NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Joint Statement of The Special AEM-METI Consultation

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    1. The Special ASEAN Economic Ministers- Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (AEM-METI) Consultation was held on 20 May 2025 virtually. The Consultation was co-chaired by H.E. Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia, and H.E. Muto Yoji, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan. The Meeting also welcomed the participation of H.E. Filipus Nino Pereira, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as an observer.
     
     
    2. The Meeting expressed our deepest condolences to the people of Myanmar and Thailand for the tragic loss caused by the devastating earthquake on 28 March 2025. The Meeting extended heartfelt thoughts to the affected communities during this difficult time, and we stand in solidarity with them as they recover and rebuild.
     
    Download the full statement here.
    The post Joint Statement of The Special AEM-METI Consultation appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Crew Member Sentenced to 19 Years for East Coast Gun-Point Robberies of Six South Asian Jewelers that Netted Millions

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON – William Hunter, 28, of Washington D.C., was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 228 months in federal prison for participating in a multi-state string of violent gun-point robberies of South Asian jewelry stores that netted millions of dollars in cash and gold for the 15-member crew, allegedly led by Trevor Wright, aka rapper “Taliban Glizzy.”

                The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony A. Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; FBI Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the Washington Field Office; FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado of the Newark Field Office; U.S. Marshal Peter Marketos of the United States Marshals Service; and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department.

                Hunter, aka “Ill Will,” pleaded guilty on September 4, 2024 to interfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery) and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. In his plea, Hunter accepted responsibility for six robberies across Virginia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania that not only stole millions of dollars in jewelry, but terrorized multiple victims and left behind a wake of destruction and financial loss. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Christopher R. Cooper ordered Hunter to serve 48 months of supervised release.

                According to court documents, over the course of 18 months, Hunter and his co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to rob multiple South Asian jewelry stores of heavy gold jewelry of high purity. The conspiracy began in January 2022 and continued until August 2023 when several of the co-conspirators had been charged and arrested.

                Each robbery was carefully coordinated in advance of its commission and employed a similar modus operandi, one that the co-conspirators seemed to hone and perfect over time and with each new criminal act. The co-conspirators researched stores to select their targets before meeting in Washington, D.C. and traveling in one or more getaway vehicles to the stores. To evade law enforcement detection, some of the suspect vehicles were stolen or outfitted with stolen tags. At least one of the vehicles was carjacked by Hunter and others at gunpoint on September 11, 2022, and later used in a robbery on September 20, 2022.

                The co-conspirators often cased the stores in advance of the robbery and gained access by a variety of means, including using sledgehammers to shatter a store’s door or windows before storming in. The co-conspirators employed a show of force to gain compliance from their victims, with at least one co-conspirator armed with a firearm in each instance. They used hammers to smash the glass display cases, filling bags with gold jewelry and resulting in significant damage throughout the stores. In every single instance, however, Hunter and his co-conspirators terrorized the store’s owners, employees, and customers by engaging in an armed takeover of the store and then ransacking it before fleeing.

                Often, following the robberies, the stolen gold would be melted to bars and ultimately converted to cash. Hunter and his co-conspirators would then flaunt their ill-gotten gains on social media.   

                On March 6, 2023, in Washington, D.C., law enforcement arrested Hunter on an outstanding arrest warrant issued out of Maryland arising from an October 22, 2022, armed carjacking. At the time of his arrest, Hunter had a loaded Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number in his waistband. That same day, law enforcement executed a residential warrant at Hunter’s D.C. residence and recovered, among other items, 135 live rounds of assorted ammunition, four rifle magazines, one speed loader, and an AR-15 rifle drum magazine. They also recovered clothing that appeared consistent with some worn by Hunter during the commission of robberies, along with a crowbar and a hammer.

                In April 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Hunter and Trevor Wright, aka rapper “Taliban Glizzy,” in connection with the armed robbery of Paradise Jewelry Store. On August 17, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a 19-count Superseding Indictment, charging Hunter and his co-conspirators in connection with nine armed robberies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Virginia, with substantial planning and coordination occurring in D.C. On March 12, 2024, a Second Superseding Indictment was filed, adding charges related to two additional robberies, including one in D.C., as well as charges related to the recovery of firearms and narcotics from multiple residences associated with the various co-conspirators.

                According to his plea agreement, Hunter accepted responsibility for his roles in: (1) the January 7, 2022, armed robbery of Yasini Jewelers in Falls Church, Virginia; (2) the September 20, 2022, armed robbery of Sonia Jewelers and Boutique in Springfield, Virginia; (3) the October 25, 2022, armed robbery of Paradise Jewelry in Paterson, New Jersey; (4) the November 10, 2022, armed robbery of Baral Jewelers and Gift Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; (5) the November 27, 2022, armed robbery of Sara Emporium Jewelry in Jersey City, New Jersey; and (6) the January 27, 2023, armed robbery of Princess Diamonds in Falls Church, Virginia.

                This case was investigated by the ATF, Metropolitan Police Department, and FBI Newark and Washington Field Offices. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sitara Witanachchi and Andrea Duvall.

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    		 CHARGES/SENTENCE
    Trevor Wright, 33 Taliban Glizzy Washington DC Interfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery);  conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; possessing a firearm during a crime of violence; money laundering; conspiracy to engage in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity.
    William Hunter, 28 Ill Will Washington DC Sentenced to 228 months on Dec. 11, 2024, after pleading guilty to interfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery); and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.
    Avery Fuller, 29 Deavry Cordell Fuller,  Fully Ace Washington DC Pending sentencing after pleading guilty in the Middle District of Florida to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.
    Franklin Hunter, 30 Gino Washington DC Interfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery);  conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence;  conspiracy to engage in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity.
    Davon Johnson, 31 YB Washington DC Sentenced to 111 months on November 20, 2024, for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.
    Decarlos Hill, 30 Los Maryland Sentenced to 57 months on November 6, 2024, for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery.
    Lamont Marable, 28   Washington DC Sentenced to 93 months on November 11, 2024, for interfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery);  and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.
    Keith McDuffie, 27   California Interfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery);  conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.
    Jameise Christian, 33 Safety, Safe, Safe Play Washington DC Pending sentencing after pleading guilty in the Middle District of Florida to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.
    Andrew Smith, 30 Drewso, Drew Maryland Sentenced to 138 months in prison on October 17, 2024, for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.
    Robert Sheffield, 33 Real Lifaa Washington DC Interfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery);  conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; possessing a firearm during a crime of violence; felon in possession of a firearm.
    Jaylaun Brown, 22 Lil Launy Washington DC Conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery).
    Timothy Conrad, 33 Twin Washington DC Sentenced to 168 months on October 1, 2024, for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and for possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.
    Antonio Tate, 21   Washington DC Sentenced to 120 months for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
    Delonte Martin, 35   Washington DC Sentenced to 108 months for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

    Photo introduced into evidence depicts the robbery of $250,000 in jewelry from Princess Diamonds in Falls Church, Virginia

    Surveillance photo depicts William Hunter walking with a tray of jewelry in one hand and a gun in the other during the January 7, 2022, armed robbery of Yasini Jewelers.

    Images posted on October 29 and November 1, 2022, to Hunter’s Instagram account depict him with stacks of cash, a firearm, and a wristwatch.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Licking County Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy Crime Involving Videos of Monkey Torture & Mutilation

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A plea agreement was unsealed today in which a Licking County man pleaded guilty to creating and distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.

    Ronald P. Bedra, of Etna, pleaded guilty to conspiring to create and distribute “animal crush” videos.

    According to court documents, Bedra conspired with others to create and distribute the videos that depicted acts of sadistic violence against baby and adult monkeys, including having digits and limbs severed and being forcibly sodomized with a heated screwdriver.

    The conspirators used encrypted chat apps to direct money to individuals in Indonesia willing to commit the requested acts of torture on camera. Bedra also mailed a thumb drive containing 64 videos of monkey torture to a co-conspirator in Wisconsin.

    Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio made today’s announcement.

    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FBI investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Mark Romley and Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Pakiz for the Southern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • PM Modi highlights infrastructure revolution in Northeast, positions region as gateway to ASEAN

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the inaugural session of the Rising North East Summit on Friday, underscored the transformative role of infrastructure in boosting tourism, trade, and investment in the North Eastern region. 
     
    He said the government has launched an “Infrastructure Revolution” in the North East, aimed at addressing historical challenges and transforming the region into a “Land of Opportunities.” “Well-developed roads, reliable power infrastructure, and efficient logistics networks are essential to the growth of any industry,” PM Modi said, adding that thousands of crores have been invested to enhance connectivity across the region.
     
    Among key projects mentioned were the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh and the Bhupen Hazarika Bridge in Assam, which are improving both mobility and economic integration. He also cited major achievements of the past decade, including the construction of 11,000 kilometers of highways, new railway lines, the doubling of airports, development of waterways on the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, and the installation of hundreds of mobile towers to strengthen digital connectivity.
     
    The Prime Minister highlighted the commissioning of the 1,600-kilometer-long Northeast Gas Grid, which will ensure a steady energy supply to support local industries.
     
    “The synergy between highways, railways, waterways, and digital infrastructure is creating a fertile ground for industries to take the First Mover Advantage,” he said.
     
    Touching upon India’s growing trade relations with ASEAN nations, the Prime Minister said that the country’s trade volume with the bloc currently stands at $125 billion, with projections to cross $200 billion in the near future. He positioned the North East as a strategic trade bridge and gateway to the ASEAN region.
     
    He emphasized the strategic importance of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which aims to connect India directly with Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. He also mentioned the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project, which will link Kolkata Port with Myanmar’s Sittwe Port, further connecting to Mizoram, thereby significantly reducing the travel time and boosting trade between West Bengal and the North Eastern states.
     
    Further developments include the transformation of Guwahati, Imphal, and Agartala into Multi-Modal Logistics Hubs, alongside the establishment of Land Custom Stations in Meghalaya and Mizoram, designed to expand cross-border trade.
     
    “These advancements are not only accelerating the growth of the North East but also positioning it as a rising force in India’s trade with the Indo-Pacific region,” PM Modi said.

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH appeals to high-risk individuals to remain vigilant despite COVID-19 activity slowdown in Hong Kong

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 23) said that there are early signs that the rate of increase in the COVID-19 activity level in Hong Kong has begun to slow down. However, it is expected to remain at a relatively high level in the near future. High-risk individuals, especially the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, should continue to stay vigilant and receive a free booster dose in a timely manner to minimise the risk of serious complications or death after infection.
     
    “The CHP believes that COVID-19 has become an endemic disease with cyclical patterns. Epidemiological data from local and other regions around the world show that there are generally periodic upsurges in the COVID-19 activity level every six to nine months. However, the timing of the increase in the activity level of COVID-19 may vary from region to region depending on local factors, such as the herd immunity of the population and changes in the circulating strains and vaccination rates,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
     
    “Hong Kong has experienced an upsurge in COVID-19 cases since April this year, more than half a year after the last increase in July and August of last year. This increase is expected and similar to last year’s increase, with no unusual situations. Although some surveillance indicators suggest that the upward trend of COVID-19 has begun to slow down over the past week, we expect the activity level of COVID-19 to remain at a high levels in the coming few weeks,” Dr Tsui said.
     
    According to the latest surveillance data as of the week ending May 17, the increase in the viral load of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from sewage surveillance and the test positivity rate of respiratory samples have slowed down when compared to the past week. Among them, the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus increased slightly from 13.66 per cent in the week ending May 10 to 13.8 per cent. For sewage surveillance, the per capita viral load of SARS-CoV-2 virus increased from around 710 000 copy/litre to 770 000 copy/litre, but the rate of increase was significantly lower than that of the previous two weeks.
     
    The upsurge of COVID-19 cases in the last one or two months is a regional phenomenon. Neighbouring areas such as Singapore, Thailand, Mainland China and Taiwan have also recorded a similar increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. Japan and Korea experienced upsurges of COVID-19 cases from January to February and from March to April this year respectively, and these surges have already slowed down. In North America and Europe, the activity level of COVID-19 peaked in the third quarter of last year, then declined in the fourth quarter, and has remained relatively stable so far this year.
     
    “In general, the symptoms of COVID-19 infection in the general public are mostly mild, similar to other common respiratory infections. There is no need for the public to be overly concerned. However, high-risk groups (including the elderly and young children, persons with underlying illnesses and persons who are immunocompromised) are more likely to develop severe symptoms. Therefore, COVID-19 vaccination is important to protect these high-risk populations,” Dr Tsui added.
     
    Apart from vaccination, the public should maintain stringent personal, environmental and hand hygiene at all times to minimise the risk of contracting COVID-19 and other respiratory infectious diseases. When respiratory symptoms appear, one should wear a surgical mask, consider avoiding going to work or school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.
     
    For the latest surveillance data, members of the public can refer to the CHP’s weekly COVID-19 & Flu Express. For more information on vaccination, please refer to the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme webpage.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Northern Nevada Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murdering Pregnant Indigenous Woman on Reservation

    Source: US FBI

    RENO, Nev. — A Northern Nevada man was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge Miranda M. Du to life in prison, plus 20 years in prison, for murdering a pregnant indigenous woman on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation in December 2020.

    According to court documents, Michael Burciaga (36) stabbed his pregnant girlfriend, a registered member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, multiple times, causing her death and the death of their unborn child. Shortly after midnight on December 15, 2020, officers with Pyramid Lake Police Department responded to an emergency call from the victim’s daughter at the victim’s home located on the Pyramid Lake reservation in Nixon, located in Washoe County.

    Burciaga has prior convictions for Domestic Assault in Becker County, Minn.; Domestic Battery in Fernley; and Battery and Domestic Battery in Sparks.

    A jury convicted Burciaga of Murder in the First Degree within Indian Country, a violation of the Protection of Unborn Children Act, and Domestic Assault by a Habitual Offender Within Indian Country.

    “Today’s sentence illustrates our collaborative efforts to ensuring justice for the victim and holding the defendant accountable for his heinous crime,” said United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “The Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) crisis is a priority for the Department of Justice and we will continue to work alongside Tribes and law enforcement partners in the pursuit of justice.”

    “Today’s sentencing ends a tragic story of cold-blooded murder,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI. “While life in prison will not undo the crime committed by Mr. Burciaga, it will prevent him from victimizing anyone on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation again. I appreciate the work of our investigators and tribal partners ensuring violent offenders such as this are held accountable, and residents can feel safe in their homes.”

    This case was investigated by the FBI and Pyramid Lake Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Penelope Brady, Megan Rachow, and Richard Casper prosecuted the case.

    For additional information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to address the MMIP crisis, please visit the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons section of the Tribal Safety and Justice website at: https://www.justice.gov/tribal/mmip.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shawnee Resident Pleads Guilty to Felony Assault Charge

    Source: US FBI

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dustin James Coggins, age 34, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to an Indictment charging him with one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country.

    The Indictment alleged that on August 2, 2024, Coggins assaulted the victim with a dangerous weapon, intending to do bodily harm.  The crime occurred in Okmulgee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The charge arose from an investigation by the Okemah Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.  Coggins will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Soverly and Michael E. Robinson represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Durant Resident Sentenced for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm

    Source: US FBI

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Hr’Lee Wayde Hisaw, age 23, of Durant, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm, in Indian country.

    The charge arose from an investigation by the Ada Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    On September 26, 2024, Hisaw pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on February 18, 2024, Hisaw fired a semiautomatic handgun at the victim’s vehicle as it drove away from a residence.  The crime occurred in Pontotoc County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing in Muskogee.  Hisaw will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Muskogee Resident Sentenced for Felony Assault

    Source: US FBI

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Colby Eric Dean Ballard, age 29, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for one count of Assault of a Spouse, Intimate Partner, and Dating Partner in Indian Country.

    The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Muskogee Police Department.

    On March 21, 2024, Ballard pleaded guilty to the charge.   According to investigators, on April 4, 2023, Ballard assaulted the victim, strangling the victim and causing injuries to the victim’s face, head, wrist, and stomach.  The crime occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.  Ballard will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick M. Flanigan and Edith Singer represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Antlers Resident Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation of a Child

    Source: US FBI

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Clyde Park Crews III, age 34, of Antlers, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 300 months in prison for one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child/Use of a Child to Produce a Visual Depiction.

    The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

    On September 4, 2024, Crews pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, between December 2022 and May 2023, Crews induced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct in order to produce and transmit images of that conduct on the internet.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    We encourage anyone who suspects or has information regarding child sexual exploitation, trafficking of minors, sextortion, child pornography, or any other means of child exploitation to immediately contact law enforcement.  You can file a report through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-843-5678 or online at www.cybertipline.com, through the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or through Homeland Security Investigations at 1-877-4-HSI TIP.

    The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.  Crews will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Morgan Muzljakovich represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • PM Modi: ₹21,000 crore invested in education sector in North-East over last decade

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the Rising North East Summit in New Delhi, underscored the pivotal role of skill development in accelerating growth and shaping a secure future for the region. He said the North-East offers a conducive environment for progress in this direction, with the central government consistently investing in education and capacity-building efforts.
     
    The Prime Minister informed that over the last ten years, ₹21,000 crore has been allocated to the education sector in the North-East. This has led to the establishment of more than 800 new schools, nine new medical colleges, two new Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and the region’s first All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
     
    Further emphasizing the region’s growing educational infrastructure, he said a new campus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) has been set up in Mizoram. In addition, nearly 200 skill development institutes have been established across the region to support youth empowerment and employment.
     
    The Prime Minister also highlighted major strides in the field of sports. He said the country’s first Sports University is being developed in the North-East, supported by significant investment under the Khelo India initiative. So far, eight Khelo India Centres of Excellence and over 250 Khelo India Centres have been set up to nurture sports talent across the region.
     
    He said the North-East is now emerging as a hub of top-tier talent across various sectors and urged industries and investors to explore the vast opportunities the region presents.

  • North-East to lead ‘heal in India’ mission: PM Modi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday outlined a comprehensive vision for the North-East region as a global hub for wellness, tourism, and digital innovation.
     
    Speaking at the Rising North East Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of the Heal in India initiative, which aims to establish India as a global provider of health and wellness solutions. He highlighted the North-East’s natural advantages—its rich biodiversity, pristine environment, and organic way of life—as ideal for wellness tourism and urged investors to see the region as an integral part of the Heal in India mission.
     
    “The North-East offers the perfect climate and ecological diversity for wellness-driven industries. This makes it a critical component of India’s global health and wellness roadmap,” he said.
     
    Emphasizing the region’s vibrant cultural heritage, the Prime Minister praised its deep-rooted traditions in music, dance, and festivals, positioning the North-East as a complete tourism destination. He noted that the area is well-suited for international conferences, concerts, and even destination weddings.
     
    “As development reaches every corner of the North-East, the tourism sector has experienced a surge in growth. Tourist numbers have doubled, leading to a rise in homestays, employment for young guides, and a thriving travel ecosystem,” he added.
     
    He called for greater investment in eco-tourism and cultural tourism, stating that the region holds vast untapped potential.
     
    Touching upon security, the Prime Minister emphasized that peace and stability are vital for sustained development. “Our government follows a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and insurgency,” he said. He recalled the earlier perception of the North-East as a conflict-prone area, plagued by blockades and unrest. “That image has changed. In the last 10–11 years, over 10,000 youth have shunned violence and embraced peace through several landmark peace agreements,” he said.
     
    This, he said, has opened new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship in the region.
     
    Highlighting the impact of the MUDRA Yojana, PM Modi said that financial support worth thousands of crores has been extended to lakhs of young entrepreneurs in the North-East. He also pointed to the growing network of educational institutions that are skilling the youth for future challenges.
     
    “The youth of the North-East are not just consumers of the internet—they are becoming digital innovators,” he said, adding that over 13,000 kilometres of optical fibre have been laid in the region, alongside the expansion of 4G and 5G coverage.
     
    He remarked that the North-East is fast emerging as India’s digital gateway, with young entrepreneurs launching impactful startups across sectors.
     
    The Rising North East Investors Summit, being held on May 23–24, is aimed at attracting both domestic and international investment to unlock the region’s potential as a driver of economic growth and innovation.
     

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Washakie Man Sentenced for Murder in the Second Degree

    Source: US FBI

    Ezekiel Frank James Ute, 23, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced to 192 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release for second degree murder. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Oct. 31.

    According to court documents, on Jan. 2, 2024, a group of five people, including Ezekiel Ute, were drinking alcohol and driving around the Wind River Indian Reservation when Ute began driving recklessly and saying he was going to intentionally wreck the car. When Ute stopped the car, one of the passengers (P1) got out and refused to get back in. The victim also got out to coax P1 back into the car. As they argued, Ute got out and stabbed the victim multiple times.

    After the stabbing, Ute forced P1 back into the car then drove away, leaving the victim by the side of the road. The passengers urged Ute to turn around so they could help the victim. Ute eventually drove back, but as soon as P1 and another passenger (P2) got out of the car Ute sped off with the remaining passenger in the back seat. Despite P1 and P2’s attempts to save the victim, he died from his injuries the following morning. In addition to the passengers’ statements, Ute acknowledged during an interview that he may have stabbed the victim while under the influence of alcohol.

    Ute was arrested on Jan. 4, indicted on March 13, and pleaded guilty on July 15. This crime was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    Case No. 24-CR-00040

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Taliban in talks with Russia, China for trade transactions in local currencies

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Taliban administration is in advanced talks with Russia for banks from both sanctions-hit economies to settle trade transactions worth hundreds of millions of dollars in their local currencies, Afghanistan’s acting commerce minister said.

    The Afghan government has made similar proposals to China, the minister, Haji Nooruddin Azizi, told Reuters on Thursday. Some discussions have been held with the Chinese embassy in Kabul, he said.

    The proposal with Russia, Azizi said, was being worked on by technical teams from the two countries. The move comes as Moscow focuses on using national currencies to shift reliance away from the dollar and as Afghanistan faces a stark drop in the U.S. currency entering the country due to aid cuts.

    “We are currently engaged in specialised discussions on this matter, considering the regional and global economic perspectives, sanctions, and the challenges Afghanistan is currently facing, as well as those Russia is dealing with. Technical discussions are underway,” Azizi said in an interview at his office in Kabul.

    The Chinese foreign ministry and the Russian central bank did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

    Azizi added that annual bilateral trade between Russia and Afghanistan was currently around $300 million and that was likely to grow substantially as the two sides boost investment. His administration expected Afghanistan to buy more petroleum products and plastics from Russia, he said.

    “I am confident that this is a very good option…we can use this option for benefit and interests of our people and our country,’ Azizi said.

    “We want to take steps in this area with China as well,” he said, adding Afghanistan had around $1 billion in trade with China each year. “A working team composed of members from the (Afghan) Ministry of Commerce and the Chinese embassy which is an authorized body representing China in economic programmes has been formed, and talks are ongoing.”

    Afghanistan’s financial sector has been largely cut off from the global banking system due to sanctions placed on some leaders of the ruling Taliban, which took over the country in 2021 as foreign forces withdrew.

    Rivalry with China and fallout from Russia’s war in Ukraine have put the dollar’s status as the world’s dominant currency under fresh scrutiny in recent years.

    In December, Russian President Vladimir Putin questioned the need to hold state reserves in foreign currencies since they could easily be confiscated for political reasons, saying that domestic investment of such reserves was more attractive.

    The dollar has had a lock on commodity trading, allowing Washington to hinder market access for producer nations from Russia to Venezuela and Iran.

    Afghanistan since 2022 has imported gas, oil and wheat from Russia, the first major economic deal after the Taliban returned to power facing international isolation following 20 years of war against U.S.-led forces.

    Billions of dollars in cuts to aid to Afghanistan, accelerated this year by the United States, have meant far fewer dollars, which are flown in cash for humanitarian operations, are entering the country.

    Development agencies and economists say the Afghani currency has so far remained relatively stable but may face challenges in future.

    Azizi said that the stability of the currency and his administration’s efforts to boost international investment including with the Afghan diaspora, would prevent a shortage of U.S. dollars in the country.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Global: International Booker prize 2025: six experts review the shortlisted novels, including winner Heart Lamp

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Helen Vassallo, Associate Professor of French and Translation, University of Exeter

    Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq has won the 2025 International Booker prize. Here, our literature experts review the book and the other five novels that were shortlisted for the prize.

    Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq, translated by Deepa Bhasthi

    Banu Mushtaq’s Heart Lamp shines a light on the lives of Muslim women in rural India. In a bold and memorable translation from Kannada by Deepa Bhasthi, this quietly powerful collection of short stories opens up the intimate space of domestic rituals and family tensions.

    Mushtaq’s fervent advocacy of women’s rights is evident in the compassion with which she brings to life the women in the stories: from the lack of autonomy suffered by young girls forced into wedlock to the indignity of an older woman obliged to accept her husband taking a second wife or a widow whose son arranges a new marriage for her, the women’s lives are dictated by men.

    Heart Lamp is perhaps best summed up in the final story, “Be a Woman Once, O Lord!” Throughout these stories, Mushtaq invites us – and whichever male deity might be listening – to walk in the shoes of women overlooked by an unquestioned patriarchal hierarchy.

    Helen Vassallo, Associate Professor of French and Translation



    Read more:
    Heart Lamp by the Indian writer Banu Mushtaq wins 2025 International Booker prize – a powerful collection of stories inspired by the real suffering of women

    Under the Eye of the Big Bird by Hiromi Kawakami, translated by Asa Yoneda

    Hiromi Kawakami’s Under the Eye of the Big Bird offers us glimpses of one imagined future for earth and humanity.

    Its vision could be described as post-apocalyptic. After unspecified cataclysmic events, humans exist only in tiny, scattered communities and extinction seems imminent. But this is also a beautiful, if dreamlike, world and one in which humanity still has the potential for astonishing growth and change.

    Each chapter introduces something new and startling to the reader. Many of the tropes are familiar – cloning, superpowers, mutation, AI. Yet they are configured in unfamiliar ways and prompt reflections on the nature of humanity and our relationship with the rest of creation – as well as on time, religion and the possibility of an afterlife.

    Despite grappling with so many huge questions, Under the Eye of the Big Bird is an accessible and absorbing novel. And, although tragedy is never far away, there remains humour – and hope.

    Sarah Annes Brown, Professor of English Literature

    A Leopard-Skin Hat by Anne Serre, translated by Mark Hutchinson

    Published in France in 2008 as Un chapeau léopard, A Leopard-Skin Hat is a novel about a friendship spanning 20 years between a woman called Fanny and a man known throughout only as “the Narrator”. He is not, though, the narrator of the novel. Rather, an unknown storyteller tells us how the Narrator sees Fanny gradually lose the fight against madness (the novel’s word) and, in the end, death.

    This is a novel about the mystery of other people, about how unknowable others are to us. It explores how we narrate to try to understand people who are not us, but whom we love. What is most extraordinary about Serre’s novel is the way it shows us two friends doing very ordinary things – going out for dinner, going on holiday, walking in the countryside and swimming in lakes – but shows us through this the strangeness and complexity of friendship, love and life.

    Leigh Wilson, Professor of English Literature



    Read more:
    A Leopard-Skin Hat by Anne Serre explores what its like being human in relation to other human beings

    Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico, translated by Sophie Hughes

    Perfection is a slim account of the way that time “disappears” for Anna and Tom, an expat couple living in Berlin as creative freelancers in the 2010s.

    Written in homage to Georges Perec’s Things: The Story of the Sixties (1965), the novel opens with an overbearing description of the items in their apartment, moving in and out of the characters’ dissatisfaction with the aesthetic, social, creative, economic and political routes open to them in 120 pages spanning a little over 10 years.

    As international elections, the European refugee crises and climate catastrophe dance in and out of their peripheral vision, Anna and Tom find neither satisfaction with their current moment nor successfully imagine a better one. As such, Latronico gently, but with an increasing sense of fatalism, considers the stagnation of a millennial creative class whose views on influence, status, power and happiness remain deeply linked to the “new emotions” of digital mediation.

    By Rachel Sykes, Associate Professor in Contemporary Literature and Culture

    On The Calculation of Volume I by Solvej Balle, translated by Barbara Haveland

    In On The Calculation of Volume, a woman, Tara Selter, finds herself trapped in an endlessly repeating day, November 18. Volume I, the first of seven books, recounts the first 365 days of this time loop, with Tara attempting to make sense of her predicament, to explain it to her husband – who is still bound by the normal rules of time – and to try to fix whatever has initiated this situation.

    As the novel continues, it becomes less focused on the novelty of the situation and more on the philosophical questions it raises: the alternate claustrophobia and liberation of replaying the same day; how our friends and partners sometimes feel like they inhabit a different reality; the way in which time pulls things and people apart; of the importance we place in the idea of “tomorrow”.

    What’s remarkable about Balle’s novel is how compulsive it is – even though we know time is standing still, we still want to know what will happen next.

    David Hering, Senior Lecturer in English Literature

    Small Boat by Vincent Delecroix, translated by Helen Stevenson

    Vincent Delecroix’s Small Boat is a slim, bruising novel that centres on a real horror: the drowning of 27 migrants in the English Channel in November 2021. In a small, inflatable craft, they reached out over crackling radio lines, asking for help that never came.

    Small Boat focuses not on the migrants themselves, but on a French coastguard operator who spent that night on the radio, fielding their calls for rescue. Delecroix’s brilliance lies in showing how violence at the border is carried out not by villains, but by workers. It was not evil that allowed those people to die in the water, it was a string of decisions made by people in warm rooms who believed they were doing their jobs.

    In a world ever more brutal towards those who flee war, hunger and despair, Delecroix’s novel is a necessary – and merciless – indictment. It reminds us that the shipwreck is not theirs alone. It is ours too.

    Fiona Murphy, Assistant Professor in Refugee and Intercultural Studies



    Read more:
    Small Boat: this slim, devastating novel about a real migrant shipwreck reminds us of the cruelty of indifference

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. International Booker prize 2025: six experts review the shortlisted novels, including winner Heart Lamp – https://theconversation.com/international-booker-prize-2025-six-experts-review-the-shortlisted-novels-including-winner-heart-lamp-255464

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Northern Nevada Resident Convicted of Murdering Pregnant Indigenous Woman on Reservation

    Source: US FBI

    RENO, Nev. — A jury convicted a Northern Nevada man yesterday for murdering a pregnant indigenous woman on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation in December 2020.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Michael Burciaga (36) stabbed his pregnant girlfriend, a registered member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, multiple times, causing her death and the death of their unborn child. Shortly after midnight on December 15, 2020, Pyramid Lake Police Department officers responded to an emergency call from the victim’s 15-year old daughter at the victim’s home located on the Pyramid Lake reservation in Nixon, located in Washoe County.

    Burciaga was convicted of Murder in the First Degree within Indian Country, a violation of the Protection of Unborn Children Act, and Domestic Assault by a Habitual Offender Within Indian Country. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Miranda M. Du on September 25, 2023, and he faces a statutory minimum sentence of life imprisonment. The sentencing will be determined by the Court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.

    The FBI and Pyramid Lake Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Penelope Brady, Megan Rachow, and Richard Casper are prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Vice President of Product Development Admits Theft of Trade Secrets From New Jersey-Based Producer of Oil Products and Proprietary Flavors

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, N.J. – A former vice president of product development at a New Jersey-based producer of oil products and proprietary flavors admitted possessing and conspiring to possess stolen trade secrets, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

    Andrew Blum, 63, of North Brunswick, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court on Nov. 12, 2024, to an information charging him conspiracy to possess stolen trade secrets and possession of stolen trade secrets.

    “A company’s intellectual property – its proprietary materials and trade secrets –  have enormous value to the companies that develop them, sometimes constituting their most valuable assets. Stealing them is a crime. This defendant admitted stealing trade secrets, including a secret formula used in one of the most recognizable names in the global soft drink industry. Our office will prosecute cases like this with the same vigor as any other theft.”

    U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger

    “Blum admits he stole his employer’s trade secrets and hoped to use the information so he could get a job across the street,” FBI – Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado said. “Protecting the proverbial keys to the castle is essential for companies to remain in business and stay competitive. It’s even common for corporations to house formulas and recipes in literal vaults to keep them from being stolen. One of the FBI’s priorities is protecting companies from these types of crimes and holding accountable anyone who tries to sneak out the back door.”

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    From 2013 to Dec. 12, 2018, Blum was the vice president of product development for a company that is a subsidiary of a New Jersey-based corporation that maintained its principal place of business in Northern New Jersey. The company’s parent corporation was one of the world’s largest producers of oils, juices, peel and byproducts, as well as a leading manufacturer of proprietary flavors sold to, among others, the world’s largest beverage companies. The company’s entire business was predicated on the development of formulas used in the production of flavors and as such, the intellectual property represented in formulas is one of the company’s most important assets.

    In December 2018, the company’s information technology team discovered that another employee from company used a personal email account to forward 82 files, each of which contained proprietary and trade secret information, to Blum on his personal email account. The list of 82 files included virtually all of the formulas used in the department where Blum worked. The company later learned that Blum and the other employee accessed other sensitive formulas belonging to the company that Blum and the employee were not working on and should not have accessed, including a secret formula used in one of the most recognizable names in the global soft drink industry. Other email communication between non-company accounts showed that Blum and the other employee were planning to leave the company to work for competitor companies. Law enforcement later recovered other trade secret information from Blum’s residence and from one of Blum’s cloud-based storage accounts, including handwritten notes for a product that the company produces that is sold by one of the world’s largest soda companies in a country in Asia.

    The counts of conspiracy to possess stolen trade secrets and possession of stolen trade secrets each carry a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for March 20, 2025.

    U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado in Newark, with the investigation leading to the  guilty plea.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office General Crimes Unit in Newark, with assistance from the National Security Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former CEO of 500.Com (now Bit Mining Ltd.) Indicted for Role in Bribing Japanese Officials and Bit Mining Ltd. Resolves Foreign Bribery Investigation

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, N.J. – An indictment was unsealed today charging the former CEO of 500.com (now BIT Mining Ltd.), Zhengming Pan, a Chinese national, with violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). BIT Mining Ltd. has agreed to resolve investigations by the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) into related FCPA violations arising from the company’s participation in a corrupt scheme to pay bribes to Japanese government officials.

    BIT Mining entered into a three-year deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) in connection with a criminal information filed in the District of New Jersey charging BIT Mining with one count of conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery and books and records provisions of the FCPA and one count of violating the books and records provisions of the FCPA.

    A federal grand jury in the District of New Jersey returned an indictment against Pan on June 18. Pan is charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery and books and records provisions of the FCPA, one count of violating the anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA, and two counts of violating the books and records provisions of the FCPA.

    “Paying bribes to foreign government officials is a serious crime. The top leadership of BIT Mining, then known as 500.com, directed consultants to pay bribes to Japanese government officials to win a bid to open a large resort in Japan. The illegal scheme started at the top, with the company’s CEO allegedly fully involved in directing the illicit payments and the subsequent efforts to conceal them. The company has admitted its crimes and agreed to pay a $10 million penalty, and its then-CEO has been charged for his role in the scheme. This agreement and indictment hold both the corporation as an entity and its top leadership accountable.”

    U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger

    “BIT Mining, under the alleged direction of then-CEO Zhengming Pan, agreed to pay nearly $2 million in bribes to Japanese government officials to win a contract to open a lucrative resort and casino in Japan,” Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, said. “Pan has been indicted for his alleged role in directing company consultants to pay the bribes and to conceal the illicit payments through sham consulting contracts. Today’s resolution and the charges against Pan demonstrate the department’s continued commitment to holding both corporate and individual wrongdoers accountable for their crimes.”

    “Today’s indictment against the former CEO of BIT Mining for bribing Japanese officials highlights the FBI’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for illegal conduct,” Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division said. “This type of criminal activity undermines the integrity of business practices. The FBI will relentlessly pursue those involved in illegal schemes creating unfair advantages and ensure they face the full consequences of the law.”

    According to court documents, between 2017 and 2019, BIT Mining, then known as 500.com, admitted that its -CEO Pan, employees, and agents, agreed to pay approximately $1.9 million in bribes and payments to intermediaries, knowing the money would be used to make bribe payments to Japanese government officials. The purpose of the bribes was to try to help 500.com win a bid to open an integrated resort (a large resort that includes hotels, casinos, retail, dining, convention facilities, and entertainment venues) in Japan. On behalf of 500.com, Pan allegedly engaged third-party consultants to assist 500.com in paying and concealing these bribes. 500.com, through these consultants, paid bribes in the form of cash, travel, entertainment, and gifts. Pan and others allegedly covered up the payment of these bribes by, among other things, entering into sham contracts with the consultants and falsely recording the payments as legitimate expenses, including as management advisory fees. Ultimately, despite carrying out this bribery scheme, 500.com did not win an integrated resort bid in Japan.

    Pursuant to the DPA, BIT Mining agreed, based on the application of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, that the appropriate criminal penalty is $54 million. However, due to BIT Mining’s financial condition and demonstrated inability to pay the penalty calculated under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, BIT Mining and the Justice Department agreed, consistent with the department’s inability to pay guidance, that BIT Mining will pay a total criminal penalty of $10 million. The Justice Department has agreed to credit up to $4 million against the civil penalty BIT Mining has agreed to pay to the SEC to resolve a parallel investigation.

    BIT Mining has also agreed to continue to cooperate with the Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey in any ongoing or future criminal investigations. In addition, BIT Mining has agreed to continue to enhance its compliance programs and provide reports to the Justice Department regarding remediation and the implementation of compliance measures for the three-year term of the DPA.

    The Justice Department reached this resolution with BIT Mining based on a number of factors, including, among others, the nature and seriousness of the offense. BIT Mining received credit for its cooperation with the department’s investigation, which included (i) voluntarily producing relevant documents, financial data, and other information, including from foreign countries, while navigating some foreign data privacy and related criminal laws, accompanied by translations of a limited number of documents; and (ii) providing the government with facts learned during its internal investigation. The cooperation was, however, reactive and limited in degree and impact.

    BIT Mining engaged in certain timely remedial measures, which included, among other things, (i) increasing governance and oversight of compliance risks and audit findings by the Board of Directors, (ii) promoting compliance and ethics through company-wide communications, (iii) incorporating compliance criteria in performance evaluations for senior management, (iv) conducting annual risk assessments, (v) creating an anti-corruption policy and engaging in company-wide training and communications to promote it, and (vi) transitioning its business model to an industry that presents a lower corruption risk and reducing its presence in high risk regions. In light of these considerations, BIT Mining’s criminal penalty calculated under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines reflects a 10% reduction off the bottom of the applicable guidelines fine range.

    The FBI’s International Corruption Unit is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kozar for the District of New Jersey and Trial Attorneys Jil Simon and Ligia Markman of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the cases.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and authorities in Japan provided assistance in this matter.

    The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA and Foreign Extortion Prevention Act matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/foreign-corrupt-practices-act.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hell’s Kitchen Aesthetician Arrested for Unlawfully Injecting Counterfeit Botox

    Source: US FBI

    Joey Grant Luther Allegedly Purchased and Imported Counterfeit Botox From China and Administered Drugs to Clients at His Hell’s Kitchen Medical Spa Without a License

    Danielle R. Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the unsealing of a Complaint charging JOEY GRANT LUTHER with wire fraud, smuggling, and other crimes related to misbranded and counterfeit drugs.  As alleged in the Complaint, from in or about April 2023 through at least in or about July 2024, LUTHER shipped counterfeit drugs, including counterfeit Botox, from countries in Asia, including China, and injected them, without the required license, into his clients at his medical spa, JGL Aesthetics.  None of the counterfeit Botox that LUTHER injected was approved for sale or dispensing in the U.S. by the FDA.  LUTHER was arrested this morning and will be presented later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave.

    U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon said: “As alleged, Joey Grant Luther, who does not possess the licensing required by New York State to perform injections of Botox, knowingly purchased counterfeit Botox from China, injected it into his clients, and represented that the counterfeit Botox that he was peddling was genuine.  Luther continued to purchase and inject the counterfeit Botox even after he learned that clients had fallen ill or experienced strange symptoms after Luther injected them.  Luther’s disregard for the health of his clients put all of his victims in harm’s way and, in some cases, caused life-threating injuries.  Luther will now face criminal charges for this conduct.”

    As alleged in the Complaint:[1]

    From at least in or about January 2021 through at least in or about July 2024, LUTHER ran a medical spa called JGL Aesthetics in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan.  In or about September 2021, an individual (“Victim-1”) went to JGL Aesthetics to receive Botox treatments to treat excessive sweating as well as fine lines on her face.  Victim-1 learned that LUTHER performed Botox injections from a friend.  Between in or about September 2021 and in or about February 2024, LUTHER injected counterfeit drugs labeled as Botox® 150 Units manufactured by Allergan into Victim-1’s armpit, forehead, and face on approximately eight occasions.  Victim-1 never provided LUTHER with a prescription to receive Botox injections.

    On or about February 27, 2024, LUTHER injected Counterfeit Botox into Victim-1’s armpits and eyebrow area at JGL Aesthetics.  Approximately three days after Victim-1’s February 27, 2024, visit to JGL Aesthetics, Victim-1 began experiencing double vision, light headedness, difficulty swallowing and chewing, heart palpitations, and slurring of speech.  Victim-1 also could not lift her arms and experienced weakness from the waist up. Victim-1 went to three hospitals to seek medical assistance for these symptoms.  On or about March 20, 2024, Victim-1 was diagnosed with Botulism toxin.

    From between in or about April 2023 and in or about January 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (“CBP”) seized parcels intended for JGL Aesthetics, including one which lists a return address in Hong Kong.  These parcels contained significant quantities of counterfeit drugs, including Counterfeit Botox.  Below is a photo of the contents of the parcel—including the exterior of cartons of Counterfeit Botox.

    From at least in or about March 2024 through at least in or about April 2024, during which time LUTHER negotiated an additional purchase of Counterfeit Botox from one of his suppliers, multiple individuals who received injections of Counterfeit Botox from LUTHER messaged LUTHER about the negative side effects from the injections, including lazy eyes, double vision, and drooping eyelids.  In response to these complaints, LUTHER typically assured his clients that the side effects were temporary, represented that he was unaware that counterfeit Botox had been found circulating in the U.S., and assured clients that the Counterfeit Botox was from Allergan, the veritable maker.  As alleged, LUTHER was well aware that the Counterfeit Botox was, in fact, counterfeit.

    Neither CBP’s seizure of packages intended for LUTHER, the defendant, nor his clients informing LUTHER of injuries related to his injecting Counterfeit Botox stopped LUTHER from continuing to procure the Counterfeit Botox and injecting it into his clients. Between March 13, 2024—the date that Victim-1 contacted LUTHER about the injections of Counterfeit Botox—and October 2, 2024—after law enforcement officers and special agents executed a search warrant of JGL Aesthetics, JGL Aesthetics had at least approximately 700 appointments logged in its client and service management application that were coded with having provided Botox-related services.  Data contained in the client and services management application also revealed that JGL Aesthetics provided Botox-related services as early as January 2021.

    *                *                *

    LUTHER, 54, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of dispensing of a misbranded drug while held for sale, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison; one count of holding counterfeit drugs for sale and for dispensing, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; one count of receiving misbranded drugs in interstate commerce and delivery or proffered delivery thereof, which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison; and one count of smuggling, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

    The minimum and maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

    Ms. Sassoon praised the outstanding investigative work of the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the CBP – New York Field Office, and the Special Agents and Task Force Officers assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon C. Thompson is in charge of the prosecution.

    The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
     

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Northeast emerges as investment hub with Rs 6.75 lakh crore boost in a decade: Scindia

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, on Friday lauded the remarkable transformation of the north eastern states over the past decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    Addressing the inaugural session of the Rising North East Investors Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Scindia underlined the government’s unwavering commitment to the region’s progress. He announced that gross budgetary support for the northeast has surged dramatically, enabling investments worth nearly ₹6.75 lakh crore in the past ten years.

    “This significant allocation has been a game changer in redefining the region’s growth trajectory, turning it into a land of opportunity,” the minister said.

    The summit, which aims to attract both domestic and international investors, seeks to highlight the untapped economic potential of the northeast.

    Scindia highlighted the region’s historical importance, particularly the areas surrounding the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, describing it as a cradle of India’s ancient culture and commerce. “There was a time when these eight states served as South Asia’s global trading hubs, playing a vital role in linking the East and West through both land and water routes,” he noted.

    Despite this legacy, he lamented that the region had been neglected for nearly seventy years after India’s independence. “In the past ten years, the destiny and story of this entire region have transformed. And the architect of that transformation stands before us today in the form of our esteemed Prime Minister, Narendra Modi ji,” Scindia said, crediting PM Modi for spearheading the region’s revival.

    Recounting the region’s past infrastructure challenges, the minister pointed out that the northeast previously had only nine airports, and two states had no airport facilities at all. Today, that number has risen to seventeen, significantly enhancing connectivity and economic integration.

    ANI

  • North-East emerging as organic farming hub, says PM Modi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday underlined the growing global demand for organic food and said his vision is to see Indian food brands on dining tables across the world. 
     
    Speaking at the Rising North East Summit, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said that over the past decade, the scope of organic farming in the region has more than doubled. He noted that the North-East is producing a wide range of high-quality products such as tea, pineapples, oranges, lemons, turmeric, and ginger.
     
    “The exceptional taste and quality of these products have led to increasing international demand,” he said, urging stakeholders to tap into this opportunity and recognize the region as a key driver of India’s organic food exports.
     
    Prime Minister Modi also reiterated the Centre’s commitment to strengthening food processing infrastructure in the North-East. He said that enhanced connectivity is already aiding the initiative, while additional steps are being taken to develop mega food parks, expand cold storage networks, and establish testing lab facilities.
     
    Referring to the recently launched Oil Palm Mission, the Prime Minister highlighted the North-East’s favourable soil and climate for palm oil cultivation. He said this initiative not only offers farmers strong income potential but also reduces the country’s dependence on imported edible oils.
     
    “Palm oil farming in the North-East is a significant opportunity, and I encourage industries and stakeholders to actively participate in harnessing the region’s agricultural potential,” he added.

  • Explained: All you need to know about Amrit Bharat Stations inaugurated by PM Modi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 103 redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme on Thursday, marking a historic leap towards modernizing Indian Railways.

    Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

    The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a long-term plan to redevelop and modernize railway stations across India in a phased manner in order to elevate the travel experience for millions of passengers. Under this scheme, detailed plans are made for each station and the work is done in phases, based on what each station needs.

    The origin of the Amrit Bharat Stations scheme can be traced back to 2021, when Gandhinagar became the first Railway station to undergo modernization, replete with all modern facilities and a five star hotel. Later on in the same year, Rani Kamalapati Railway Station, formerly known as Habibganj wore a new look.

    The goal of the scheme is to make stations cleaner, more comfortable, and easier to use. Local products will be sold at kiosks under the ‘One Station One Product’ scheme, and efforts will be made to make stations look greener and more attractive.

    The Amrit Bharat Mission scheme also focuses on upgrading the station buildings, connecting both sides of the city through the station, and linking stations with other transport options like buses and metros. Special care is being taken to make stations friendly for Divyangs. Eco-friendly solutions, noise-free tracks, and better planning are also part of the improvements.

    Key features of Amrit Bharat Stations

    Equipped with modern amenities, these stations have been upgraded and redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme as city centres, showcasing regional culture and heritage.

    The scheme envisages building modern passenger amenities like aesthetically designed façade, resurfaced platforms, beautiful landscaping, roof plaza, kiosks, food courts, kids play area among others.

    The designs of redeveloped station buildings is inspired by local culture, heritage and architecture. While the Ahmedabad station draws inspiration from the Modhera Sun Temple, Dwarka station is inspired by the Dwarkadheesh Temple. While Gurugram station will carry the IT theme, the Baleshwar station in Odisha will be designed on theme of Bhagwan Jagannath Temple. The influence of the Chola architecture will reflect in the Kumbhakonam Station in Tamil Nadu. Deshnoke railway station, which serves tourists and pilgrims visiting the Karni Mata Temple among others, is inspired with temple architecture and arch and column theme. Begumpet railway station in Telangana is inspired by the architecture of the Kakatiya empire. Thawe station in Bihar incorporates various murals and art works representing Maa Thawewali, one of the 52 Shakti Peethas and depicting Madhubani paintings. Dakor station in Gujarat is inspired by Ranchhodrai Ji Maharaj.

    Some key features of these stations include enhanced passenger information systems, free Wi-Fi, wider roads, well-constructed underpasses, foot overbridges, modern waiting areas, executive lounges, spacious circulating areas, grand porches, enhanced parking facilities, alongside improved lighting arrangements, modern restrooms, and lifts, all designed to be disability-friendly.

    Over 1,300 stations are being redeveloped with modern facilities, designed to reflect regional architecture and enhance passenger amenities under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

    The 103 stations inaugurated by PM Modi on May 22 are spread across 86 districts in 18 states and union territories and were developed at a cost of over Rs 1,100 crore. Out of these 19 are in Uttar Pradesh; 18 in Gujarat; 15 in Maharashtra; 9 in Tamil Nadu; 8 in Rajasthan; 6 in Madhya Pradesh; 5 each in Karnataka and Chhattisgarh; 3 each in West Bengal, Jharkhand and Telangana; 2 each in Bihar and Kerala; 1 each in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Urumqi Tianshan Airport Records Significant Increase in Foreign Passenger Arrivals to China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    URUMQI, May 23 (Xinhua) — The number of foreign passengers arriving in China via Tianshan Airport in Urumqi, capital of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has increased significantly since early May, according to the Urumqi Border Checkpoint.

    According to statistics, from May 1 to 21, the total number of Chinese border crossings in both directions through the checkpoint at Tianshan Airport was 61,530 people-times, 749 international flights were processed, which is 82.7 percent and 134.7 percent more compared to the same period last year, respectively. The incoming foreign passenger flow of the airport during the reporting period increased by 75.7 percent year-on-year and exceeded 8,900 people-times, accounting for about 14.47 percent of the country’s total. Broken down by country, the largest share was among citizens of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Tajikistan and other countries.

    Urumqi Tianshan Airport is the closest airport to the countries of Central and East Asia and Europe that have joined the Belt and Road Initiative, with 24-hour service. It is a key transportation hub in northwest China, ensuring smooth international traffic. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Muskogee Residents Sentenced for Child Neglect

    Source: US FBI

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Andrew Allen Maher, age 33, and Azalee Louellen Maher, age 28, both of Muskogee, Oklahoma, were sentenced to five years supervised release for child neglect in Indian country.

    The charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    On April 15, 2024, Andrew Maher and Azalee Maher each pleaded guilty to one count of Child Neglect in Indian Country.  According to investigators, on August 18, 2023, Muskogee officers responding to reports of an accidental firearm discharge at a Muskogee residence discovered a two-year old child with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the lower abdomen.  EMS workers successfully resuscitated and stabilized the child, who was transported for life-saving surgery.  As part of the plea, both defendants admitted failing to provide adequate supervision to the child in their care, resulting in the child accessing a firearm.

    The crime occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessie Pippin represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ardmore Resident Pleads Guilty to Felony Assault Charge

    Source: US FBI

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Richard Alan Chastain, age 52, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea of one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country.

    The Indictment alleged that on July 17, 2024, Chastain assaulted the victim with a dangerous weapon, with intent to do bodily harm. The crime occurred in Carter County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The charges arose from an investigation by the Ardmore Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea, and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.  Chastain will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: December Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments Announced

    Source: US FBI

    United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the December Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments.

    The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

    Terrance Frank Buffalomeat. Second Degree Burglary in Indian Country; Simple Assault. Buffalomeat, 20, of Hominy and a member of the Osage Nation, is charged with breaking into Midwest Wraps with intent to steal. He is further charged with assaulting a victim. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Goodrum is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-392

    Mark Verron Callshim, Jr. Robbery in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (superseding). Callshim, 37, of Tulsa and a member of the Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, is charged with taking something of value by force, violence, and intimidation. He is further charged with brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Flesher is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-159

    Tony Deanglio Davis. Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Davis, 50, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Flesher is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-393

    Keith Edward Enyart; Jennifer Barger Enyart. Child Neglect in Indian Country (Counts 1 & 4); Child Abuse in Indian Country (Counts 2 & 5); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Count 3). Keith Enyart, 52, a member of the Wyandotte Nation, and Jennifer Enyart, 44, of Wyandotte, are charged with willfully failing to provide appropriate medical care and supervision to protect a child under their care. They both are charged with willfully harming the safety and welfare of the minor victim. Jennifer is additionally charged with intentionally assaulting the minor child by tasing his testicles. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie N. Ihler is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-394

    Sarai Jamila Nyasha Freeman. Passing and Uttering Counterfeit Obligations and Securities (Counts 1 & 2); Aggravated Identity Theft (Counts 3 & 4); Failure to Appear (Count 5) (superseding). Freeman, 40, of Aurora, Colorado, is charged with forging and cashing counterfeit U.S. Treasury checks. She is further charged with using the victim’s last name and social security number without lawful authority. Additionally, Freeman failed to appear for trial, knowing she was required under the conditions of her pretrial release. The U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the Treasury Inspector General are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David D. Whipple is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-220

    Grant Stephen Goers. Coercion and Enticement of a Minor (Counts 1, 3, & 4); Production of Child Pornography (Count 2). Goers, 23, of Greenwood, Arkansas, is charged with knowingly persuading and enticing three separate minor victims under 18 years old to engage in sexual activity. He is further charged with enticing a minor victim to produce sexually explicit material. Homeland Security Investigations, the Tulsa Police Department, the Sand Springs Police Department, and the Tahlequah Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-395

    Diana May Harjo. Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. Harjo, 39, of Tulsa and a member of the Sac and Fox Nation, is charged with assaulting the victim, which resulted in serious bodily injury. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele W. Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-403

    Ricky Troy Juarez. Second Degree Murder in Indian Country. Juarez, 32, of Tulsa and a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, is charged with unlawfully killing Shane Thompson, Sr., with malice aforethought. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O. Johnston is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-404

    Jose Jesus Lozano-Gonzalez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien; Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Lozano-Gonzalez, 25, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Feb. 2022. Further, Lozano-Gonzalez unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies in Oklahoma. U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Harris is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-374

    Stuwart Raymon Owens. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Owens, 39, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Dowdell is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-405

    Rudi Reyes-Rosales. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Reyes-Rosales, 30, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in July 2021. U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-396

    Kyle Thomas Smith. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Smith, 33, of Claremore, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Brasher is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-406

    Ryan Blake Still. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Still, 33, transient, is charged with knowingly failing to register
    as a sex offender from June 2024 through July 2024 after previously being convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in 
    Indian County in 2021. The U.S. Marshal Service is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-407

    Marcos Javier Suazo-Otero; Marcos Javier Suazo-Mancilla. Drug Conspiracy; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Suazo-Otero, 46, and Suazo-Mancilla, 23, both Mexican nationals, are charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 2024 through Nov. 2024. They are further charged with maintaining a residence for drug distribution. Suazo-Otero knowingly possessed methamphetamine with intent to distribute and is additionally charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Aug. 2018. Lastly, Suazo-Mancilla knowingly possessed cocaine with intent to distribute and possessed firearms while drug trafficking. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-397

    Aristride Villatoro-Izaguirre. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Villatoro-Izaguirre, 32, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Feb. 2018. U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Goodrum is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-398

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greater Manchester to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Greater Manchester to benefit from recent trade deals

    Trade deals with India, US and the EU that have seen tariffs on key industries slashed are set to help drive growth in Greater Manchester.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burham to discuss the benefits of the recent trade deals.
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.
    • The deals benefit the automotive sector that supports 15,000 jobs.

    Trade deals with India, US and the EU that have seen tariffs on key industries slashed are set to help drive growth in Greater Manchester. 
      
    Reductions in tariffs on automobile exports have provided security for 15,000 workers.   

    Opens up the region to greater investment to grow the economy, raise living standards and put more money into working people’s pockets – priorities of our Plan for Change. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 

    The trade deals that we have closed delivers stability for the automotive sector in the region that employs 15,000 workers.

    It also will create opportunities for more seamless trade, attracting inward investment that will grow the local economy and make a difference to people’s lives.  

    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across Greater Manchester.

    32,962 people employed in agriculture across the North West will also benefit from our trade deal with the EU. It will reduce checks and red tape, meaning produce grown and farmed in the region has easy access to the UK’s biggest trading partner. 

    British steel exports are also protected from new rules and restrictive tariffs from the EU, supporting 4,300 people working in the steel industry across the North West. 

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.   

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.   

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need. 

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For businesses in Manchester, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    India is a significant marker for the Northwest where over 900 business exported goods worth £412 million last year. 

    Home to iconic car companies such as Jaguar Land Rover and Bentley, this sector will benefit from measures that reduce automative tariffs from over 100% to 10% under a quota.

    This is in addition to the region welcoming investment from businesses in India with IndiGo, India’s biggest airline carrier choosing Manchester as its first ever European destination. 

    Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said: 

    At Manchester Airport, our mission is to connect the North with the world, helping people visit new places, connecting businesses with key global markets, and welcoming tourists and investors to our region.  

    That is why I am proud that IndiGo – India’s biggest carrier – has chosen Manchester, alongside Amsterdam, as its first ever European destinations.   

    We know connectivity is a key enabler of trade and productivity. By providing direct access to the world’s fastest-growing major economy, this route will deliver a significant boost to the government’s economic growth mission and coincides perfectly with new of a new UK-India trade deal.

    In the same week as the agreement with India, we negotiated the first of its kind deal with the US to reduce tariffs on car exports. Both of these arrangements secure greater certainty for the sector, the 15,000 workers and their families, while also enhancing opportunities for manufacturing in the region to grow. 

    Manchester will also benefit from access to India’s growing telecommunications market and the commitment in our US deal to increase digital trade and access for the world leading industries in the city. 

    Just this week, the Prime Minister confirmed a new agreement with the European Union that will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, create more jobs in South Yorkshire, raising living standards and put more money in people’s pockets.   

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Hull and East Yorkshire to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Hull and East Yorkshire to benefit from recent trade deals

    Hull and East Yorkshire’s top job creators including the life sciences and auto industry are set to benefit from the UK’s new trade deals with India and the US that slashes tariffs and boosts access to the world’s fastest growing economy.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire Luke Campbell to discuss the benefits of his recent trade deals.
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.
    • Boost for top job creators including pharmaceuticals that employs almost 2,000 and the automotive industry that employs 3,000 people in the region.

    Hull and East Yorkshire’s top job creators including the life sciences and auto industry are set to benefit from the UK’s new trade deals with India and the US that slashes tariffs and boosts access to the world’s fastest growing economy. 

    The US deal negotiated by the Prime Minister deliver long term certainty for 3,000 people employed in the auto industry locally and almost 2,000 in pharmaceuticals. 

    It also will deliver opportunities for major job creators in the region such as Smith + Nephew and Advanced Wound Management to grow – the first priority of our Plan for Change. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:  

    The trade deals that we have closed delivers stability in the automotive and pharmaceuticals industry in Hull and East Yorkshire that employs 5,000 people. 

    It also will create opportunities for more seamless trade, attracting inward investment that will grow the local economy and make a difference to people’s lives.

    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across Hull and East Yorkshire.

    Over 31,000 people employed in agriculture across the region will also benefit from our agreement with the EU. It will reduce checks and red tape, meaning regional specialties like crab, Yorkshire Pudding and cheeses will have easy access to the UK’s biggest trading market. 

    The agreement also protects British steel exports from new EU rules and restrictive, providing further security for 8,400 jobs in the steel industry across Yorkshire and the Humber. 

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.  

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.  

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need. 

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For businesses in East Yorkshire, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    Our increased trade with India will unlock opportunities for every region in the UK to access the world’s fastest growing major economy, including Hull and East Yorkshire. In the same week, we negotiated the first of its kind agreement with the US that will reduce car export tariffs from 27.5% to 10% – providing 3,000 workers in Hull and East Yorkshire with long-term security and certainty.  

    The agreement also secures the UK preferential access to the US market for pharmaceuticals in the case of new US tariffs in coming weeks, and we are working closely to get the best deal for our pharma industry that supports 2,000 jobs in Hull and East Yorkshire. 

    Just this week the Prime Minister acted in the national interest by confirming a new agreement with the EU that will deliver on our core mission to grow the economy, creating more jobs in Hull and East Yorkshire and putting more money in people’s pockets.  

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: West Yorkshire to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    West Yorkshire to benefit from recent trade deals

    The three trade deals that we have struck in three weeks will benefit manufacturing that employs nearly 10% of all people in West Yorkshire.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracey Brabin to discuss the benefits of his recent trade deals.
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.
    • The deals benefit local manufacturing which employs nearly 10% of people in the region.

    The three trade deals that we have struck in three weeks will benefit manufacturing that employs nearly 10% of all people in West Yorkshire.  

    Reducing India’s tariffs on machinery, slashing tariffs on car exports in both deals and our agreement with the US to remove the 25% tariff on steel provides stability for the biggest employers in the region like Hitachi, Bombardier and Siemens.  

    This means greater job security for workers, stronger economic growth to create more jobs and higher living standards across West Yorkshire.  

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    The trade deals that we have closed delivers stability for manufacturing in West Yorkshire that employs 10% of people in the region. 

    It also will create opportunities for more seamless trade, attracting inward investment that will grow the local economy and make a difference to people’s lives.  

    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve people’s lives across West Yorkshire.

    Over 31,000 people employed in agriculture across the region will also benefit from our agreement with the EU. It will reduce checks and red tape, meaning regional specialties like crab, Yorkshire Pudding and cheeses will face easy access to the UK’s biggest trading market. 

    The agreement also protects British steel exports from new EU rules and restrictive, providing further security for 8,400 jobs in the steel industry across Yorkshire and the Humber. 

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.   

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.   

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need. 

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For businesses in West Yorkshire, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    Our increased trade with India will unlock opportunities for every region in the UK to access the world’s fastest growing economy, including West Yorkshire. Aeroservices, a leading global player in the aviation industry headquartered in Leeds, has also praised the India trade deal, which will enable them to level up the office they opened in Bangalore back in 2022. 

    Under the Free Trade Deal that was concluded, India has agreed to reduce tariffs on products including machinery, enhancing the region’s renowned engineering sector.  

     Based on 2022 trade alone, India will cut tariffs worth over £400 million when the deal comes into force, which will more than double to around £900 million after 10 years.    

    Formed in 1824, Group Rhodes designs and manufactures advanced metal, heavy ceramic and composite forming machinery.

    Mark Ridgway, CEO of Group Rhodes, said:

    As a manufacturer of advanced metalforming machinery used in the forming and lightweighting of aircraft, India is a strong market for Group Rhodes and offers significant growth potential. 

    The recent UK-India trade deal not only sets the scene for reduced tariffs on machinery but also serves to both enhance our competitiveness as a UK exporter and reduce the complexity of trade with this fast-growing market.

    In another win for a historic part of the West Yorkshire economy, India has committed to reducing tariffs on UK textiles – that will give local firms access to India’s booming middle class.  

    In the same week, we negotiated the first of its kind agreement with the US that will reduce tariffs on UK car exports and remove tariffs on steel, protecting two key industries in the region that employ thousands of people.  

    The US deal also contains provisions to streamline custom rules on textiles and clothes made in West Yorkshire, making it easier for small and medium sized businesses to enter the US market.  

    Just this week, the Prime Minister confirmed a new agreement with the European Union that will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, create more jobs in West Yorkshire, raising living standards and put more money in people’s pockets.   

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lincolnshire to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Lincolnshire to benefit from recent trade deals

    Manufacturing and farming in Greater Lincolnshire are set to benefit from the UK’s new trade deals with India, the US and EU.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire Andrea Jenkyns
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change
    • Delivers welcome boost and security for the manufacturing industry that employs 39,000 workers

    Manufacturing and farming in Greater Lincolnshire are set to benefit from the UK’s new trade deals with India, the US and EU.  

    The deals negotiated by the Prime Ministers deliver long-term certainty for 39,000 jobs in Greater Lincolnshire’s manufacturing sector, including 2,700 steel workers in Scunthorpe. 

    Our deal with the EU will benefit around 100,000 people (including in food retail) that are employed in the county’s food sector. It means less checks and red tape so that farmers and producers who grow food in Lincolnshire now have easy access to the EU, the UK’s biggest trading partners.  

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:   

    These trade deals that we have closed delivers stability for 39,000 workers employed in the manufacturing sector in Greater Lincolnshire. 

    It also will create opportunities for more seamless trade, attracting inward investment that will grow the local economy and make a difference to people’s lives.    

    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across Greater Lincolnshire.

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.      

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.     

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need. 

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    Just weeks after he stepped into support the UK steel industry that was on the brink of collapse, the Prime Minister has negotiated the 25% tariff down to zero, meaning that UK steelmakers, like British Steel in Scunthorpe can carry on exporting to the US.   

    The UK exported £343 million in primary steel products to the US in 2024, so the deal agreed supports the viability of 40,000 jobs in the industry nationwide, including 2,700 workers in Scunthorpe and their families.  

    Lisa Coulson, British Steel’s Interim Chief Commercial Officer, said:  

    Europe is a strategically important market for our business, so we whole-heartedly welcome this agreement and the new working relationship between the UK and EU.  

    It will enable us to deliver more of the high-quality products synonymous with the British Steel name and support our drive to be one of the world’s leading manufacturers of steel.

    In the same week, the Prime Minister agreed a trade deal with India that could see cheaper prices and more choice on products including clothes, footwear, and food products. 

    From this position of strength, we also upheld our red lines on standards including in agriculture, meaning that produce farmed in Greater Lincolnshire has been protected.  

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –