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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Speech: PM speech at Holocaust Memorial Day UK National Ceremony: 27 January 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a speech at the Holocaust Memorial Day UK National Ceremony today.

    Earlier this month, my wife and I were in Block 27 of Auschwitz searching for members of her family in the Book of Names. It was harrowing.

    We turned page after page after page just to find the first letter of a name. It gave me an overwhelming sense of the sheer scale of this industrialised murder.

    And every one of those names, like the names we were looking for – was an individual person. Someone’s mother, father, brother, sister brutally murdered, simply because they were Jewish.

    Last week I met Renee Salt and Arek Hersh who somehow survived but whose loved ones were among those victims. I was humbled by their courage to speak of being in that place. I felt waves of revulsion at the depravity they described, at the cynicism.

    People told to bring their belongings like the piles of pots and pans I saw myself. The commandant living next door bringing up his family, the normalisation of murder, like it was just another day’s work.

    In Auschwitz, I saw photographs of Nazi guards standing with Jewish prisoners staring at the camera – completely indifferent – and in one case, even smiling. It showed more powerfully than ever how the Holocaust was a collective endeavour by thousands of ordinary individuals utterly consumed by the hatred of difference.

    And that is the hatred we stand against today, and it is a collective endeavour for all of us to defeat it.

    We start by remembering the six million Jewish victims and by defending the truth against anyone who would deny it. So we will have a National Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre to speak this truth for eternity. 

    But as we remember, we must also act. Because we say never again, but where was never again in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur, or the acts of genocide against Yazidi.

    Today, we have to make those words mean more. So we will make Holocaust education a truly national endeavour.

    We will ensure all schools teach it and seek to give every young person the opportunity to hear a recorded survivor testimony. Because by learning from survivors like Renee and Arek we can develop that empathy for others and that appreciation of our common humanity, which is the ultimate way to defeat the hatred of difference.

    As I left Block 27, I saw the words of Primo Levi. It happened, it can happen again: that is the warning of the Holocaust to all of us.

    And it’s why it is a duty for all of us to make “never again” finally mean what it says: Never again.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: On International Day, Secretary-General Urges Fight against ‘Spreading Cancer of Holocaust Denial’

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the General Assembly on the Observance of the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, in New York today:

    It is an honour to be here with you.  I am humbled to have Holocaust survivors and their families with us today.

    Before we begin, I want to acknowledge that more than a year has passed since the appalling 7 October 2023 terror attacks by Hamas.  We welcome, at long last, the ceasefire and hostage-release deal.  The deal offers hope, as well as much needed relief.  We will do our utmost to ensure it leads to the release of all hostages. Since the beginning, we have asked for the unconditional immediate release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

    Every year on this day, we come together to mark the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.  We mourn the 6 million Jews murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, as they sought to destroy an entire people.

    We grieve the Roma and Sinti also targeted for genocide, the people with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ people and all those enslaved, persecuted, tortured and killed.  We stand alongside victims, survivors and their families.

    And we renew our resolve never to forget:  Never to forget the atrocities that so “outraged the conscience” of humankind.  And never to forget their putrid foundations:  millennia of antisemitic hate — manifest in marginalization, discrimination, expulsions and murder.

    This year, our commemoration marks a milestone.  Eighty years ago, the Holocaust ended.  And our efforts began to keep the terrible truth alive; building on the work of those who chronicled Nazi atrocities as they were perpetrated around them — and against them.

    The courage of survivors in telling their stories has played an enormous role.  We are deeply grateful to them all.  But, the responsibility belongs to every one of us.  Remembrance is not only a moral act.  Remembrance is a call to action.

    To allow the Holocaust to fade from memory would dishonour the past and betray the future.  The extraordinary Auschwitz survivor, Primo Levi — who bore witness to all he had seen and endured — urged us to carve the knowledge into our hearts.  And we must.

    To know the history of the Holocaust is to know the depths to which humanity can sink.  It is to understand how the Nazis were able to commit their heinous crimes, with the complicity of others.  And it is to comprehend our solemn duty to speak up against hate, to stand up for the human rights of all and to make those rights a reality.

    Following the hell of the Holocaust, countries came together: They created the United Nations and our Charter 80 years ago — affirming the worth of every human person; they adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide — for which we owe a debt of gratitude to the Polish Jewish lawyer Raphael Lemkin; and they established the Universal Declaration of Human Rights — the foundation of all international human rights law.

    As one of the drafters, Lebanese diplomat and intellectual, Charles Malik, said, the Declaration was:  “…inspired by opposition to the barbarous doctrines of Nazism and fascism.”

    The dignity of every member of our human family is enshrined in that document, which draws from traditions around the world.  It is a pure expression of our shared humanity. And in dark times it remains a shining light.

    Today, our world is fractured and dangerous.  Eighty years since the Holocaust’s end, antisemitism is still with us — fuelled by the same lies and loathing that made the Nazi genocide possible.

    And it is rising.  Discrimination is rife.  Hatred is being stirred up across the globe.  One of the clearest and most troubling examples is the spreading cancer of Holocaust denial.  Indisputable historical facts are being distorted, diminished and dismissed.

    Efforts are being made to recast and rehabilitate Nazis and their collaborators.  We must stand up to these outrages.  We must promote education, combat lies and speak the truth.

    And we must condemn antisemitism wherever and whenever it appears — as we must condemn all forms of racism, prejudice and religious bigotry which we see proliferating today.  Because we know these evils wither our morality, corrode our compassion and seek to blind us to suffering — opening the door to atrocities.

    The United Nations has long worked to combat antisemitism, through a wide range of activities, including our Holocaust Outreach programmes. And we recently launched our Action Plan on Antisemitism, recommending the ways the United Nations system can further enhance those efforts.

    In these days of division, it is all the more important — that we hold fast to our common humanity and renew our resolve to defend the dignity and human rights of all.

    Every one of us has a duty.  The history of the Holocaust shows us what can happen when people choose not to see and not to act.  And the Universal Declaration of Human Rights prescribes that:  “Every individual and every organ of society […] shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms.”

    Each of us must answer that call:  denounce lies, resist hate and ensure our common humanity overcomes division.  These causes are at the very core of the United Nations.  We will never forget.  And we will never waver in that fight.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: “Something is very wrong in our society and economy” – NZCTU Workforce Survey shows people fear for future

    Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

    Insecurity in work, housing, and health among working people has emerged as the key finding from the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi’s 2025 annual Mood of the Workforce survey.

    NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff says the survey, which polled more than 1900 people, shows immense concern that the Government is taking Aotearoa New Zealand in the wrong direction.

    “We’ve been running this survey since 2019, and I have never seen such a negative response. People are in fear for their jobs and their businesses, their ability to keep their homes, and for their health,” said Wagstaff.

    “They also don’t trust this Government to make it better because they are feeling firsthand the damage that’s been done with austerity policies that are only benefiting an already privileged few.

    “The message that the Government has no interest in helping working people, who are the majority of New Zealanders, is coming through strongly in people’s comments on the tax system, the health system, and their work.

    “People are sharing stories of losing their jobs or struggling to cover the work of colleagues who have already lost their jobs. These are heartbreaking to hear. But so are the stories of families being broken up as people’s kids leave the country to find better job prospects, or of parents having to act as a safety net for their adult children. These children have been hit hardest by the recent downturns, and an unfair and unforgiving housing market.

    “A consistent theme is an overwhelming sense that something is very wrong, both in our society and with the economy.

    “We’ve seen that at a statistical level in things like the recent Curia polling which showed people feel we are on the wrong track as a nation, but the results from our workforce survey give a close up and troubling picture of what that means in people’s lives.

    “My great concern is that rather than admit that their policy direction is hurting people and damaging our economy, the Government is doubling down on it in their recent announcements.

    “Whether that’s because of the Government’s arrogance or because they live in a bubble of privilege and don’t understand the damage they are doing is immaterial. People want a change of direction and to see things done a different and better way.

    “Any politician or political party that ignores working people and their communities does so at their peril,” said Wagstaff.

    View the results

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Court Orders Lions of Forex and Owner to Pay $685,000 For Foreign Currency Fraud

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced the Southern District of Florida entered orders of default final judgement against Roberto Pulido aka Berto Delvanicci and his company, Lions of Forex LLC, both of Miami, Florida.
    The orders stem from the CFTC’s complaint filed Sept. 28, 2023, charging Pulido with fraudulently soliciting at least four clients to trade leveraged or margined retail off-exchange foreign currency (forex) and charging LOF with aiding and abetting Pulido’s fraudulent scheme [See CFTC Press Release No. 8795-23].
    Under the terms of the orders, the defendants are required to pay, jointly and severally, approximately $172,000 in restitution to defrauded clients and over $516,000 in civil monetary penalties. The court’s decision also permanently enjoins the defendants from engaging in conduct that violates the Commodity Exchange Act, as charged, and permanently bans them from registering with the CFTC and from trading in any CFTC-regulated markets. The orders resolve the CFTC’s lawsuit against both defendants.
    Case Background
    The orders filed Nov. 13, 2024, find from approximately January 2019 to March 2021, Pulido, aided by LOF, fraudulently solicited clients to trade leveraged or margined retail off-exchange forex on their behalf. Several clients subscribed to a retail forex signals trading service LOF offered that would send signals to buy or sell retail forex for a monthly fee, and, for a higher monthly fee, offered live one-on-one training with Pulido. LOF offered this signals trading service through its website which touted Pulido as a “seven-figure trader.” Pulido, in various social media platforms claimed significant profits trading retail forex. After prospective clients were identified through LOF’s signals subscriptions, Pulido made various material misrepresentations and omissions to the clients, including falsely representing they would earn guaranteed monthly profits by having Pulido use his discretion to trade retail forex on their behalf, and clients could withdraw their funds at any time. However, Pulido failed to pay the promised monthly returns and when clients requested their funds, he did not return a significant portion of the clients’ funds.
    The orders also find LOF aided Pulido’s fraud by, among other things, receiving client funds into its own bank accounts; allowing Pulido to use the accounts in connection with his fraudulent scheme; touting Pulido’s supposed trading expertise on the LOF website; and using the LOF email address to communicate with clients whom Pulido defrauded.   
    The CFTC appreciates the assistance of the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission, and the Financial Services Authority of St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
    The Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this action include Elizabeth C. Brennan, David MacGregor, Lenel Hickson, Manal S. Sultan and former staff member Steven I. Ringer.   
    CFTC’s Commodity Fraud Advisory
    The CFTC has issued several customer protection fraud advisories that provide the warning signs of fraud, including the Foreign Currency (Forex) Trading Fraud Advisory, to help customers identify this sort of scam.
    The CFTC strongly urges the public to verify a company’s registration with the Commission at NFA BASIC before committing funds. If unregistered, a customer should be wary of providing funds to that entity
    Suspicious activities or information, such as possible violations of commodity trading laws, should be reported to the Division of Enforcement via a Toll-Free Hotline 866-FON-CFTC (866-366-2382) or file a tip or complaint online or contact the CFTC Whistleblower Office.  Whistleblowers are eligible to receive between 10 and 30 percent of the monetary sanctions collected paid from the CFTC Customer Protection Fund financed through monetary sanctions and paid to the CFTC by violators of the CEA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indianapolis Man Sentenced to Over Six Years in Federal Prison for Armed Carjacking of U.S. Postal Service Truck

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    INDIANAPOLIS— Robert Powell, 23, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 79 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to robbery of mail.

    According to court documents, on the morning of June 15, 2022, a United States Postal Service worker was in a Postal truck delivering mail at an apartment complex in Avon. At approximately 10:15 a.m., Powell approached the postal worker on foot, wearing a mask over his face and displaying a firearm. Powell ordered the carjacking victim to get out of the truck and leave her belongings inside.

    Powell stole the truck and drove it out of the apartment complex at a high rate of speed for about a mile before pulling over to meet with another person waiting in a Mazda 6 sedan. Another letter carrier in the area saw the victim’s mail truck speed by and noticed that something was amiss. The second letter carrier followed the stolen truck and saw Powell and the other individual take mail and parcels from the postal truck and put them in the Mazda. The pair noticed the second mail truck and fled the scene, leaving the stolen postal vehicle behind as the second carrier called 911.

    As the investigation continued, U.S. Postal Inspectors located Powell’s Facebook account, “Syko Bob.” On this account, Powell regularly solicited bank account information from other users, in furtherance of a type of fraud called card cracking, even going as far as attempting to recruit a USPS mail carrier into his scheme. Card cracking is deceptive practice where scammers convince individuals to share their bank account information, so the scammer can use their account to deposit fraudulent checks or other financial instruments. Scammers obtain these stolen checks by either stealing mail (as Powell did in this case) or purchasing stolen checks from other criminals. The scammer then alters the stolen checks, deposits them into the other individual’s account, and withdraws the funds as quickly as possible, sometimes splitting the profit with the account holder.

    “This criminal chose to threaten the life of a letter carrier at gun point, engaging in gun violence to facilitate the fraud scheme he perpetrated against countless victims. Fortunately, the letter carrier was not physically harmed, but the lasting trauma he inflicted is palpable,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Letter carriers should not have to live in fear of gun violence simply for doing their jobs. Americans should not have to fear that their important financial documents will be stolen and exploited by fraudsters who wreak financial havoc. The serious federal prison sentence in this case demonstrates that there will be serious consequences for violence against public servants and fraud against the public. I commend the Postal Inspection Service, the Avon Police Department, and our federal prosecutor for their commitment to seeking justice for letter carriers and the public who depend upon them.”

    “As postal inspectors, we are committed to ensuring the safety of USPS employees and the sanctity and security of the mail. Thanks to the hard work of our inspectors and the Avon Police Department, Mr. Powell can no longer threaten these,” said Inspector in Charge Rodney Hopkins. “I would also like to extend my appreciation to AUSA Massa for ensuring justice was served in this case.”

    The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Avon Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey L. Massa, who prosecuted this case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owners of Florida Labor-Staffing Companies Sentenced for Tax and Immigration Fraud and Money Laundering

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Two Ukrainian nationals who were extradited from the Kingdom of Thailand to the United States in September 2024 were sentenced today on charges related to labor-staffing companies they operated in Florida. Oleg Oliynyk and Oleksandr Yurchyk were each sentenced to 15 years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    According to court documents, Oliynyk, Yurchyk and others owned and operated a series of labor-staffing companies in South Florida — including Paradise Choice LLC, Paradise Choice Cleaning LLC, Tropical City Services LLC and Tropical City Group LLC — from at least April 2008 and August 2021. Through these staffing companies, Oliynyk, Yurchyk and co-defendants Oleksandr Morgunov, Mykhaylo Chugay and Volodymyr Ogorodnychuk facilitated the employment of non-resident aliens in the hospitality industry who were not authorized to work in the United States and helped evade the assessment and collection of more than $25 million of federal income and employment taxes.

    In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Jose E. Martinez ordered Oliynyk and Yurchyk to each serve three years of supervised release, pay $10,863,233.05 in restitution to the United States and to forfeit $11 million.

    Oliynyk and Yurchyk are the latest defendants sentenced as part of Operation RoomKey, a joint criminal investigation initiative led by the Tax Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).

    Co-defendant Chugay, was convicted at trial in June 2022, and was sentenced in August 2022 to more than 24 years in prison. Co-defendants Morgunov and Ogorodnychuk each pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 96 months in prison and 48 months in prison, respectively.

    In March 2022, Mikus Berzins, former City of Key West Police Officer Igor Kasyanenko, Roman Riabov and Andrejs Kozlovs each pleaded guilty to their crimes in the operation of the labor staffing company, Phoenix ADB Services Inc. (Phoenix ADB), which, according to court records, facilitated the employment of aliens without work authorization.

    In May 2022, the court sentenced Igor Kasyanenko and Riabov to 22 months and 18 months in prison, respectively, for their roles in the tax and immigration conspiracy. The court also sentenced Berzins and Kozlovs to 28 months and 12 months in prison, respectively, for knowingly hiring ten or more aliens who were not authorized to work in the United States. Later, in September 2023, Nataliya Vasylivna Kasyanenko, a former housekeeping manager at a large Key West hotel, was sentenced for participating in the tax and immigration conspiracy related to the operation of Phoenix ADB.

    Batyr Myatiev, the owner and operator of two labor staffing companies, AmeriHos LLC and Golden Sands Management LLC, pleaded guilty in March 2023 and was sentenced in June 2023 to 32 months in prison. According to court records, Myatiev’s labor staffing companies caused a tax loss to the United States of more than $3.5 million and facilitated the employment of aliens without work authorization.

    In July 2023, Eka Samadashvili and Davit Pavliashvili were sentenced for their respective roles in the operation of several labor staffing companies, including PSEB Services JD Inc., Paradise Hospitality Solutions LLC, Paradise Hospitality Group LLC, Paradise Hospitality Inc. and HBSM Corp. According to court records, these labor staffing companies caused a tax loss to the United States of more than $8.4 million and facilitated the employment of non-resident aliens in hotels, bars and restaurants in Key West and elsewhere who were not authorized to work in the United States.

    Finally, in March 2024, Petr Sutka was sentenced to four years in prison for his role in operating a series of labor staffing companies — including PSEB Specialty Service Inc., Perfect Service Excellent Benefits Services Inc., Starline Hospitality Inc., Norbert Janitorial Service Inc., E.S.F. Services Inc. and Expert Services F.S. Inc. — which, according to court records, caused a tax loss to the United States of more than $3.5 million and facilitated the employment of aliens without work authorization. In April 2024, Sutka’s co-defendants, Zdenek Strnad and Vasil Khatiashvili, were each sentenced to more than three years, respectively, for their roles in the tax and immigration conspiracy.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Michael S. Davis for the Southern District of Florida made the announcement.

    HSI and IRS-CI are investigating the case.

    Senior Litigation Counsel Sean Beaty and Trial Attorneys Jessica A. Kraft, Matthew C. Hicks and Wilson Rae Stamm of the Tax Division and Senior Litigation Counsel Chris Clark for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM speech at Holocaust Memorial Day UK National Ceremony: 27 January 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a speech at the Holocaust Memorial Day UK National Ceremony today.

    Earlier this month, my wife and I were in Block 27 of Auschwitz searching for members of her family in the Book of Names. It was harrowing.

    We turned page after page after page just to find the first letter of a name. It gave me an overwhelming sense of the sheer scale of this industrialised murder.

    And every one of those names, like the names we were looking for – was an individual person. Someone’s mother, father, brother, sister brutally murdered, simply because they were Jewish.

    Last week I met Renee Salt and Arek Hersh who somehow survived but whose loved ones were among those victims. I was humbled by their courage to speak of being in that place. I felt waves of revulsion at the depravity they described, at the cynicism.

    People told to bring their belongings like the piles of pots and pans I saw myself. The commandant living next door bringing up his family, the normalisation of murder, like it was just another day’s work.

    In Auschwitz, I saw photographs of Nazi guards standing with Jewish prisoners staring at the camera – completely indifferent – and in one case, even smiling. It showed more powerfully than ever how the Holocaust was a collective endeavour by thousands of ordinary individuals utterly consumed by the hatred of difference.

    And that is the hatred we stand against today, and it is a collective endeavour for all of us to defeat it.

    We start by remembering the six million Jewish victims and by defending the truth against anyone who would deny it. So we will have a National Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre to speak this truth for eternity. 

    But as we remember, we must also act. Because we say never again, but where was never again in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur, or the acts of genocide against Yazidi.

    Today, we have to make those words mean more. So we will make Holocaust education a truly national endeavour.

    We will ensure all schools teach it and seek to give every young person the opportunity to hear a recorded survivor testimony. Because by learning from survivors like Renee and Arek we can develop that empathy for others and that appreciation of our common humanity, which is the ultimate way to defeat the hatred of difference.

    As I left Block 27, I saw the words of Primo Levi. It happened, it can happen again: that is the warning of the Holocaust to all of us.

    And it’s why it is a duty for all of us to make “never again” finally mean what it says: Never again.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on pause on US foreign Assistance

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General notes with concern the announcement of a pause in US foreign assistance. 

    The Secretary-General calls for additional exemptions to be considered to ensure the continued delivery of critical development and humanitarian activities for the most vulnerable communities around the world, whose lives and livelihoods depend on this support.

    The Secretary-General looks forward to engaging with the new United States administration on the provision of much needed development support to people grappling with the most difficult challenges confronting the developing world. The United States is one of the largest aid providers and it is vital that we work constructively to jointly shape a strategic path forward.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ‘LA Dank DMV’ Crew Leader Sentenced for Sophisticated High-Grade Marijuana Distribution Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    The Crew Was Armed with Machine Guns and Mass Marketed on 3 Dedicated Websites and Social Media Platforms

                WASHINGTON –Abubakr Banire, 27, of Washington D.C, was sentenced today to 111 months in prison for leading the “LA Dank DMV Crew,” a sophisticated drug trafficking conspiracy that was responsible for bringing hundreds of pounds of high-grade marijuana from California to the metropolitan area, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division.

                Banire, aka “Swave,” pleaded guilty on September 29, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute marijuana; unlawful possession of a machine gun; unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

                In addition to the 111-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered Banire to serve three years of supervised release. As part of Banire’s guilty plea, he admitted to operating as a leader of the drug distribution conspiracy.

               As part of their distribution scheme, members of the crew relied heavily on mass marketing through three dedicated LA Dank websites, as well as social media platforms like Instagram where individual crew members would advertise the LA Dank brand and LA Dank branded marijuana for sale. Crew members also used rental properties to set up stash houses or points of sale that were used to conduct drug distribution operations for a short period of time before moving on to different locations. 

               The crew is known, and was found to possess numerous firearms, including semi-automatic and fully automatic machine guns, and devices used to convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic machine guns. Certain members of the crew also plead guilty to the possession of firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking operations. In total, approximately 122 pounds of marijuana, 19 firearms, and 10 machine gun conversion devices were recovered.  Three of these nineteen firearms were discovered to be operational machine guns that had been modified with machinegun conversion devices. Seven of these machine gun conversion devices were found in an “LA Dank” branded bag. Two of these firearms were privately made AR-pistol style machine guns, sometimes referred to as “ghost guns.”

               Ledgers and receipts show that the crew trafficked well over 100 kilograms of marijuana into the DMV area for distribution.

               This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Department, and Anne Arundel County Police Department.

     

    LA DANK DMV

    		  

    Defendant

    		  

    Sentence
    Abubakr Banire, aka “Swave,” of Los Angeles, CA Pleaded guilty September 29, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute marijuana; unlawful possession of a machine gun; unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Sentenced Jan. 27, 2025, to 111 months in federal prison.
    Christopher Akinduro aka “Oshay,” of Upper Marlboro, MD Pleaded guilty October 3, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute 100 kilos or more of marijuana. Sentenced Jan. 17. 2024, to 74 months in federal prison.
    Issac Akinduro, aka “Black,” of Washington D.C. Pleaded guilty October 11, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute 100 kilos or more of marijuana. Sentenced March 14, 2024, to 41 months in federal prison.
    Kavon Duncan, aka “Babyk,” of Upper Marlboro, MD Pleaded guilty October 3, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute 100 kilos or more of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Sentenced Jan 26, 2024, to 71 months in federal prison.
    Avery Bost, aka “Avenue” and “Left,” of Brandywine, MD Pleaded guilty October 27, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Sentenced May 22, 2024, to 37 months in federal prison.
    Joe Blyther, aka “Hawk,” of Bowie, MD Pleaded guilty November 8, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute marijuana; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; possession of a machine gun; and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. Sentenced May 22, 2024, to 120 months in federal prison.
    Randall Lance, aka “Mike Lambo,” of Washington D.C. Pleaded guilty May 23, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana. Sentenced Oct. 10, 2023, to 63 months in federal prison.
    Omar Butler, aka “O,” of Washington D.C. Pleaded guilty Nov. 3, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Sentenced March 4, 2024, to 18 months in federal prison.

                This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Justin F. Song and Meredith E. Mayer-Dempsey of the Federal Major Crimes Section and Thomas Strong of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

    22cr83

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nigerian Man Extradited to the U.S. After Being Indicted for Sextortion Scheme that Caused Death of S.C. Teen

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBIA, S.C. — Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal (luh-wall), 24, of Osun State, Nigeria, has been extradited to the United States from Nigeria to face prosecution in a partially unsealed indictment for the sextortion of a South Carolina minor, which led to the victim’s death.

    This investigation was launched after Gavin Guffey, a 17-year-old from Rock Hill, died by suicide in July 2022 after being victimized by Lawal’s scheme. Lawal allegedly posed as a young woman on social media and coerced the teen into sending compromising photos. He then extorted and sent harassing messages to the teen threatening to leak the photos and ruin his reputation unless the teen sent him money. Lawal later did the same to members of his family.

    The five-count federal indictment charges Lawal with child exploitation resulting in death, the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, coercion and enticement of a minor, cyberstalking resulting in death, interstate threats with intent to extort, and aiding/abetting. In addition to victimizing the teen in every count, the indictment alleges Lawal targeted the minor victim’s family in the stalking and extortion charges.

    Lawal faces up to life in prison, and mandatory minimum prison sentences on multiple counts. The child exploitation resulting in death count carries a mandatory 30-year sentence. He also faces mandatory restitution, where the court may order Lawal to pay for losses incurred by the family as a result of his scheme.

    The indictment was returned by a federal Grand Jury in South Carolina in October 2023. On Jan. 24, following extradition proceedings in Nigeria, agents with the FBI Columbia Field Office took custody of Lawal in Lagos, Nigeria and executed the removal with assistance from Nigerian law enforcement.

    “We will not allow predators who target our children to hide behind a keyboard or across the ocean. Today we honor Gavin’s life and continue our fight against sextortion by holding this defendant accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of Columbia. “This investigation and extradition are the result of tremendous law enforcement coordination both in the United State and Nigeria. We’re grateful to the many agencies who helped make this day possible.”

    “This indictment represents the culmination of countless hours of dedicated work done by our investigators both here and abroad,” said Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “The defendant’s alleged actions are reprehensible resulting in the tragic loss of a young man’s life. We remain steadfast in our commitment to holding criminals accountable, especially those who target our children and endanger their lives, no matter where they are.”

    U.S. Attorney Boroughs and SAC Jensen thanked the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), and U.S State Department for their help in facilitating the arrest and extradition of Lawal.

    Nigerian law enforcement provided critical assistance in the identification, investigation, arrest, and extradition of Lawal. U.S. Attorney Boroughs and SAC Jensen extend their appreciation and thanks to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Attorney General’s Office – Ministry of Justice, and all other involved Nigerian authorities for their important partnership in this case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit the following website: www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials.

    If someone you know is being victimized by sextortion, please report to local law enforcement and to the FBI. Learn more about sextortion and find resources for parents, caregivers, and teachers.

    The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children Section and International Operations Division, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the York County Sheriff’s Office. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels, Lothrop Morris, and Michael Shedd are prosecuting the case. 

    All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eight Defendants Arrested on Federal Grand Jury Indictment Alleging Large-Scale Smuggling Scheme from China through L.A.-Area Ports

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Federal law enforcement has arrested eight defendants charged in an indictment alleging a conspiracy among logistic companies’ executives, warehouse owners and truck drivers to smuggle hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of counterfeit and other illegal goods from China into the United States via the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the Justice Department announced today.

    The 15-count indictment, returned last month and unsealed Friday, charges nine defendants with conspiracy, smuggling and breaking customs seals. The defendants allegedly took containers flagged for off-site secondary inspection, unloaded the contraband, then stuffed the targeted containers with filler cargo to deceive customs officials and evade law enforcement.

    During the investigation into this group, investigators seized more than $130 million in contraband, and the organization is believed to be responsible for smuggling at least $200 million worth of goods. According to the indictment, a search of one warehouse used by the group led to the seizure in June 2024 of $20 million worth of counterfeit items including shoes, perfume, luxury handbags, apparel and watches.

    Seven defendants were arrested Friday, an eighth was taken into custody Saturday evening, and one defendant is a fugitive. The seven arrested last week were arraigned Friday in United States District Court, where each pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. A trial date was scheduled for March 18. The eighth defendant, who was arrested on unrelated state charges, is expected to be arraigned in federal court in the coming days.

    “Secure seaports and borders are critical to our national security,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally. “The smuggling of huge amounts of contraband from China through our nation’s largest port hurts American businesses and consumers. The charges and arrests here demonstrate our commitment to enforce our customs laws and keep the American public safe.”     

    “Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles and its partners are committed to enforcing customs laws and practices, facilitating legitimate trade, and protecting the integrity of the nation’s supply chain,” said HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang. “The $1.3 billion dollars’ worth of contraband seized during the investigation into this type of scheme illuminates how complex smuggling schemes try to exploit our legitimate trade practices and the American consumer.”

    The 15-count indictment details a conspiracy to coordinate the shipment of large quantities of contraband from China to the United States through the Port of Los Angeles from at least August 2023 to June 2024. The defendants charged are:

    • Weijun Zheng, 57, a.k.a. “Sonic,” of Diamond Bar, the lone fugitive in the case, who controls several logistics companies operating in the Los Angeles area;
    • Hexi Wang, 32, of El Monte, who manages K&P International Logistics LLC, a City of Industry-based company that hires commercial truckers to transport shipping containers from the Port of Los Angeles;
    • Jin “Mark” Liu, 42, of Irvine, the owner of K&P International Logistics LLC and who managed the finances of one of the warehouses where contraband was unloaded and issued payments to truck drivers who transported smuggled goods;
    • Dong “Liam” Lin, 31, of Hacienda Heights, who – along with Zheng – controlled and operated one of the contraband warehouses;
    • Marck Anthony Gomez, 49, of West Covina, the owner and operator of Fannum Trucks LLC, a West Covina-based company that coordinated the movement of shipping containers from the Port of Los Angeles, including large shipments of contraband smuggled into the United States from China;
    • Andy Estuardo Castillo Perez, 32, of Apple Valley, a driver for M4 Transportation Inc., a Carson-based company that transports shipping containers from the Port of Los Angeles;
    • Jesse James Rosales, 41, of Apple Valley, who coordinated truckers from the ports to warehouses;
    • Daniel Acosta Hoffman, 41, of Hacienda Heights, worked with Rosales to bring cargo containers from the Port of Los Angeles to warehouses; and
    • Galvin Biao Liufu, 33, of Ontario, directed and managed truck drivers to bring the contraband into the warehouses.

    According to the indictment, Zheng, Wang, Liu and others maintained and operated warehouses to store, conceal and sell large amounts of contraband goods that were illegally imported into the United States from China. When the contraband containers were selected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for inspection, the defendants hired commercial truck drivers to transport the containers from the Port of Los Angeles to locations that the conspirators controlled, including warehouses in the City of Industry that were controlled or managed by Zheng, Wang and others.

    At these locations, co-conspirators broke the security seals on the shipping containers and removed the contraband from inside. Then, they affixed counterfeit security seals onto the containers to conceal that cargo had been removed from them. Zheng, Wang and others then directed co-conspirators to transport the containers – after they had been emptied of much of their original cargo and re-secured with counterfeit seals – to CBP-authorized locations for the remaining cargo to be presented to customs officials for inspection.

    Zheng, Wang, Liu and others paid fees to co-conspirators, including Gomez and Castillo Perez, that were substantially above normal trucking fees to transport the contraband shipping containers.

    To date, law enforcement has seized more than $1.3 billion worth of counterfeit goods associated with this and similar seal-swapping schemes.

    “It was a team of CBP agriculture specialists assigned to the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport who in 2023, during a routine examination of a container made the initial discovery,” said Cheryl Davies, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. “This case attests to their unwavering vigilance, upmost professionalism, and keen focus in protecting the integrity of lawful trade, a key component of our critical national security mission.”

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    If convicted of all charges, the defendants would face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each conspiracy count, up to 10 years in federal prison for each count of breaking customs seals, and up to 20 years in prison for each smuggling count.

    Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Coast Guard Investigative Services are investigating this matter.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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. 

    Assistant United States Attorneys Colin S. Scott and Amanda B. Elbogen of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting this matter.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: For me, cricket is maybe the only thing that could possibly come close to watching the Excel World Champ on ESPN!

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: For me, cricket is maybe the only thing that could possibly come close to watching the Excel World Champ on ESPN!

    Dear Microsoft Chairman and CEO, Because I have been waiting for help from Microsoft for months, I try here : Can you explain to me why is there not true customer support and why is there only one way to try to change our forgotten password by a form (and the answer is always “Informations don’t match.” or “You don’t give enought informations.”) ? Then, we could talk about cricket because I like it too.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Jevons paradox strikes again! As AI gets more efficient and accessible, we will see its use skyrocket, turning it into a commodity we just can’t get enough of.

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Jevons paradox strikes again! As AI gets more efficient and accessible, we will see its use skyrocket, turning it into a commodity we just can’t get enough of.

    The Jevons Paradox certainly raises an interesting point about AI. As AI becomes more efficient and cost-effective, it could indeed lead to increased demand, driving up overall resource consumption. This is similar to how improved fuel efficiency in cars can lead to more driving, offsetting some of the initial gains. However, it’s important to consider that AI’s efficiency gains can also lead to: Ultimately, the extent to which the Jevons Paradox applies to AI will depend on various factors, including the specific applications of AI, the pace of technological advancement, and the development of policies that promote sustainable AI practices.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks at the United Nations Memorial Ceremony marking the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations – English

    t is an honour to be here with you.

     
    I am humbled to have Holocaust survivors and their families with us today.
     
    Before we begin, I want to acknowledge that more than a year has passed since the appalling 7th October terror attacks by Hamas.
     
    We welcome, at long last, the ceasefire and hostage release deal.
     
    The deal offers hope, as well as much needed relief.
     
    We will do our utmost to ensure it leads to the release of all hostages.  Since the beginning, we have asked for the unconditional immediate release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
     
    Dear Friends,
     
    Every year on this day, we come together to mark the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
     
    We mourn the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, as they sought to destroy an entire people.
     
    We grieve the Roma and Sinti also targeted for genocide, the people with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ people, and all those enslaved, persecuted, tortured, and killed. 
     
    We stand alongside victims, survivors and their families. 
     
    And we renew our resolve never to forget:
     
    Never to forget the atrocities that so “outraged the conscience” of humankind.
     
    And never to forget their putrid foundations: millennia of antisemitic hate – manifest in marginalisation, discrimination, expulsions, and murder.
     
    Dear Friends,
     
    This year, our commemoration marks a milestone.
     
    80 years ago, the Holocaust ended.
     
    And our efforts began to keep the terrible truth alive; building on the work of those who chronicled Nazi atrocities as they were perpetrated around them – and against them.
     
    The courage of survivors in telling their stories has played an enormous role.
     
    We are deeply grateful to them all. 
     
    But the responsibility belongs to every one of us.
     
    Remembrance is not only a moral act. Remembrance is a call to action.
     
    To allow the Holocaust to fade from memory would dishonour the past and betray the future.
     
    The extraordinary Auschwitz survivor, Primo Levi – who bore witness to all he had seen and endured – urged us to carve the knowledge into our hearts.
     
    And we must.
     
    To know the history of the Holocaust is to know the depths to which humanity can sink.
     
    It is to understand how the Nazis were able to commit their heinous crimes, with the complicity of others.
     
    And it is to comprehend our solemn duty to speak-up against hate, to stand-up for the human rights of all, and to make those rights a reality.
     
    Dear Friends,
     
    Following the hell of the Holocaust, countries came together:
     
    They created the United Nations and our Charter 80 years ago – affirming the worth of every human person…
     
    They adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide – for which we owe a debt of gratitude to the Polish Jewish lawyer Raphael Lemkin…
     
    And they established the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – the foundation of all international human rights law.
     
    As one of the drafters, Lebanese diplomat and intellectual, Charles Malik, said, the Declaration was:
     
    “…Inspired by opposition to the barbarous doctrines of Nazism and fascism.”
     
    The dignity of every member of our human family is enshrined in that document, which draws from traditions around the world.
     
    It is a pure expression of our shared humanity.
     
    And in dark times it remains a shining light.
     
    Dear Friends,
     
    Today, our world is fractured and dangerous.
     
    Eighty years since the Holocaust’s end, antisemitism is still with us – fuelled by the same lies and loathing that made the Nazi genocide possible.
     
    And it is rising.
     
    Discrimination is rife.
     
    Hatred is being stirred-up across the globe.
     
    One of the clearest and most troubling examples is the spreading cancer of Holocaust denial.
     
    Indisputable historical facts are being distorted, diminished, and dismissed.
     
    Efforts are being made to recast and rehabilitate Nazis and their collaborators. 
     
    We must stand up to these outrages.
     
    We must promote education, combat lies, and speak the truth.
     
    And we must condemn antisemitism wherever and whenever it appears – as we must condemn all forms of racism, prejudice and religious bigotry which we see proliferating today.
     
    Because we know these evils wither our morality, corrode our compassion, and seek to blind us to suffering – opening the door to atrocities.
     
    The United Nations has long worked to combat antisemitism, through a wide range of activities, including our Holocaust Outreach programs.
     
    And we recently launched our Action Plan on antisemitism, recommending the ways the United Nations System can further enhance those efforts.  
     
    In these days of division it is all the more important – that we hold fast to our common humanity… 
     
    And renew our resolve to defend the dignity and human rights of all.
     
    Every one of us has a duty.
     
    The history of the Holocaust shows us what can happen when people choose not to see and not to act.
     
    And the Universal Declaration of Human Rights prescribes that:
     
    “…every individual and every organ of society… shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms…”
     
    Each of us must answer that call: denounce lies; resist hate; and ensure our common humanity overcomes division.  
     
    These causes are at the very core of the United Nations.
     
    We will never forget. And we will never waver in that fight.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Read Senator Welch’s Op-Ed in The New York Times: “Don’t Kill FEMA. Fix It.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    BURLINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) this morning published an opinion in the New York Times entitled: “Don’t Kill FEMA. Fix It.”  
    In the Guest Essay, Senator Welch outlined why President Trump’s actions to undermine and potentially dissolve FEMA are misguided—but also commits to working with the President to improve the agency’s broken long-term recovery process, which needs serious reform. Following Vermont’s catastrophic floods of July 2023 and July 2024, flood-impacted families and communities have struggled with red tape and frustrating bureaucracy. Bipartisan reform is necessary.    
    Read Senator Welch’s essay and view an excerpt below:  
    Don’t Kill FEMA. Fix It. By U.S. Senator Peter Welch Published January 27, 2025, by the New York Times 
    My state of Vermont is still recovering from two catastrophic floods in the past two years. That’s why I agree with President Trump that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is broken and needs serious reform if it is to meet local communities’ long-term recovery needs. 
    But to do away with it completely would be a disaster for red and blue states alike. 
    On Friday, while visiting victims of September’s Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, Mr. Trump said he was considering “getting rid of FEMA.” He now reportedly plans to sign an executive order as a step toward reshaping FEMA, which could eliminate the agency. 
    Read Senator Welch’s full opinion piece in the New York Times. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vermont Congressional Delegation and Governor Scott Announce $3.8 Million in Northern Border Regional Commission Grants for Vermont Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    MONTPELIER, VT – Today, the Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large), along with Vermont Governor Phil Scott and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) announced the recipients of the NBRC’s Fall 2024 Catalyst Program and Forest Economy Program Awards. Seven projects in Vermont will receive a cumulative $3.88 million in funding, which will support projects including early childhood education, a new surplus crop processing center and food hub, and rural health care clinic upgrades. 
    Established in 2008, the NBRC is a Federal-State partnership in northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York designed to stimulate economic growth and inspire collaboration to improve rural economic vitality across the four-state NBRC region. NBRC encourages projects that take a creative approach to accomplishing those goals. 
    “The Northern Border Regional Commission plays a major role in fostering long-term economic development in communities across Vermont. These new investments from the NBRC will support seven projects that benefit folks in every corner of the Green Mountain State–from building new child care centers to making energy-efficient upgrades to purchasing new classroom supplies,” said the Vermont Congressional Delegation. “We’ll continue to work alongside state and local partners to support the growth and success of rural communities in Vermont.” 
    “These infrastructure, economic and community development projects make important investments across Vermont,” said Governor Scott. “These projects will help revitalize our rural communities and I want to thank our Congressional Delegation for their support.” 
    When evaluating potential projects, the Catalyst Program considers project readiness, economic impacts, impacts on Vermont’s skilled workforce, project location, regional input and priorities, and the project’s transformational nature. Awarded projects in the 2024 Catalyst Fall Competition will help pay for start-up costs—including classroom supplies and furniture for the Orange County Parent Child Center—implement new energy-efficient facilities at the Carlos G. Otis Health Care Center, transform a vacant facility into a child care center in the Northeast Kingdom, expand water and sewer infrastructure throughout the Town of Essex, and more.   
     The 2024 Catalyst Fall Competition Awardees include:  
    Carlos G. Otis Heath Care Center (Windham County) – $1,000,000:  
    Replace two aging, inefficient structures with a new energy-efficient facility that will increase patient privacy and enhance accessibility.  
    Orange County Parent Child Center (Orange County) – $379,124.82:  
    Funding for furniture, playground equipment and classroom supplies, as well as start-up operations costs towards launching the early childhood education program.  
    Northeast Kingdom Community Action (Essex County) – $62,888:  
    Convert a facility previously utilized as a health clinic into a childcare center providing 8 to 10 new Early Childhood Education spots.  
    Salvation Farms (Lamoille County) – $469,621.30:  
    Establish a 6,100 square foot Surplus Crop Processing Center & Food Hub.  
    Town of Essex (Chittenden County) – $500,000:  
    Planning and design to support the expansion of water and sewer infrastructure throughout the Essex Town Center area where proposed municipal facilities, fire station, library, and community space are planned.  
    Vermont Council on Rural Development (Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor Counties) – $472,192.28:  
    Provide 9 rural communities with targeted, holistic capacity building services and support for long term economic development success. This project will scale up services to meet the overwhelming demand for facilitated community-led prioritization, technical assistance, leadership coaching, and resource guiding. 
    Read more from NBRC here.  Pre-applications for the 2025 Catalyst Program are due February 28. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Thomasville Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter William “Bill” Nix

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JANUARY 27, 2025

    Today, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Oregon County, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from sunrise to sunset in honor of Thomasville Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter William “Bill” Nix.

    “In his retirement, Bill Nix answered a calling to serve Oregon County by becoming a volunteer firefighter,” Governor Mike Kehoe said. “A retired trucker, Bill could handle the Thomasville Volunteer Fire Department’s large tanker. He also expertly maintained the department’s other trucks, earning the 2022 Thomasville Volunteer Firefighter of the Year award for his dedicated service. Firefighter Nix’s commitment to helping others and his devotion to supporting his community serve as inspiration to all of us to give back. Claudia and I send our heart-felt prayers and condolences to the Nix family and the entire Thomasville Volunteer Fire Department.”

    On the evening of January 16, Firefighter Nix was responding to a structure fire as a passenger in a Thomasville Volunteer Fire Department fire engine when the vehicle overturned on U.S. Highway 160 four miles south of Thomasville, causing Nix’s death.

    The flags will be held at half-staff on the day of Nix’s memorial services. To view the Governor’s proclamation, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Greg Dolezal Introduces the ‘Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities’ Act

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (January 27, 2025) — On Monday, January 13, Sen. Greg Dolezal (R–Cumming) introduced Senate Bill (SB) 1, the “Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities” Act, which would provide competitively fair and safe student participation in sports. The bill would require athletes to participate on teams that align with their biological sex at birth.

    “This summer, I had the privilege of serving as Chairman of the Georgia Senate Special Committee on the Protection of Women’s Sports,” said Sen. Dolezal. “As the father of three daughters, I take this issue to heart. Female athletes have worked tirelessly to earn their place in competition, and they deserve a level playing field. Ideologically driven policies that undermine the fairness in women’s sports have no place in Georgia. Our committee dedicated countless hours to thoroughly studying this issue, and I’m proud to say the Majority Caucuses in both the Senate and House stand firmly united in protecting these opportunities for women and girls. I am confident this legislation will move swiftly through the General Assembly and deliver the protection female athletes deserve.”

    “Biological men do not belong in women’s sports, period,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “This is common sense to everyone but the most radical liberals in Georgia. The Senate has always led the way on protecting women’s sports and with Senate Bill 1, we will continue to be on the right side of this common-sense issue. I will never waver in the fight to protect our sisters and our daughters participating on equal footing in Georgia sports. I look forward to Senate Bill 1 becoming law and the protection of women’s sports becoming a reality for all female athletes in Georgia.”

    SB 1 aims to provide equal athletic opportunities and safety for men and women at all levels. It would prohibit males from participating in interscholastic and intercollegiate competitions on teams designated as female as well as prohibit females from participating in competition on intercollegiate teams designated as male.

    SB 1 can be found here.

    # # # #

    Sen. Greg Dolezal serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation. He represents the 27th Senate District, which includes a portion of Forsyth County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-7127 or via email at greg.dolezal@senate.ga.gov.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Now Open: Free, Easy Online Tax Filing

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to consider using the Direct File program in New York State to ease the burden of filing taxes. The joint project with the IRS, available starting today, allows taxpayers to file their federal and state taxes online at no cost. Building on Governor Hochul’s initiative to make New York more affordable, this program helps the average New York taxpayers save around $260 in tax preparation fees.

    “Direct File is a common-sense approach to filing taxes,” Governor Hochul said. “If you have a basic return, you’ll find that it’s easy to complete the process and that you can save hundreds of dollars in tax preparation fees.”

    The Tax Department estimates that 3.4 million New Yorkers will be able to use Direct File this year. To find out if you’re eligible, visit the New York State Tax Department’s webpage.

    New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller said, “Direct File is a safe, secure system that you can access from a smartphone or desktop computer. Qualified New Yorkers can answer simple questions instead of filling out forms or paying a preparer to complete their income return.”

    New York piloted Direct File with the IRS in 2024. In its first year, the program was open for a limited time to a limited number of taxpayers. Some 14,000 New Yorkers used Direct File last year and 96 percent reported a positive experience.

    The 2025 Direct File Program — available starting today — expands eligibility, covering more tax credits and different types of income. The Tax Department estimates that 3.4 million New Yorkers will be able to use Direct File this year. New Yorkers with 2024 wages of up to $200,000, or $250,000 if filing a joint return, may qualify.

    Direct File is part of Governor Hochul’s ongoing effort to save New Yorkers money and improve government services. As part of her FY 2026 Budget, Governor Hochul proposed a middle class tax cut to deliver nearly $1 billion in tax relief to more than 8.3 million New Yorkers. When fully phased in, the middle class tax cut will deliver hundreds of dollars in average savings to nearly 77 percent of filers — representing three out of every four taxpayers. Additionally, Governor Hochul proposed New York’s first-ever inflation refund that will put $3 billion back in the pockets of 8.6 million taxpayers. Joint tax filers who make $300,000 or less will receive a $500 payment and all single New York taxpayers who make $150,000 or less will receive a $300 payment. Governor Hochul also proposed a vast expansion of New York’s Child Tax Credit that will double or triple the current credit in many cases, offering up to $1,000 annually per child under four and up to $500 per child aged four to 16. This marks the largest increase in the credit’s history, significantly surpassing the current maximum of $330 per child.

    More information on the Governor’s Affordability Agenda is available online.

    For more information on Direct File, visit the New York State Tax Department’s webpage.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Announces Five Arrests During Operation “To Catch a Predator” in Madera County

    Source: US State of California

    Monday, January 27, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    FRESNO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta, together with the Madera County Sheriff’s Office and California Highway Patrol, today announced the results of operation “To Catch a Predator” which targeted sexual predators who use the internet to seek out potential underage victims. Over the course of the three-day operation, five suspects were arrested and charged with contacting and meeting with minors for sexual purposes. The California Department of Justice’s Fresno Human Trafficking Sexual Predator Apprehension (HT-SPAT), the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) joined forces in a three-day multi-jurisdictional operation, which was completed on January 18, 2025.
     
    “The exploitation of children will not be tolerated in California,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “The National Center of Missing and Exploited Children and the FBI estimate there are 500,000 online predators active each day. One child exploited is one too many. I would like to thank the efforts of our partners who helped conduct this operation. When we work together, we get results.” 
     
    “We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with the CA DOJ Human Trafficking Team in Fresno and CA Highway Patrol, and our shared commitment to protecting one of our most vulnerable populations, said Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue. “May this operation and subsequent arrests be a reminder to all that we will not tolerate predators in Madera County.”
     
    “The safety and well-being of our children is our top priority,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “This operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting California’s most vulnerable residents and holding those who prey on them accountable. We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to ensure that no child is ever subjected to such harm.”
     
    Agents and officers identified subjects looking to exploit minors for the purpose of committing sexual acts.  During the operation, undercover agents and detectives posed as minors on various social media platforms and websites commonly used by child sex predators. After being identified, the suspects were located and arrested. All suspects were booked into the Madera County Jail and were charged with Penal Code Section 288.3 – contacting a minor for sexual purposes and Penal Code Section 288.4 – meeting with a minor for sexual purposes. The Madera County District Attorney’s Office will be prosecuting the cases.
     
    The CA DOJ Victims’ Services Unit (VSU) works in conjunction with victim service providers and all across the state to provide victim-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally-sensitive support services to all crime victims, including underserved, at-risk, underrepresented, and vulnerable populations. More information about VSU is available at oag.ca.gov/victimservices or by calling (877) 433-9069 or emailing VSU atVictimServices@doj.ca.gov. 

    If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot leave, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 to access help and services. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. Additional information and resources to support survivors of human trafficking is available here.
     

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illinois Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Enticing a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activities

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DES MOINES, Iowa – An Illinois man was sentenced on Friday, January 17, 2025, to 35 years in federal prison for enticement and attempted enticement of a minor and for committing an offense while a registered sex offender.

    According to public court documents, in 2020, Anthony Alan Anderson, 40, while serving in the United States Air Force, was convicted via general court martial of two counts of attempting to commit a lewd act with a person he believed to be a child who had not attained the age of 16 years old. As a result of that conviction, Anderson was required to register as a sex offender in his state of residence. Anderson moved to Illinois in 2022.

    From May to November 2023, Anderson, from his residence in Illinois, used text messaging and social-media applications to communicate with a 14-year-old child from Ottumwa, Iowa. During their communications, Anderson convinced the child to produce and send him child pornography. In September 2023, Anderson traveled from his home in Illinois to Ottumwa, where he picked the child up from her residence and took her to a hotel. There, he and the child engaged in sex acts. Anderson also captured child sexual abuse material of the child while in the hotel.

    After completing his term of imprisonment, Anderson will be required to serve a ten‑year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

    United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The case was investigated by the Ottumwa Police Department with assistance from the Illinois State Police.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Radix and Celanese Partnership Leverages AI to Harness the Power of Industrial Data

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radix, a global technology solutions company at the forefront of industrial digital transformation, and Celanese, a global chemical and specialty material company, are proud to collaborate with Cognite, the global leader in data and AI for industry, on the development of JO.AI, a groundbreaking generative AI-powered solution designed to revolutionize operations in asset-intensive industries.

    Born from the successful development and implementation at Celanese by Radix through their engineering intelligence expertise – and powered by Cognite Data Fusion®, the market-leading DataOps and AI platform for enterprise-scale, complex industrial data management projects – JO.AI is poised to redefine how industrial manufacturers leverage data for enhanced productivity and operational excellence at scale.

    JO.AI will be showcased at the upcoming ARC Industry Leadership Forum 2025 taking place in Orlando, Florida, from February 10-13 under the theme “On the Ground: Accelerate. Optimize. Scale.” Radix will showcase and discuss how the powerful industrial solution is optimizing the future of smart digital manufacturing, directly addressing the challenges faced across industries such as Energy, Chemical, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Power Generation & Distribution, Pulp & Paper, and Metals, Mining & Minerals. Industrial manufacturers often struggle to unlock the full potential of their data, even with the presence of data aggregators.

    JO.AI solves this problem by acting as an advanced Industrial Copilot, enabling intuitive, natural language interaction with the Industrial Knowledge Graph provided by Cognite Data Fusion® to make complex data easier to access and action into intelligence tailored specifically for the process industry. JO.AI leverages Cognite Data Fusion’s unmatched data management and comprehensive AI infrastructure to enable the Gen AI application to carry out more complex operations with greater accuracy.

    With Cognite Data Fusion® as its backbone, JO.AI combines operational insights with pre-trained AI agents focused on specific process use cases. “AI has proven to be a valuable business catalyst in today’s dynamic manufacturing landscape, offering unparalleled opportunities for optimization and innovation,” said Sameer Purao, Senior Vice President and CIO at Celanese. “We developed JO.AI – in collaboration with Radix, on top of the robust data foundation provided by Cognite Data Fusion® – to harness the power of AI to improve efficiency, reduce costs and elevate overall productivity.

    Additionally, AI enables smart production through real-time data analysis, facilitating data-driven decisions, process optimization and swift response to market demand. Incorporating AI into our manufacturing operations is not just a technological advancement, but also a competitive advantage.”

    “Digital transformation, especially with AI-powered solutions, is only as strong as the data foundation it’s built upon,” said Bill Hendricks, President of Cognite Americas. “Cognite accelerates time-to-value by enabling seamless integration and management of complex industrial data, providing the essential infrastructure for innovative applications like JO.AI. Working alongside a forward-thinking partner like Radix, who shares our commitment to pushing the boundaries of industrial innovation, we empower organizations to unlock unprecedented value from their data and drive real operational impact.”

    JO.AI empowers operators and engineers in four key areas:

    1. Optimized Operator Rounds: JO.AI provides insights that ensure operations teams are focusing their rounds on the right checklists.

    2. Data-Driven Checklist Management: It recommends the optimal frequency of checklist items, identifies areas with high-volume issues, and highlights deviations.

    3. Balanced Workload: JO.AI helps ensure that the checklist workload is appropriate for each shift.

    4. Streamlined Maintenance: The solution facilitates maintenance and work notification opportunities, recommending resource plans and even assisting operators in writing work orders.

    “JO.AI represents a significant leap forward in the application of AI for industrial settings and asset intensive industries,” said Alex Clausbruch, CEO of Radix North America. “By combining Radix’s expertise in AI and software development with Celanese’s deep industry knowledge, we’ve created a solution that not only addresses the current challenges of data utilization but also unlocks new levels of efficiency and optimization. We believe JO.AI will be a game-changer for asset-intensive industries.”

    “The development of JO.AI is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation,” added Justin Conroy, Vice President, Digital Product Portfolio at Radix. “We’ve worked closely with Celanese to ensure that JO.AI meets the specific needs of industrial operators worldwide. This solution is not just about technology; it’s about empowering people and teams with the insights they need to make better decisions and drive real business value.”

    Radix will be participating as a Gold Sponsor at the ARC Leadership Forum 2025 in Orlando next month with several opportunities to engage with industry leaders, customers, partners and learn more about JO.AI and its capabilities.

    About Radix

    Founded in 2010, Radix is a privately held global technology solutions company providing consulting, engineering, operations technology, and data and software technology solutions. Radix combines key capabilities and practices to empower customers to thrive along their digital transformation journey. Radix provides technology-based, data-driven solutions to industrial and non-industrial companies worldwide. Radix has experience leading projects in more than 30 countries and has more than 1,700+ employees around the globe, with North American headquarters in Houston, Texas, main headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, additional offices in Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte, and a presence in Singapore and Amsterdam. To learn more, visit www.radixeng.com.

    About Celanese

    Celanese is a global leader in chemistry, producing specialty material solutions used across most major industries and consumer applications. Our businesses use our chemistry, technology and commercial expertise to create value for our customers, employees and shareholders. We are committed to sustainability by responsibly managing the materials we create for their entire lifecycle and are growing our portfolio of sustainable products to meet increasing customer and societal demand. We strive to make a positive impact in our communities and to foster inclusivity across our teams. Celanese is a Fortune 500 company that employs approximately 12,400 employees worldwide with 2023 net sales of $10.9 billion.

    About Cognite

    Cognite makes Generative AI work for industry. Leading energy, manufacturing, and power & renewables enterprises choose Cognite to deliver secure, trustworthy, and real-time data to transform their asset-heavy operations to be safer, more sustainable, and more profitable. Cognite provides a user-friendly, secure, and scalable platform that makes it easy for all decision-makers, from the field to remote operations centers, to access and understand complex industrial data, collaborate in real time, and build a better tomorrow. Visit us at www.cognite.ai and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

    For more information:
    Citalouise Geiggar, Ph.D.
    citalouise.geiggar@radixeng.com 
    Radix

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/05e54c82-5dbb-4054-b519-e0f42ecc5bf1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Minister visits Sri Lanka strengthening UK partnership and boosting growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West visits Sri Lanka with a focus on boosting exports and economic growth.

    • UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific set to meet with new Sri Lankan government minsters as part of the first official visit of new UK government.  
    • Minister will set out plans to strengthen UK-Sri Lanka partnership – from inclusive economic growth, anti-corruption, human rights to national reconciliation.
    • The Minister will welcome new export initiatives set to bolster UK-Sri Lanka trade.

    Inclusive economic growth, anti-corruption, human rights and national reconciliation are on the agenda as Catherine West, Minister for Indo-Pacific will meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and other key government ministers.  

    The visit marks the first ministerial visit to Sri Lanka since the formation of new governments in both countries.  

    The Minister will strengthen valuable UK-Sri Lanka trade links, boosting growth for UK and Sri Lankan businesses. She will launch new export procedure handbooks, helping Sri Lankan businesses better access the UK market through the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). 

    The Minister will also travel to Jaffna to emphasise the UK’s ongoing support for human rights, reconciliation, climate resilience and minority rights.  

    She will meet with local political leaders and civil society organisations working on post-conflict rehabilitation, as well as visiting the only FCDO-funded climate adaptation project which directly addresses groundwater depletion and its impact on agriculture and local communities.

    Minister for Indo-Pacific, Catherine West said:  

    I am so pleased to make my first official visit to Sri Lanka and meet the new government so soon after they have taken office. I have heard a lot about the country from my UK constituents of Sri Lankan heritage; and I have experienced their warm hospitality.   

    The UK and Sri Lanka share a dynamic modern partnership. I look forward to exploring our potential to grow our relationship through trade, economic growth and education. 

    I believe social and economic development are vital to sustained growth. The UK remains steadfast in our commitment to tackling corruption, supporting human rights progress including long-standing grievances, and taking action on the impacts of climate and nature.

    The Minister will meet the British Council to discuss the growing education partnership as Sri Lanka positions itself as regional hub for transnational education (TNE).  

    UK High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick said: 

    Minister Catherine West’s visit marks an important moment – the first meeting of our two new governments. To see the Minister visit so soon after elections underscores the UK government’s commitment to strengthening our bilateral partnership. We’ll see lots of activity in the months ahead, as we work with the government on their agenda of reform.

    The visit highlights the shared ambition of our two governments to deepen collaboration, and address shared challenges such as economic growth, climate change and human rights. 

    Background

    • The minister will meet with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. 
    • The Developing Countries Trading Scheme cuts tariffs, removes conditions and simplifies trading rules for 65 developing countries.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Have your say on vision for new Queensferry community hub

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    A consultation has opened on proposals to deliver new, fit for purpose services and more school places that support Queensferry’s growing population

    Residents are being asked to share their feedback on new ideas to create a community campus on Burgess Road, bringing together more modern services in a central location for the whole of Queensferry.

    Plans for the new project, which have been designed using the findings of past consultations and reports, focus on:

    • A new Early Years Centre on the north end of Burgess Park, providing children with better quality outdoor space and a modern environment for learning and development. 
    • Enhancing greenspace and extending Burgess Park by removing the Road Depot on adjacent land.
    • Moving an improved and larger Queensferry library to the campus, with more community spaces and provision to deliver expanded services with our partners.
    • Providing additional classrooms at Queensferry Primary School by moving the Early Years facility to a new building and repurposing space within the school.
    • Expanding playground space at Queensferry Primary School, replacing existing buildings in poor condition.

    The proposals for the hub are part of the Queensferry Living Well Locally project to help make Queensferry greener, healthier and safer for everyone.

    The project aligns with the 20-minute neighbourhood strategy to help local people meet most of their daily needs within a short walk, wheel or cycle from their home.

    Information on further plans to improve walking, wheeling and cycling connections to shops, services, and facilities in the local area will follow as related projects are developed.

    Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said:

    With Queensferry’s population continuing to grow, we need more school places to meet demand, while some of our existing community buildings are reaching the end of their usable life and are no longer fit for purpose. We firmly believe that doing nothing is not an option, and we need to invest in local community facilities for today and tomorrow. We are looking to deliver this through a place-based approach that reflects what people in the area want and need.

    We are keen to hear from as many people as possible who use services in the area. The proposals have been designed partly using the feedback from previous engagement, but we need to make sure they work for everyone. This consultation is a fantastic opportunity to make sure people’s views are heard and considered when plans are developed in more detail.

    Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener, said:

    We know from previous engagement that people would like modern community services and facilities in a central location that is easy for people from all over the local area to access. Our ideas for a new community hub on Burgess Road address these issues.

    The proposals for the new early years centre and expanded primary school have the potential to create a modern learning and development environment for children in Queensferry, while allowing us to provide vital new classroom spaces.

    The survey is now live on the Consultation Hub and will run until Monday 21st April. A number of in-person events will be held in venues across Queensferry, where officers will be available to discuss plans and listen to people’s views. 

    The first of these will take place on Thursday 6th February at Queensferry Library (12pm – 2pm) and Scotmid Co-Op (4pm – 6pm). Details of further dates and times will be published on the Council’s website and Consultation Hub. 

    Beyond this, the project team is also meeting with local community groups and organisations as part of the consultation process. 
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2024 Article IV Consultation with Cambodia

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    January 27, 2025

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation[1] with Cambodia.

    Cambodia’s economy has continued to recover, albeit at a modest pace. We project real GDP to grow from 5.5 percent in 2024 to 5.8 percent in 2025 and inflation to pick up from 0.5 percent in 2024 to 2 percent in 2025 and remain contained. However, risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside from both external factors and domestic vulnerabilities, including from policy changes by major trading partners, geoeconomic fragmentation, and continued weakness in the construction and real estate sectors.

    The recovery remains uneven. Real GDP growth is driven mainly by external demand, with a strong rebound in garment exports and high growth in agricultural exports. Tourism has experienced a structural shift in its composition, resulting in a lagged recovery in tourism receipts. Growth in non-tradable sectors remains weak. After a sustained credit expansion that lifted the credit-to-GDP ratio from 24 percent in 2010 to 135 percent in 2023, credit growth has come to a near halt. The construction and real estate sectors are undergoing a correction, with rising non-performing loans and emerging signs of private-sector debt overhang.

    We project the fiscal deficit at 2.4 percent of GDP in 2025, down from 3 percent in 2024, with a gradual fiscal consolidation envisaged in the medium-term fiscal framework. Public debt remains well-contained, staying below 30 percent of GDP over the next decade. The current account balance is projected to swing back to a deficit of 1.8 percent of GDP in 2024 as strong demand for imports outpaces the recovery in exports and tourism. The deficit is projected to increase somewhat in 2025, reaching 2.5 percent of GDP, with export growth expected to moderate. 

    Executive Board Assessment2

    Executive Directors welcomed the continuing recovery of the Cambodian economy, driven by strong growth in garment and agricultural exports, and improving tourism activity. Nonetheless, the recovery has been uneven, and while growth is expected to continue, risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside. Directors underscored the importance of policies to safeguard macro financial stability, ensure a durable and inclusive recovery, and achieve the authorities’ development goals over the medium term.

    Directors supported a neutral fiscal stance in the near term and highlighted the importance of gradual and high-quality consolidation over the medium term underpinned by sound fiscal frameworks to maintain debt sustainability and strengthen economic resilience. They welcomed the recent publication of a medium-term fiscal framework but recommended strengthening it with more conservative and transparent fiscal rules. Directors stressed the need to further mobilize revenues through rationalizing tax exemptions and implementing tax policy reforms, while enhancing spending efficiency and strengthening public investment management, in order to help rebuild fiscal buffers and safeguard priority social and capital spending. Directors welcomed efforts to foster the development of the domestic government bond market as Cambodia’s access to concessional foreign financing will be reduced when it graduates from Least Developed Country status. They also stressed the need for sound management of fiscal risks from state-owned enterprises and public-private partnerships.

    Directors supported the measured pace of monetary policy normalization while maintaining adequate financial system liquidity. They encouraged continuing efforts to modernize the monetary policy framework to enhance policy transmission and support de-dollarization. Noting the ongoing corrections in the construction and real estate sectors, declining FDI inflows, and rising nonperforming loans, Directors encouraged phasing out forbearance measures and developing a comprehensive plan to safeguard financial stability. They recommended strengthening risk-based supervision, improving macroprudential policy, enhancing coordination among financial sector supervisory agencies, and intensifying oversight of the real estate sector.

    Directors highlighted the importance of structural reforms to promote economic diversification and improve competitiveness. They encouraged the authorities’ efforts to enhance human capital, invest in infrastructure, strengthen the business environment, address climate vulnerabilities, and promote renewable energy to attract more diversified FDI. They also underscored the importance of strengthening governance and institutions, improving transparency, enhancing the AML/CFT framework, and addressing data limitations through  capacity development.

    Table 1. Cambodia: Selected Economic Indicators, 2021 – 29 1/

    Per capita GDP (2022, US$): 1,546                   Life expectancy (2019, years): 75.5

    Population (2022, million):    16.7                    Literacy rate (2019, percent):  87.7
     

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    Est.

    Proj.

    Output and prices (annual percent change)

    		                  

    GDP at constant prices

    3.1

    5.1

    5.0

    5.5

    5.8

    6.2

    6.0

    6.0

    6.0

    Inflation (end-year)

    3.7

    2.9

    2.7

    1.5

    2.1

    3.2

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    (Annual average)

    2.9

    5.3

    2.1

    0.4

    2.1

    3.2

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0
                       

    Saving and investment balance

    (in percent of GDP)

    		                  

    Gross national saving

    0.8

    15.6

    33.6

    30.7

    30.0

    29.2

    29.2

    29.2

    29.3

    Government saving

    0.3

    3.1

    4.1

    5.1

    6.1

    7.1

    8.1

    9.1

    10.1

    Private saving

    0.5

    12.5

    29.5

    25.6

    23.9

    22.1

    21.1

    20.1

    19.2

    Gross fixed investment

    30.4

    34.6

    32.3

    32.5

    32.5

    32.5

    32.5

    32.5

    32.5

    Government investment

    6.6

    5.6

    5.8

    5.2

    4.5

    4.3

    4.2

    3.9

    3.8

    Private investment

    23.8

    29.0

    26.5

    27.4

    28.0

    28.2

    28.4

    28.6

    28.7
                       

    Money and credit (annual percent change, unless otherwise indicated)

    		                  

    Broad money

    16.4

    8.2

    12.5

    8.5

    7.9

    10.5

    11.3

    9.1

    9.0

    Private sector credit

    23.6

    18.5

    3.5

    4.0

    7.0

    10.0

    10.0

    10.0

    10.0

    Velocity of money 2/

    1.1

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0
                       

    Public finance (in percent of GDP)

    		                  

    Revenue

    15.8

    18.1

    15.9

    14.9

    14.9

    14.9

    15.0

    15.1

    15.2

    Domestic revenue

    14.7

    16.4

    14.7

    13.7

    13.7

    13.8

    14.0

    14.1

    14.4

    Of which: Tax revenue

    13.2

    14.7

    13.0

    12.1

    12.1

    12.2

    12.3

    12.5

    12.7

    Grants

    1.1

    1.7

    1.2

    1.2

    1.1

    1.1

    1.0

    0.9

    0.8

    Expenditure

    21.0

    18.4

    18.7

    17.9

    17.3

    17.1

    17.1

    17.2

    17.1

    Expense

    14.4

    12.8

    12.9

    12.7

    12.8

    12.8

    13.0

    13.3

    13.4

    Net acquisition of nonfinancial assets

    6.6

    5.6

    5.8

    5.2

    4.5

    4.3

    4.2

    3.9

    3.8

    Net lending (+)/borrowing(-)

    -5.2

    -0.3

    -2.8

    -3.0

    -2.4

    -2.2

    -2.1

    -2.1

    -2.0

    Net lending (+)/borrowing(-) excluding grants

    -6.3

    -2.0

    -4.0

    -4.2

    -3.6

    -3.3

    -3.2

    -3.0

    -2.8

    Net acquisition of financial assets

    -3.6

    1.4

    -0.3

    -0.2

    0.5

    0.3

    0.2

    0.3

    0.4

    Net incurrence of liabilities 3/

    1.6

    1.7

    2.5

    2.8

    2.9

    2.5

    2.4

    2.4

    2.4

    Total public debt (In percent of GDP)

    25.9

    25.0

    25.7

    26.8

    27.8

    27.8

    27.8

    27.7

    27.7

    Balance of payments (in millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

    		                  

    Exports, f.o.b.

    19,527

    23,175

    23,569

    26,745

    28,595

    30,942

    33,449

    36,307

    39,457

       (Annual percent change)

    5.7

    18.7

    1.7

    13.5

    6.9

    8.2

    8.1

    8.5

    8.7

    Imports, f.o.b.

    -30,726

    -31,995

    -26,553

    -31,055

    -33,244

    -35,626

    -38,605

    -41,871

    -45,434

       (Annual percent change)

    46.4

    4.1

    -17.0

    17.0

    7.0

    7.2

    8.4

    8.5

    8.5

    Current account (including official transfers)

    -10,886

    -7,572

    555

    -847

    -1,269

    -1,794

    -1,993

    -2,175

    -2,283

        (In percent of GDP)

    -29.6

    -19.0

    1.3

    -1.8

    -2.5

    -3.3

    -3.3

    -3.4

    -3.2

    Gross official reserves 4/

    20,265

    17,805

    19,998

    20,753

    23,064

    26,887

    30,951

    35,422

    40,351

        (In months of prospective imports)

    7.0

    7.3

    6.9

    6.6

    6.9

    7.4

    7.9

    8.3

    8.7
                       

    Total public debt (in millions of dollars)

    9,505

    9,971

    11,187

    12,473

    13,932

    15,218

    16,508

    17,912

    19,453

    (In percent of GDP)

    25.9

    25.0

    25.7

    26.8

    27.8

    27.8

    27.8

    27.7

    27.7

    External debt (in millions of dollars, unless                                    otherwise indicated)

    		                  

    Public external debt

    9,505

    9,971

    11,187

    12,387

    13,726

    14,939

    16,178

    17,548

    18,978

    (In percent of GDP)

    25.9

    25.0

    25.7

    26.6

    27.4

    27.3

    27.2

    27.1

    27.0

    Public debt service

    397

    427

    449

    418

    439

    458

    482

    506

    533

    (In percent of exports of goods and services)

    2.0

    1.7

    1.6

    1.3

    1.3

    1.2

    1.2

    1.2

    1.1

    Nominal effective exchange rate (index, trade partners by CPI)

    113.3

    122.4

    123.3

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Real effective exchange rate

    (index, based on CPI)

    125.3

    134.0

    132.4

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Memorandum items:

    		                  

    Nominal GDP (in billions of Riels)

    150,793

    164,059

    177,719

    190,603

    205,946

    225,291

    245,726

    267,845

    292,066

    (In millions of U.S. dollars)

    36,797

    39,838

    43,304

    46,568

    50,180

    54,745

    59,548

    64,733

    70,395

    Sources: Cambodian authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.

    1/ Based on the rebased GDP.

    		                

    2/ Ratio of nominal GDP to the average stock of broad money.

    		                

    3/ Includes statistical discrepancy.

    		                

    4/ Includes unrestricted foreign currency deposits held at the National Bank of Cambodia.

    		                

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chair of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summing up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.  

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Alexander Muller

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/01/27/pr-25017-cambodia-imf-executive-board-concludes-2024-article-iv-consultation-with-cambodia

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Marking 80 Years Since End of Holocaust, UN Chief Urges World to ‘Never Waver in Fight’ for Human Rights

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message to International Holocaust Remembrance Service at Park East Synagogue, delivered by Miguel Ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, in New York today:

    It is an honour to send you a message today.  At this sombre occasion, I want to acknowledge that more than a year has passed since the appalling 7 October 2023 terror attacks by Hamas.  We welcome, at long last, the ceasefire and hostage-release deal.  The deal offers hope, as well as much needed relief.  The United Nations will do our utmost to ensure it leads to the release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

    This year marks 80 years since the end of the Holocaust.  The history of the Holocaust is one of total moral collapse, dehumanization, complicity and unimaginable atrocities.  But, amidst all the horror, there are also stories of humanity, and of courage.

    I think of those victims who resisted Nazi brutality and supported one another with kindness and solidarity.  I think of those survivors who have told their stories to the world, including Rabbi Schneier and others present today.  We owe you — and the children of survivors who made sure those stories lived on — a profound debt of gratitude.  And I think of those noble people of conscience who may not have been targeted by the Nazis, but were so horrified by what they saw that they felt compelled to act.

    That includes a number of diplomats who used their power to save lives.  They were from a variety of countries, including many represented here today.

    One important example from my own country, Portugal, is Aristides de Sousa Mendes.  Stationed in Bordeaux, as the Nazis approached in 1940, Sr. Sousa Mendes faced crowds desperate for visas out of France.

    The orders of the Portuguese Government were clear.  The infamous “Circular 14” had been issued, denying visas for refugees’ safe passage to Portugal — with Jews named specifically.  Sr. Sousa Mendes decided to disobey and worked quite literally day and night to issue thousands of visas, saving countless lives.

    The Government punished Sr. Sousa Mendes for his defiance.  He died in poverty, after being expelled from the diplomatic corps without pension.  But, his extraordinary efforts have not been forgotten.  In 1966, he was recognized as one of the Righteous Among the Nations, and last year, I was pleased to support the opening of a museum in his honour in Portugal.

    In these days of global turmoil, rising anti-Semitism and growing hate towards many communities, it is vital that we remember the stories of people like Sr. Sousa Mendes, who used their power for good in the worst of times.  They remind us that it is our duty — individually and collectively — to stand with humanity and against bigotry and discrimination.

    In that spirit, I am pleased to report that the United Nations has launched an Action Plan to Enhance Monitoring and Response to Antisemitism.  We have long worked to combat this evil, through a wide range of activities, including our Holocaust Outreach Programme.  This new Plan builds on that work, and the insights of people like Rabbi Schneier, to recommend ways the United Nations system will further enhance efforts to combat antisemitism.

    This goes to the heart of the mission of the United Nations, which was established in the aftermath of the Holocaust.  We will never waver in the fight for a world that promotes and protects the human rights of all.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Greatly Concerned by Recent Escalation of Fighting in Sudan

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

    The Secretary-General is following with great concern the recent escalation of fighting in Sudan, in particular around the al-Jili oil refinery north of Khartoum, as well as in El Fasher in Darfur.

    The Secretary-General urges the parties to refrain from all actions that could have dangerous consequences for Sudan and the region, including serious economic and environmental implications.  He further reminds the parties of their obligations under international law, including in relation to the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and the facilitation of humanitarian access.  Sudanese women, children and men are paying the price for the continued military offensives by the belligerents.

    The Secretary-General renews his call for urgent and genuine dialogue between the parties to the conflict, aimed at achieving an immediate cessation of hostilities to spare Sudanese civilians from further harm and reiterates that a sustainable resolution to the conflict can only be achieved through an inclusive political process.

    The Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, continues to engage the parties and all relevant stakeholders to de-escalate the conflict and promote a Sudanese-led inclusive dialogue that will bring a sustained end to the war.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Remembering victims of the Holocaust and preserving their stories

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Eighty years ago, the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp was liberated. The cruelty committed within its walls must never be forgotten. During the Holocaust, the Nazis senselessly killed six million Jews. They also murdered 500,000 Roma and Sinti people and millions of others, including Poles, prisoners of war, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Today, amid a disturbing rise in antisemitism around the world, we stand united to remember the victims of the Holocaust, listen to the stories of survivors, and reaffirm the solemn vow to never forget.

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded the first day of his visit to Poland, where he attended a commemorative event to mark 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp. He was accompanied by Canadian Holocaust survivors as well as Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, Deborah Lyons.

    In Kraków, Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted a $90.5 million package of measures announced in Budget 2024 to combat antisemitism, preserve Holocaust remembrance, and educate against Holocaust denial and distortion. He also announced almost $3.4 million in new funding to strengthen Holocaust education and awareness efforts in Canada and around the world. This includes new funding to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Montréal Holocaust Museum, the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, the Friends of the Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies, the Toronto Holocaust Museum, the Canadian Society for Yad Vashem, and the Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island.

    In meetings with Canadian Holocaust survivors, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada’s unwavering commitment to building a country where Jewish people can live open and proud Jewish lives, without intimidation or fear.

    Let the resilience, courage, and strength of Holocaust survivors inspire us to be better – and do better. Together, let us honour their memories, re-tell their stories, and continue our work to build a world that is more just and more peaceful.

    Quotes

    “The Holocaust and the unimaginable cruelty of the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp must never be forgotten. In Kraków today, we announced a new suite of initiatives to increase Holocaust education and awareness in Canada, and we reaffirmed our solemn vow: Never forget. Never again.”

    “Eighty years ago, humanity saw one the darkest chapters in history with the murder of over six million Jews during the Holocaust. We have a responsibility to never forget and ensure the events of the Holocaust are never repeated. As we see a rise in antisemitism today, we must be reminded that it is our collective responsibility to combat hate in all its forms. That is why we introduced the new National Holocaust Remembrance Program, which will support initiatives to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and teach Canadians how they can play an active role in combatting antisemitism now and into the future.”

    “Every generation must know the enduring significance of ‘never again’. As we mark 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz Birkenau, let us pay tribute to the lives we have lost during the Holocaust. Because ‘never again’ is not just a reminder – it is our solemn responsibility. Together, we must uphold this promise and always stand against antisemitism and hate.”

    “For the last 80 years, the Holocaust has reminded us of humanity’s capacity for inhumane cruelty. It has also stood as a warning to never again allow such hatred and horror to go unchecked. With antisemitism once again on the rise, we all have a responsibility to take concrete action, and that’s why the federal government is convening provinces, territories, municipalities, police, and civil society to the National Forum on Combatting Antisemitism. Our synagogues, schools and community centres must be safe spaces for our people. Jewish Canadians must be able to live without fear.”

    Quick Facts

    • The Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp was the largest camp under Hitler’s regime. One million Jewish people were murdered in Auschwitz Birkenau alone.
    • Canada has the fourth largest Jewish community in the world, following Israel, the United States, and France. According to the 2021 census, 335,000 Canadians identify as Jewish. As of December 2024, Canada’s Holocaust survivor population is roughly 9,800 – one of the largest around the globe.
    • The position of Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism was created in 2020 as part of the federal government’s commitment to strengthening national and international efforts to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and honour the stories of survivors. Irwin Cotler was appointed Canada’s first Special Envoy in November 2020 and was succeeded by Deborah Lyons in October 2023. The Special Envoy works to combat antisemitism, hatred, and racism, while promoting and defending democracy, pluralism, inclusion, and human rights.
    • Canada’s commitment to protecting human rights and combatting antisemitism at home and abroad is anchored in our membership in – and work with – the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). As the only international institution mandated to focus on issues related to the Holocaust, the IHRA works to raise awareness of the global impact of antisemitism and seeks ways to end it. In 2022, Canada announced it would double its annual contribution to the IHRA.
    • In October 2024, the Government of Canada released the Canadian Handbook on the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. Using Canadian examples, the Handbook serves as a tool to identify and address antisemitism across various sectors. Notably, it is the first such handbook produced by a national government.
    • In 2022, the federal government amended Canada’s Criminal Code to make it a crime to willfully promote antisemitism by condoning, denying, or downplaying the Holocaust.
    • In addition to the $90.5 million package of measures on Holocaust remembrance, Budget 2024 also invested over $273 million over six years to implement Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate, including over $29 million ongoing to combat hate crimes and enhance community security.

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    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong resident rescued from detention in Southeast Asian country returns to Hong Kong smoothly

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong resident rescued from detention in Southeast Asian country returns to Hong Kong smoothly
    Hong Kong resident rescued from detention in Southeast Asian country returns to Hong Kong smoothly
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         The Security Bureau (SB) today (January 28) said that a Hong Kong resident, who had been detained for illegal work in Myanmar and was recently rescued, has smoothly returned to Hong Kong from Thailand last night (January 27) with members of the SB’s dedicated task force.     The dedicated task force set off for Bangkok on January 21 to follow-up promptly on the case upon confirmation that a Hong Kong resident had been rescued in Myanmar and arrived in Thailand. With the co-ordination and liaison with different units by the task force over the past few days and concerted efforts by various parties, the individual was able to return to Hong Kong in a short period of time and reunite with his family before the Chinese New Year.      The dedicated task force expressed gratitude to the Thai authorities for their humane way of handling the case with the approach of special arrangements for special circumstances by compressing the procedures to within a few days, allowing the Hong Kong resident to return to Hong Kong as soon as possible. While meeting the rescued Hong Kong resident in the detention centre in Bangkok, members of the task force were moved to be able to bring the individual back to Hong Kong and return home together. The Hong Kong resident expressed gratitude for the visit to Thailand by the task force members to follow up on his case. He was also very pleased to learn that he would be able to return to Hong Kong to reunite with his family before the Chinese New Year.      The SB thanked various parties, including the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of Thailand, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Chiang Mai, the Consulate-General of Myanmar in Hong Kong, the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, and the relevant Thai authorities for their support and assistance.     The dedicated task force has all along been following up proactively on the remaining 10 request-for-assistance cases in which the relevant people have not yet returned to Hong Kong, including maintaining communication, exchanging intelligence and sparing no efforts in following up on each case with the Director of Special Investigation and the Director of Human Trafficking under the Ministry of Justice of Thailand during the team’s stay in Thailand. A member of the dedicated task force will stay in Bangkok to strive to do his utmost for the early return of the remaining 10 people to Hong Kong.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, January 28, 2025Issued at HKT 1:29

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Water system upgrade closes northbound I-5 Scatter Creek Rest Area in Thurston County Feb. 10-28

    Source: Washington State News 2

    GRAND MOUND – Travelers who use the northbound Interstate 5 Scatter Creek Rest Area between Centralia and Olympia will need to make other plans in February. 

    Beginning 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 10, contractors working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will close the rest area around-the-clock until 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28. 

    The planned closure allows crews to update the facility’s water system. The work includes:

    • Installation of new well pumps and pipes.
    • New automated water management systems.
    • Repairs inside and outside of the restrooms.

    The work will reduce long-term maintenance costs and extend the service life of the system. 

    About the rest area

    On average, approximately 2,284 vehicles a day use the Scatter Creek Rest Area. The facility opened 1969 and was rebuilt in 1988. Amenities include water fountains, restrooms, picnic areas, vending machines, a visitor information center, short term parking, and a recreational vehicle wastewater disposal area.

    Alternate facilities

    The nearest rest area with restrooms, short term parking and picnic areas is located three miles north near Maytown along southbound I-5 in Thurston County. 

    The nearest rest area with wastewater disposal for recreational vehicles on I-5 is 50 miles north at the SeaTac Rest Area in King County.

    Travelers are encouraged to sign up for email updates about work on state roads and facilities in Thurston County. Real-time travel information is available from the WSDOT app and statewide travel map.

    MIL OSI USA News –