pay $14,894 in restitution. Joseph Hass was sentenced to 27 months’ incarceration and was ordered to pay $19,316 in restitution. Brian Addair was sentenced to 24 months in prison and was ordered to pay $22,284.

    Also charged and awaiting sentencing are Josef Ludwig Brown, Crystal Samantha Shaw, Christopher Kirk Webb, Cara Camille Bailey, Jessica Dawn Lester, Russell Eric Stiltner, Daneil Wayne Horton, Justin Warren Meadows, Jeramy Blake Farmer, and Clinton Michael Altizer, all charged with conspiring to defraud the United States, fraud in connection with emergency benefits, and conspiring to commit mail fraud. One defendant is scheduled for trial in May 2025.

    According to court documents, between March 2020 and September 2021, Josef Brown, Jonathan Webb, and Crystal Shaw developed a scheme to file fraudulent claims and recertifications for pandemic unemployment befits via the Virginia Employment Commission website. The scheme involved the collection of personal identification information (PII) of inmates housed at SWVRJA-Haysi, as well as personal friends and acquaintances of Brown, Webb, and Shaw. The conspirators used that information to file fraudulent claims and recertifications for pandemic unemployment benefits for incarcerated individuals and others who were ineligible for the benefits.

    In all, the defendants stole $341,205 in pandemic relief to which they were not entitled.

    As part of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Task Force, this investigation was conducted by the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery. The PRAC’s 20 member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending.

    Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares announced the sentences.

    Agencies that assisted with this investigation included the Dickenson County Sheriff’s Office, the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority, the FBI, U.S. Department of Labor, and the Virginia Employment Commission.

    Special Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Senior Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Danielle Stone are prosecuting the case for the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tiptonville, Tennessee, Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Attempted Enticement of a Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PEORIA, Ill. – A Tiptonville, Tennessee, man, Jerry Braddy, 45, was sentenced on February 4, 2025, to ten years in federal prison, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for attempted enticement of a minor. He also must register as a sex offender once he is released.

    At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge Jonathan E. Hawley, the government established that between June 2, 2024, and June 12, 2024, Braddy communicated via an online platform with an individual he believed to be the stepfather of a nine-year-old child. Braddy agreed to meet the child and stepfather in Bloomington, Illinois, in order to engage in a sexual encounter with the minor. Federal law enforcement agents, with assistance from the McLean County Sherriff’s Office, arrested Braddy when he arrived at the location.

    Braddy was charged by criminal complaint in June 2024 and indicted five days later. Braddy pleaded guilty in August 2024. He has remained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since his arrest.

    The statutory penalties for attempted enticement of a minor are a minimum of ten years to life imprisonment, followed by a minimum of five years to a maximum life term of supervised release.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz represented the government in the prosecution.

    The case against Braddy was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov

    MIL Security OSI –