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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Business – Clear the queue to boost innovation and primary sector – BusinessNZ

    Source: BusinessNZ

    BusinessNZ strongly backs Animal and Plant Health NZ’s call for a sensible and modern approvals process for innovative plant and animal products, to unlock greater economic potential for the primary sector and boost economic growth.
    Chief Executive Katherine Rich says our current system is too slow, too costly and uncertain.
    “Some multinational firms find great difficulty launching in New Zealand because we’ve made bringing innovation here cost and time-prohibitive.
    “It should not take an application more than four years to get approval – particularly products or treatments which have been safely on the market elsewhere for a decade.
    “Whether it be the approval of innovative new products through the Environmental Protection Authority or new pharmaceuticals and medical devices through Medsafe, New Zealand needs effective approval processes for launching innovation here which is not cost-prohibitive and many years long.
    “New Zealand needs to be an attractive place to launch new products for innovation. We must have an effective and efficient approvals process.”
    Rich says BusinessNZ gladly joined businesses and organisations in co-signing a letter to Ministers, calling for positive change.
    “We also support the Ministry for Regulation’s review of the agricultural and horticultural products regulatory approval process, and BusinessNZ expects to hear more in the coming weeks after findings are presented to Cabinet.”
    The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Remarkable climate solutions nominated for this year’s Earthshot Prize – Vic

    Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

    An ocean remediation project, a predator-free blueprint, cleaner greenhouses, and a clean technology pioneer are the nominees put forward this year by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington to be considered for one of five £1,000,000 ($1.9m NZD) 2025 Earthshot Prizes.

    The Earthshot Prize finds and grows the solutions that will repair our planet, addressing the challenge to regenerate the place we all call home in the next ten years. As a thought leader in sustainability, the University is the only official nominator based in New Zealand.

    These remarkable sustainability solutions were selected by a panel for their potential for global impact, ability to be scaled or replicated, various environmental metrics, and solid organisational foundations.

    The Earthshot Prize has a network of nominators all over the world who nominate game-changing innovations that will help repair the planet, awarding the best five solutions each year with £1 million to scale their work. The independent charity was founded by Prince William, and former Prime Minister, Dame Jacinda Ardern, is on the Board of Trustees.

    The prizes are awarded to projects that highlight human ingenuity, drive change, and inspire collective action. The Earthshot Prize not only makes available the transformative financial resources of £5 million per year, it also has built a global, diverse, and hugely influential network of partnerships and collaborations involved with all levels of how the Prize works. All finalists get access to mentoring and support throughout the process.

    In 2023, one of the University’s nominees, Sea Forest Ltd, was one of the fifteen finalists for The Earthshot Prize. (ref. https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/sustainability/about-us/news/methane-busting-seaweed-a-finalist-for-international-earthshot-prize )

    The University’s nominees this year are:

    Predator Free Wellington

    New Zealand is at the top of the global list for threatened or endangered native species resulting from predation by introduced mammals. Predator Free Wellington is creating the world’s first predator-free capital city where native wildlife and communities thrive. They are creating the urban blueprint for the Predator Free Aotearoa New Zealand 2050 goal. The Predator Free Wellington team are developing a scalable, replicable system to permanently eliminate target introduced predators (rats, possums, mustelids) from Wellington city’s 30,000 hectares. This transformational project is a world-first, being delivered in partnership with every single resident and providing a replicable system for urban environments everywhere.

    Kaipara Moana Remediation

    The Kaipara is the southern hemisphere’s largest harbour and a place of global importance. Once home to ancient forests, the 600,000-hectare catchment is now degraded by land clearance, with around 700,000 tonnes of sediment flowing into the harbour each year, and 90 percent of wetlands lost. Through novel collaborations, investment in people, and ‘end-to-end’ support, Kaipara Moana Remediation mobilises landowners, iwi/hapū, communities, industry, and government to protect 16,200 kilometres of riparian margins, regenerate wetlands, and re-forest eroding hillsides. Using next-generation digital tools to identify ‘hotspots’ in the landscape, Kaipara Moana Remediation supports landowners to offset on-farm emissions, restore ecosystem remnants, and improve resilience to cyclones and floods impacting local communities.

    Hot Lime Labs

    Seventy percent of commercial greenhouses use natural gas for heat and yield-boosting CO2. The CO2 byproduct from natural gas is critical for greenhouses as it boosts yield by around 20 percent. No other greenhouse heating solution delivers clean CO2, so transitioning from natural gas carries a huge penalty and a major abatement challenge. The Hot Lime Labs vision is to decarbonise half the world’s greenhouses by 2030, reducing fossil emissions by 120 megatons per year. Hot Lime extracts CO2 from forestry and crop waste, replacing fossil-based CO2. Their solution delivers renewable CO2, boosting customer yields and enabling greenhouses to transition to renewable heating and decarbonise their operations.

    Mint Innovation

    As global mineral reserves deplete and decarbonisation becomes existential, Mint Innovation offers a sustainable solution. Mint is a clean technology pioneer, leveraging the world’s fastest growing waste streams and transforming them into value for a greener future. Their patented low-carbon technologies recover critical metals, such as copper, lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earths from waste streams such as e-waste and spent li-ion batteries. Mint brings its world-first technology to these waste streams in city-scale facilities to return low-carbon metals back into local economies. The technology will help reduce our reliance on unsustainable practices like smelting and mining for mineral recovery, while diverting waste from landfills and preventing the export of hazardous waste to developing nations where it is typically disposed of in dangerous and highly pollutive ways.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: EPA – Rangitane maritime development declined COVID fast-track consent

    Source: Environmental Protection Authority

    An independent panel has declined resource consent to construct a public boat ramp facility at Rangitane, Kerikeri.
    Far North District Council and Far North Holdings Limited applied for resource consent under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020.
    The decision comes 209 working days after the application was lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority.
    The Environmental Protection Authority is not involved in the decision-making. We provide procedural advice and administrative support to the panel convenor, Judge Laurie Newhook, and the expert consenting panel he appoints.
    Note that this application was made under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 and not the more recent fast-track legislation.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Designing the Cultural Heart of Ipswich

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Ipswich CBD will soon begin its transformation thanks to a $3.8 million investment from the Albanese Government to fund detailed upgrade designs.

    The Ipswich Central Heart: Art, Commerce and Urban Greening project is being funded through Stream One of the Australian Government’s urban Precincts and Partnerships Program (uPPP). 

    The project will develop designs for the expansion of the Ipswich Art Gallery and the redevelopment of the Ipswich Civic Centre. It will also include planning for a streetscape refresh of Brisbane Street, the integration of the Inner CBD Cycle Network and additional urban greening initiatives.

    The planned precinct aims to enhance economic development by creating new local job opportunities, in addition to supporting the investment already underway in Ipswich Central. 

    It will also deliver an arts and cultural precinct, providing a place for artists and performers to collectively work and create.

    City of Ipswich will work collaboratively alongside the Office of the Queensland Government Architect, Queensland Health, West Moreton Health, and the Department of Transport and Main Roads throughout this planning project.  

    Stream One of the uPPP funds the design of places that contribute to local economic growth and revitalise urban spaces to meet the needs of growing communities.

    This funding demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to valuing local voices and developing partnerships that will help build Australia’s future in the long term. 

    Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King: 

    “The Albanese Government’s urban Precincts and Partnerships Program is about reusing and reimagining our urban spaces to better serve the people who live in them.

    “The Ipswich CBD has enormous potential and this funding is the first critical step in realising this project.”  

    Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm: 

    “This new precinct, right in the heart of Ipswich, will improve arts and cultural experiences for the local community and help secure Ipswich’s status as a cultural hub in the south east.

    “This is yet another demonstration of the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to back local priority infrastructure and community projects in our town centres.”

    Quotes attributable to Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann:

    “This $3.8 million investment from the Albanese Government in Ipswich’s heart will boost local businesses and jobs, in addition to supporting the investment already underway in Ipswich Central to make our city more vibrant and liveable. 

    “Ipswich is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, and this funding will help drive a thriving arts and cultural zone in our city centre that can be used by our diverse arts and entertainment community.”

    Quotes attributable to Ipswich Deputy Mayor, Cr Nicole Jonic:

    “We want to build an Ipswich that provides not only jobs and opportunities, but access to arts, culture and recreation. 

    “The Ipswich Central Heart: Art, Commerce and Urban Greening project will help us create a modern city where people can work, play and have pride in where they live.

    “This much-needed Federal funding will enhance the capacity of Ipswich Central cultural assets, like the Ipswich Art Gallery and Ipswich Civic Centre, and improve connectivity between these venues and our revitalised CBD.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Enhancing Emergency Communications Systems

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $55 million would be awarded to 57 counties and New York City to bolster the State’s emergency response and communications systems through two grants — a $45 million grant under the State Interoperable Communications Formula Grant Program and a $10 million grant under the Public Safety Answering Point Grant Program. Both grant programs fall under the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant program, which provides reimbursement of funding to eligible counties in order to improve their emergency communication systems, and allocate funding to further enhance public safety call-taking and dispatching abilities. The combined $55 million is set to deliver upgrades to the State’s public safety answering points and communications system. Funding will assist counties as they buy new equipment, upgrade their technology and improve training, and will encourage the development of Next Generation 911 technologies.

    “Ensuring the safety of New Yorkers is my top priority, and a reliable emergency dispatch system is critical for getting first responders where they’re needed — fast,” Governor Hochul said. “This additional funding will strengthen emergency communications across the State, helping counties upgrade technology, improve training and enhance their response capabilities. I remain committed to advancing public safety efforts year after year, ensuring every community has the resources it needs and deserves.”

    Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Communication is key during emergencies and these grants will help communities across New York State get training and maintain and improve their systems. The professionals who take emergency calls and dispatch emergency responders are the first line of assistance, and we want to help ensure they have the tools they need.”

    Executive Director of New York State Association of Counties Stephen J. Acquario said, “Counties applaud Governor Hochul for her continued priority emphasis on providing emergency 9-1-1 communication grants to counties. This funding is critical so that county based 911 systems can invest in modern technology and infrastructure to ensure our residents have access to emergency services.”

    The State Interoperable Communications Formula Grant (SICG-Formula) focuses on minimizing gaps in interoperable communications by aligning technology acquisitions with its operational use by first responders, providing the foundation necessary to accomplish a high level of interoperability.

    The grant allows the State to reimburse eligible expenses that aid localities in sustaining and improving communications systems and components, training and exercises, and governance structures. It also supports county public safety organizations in enhancing emergency response, improving capability and performance results from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) National Emergency Communications Plan, improving operating procedures and infrastructure development, and addressing SAFECOM guidance from the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

    The SICG Formula grant awards announced today are below:

    County Award Amount County Award Amount
    Albany $1,175,916 Niagara $788,111
    Allegany $736,507 Oneida $759,816
    Broome $890,183 Onondaga $1,111,103
    Cattaraugus $640,674 Ontario $577,913
    Cayuga $705,292 Orange $869,382
    Chautauqua $643,479 Orleans $501,156
    Chemung $498,210 Oswego $794,392
    Chenango $494,618 Otsego $715,946
    Clinton $639,814 Putnam $422,645
    Columbia $446,381 Rensselaer $730,577
    Cortland $786,336 Rockland $758,386
    Delaware $667,382 Saratoga $766,246
    Dutchess $526,279 Schenectady $609,599
    Erie $1,187,283 Schoharie $475,133
    Essex $826,549 Schuyler $407,932
    Franklin $653,016 Seneca $391,399
    Fulton $488,828 St. Lawrence $798,892
    Genesee $682,571 Steuben $748,369
    Greene $456,547 Suffolk $893,700
    Hamilton $561,551 Sullivan $637,453
    Herkimer $670,415 Tioga $410,016
    Jefferson $739,206 Tompkins $627,501
    Lewis $665,538 Ulster $552,845
    Livingston $609,127 Warren $492,667
    Madison $720,342 Washington $773,600
    Monroe $1,420,159 Wayne $484,283
    Montgomery $407,620 Westchester $646,033
    Nassau $887,854 Wyoming $443,244
    New York City $6,615,112 Yates $368,872

    The Public Safety Answering Point Operations Grant (PSAP) is noncompetitive and allocates money by a formula which distributes funding to awardees based on several varying criteria, including operational scope, demographic elements, emergency services call metrics, deployment of new technology, and adherence with State and national guidelines for emergency communications.

    The grant supports an awardee’s existing operations and encourages the development of Next Generation 911 (NG911) technologies and the Geographic Information System (GIS) data needed for NG911. The PSAP grant also promotes the development of operational and procedural efficiencies and overall collaboration between different jurisdictions, such as other counties and state agencies.

    The PSAP grant awards announced today are below:

    County Award Amount County Award Amount
    Albany $235,855 Niagara $182,545
    Allegany $127,563 Oneida $205,204
    Broome $221,995 Onondaga $202,864
    Cattaraugus $156,861 Ontario $213,167
    Cayuga $213,957 Orange $151,513
    Chautauqua $167,574 Orleans $104,727
    Chemung $213,276 Oswego $181,122
    Chenango $165,794 Otsego $173,737
    Clinton $150,227 Putnam $108,883
    Columbia $159,118 Rensselaer $186,187
    Cortland $194,635 Rockland $176,964
    Delaware $165,193 Saratoga $118,926
    Dutchess $154,993 Schenectady $175,333
    Erie $202,408 Schoharie $114,623
    Essex $223,942 Schuyler $183,578
    Franklin $152,412 Seneca $160,865
    Fulton $159,119 St. Lawrence $209,055
    Genesee $211,687 Steuben $175,667
    Greene $143,466 Suffolk $189,488
    Hamilton $163,770 Sullivan $155,955
    Herkimer $199,901 Tioga $109,805
    Jefferson $188,735 Tompkins $136,192
    Lewis $229,558 Ulster $151,993
    Livingston $168,455 Warren $165,940
    Madison $153,681 Washington $147,298
    Monroe $229,967 Wayne $180,950
    Montgomery $178,052 Westchester $156,766
    Nassau $126,372 Wyoming $116,975
    New York City $205,078 Yates $200,034

    Both the SICG-Formula and PSAP grant programs directly support local emergency response capabilities and promote interoperability for public safety agencies throughout the State.

    About DHSES

    The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on Facebook, Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter, or visit dhses.ny.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced for Passport Fraud and Illegal Reentry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Aberdeen, Mississippi – Joaquin Lineares-Rodriguez, a Mexican national, was sentenced Tuesday following his guilty plea to passport fraud and Illegal Reentry of a Removed Alien. This was Lineares-Rodriguez’s third conviction for Illegal Reentry into the United States.

    According to court documents, Lineares-Rodriguez was charged with passport fraud following an attempt to gain a U.S. passport. The defendant made numerous false statements in his passport application. These false statements led to an investigation by agents with the Diplomatic Security Service, who investigate visa and passport fraud as a part of the Department of State. During the course of their investigation, agents learned that Lineares-Rodriguez had multiple prior deportations. Agents with Homeland Security assisted in the investigation.

    Lineares-Rodriguez was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock to 18 months incarceration. Following his sentence, DHS and ICE will be notified and Lineares-Rodriguez will be taken into ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

    Following the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner noted the importance of this prosecution, stating, “Illegal reentry into the United States, and using fraudulent passports to do so, will never be rewarded; these crimes will instead be met will the full prosecutorial powers of the Department of Justice and this office. The joint efforts by AUSA John Herzog, and the Departments of State and Homeland Security are to be commended and will serve as a template for success moving forward. Hopefully, a prison sentence will deter yet another illegal re-entry by this defendant.”

    This case was investigated by Diplomatic Security Service of the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security. The case was prosecuted by AUSA John Herzog Jr.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Second Defendant Admits His Role in ATM Skimming Bank Fraud Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE – A second Romanian national has admitted to a federal judge in Rhode Island that he participated in a conspiracy that installed card skimming devices on bank ATMs in at least six states, including Rhode Island, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

    Mario Demarco, a/k/a Marius Lupu a/k/a David Ademec, until recently residing in Queens, New York, pleaded guilty today to a charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. A co-defendant, Stefano Garioli, a/k/a Dumitru Bogdan Pancu a/k/a Leon Vutkus, also of Queens, New York, pleaded guilty on December 11, 2024, to the same charge.

    According to information presented to the court, for more than two years, beginning in May 2022, the two men conspired together and with others to commit bank fraud by placing skimming devices on ATM machines in order to steal customer bank account information and PINs. The stolen information was used to clone counterfeit bank cards that were then used to fraudulently withdraw money from the bank accounts of unsuspecting customers. 

    The ATM skimmer conspiracy first came to the attention law enforcement on July 5, 2024, when a bank branch manager notified the Warwick Police Department that bank surveillance video had captured two men, later identified as the defendants, placing a skimming device inside a drive-up ATM. Nearby security video also captured images of the two men’s vehicle. The same vehicle was also identified as having been present two days earlier when a skimming device was placed inside an ATM at a North Kingstown bank branch.

    On July 6, 2024, Cranston Police reported that a vehicle matching the one recorded by bank security cameras had been captured on a Flock camera in their city. Warwick Police responded to the area of the camera and located the vehicle. Demarco was detained as he walked away from a nearby ATM; Garioli was located sitting in the vehicle.

    Further investigation determined that the two men had worked together and with others for more than two years placing skimmer devices on ATMs in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

    DeMarco and Garioli are scheduled to be sentenced on May 6, 2025. The defendants’ sentences will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ly T. Chin.

    The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Warwick, RI Police Department, Cranston, RI Police Department, East Greenwich, RI  Police Department, North Kingstown, RI  Police Department, East Providence, RI Police Department, Boston, MA Police Department, New York City Police Department, and the Stratford, CT Police Department.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jacksonville Man Sentenced To Four Years In Prison For Possessing A Firearm As A Convicted Felon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Christopher O’Neal Houser (44, Jacksonville) to four years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Houser entered a guilty plea on October 15, 2024.

    According to court documents, on February 2, 2024, Houser sold a sawed-off shotgun to another felon. At the time that he possessed and sold the shotgun, Houser had prior felony convictions for possession of methamphetamine and grand theft, which prohibited him from legally possessing firearms. He also had convictions for sexually assaulting multiple women in 2002, and for misdemeanor battery in 2019.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safe for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Multi-Convicted Felon Sentenced To Eight Years In Prison For Distributing Cocaine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger has sentenced James Matthew Doyle (38, Fleming Island) to eight years in federal prison for distributing cocaine. Doyle entered a guilty plea on May 31, 2024. 

    According to court records, in January and February 2023 Doyle sold cocaine on two different occasions to a confidential source working for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as to an undercover agent.  Doyle has several prior felony convictions, including the sale of marijuana and ecstasy, possession of cocaine and methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, grand theft auto, and forging title information.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: One Defendant Pleads Guilty And Two Others Charged With Fraudulently Obtaining $59 Million In Public Benefits And Laundering Proceeds To China

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Bruce Jin, age 60, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments in the amount of approximately $59 million. The United States Attorney’s Office also announced that Jin was charged with those offenses in August 2023, along with Brian R. Cleland, age 71, and Carlos A. Grijalva, age 59. All three defendants are residents of the Los Angeles, California area. The indictment also contains additional wire fraud charges against Cleland and Jin individually.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Cleland, Jin, and Grijalva, along with other unnamed coconspirators, conspired to obtain state unemployment compensation funds, and other public funds, through fraudulent means. The indictment alleges that the defendants and others entered into a series of agreements to make it appear as if they were operating legitimate businesses selling masks and other COVID19 personal protective equipment. In reality, the funds that the defendants obtained and laundered through their companies were derived from fraudulently obtained state unemployment compensation (“UC”) benefits. The indictment alleges that Economic Impact Payments, or “stimulus payments,” were also obtained through fraudulent means.

    According to the indictment, unnamed members of the conspiracy, including some believed to be located in China, established thousands of accounts at banks across the United States using the personal identifying information (“PII”) of identity theft victims. From there, fraudulent UC claims were generated and paid to these accounts, including accounts in the names of people residing in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The indictment alleges that these fraudulent UC claims were also generated by fraudsters based in China. As a result of this fraudulent activity, millions of dollars in fraudulent UC payments were made by Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, and other states.

    After UC funds were paid out, they were then transferred from identity theft victims’ accounts to companies controlled by Cleland, Jin, and Grijalva. For instance, Jin, through companies that he controlled known as Ample International and Jin Commerce, allegedly received over $12 million in UC funds from the accounts of identity theft victims.  In addition, the defendants are alleged to have used ACH processing—a type of electronic bank-to-bank transfer—to obtain over $45 million in fraudulent funds from the accounts of identity theft victims. This money mostly went from the accounts of identity theft victims to companies controlled by Cleland and Grijalva, including MexUS Service, Group Mex USA, CCB Group, GC Accounting, and CLECO. After that, Cleland and Grijalva transferred over $30 million to Jin’s companies and over $6 million to a company controlled by an associate of Jin who is referred to in the indictment as COCONSPIRATOR 1. That associate’s company is known in the indictment as COMPANY 1.

    After Jin received the fraudulent funds, either from identity theft victims’ accounts or from Cleland and Grijalva through ACH processing, he then made international wire transfers totaling over $35 million to a bank account in China associated with a company known in the indictment as COMPANY 2. COMPANY 2 is controlled by an individual known in the indictment as COCONSPIRATOR 2, who, like COMPANY 2, is allegedly located in China. Jin also transferred over $2 million directly to COCONSPIRATOR 2.

    The indictment also contains forfeiture allegations seeking over $59 million in US currency, as well as the contents of three bank accounts belonging to COMPANY 1 and a property in Honolulu, Hawaii that was purchased by COCONSPIRATOR 1 using funds connected to the charged offenses.

    During his guilty plea, Bruce Jin admitted to the conduct that he is alleged to have engaged in with Cleland, Grijalva, and COCONSPIRATOR 2, as described above.

    Jin has been detained since his arrest in August 2023. Cleland and Grijalva have been released pending trial on conditions. Cleland and Grijalva have both pleaded not guilty to the charged offenses and are scheduled for trial in May 2025.

    “The Department of Justice is committed to identifying and punishing those who defrauded pandemic-era benefits programs, regardless of where they are located,” said Mandy Riedel, Director, COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement. “I commend the hard work of the prosecutors and investigators in the Middle District of Pennsylvania who doggedly pursued these organized overseas criminals to seek justice and the return of stolen tax payer funds.”

    “Bruce Jin and his co-defendants engaged in an unemployment insurance (UI) fraud scheme that targeted multiple state workforce agencies, including the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry,” stated Syreeta Scott, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Mid-Atlantic Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “Jin conspired to file fraudulent UI claims in the names of identity theft victims who were not entitled to such benefits. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the UI system from those who seek to exploit this critical benefit program.”

    “The millions of dollars fraudulently obtained in this case were meant to support struggling Americans, not to be funneled overseas,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “The FBI is grateful for the ongoing collaboration of our partners as we work to hold accountable those who commit such egregious and complex financial crimes.”

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma is prosecuting the case. 

    The U.S. Attorney General has established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    The maximum penalty under federal law for wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit money laundering is also 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

    A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty To Possession And Transfer Of A Destructive Device

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Shane Allen Gibson (45, Jacksonville) today pleaded guilty to possession of a destructive device and transfer of a destructive device to a convicted felon. Gibson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for the possession charge and up to 15 years in federal prison for the transfer charge. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to the plea agreement, on April 20, 2023, Gibson possessed and transferred an improvised explosive bomb, a destructive device under federal law, to an individual who he knew to be a convicted felon. The destructive device was one of three homemade explosive devices given by Gibson to the convicted felon. Laboratory testing revealed that the device contained explosive powder and numerous screws and fasteners within an arial shell and pyrotechnic fuse. An examiner from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives concluded that igniting the fuse would, after a short delay, cause blast, thermal, and fragmentation effects capable of causing damage, injury, and death to persons nearby.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lasry.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader of Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads Guilty to Numerous Drug Distribution Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – One of the leaders of a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy operating in and around the South Shore area of Massachusetts has pleaded guilty to multiple federal drug offenses in federal court in Boston.

    Giovanni Pina, 27, of Brockton, pleaded guilty to one count of possessing with intent to distribute and distributing 500 grams and more of methamphetamine; one count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine on a premises where a minor was present and/or resided; and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue and 500 grams or more of cocaine. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for April 30, 2025. Pina was charged by complaint in February 2023 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2023.  

    Beginning in at least January 2021 through at least November 2021, Pina served as one of the leaders of a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed fentanyl, fentanyl analogue and cocaine in and around the South Shore area – including in the Brockton, Quincy and Weymouth communities. Part of that conspiracy involved a Weymouth “stash house.” During a search of the stash house location in January 2021, two kilo presses; extensive drug paraphernalia, including blenders, digital scales and packaging equipment; more than 10 kilograms of fentanyl, fentanyl analogue and cocaine; three firearms; ammunition; two high-capacity magazines; and a speed loader were recovered.

    Additionally, Pina participated in a number of recorded drug deals with a cooperating witness in January and February 2023. One recorded drug deal occurred on or about Jan. 12, 2023, at a residence in Brockton, during which the deal and in the presence of a minor, Pina provided the witness with a box containing orange pills in exchange for cash. Subsequent lab testing confirmed that the pills consisted of over 2,000 grams of a mixture and substance of methamphetamine. On or about Jan. 25, 2023, Pina participated in another recorded drug deal with the cooperating witness in a vehicle in Taunton. During the deal, Pina provided the witness with a box that contained a large amount of orange pills in exchange for cash.  Subsequent lab testing confirmed that the pills consisted of over 2,500 grams of a mixture and substance of methamphetamine.  

    The charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue and 500 grams or more of cocaine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance of methamphetamine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine on premises where a minor was present and/or resided provides for an additional consecutive term of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Quincy Police Chief Mark Kennedy made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department; and the Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree, Randolph, Brockton, East Bridgewater and Bridgewater Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin R. O’Donnell of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lead Defendants Plead Guilty to RICO Conspiracy to Transport, Hire, and Harbor Unauthorized Workers

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Criminal Enterprise Employed Unauthorized Workers at Dozens of Mexican Restaurants Across the Midwest

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Seven defendants, including an owner, president, chief financial officer, and controller of a Joplin, Mo., corporation, have pleaded guilty in federal court to their roles in a racketeering conspiracy to transport, hire, and harbor undocumented workers in several Midwestern states.

    “This case sends a clear and unequivocal message: employing unauthorized workers will not be tolerated and will be met with severe consequences,” said Mark Zito, HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge. “Our investigation uncovered a blatant and systemic disregard for our nation’s employment laws. Those who engage in such unlawful practices not only undermine the integrity of our labor market but also exploit vulnerable individuals. HSI Kansas City is relentless in our pursuit to dismantle these illegal operations and hold violators accountable to the fullest extent of the law. If you break the law, you will face the full force of our investigation and prosecution.”

    Jose Luis Bravo, 54, of Claremore, Oklahoma; Jose Guadalupe Razo, 54, of Carl Junction, Mo.; Anthony Edward Doll, 46, and Miguel Tarin-Martinez, 46, both of Joplin, Mo.; Alejandro Castillo-Ramirez, 43, a citizen of Mexico; Jaime Ramirez-Ceja, 46, a citizen of Mexico; and Veronica Razo de Lara, 50, of Great Bend, Kansas, have pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark.

    Each defendant admitted they were part of a RICO (racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations) conspiracy from Jan. 1, 2018, to Aug. 10, 2021, that transported and employed Mexican, Guatemalan, and El Salvadoran nationals who were not authorized to live or work in the United States. Conspirators also harbored and encouraged the unauthorized workers to remain and reside in the United States by providing them with housing and, in certain circumstances, fraudulent identification documentation.

    Bravo is the partial owner of Specialty Foods Distribution, a corporation based in Joplin. Specialty Foods Distribution is a wholesale Mexican food products and restaurant supply company. Razo is the president of Specialty Foods Distribution; Doll is the chief financial officer; Tarin-Martinez is the controller.

    Bravo, Razo, Doll, and Tarin-Martinez created and maintained a network of restaurants operating under multiple LLCs in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma that were serviced by Specialty Foods Distribution. The defendants conspired to staff these restaurants with unauthorized workers. Castillo-Ramirez, Ramirez-Ceja, and Razo de Lara managed three of the enterprise-affiliated restaurants that employed unauthorized workers.  By utilizing unauthorized workers — a workforce not available to law-abiding business owners — the defendants obtained an unfair and illegal competitive business advantage.

    In addition to transporting, harboring, and hiring unauthorized workers, the racketeering activity involved evasive and fraudulent actions. Specifically, to maintain high levels of unauthorized employees at the enterprise-affiliated restaurants, the defendants kept certain unauthorized workers off official payroll records; required certain unauthorized workers to work at times when federal officials were unlikely to conduct inspections; failed to collect or maintain complete and accurate Form I-9 documentation; falsely attested to the accuracy of information on Form I-9 documentation; submitted inaccurate wage and hour reports to state officials; and facilitated fraudulent identification documentation being produced, transported, and provided to unauthorized workers.

    Bravo specifically admitted that, as part of the RICO conspiracy, he facilitated the production and transportation of two fraudulent U.S. permanent resident cards from Claremore to Butler, Mo., as well as personally transported three unauthorized workers from  Claremore to the state of Kansas. Bavo has agreed to forfeit to the government approximately $5.7 million, comprising the forfeiture of proceeds he obtained from the RICO enterprise as well as property that afforded a source of influence over the RICO enterprise. The forfeiture agreement involves liquidation of five financial accounts; the government obtaining cash in lieu of Bravo’s interest in 12 real properties; and the government obtaining cash in lieu of Bravo’s interest in portions of 24 individual companies or corporations, including a portion of SFD, which Bravo admitted afforded a source of influence over the RICO enterprise.

    Razo specifically admitted that he conspired to harbor five unauthorized workers at enterprise-affiliated restaurants in Great Bend, and encouraged and induced three unauthorized workers at SFD to reside in the United States in violation of the law. Razo has agreed to forfeiture in the form of liquidation of one bank account and a money judgment in the amount of approximately $130,700, representing the proceeds he obtained from the RICO enterprise.

    Doll specifically admitted to encouraging unauthorized workers to reside in the United States by conspiring to create a Missouri LLC for the purpose of opening a new restaurant where certain unauthorized workers could gain employment, and conspiring to harbor unauthorized workers by taking steps to ensure unauthorized workers did not utilize established timeclock payroll systems at certain enterprise-affiliated restaurants. Doll has agreed to forfeiture in the form of liquidation of two bank accounts and a money judgment in the amount of approximately $132,300, representing the proceeds he obtained from the RICO enterprise.

    Tarin-Martinez specifically admitted to encouraging unauthorized workers to reside in the United States in violation of the law in Springfield, Mo., and in Pittsburg, Kan. Tarin-Martinez has agreed to forfeiture in the form of a money judgment in the amount of approximately $23,094, representing the proceeds he obtained from the RICO enterprise.

    Castillo-Ramirez specifically admitted to harboring two unauthorized workers at an enterprise-affiliated restaurant in Augusta, Kan. Castillo-Ramirez also admitted to encouraging the two unauthorized workers to reside in the United States in violation of the law by providing the unauthorized workers with employment, keeping them out of the established payroll system, and paying them in cash or by local check.

    Ramirez-Ceja specifically admitted to encouraging two unauthorized workers to reside in the United States in violation of the law by providing the workers with employment at an enterprise-affiliated restaurant in Lebanon, Mo., allowing the unauthorized workers to utilize fraudulent identification documents, and providing the unauthorized workers with housing. Additionally, Ramirez-Ceja admitted to making false attestations on two Form I-9 documents.

    Razo de Lara specifically admitted to conspiring to harbor four unauthorized workers at an enterprise-affiliated restaurant in Great Bend. As part of the conspiracy, Razo de Lara agreed to keep unauthorized workers out of the established payroll system, pay the unauthorized workers in cash, and have certain unauthorized workers complete work at times when federal agents were unlikely to inspect the restaurant.

    Under federal statutes, each of these defendants is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rudolph R. Rhodes IV, Leigh Farmakidis, and Nicholas Heberle. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from IRS-Criminal Investigations, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Department of Labor, Kansas Department of Revenue, Kansas Highway Patrol, and Missouri State Highway Patrol.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hot Springs Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Firearms Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOT SPRINGS – An Arkansas man has been sentenced to 123 months in Federal Prison for Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.  The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings, which took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.

    According to court records, on March 7, 2023, Darryl Lavell Williams, age 30, of Hot Springs, was observed by Hot Springs Police Department Officers walking along East Grand Avenue carrying a black backpack.  Officers recognized Williams and knew that he had an active warrant from the Arkansas Parole Board.  As Officers approached Williams, he ignored their commands and attempted to dispose of the backpack by throwing it off a bridge.  Williams was taken into custody and the backpack was located.  A search of the backpack revealed a loaded Jimenez 9mm handgun and 47 grams of methamphetamine.

    On June 5, 2024, Williams pleaded guilty to Possession of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and Possession of a firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. 

    U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.

    The Hot Springs Police Departments Special Investigation Division investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case for the United States.

    Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. Announces Departure

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Tenure Marked by Violent Crime Declines, White Collar Fraud Crackdown, Dismantling Drug Traffickers, and Expansion of Civil Rights

    RALEIGH, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr., announced today that he is stepping down on Monday, February 3, 2025, after leading the Office since November 2021. President Joseph Biden nominated Easley on September 28, 2021, and the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed him on November 21, 2021. He was officially sworn in on November 26, 2021.  

    “It has been the highest honor to serve as the top federal law enforcement official for Eastern North Carolina – a place I was born, raised, and am proud to call home,” said Easley. “The men and women of the Eastern District are among the hardest working in the nation – steadfast in the mission to keep America safe.  Together, we helped drive down violent crime, turbocharged white-collar prosecutions, protected civil rights, and stemmed the tide of narcotics into our communities.  We did it through partnering, shoulder to shoulder, with local law enforcement and community leaders to solve our region’s most challenging problems.  I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the prosecutors, judges, law enforcement, and staff who give so much to see justice done every day.”

    “U.S. Attorney Easley is the kind of partner every sheriff hopes for – sharp, decisive, and committed to results.  He didn’t just talk about law enforcement partnerships; he made them real, partnering with sheriffs for solutions and backing them up with action.  Under his leadership, we made real progress— violent crime down, overdose deaths falling, and tighter collaboration.  Easley set a new gold standard for what it means to lead in federal law enforcement,” said Eddie Caldwell, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the North Carolina Sheriffs Association.

    “We are deeply grateful for the years that U.S. Attorney Easley served at the helm of the Eastern District of North Carolina. His leadership, particularly through collaborative efforts, like the VCAP initiative, played a critical role in prosecuting violent offenders. His work has significantly contributed to our goal of making Raleigh one of the safest cities in the nation. He will be greatly missed,” said Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson.

    Expansion of Resources to Make Communities Safer

    U.S. Attorney Easley fought to significantly expand investigative and prosecutorial resources in the District, including a nearly 17% increase in prosecutors and new legal support staff and investigators. Much of the new personnel were allocated through a competitive national application process, with no district in the nation receiving more new prosecutors than the Eastern District of North Carolina (EDNC). The Office’s productivity and strong law enforcement partnerships also led the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to add an additional team of agents to partner on violent crime reduction across the District.

    Easley and his Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) team also worked with Department of Justice (DOJ) leadership to have Raleigh named a National Public Safety Partnership Site (PSP). The program aims to lower crime rates and improve quality of life through intensive training and technical assistance (TTA) to enhance gun violence investigations, constitutional policing, community engagement, crime analysis, and the use of technology in crime reduction.

    Driving Down Violent Crime and Dismantling Drug Traffickers

    Throughout his tenure, Easley and his team have led the charge to combat violent crime and drug trafficking in the District by launching a Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) with formal coordination sites in Raleigh, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Rocky Mount, New Bern, and the Albemarle Region. The VCAP strategy built deeper ties and sustained partnerships with law enforcement, with VCAP sites showing double-digit percentage declines in homicides since 2022, for example, Raleigh (↓37%), Fayetteville (↓39%), Wilmington (↓15%), and Rocky Mount (↓67%).

    VCAP is a collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local police departments, sheriff’s offices, and district attorney’s offices to identify and prosecute the most significant drivers of violence, specifically targeting shooters and the gunrunners who arm them.  Notable cases include the 20-year sentence for a Crabtree Valley Mall robbery and the carjacking, the sentencing of a Crips Gang member for multi-state gun trafficking; the indictment of two Sampson County men allegedly responsible for a quintuple murder, the prosecution of gang members with fully-automatic machine guns; and gun smuggling to Mexico.

    VCAP provides a forum for structured inter-agency coordination, intelligence-led policing, and deployment of federal Task Force Officers to bring federal technology to address local gun violence.

    In 2022, 2023, and 2024, EDNC prosecuted over 850 individuals for firearms offenses and took over 750 guns off the streets.

    In addition to VCAP, Easley revamped the Office’s Organized Crime & Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) by expanding the use of federal wiretaps, embedding federal agents alongside prosecutors, and increasing financial investigations. During Easley’s tenure, the Office achieved a #1 national rank for the number of OCDETF cases and #1 for the number of OCDETF defendants convicted of violence. Easley encouraged partners to prioritize national-scale cases with strong local impact, dismantling the trafficking, distribution, and money laundering pillars of criminal enterprises.

    OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Notable cases include the 75-year sentence of a national leader of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club for narcotics trafficking and violence; the indictment of 16 members of the Hell’s Angels and Red Devils motorcycle gangs as part of an alleged violent criminal enterprise; the 40-year sentence for a narcotics trafficker operating from a daycare; the prosecution of the leader of white supremacist organization for armed drug trafficking; the  35-year sentence of a violent Fayetteville fentanyl trafficker; the conviction of a Raleigh Police officer for drug trafficking; the conviction of two fentanyl traffickers with ties to the Sinaloa Cartel; the conviction of a Rocky Mount Blood Gang leader for drug trafficking and COVID-19 fraud; the 40-year sentence of a drug trafficker linked to the murder, dismemberment and disposal of a confidential informant;  the prosecution of a former Wayne County Sheriff’s deputy for drug trafficking and bid-rigging; and the 50-year sentence of a violent Sampson County Blood Gang leader for armed drug trafficking.

    Attacking the Fentanyl Epidemic

    Easley also prioritized the prosecution of cases involving counterfeit pills and overdose deaths arising from fentanyl poisoning. An Elizabeth City man was sentenced to 20 years for trafficking heroin and fentanyl after causing an overdose death, a Raleigh man received a 15-year sentence after assisting in the distribution of fentanyl that killed a young woman, and a Snapchat fentanyl trafficker whose counterfeit pills led to an overdose death received 13 years in prison.

    To help local law enforcement get justice for victims of fentanyl poisoning and their families, Easley launched Overdose Death Investigation Trainings to train more than 200 law enforcement officers and prosecutors across the District on building fentanyl death cases.

    Easley also worked to reduce demand for opioids through outreach and education through the Heroin Education Action Team (HEAT), including educational events in local communities and schools.  The team launched a powerful new educational video to teach students and communities about the dangers.

    Protecting America’s National Security, Sensitive Technology, and Cybersecurity

    Under Easley’s leadership, the Office prioritized national security cases involving domestic and international terrorism, international cybercriminals, and protecting sensitive technology from foreign adversaries.  The prosecutions included a man accused of attempting to join ISIS and convictions against five members of a white supremacist plot to attack the energy grid, an anti-government bombmaker teaching how to target law enforcement, and a U.S. Army Major convicted of shipping guns to Ghana.  The Office also extradited and pursued a groundbreaking case against one of the FBI’s most wanted cybercriminals responsible for tens of millions of dollars in losses from widescale ransomware attacks, including on a hospital.

    Easley also built deeper ties with the DOJ’s National Security Division and the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry & Security to launch a Disruptive Technology Strike Force (DTSF) cell to protect innovation in the Research Triangle’s high-tech sector. The DTSF partners with law enforcement and industry to protect advanced technology from unlawful acquisition by foreign adversaries. As home to the Research Triangle Park, world-class research institutions, and some of the Department of Defense’s largest installations, the EDNC hosts critical technology that malign foreign actors seek to obtain. The Raleigh DTSF cell is only one of fifteen in the country.  

    Surge in White Collar Fraud and Corruption Enforcement

    Under Easley’s leadership, the Office saw a significant surge in white-collar enforcement, with white-collar caseloads increasing 115% in a year.  Cases included the prosecution of a former Morgan Stanley financial advisor who defrauded investors in a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme, an ENT doctor sentenced to 25 years for defrauding Medicaid, a man who laundered $40mm in narco-linked crypto, and a plant manager who dumped tens of thousands of gallons of toxic waste into the Cape Fear River. The Office also prosecuted a $15-million-dollar COVID fraud scheme involving more than 20 businesses and individuals.

    These cases arose from the launch of dedicated working groups focused on Securities Fraud, Money Laundering, Public Health, Environmental Crimes, and other priority areas. The Office also launched an annual Economic Crimes Summit to build deeper ties with investigators across about 30 different agencies.

    Easley also launched an Illicit Finance Task Force with the Treasury Department to combat transnational money laundering by targeting third-party money launders and money-transmitting businesses utilizing cryptocurrency, banking, and brokerages to run dirty money through the American financial system.

    Expanding Civil Rights Enforcement

    Easley launched the Office’s first dedicated Civil Rights Team to enhance the Office’s civil rights enforcement. The team includes dedicated coordinators in both the Civil and Criminal Divisions and a designated Human Trafficking Coordinator. The Civil Rights Initiative emphasizes community engagement and law enforcement training.

    As a part of the effort, the Office trained more than 200 officers in de-escalation, use of force, and community engagement strategies. The Office also hosted multiple outreach events through its United Against Hate Initiative to build stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community and to educate communities on how to identify and report hate crimes.

    Easley also launched two human trafficking task forces – one in the Raleigh-Cary area and one in Southeastern North Carolina – to bring together law enforcement and community resources to share intelligence and investigative leads, provide specialized training, and promote greater public-private coordination to rescue and stabilize victims.

    Strong Civil Practice

    For the past three years, the EDNC’s Civil Division has ranked in the top 10 among large districts in the number of cases filed or responded to per AUSA. The Division has consistently ranked #1 in the Fourth Circuit for Affirmative Civil Rights and Affirmative Fraud cases and has ranked in the top five nationally compared to other large districts.  EDNC’s Financial Litigation Program (FLP), responsible for collecting debts owed to the U.S. Government, collected over $58 million in the last three fiscal years.

    About U.S. Attorney Easley

    Prior to his appointment as the U.S. Attorney, Easley was a partner at a large international law firm focused on internal investigations and trial court work in state and federal courts.  

    Born in Southport, North Carolina, Easley attended the University of North Carolina, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa with honors and distinction in political science. He later received his law degree with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Two to front court after plans spiked 

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A man who drove a stolen car recklessly from Bombay to Hamilton has had his plans spiked.

    At about 8.15pm, officers observed the stolen Honda as it entered the South-Western Motorway at speed.

    Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison, Waitematā CIB, says a short time later the Police Eagle helicopter located the vehicle, tracking it as it entered the Southern Motorway heading south.

    “The vehicle was not pursued, however we continued observations as the vehicle continue south and into Waikato, before it was spiked near Taupiri.

    “It has then continued towards Hamilton where it has slowed down due to the tyre destruction.”

    Acting Detective Inspector Harrison says the vehicle was also allegedly driven on the wrong side of the road before staff moved in and were able to block the vehicle.

    “It’s extremely fortunate that no one suffered any injuries as a result of this man’s alleged actions.

    “I’m pleased we were able to take this person into custody and hold them to account for their actions.”

    A 19-year-old will appear in Waitākere District Court today charged with burglary, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and dangerous driving.

    A 17-year-old charged with unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle and escapes custody will appear in North Shore Youth Court today.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC, SEC Extend Form PF Amendments Compliance Date

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    CFTC, SEC Extend Form PF Amendments Compliance Date | CFTC

    /PressRoom/PressReleases/9041-25
    Skip to main content

    January 29, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, together with the Securities and Exchange Commission, extended the compliance date for the amendments to Form PF that were adopted Feb. 8, 2024. The compliance date for these amendments, which was originally March 12, 2025, has been extended to June 12, 2025. 
    Form PF is the confidential reporting form for certain SEC-registered investment advisers to private funds, including those that also are registered with the CFTC as commodity pool operators or commodity trading advisers. This extension will mitigate certain administrative and technological burdens and costs associated with the prior compliance date. This extension will also provide more time for filers to program and test for compliance with these amendments.

    -CFTC-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CSAF Letter to Airmen on Standards

    Source: United States Air Force

    Headline: CSAF Letter to Airmen on Standards

    CSAF Allvin released a video explaining why our service is reviewing certain policies and standards to ensure they are easy to understand, easy to comply with, and easy to enforce across our entire Air Force. Today, he is following through on his promise to swiftly distribute updates.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: StoneX Group Inc. to Announce 2025 Fiscal First Quarter Earnings on February 5, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — StoneX Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SNEX) today announced that it will release its fiscal 2025 first quarter results after the market close on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Management will host a conference call on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to review the Company’s 2025 fiscal first quarter results.

    A live web cast of the conference call as well as additional information to review during the call will be made available in PDF form at https://www.stonex.com. Participants can also access the call via https://register.vevent.com/register/BIe20141cf7fd043c89fde461964a3582e approximately ten minutes prior to the start time. Participants may preregister for the conference call here.

    For those who cannot access the live broadcast, a replay of the call will be available at https://www.stonex.com.

    About StoneX Group Inc.
    StoneX Group Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates a global financial services network that connects companies, organizations, traders and investors to the global market ecosystem through a unique blend of digital platforms, end-to-end clearing and execution services, high touch service and deep expertise. The Company strives to be the one trusted partner to its clients, providing its network, product and services to allow them to pursue trading opportunities, manage their market risks, make investments and improve their business performance. A Fortune-500 company headquartered in New York City and listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (NASDAQ:SNEX), StoneX Group Inc. and its more than 4,600 employees serve more than 54,000 commercial, institutional, and global payments clients, and more than 400,000 self-directed/retail accounts, from more than 80 offices spread across six continents. Further information on the Company is available at www.stonex.com.

    CONTACT: StoneX Group Inc.

    Investor Inquiries:

    Kevin Murphy
    (212) 403 – 7296
    kevin.murphy@stonex.com

    SNEX-G

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BoC cuts rates amid tariff balancing act: CPA Canada

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Bank of Canada’s latest interest rate cut underscores its commitment to stimulating growth amid ongoing economic challenges – even as the looming tariff threat from south of the border complicates the outlook.

    “The central bank’s decision to cut rates reflects its focus on the current state of the Canadian economy, ahead of potential external risks,” says CPA Canada’s chief economist, David-Alexandre Brassard.

    “The impact of potential tariffs could simultaneously dampen growth and increase inflation. It’s a delicate balancing act.”

    Despite past interest rate cuts successfully boosting demand, the Canadian economy continues to show signs of excess supply, evidenced by a weak labour market and slower-than-expected wage growth.

    While inflation remains within the central bank’s target range, the decision to further lower rates aims to bolster economic activity and better position Canada for potential risks on the horizon.

    In its Wednesday address, the Bank of Canada mentioned that currency risks posed by the interest rate spread between Canada and the U.S would gain importance in upcoming decisions. It also released new scenarios examining the potential impact of widespread tariffs from the U.S, noting that such tariffs could lead to a significant slowdown in the Canadian economy with GDP potentially dropping by more than two percentage points and inflation rising by one percentage point.

    To arrange an interview with our chief economist, please contact media@cpacanada.ca.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Drugs Made In America Acquisition Corp. Announces Closing of $200,000,000 Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fort Lauderdale, FL, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Drugs Made In America Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: DMAAU), (the “Company”) today announced that it closed its initial public offering of 20,000,000 units at $10.00 per unit. The gross proceeds from the offering were $200 million before deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses. The units began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq“) under the ticker symbol “DMAAU” on January 28, 2025.

    Each unit consists of one ordinary share and one right to receive one-eighth (1/8) of an ordinary share upon the consummation of an initial business combination. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the ordinary shares and rights are expected to be listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “DMAA” and “DMAAR”, respectively.

    Clear Street acted as the sole book-running manager in the offering. Loeb & Loeb LLP served as legal counsel to the Company. Winston & Strawn LLP served as legal counsel to Clear Street.

    The offering was made only by means of a prospectus, copies of which may be obtained from Clear Street, Attn: Syndicate Department, 150 Greenwich Street, 45th floor, New York, NY 10007, or by email at ecm@clearstreet.io. A registration statement relating to these securities was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on January 7, 2025 and a post-effective amendment was declared effective by the SEC on January 27, 2025.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Drugs Made In America Acquisition Corp.
    The Company is a blank check company incorporated in the Cayman Islands as an exempted company incorporated for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar business combination with one or more businesses. It has not selected any specific business combination target and has not, nor has anyone on its behalf, engaged in any substantive discussions, directly or indirectly, with any business combination target with respect to an initial business combination. While the Company may pursue a business combination target in any business, industry or geographical location, it intends to focus its search for businesses in the pharmaceutical industry. The Company believes that it is possible to mitigate risks in the U.S. medical supply chain by investing in companies that will reduce America’s overreliance on production of pharmaceuticals from concentrated geographic regions through investments in strategic on-shoring of advanced domestic manufacturing technologies for critical drugs.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Registration Statement, as amended by the post-effective amendment, and related preliminary prospectus filed in connection with the initial public offering with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

    Contact Information
    Drugs Made In America Acquisition Corp.
    1 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 700
    Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

    Lynn Stockwell
    Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chair
    Email: executive@dmaacorp.com
    Phone: (954) 870-3099

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: HCI Group Sets Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Call for Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 4:45 p.m. ET

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HCI Group, Inc. (NYSE: HCI), a holding company with operations in homeowners insurance, information technology services, real estate, and reinsurance, will hold a conference call on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 4:45 p.m. Eastern time to discuss results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024. Financial results will be issued in a press release the same day after the close of the market.

    HCI management will host the presentation, followed by a question-and-answer period.

    Interested parties can listen to the live presentation by dialing the listen-only number below or by clicking the webcast link available on the Investor Information section of the company’s website at www.hcigroup.com.

    Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
    Time: 4:45 p.m. Eastern time (1:45 p.m. Pacific time)
    Toll Free: 888-506-0062
    International: 973-528-0011
    Participant Access Code: 835158

    Please call the conference telephone number 10 minutes before the start time. An operator will register your name and organization. If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact Gateway Group at 949-574-3860.

    A replay of the call will be available after 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on the same day as the call and via the Investor Information section of the HCI Group website at www.hcigroup.com.

    Toll Free: 877-481-4010
    International: 919-882-2331
    Replay Passcode: 51955

    About HCI Group, Inc.
    HCI Group, Inc. owns subsidiaries engaged in diverse, yet complementary business activities, including homeowners insurance, information technology services, insurance management, real estate, and reinsurance. HCI’s leading insurance operation, TypTap Insurance Company, is a technology-driven homeowners insurance company. TypTap’s operations are powered in large part by insurance-related information technology developed by HCI’s software subsidiary, Exzeo USA, Inc. HCI’s largest subsidiary, Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc., provides homeowners insurance primarily in Florida. HCI’s real estate subsidiary, Greenleaf Capital, LLC, owns and operates multiple properties in Florida, including office buildings, retail centers and marinas.

    The company’s common shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “HCI” and are included in the Russell 2000 and S&P SmallCap 600 Index. HCI Group, Inc. regularly publishes financial and other information in the Investor Information section of the company’s website. For more information about HCI Group and its subsidiaries, visit www.hcigroup.com.

    Company Contact:
    Bill Broomall, CFA
    Investor Relations
    HCI Group, Inc.
    Tel (813) 776-1012
    wbroomall@typtap.com

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Matt Glover
    Gateway Group, Inc.
    Tel 949-574-3860
    HCI@gateway-grp.com  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: InspireSemi Announces Administrative Update Webinar for Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia and AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Inspire Semiconductor Holdings Inc. (“InspireSemi” or the “Company”), a chip design company that provides revolutionary high-performance, energy-efficient accelerated computing solutions for High Performance Computing (HPC), AI, graph analytics, and other compute-intensive workloads, is pleased to announce that it will provide an administrative update by live webinar on February 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

    This will primarily be an open forum for shareholders to clarify any remaining questions regarding the previously announced voluntary delisting from the TSX Venture Exchange, which was completed on December 31, 2024. A more general business update will also be scheduled shortly.

    You can also view a related list Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on the company website at: FAQ document.

    To join the live webinar please use the following Zoom information:

    Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86160306729?pwd=TfhZhAA4v2YvdbsbIhJws8cQD3fcj5.1

    Webinar ID: 861 6030 6729
    Passcode: 060367

    Phone one-tap:
    +13462487799,,86160306729#,,,,*060367# US (Houston)
    +12532158782,,86160306729#,,,,*060367# US (Tacoma)

    Join via audio:
    +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
    +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
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    +44 131 460 1196 United Kingdom
    +44 203 481 5237 United Kingdom
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    +44 203 901 7895 United Kingdom
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    +44 330 088 5830 United Kingdom
    +1 787 945 1488 Puerto Rico
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    +351 211 202 618 Portugal
    +351 308 804 188 Portugal
    +351 308 810 988 Portugal
    +52 554 169 6926 Mexico
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    +49 69 5050 0952 Germany
    +49 695 050 2596 Germany
    +49 69 7104 9922 Germany
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    +61 3 7018 2005 Australia
    +61 7 3185 3730 Australia
    +61 8 6119 3900 Australia
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    +61 2 8015 6011 Australia

    International numbers available: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kf1d3JWW8

    About InspireSemi

    InspireSemi provides revolutionary high-performance, energy-efficient accelerated computing solutions for High-Performance Computing (HPC), AI, graph analytics, and other compute-intensive workloads. The Thunderbird I ‘supercomputer-cluster-on-a-chip’ is a disruptive, next-generation datacenter accelerator designed to address multiple underserved and diversified industries, including financial services, computer-aided engineering, energy, climate modeling, cybersecurity, and life sciences & drug discovery. Based on the open standard RISC-V instruction set architecture, InspireSemi’s solutions set new standards of performance, energy efficiency, and ease of programming. InspireSemi is headquartered in Austin, TX.

    For more information visit https://inspiresemi.com
    Follow InspireSemi on LinkedIn

    Company Contact
    Jack Cartwright, CFO (Interim)
    (737) 471-3230
    invest@inspiresemi.com

    Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

    This press release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”). Statements concerning InspireSemi’s objectives, goals, strategies, priorities, intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations and estimates, and the business, operations, financial performance and condition of InspireSemi are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” (or other variations of the forgoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass.

    Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information regarding the Delisting and any future listing. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this presentation, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of InspireSemi, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Company including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources and are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect management’s expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information reflects management’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to them and on assumptions they believe to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

    Should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: U.S. Pacific Fleet Navy Reserve Public Affairs Summit: Training to be the Strategic Advantage and Enabling Effective Communication in the Indo-Pacific Region

    Source: United States Navy

    The summit supported Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti’s Navigation Plan 2024, which directs the Navy to be more ready for the possibility of sustained high-end conflict with the People’s Republic of China by 2027.

    Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, underscored the critical role of public affairs in his approach at the operational level of war – to deny, defend, and dominate. When speaking to the group of professional communicators, Koehler emphasized that effects within the information environment are considered at the start of the planning cycle.

    During the training, reserve Sailors received briefings on honing their communications skills to deliver a key strategic advantage in the Pacific. This effort aligns with Chief of Navy Reserve Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore’s strategic guidance for the Reserve Force – to put more ready players on the field as the Navy Reserve integrates with the Navy Total Force to deter, defend and, if necessary, defeat our adversaries.

    According to Vice Adm. Lacore, the global security environment demands our urgent preparations and readiness to respond to the call, when needed, by posturing the Reserve Force for warfighting by accelerating the pace of organizational development and strengthening our warfighters to be ready on day one.

    Leaders from COMPACFLT, to include Koehler and Rear Adm. Eric Ruttenberg, Reserve deputy COMPACFLT, as well as those from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) and Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, discussed how public affairs missions within the information environment enable strategic and operational success and reinforced the importance of engaging in truthful communication activities to counter adversaries’ increasing use of misinformation.

    Rear Adm. John Robinson, Navy Vice Chief of Information, highlighted the importance of the CNO’s “Project 33” initiative, which prioritizes operational readiness including a key target of fighting from maritime operations centers, or MOCs.

    Capt. Rebecca Rebarich, USINDOPACOM director of Public Affairs and Outreach, echoed Koehler’s message on integrating information forces into maritime planning. She stressed the vital role USINDOPACOM places on the information domain, ensuring warfighters are prepared to support fleet operations in the event of a high-intensity conflict with a peer competitor.

    With increased tensions and escalating threats in the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. Navy needs to make accurate assessments and share information in real time. For Sailors in public affairs, being warfighting-ready requires a commitment to developing and sustaining world-class public affairs capabilities to support operations across the Indo-Pacific.

    “Being able to witness firsthand how reservists contribute to the warfighting effort was certainly a highlight of the training,” said Lt. j.g. Justin Truong, assigned to Navy Public Affairs Support Element West. “It was critical to see how reservists integrate with our active-duty counterparts to provide strategic depth.”

    Attendees included many junior public affairs officers and mass communication specialists. The summit gave them a first look at the mobilization training location and requirements.

    “Ultimately, our goal was for Sailors to walk away with a renewed confidence that the U.S. Navy, of which they are an integral part of, is capable and ready to address emerging threats in the INDOPACOM region,” said Capt. Christopher Lopez, commanding officer, Reserve COMPACFLT Public Affairs, “and leave with a sense of pride knowing that the reserve public affairs community remains an indispensable part of America’s warfighting Navy.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Alberta’s new Heritage Fund

    [. The initial purpose of this fund was to invest a portion of Alberta’s non-renewable resource royalties each year so the investment interest earned in the fund would reduce the province’s reliance on resource revenues.

    For decades, contributions to the Heritage Fund were limited and investment earnings were spent instead of being reinvested. Now, Alberta is adopting a bold, new plan to grow the Heritage Fund and achieve long-term growth and financial stability for the province. When the fund reaches its goal of $250 billion, the province can use a portion of the annual interest accrued to offset any decreases in resource royalties, invest in key provincial infrastructure and grow and protect the Alberta tax advantage.

    The roadmap details how the “Alberta Model” will use three components to grow the fund to $250 billion and eventually fund public services and vital infrastructure:

    • Strategic investments: There is a strong focus on opportunities that maximize growth while supporting areas that matter to Albertans, such as technology, energy and infrastructure.
    • Global partnerships: The model benefits from working closely with like-minded organizations and investors around the world, to access premier opportunities and bring new ideas and expertise back to the province.
    • Strong governance: The model is structured to ensure transparent and responsible investment management, so that every decision is made with the long-term interests of Albertans in mind.

    “Albertans deserve a Heritage Fund they can rely on – one that is focused on creating long-term growth and financial stability. We owe it to future generations of Albertans. The new Heritage Fund will lessen our dependence on natural resource revenues, diversify our economy, and create both wealth and prosperity for generations to come.”

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    This plan builds on the vision of former premier Peter Lougheed and builds on the recent investments into the fund. As of September 2024, the Heritage Fund is worth $24.3 billion. With a $2-billion commitment from Budget 2024, the fund is projected to increase to more than $26 billion by the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year. If all of the Heritage Fund’s investment income had been reinvested since inception instead of being transferred to the general revenue fund, the Heritage Fund would be upwards of $250 billion today, generating about $20 billion annually.

    Now is the time to take decisive action. By saving and reinvesting today, Alberta will reduce its reliance on unpredictable non-renewable resource revenue. A renewed Heritage Fund that earns money year over year will secure a resilient and prosperous Alberta for generations to come.

    “Our plan to grow the Heritage Fund is about securing Alberta’s financial independence and providing stability for our children and grandchildren and build a lasting legacy for all Albertans.”

    Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

    Strong governance is needed to provide direction, deliver high returns for Albertans, and ensure future growth amid changing economic conditions. To help achieve this and carry out the overall Heritage Fund plan, Alberta’s government has created the Heritage Fund Opportunities Corporation to govern and grow all Heritage Fund assets. The new corporation will strengthen partnerships with global sovereign wealth funds, thereby unlocking access to new opportunities. The new corporation will be assisted in its work by a world-class board of directors that will strengthen the governance of Heritage Fund assets and support investment decisions independent from government.

    The Heritage Fund Opportunities Corporation will be chaired by Joe Lougheed.

    “The Heritage Fund assets belong to Albertans – and future Albertans. The HFOC will have a world-class, independent board of directors providing oversight and guidance in an accountable and transparent fashion. Working closely with the Alberta Investment Management Corporation, the objective will be to deliver long-term growth of the assets of the Heritage Fund for future generations.  It is an honour to serve in this governance role.”

    Joe Lougheed, Chair, Heritage Fund Opportunities Corporation

    Related information

    • Renewing the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund: a roadmap to securing Alberta’s future
    • Growing the Heritage Fund video

    Related news

    • Premier’s address to the province (Feb. 21, 2024)
    • Solid year-end sets stage for prosperous Alberta future (June 27, 2024)
    • Q1 update: Cautious optimism for a stronger future (Aug. 29, 2024)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: shíshálh Nation, B.C. renew landmark reconciliation agreement

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Patrick Weiler, MP for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country –

    “The shíshálh Nation and the Province of British Columbia chose a new path in 2018 to work together on the process of reconciliation. I’m excited to see this shared commitment renewed and updated, and I look forward to collaborating to plan for the future and bring positive outcomes to the entire Sunshine Coast.”

    Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests –

    “True, lasting and meaningful reconciliation will only be achieved through honouring the commitments we’ve made and building trusted partnerships by working side by side with First Nations. In renewing the Foundation Agreement, shíshálh Nation and the Province are helping build a strong, robust and sustainable forest sector for the next 100 years.”

    Alton Toth, chair, Sunshine Coast Regional District –

    “This update to the Foundation Agreement is a tremendous step forward for the shíshálh Nation when it comes to self-determination and reclaiming rights that were previously suppressed. The Sunshine Coast Regional District is honoured to work with the shíshálh Nation on numerous projects and services on an ongoing basis. We look forward to strengthening these partnerships and exploring new opportunities as we continue our shared journey toward meaningful reconciliation.”

    Jef Keighley, director, Sunshine Coast Conservation Association –

    “I heartily applaud and join in celebrating the shíshálh Nation’s second five-year update of their historic Foundation Agreement. The Nation has proven that true reconciliation works to the mutual benefit of both shíshálh and non-shíshálh people living within their spectacular swiya. British Columbians should also thank the Province for demonstrating the courage, vision and wisdom in working with the shíshálh Nation to help build a more co-operative path to our future.”

    Kelly Matheson-King, chief operating officer, BluEarth Renewables –

    “The renewal of the Foundation Agreement between shíshálh Nation and the Province clearly signals an ongoing commitment to advancing the journey to reconciliation. It is exciting to see the renewed commitment of these governments to shared decision-making in relation to land, environment and economy. BluEarth deeply values walking in partnership with shíshálh through our joint implementation of renewable energy technologies within their swiya.”

    Kent Stuehmer, vice-president and general manager, Heidelberg Materials –

    “Heidelberg Materials is pleased to continue building on our long-standing and successful relationship with the shíshálh Nation, as we celebrate yet another milestone in this historic agreement with the provincial government. We look forward to the growth and opportunities that this progressive and collaborative approach provides to the people of Sechelt and to all those who live and work in B.C.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Dog Man PSA Campaign, DreamWorks Animation, the Ad Council and FEMA Partnered to Encourage Kids to Help Prepare for Emergencies

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: New Dog Man PSA Campaign, DreamWorks Animation, the Ad Council and FEMA Partnered to Encourage Kids to Help Prepare for Emergencies

    New Dog Man PSA Campaign, DreamWorks Animation, the Ad Council and FEMA Partnered to Encourage Kids to Help Prepare for Emergencies

    DreamWorks Animation’s Dog Man, based on the best-selling Dav Pilkey books, arrives in theaters Jan. 31, 2025WASHINGTON — FEMA’s Ready Campaign and the Ad Council have partnered with DreamWorks Animation’s new film, Dog Man, based on the best-selling Dav Pilkey book series, for a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign. The campaign features the beloved canine crime-fighting hero spreading the message to children across the nation about the importance of being ready for the unexpected.            In DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming film, in theaters Jan. 31, 2025, Dog Man must lean on his crime-fighting skills and planning abilities to stop the evil plots of Petey, the feline supervillain. His planning skills are being brought to life in the new PSA campaign, launching today, where Dog Man encourages kids to help their families prepare for emergencies. The initiative includes billboards and bus shelter advertising, as well as 30- and 15-second PSAs in both English and Spanish languages that are airing in donated media across the country.”Empowering our children to be active participants in disaster preparedness is vital to creating a more prepared nation,” said Lucas Hitt Acting Associate Administrator for FEMA’s Office of External Affairs. “This collaboration presents a unique opportunity to engage America’s youth in a relatable and impactful way, harnessing the beloved characters of DreamWorks Animation’s Dog Man to give the entire family the tools they need to be ready for anything.”Ready campaign messaging includes a four-step approach to preparedness:Be informed about different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate protective action.Make a family emergency plan including information on how to reconnect and reunite.  Build emergency supply kits to ensure preparedness whether at home, at work or in the car. Get involved by finding opportunities to support community preparedness.      The new creatives are an extension of FEMA and the Ad Council’s ongoing partnership on the Ready campaign, which has helped generate more than 128 million visitors to Ready.gov and Listo.gov in Spanish language since its launch in 2003. The Ready Campaign is designed to educate and empower all Americans to prepare for and respond to disasters including earthquakes, tornadoes, floods and wildfires.      Launched in 2016 by Dav Pilkey—the #1 global bestselling author and award-winning illustrator of the Captain Underpants books—the Dog Man Scholastic series now includes 13 books. The series is one of the bestselling graphic novel series of all time with more than 60 million copies in print and translations in 47 languages. The series’ 2024 releases include Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder, which became the #1 bestselling book in the U.S. and internationally and Dog Man: Big Jim Begins, published Dec. 3, 2024.   For more information on what to do before, during or after emergencies, visit Ready.gov and Listo.gov in Spanish language. Television stations can download advertisements from the Ad Council’s website. The PSA video is also available to view on ready.gov/videos. About FEMA and the Ready CampaignFEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA’s Ready Campaign, launched in Feb. 2003, is a national public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies and disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement.Ready and its Spanish language version Listo ask individuals to do four key things:•    Stay informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses.•    Make a family emergency plan.•    Build an emergency supply kit.•    Get involved in your community by taking action to prepare for emergencies.Follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel.Follow Ready on social media at @ReadyGov on X, Ready on Facebook and ReadyGov on Instagram.  The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.      About the Ad Council The Ad Council convenes creative storytellers to educate, unite and uplift audiences by opening hearts, inspiring action and accelerating change. For more than 80 years, the nonprofit organization and its partners in advertising, media, marketing and tech have been behind some of the country’s most iconic social impact campaigns – Smokey Bear, A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste, Love Has No Labels, Tear the Paper Ceiling and many more. With a current focus on mental health, gun violence prevention, combating hate and bias, the overdose crisis and other critical issues, the Ad Council’s national campaigns encompass advertising and media content, ground game and community efforts, trusted messenger and influencer engagement, employer programs and other innovative strategies.To learn more or get involved, visit AdCouncil.org, join the Ad Council’s communities on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X, and view campaign creative on YouTube.           About DreamWorks Animation’s Dog ManPart dog, part man, all hero. From DreamWorks Animation—creators of the beloved blockbuster franchises Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon and The Boss Baby—comes the canine-crime-fighting film adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s New York Times bestselling literary phenomenon: Dog Man. When a faithful police dog and his human police officer owner are injured together on the job, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together and Dog Man is born. Dog Man is sworn to protect and serve—and fetch, sit and roll over.   As Dog Man embraces his new identity and strives to impress his Chief (Lil Rel Howery, Get Out, Free Guy), he must stop the pretty evil plots of feline supervillain Petey the Cat (Pete Davidson; Saturday Night Live, The King of Staten Island). Petey’s latest plan is to clone himself, creating the kitten Lil Petey, to double his ability to do crime stuff. Things get complicated, though, when Lil Petey forges an unexpected bond with Dog Man. When Lil Petey falls into the clutches of a common enemy, Dog Man and Petey reluctantly join forces in an action-packed race against time to rescue the young kitten. In the process, they discover the power of family (and kittens!) to bring even the most hostile foes together.  Dog Man also stars Isla Fisher (Wedding Crashers, Rango) as TV reporter Sarah Hatoff, Poppy Liu (Hacks, The Afterparty) as Petey’s assistant, Butler, Emmy nominee Stephen Root (Barry, King of the Hill) as Grampa, Billy Boyd (the Lord of the Rings franchise, Seed of Chucky) as Sarah’s cameraman, Seamus, and Emmy and Golden Globe winner Ricky Gervais (The Office, Extras) as Flippy the fish.Dog Man is directed by Emmy winner Peter Hastings (The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants, Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness), whose credits include the groundbreaking animated series Animaniacs and Pinky and the Brain. The film is produced by Karen Foster (Spirit Untamed), who served as co-producer on DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon. About DreamWorks AnimationDreamWorks Animation (DWA), a division of the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, within NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, is a global family entertainment company with feature film and television brands. The company’s deep portfolio of intellectual property is supported by a robust, worldwide consumer products practice, which includes licensing and location-based entertainment venues around the world. DWA’s feature film heritage includes many of the world’s most beloved characters and franchises, including Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Spirit, Trolls, The Boss Baby and 2022’s The Bad Guys and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish have amassed more than $16 billion in global box office receipts. DreamWorks Animation’s television studio is one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality, animated family programming, reaching consumers in more than 190 countries with a diverse array of award-winning original content through streaming and linear broadcasters.About Universal PicturesUniversal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios. Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
    erika.suzuki
    Wed, 01/29/2025 – 20:06

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: First Lady Marty Kemp Introduces Tenth Anti-Human Trafficking Bill

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Today, on behalf of First Lady Marty Kemp, the Office of the Governor rolled out its 10th piece of legislation aimed at cracking down on human traffickers and buyers in the state while making Georgia a safe haven for victims.

    The latest bill championed by First Lady Kemp, SB 42 closes a critical loophole in Georgia law and ensures traffickers face the full penalty that their crimes demand. Currently, the conduct prohibited by Georgia’s human trafficking statute against minors is substantially similar to the conduct prohibited by the crime of keeping a place of prostitution, pimping, and pandering against minors. Rule of lenity, a legal principle asserting courts should apply the more favorable sentence to defendants when the law is ambiguous, could lead to judges awarding lesser sentences to offenders as a result of this loophole.

    “Georgia is a national leader in the fight against human trafficking because of our work supporting survivors and shining a light on the dark corners where this crime thrives,” said First Lady Marty Kemp. “The legislation introduced today will further that mission by ensuring proper penalties for offenders and securing greater justice for their victims. It will also build on the other initiatives we’re launching this week to make Georgians more aware of the dangers of human trafficking and how to report suspected trafficking situations.”

    As a part of Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month — observed each January — First Lady Kemp marked the occasion by announcing the following initiatives to better equip Georgians with the knowledge and tools to end this evil industry in the state:

    First Lady Kemp Releases Updated Human Trafficking Awareness Training

    In conjunction with the Department of Administrative Services (DOAS), the First Lady is releasing an updated human trafficking awareness training for state employees. This enhanced training incorporates new information on what Georgia has done in the years since to support survivors and empower law enforcement to go after offenders. Administered by DOAS, the training will be available to all state agencies, who are encouraged to have their employees participate. The training will also be available to the public on YouTube as a free and easily-accessible resource.

    “State employees are essential in the fight against human trafficking,” said DOAS Commissioner Rebecca Sullivan. “It’s imperative for everyone to recognize the signs and be prepared to report them to effectively raise awareness and prevent this horrific crime. This training video is a vital resource packed with statistics and real-life stories that empower our state employees and the public to identify and report signs of sex trafficking with confidence. Together, we can make a significant impact in combating this issue.”

    History of Training

    Following initial meetings of the GRACE Commission, the need to raise awareness of the nature and signs of human trafficking was identified as a priority to move the needle on ending trafficking in the state. That led to the development of a 30-minute video training resource that provided viewers with an overview of sex trafficking, the telltale signs of its participants, and what to do when they believe they may have observed a trafficking situation.

    First Lady Kemp and Georgia Ports Authority Release Updated Human Trafficking Public Service Announcement

    The First Lady also unveiled, in partnership with the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) and the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), a public service announcement (PSA) that will run at the state’s ports. With thousands of trucks entering and exiting ports facilities each day, this PSA will help bring attention to what drivers travelling through high-traffic destinations across the state can do to help end sex trafficking in Georgia. The PSA can be viewed here.

    “Georgia Ports joins with Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp and the CJCC organization to work together to end human trafficking in our state,” said Georgia Ports Authority President and CEO Griff Lynch. “Trucking companies are Georgia Ports’ frontline customers and are vital to our success. Their assistance is also instrumental in ending human trafficking by learning more about it and reporting any suspicious activities to law enforcement as they drive around the Peach State every day.”

    “CJCC is pleased to join First Lady Marty Kemp and the Georgia Ports Authority in a vital initiative to educate transportation professionals across Georgia about human trafficking,” said CJCC Executive Director Jay Neal. “Our goal is to ensure that victims are not only identified but also provided with the essential resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives. By equipping everyone with the tools to recognize the signs of human trafficking, we can work together to create a safer, more informed community.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Emanuel Jones Awarded Honorary Doctorate from Coventry House University

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (January 29, 2025) — On February 9, Sen. Emanuel Jones (D–Decatur) will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration from Coventry House University – Asia Pacific. The 10th Commencement Exercises and Doctoral Conferment Award ceremony will be held at the Manila Hotel in Manila, Philippines.

    “I am deeply honored to receive this Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration from Coventry House University – Asia Pacific,” said Sen. Jones. “Their mission to uplift and empower aligns with my commitment to public service. With over 20 years of public service experience, this recognition reinforces my drive to continue this vital work. I am grateful for this acknowledgment and inspired to continue serving with purpose and faith.”

    Coventry House University supports global ministry through education. Their mission is to “equip the saints for the work of ministry in order to build up the body of Christ.”

    For more about Coventry House University, you can read here.

    # # # #

    Sen. Emanuel Jones represents the 10th Senate District, which includes portions of DeKalb and Henry County.  He may be reached at 404.656.0502 or via email at Emanuel.Jones@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyoming Air Guard takes part in “Operation Toy Drop”

    Source: US State of Wyoming

    CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The 153d Airlift Wing took part in Operation Toy Drop for the first time in their history, starting on Dec. 9, 2024, and ending on Dec. 14, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

    Army units reached out to the 153 AW for assistance, and the wing stepped up with two C-130’s, along with crews. Jumpers for this mission were both US and foreign, and the operation partnered with Toys for Tots to collect toy donations. The jumps were conducted in the vicinity of Fort Liberty, North Carolina.

    Over 4,000 jumpers parachuted throughout the week, with toys loaded in their packs, ready to disperse. These jumps were in conjunction with community relations events conducted throughout the week.

    Operation Toy Drop, established in 1998 by then-U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Randy Oler, is an annual charitable event organized by the U.S. Army Reserve Command that blends the spirit of giving with military training. Hosted at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, the event allows paratroopers to donate toys in exchange for the chance to earn foreign jump wings by jumping with allied nations’ jumpmasters. The operation fosters international military partnerships while supporting local communities, as thousands of toys are collected and distributed to underprivileged children during the holiday season.

    MIL OSI USA News –