Category: Americas

MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marines Complete Typhoon Krathon Humanitarian Assistance Efforts

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

MANILA, Philippines –

U.S. Marines across multiple forward-deployed commands concluded six days of foreign disaster relief efforts in the Philippines Oct. 10, 2024, supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development’s humanitarian response to Typhoon Krathon (locally known as Julian) at the request of the Philippine government.

Marines and Sailors from Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia (MRF-SEA); 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW); III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF); and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU) embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) delivered nearly 96,000 pounds of foreign disaster relief supplies to Batan Island, a remote island in the Batanes Province and one of the locations most impacted by Krathon.

Typhoon Krathon originated 155 miles southwest of Okinawa before moving northwest, reaching peak intensity Oct. 1, with sustained winds of 195 kph (120 mph). Krathon heavily battered the northern islands of the Philippines, leading to evacuations, infrastructure damage, and food supply insecurity in affected communities.

At the request of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin directed U.S. Indo-Pacific Command to support USAID’s relief efforts due to the unique capabilities and high state of readiness of forward-deployed U.S. Marine Corps forces.

MRF-SEA first arrived in the Philippines in late September to participate in upcoming training exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Operating out of Fort Bonifacio, Philippines, MRF-SEA immediately began coordination with the U.S. Department of State, USAID, the AFP, and other U.S. Marine Corps units to plan support for the relief effort. Two teams of Marines and Sailors from MRF-SEA integrated with USAID and AFP personnel in Manila and Laoag to plan and prepare for the arrival of KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft from 1st MAW in Okinawa, Japan, and personnel from 3rd Marine Logistics Group.

“Before Marine Corps aircraft ever touched down in the Philippines, Marines and Sailors with MRF-SEA were integrated with our partners in the U.S. and Philippine governments, on site at Villamor Air Base and Laoag International Airport, with the manpower and heavy equipment needed to package and move aid material,” said Col. Stuart Glenn, commanding officer, MRF-SEA. “Forward-deployed Marine Corps forces allow us to quickly respond to humanitarian missions because we’re already in the region. I am extremely proud that our team was able to set the necessary conditions to quickly provide relief to the Philippine people.”

After arriving on Oct. 5, the cargo planes were loaded with supplies at Villamor Air Base and flown to Laoag International Airport in northern Luzon for staging and preparation to move the supplies to their final destination on Batan Island. The KC-130 crews conducted 26.2 hours of flight operations, successfully transported all aid materials to Laoag.

As U.S. and Philippine personnel worked to move supplies north, the 15th MEU arrived aboard USS Boxer and began flight operations to support relief efforts on Oct. 8. MV-22B Ospreys, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), landed in Laoag, and combined teams from the 15th MEU, MRF-SEA, and Philippine Marines spent the next three days loading Ospreys, the Marine Corps’ medium-lift tiltrotor V/STOL platform, with disaster relief supplies for the final leg of the movement to the Basco Airport on Batan Island. Pilots and aircrews from VMM-165 (Rein.) conducted more than 55 flights and successfully delivered the final disaster relief material on Thursday, Oct. 10.

“The primary focus of our mission is helping the people of the Philippines recover as quickly and safely as possible,” said Col. Sean Dynan, commanding officer, 15th MEU. “Humanitarian assistance in an expeditionary environment is what we train to do, and it is one of the reasons we are forward-deployed as an amphibious force.”

The forward presence and ready posture of U.S. Marine forces in the Indo-Pacific region was pivotal to the rapid and effective response to Typhoon Krathon, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to its allies and partners during times of need.

POINT OF CONTACT:
Capt. Mark McDonough
Communication Strategy & Operations Director
Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia
+1 (760) 799-4590
mark.mcdonough@usmc.mil

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Boxer Celebrates Navy’s 249th Birthday

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PHILIPPINE SEA –

Sailors assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) and embarked Marines, assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), held a ceremony on the mess decks to celebrate the Navy’s 249th birthday, Oct. 13, 2024.

The theme of this year’s celebration is warfighting, strength and readiness, highlighting the Navy’s ability to operate anywhere, at any time, to promote security, deter aggression, and defend shared ideals.

For the last 249 years, the United States Navy has been there to answer the call. From the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, and from the skies around the world, we continue to operate in support of our Allies and Partners, defending our protected interests, bringing lifesaving supplies to those in need, and countless other missions.

During Boxer’s celebration ceremony, Capt. Brian Holmes, commanding officer, recalled the story of Lt. Cmdr. John D. Bulkeley, a Medal of Honor recipient who showed extraordinary heroism during World War II as the commander of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three in the same waters that Boxer is currently operating in today.

Under Bulkeley’s command, the PT boats of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three severely damaged and destroyed multiple Japanese enemy planes, surface combatants and merchant ships, and dispersed landing parties and enemy forces for over four months in the waters surrounding the Philippines. His team was also responsible for safely bringing General Douglas MacArthur and his family out of the island of Corregidor in the Philippines, sailing through heavily-patrolled enemy waters, allowing him to evade capture and lead the counteroffensive in the Pacific that ultimately changed the course of WWII.

“That same courage and that same determination that Lt. Cmdr. Bulkeley showed in World War II, we still celebrate today,” said Holmes. “I take great pride in knowing that we are the same Navy today that we were 249 years ago – strong, capable, and ready. I am incredibly proud to be sailing in the same waters, with the crew of Boxer and the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, where Lieutenant Commander Bulkeley and those who have gone before us so bravely operated in defense of our nation’s security.”

The United States Navy was born through the sacrifice and determination of the men and women who served a noble cause to defend the people of the United States of America, tracing its origins back to the American Revolution.

“Soon after the War on Independence, the U.S. Constitution empowered the new Congress to provide and maintain the Navy,” said Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Corey Gadson during the ceremony. “Acting on this authority, Congress established the Department of the Navy on April 30, 1798, and in the years that followed, the first ships were constructed: the Constellation, Constitution, Congress, Chesapeake, United States and the President, known as the six frigates.”

In the last 249 years, the Navy has since grown to become a symbol of freedom for both the American people and the world, protecting the air and seas, deterring aggression and operating alongside our Allies and Partners in support of shared interests of peace and stability.

“Today, we have more than 280 ships – with 77 more under construction or on order – manned and backed by more than 300,000 Sailors,” said Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Alana Reyes. “We are our nation’s vital maritime maneuver force – persistent, versatile, and capable of winning any fight and ready for the challenges of the future.”

Boxer and embarked elements of the 15th MEU are conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Boxer is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego. Commissioned February 11, 1995, Boxer is the sixth ship to bear the name. Boxer’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 officers and enlisted personnel and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines.

For more information or imagery for USS Boxer visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/LHD-4
Follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ussboxer/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ussboxer/

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Launches Medicare Open Enrollment 2024 Webpage for Kansas Seniors

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Topeka, KS – Medicare open enrollment is now open and continues through December 7th, 2024. This period is Kansas seniors’ opportunity to change their Medicare benefits if they determine action is necessary.
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. has launched a new webpage to help Kansas seniors navigate the Medicare open enrollment season. Kansas seniors can use this webpage to research Medicare benefit plans, find resources for benefits counseling, learn about avoiding scams, and read about other important information related to Medicare open enrollment.
“Our office stands ready to point Kansas seniors in the right direction this Medicare open enrollment season,” Senator Marshall said. “If seniors are happy with their plan, they can keep it without doing anything. For seniors who want to change their Medicare coverage, now is the time. I encourage seniors to do their research and take their time. Consult with your doctor, local hospital, and community pharmacist about how changes will impact your care. Utilize the available state and federal Medicare resources and ask them questions. Taking these steps will ensure you pick the plan that is best for you.”
Kansas seniors with questions about open enrollment or Medicare in general can call Senator Marshall’s Salina office to speak with a casework specialist. The Salina office can be reached at 785-829-9000.
Click HERE or on the image below to access Senator Marshall’s Medicare open enrollment webpage.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: The Winners! | U.S. Army

Source: US Army (video statements)

The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

Connect with the U.S. Army online:
Web: https://www.army.mil
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
#USArmy #Soldiers #Military #BestSquad2024 #BSC2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3dW5X_es6E

MIL OSI Video –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell, Murray, Smith, Larsen Send Letter to Boeing, Unions

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
10.15.24
Cantwell, Murray, Smith, Larsen Send Letter to Boeing, Unions
SEATTLE, WA – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Patty Murray (D-WA), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D, WA-09), ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), ranking member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, in calling for Boeing and the machinists unions to reach a mutually beneficial resolution to the month long strike.
The full text of the letter to Kelly Ortberg, president and chief executive officer of The Boeing Company, Jon Holden, IAM District 751 president, and Brandon Bryant, IAM District W24 president is HERE and below.
Dear Mr. Ortberg, Mr. Holden, and Mr. Bryant:
We are writing about the contract negotiations between the Boeing Company and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Districts 751 and W24. With the machinist strike now lasting well over a month, and with no further talks currently scheduled, we urge you to redouble your efforts to reach a mutually beneficial resolution.
With over 42,000 single-aisle and wide body commercial aircraft projected to be manufactured over the next twenty years, valued at $8 trillion, now is the time to rebuild the historic partnership between management and workers in order to restore Boeing’s reputation for engineering and manufacturing excellence. This will require investing in next generation manufacturing techniques, innovative new materials, and providing workers with wages and benefits that acknowledge the essential and irreplaceable work they perform for the Company.
IAM 751 and W24 represent a vital workforce in the Pacific Northwest and for nearly a century have made it possible for Boeing to produce aircraft that fly millions of passengers each day, connecting communities and economies around the world. With these contributions in mind, we hope you will expeditiously work out a fair and durable deal that recognizes the importance of the machinist workforce to Boeing’s future, the aerospace economy of the Pacific Northwest, and the nation.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, we look forward to your timely response.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Statement On Deteriorating Humanitarian Situation In Gaza

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

October 15, 2024

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism, on Tuesday released a statement following reports that no food aid has entered northern Gaza in more than two weeks, putting one million displaced Palestinians at risk of starvation. On Sunday, the Biden Administration sent a letter to senior Israeli officials warning that if conditions in Gaza do not improve within 30 days, the U.S. may consider restricting military assistance to Israel.
“I am deeply disturbed by the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and it is vital for Israel to take immediate steps to improve these nightmarish conditions. Despite some improvements by Israeli authorities earlier this year, the amount of humanitarian aid reaching desperate Palestinians has fallen to new lows at a time when needs are higher than ever. After more than a year of conflict, the actions required to surge humanitarian aid into Gaza are both known and achievable – as demonstrated by the recent successful campaign to vaccinate more than half a million Palestinian children against polio. The way Israel conducts this war matters, and the Israeli government has to do more to guarantee the safety of humanitarian aid workers and ensure sufficient aid is reaching Palestinians across all parts of Gaza. Israel, along with every other recipient of U.S. military aid, is required to abide by international humanitarian law for that assistance to continue. The Biden-Harris Administration took the right step this week by laying out clear changes that Israel must make in the next 30 days to stay in compliance with U.S. law.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: BPA Investing Approximately $3 Billion in PacNW Electricity Grid Using Cantwell-Led Authorization

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
10.15.24
BPA Investing Approximately $3 Billion in PacNW Electricity Grid Using Cantwell-Led Authorization
Cantwell: “Bringing more affordable clean power online is the key to holding down electricity costs.”
EDMONDS, WA – The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) announced today it is moving forward with approximately $3 billion in electricity grid improvement projects that will significantly increase the capacity and reliability of the Pacific Northwest grid and its ability to integrate new energy sources. This announcement adds to the $2 billion in grid upgrades BPA announced in July 2023, both investments enabled by the increased borrowing authority Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) included in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
In Central Washington these upgrades include expanding the capacity of the existing Coulee-Olympia 287 kV circuit to 500 kV, looping in the Columbia line with a new 500 kV substation, and reconductoring some adjacent transmission lines. In Western Washington, BPA will be rebuilding the Schultz-Olympia portion of the Coulee-Olympia by also increasing its capacity from 287 kV to 500 kV, along with installing some necessary new transformers and shunt capacitors. A 500 kV line can typically carry 3-5 times more power than a 287 kV line. The remaining grid investments will occur in Oregon.
“I commend Bonneville for expanding our region’s transmission capacity using the tools we gave them in the bipartisan infrastructure bill,” said Sen. Cantwell. “Bringing more affordable clean power online is the key to holding down electricity costs. These investments will not only create thousands of construction jobs, they will help revitalize our Pacific Northwest grid so we can take advantage of countless manufacturing, electrification, and emission reduction opportunities.”
In July 2021, Sen. Cantwell authored and fought for passage of a bipartisan amendment that eventually resulted in a $10 billion increase in BPA’s borrowing authority being included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The measure allowed BPA to continue to borrow at low-interest rates at no ultimate cost to the taxpayer, so that Bonneville could move forward with the vital projects announced today. Sen. Cantwell’s amendment also linked expanded borrowing authority to new financial oversight requirements and opportunities for increased stakeholder engagement.
Without Sen. Cantwell’s efforts, the borrowing authority would likely not have been established, industry insiders said at the time.
In July of 2023, BPA announced $2 billion in electricity grid investments. Combined with the proposed BPA announced then, BPA is now working on more than 20 proposed projects with an estimated cost of approximately $5 billion.
This July, Sen. Cantwell joined U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and regional energy stakeholders to discuss technological and policy solutions that will ensure NW ratepayers and our regional economy continue to benefit from abundant, affordable, and reliable clean energy. More than 200 business, government, and non-profit energy professionals attended the event, including BPA Administrator John Hairston. On the day of the event, Sen. Cantwell released a snapshot report highlighting the key energy technology areas that the Pacific Northwest is poised to lead.
Bonneville’s generating and transmission portfolio consists primarily of emissions-free sources and is the backbone of an electricity system that is relied on by tens of millions of people throughout the Western United States. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the Pacific Northwest will need to add 56% more transmission capacity by 2040. The Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s latest report indicates that electricity demand in the Northwest is projected to increase by more than 30% in the next decade, triple the prediction from three years ago.
Sen. Cantwell has been a longtime champion of BPA and the cost-based power it helps provide the Pacific Northwest, and has successfully fended off multiple efforts to privatize BPA or increase regional electricity rates.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: Qantas and Jetstar increase capacity at Sydney Airport

Source: Sydney Airport

Wednesday 16 October 2024

Qantas has revealed that it will resume the A380 service on its Sydney to Dallas route for the first time since COVID, providing passengers with greater options to this sought-after destination.

Commencing 11 August 2025, the flights will enhance capacity on the route and are due to be operate on Qantas’ A380 configured with 70 Business Class seats and 341 Economy Class seats and 787 aircraft configured with 42 Business Class seats and 166 Economy Class seats.

At the same time, Jetstar has announced it will increase flights between Sydney and the South Korean capital, Seoul from four per week to daily from 17 June 2025, adding 100,000 seats a year on the route to better serve strong leisure demand.

With daily flights from Sydney, Jetstar will operate a total of 10 return flights between Australia and Seoul each week, making it the largest carrier between the two countries.

Once the new flights begin in mid-2025, Jetstar will offer more than 240,000 low fares seats a year between Sydney and Seoul.

Greg Botham, Group Executive, Aviation Growth & Group Strategy, Sydney Airport, stated, “The A380 has always been a passenger favourite so it’s great news that Qantas are returning it to their Sydney to Dallas route, and the increased capacity will provide more choice for passengers travelling to and from the USA.

“We’re equally excited to announce that Jetstar is enhancing its services to Seoul, increasing its flights from four to a daily schedule, making it the largest carrier to Korea from Australia.

“Korean travellers ranked as the fifth largest group passing through Sydney Airport in Q3, a 54 per cent increase compared to 2019 figures, so we know this will be welcome news for passengers.

“These developments highlight our commitment to supporting airline growth and options for passengers at Australia’s global gateway.”

Cam Wallace Qantas International CEO stated, “As part of our historic fleet renewal program, these changes are about having the right aircraft on the right route and responding to growing customer demand. 

“One of the benefits of our dual brand strategy is the flexibility we have with our combined Qantas and Jetstar fleets. 

“Qantas launched flights to Seoul after the pandemic, and now that demand has normalised, it’s grown substantially as a leisure market, opening up a great opportunity for Jetstar to increase its frequencies and allow Qantas to redeploy its aircraft to other routes where we are seeing strong demand.”

Jetstar Executive Manager, Customer Jenn Armor stated, “We were the first low-cost carrier to launch direct flights between Australia and South Korea’s capital Seoul from Sydney in November 2022.

“Demand has grown significantly since then, and with the launch of daily flights from Sydney adding 100,000 seats a year, we’ll become the largest carrier between the two countries.

“It’s no wonder Seoul is becoming increasingly popular. Its vibrant nightlife and food scene, combined with rich history, famous K-pop culture and shopping, means there’s something for every traveller to enjoy.

“We’d like to thank Sydney Airport for supporting the additional flights.”

Notes to Editor

To celebrate the expansion of its Sydney to Seoul service, Jetstar is offering fares from $309^ one-way for selected travel dates on its Deals page at jetstar.com.

Jetstar flight schedule between Australia and South Korea (from 17 June 2025)

	Frequency	From	To	Depart	Arrive
JQ47	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat*, Sun	Sydney	Seoul (ICN)	10:45	20:15
JQ48	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat*, Sun	Seoul (ICN)	Sydney	21:50	10:05 +day
JQ53	Tue, Thu, Sat	Brisbane	Seoul (ICN)	11:30	20:15
JQ54	Tue, Thu, Sat	Seoul (ICN)	Brisbane	21:50	08:20 +day

MIL OSI News –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mayor to promote Auckland in key international markets

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is embarking on official visits to Brazil and China aimed at increasing trade and fostering relations between New Zealand’s largest city and countries with a combined population of over 1.6 billion.

He will be supporting senior delegations of Auckland-based business leaders seeking to promote their products in these key markets.

The potential creation of a dedicated passenger and freight air link between Asia, Auckland and South America – the Southern Cross trade connection, also known as Southern Link – will be a key discussion point on both legs.

“Trade between China and Brazil totals around $490 billion annually – there is a huge opportunity for Auckland to tap into that with an air link that stops here and allows our businesses to get their products into these markets reliably, quickly and cost-effectively,” Mayor Brown said.

“This is all about driving new investment in Auckland and helping companies based here to tap into export opportunities.

“We have to be proactive and unapologetic about reaching out, building links and letting the world know that Auckland is a thriving and progressive place that welcomes trade and investment.

“I’m very pleased to have a number of Auckland-based business leaders joining me at their own expense who see value and opportunity in taking our city to the world.

“Modern Auckland is a cultural melting pot – we are a Pacific city in Asia, with more than 170,000 people who identify as Chinese alone living here. It’s important to keep reinforcing that we are proud, outward-looking people wanting to participate in the world around us.”

The Mayor is well-acquainted with both countries, having been to Brazil on several occasions and written a book that was translated into Portuguese and sold well in Brazil. He has also led business delegations to China while he had his own interests.

In 2008, he was invited by then-Prime Minister Rt Hon Helen Clark to travel to Beijing for the signing of the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, where a particular highlight was attending the formal lunch to celebrate the signing with Premier Wen Jiabao.

He is an official invited guest of the New Zealand Government whilst in Brazil, departing October 20 and returning October 25. It will be the first time an Auckland Mayor has made an official visit to Brazil, with a population well in excess of 200 million.

He will accompany Trade Minister Todd McClay to a bilateral meeting with the Vice-Governor of São Paulo and participate in an economic and business briefing.

There will also be a roundtable event hosted by NZ Trade and Enterprise, a partnership signing between New Zealand companies and their Brazilian customers and a NZ Business Technology Showcase featuring local companies in the technology and manufacturing sectors.

The Mayor will return to Auckland before travelling to China on 31 October, leading a delegation of New Zealand business leaders for a series of official events.

It will be the first time in five years an official delegation from Auckland has gone to China – New Zealand’s biggest export market worth more than $20 billion annually.

He will have meetings with members of the Hainan Government in Haikou, support Auckland businesses exhibiting at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, meet the China Chamber of Commerce in Ningbo, meet the Mayor of Ningbo and speak at a function in Guangzhou recognising 35 years of Auckland’s sister city relationship.

While in Guangzhou, the Mayor will visit Auckland companies with operations there, including Zuru, before attending the International Friendship Cities Cooperation and Development Conference in Chengdu at the invitation of the Sichuan Government.

The Mayor will be taking a particular interest in China’s approach to rapid infrastructure development – noting it has rolled out 46,000km of high-speed rail in under 20 years – and will look for opportunities for Auckland to benefit from better, faster and cheaper delivery methods.

He will stop briefly in Tokyo en-route back to Auckland for a meeting with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and attend part of the 50th Japan-New Zealand Business Council Conference before returning to Auckland on 17 November.

The travel has been approved by the chair of council’s audit committee and complies with council rules. One Mayoral Office staff member will accompany the Mayor on each leg and the total cost is expected to be around $75,000, with business delegates meeting their own travel costs.

Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson will be Acting Mayor in Mayor Brown’s absence.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Photos: Rubio Visits Sarasota County Post-Hurricane Milton

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio

Photos: Rubio Visits Sarasota County Post-Hurricane Milton

Oct 15, 2024 | Press Releases

Following Hurricane Milton’s catastrophic impact on communities throughout Florida, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) met with county and local officials, emergency personnel, small business owners, and members of the National Guard in Sarasota County to discuss the storm’s impact as well as ongoing recovery efforts.

Photos courtesy of Senator Rubio’s office.

Senator Rubio visits the Emergency Operation Center in Sarasota County.

Senator Rubio talks about recovery efforts with the owners of Sharky’s at the Pier.

Senator Rubio meets with members of the National Guard.

Senator Rubio thanks members of the National Guard while visiting the Venice Point of Distribution.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE’s speech in delivering “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address” to LegCo (4)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

(C) International Trade Centre58. The global trade landscape is undergoing constant changes, with parts of the supply chains shifting to the Global South and B&R countries, while many Mainland enterprises are also actively establishing their presence abroad.59. Hong Kong topped the global rankings in international trade and business legislation, according to the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024. We have been the prime destination for Mainland and overseas enterprises setting up international headquarters to manage offshore trading and supply chain businesses.Build a High Value-added Supply Chain Service Centre60. Hong Kong is home to a deep pool of talents and extensive networks in offshore trading and supply chain management, including production chain management, export credit risk management, trade financing, marketing, testing and certification, accounting and other professional services. We will strengthen the provision of high value‑added supply chain services by:(i) establishing a high value‑added supply chain services mechanism – The Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will set up a mechanism and enhance the interface for attracting Mainland enterprises to establish international or regional headquarters in Hong Kong, providing one‑stop, diversified professional advisory services for enterprises in Hong Kong looking to go global;(ii) providing greater export protection for enterprises – The statutory maximum indemnity percentage of the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) will be increased from 90% to 95%. The ECIC will also provide more free buyer credit checks with extended geographical coverage, and enhance financing support for e‑commerce businesses;(iii) providing robust export credit services – We will encourage the China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation to explore setting up businesses in Hong Kong, providing export credit insurance services covering overseas investment with prolonged investment period, offering Mainland enterprises in Hong Kong venturing overseas markets and foreign‑funded companies doing businesses in Mainland market with more comprehensive export credit services;(iv) promoting electronic trade financing – The HKMA is experimenting with tokenised electronic bills of lading through its Project Ensemble Sandbox. The goal is to lower fraud risks through the better use of technology and to facilitate the provision of trade financing by financial institutions. The HKMA will work with other jurisdictions on a pilot basis to develop mechanisms for trade information transmission, promoting cross‑boundary data transfers and the digitalisation of international trade. It will also allow potential stablecoin issuers to test blockchain use cases, including solutions for cross‑boundary payments through the stablecoin issuer sandbox; and(v) enhancing financial services with data – The HKMA expects to connect its Commercial Data Interchange (CDI) with the system of the Land Registry next year to facilitate enhancement of banking services through the better use of data.Expand Our Global Economic and Trade Networks61. In addition to developing the European and American markets, we will continue to expand our economic and trade networks, especially with B&R countries. Relevant measures include:(i) further opening up of trade in services with the Mainland – Under the Second Agreement Concerning Amendment to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) Agreement on Trade in Services (Amendment Agreement II) signed recently, further liberalisation measures have been introduced across several services sectors. These include the construction, testing and certification, financial services, film, and television sectors. In particular, the period requirement of substantive business operations in Hong Kong for three years has been removed in most services sectors. This will attract more Hong Kong start‑ups, overseas enterprises, and talents from around the world to establish their presence in Hong Kong to tap the Mainland market. We will implement the Amendment Agreement II, step up promotion and provide assistance to enterprises as needed;(ii) reinforcing the interface of trade mechanisms – We will continue to seek early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). We are also in investment agreement negotiations with Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, and plan to begin negotiations with Egypt and Peru. Our free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with Peru have been concluded and we expect to sign the FTA this year. We will also expand the global network of our Economic and Trade Offices, focusing on establishing economic and trade ties with emerging markets; and(iii) further exploring priority markets – We will continue to pay visits and lead business and professional services delegations to priority markets such as B&R countries. We will also organise the B&R Cross‑professional Forum to promote Hong Kong’s professional services.Promote Development of a Headquarters Economy62. The Government will step up efforts to bring in strategic enterprises from outside the city to set up headquarters or corporate divisions in Hong Kong. The FSTB will submit a bill this year to introduce a company re‑domiciliation mechanism obviating the need for companies intending to re‑domicile in Hong Kong to be wound up in its original domicile overseas and establish a new company in Hong Kong. The companies will be able to preserve their legal identity and business continuity, saving cost as a result of the simplified procedures.63. The validity period of multiple‑entry visas for foreign staff of companies registered in Hong Kong, including non‑permanent residents, will be extended to a maximum of five years to facilitate their visit to the Mainland, and their applications will enjoy priority processing.64. We will strengthen the range of financial services available for Mainland enterprises in Hong Kong wishing to expand overseas, encouraging Mainland financial enterprises to co‑ordinate and manage their overseas business in Hong Kong and facilitating their internationalisation. The HKMA is exploring ways to enable Mainland enterprises looking to go global to enjoy facilitation of cross‑boundary RMB settlement and financing through enhanced offshore RMB liquidity, utilising technology and promoting international collaboration.Foster Trading of Liquor65. At present, Hong Kong imposes a duty of 100% on the import price of liquor (with alcoholic strength of more than 30%). To promote liquor trade and boost the development of high value‑added industries including logistics and storage, tourism as well as high‑end food and beverage consumption, the Government has made reference to the successful experience of driving the wine trade through exemption of wine duty, and will, starting today, reduce the duty rate for liquor with an import price of over $200 from 100% to 10% for the portion above $200, while the duty rate for the portion of $200 and below, as well as liquor with an import price of $200 or below will remain unchanged.(D) International Aviation Hub66. As an international aviation hub, Hong Kong is connected to nearly 200 destinations worldwide. Our city has topped the global ranking for air cargo throughput for more than a decade.67. The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) will complete the Three‑Runway System by the end of this year. From 2035, the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)’s capacity will increase by 50%.Enhance Aviation Development Strategies68. The Government will step up efforts in expanding our aviation network by supporting the HKIA to explore new destinations and flights, particularly enhancing co‑operation with civil aviation counterparts from B&R countries. In parallel, we will combine the strengths of our airport and Zhuhai Airport to improve the Fly‑Via‑Zhuhai‑Hong Kong direct passenger service and jointly develop international air cargo business for greater synergy.Develop a World-leading Airport City69. The Government will plan with the AAHK for expanding the scale of the Airport City by more than double, building a new, world‑leading landmark in the bay area among the Airport Island, the Hong Kong Port Island of the HZMB and Tung Chung East New Town. New projects will be developed to promote high‑end commercial, tourist and leisure activities. These include creating an ecosystem for the arts industry, building the AsiaWorld‑Expo Phase 2, developing a yacht bay with ancillary facilities, opening a food market for imported fresh food and providing more public spaces.Expand Cargo Capacity through the GBA and Enhance Advantages of the Air Cargo Industry70. The AAHK is pressing ahead in full steam with the innovative development of a sea‑air intermodal cargo‑transhipment mode in collaboration with Dongguan. The initial stage of first‑phase construction for the permanent logistics park in Dongguan, the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park, will be completed by the end of next year, and the cargo‑handling capacity will progressively reach one million tonnes per annum. Advance planning will be made to commence the second‑phase development, introducing more high value‑added logistics, cross‑boundary e‑commerce and courier service facilities.71. The Government will extend arrangements under the Air Transhipment Cargo Exemption Scheme to other intermodal cargo‑transhipment modes to boost competitiveness.(E) Regional Centre for International Legal and Dispute Resolution ServicesCommence Training for International Legal Talents72. The Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy will be officially launched this year, cultivating legal talents to be familiar with international law, common law, civil law, national legal systems and other legal aspects. The dedicated office and expert committee under the Department of Justice (DoJ) are pressing ahead with the related work.Step up Promotion of Mediation Services73. The International Organization for Mediation will have its headquarters set up in Hong Kong upon adoption and entry into force of the relevant international convention. The Government will enhance the system on local accreditation and disciplinary matters of the mediation profession to further strengthen our role as an international mediation centre. We will incorporate mediation clauses in government contracts and encourage private organisations to make reference to and adopt such clauses. We will also launch the Pilot Scheme on Community Mediation to offer more training opportunities for promoting mediation culture.Develop a Sports Dispute Resolution System74. With the development of sports activities and industry, sports disputes have become increasingly complicated. We will explore establishing a sports dispute resolution system and promote sports arbitration, leveraging the institutional advantages of Hong Kong in dispute resolution.(To be continued.)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Susan Graham-Ryan, ABC North Queensland

Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

SUSAN GRAHAM-RYAN, HOST: The 3G switch off has been very controversial, and now it’s less than two weeks away. It has been causing lots of debate, and lots of concerns, particularly for those in regional, rural and remote parts of Queensland. I spoke with Michelle Rowland, the Federal Communications Minister, and I asked her how prepared the country is for the 3G switch off.

MICHELLE ROWLAND, MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS: The biggest concern that the Government has had is around getting this switchover done in a safer way.

Last time I was mentioning how there was initially a large number of handsets that we’re concerned about – that was around 740,000 handsets which relied on the 3G network to make Triple Zero calls. We set up a Working Group, and industry has been working hard on contacting affected customers. That number is now down to around 60,000 handsets, which is better news than it was before.

But one of the key things here, too, is around getting people to check their technology. This is really the first mobile spectrum switchover that’s being done during the Internet of Things – so many of your listeners will have devices that are connected to mobile networks. If you’ve got loved ones who may have medical devices, or other monitored alarms, please get in touch with them.

In terms of handsets, you can text the numeral ‘3’ to the number ‘3498’ and receive an instant message about the compatibility of your handset after the switchover.

GRAHAM-RYAN: Sixty thousand though, that’s still a lot of devices when there’s less than two weeks to go.

ROWLAND: It is a large number of devices. Not all of these devices are necessarily being used now, but we know that they have been allocated by their mobile providers.

We know that the carriers are still in contact with people, making sure that this public-awareness campaign gets as wide as it can. A key message to your listeners is that it is really important to check your tech with less than two weeks to go.

GRAHAM-RYAN: Can you confidently say that Australians, especially those in regional, rural and remote parts, will not lose or drop out some of their service with this switch off?

ROWLAND: Well, the carriers have given public coverage equivalence undertakings. We’ll continue to monitor that as a government. But again, I’d like to come back to one of the reasons why the switchover is important. We’ve had a regional telecommunications inquiry going right around Australia, including in regional Queensland. One of the biggest complaints that’s being received about mobile services is not just around coverage, but it’s around quality. The way in which better quality is delivered is by utilising the spectrum better, and that can be delivered through 4G and 5G. That signal goes further, it has less congestion and it has faster speeds. These are factors that are really important also during emergencies. So, the carriers have given undertakings on their coverage commitments when the switchover occurs. And, as a government, we will continue to monitor those commitments.

GRAHAM-RYAN: What happens if the quality and coverage of the services fall away after the 3G switch off? That’s a huge safety risk. If that happens. What will happen for the telcos? Will there be penalties involved if people are put at risk because of this 3G switch off?

ROWLAND: Well, we’ve got options for regulatory intervention if these are warranted in the public interest, subject to consultation and procedural processes. I can tell your listeners that potential regulatory action remains under consideration.

Of course, we want this switchover to go well. We want the consumers and the small businesses in regional Queensland to get the best coverage that their counterparts enjoy in metropolitan parts of Australia, and that’s why this switchover is important. It does need to be done in a safer way. The carriers did delay their switchover to undertake a mass public education campaign.

GRAHAM-RYAN: Minister, I want you to hear from a Queenslander, Monica. She’s a farmer. She also works in disaster response in the town of Mount Garnet. Here are her concerns.

[Excerpt]

CALLER MONICA: One bushfire we had in the hills between here and Chillagoe, fire department actually had to have two camps. No mobile service, UHF is line of sight. We also find that when the planes fly over to do the supposedly live stream of what they’re looking at, we don’t get any live stream until they’re actually back in service, which can be quite a while. And when we’re talking bushfires, we all know how fast they can move. The services just get worse and worse the more they improve the service. We have had satellite phones before. We were timber cutters and we used to be out in the bush a lot. When CDMA was very patchy out there, we had the satellite phone. And yeah, the cost, it’s just– it’s out of hand. And no, I wouldn’t be going to satellite. Honestly, it’s the cost.

[End of excerpt]

GRAHAM-RYAN: Michelle Rowland, Federal Communications Minister, what do you say to people like Monica about their concerns?

ROWLAND: Well, firstly, people like Monica, as a disaster management representative, are doing a really tough task, particularly in Queensland, which is one of the most disaster-prone parts of Australia.

There are probably three things that I’ll point out, and very insightful comments that she makes. A lot of the time following a natural disaster, part of the issue, of course, is access to power. Power is a massive issue; when you don’t have access– when you don’t have those towers with power, it really takes down the whole system. So, what we have been doing as a government, is investing in better resilience of the networks.

There’s a couple of streams that we’ve got there, including our Telecommunications Disaster Resilience Innovation Program; hardening mobile networks through our Mobile Network Hardening Program. These are about keeping the services on air for longer with better generators, with better sources of alternative power as redundancy. And I would point out that 22 of the 33 approved projects in that Disaster Resilience Innovation Fund are actually in Queensland, which I think, again, points to the fact that there is such need in Queensland.

On the issue of access to satellite technology, again, NBN has been investing in its SkyMuster satellite service to make that better fit-for-purpose. I think part of Monica’s comment, too, goes to new and emerging technologies. Your listeners might be familiar with LeoSats, low earth orbit satellites. We’ve been doing trials of those, including as part of looking at Universal Service reform. And that’s, again, one of the issues that came up in the Regional Telco Inquiry – the need to use better technology, more cutting-edge innovation to make sure that we stay connected for longer.

I think the third thing that Monica spoke to was around, how do you get those messages out at important times? And sometimes when the mobile networks go down, your listeners will know you’re relying on broadcasting – on radio. We’ve committed $20 million to the Broadcasting Resilience Program to improve over 100 ABC radio sites that are specifically used for emergency broadcasting. They’re really important as well. As part of that, there’s a number in Far North Queensland and right across regional Queensland.

Monica’s comments are really insightful, and I think it goes to really a suite of issues and a suite of policies that the Government has in place to make improvements. And I can tell your listeners, the biggest issue that we want to address is access to emergency services, and during natural disasters, which is why that’s been a really big focus.

GRAHAM-RYAN: That’s Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland speaking there.

MIL OSI News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Renters in South Carolina Can Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: Renters in South Carolina Can Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene

Renters in South Carolina Can Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene

FEMA assistance is available to renters, including students, with uninsured losses from Hurricane Helene in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation.

FEMA may be able to help renters as well as homeowners with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.

The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply in person at a Disaster Recovery Center where you can meet with representatives of FEMA, the state of South Carolina and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed. To find center locations, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362.

You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or by calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.

FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.

kwei.nwaogu
Wed, 10/16/2024 – 04:42

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt intensifies super hub strategy

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

While delivering the 2024 Policy Address, Chief Executive John Lee announced today that the Government has made meticulous plans to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international hub for trade, aviation and legal services.

He called attention to the reason behind why his administration is building a high value-added supply chain services centre to serve the Mainland and overseas enterprises, and facilitate their establishment of an offshore trading headquarters in Hong Kong.

“Hong Kong is home to a deep pool of talent and extensive networks in offshore trading and supply chain management, including production chain management, export credit risk management, trade financing, marketing, testing and certification, accounting and other professional services.”

He explained that Invest Hong Kong and the Trade Development Council will set up a mechanism and enhance the interface for attracting Mainland enterprises to establish international or regional headquarters in Hong Kong, providing one-stop, diversified professional advisory services for enterprises in Hong Kong looking to go global.

In an effort to provide greater export protection for enterprises, Mr Lee stated that the Government plans to raise the statutory maximum indemnity percentage of the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation to 95%. It also encourages the China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation to establish a presence in Hong Kong.

Another goal includes actively promoting the development of a headquarters economy to bring strategic enterprises from outside Hong Kong and extending the validity period of multiple-entry visas to the Mainland for foreign staff of companies registered in Hong Kong to up to five years.

Additionally, Mr Lee described the Government’s aim of promoting electronic trade financing.

“The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is experimenting with tokenised electronic bills of lading through its Project Ensemble Sandbox. The goal is to lower fraud risks through the better use of technology and to facilitate the provision of trade financing by financial institutions.

“The HKMA will work with other jurisdictions on a pilot basis to develop mechanisms for trade information transmission, promoting cross-boundary data transfers and the digitalisation of international trade.

“It will also allow potential stablecoin issuers to test blockchain use cases, including solutions for cross-boundary payments through the stablecoin issuer sandbox.”

He added that to enhance financial services with data, the HKMA expects to connect its Commercial Data Interchange with the system of the Land Registry next year to facilitate enhancement of banking services through the better use of data.

In addition to developing the European and American markets, the Chief Executive stressed that the Government will continue to expand Hong Kong’s economic and trade networks, especially with Belt & Road (B&R) countries.

It will do so by further opening up trade in services with the Mainland so as to attract more Hong Kong start-ups, overseas enterprises, and talent from around the world to establish their presence in Hong Kong to tap the Mainland market.

Mr Lee noted that another goal calls for reinforcing the interface of trade mechanisms.

“We will continue to seek early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. We are also in investment agreement negotiations with Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, and plan to begin negotiations with Egypt and Peru.”

To promote liquor trade and boost the development of high value-added industries including logistics and storage, tourism as well as high end food and beverage consumption, the Government will, starting today, reduce the duty rate for liquor with an import price of over $200 from 100% to 10% for the portion above $200, while the duty rate for the portion of $200 and below, as well as liquor with an import price of $200 or below will remain unchanged.

With the Three-Runway System set to be completed this year, Mr Lee highlighted that Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub will be further accentuated.

He made it clear that Hong Kong will fully utilise the capacity of the Three-Runway System.

“The Government will step up efforts in expanding our aviation network by supporting Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to explore new destinations and flights, particularly enhancing co-operation with civil aviation counterparts from B&R countries.

“In parallel, we will combine the strengths of our airport and Zhuhai Airport to improve the Fly-Via-Zhuhai-Hong Kong direct passenger service and jointly develop international air cargo business for greater synergy.”

Mr Lee lauded the endeavour of expanding the scale of the Airport City to build a world-leading new landmark.

“The Government will plan with Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) for expanding the scale of the Airport City by more than double, building a new, world-leading landmark in the Greater Bay Area among the Airport Island, the Hong Kong Port Island of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and Tung Chung East New Town.

“New projects will be developed to promote high-end commercial, tourist and leisure activities. These include creating an ecosystem for the arts industry, building the AsiaWorld‑Expo Phase 2, developing a yacht bay with ancillary facilities, opening a food market for imported fresh food and providing more public spaces.”

One more important objective of the Government is to expand cargo capacity through the bay area and enhance advantages of the air cargo industry, Mr Lee stated.

“AAHK is pressing ahead in full steam with the innovative development of a sea-air intermodal cargo‑transhipment mode in collaboration with Dongguan. The initial stage of first-phase construction for the permanent logistics park in Dongguan, the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park, will be completed by the end of next year, and the cargo-handling capacity will progressively reach one million tonnes per annum.

“Advance planning will be made to commence the second-phase development, introducing more high value-added logistics, cross-boundary e-commerce and courier service facilities.”

While expounding on the Government’s consistent work to promote Hong Kong as a regional centre for international legal and dispute resolution services, the Chief Executive specified that training for international legal talent will commence and promotion of mediation services will be stepped up.

“The International Organization for Mediation will have its headquarters set up in Hong Kong upon adoption and entry into force of the relevant international convention. The Government will enhance the system on local accreditation and disciplinary matters of the mediation profession to further strengthen our role as an international mediation centre.”

Apart from incorporating mediation clauses in government contracts and encouraging private organisations to make reference to and adopt such clauses, Mr Lee stated that the Pilot Scheme on Community Mediation will also be launched to offer more training opportunities for promoting a mediation culture.

As an added bonus, he revealed that the Government is thinking about developing a sports dispute resolution system.

“With the development of sports activities and industry, sports disputes have become increasingly complicated. We will explore establishing a sports dispute resolution system and promote sports arbitration, leveraging the institutional advantages of Hong Kong in dispute resolution.”

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Canadian investigation linked to the Government of India
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Statement by Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office on the ongoing Canadian investigation linked to the Government of India
A FCDO spokesperson said:

We are in contact with our Canadian partners about the serious developments outlined in the independent investigations in Canada. The UK has full confidence in Canada’s judicial system. Respect for sovereignty and the rule of law is essential.

The Government of India’s cooperation with Canada’s legal process is the right next step.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 16 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Civil Rights Charges for Committing Sex Trafficking of Victims Addicted to Opioids and Cocaine and Other Offenses

Source: US State of North Dakota

A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty today to four counts of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.

According to court documents, Marvin Pompilus, 39, of Stoughton, conspired to use force, threats of force, fraud and coercion to compel three adult victims to engage in commercial sex acts in the Randolph, Massachusetts, area between October 2021 and October 2022. He also conspired to compel another other adult victim to engage in commercial sex acts in September 2022. In addition, Pompilus pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute in September 2022. Pompilus was previously arrested and charged in November 2023. He has remained in federal custody.

According to court documents, Pompilus knew that the victims abused opioids and cocaine, and he specifically targeted the victims because of this vulnerability. For example, Pompilus promised the victims cocaine, heroin and fentanyl in exchange for engaging in commercial sex, with all the profits of the sex acts going directly to Pompilus. Pompilus also possessed distribution quantities of cocaine and fentanyl when Randolph Police Department conducted a car stop in September 2022 and found these drugs inside the crotch of his pants.

Court documents also demonstrate that Pompilus was previously convicted in Suffolk Superior Court in February 2018 of multiple counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude and deriving support for prostitution. Pompilus was sentenced to six years in state prison and he was released in October 2021. Within days of his release, Pompilus began the sex trafficking conspiracy to which he pleaded guilty today.

“This defendant callously picked up right where he left off when he was released from state prison, believing that he could profit by peddling drugs and misery to people suffering with substance abuse issues,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant specifically targeted victims who were struggling with addiction to opioids and cocaine, coerced them into sex trafficking and cruelly exploited them because of their vulnerability. The Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute human traffickers who exploit for their own personal gain the most vulnerable members of society, such as those experiencing substance abuse disorders.”

“Marvin Pompilus targeted and brutalized his victims, and this was promptly after he was released from jail following his conviction on similar state charges,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts. “These crimes are a violation of human dignity and human rights. Our office, along with our federal, state and local partners, are dedicating substantial resources to both protecting victims of trafficking and holding defendants accountable by prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law. This is especially true for repeat offenders like Mr. Pompilus.”

“Marvin Pompilus admitted today that as soon as he got out of state prison for sex trafficking, he started doing it again, targeting and exploiting four vulnerable women using violence and threats to force them to engage in commercial sex,” said Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Boston Field Office. “What he did is unconscionable, and the harm he’s inflicted on these women is immeasurable. The FBI will do everything in its power to protect trafficking victims from further harm and see the predators who so viciously abuse them brought to justice.”

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2025. According to the plea agreement, Pompilus faces a minimum penalty of 12 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Boston Field Office, Massachusetts State Police and Randolph Police Department investigated the case. Massachusetts State Police Troopers Ashleigh Moore and John Hagerty are especially commended for identifying Pompilus and detecting his trafficking scheme during a routine car stop in the summer of 2021.

Chief of the Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit Liz Riley-Cunniffe for the District of Massachusetts and Trial Attorney Meghan Tokash of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.

Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Creating opportunities for Canadian industry through an enabling Canada–European Space Agency partnership
Source: Government of Canada News

News release

Today, while representing Canada at the 2024 International Astronautical Congress, Canadian Space Agency President Lisa Campbell announced that Toronto-based Kepler Communications Inc. has been selected as the prime contractor for the European Space Agency’s HydRON-DS mission.
Longueuil, Quebec, October 16, 2024 — Today, while representing Canada at the 2024 International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Lisa Campbell announced that Toronto-based Kepler Communications Inc. has been selected as the prime contractor for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) HydRON-DS mission.

Consisting of a ring of 10 satellites around Earth, HydRON-DS will use laser communications to provide high-performance Internet in space at unprecedented speeds for government and commercial users. This opportunity has been made possible thanks to Canada’s long-standing and fruitful partnership with ESA, that allows Canadian companies from the space sector to leverage their expertise and skills on the European market. Since 1979, Canada has held the privileged position of being the only non-European cooperating state of ESA.

President Campbell also highlighted other concrete outcomes of this agreement for Canadian companies, such as:
- Sherbrooke-based SBQuantum will assess the viability of its quantum diamond magnetometer in space. ESA will evaluate both the reliability and precision of the sensor, and explore its potential deployment on satellites for various purposes, like assisting in the monitoring of magnetic storms or mapping minerals under the surface of the Moon.
- C-CORE, based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, will design and build a calibration transponder for the Biomass mission, which will deliver crucial information about the state of the world’s forests and how they are changing, and further our knowledge of the role forests play in the carbon cycle.
- Québec-based ABB Analytical Business Unit in Canada will provide the Laser Unit for the interferometer of the Forum mission, ESA’s ninth Earth Explorer satellite mission. Data from the mission will be used to evaluate the role that the far-infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum plays in shaping our climate.
Quotes

“Canada’s continued participation in European Space Agency programs will further position our space sector for significant growth, generating highly skilled employment, and providing essential opportunities to access European markets. This collaboration allows us to engage in international space missions, while ensuring Canada’s space industry remains innovative, vibrant, and competitive in the fast-evolving global landscape.”

– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“For 45 years now, Canada’s collaboration with ESA has resulted in opportunities to participate in European space program projects that would otherwise be out of reach. For Canadian companies, having this unique access to the European space market means commercialization prospects and concrete sales, job creation and knowledge-sharing, and international partnership opportunities. We look forward to continuing this partnership to further strengthen the synergies between our industrial, academic and government sectors as we advance space science and technology together.”

– Lisa Campbell, President of the CSA

“ESA is proud of the HydRON project, which exemplifies the power of European and Canadian collaboration in advancing space technology. With its laser satellite network for lightning-fast Internet communications, HydRON has the potential to transform how we connect globally, bridging digital divides and enabling secure communications on Earth and beyond.”

– Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General

Quick facts
- The Cooperation Agreement between Canada and ESA was first signed in 1979, most recently renewed in 2019.
- Europe is the second-largest trading partner for Canada’s space sector after the U.S. ESA is among the largest space agencies in the world and undertakes a wide range of space missions and activities that the Canadian space sector is well positioned to engage in.
- Between April 2018 and March 2022, 44 Canadian organizations received 125 contracts valued at approximately €59 million, which would otherwise not have been accessible without the Canada–ESA Cooperation Agreement.
- From October 14 to 18, the CSA is attending the 75th edition of the IAC organized in Milan, Italy. The IAC is the largest space-related conference worldwide offering the latest space information and developments in academia and industry, networking opportunities, contacts and potential partnerships.
Contacts

Canadian Space Agency
Media Relations Office
Telephone: 450-926-4370
Email: asc.medias-media.csa@asc-csa.gc.ca
Website: http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca
Follow us on social media

MIL OSI Canada News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Detectives offer £20,000 reward in relation to 2004 murder of Camille Gordon in Soho

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of the person responsible for brutally stabbing a student to death at the club she worked at in Soho.

Camille Gordon, 23, who was training to be a nursery assistant, was brutally murdered on the doorstep of her workplace on 1 March 2004.

Despite extensive enquiries by the Met over the past 20 years, her killer has not yet been brought to justice.

Today (Wednesday, 16 October), detectives appeared on the BBC’s Crimewatch Live with a re-newed appeal to catch Camille’s murderer.

Detective Inspector Amanda Greig from the Met’s Specialist Casework Team, who is leading the investigation, said: “It may have been more than 20 years since Camille was brutally murdered, but her family remain just as heartbroken today. They want answers and they want the person responsible for Camille’s death brought to justice – this is something we want too and we have not given up trying to get that for them. This is why we are now offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to the successful charge and conviction of the person responsible.

“A lot can happen in 20 years, allegiances can change. Maybe you felt unable to talk to us at the time, for whatever reason, but you are now in a position to do so. Maybe you saw the attack or you were at the club or in the area at the time of the murder? Maybe the person responsible has since confided in you? I would urge you to share whatever information you have with us – it will be treated in the strictest confidence and could bring much needed closure to Camille’s family.”

Camille was born in Jamaica and came to the UK in 2001 to study as a nursery assistant in Birmingham. She moved to London in August 2003 to find better career prospects and at the time of her death she was living in South Norwood.

She started working part-time as a hostess at the Blue Bunny Club in Archer Street, Soho, to help fund her training.

The club offered female company for a short period of time, but no sexual activity took place.

At about 18:30hrs on 1 March 2004, Camille was working on the door of the club when a man approached her.

He entered the club, paying an admission fee of £5, and went to a private area with Camille.

After a short while, another member of staff presented the male customer with a bill for £375. He was unable to pay the full amount, so he paid £80 and was escorted to the exit by the other member of staff.

The customer left the venue and walked along Archer Street towards the junction with Rupert Street. He returned to the venue shortly after, but upon seeing a different member of staff he raised both hands in a submissive manner and went off towards Rupert Street.

At about 19:10hrs Camille returned to the door of the club when a man was seen to enter the doorway before very quickly leaving, walking at pace along Archer Street towards Great Windmill Street.

Camille screamed and staggered down the stairs into the club where she told colleagues she had been stabbed in the chest.

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, she died from her injuries about an hour later.

A post-mortem examination revealed that she had died from a single stab wound to the heart.

Detectives are keen to speak to the unknown customer in relation to Camille’s murder

We have today released enhanced CCTV footage and images of this unknown customer, whom officers believe to be responsible for Camille’s murder, entering Piccadilly Circus Tube station shortly after the murder. He is described as black, aged 20-25 and 5’5″-5’8″. He was wearing a dark jacket with a large ‘Cleveland Indians’ logo on the front, dark jeans, white trainers and a hat believed to be a baseball cap.

Two days after the murder, on 3 March 2024, a man attended Kennington Police Station and asked to speak to a CID officer about a murder at the Blue Bunny Club. However, he left before CID got there and he never returned.

Detectives are urging this man to get in touch so he can share the information he has. He is described as white, about 35 years old, about 5’8″, of skinny build with defined cheek bones and light brown hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8785 8267. Information can also be submitted online here Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Operation Narsil disrupts network of child abuse websites designed to generate profits from advertising

Source: Interpol (news and events)

3 August 2023

Tracking the money made by perpetrators and preventing the revictimization of children

LYON, France — INTERPOL has concluded a two-year global operation to bring to justice criminals operating networks of child sexual abuse websites designed to generate profits from advertising.

Running from December 2021 to July 2023, Operation Narsil also targeted the finance mechanisms used by the website administrators to conduct their online advertising campaigns.

Over two years, INTERPOL member countries worked together using INTERPOL’s Worst of List (IWOL), sharing targeted intelligence, pinpointing suspects and coordinating arrests of the people managing the websites.

Created in 2010, IWOL contains a watchlist of websites containing extreme child abuse material. The General Secretariat headquarters works with law enforcement in all regions so that national Internet service providers close down these websites.

“Operation Narsil sends a strong message to the criminals making money from these websites that INTERPOL, and its alliance of police forces in 195 member countries, know where they are, what they are doing, and how to find them,” said Jürgen Stock, INTERPOL Secretary General.

“Every time a person clicks on these images, they are effectively entering a crime scene. Identifying and removing these websites reduces the availability and potential normalization of online child abuse material, and, most importantly, reduces the re-victimization of the children abused,” added Secretary General Stock.

Worldwide crime trend

In one case, a brother and sister, both in their early thirties, were arrested as a result of IWOL digital clues and intelligence provided by the global police community pointing investigators to the suspects in Argentina.

Investigations by Argentina’s Victim Identification Office in the Anti Cyber Crimes against Minors Division and the Specialised Cybercrime Prosecution Unit (UFECI), working with Federal Courts in Mendoza Province, led to the identification and arrest of the two suspects.

Fourteen electronic devices were seized from their home as well as cash and credit cards. The siblings are thought to have created, maintained and financially benefitted for more than a decade from websites featuring child sexual abuse material and associated advertising campaigns.

“Given the technological complexities of this case and the degree to which the criminal activity went undetected, these arrests highlight the importance of police cooperation across regional, national, and international borders,” said the Head of Argentina’s Federal Police, Juan Carlos Hernandez, who also serves as delegate for the Americas on INTERPOL’s Executive Committee.

Argentina’s Federal Police search electronic devices seized during Operation Narsil for child abuse images

Officers of Argentina’s Federal Police review materials seized during Operation Narsil

Argentina’s Federal Police reviewing seized materials

Officers of Argentina’s Federal Police review visitor statistics to the suspect’s sites

“With synchronized arrests across continents, this operation confronted global networks that profit from child abuse images and videos. INTERPOL is a strong global network of officers fully committed to putting an end to the online abuse of children, and we applaud the action and incredible results countries have achieved in Operation Narsil,” added Argentina’s Police Chief.

Local crime, global cooperation

Working with the Prosecutor’s Office, Bulgarian law enforcement identified and arrested a 34-year-old man who made his living operating an online forum that facilitated the sharing of child sexual abuse materials.

Bulgarian Police closed the online forum he had been running since 2020 and which is thought to have facilitated access to thousands of media files depicting serious child sexual abuse material.

Following the arrest, investigations are ongoing to identify forum users.

In one case during the Russian leg of Operation Narsil, police authorities arrested two 24-year-old citizens for the production and online circulation of materials depicting the sexual violation of minors. Authorities searched the suspects’ homes, seizing computer equipment containing specialized software for creating and administrating websites, and removable hard drives containing child sexual abuse material.

With the support of US Homeland Security Investigations, Thai police arrested a 45-year-old Thai national for the possession and online distribution of child sexual abuse material. His arrest came after police executed a search warrant at his residence, uncovering large amounts of child sexual abuse material and financial transaction records associated with online distribution of the abuse photos.

Narsil – meaning a longsword which tackles all evil – is one of the first INTERPOL operations to focus on identifying, locating and arresting the people receiving advertising revenues from website visitors interested in viewing the site’s child sexual abuse content.

INTERPOL has been monitoring websites disseminating child sexual abuse imagery for more than 13 years and, in collaboration with law enforcement partners across the world, has seized more than 20,000 domains.

Operation Narsil involved investigations triggered by law enforcement in Austria, Argentina, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States.

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Colombia: Two arrested for live streaming child sexual abuse

Source: Interpol (news and events)

Authorities have safeguarded victims aged 19 months, 7 and 9.

LYON, France – Colombia police have safeguarded three children and arrested their mother and aunt, accused of live streaming the children’s sexual abuse for profit.

Australian authorities first brought the case to INTERPOL’s attention in December 2022 after finding a video depicting child sexual abuse on the Darknet. The video material was uploaded to INTERPOL’s International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) database, where specialized officers from around the world could consult and analyse it for clues.

One month later, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation alerted INTERPOL’s Crimes against Children (CAC) unit to the possible identity of one of the offenders, pinning their likely location as Colombia. The CAC unit confirmed their hypothesis, uncovering a number of clues and prepared a comprehensive victim identification report for Colombian authorities.

Upon reception and investigation, Colombia’s national police confirmed the location and identity of the children and the two offenders. They found that the mother and aunt had been using specific platforms to produce and sell made-to-order, live sexual abuse video material for ‘customers’ abroad.

On 22 February, Colombian authorities carried out a coordinated rescue-and-arrest operation, working with child protection services to safeguard the children and ensure they receive medical and psychological care.

INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said, “This appalling case shows that live streaming child sexual exploitation is not confined to any region, it is global, and as in this case, usually involving very young children.

“We will continue to work with Colombian investigators to analyse seized devices, identify further victims and review data to find the individuals who were ordering and facilitating the horrific abuse from behind their screens,” concluded Secretary General Stock.

Today the ICSE database links 68 countries and connection of additional countries is ongoing. Since its launch, the database has assisted in the identification and documentation of more than 33,000 victims and 14,900 offenders worldwide.

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: ‘Distance is not a problem’: HSE develops cooperation with think tanks of BRICS countries

MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

At the end of September Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK) HSE held a meeting with representatives of analytical centers from Brazil, India, and Egypt. The participants considered the possibilities of cooperation, including conducting joint surveys and comparative studies, and discussed the formation of common databases and joint publications on foresight and scientific and technical policy. A decision was also made to prepare a draft multilateral agreement on the establishment of the BRICS Foresight Research Association.

Leonid Gokhberg, First Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics and Director of the ISSEK, welcomed the participants and presented an overview of HSE research activities in areas of possible cooperation, focusing in particular on those conducted by the team of the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge.

ISSEK comprises 19 research centres and two international laboratories, with over 240 employees, making it the largest research unit of the Higher School of Economics. The key areas of the institute’s activities are statistical measurements and forecasting of development directions in science, technology, innovation, education, the digital economy and creative industries. ISSEK scientists analyse scientific, technical and innovation policies implemented in Russia and around the world, and study the factors of sustainable economic growth, social welfare and competitiveness.

ISSEK is implementing a number of large-scale research projects. The Doing Science in Russia study analyzes the current state of Russian science and its development prospects. The Russian Cluster Observatory, which studies the innovative and creative development of cities and regions, publishes two ratings: the Innovative Development Rating of Russian Regions and the HSE Global Cities Innovation Index. In the third, recently published edition, the authors examine more than 1,000 agglomerations with the largest number of high technologies and creative leaders from 144 countries. Hundreds of ISSEK research projects use the results of the unique iFORA big data mining system developed by its team.

Leonid Gokhberg outlined potential areas of cooperation between ISSEK and foreign partners in the framework of joint research, publications and courses in such areas as foresight, the use of big data, scientific and technical policy, the business climate in the field of science and technology, the digital economy, the creative economy, and innovative urban development.

The Director of the ISSEK also proposed the creation of a BRICS Foresight Research Association, which would promote cooperation in the field of futures research.

Fernando Rizzo, Director of the Center for Strategic Studies and Management in Science, Technology and Innovation (CGEE, Brazil), introduced the audience to the history and activities of the organization. CGEE was founded in 2001 and has 115 employees. The center supports decision-making processes on topics related to science, technology and innovation. CGEE experts evaluate and monitor public policies, identify promising technologies and competencies, conduct foresight studies, and provide strategic consulting services for decision-making. CGEE includes several research observatories: Information Services for Science, Technology and Innovation; Space Technology Observatory; Science, Technology and Innovation Observatory; Innovation Observatory for Sustainable Cities; Bioeconomy Observatory; Digital Transformation Observatory.

In 2024, CGEE organized the 5th National Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation, a major event that attracted a total of 30,000 participants from 27 Brazilian states. The conference presented the Brazilian Plan for Artificial Intelligence (BPAI) 2024-2028.

Dr. Mohamed Ramadan Rezk, Director of the Egyptian Science, Technology and Innovation Observatory (ESTIO, Egypt), began his presentation with the surprising idea that foresight existed as far back as Ancient Egypt, where the future, i.e. life after death, was depicted on bas-reliefs. In its modern sense, foresight research began in Egypt in 1975, when the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations conducted a study on the demographic impact of potential development strategies from 1975 to 1985. ESTIO was established in February 2014 as a subordinate organization of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) to develop science, technology and innovation indicators, conduct foresight studies and raise awareness of foresight in Egypt. Later, in 2021, the North African Applied Systems Analysis Center (NAASAC) was established as a collaboration between ASRT, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Austria and the National Planning Institute of Egypt. Its activities include developing an online educational program on applied research; organizing joint applied research on issues relevant to decision makers in Egypt, North Africa and the Arab States; and providing advisory services to governments and businesses. ASRT conducts foresight research in areas such as energy, water, the impact of COVID-19 on society, and climate change.

Dr. Gautam Goswami, Principal Scientist, Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC, India), shared the strengths of his organization. TIFAC is a technology think tank under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. It brings together eminent experts from government agencies, research institutes, universities and industry. TIFAC focuses on areas such as assessing the country’s technology needs and forecasting promising areas of technology development. Since 1996, TIFAC has been publishing a series of reports called “The Future of Technology” (the first and second editions set the forecast horizon for 2020 and 2035; the report “The Future of Technology – 2047” is currently being prepared). The council’s experts also prepare other short- and long-term foresight reports, as well as the Technology Market Research Report, which tracks new technologies, collects patent information, and maintains databases of technologies and experts. TIFAC also provides foresight training to industry professionals, government officials, and academics.

Iwao Ohashi from Japan, Advisor for Japan and Asia Pacific Countries to the Association of Industrial Parks of Russia, shared his opinion on the prospects for Russia’s technological development under sanctions. He believes that Russia should develop cooperation in technology and innovation with the BRICS countries. Joint foresight studies are also very important, and Iwao Ohashi believes that the creation of the BRICS Foresight Research Association would be a very promising idea. Mr. Ohashi noted that in the near future, China will most likely become a global leader in innovation. At the same time, he emphasized that “we need to make a strategic bet on the creation of Russian innovation centers within the country and in its regions, as well as invite foreign experts to Russia.”

Following the presentations, ISSEK scientists exchanged ideas for cooperation with foreign participants. Dirk Meissner, Head ofLaboratory of Innovation Economy and academic director of the master’s program “Governance in the field of science, technology and innovation“, mentioned cooperation with colleagues from the University of Campinas in Brazil. “Geographical distance is no longer a problem,” said Dirk Meissner, emphasizing the importance of communication and education online.

Liliana Proskuryakova, Head of DepartmentLaboratory for Science and Technology Research, noted the issues of health care, energy and water resources as cross-cutting themes in the participants’ speeches. A comprehensive analysis of these basic needs of humanity can determine the priorities of cooperation, in addition, this agenda is also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals that are relevant for our countries. Mikhail Gershman, Director Center for Scientific, Technical, Innovation and Information Policy, head of the project “Making Science in Russia”, invited colleagues to join forces in the framework of comparative cross-country studies of the working conditions of scientists and state scientific and technical policy. Ekaterina Streltsova, director Center for Statistics and Monitoring of Science and Innovation, proposed establishing cooperation to conduct joint research on technological development, including using patent analysis tools.

Evgeny Kutsenko, Director of the Russian Cluster Observatory, spoke about the project’s scientific plans, including cluster development, unicorn companies and creative industries. The possibilities of strengthening joint projects based on the results of big data analysis were demonstrated by showing the system developed at ISSEKiFORA, expert of the Center for Strategic Analytics and Big Data of the ISSEK Maria Antasheva.

“I am pleased to meet you. CGEE started collaborating with HSE many years ago. And when Alexander Sokolov suggested intensifying scientific ties, most of the CGEE staff, who already had experience interacting with the Higher School of Economics, knowing the high level of its research, readily supported this idea,” said Fernando Rizzo, Director of CGEE. “At our center, we work in various areas, including sustainable cities, bioeconomy, energy, airspace, agriculture and education. Among the potential areas of our international cooperation, I see training and education in AI and data science, the use of generative AI for research and innovation, joint data infrastructure and the use of predictive modeling in big data analysis.”

The meeting participants agreed to strengthen international ties and implement projects in areas of mutual interest, including within the framework of the planned multilateral agreement to create the BRICS Foresight Research Association.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

http://vvv.hse.ru/nevs/expertise/975578115.html

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Salazar and Wasserman Schultz Introduce Legislation to Stop Venezuelan Oil Exports Until Maduro Leaves Power

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar’s (FL-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) introduced the Revoke Exemptions for Venezuelan Oil to Curb Autocratic Repression (REVOCAR) Act. The bill is the House of Representatives companion to legislation introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL).

After the presidential election held in Venezuela on July 28, 2024, Nicolás Maduro and his regime have unleashed a torrent of repression and violence towards supporters of María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, the leader of the opposition and winner of the election, respectively. Since then, the Biden-Harris Administration renewed U.S. oil company Chevron’s license to operate in Venezuela just 33 days after the stolen election, undermining the United States’ ability to adequately pressure Maduro to concede his defeat and leave power.

The REVOCAR Act will rescind these licenses and ensure American and European companies can no longer finance Maduro’s repression and hasten the democratic transition process the Venezuelan people voted for.

“It’s long past time to cut off the flow of money that the Maduro Dictatorship uses to oppress their people,” said Chairwoman Salazar. “We are sending a loud and clear message that if Maduro stays, there will be no oil money for the Venezuelan regime.”

At a recent hearing, Chairwoman Salazar condemned several oil companies in the United States and Europe for continuing to conduct business with PDVSA, Venezuela’s state-owned oil company and financial lifeline for the Maduro regime, even after the results of the July 28 presidential election. Salazar noted that companies like Chevron, Repsol, Eni, and Maurel et Prom are profiting off the continued repression of the Venezuelan opposition by operating with PDVSA.

The REVOCAR Act ends Maduro’s financial lifeline by prohibiting American citizens and companies from engaging with PDVSA by eliminating General Licenses issued by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). These licenses are necessary to do business with the Maduro regime. The prohibitions would extend for three years or until the President certifies that a peaceful, democratic transfer of power to Venezuelan president-elect Edmundo González Urrutia has taken place.

“Maduro’s brutal regime refuses to honor the undeniable election results, despite clear evidence proving his loss. Rescinding these special licenses, which exclusively serve to subsidize the regime’s crony corruption, violent repression, and flagrant human rights abuses, must be part of our international effort to reject Maduro’s election theft,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “If we truly intend to see through a peaceful transition of power and honor the will of the Venezuelan people, we cannot afford to indulge fossil fuel companies’ investors at the expense of democracy.”

“Despite the sweeping and clear opposition victory in the recent Venezuelan presidential election, the Maduro regime refused to release results, announced that it had won instead, and arbitrarily arrested thousands of opposition supporters,” said Senator Durbin. “We must put an end to the outright theft of the Venezuelan voters’ overwhelming choice for a better future. I’m pleased that Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Salazar are introducing the House bill to terminate all U.S. petroleum cooperation and related trade with Venezuela until the legitimate results of the recent election are respected. The Maduro regime clings to power using oil revenues dependent on U.S. involvement. Under our bill, that will end, and so will Maduro’s financial strength.”

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: STATEMENT: Congresswoman Ramirez Discusses Democracy, Human Rights, Migration with Grassroots, Indigenous Communities in Honduras

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Delia Ramirez – Illinois (3rd District)

Chicago, IL – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement after returning from a six-day delegation to Honduras with other Congressional offices to meet with and learn from grassroots and Indigenous communities, and civil society.

“I recently returned from a trip to Honduras, where I had the privilege to listen to and learn with grassroots and indigenous groups about the root causes of migration. I want to express my gratitude for the time, wisdom, and generosity of local leaders and communities. We who care about human rights, land defense, environmental protection, and democracy-building in the United States have much to learn from the organizers and movement leaders across Honduras.

While we may be thousands of miles apart, the fights for justice across Latin America – struggles that drive migration to the U.S. southern border – share common roots with the movements and organizing in Illinois’ Third Congressional District. Whether it is the struggle to ensure community control of land, resist displacement, expose corporate influence’s destructive impact on our environment and politics, or build solidarity economies and cooperatives, we cannot deny that our efforts, stability, and success are interconnected.

It is also impossible to visit with the Garifuna, the Lenca, the Campesinos, the land defenders, and those who mourn assassinated leaders and disappeared loved ones and not face the US’ complicity in creating conditions that drive the migration of hondureños. For too long, American interests have treated Honduras and other Central American countries as our “back patio” and our free market playgrounds. For decades, US companies that participate in human rights violations and the destruction of the cultural, political, and environmental inheritance of the Honduran people have acted with impunity. US dollars, influence, and leadership have been used to privatize, displace, extract, intimidate, and silence those who would dare to defend their ancestral land rights, their collective economic models, and their precious natural resources.

Congresswoman Ramirez visits Berta Cáceres Flores’ resting place in Honduras.

I sat both with Juan López’s compañeras and with the leaders who rose up after the assassination of Berta Cáceres Flores. Justice must be realized for environmentalists Juan and Berta. Protection must be implemented for all those who continue to experience grave threats as they fight for their democracy and human rights. Land restoration must be delivered for the Garifuna, Campesino collectives, and Lenca people.

Is there more that must be demanded and delivered by Honduras’ own government? Absolutely. As a US Congressperson, I am concerned that the United States’ own policies and practices reflect a commitment to the dignity, sovereignty, and self-determination of the Honduran people.

As a founder of the Global Migration Caucus and the Vice Ranking Member of the Homeland Security committee, it is clear to me that to address the global crisis of migration, we must protect the sources of life for people across the globe – the land, the water, the air, the forests. We must use our influence and resources to ensure that everyone has not only the right to migrate, but the right to remain, free of persecution, violence, economic deprivation, and corruption.

I am working every day to deliver policies in Illinois’ Third Congressional District that encourage community control of land, resist displacement, expose corporate influence’s destructive impact on our environment and our politics, and build solidarity economies and cooperatives. I want nothing less for the people of Honduras.”

For photos of the delegation,CLICK HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Best of House Calls: Supporting Parent Mental Health

Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

How does parents’ mental health influence their kids’ mental health?
Why are parents today feeling so overwhelmed?
How can parents let go of trying to be the perfect parent?
Given the resonance of the Surgeon General’s recent advisory on parent mental health & well-being, this episode digs into the House Calls archives. As the father of two young kids, parenting is a common theme the Surgeon General explores with guests. We revisit moments with guests including Dr. Lisa Damour and Dr. Aliza Pressman, as they share their expertise—walking through great practical advice about navigating disagreements with children, warning about the impacts of technology, and examining how parents and children share their nervous systems—while also sharing moving personal parenting moments.
(02:47) How are parents feeling these days?
(03:35) Why are parents so often feeling overwhelmed?
(07:00) How does parents’ mental health influence their kids’ mental health?
(09:28) How should parents think about their role in their kids’ mental health?
(12:43) How can men support each other to be more connected fathers?
(18:42) Why should we embrace being an imperfect parent?
(20:58) Why is it helpful to think through goals for parenting?
(22:24) A brief exercise to help us stay focused on what’s most important to us when we’re parenting our children.
We’d love to hear from you! Send us a note at housecalls@hhs.gov with your feedback & ideas. For more episodes, visit http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/housecalls.

—

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov

http://www.Twitter.com/HHSGov | http://www.Facebook.com/HHS http://www.Instagram.com/HHSGov
http://www.LinkedIn.com/company/us-department-of-health-and-human-services

HHS Privacy Policy: http://www.hhs.gov/Privacy.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdQdZDB5dmo

MIL OSI Video –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada to provide update on Public Lands for Homes Plan, as part of Canada’s Housing Plan
Source: Government of Canada News

Media advisory

Charles Sousa, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, will announce developments in the government’s efforts to address the national housing crisis and build more homes, faster.
October 15, 2024

Mississauga, Ontario – Charles Sousa, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, will announce developments in the government’s efforts to address the national housing crisis and build more homes, faster.

There will be a media availability following the announcement.

Please note that all details are subject to change and all times are local.

Date: October 16, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Mississauga, Ontario

Notes for media
- Media wishing to attend this announcement are asked to confirm their participation by sending their full name and the name of the media organization they represent to Public Services and Procurement Canada Media Relations team to media@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca by October 15, at 5:00 pm.
- Please include “RSVP for October 16, 2024 Press Conference Mississauga” in the subject line of the email.
- Event location details will be shared once media are registered.
- Media attending the event are asked to arrive no later than 10:45 am.
Contacts

For information (media only):

Guillaume Bertrand
Acting Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
418-564-9571
guillaume.bertrand@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Public Services and Procurement Canada
819-420-5501
media@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca

Follow us on X (Twitter)
Follow us on Facebook

MIL OSI Canada News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Tokio Marine HCC Appoints David Perez to Launch US Excess Casualty Business

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HOUSTON, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tokio Marine HCC (TMHCC), based in Houston, Texas, has today announced the expansion of its specialty product offering with its entry into the Excess Casualty market. David Perez has been appointed as President, Excess Casualty, to lead the launch and build out the new offering. David takes up his new role with immediate effect and will report to Susan Rivera, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TMHCC.

TMHCC’s entry into this space is timely and will provide insureds vital new capacity as limit retrenchment continues amid challenging loss cost trends. David’s unique understanding of the casualty industry, combined with TMHCC’s underwriting best practices honed over its 50-year history, creates a powerful foundation for profitable growth and market leadership.

David brings nearly four decades of experience to the new division. He joins from Liberty Mutual where he served as Chief Underwriting Officer, Global Risk Solutions. He has also held senior underwriting positions, across the US and Bermuda, including at Torus Insurance Limited, American International Group, and Starr Excess Liability Insurance Company Ltd.

Susan Rivera, CEO of TMHCC, said, “TMHCC’s entry into the Excess Casualty market at this pivotal juncture once again demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the needs of insureds and aligning capacity where it is required most. While entering a new market can bring its own set of challenges, TMHCC is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunity the firming of the excess casualty market presents. David brings with him a wealth of experience and will undoubtedly strengthen our deep technical expertise as TMHCC cements its position in the market. It also highlights our commitment to employing the best in the business as we prioritize the development and growth of products that will enable policyholders to enhance their resilience.”

David Perez, President of Excess Casualty, added, “TMHCC has an exceptional reputation in the specialty insurance sector, and I am excited to launch its presence into the Excess Casualty market. There is a clear opportunity for TMHCC’s unique blend of underwriting acumen, analytics and disciplined limits and cycle management. I am looking forward to working with Susan and the team to build the new offering.”

About Tokio Marine HCC
Tokio Marine HCC is a member of the Tokio Marine Group, a premier global company founded in 1879 with a market capitalization of $73 billion as of June 30, 2024. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Tokio Marine HCC is a leading specialty insurance group with offices in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. Tokio Marine HCC’s major domestic insurance companies have financial strength ratings of ‘A+’ (Strong) from S&P Global Ratings, ‘A++’ (Superior) from AM Best, and ‘AA-’ (Very Strong) from Fitch Ratings; its major international insurance companies have financial strength ratings of ‘A+’ (Strong) from S&P Global Ratings. Tokio Marine HCC is the marketing name used to describe the affiliated companies under the common ownership of HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc., a Delaware-incorporated insurance holding company. For more information about Tokio Marine HCC, please visit http://www.tokiomarinehcc.com.

Contact:
MHP Group
tmhcc@mhpgroup.com
+44 (0)7586 050 758

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Mexico: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2024 Article IV Mission

Source: IMF – News in Russian

October 15, 2024

A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

Key Messages

Activity is decelerating. Despite an expansionary fiscal stance, growth is slowing to around 1½ percent this year, due to binding capacity constraints and tight monetary policy. Continuing monetary restraint and slowing activity are expected to lower inflation to Banxico’s 3-percent target by 2025. The current account deficit is expected to widen slightly in 2024 as investment- and consumption-related imports outpace exports. Risks to growth are tilted to the downside while inflation risks remain on the upside. Weaker-than-expected growth in the U.S., an increase in global risk aversion, and unforeseen effects from recent institutional reforms could weigh on output. On the other hand, better-than-expected import demand from the U.S. or the ongoing reshaping of global value chains could boost activity and inward investment.

A medium-term fiscal strategy is needed to reduce deficits and debt, raise tax revenues, and create fiscal space for investments in human and physical capital. This would require putting in place a comprehensive tax reform early in the new administration, durably reducing the fiscal deficit while carefully prioritizing public spending, and reducing inequities in the pension system. Addressing the imbalances between the federal budget and Pemex, and enhancing corporate governance of the latter, are also important priorities.

The ongoing reshaping of global value chains offers the incoming administration an important opportunity to deepen the already-strong economic links with the U.S. Taking advantage of these prospects, however, requires a wide-ranging set of supply-side reforms to complement the well-established, very strong institutional framework for macroeconomic policies. Regulatory reforms, better-targeted public investment that further relieves infrastructure bottlenecks, broader access to financial services, and a more predictable supply of energy and water would all support private sector-led growth. Other priority measures include governance reforms that address corruption and tackle organized crime.

Recent judicial reforms create important uncertainties about the effectiveness of contract enforcement and the predictability of the rule of law. The replacement of judges at various levels of the judiciary in the coming year creates a new source of uncertainty that may impinge upon private investment decisions. It is critical that this reform be implemented in a clear and predictable way that ensures the independence and professionalism of the judiciary and strengthens the rule of law. Staff’s current baseline does not incorporate potential headwinds from these uncertainties.

Fiscal Policy

The authorities are committed to achieving their 2024 fiscal target. The overall deficit for the year is currently projected to be 5.9 percent of GDP, a fiscal impulse of around 2 percent of GDP that is expected to bring gross public sector debt close to 58 percent of GDP by end-2024. Increased spending on large infrastructure projects, wages, pensions, and social spending are all adding to fiscal support for the economy. There is, however, a risk that additional support for Pemex and/or greater-than-expected spending on infrastructure projects could lead to a modest fiscal overrun by end-year.

Mexico needs to put in place a credible medium-term fiscal consolidation underpinned by well-identified policy measures. The incoming authorities’ plan to initiate an important fiscal consolidation in 2025 that should lower the deficit to below 3 percent of GDP over the medium term, underscoring Mexico’s commitment to fiscal prudence. This will require the identification and implementation of additional fiscal measures, preferably including an overarching tax reform. In particular, the 2025 budget should focus on reducing tax expenditures and reassessing both tax rates and thresholds, particularly for the personal income tax. Further expenditure rationalization, including tax exceptions, and improved tax administration would contribute to this needed adjustment and help bolster market confidence.

A review of policies regarding support for Pemex, and the energy sector more generally, would enhance the credibility of the government’s fiscal plans. Federal government support for Pemex in the form of various tax reliefs, investments, and transfers have cost 1 percent of GDP in 2024. Further support should be conditioned on Pemex developing a viable business strategy and improving its corporate governance. This could include focusing Pemex activities on profitable fields, selling non-core assets, developing a new strategy for unprofitable refinery operations, and incentivizing public-private partnerships (including via equity participation). The strategy should also examine the implications for, and linkages with, the federal electricity company.

More is needed to address structural inequities in the pension system. Public pension spending has increased by 0.6 percent of GDP over the past three years and will continue to rise over the medium term. While the recent reform to raise the replacement rate,aimed to equalize treatment across workers, inequities remain between and within cohorts. A broader review is therefore needed of the benefit structure and the minimum contribution requirement.

Further deepening of financial intermediation would make growth more inclusive. The recent development of fintech products and digital payments have expanded access to financial products. In addition, financial regulations that lower loan-loss provisioning for female borrowers have increased women’s access to credit. These efforts could be complemented by expanding the adoption of digital payment systems and eliminating institutional barriers to entry for new products and entities that are deemed to be financially sound.

The IMF staff team would like to thank the Mexican authorities and other counterparts for their support, hospitality, and constructive discussions.

Table 1. Mexico: Selected Economic, Financial, and Social Indicators
I. Social and Demographic Indicators
GDP per capita (U.S. dollars, 2023)	13,643.3	Poverty headcount ratio (% of population, 2023) 1/					37.0
Population (millions, 2023)	131.1	Income share of highest 20 perc. / lowest 20 perc. (2022)					8.4
Life expectancy at birth (years, 2024)	75.5	Adult literacy rate (2020)					95.2
Infant mortality rate (per thousand, 2023)	13.6	Gross primary education enrollment rate (2022) 2/					102.0
II. Economic Indicators
						Proj.
		2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025

(Annual percentage change, unless otherwise indicated)
National accounts (in real terms)
GDP		-8.4	6.0	3.7	3.2	1.5	1.3
Consumption		-8.6	7.1	4.5	4.6	1.0	0.9
Private		-9.8	8.4	4.9	5.0	1.0	0.9
Public		-0.7	-0.5	1.7	2.1	1.2	1.1
Investment		-18.3	11.4	7.4	17.8	4.0	3.8
Fixed		-17.2	10.5	7.5	18.0	5.0	3.0
Private		-18.6	12.6	7.7	17.6	5.3	3.2
Public		-5.7	-3.5	5.8	20.9	3.8	1.2
Inventories 3/		-0.3	0.2	0.0	0.0	-0.2	0.2
Exports of goods and services		-7.0	7.1	8.9	-7.4	-0.6	3.3
Imports of goods and services		-12.0	15.7	7.6	5.0	1.1	2.3
GDP per capita		-9.1	5.4	2.9	2.3	0.6	0.5
External sector
External current account balance (in percent of GDP)		2.4	-0.3	-1.2	-0.3	-0.7	-0.9
Exports of goods, f.o.b. 4/		-9.4	18.6	16.7	2.6	1.4	3.6
Imports of goods, f.o.b. 4/		-15.9	32.0	19.6	-1.0	3.0	4.6
Net capital inflows (in percent of GDP) 5/		0.8	-1.0	-0.9	-0.9	-1.9	-1.4
Terms of trade (goods, improvement +)		0.8	-1.0	-3.1	16.9	-1.7	-0.3
Gross international reserves (in billions of U.S. dollars)		199.1	207.7	201.1	214.4	235.0	244.8
Exchange rates
Real effective exchange rate (avg, appreciation +) 6/		-7.7	5.9	5.3	16.4	…	…
Nominal exchange rate (MXN/USD) (eop, appreciation +)		-5.9	-3.2	5.7	12.8	…	…
Inflation, Employment and Population
Consumer prices (end-of-period)		3.2	7.4	7.8	4.7	4.5	3.2
Core consumer prices (end-of-period)		3.8	5.9	8.3	5.1	4.0	3.1
Formal sector employment, IMSS-insured workers (average)		-2.5	1.9	4.3	3.6	…	…
National unemployment rate (annual average)		4.4	4.1	3.3	2.8	3.0	3.3
Unit labor costs: manufacturing (real terms, average)		10.4	4.4	11.8	-1.3	…	…
Total population 7/		0.8	0.6	0.8	0.9	0.9	0.8
Working-age population 7/		1.1	1.0	1.1	1.2	1.1	1.0
Money and credit
Financial system credit to non-financial private sector 8/		0.9	4.2	10.9	8.7	8.0	7.5
Broad money		13.4	9.5	7.3	11.0	7.8	7.3
Public sector finances (in percent of GDP) 9/
General government revenue		23.5	22.9	24.3	24.4	24.2	23.8
General government expenditure		27.8	26.6	28.6	28.7	30.1	27.3
Overall fiscal balance 10/		-4.3	-3.7	-4.3	-4.3	-5.9	-3.5
Structural primary balance 11/		0.6	1.2	0.9	1.1	-1.1	0.9
Fiscal impulse 12/		0.5	-0.5	0.2	-0.2	2.2	-2.0
Gross public sector debt		58.5	56.7	54.1	53.0	57.6	57.9
Memorandum items
Nominal GDP (billions of pesos)		24,087	26,690	29,473	31,772	34,313	36,766
Output gap (in percent of potential GDP)		-2.8	-2.0	0.0	1.2	0.6	-0.1


Sources: World Bank Development Indicators, CONEVAL, National Institute of Statistics and Geography, National Council of Population, Bank of Mexico, Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit, and Fund staff estimates.

1/ CONEVAL uses a multi-dimensional approach to measure poverty based on a “social deprivation index,” which takes into account the level of income; education; access to health services; to social security; to food; and quality, size, and access to basic services in the dwelling.

2/ Percent of population enrolled in primary school regardless of age as a share of the population of official primary education age.
3/ Contribution to growth. Excludes statistical discrepancy.
4/ Excludes goods procured in ports by carriers.
5/ Excludes reserve assets
6/ Based on IMF staff calculations.
7/ Based on CONAPO population projections.
8/ Includes domestic credit by banks, nonbank intermediaries, and social housing funds.
9/ Data exclude state and local governments and include state-owned enterprises and public development banks.
10/ The 2020 PSBR is adjusted for some statistical discrepancies between above-the-line and below-the-line numbers.
11/ Adjusting revenues for the economic and oil-price cycles and excluding one-off items, in percent of potential GDP.
12/ Negative of the change in the structural primary fiscal balance.

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Brian Walker

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

@IMFSpokesperson

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/15/cs-mexico-staff-concluding-statement-of-the-2024-article-iv-mission

MIL OSI

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Former Accounting Chief at Now-Shuttered Girardi Keese Law Firm Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Money From Clients and the Firm Itself

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

LOS ANGELES – The former longtime head of the accounting department at the now-shuttered Los Angeles plaintiffs’ personal injury law firm Girardi Keese pleaded guilty today to enabling the embezzlement of tens millions of dollars from the firm’s injured clients and to embezzling money from Girardi Keese itself.

Christopher Kazuo Kamon, 51, formerly of Encino and Palos Verdes and who was residing in The Bahamas at the time of his November 2022 arrest, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud.

According to his plea agreement, from 2004 until December 2020, Kamon was the head of the accounting department at Girardi Keese, a plaintiffs’ personal injury law firm based in downtown Los Angeles. In this position, Kamon worked closely with Thomas Vincent Girardi, 85, formerly a resident of Pasadena but who now resides in Seal Beach, as well as other senior lawyers at the law firm.

In December 2020, Girardi Keese’s creditors forced the once-prominent law firm into bankruptcy proceedings. The law firm dissolved in January 2021 and the State Bar of California disbarred Girardi in July 2022. On August 27, a federal jury in Los Angeles found Girardi guilty of four counts of wire fraud. Girardi’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 6.

In addition to supervising the law firm’s accounting department, Kamon oversaw facilitating payment of the law firm’s expenses. Kamon had a duty to keep accurate books and records of Girardi Keese, including accounting of money held in its attorney-client trust accounts. Typically, Girardi determined and directed which clients would be paid, how much they would be paid, when they would be paid, and signed all outgoing checks to clients. Kamon had signatory authority on additional Girardi Keese bank accounts.

From at least 2010 until December 2020, Girardi and Kamon schemed to defraud Girardi Keese clients out of their settlement money, using the misappropriated funds to pay the law firm’s payroll, the law firm’s credit card bills, and to pay Girardi and Kamon’s personal expenses.

Specifically, one victim – a Girardi Keese client who suffered severe burns all over his body when a natural gas pipeline exploded in San Bruno, California, in September 2010 – had a $53 million settlement negotiated. This deal was negotiated and agreed to without the client’s prior approval. Per the terms of the settlement, $25 million was invested into an annuity. The remaining $28 million was wired into a Girardi Keese client trust account in January 2013. Girardi, assisted by Kamon, misappropriated, and embezzled that client’s settlement money and used the funds to pay other Girardi Keese expenses and liabilities unrelated to this client, including payments to other law firm clients whose own settlement funds previously had been misappropriated by Girardi and others.

To prevent the victim from discovering Girardi’s embezzlement, Girardi lied to the client by saying the funds had been transferred into a separate interest-bearing account. In fact, no such transfers had been made and no such interest-bearing account containing these funds existed.

Girardi and Kamon sent lulling payments to the victim as purported “interest payments” deriving from the purported interest-bearing account. In July 2019, they sent the victim a $2.5 million check, purportedly as disbursement of the victim’s settlement funds. In fact, Girardi and Kamon knew these settlement proceeds belonged to other Girardi Keese clients. Girardi already had spent the victim’s settlement funds through disbursements unrelated to the victim’s case.

In a separate criminal case, Kamon admitted to running a years-long scheme in which he embezzled Girardi Keese funds for his personal enrichment. From at least 2013 to December 2020, Kamon utilized co-schemers to pose as “vendors” who were providing goods and services to the law firm. Kamon caused the supposed vendors to issue fraudulent invoices to Girardi Keese for goods and services that they purportedly provided to the law firm.

Kamon caused Girardi Keese to pay the amounts due on the fraudulent invoices. In fact, the law firm was paying the “vendors” for Kamon’s personal benefit, including for construction projects at his homes in Palos Verdes and Encino.

According to evidence presented at the recent trial of Tom Girardi, part of Kamon’s scheme involved payments to a female companion amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars, including a monthly stipend of $20,000, out of the Girardi Keese operating accounts despite the woman having no employment relationship with Girardi Keese.

United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton scheduled a January 31, 2025, sentencing hearing, at which time Kamon will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison on each count. Kamon has been in federal custody since December 2022.

Kamon – along with Girardi and David R. Lira, Girardi’s son-in-law, and a former Girardi Keese lawyer – also faces federal fraud charges in Chicago. Trial in that case is scheduled for March 3, 2025.

IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI investigated this matter.

Assistant United States Attorneys Ali Moghaddas of the Corporate and Securities Fraud Strike Force and Scott Paetty of the Major Frauds Section are prosecuting this case.

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: October 14th, 2024 VIDEO: Heinrich Statement on Indigenous Peoples’ Day

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following video statement in commemoration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Heinrich is leading the effort in Congress to pass legislation that would replace the current federal holiday of Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
VIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich Indigenous Peoples’ Day Statement, October 14, 2024.
“Native peoples have lived in the land we now call New Mexico and the United States for thousands of years.
“I am honored to work with the Pueblos and Tribes who call New Mexico home, and with Tribes all across Indian Country. As part of that work, I have been proud to lead legislation in the Senate to re-frame this national holiday as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
“New Mexico is one of a growing number of states that already recognizes this change. And three years ago, President Biden became the first President to formally commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Re-framing this holiday is a powerful way for us to acknowledge and heal from painful history. It also inspires us to celebrate the enduring strength and resilience of Native people.
“Today and every day, I am committed to uplifting Tribal communities and defending Tribal sovereignty and self-determination.”
Background:
Last year, Heinrich led the bicameral introduction of legislation to replace the official federal holiday recognized on the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The bill would also replace any mention of Columbus Day in all federal laws or regulations with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Heinrich’s legislation is supported by the Navajo Nation, Mescalero Apache Tribe, All Pueblo Council of Governors, National Congress of American Indians, Indigenous Peoples’ Initiative, Association on American Indian Affairs, Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe, the Pocahontas Project, Cherokee Nation, National Council of Urban Indian Health, and Barona Band of Mission Indians.
The Senate legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Angus King (I-Maine).
Read the full text of the bill here.
More than a dozen states across the country have recognized this change, including New Mexico. In 2021, President Joe Biden became the first U.S. President to formally commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: First Lady Jill Biden Comes to Michigan as Families Continue to Struggle

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: First Lady Jill Biden Comes to Michigan as Families Continue to Struggle

Today, First Lady Jill Biden is expected to be in Michigan. The visit comes as Michigan families continue to struggle with inflation and higher prices caused by the Biden-Harris administration’s reckless spending.

“Biden-Harris policies are hurting Michigan families with higher prices for groceries, housing, and energy. The First Lady’s visit today promises more policies Michigan families cannot afford. I am working to cut wasteful federal spending and rein in inflation,” said Congressman John Moolenaar.

Michigan families must earn an additional $1,032 every month to afford the same standard of living as they had before the beginning of the Biden-Harris administration.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025

Category: Americas

Notes to Editor

Jetstar flight schedule between Australia and South Korea (from 17 June 2025)

Photos: Rubio Visits Sarasota County Post-Hurricane Milton

Share this page

Updates to this page

News release

Quotes

Quick facts

Contacts

Worldwide crime trend

Local crime, global cooperation

Media advisory

Contacts

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS