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Category: Aviation

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Don Davis Introduces Legislation Promoting Aviation Education and Honors Recent Graduates at Our Community Salutes Event

    Source: US Congressman Don Davis (NC-01)

    ELIZABETH CITY, NC — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) announced new legislation Thursday aimed at expanding access to aviation education and later honored military-bound high school graduates during a community event in Elizabeth City.

    H.R. 3530, the Flight Education Access Act, was introduced during a press conference at Davis’ district office. Co-led by Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA), the bill seeks to raise federal student loan limits for students enrolled in undergraduate flight training programs, such as those offered at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU).

    The proposed bill would raise the amount students can borrow in federal loans for flight training programs. Dependent students could borrow up to $111,000, and independent students up to $137,500. It also increases the limit for certain other federal loans to $65,000. The bill would also require the Department of Education to track and report how many students finish these aviation programs each year.

    “By raising student loan limits for our aspiring pilots, we are taking one step towards meeting our nation’s aerospace workforce needs and providing opportunities for the next generation across eastern North Carolina and our nation,” said Congressman Davis. “We must do everything we can to create a brighter future for our aviation students, no matter their zip code or crossroad.”

    The announcement preceded the Our Community Salutes (OCS) event, a program that honors and supports high school graduates enlisting in the U.S. military, as well as their families, as they transition from civilian to military life. Since 2009, OCS has held more than 300 ceremonies across 70 communities in 25 states, honoring over 3,100 new enlistees in 2024 alone. The program also provides financial literacy training and educational pathways for enlistees.

    This year marked the launch of an Our Community Salutes ceremony for the Northeast North Carolina region, hosted in partnership with Congressman Davis and ECSU. The event drew attendees from across the region, including Raleigh and Norfolk.

    ECSU’s Aviation Science Program, the only four-year collegiate aviation education program in North Carolina, served as the venue for both the press conference and ceremony. The program offers specialized degrees in Aviation Management, Avionics, Flight Education, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and Professional Aeronautics, preparing students for careers in aerospace and aviation industries. Despite growing enrollment, ECSU’s aviation program faces a funding deficit of approximately $18,000 per student. The university currently uses carry-forward funds to purchase equipment, but additional recurring funding is needed to sustain the program and expand student support.

    Congressman Davis, a former assistant professor of Aerospace Studies at East Carolina University’s Air Force ROTC, has long been an advocate for aviation and military education programs. At a previous ECSU Aviation Sciences Building groundbreaking, he emphasized the importance of these programs for the region and the nation. 

    The press conference and OCS ceremony highlighted the region’s commitment to supporting military families and expanding educational pathways in aviation and aerospace.

    Congressman Don Davis serves as the vice ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee and sits on the Subcommittees on Tactical Air and Land Forces and Readiness. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1994 and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Army completes review of May 1 DCA flight event

    Source: United States Army

    After a thorough review of air traffic control (ATC) communications, flight procedures, and the event timeline, the Army found no deviations from approved flight paths and no risk of intersecting air traffic. The helicopter, a UH-60M Black Hawk operating under call sign PAT 23, was landing at the Pentagon at the time of the incident and was not carrying any passengers.
    The aircraft’s location was continuously broadcast via its Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) Out system throughout the flight. (Photo Credit: ADS-B Exchange, ADSBexchange.com)     VIEW ORIGINAL

    WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army has concluded its internal review of the May 1, 2025, air traffic incident involving Army helicopter PAT 23 and two commercial aircraft on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

    After a thorough review of air traffic control (ATC) communications, flight procedures, and the event timeline, the Army found no deviations from approved flight paths and no risk of intersecting air traffic. The helicopter, a UH-60M Black Hawk operating under call sign PAT 23, was landing at the Pentagon at the time of the incident and was not carrying any passengers.

    The aircraft’s location was continuously broadcast via its Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) Out system throughout the flight.

    DCA ATC directed go-arounds for two commercial aircraft—Delta 1671 and RPA 5825—out of an apparent abundance of caution. The first go-around occurred before PAT 23 arrived at the Pentagon helipad and was the result of an issue with sequencing of air traffic by DCA Tower. The second occurred during PAT 23’s subsequent traffic pattern and was based on conflicting positional data from legacy tracking systems.

    Upon its first approach, PAT 23 initiated a go-around due to a delay in clearance from the Pentagon Tower. The maneuver was executed in accordance with standard procedures and communicated directly to DCA Tower.

    The Army supports ongoing efforts to modernize air traffic control systems, including initiatives led by Secretary Duffy to address inconsistencies caused by legacy technologies.

    “We are committed to safe and professional aviation operations in all airspace,” said Brig. Gen. Matthew Braman, director of Army Aviation. “We continue to work closely with the FAA to update procedures prior to resuming Pentagon flight operations in support of national security missions.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Videographer Wins Top Award for Capturing Human Side of Science

    Source: NASA

    [embedded content]
    NASA/Jacob Shaw

    Capturing the high-stakes work behind NASA’s Airborne Science Program takes more than just technical skill – it takes vision. At NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, videographer Jacob Shaw brings that vision to life, documenting missions with a style and storytelling approach all his own.
    “Armstrong is full of cutting-edge flight research and remarkable people,” Shaw said. “Being able to shape how those stories are told, in my own style, is incredibly rewarding.”

    jacob Shaw
    NASA Videographer

    Shaw recently earned first place in NASA’s 2024 Videographer of the Year Awards, documentation category, for his film, “Reflections,” which chronicles the 2024 Airborne Science mission PACE-PAX – short for Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem Postlaunch Airborne eXperiment. The campaign used NASA Armstrong’s ER-2 high-altitude aircraft to collect atmospheric and ocean data in support of the PACE satellite, launched in February 2024.
    “These missions are live, high-stakes operations – even if the crew makes it look effortless,” Shaw said. “I’m fascinated not just with capturing these moments, but with shaping them into meaningful stories through editing.”

    Shaw’s passion for video began early, inspired by watching his father film family memories with a VHS camcorder in the early 1990s. He said seeing those moments captured made him realize the power of documenting reality and inspired him to pursue videography as a professional and personal passion.
    “What I love most about creating videos for NASA at Armstrong Flight Research Center is the creative freedom I’m given to craft stories,” Shaw said. “I’m trusted to take a concept and run with it.”
    Since joining the video team in 2021, Shaw has documented dozens of missions, helping to share the center’s groundbreaking work with the world.
    “We’re a small crew that wears many hats, always stepping up to get the job done,” Shaw said. “I am thankful for their encouragement to submit my work [for this award], and proud to bring home the gold for Armstrong!”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Captivision Receives Notification from Nasdaq Related to Delayed Annual Report on Form 20-F

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Captivision Inc. (“Captivision” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CAPT), a pioneering manufacturer and global LED solution provider, today announced that it received a letter (the “Letter”) on May 22, 2025, from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) stating that the Company is not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) because it has not yet filed its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the period ended December 31, 2024 (the “Form 20-F”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Letter is only a notification of deficiency, not of imminent delisting, and has no current effect on the listing or trading of the Company’s securities on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The Letter is in addition to previously disclosed letters regarding the Company’s non-compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing standards related to market value of publicly held shares, minimum bid price, and market value of listed securities.

    In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rules, the Company has 60 calendar days (until July 21, 2025) to submit a plan to regain compliance. If Nasdaq accepts the Company’s plan, Nasdaq can grant an exception of up to 180 calendar days from the due date of the Form 20-F, or until November 11, 2025, to regain compliance. However, there can be no assurance that Nasdaq will accept the Company’s plan to regain compliance or that the Company will be able to regain compliance within any extension period granted by Nasdaq. If Nasdaq does not accept the Company’s plan, the Company will have the opportunity to appeal that decision to a Hearing Panel under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5815(a). If the Company fails to timely regain compliance with Nasdaq’s listing rules, the securities of the Company will be subject to delisting on Nasdaq.

    The Company is continuing to work diligently to finalize and file the Form 20-F as soon as possible within the timeline prescribed by Nasdaq. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to file the Form 20-F within any applicable cure period.

    This announcement is made in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(b), which requires prompt disclosure of receipt of a deficiency notification.

    About Captivision

    Captivision is a pioneering manufacturer of media glass, combining IT building material and architectural glass. The product has a boundless array of applications including entertainment media, information media, cultural and artistic content as well as marketing use cases. Captivision can transform any glass façade into a transparent media screen with real time live stream capability. Captivision is fast becoming a solution provider across the LED product spectrum.

    Captivision’s media glass and solutions have been implemented in hundreds of locations globally across sports stadiums, entertainment venues, casinos and hotels, convention centers, office and retail properties and airports. Learn more at http://www.captivision.com/.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to expectations for future financial performance, business strategies, or expectations for the Company’s respective businesses. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of the management of the Company. Although the Company believes that its plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that it will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. These statements constitute projections, forecasts, and forward-looking statements, and are not guarantees of performance. Such statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. When used in this press release, words such as “believe”, “can”, “continue”, “expect”, “forecast”, “may”, “plan”, “project”, “should”, “will” or the negative of such terms, and similar expressions, may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.

    The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (1) the ability to raise financing in the future and to comply with restrictive covenants related to indebtedness; (2) the ability to realize the benefits expected from the business combination and the Company’s strategic direction; (3) the significant market adoption, demand and opportunities in the construction and digital out of home media industries for the Company’s products; (4) the ability to maintain the listing of the Company’s ordinary shares and warrants on Nasdaq; (5) the ability of the Company to remain competitive in the fourth generation architectural media glass industry in the face of future technological innovations; (6) the ability of the Company to execute its international expansion strategy; (7) the ability of the Company to protect its intellectual property rights; (8) the profitability of the Company’s larger projects, which are subject to protracted sales cycles; (9) whether the raw materials, components, finished goods, and services used by the Company to manufacture its products will continue to be available and will not be subject to significant price increases; (10) the IT, vertical real estate, and large format wallscape modified regulatory restrictions or building codes; (11) the ability of the Company’s manufacturing facilities to meet their projected manufacturing costs and production capacity; (12) the future financial performance of the Company; (13) the emergence of new technologies and the response of the Company’s customer base to those technologies; (14) the ability of the Company to retain or recruit, or to effect changes required in, its officers, key employees, or directors; (15) the ability of the Company to comply with laws and regulations applicable to its business; and (16) other risks and uncertainties set forth under the section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F entitled “Risk Factors.”

    These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this press release and the Company’s management team’s current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of the Company and its directors, officers, and affiliates. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company management team’s views as of any subsequent date. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update, add or to otherwise correct any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events, inaccuracies that become apparent after the date hereof or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

    Investor Contact:
    Gateway Group
    Ralf Esper
    +1 949-574-3860
    CAPT@gateway-grp.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Zinke Celebrates Butte VA Clinic Renaming in Honor of RFC Charlie Dowd

    Source:

    (Butte, MT.) Today, Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke attended the renaming ceremony for the Butte Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinic, which is now officially named the “Charlie Dowd Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.” Congressman Zinke introduced the legislation to rename the clinic in January of 2024, with companion legislation introduced by Senator Steve Daines. The legislation was signed into law in July of 2024.

    “Today was a deeply meaningful day as we renamed the Butte VA Clinic in honor of Radioman Charlie Dowd, a Pearl Harbor and WWII hero, and truly incredible American who dedicated his life after the Navy to serving Montana,” said Congressman Zinke

    Zinke continued, “I had the privilege of visiting with Charlie many times over the years, and I’ll never forget listening to him share stories from Pearl Harbor and the South Pacific. Even at 99, he could still fit into his uniform and tap out Morse code like he did in the service. The ‘Charlie Dowd Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic’ will serve as a lasting reminder of Devil Dog Dowd’s legacy of bravery and lifelong commitment to his country, his fellow veterans, and his community.”

    Charlie Dowd enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1941 and served as a radioman at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. During the infamous attack on December 7, 1941, which damaged 21 ships and claimed the lives of 2,400 Americans, Charlie, in a t-shirt and trousers, sprinted from the barracks to the armory, where he climbed to the roof to fire at the Japanese enemy aircraft, namely low-flying torpedo bombers. Through his act of bravery and continued service in the Navy in both the Solomon Islands and New Guinea, he earned the nickname “Devil Dog Dowd” from his shipmates for his unwavering willingness to volunteer for the most dangerous mission assignments.

    After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy along with seven Bronze Star Medals, Charlie became a respected member of the Anaconda, Montana, community. He was known for his advocacy on behalf of fellow veterans, his dedication to preserving the memory of the events of World War II, and his active membership in the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. Charlie loved speaking to civic groups and museums across Montana. He was also an avid sportsman and served as an outdoor writer for the Anaconda Leader newspaper.

    After Dowd’s passing in March 2023, Congressman Zinke honored him in the Congressional Record. Read the issue here.

    See photos from the event here.

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British firepower deployed on NATO’s eastern flank in show of force

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    British firepower deployed on NATO’s eastern flank in show of force

    UK shores up NATO’s eastern flank with deployment to Finland.

    Credit: Finnish Defence Forces

    Hundreds of UK military personnel deployed to NATO’s eastern flank to add critical firepower to a major NATO exercise in Northern Finland. 

    Exercise Northern Strike will see the UK Armed Forces join thousands of personnel from Finland and Sweden, NATO’s two newest Allies. The show of force and firepower reinforces the Alliance’s readiness, capability, and commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory. This is the latest demonstration of strong collaboration between the UK and our international partners as set out in the government’s Plan for Change.

    New British Army AH64E Apache attack helicopters will fire Hellfire missiles and 30mm guns simulating close support to allied combat forces on the ground, including British Army infantry units. 

    Bringing their cutting-edge rocket systems to the battlefield, The British Army’s 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery will fire their Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) throughout and put their troops to the test during a field training exercise. MLRS has been proven in battle in the war in Ukraine and this will be the first time the British Army fire the system on European soil alongside AH64E Apache helicopters. 

    Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, said :

    Exercise Northern Strike demonstrates our unshakeable commitment to NATO and highlights the key capabilities the UK brings to the Alliance. This government’s commitment to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027 ensures the UK’s strength and leadership.

    From the skies over Poland, to the northern reaches of Finland, the UK is standing shoulder to shoulder with our allies in leading the way in defending NATO’s eastern flank. Working with our international partners is at the core of this government’s Plan for Change.

    Deepening partnerships with key Allies across the exercise is a key part of this Government’s NATO first policy, to ensure the UK is secure at home and strong abroad. Strengthening NATO by showcasing our capabilities and increasing interoperability assures our allies and deters our adversaries. 

    Exercise Northern Strike is part of a wider operation to secure NATO’s eastern flank; Operation RAZOREDGE. RAZOREDGE is made up of 13 exercises involving 13 NATO allies across 6 countries. The UK has contributed assets across air, land and sea with over 6,000 UK personnel taking part alongside 16,500 allied troops. 

    Operated by 4 Regiment, Army Air Corps, the Apache Helicopters also support jobs across the country at the Army Aviation Centre in Hampshire and Suffolk. UK industry also plays a key role with 75 British companies, including 33 SMEs also contributing a range of critical components to the aircraft.   

    Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority, and an integral part of its Plan for Change. The work of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, is critical to the security and stability of the UK, supporting all of the Government’s five missions in its plan.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alaska Wildlife Trooper Agrees to Resign and Permanently Relinquish Law Enforcement Credentials for Making False Statements to the FAA

    Source: US FBI

    FAIRBANKS – An Alaska Wildlife Trooper has entered into an agreement with the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Alaska to resolve investigations into false and misleading statements he made to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2019.

    According to the agreement and other court proceedings, Timothy Abbott, 39, of North Pole, Alaska, has agreed to permanently resign from the Alaska Wildlife Troopers and to relinquish his law enforcement credentials based on conduct surrounding his personal acquisition and registration of an aircraft.

    In November 2019, Abbott, then an Alaska Wildlife Trooper, submitted an application to the FAA to register a Kitfox Series 5 airplane. In the application, Abbott submitted a bill of sale to transfer the title of the aircraft to himself in exchange for $1.00 based on the signature of a previous owner of the aircraft, David Miller. Abbott falsely represented to the FAA that Miller had the authority to sell the aircraft. He did not disclose to the FAA that Miller had previously sold the aircraft to another individual more than 10 years ago and no longer had any personal ownership interest in the airplane. After Abbott removed the aircraft from its location at Clear Airport (PACL) Alaska, the actual owner of the aircraft contacted the Alaska State Troopers and reported the aircraft as stolen. During the investigation into the theft, Abbott contacted the Troopers and returned the aircraft to Clear Airport.

     “Making false statements to a federal agency is against the law no matter who you are or who you work for,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, District of Alaska. “There is no excuse for those who deceive federal regulators for the sake of personal gain. To anyone contemplating providing false information to a federal agency, know that the Justice Department will pursue the facts and hold you accountable.”

    “We take any allegation of criminal wrongdoing by an Alaska Wildlife Trooper very seriously and will take appropriate steps to hold that Trooper accountable through the criminal justice system,” said Colonel Doug Massie, Director of the Alaska Wildlife Troopers. “I would like to thank our partners at the FBI and US Attorney’s Office for their careful review of this case and bringing it to a resolution. We know that the public places a lot of trust in the Troopers that work across our great state. This was a very unfortunate incident, but the Alaska Department of Public Safety maintains a very high standard for our Alaska State and Wildlife Troopers and that includes conduct that takes place both on and off duty. We are committed to restoring any trust that was lost by the actions of this Trooper and working consistently to meet our mission of ensuring public safety and enforcing fish and wildlife laws.”

    Abbott appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott A. Oravec and agreed to the terms of the agreement. If Abbott violates the agreement, he could face a felony conviction for making a false statement to the FAA, which carries up to three years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. If Abbott abides by the terms of the agreement, the United States has agreed to dismiss the charges against him.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Alaska State Troopers (AST) are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Tansey is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    West of England to benefit from recent trade deals

    The three trade deals that we have struck in three weeks will benefit manufacturing that accounts for around 5% of all employment in the West of England.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the Mayor for the West of England Helen Godwin 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.
    • Agreement with the EU a huge boost to 64,000 people employed in agriculture across the South West.

    The three trade deals that we have struck in three weeks will benefit manufacturing that accounts for around 5% of all employment in the West of England. 

    Reducing India’s tariffs on machinery, reducing the US tariff on cars and removing American tariffs on UK aerospace will support employers with a significant presence in the region like Airbus, Rolls-Royce and GKN Aerospace. 

    This means job security for workers, jobs creation supported in local communities and higher living standards across the West of England – priorities that we are delivering through Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    The trade deals that we have closed provides certainty for the 5% of all working people who are employed in manufacturing, delivers security for their families and puts more in people’s pockets.  

    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 the West of England.

    68,000 people employed in agriculture (a fifth of all agriculture workers in England) across the South West will benefit significantly from our trade deal with the EU, that removes red tape and burdens on business, meaning regional specialties like Cheddar Cheese now have easy access to the UK’s biggest trading market.

    In another win for local producers, the deal means goods like Gloucestershire sausages that previously could not be exported can now be sold to customers in the EU.

    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 the West of England, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    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.  

    John Harrison, Chair of Airbus UK, said:

    We welcome this new chapter in the UK-EU relationship. In an uncertain world, closer cooperation gives businesses greater certainty and unlocks new opportunities for investment, innovation and growth.

    For Airbus, with our unique industrial footprint across both the UK and EU, this reset provides a vital platform to strengthen partnerships in defence, space and civil aerospace, areas where collaboration is essential to Europe’s long-term security and competitiveness.

    Our increased trade with India will unlock opportunities for every region in the UK to access the world’s fastest growing major economy, including the West of England. 

    Under the Free Trade Deal that was concluded, the barriers to trading have been dropped, with India agreeing to reduce tariffs on products including advanced machinery, aerospace and medical devices that are made in the West of England. 

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

    India reduced tariffs on medical devices and machinery exported from the UK, that will deliver significant benefits for firms across Bristol and the wider region. 

    The deals both support collaboration on green energy tech, aligning with the region’s initiatives in renewables and energy innovation. They also bring benefits to the financial, digital and services companies that are based in Bristol which employ local people and generate economic growth across the region. 

    Just this week, the Prime Minister acted in the national interest by confirming a new agreement with the European Union that will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, creating more jobs in the West of England, raising standards 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 Security: Amy Kaskel: Albuquerque Field Office

    Source: US FBI

    I joined the FBI in 1999 and have worked national security and counterintelligence investigations in the New York and Los Angeles offices and at FBI Headquarters. I have also managed human intelligence operations and witness security programs and served as a team leader in the inspection division. In March 2020, I was promoted to assistant special agent in charge of the Albuquerque Field Office.

    What drew you to the FBI?  

    While working as a customs inspector at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, I met the FBI special agent assigned to the airport. One day he suggested I apply, but I thought all FBI agents were men who had been attorneys, accountants, law enforcement, or military. He explained the FBI was looking for smart, inquisitive people with varied backgrounds and life experiences. 

    I was drawn to the FBI because of the many opportunities, unique travel, interesting training, fascinating overseas assignments, challenging collateral duties, the opportunity to protect the United States, and no more polyester uniform! Now, 23 years later, I am a different person because of the opportunities presented to me in my career and am glad I was encouraged to apply to the FBI.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oregon Man Arrested for Indecent Exposure After Flight From Oregon to New Hampshire is Diverted to Buffalo

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Neil McCarthy, 25, of Oregon, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with indecent exposure, which carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a $5,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated according to the complaint, on July 3, 2024, the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (NFTA) Police were called to Gate 2 at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, to respond to a report made by an American Airlines flight that a man exposed himself and urinated in the aisle of the aircraft while the plane was in flight. The aircraft was diverted from the original destination of Manchester, New Hampshire, to Buffalo. When the flight landed, an officer boarded the airplane and spoke to a flight attendant, who said that McCarthy had exposed himself and urinated on the flight. McCarthy was taken into custody and escorted off the plane.

    McCarthy made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was released on his own recognizance.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority Police, under the direction of Chief Brian Patterson and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Columbus Woman Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping Infant Twins

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to two counts of kidnapping a minor.

    As part of the plea, parties involved in the case have recommended a sentence of 20 years in prison for Nalah T. Jackson, 25.

    “There is no greater responsibility than protecting our youth,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “This community watched in horror as Nalah Jackson preyed on two vulnerable babies. Today, she admitted her crime and agreed to spend 20 years in prison for her actions.” 

    According to court documents, between Dec. 19, 2022, and Dec. 22, 2022, Jackson kidnapped two minor children in Columbus and traveled interstate with one of them. 

    Specifically, close to 10pm on the night of Dec. 19, Jackson walked out of Donatos Pizza on North High Street in Columbus and drove away in a black Honda Accord that had been left running in the parking lot. Two twin five-month-old infants were buckled in the back seat. The infants’ mother was inside Donatos to pick up a delivery order at the time.

    Over the next several hours, Jackson drove from Columbus to Dayton and to various other locations in central and western Ohio.

    Jackson arrived at the Dayton International Airport close to 3am. She parked in an economy lot and left the infants in the car while she entered the airport. Jackson attempted to hire an Uber to find the stolen car in the economy lot, but could not pay, and ultimately found the stolen car on foot. After finding the vehicle, Jackson left one of the infants in the parking lot at approximately 4am. A passerby parking their vehicle saw the baby in his car seat wrapped in a quilt between two vehicles and alerted security.

    After Jackson left the Dayton International Airport parking lot at high speeds, she traveled to Indianapolis with the second baby still in the vehicle.

    She arrived at a Papa Johns Pizza on Indiana Avenue near the university district at approximately 8am on Dec. 20, and exited the stolen car on foot. She never returned to the vehicle, leaving the second baby strapped in his car seat in the back seat of the car.

    The baby remained strapped in the car seat for the next two-and-a-half-days while family members, concerned citizens and law enforcement officers continued to search for him.

    By happenstance, an Indianapolis woman encountered Jackson after she abandoned the stolen vehicle on Dec. 20. Jackson was selling stolen merchandise outside of a local gas station. The woman gave Jackson a ride to a nearby shopping plaza and gave Jackson her cell phone number in case Jackson came across any more holiday gifts for resale.

    That night, the woman noticed several social media posts regarding the kidnapping and recognized Jackson as the alleged kidnapper. The woman called her cousin, and together they formulated a plan to meet up with Jackson to confirm her identity, recover the infant if possible and lead Jackson to law enforcement.

    On Dec. 22, the women met up with Jackson, whom they traced to a local residence through a phone number Jackson had previously used to call one of them. The women confirmed that Jackson was the same person identified as the kidnapping suspect and drove her to several shopping centers in Indianapolis, all-the-while surreptitiously attempting to contact law enforcement in Columbus and Indianapolis.

    Eventually, one of the women was able to route local law enforcement to their vehicle over the phone by pretending that she was speaking with her boyfriend and providing updates on her location. The women tried to signal to Indianapolis police that Jackson was the kidnapping suspect, and eventually told officers when they were removed from Jackson’s immediate presence.  Jackson provided a false name and another individual’s identification card to the officers. After some time, the officers confirmed Jackson’s identity and arrested her for kidnapping. After the arrest, they let the two women go without interviewing them about their time spent with Jackson.

    The two women decided to continue searching for the missing infant. They discovered a bus schedule that Jackson left behind in the backseat of their vehicle and decided to focus their search on a bus route near the university district.

    While driving around searching that area to no avail, and with driving conditions worsening quickly due to an impending snowstorm, the women decided to get something to eat before heading home. As they were pulling into a Blaze Pizza, they noticed a black Honda Accord at the nearby Papa Johns and noticed snow had already accumulated on the car.

    They drove up to the stolen car and attempted to open the back door, which was locked. The driver’s door did open. Due to an overwhelming foul smell coming from the car, and the silence of the baby, one of the women screamed, assuming the baby was deceased. Upon hearing the scream, the baby alerted and began crying. One of the women removed the baby from his car seat and began comforting him.

    The women then noticed an empty Indianapolis police cruiser parked nearby and began looking for officers, who they found on their lunch break inside the Blaze Pizza. Indianapolis police then relocated to Papa Johns Pizza and took custody of the baby, taking him to a local hospital. The infant was treated for dehydration, heart abnormalities due to the dehydration, extreme diaper rash and skin deterioration due to him being buckled in a car seat for three days while sitting in his own excrement.

    U.S. Attorney Parker acknowledged the numerous law enforcement agencies who have assisted in this case, including FBI offices in Columbus, Dayton and Indianapolis; the Columbus, Dayton, Huber Heights, Riverside, Vandalia, Dayton International Airport and Indianapolis police departments; the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office; Ohio State Highway Patrol and U.S. Marshals Service’s Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST).

    Assistant United States Attorneys Emily K. Czerniejewski and Noah R. Litton are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hinson Named Co-Chair of Biofuels Caucus, Will Use Position to Advocate for Iowa Biofuels

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-01)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson was announced as a co-chair for the Congressional Biofuels Caucus alongside Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL).

    “Biofuels are key to Iowa’s economy and key to American energy dominance,” said Co-chair Hinson. “Since coming to Congress, I have worked tirelessly to expand access to Iowa biofuels and support Iowa’s biofuels producers by fighting to secure permanent year-round E15, increase biofuels blending targets, and replace foreign energy with homegrown biofuels. I’m honored to co-lead the biofuels caucus and will continue working with President Trump and other caucus members to increase domestic energy production and support Iowa agriculture.”

    “Increasing the production and availability of homegrown biofuels is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to the all-of-the-above energy policy we need to stay ahead,” said Co-chair Craig. “I’m proud to be relaunching the Biofuels Caucus alongside my bipartisan colleagues this Congress so we can continue our work to lower prices at the pump, create opportunities for local producers and strengthen our energy security.”

    “American biofuel producers have an untapped ability to power the future of liquid fuels, whether ethanol blends, biodiesel, or sustainable aviation fuel,” said Co-chair Smith. “Advancing sound policy can unlock billions of dollars in savings at the pump and hundreds of thousands of added jobs for the American people. I thank Co-chairs Craig and Pocan and congratulate Co-chairs Hinson, Fedorchak, and Budzinski for joining me to strengthen this bipartisan caucus and continue working to inform our colleagues in the House of the value of biofuels for American energy abundance.”

    “I am glad to join my colleagues in the Congressional Biofuels Caucus,” said Co-chair Pocan. “Corn growers in Wisconsin deserve to have an even playing field in the market dominated by the oil and gas industry. This Caucus will showcase how biofuels can help us reach our emissions reduction goals while investing in rural jobs and infrastructure.”

    “Biofuels are a growing part of America’s energy strategy and another way North Dakota is helping fuel the world,” said Co-chair Fedorchak. “It’s an honor to serve as a co-chair of this bipartisan caucus to advance policies that will help expand domestic energy production, empower rural America, and deliver practical solutions for North Dakotans.”

    “I came to Congress to be a strong voice for the people of Central and Southern Illinois—especially our hardworking farmers. Few issues are more critical to their success than strengthening the biofuels industry and expanding market opportunities,” said Co-chair Budzinski. “That’s why promoting the use of homegrown, sustainable biofuels has been a central focus of my work in Congress, and I’m looking forward to continuing that commitment as co-chair of this bipartisan caucus.

    The Congressional Biofuels Caucus advocates for policies which reflect the capacity of American biofuels producers to meet the demand for reliable and affordable liquid fuels while growing rural economies, high-paying jobs, and value-added markets for agricultural commodities. The caucus recognizes biofuels are key to American energy independence and responsible stewardship of our resources.

    Additional members of the caucus include: Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Jim Baird (R-IN), Scott Peters (D-CA), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Andre Carson (D-IN), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), James Comer (R-KY), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Sam Graves (R-MO), Don Bacon (R-NE), Mike Bost (R-IL), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Marianette Miller Meeks (R-IA), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Mike Flood (R-NE), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Mark Alford (R-MO), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), Brian Jack (R-GA), and Mark Messmer (R-IN).

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Found Guilty by Jury

    Source: US FBI

    SOUTH BEND – Late yesterday, Stephen Forte, 63 years old, of Lakeland, Florida, was found guilty of two felony counts after a one-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

    Specifically, Forte was found guilty of abusive sexual contact and interference with the duties of a flight crew member, both committed within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States for conduct occurring on a flight from St. Petersburg, Florida to South Bend, Indiana.

    Sentencing is scheduled for September 5, 2025, at 10:00 am. Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the St. Joseph County Airport Authority Department of Public Safety.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome W. McKeever and Hannah T Jones.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Taiwan commits to multi-layered defense modernization amid heightened regional tensions, observes GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Taiwan commits to multi-layered defense modernization amid heightened regional tensions, observes GlobalData

    Posted in Aerospace, Defense & Security

    Taiwan is undertaking a comprehensive, multi-layered defense modernization effort, driven by rising security threats and the imperative to deter potential aggression from China. With defense spending projected to reach $23.5 billion in 2030, Taiwan is prioritizing advanced air, naval, and unmanned systems, while also strengthening logistics and support infrastructure to enhance resilience and sustain prolonged military operations, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report, “Taiwan Defense Market Size and Trends, Budget Allocation, Regulations, Key Acquisitions, Competitive Landscape and Forecast, 2025-30,”Australia Defense Market Size and Trends, Budget Allocation, Regulations, Key Acquisitions, Competitive Landscape and Forecast, 2022-27’ reveals that the country’s cumulative defense spending is anticipated to reach $112.2 billion during 2026-30, out of which the acquisition budget share is estimated to be approximately average 14.7%, amounting to $16.5 billion.

    Abhijit Apsingikar, Aerospace & Defense Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Persistent Chinese incursions into territorial waters and airspace, along with the constant threat of a potential naval amphibious invasion, have compelled Taiwan to make substantial investments in strengthening its overall defense posture.”

    Against this backdrop, Taiwan placed a contract to procure 66 new F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft in 2020 and first of the new aircraft were delivered in March 2025. The country has also completed modernizing its existing fleet of 139 F-16 A/B multirole aircraft to F-16 Block 70/72 standard as a part of the first phase of Peace Phoenix Rising program, last of which was delivered in December 2023. Taiwan is also in the process of reinforcing its sea denial capabilities by investing in Hai Kun-class submarines, while also investing in acquisition of Harpoon Coastal Defense System.

    Over the period 2020-25, Taiwan sanctioned a large defense investment fund disbursed over multiple years. The key focus of these investments was directed towards strengthening the defense infrastructure and to revitalize defense R&D capabilities within the country, with its Navy being a key beneficiary. Taiwan is also in the process of building a new 2,500-ton light frigate to bolster its naval defense capabilities.

    Apsingikar continues: “The ongoing Russo-Ukraine war offers a template for Taiwan to adopt proven methods for defending against a stronger adversary by deploying unmanned platforms such as unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned ground vehicles, unmanned surface vessels and unmanned underwater vehicles. These platforms can assist Taiwan to compensate for its relatively smaller military strength and combat potential”

    Although Taiwan’s defense RDT&E spending is modest with a budgetary allocation of $530 million for 2025, its anticipated to be directed mainly towards R&D in automated unmanned systems. For instance, Taiwan is developing Huilong uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV), the Endeavor Manta Unmanned Surface Vessel, and Tu-40 Fixed Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

    Apsingikar concludes: “Taiwan is strategically focused on building a resilient and multi-layered defense posture. The emphasis is not only on acquiring advanced platforms but also on investing in robust logistics, maintenance, and support infrastructure. This integrated approach is critical to sustaining prolonged defense operations and delaying potential aggression long enough to enable allied intervention. By learning from modern conflict scenarios, Taiwan is prioritizing asymmetric warfare capabilities, particularly unmanned systems and sea denial strategies, to offset its numerical disadvantage and enhance its deterrence credibility in the region.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stoke-on-Trent prepares to mark Armed Forces Celebration Day

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Friday, 23rd May 2025

    Stoke-on-Trent is set to honour its military personnel at the annual Armed Forces Celebration Day on Sunday, 29 June 2025.

    The free event takes place at Queen’s Park, Longton (ST3 4AU) from 12pm to 4.30pm and promises a full day of remembrance, celebration and family fun.

    This year’s celebration features a full military parade and a traditional Drumhead Service, paying tribute to both serving and former members of the Armed Forces. Local cadet forces and veteran associations will join the parade.

    A major highlight of the day will be a Dakota flypast from the RAF, between 1.20 and 1.40pm – before the parade begins at 2pm.

    The Douglas C47 Dakota is one of the most iconic military transport aircraft in history, known for its role in Burma, the D-Day landings and the airborne assault on Arnhem in 1944.

    The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Dakota ZA947, affectionately named ‘Kwicherbichen’ by her crews, carried out paradropping operations on the eve of D-Day, making this flypast a fitting tribute during Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary year.

    Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent and Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Steve Watkins, said: “This event is a great day out for families and also a reminder of the bravery, service and sacrifices made by our Armed Forces. It’s also a celebration of community spirit, and I’m honoured to take part alongside so many local residents.

    “In our Centenary year, it’s especially fitting that we honour local hero Jack Baskeyfield of Arnhem with a flypast from the very aircraft that played a crucial role in Operation Market Garden.”

    Alongside the flypast and parade, visitors can enjoy military vehicle displays, emergency services exhibits and live musical entertainment. Family-friendly attractions include funfair rides and a variety of charity and community stalls.

    Organised by the North Staffs Armed Forces Celebration Committee in partnership with Queen’s Park Partnership.

    Councillor Lilian Dodd, chair of the North Staffs Armed Forces Celebration Committee, said: “We’re incredibly proud to bring the Armed Forces Celebration Day back to Queen’s Park for another year. The inclusion of the Dakota Flypast in this Centenary Year makes it especially meaningful. It’s a chance for our community to come together, show our appreciation and create lasting memories for all generations.”

    For more information go to: https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/event/armed-forces-celebration-day-north-staffs/

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council holds a Gold Award from the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme. The scheme encourages people to support the Armed Forces community in their area and increase understanding and awareness of the issues affecting the Armed Forces.

    To find out more about support available for the Armed Forces and veterans email covenant@stoke.gov.uk or call 01782 235683.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tucson Man Arrested on Two Counts of Aiming a Laser Pointer at Aircraft

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Charles William Preston II, 53, of Tucson, was arrested on March 6, 2024, after a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against him on November 1, 2023. Preston is charged with two counts of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. 

    The indictment alleges that on two separate occasions, Preston aimed the beam of a laser pointer at a fixed-wing aircraft operated by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and in the flight path of the same aircraft.

    A conviction for aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

    An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-23-01688-TUC-JAS
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-035_Preston

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Washington Man Charged with Three Counts of Assault on Flight to Anchorage, Alaska

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment today charging a Washington man with three counts of assault in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.

    Adam David Seymour was arrested on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, and was originally charged by complaint. The Complaint charged that on April 5, 2023, while aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 49 inbound to Anchorage, Alaska from Seattle, Washington, Adam David Seymour of Seattle, Washington, 37, assaulted a female passenger intending to make sexual contact, and assaulted two male passengers. According to court documents, flight crew had to remove Seymour from his seat and restrain him in the jump seat at the front of the airplane for the remainder of the flight.

    On April 19, 2023, the grand jury indicted Seymour with one count of assault in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States, with the intent to commit abusive sexual contact, and two counts of assault in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. If convicted he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the count of assault with intent to commit abusive sexual contact, and 6 months in prison on the two assault counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska made the announcement.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Ainsley McNerney is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Montana Man Sentenced for Assault on Flight Crew on Flight to Juneau, Alaska

    Source: US FBI

    JUNEAU – A Montana man was sentenced on May 19, 2023, for assaulting a flight crew member on a commercial airline flight while the plane was landing at the Juneau airport. 

    According to court documents, on April 1, 2023, Eric Richard Bruns, 42, was a passenger aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 67 with service from Sitka, Alaska to Juneau, Alaska. While the aircraft was in flight, Bruns started acting erratically and refused crew members instructions to remain seated while the plane was on approach to the Juneau airport. Bruns remained standing in the aisle and began moving towards the front of the aircraft and was physically obstructed by the flight crew member. Bruns made verbal threats to assault the flight crew member and physically tried to shove his way past the flight crew member, striking the crew member with his hands. At that time, while the aircraft was landing at the Juneau airport, two federal law enforcement officers and a civilian assisted the flight crew member and physically restrained Bruns in an unoccupied seat until the plane arrived at the gate.      

    The defendant pled guilty on May 17, 2023, before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew S. Scoble to an Information charging Assault in the Special Aircraft Jurisdiction of the United States, in violation 49 U.S.C. § 46506 and 18 U.S.C. § 113. He was sentenced to time served.

    “The safety and security of air travel is paramount, and we will continue to prosecute offenders in order to ensure that all passengers are able to travel without fear of assault or harm,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker. “We hope that this case will serve as a warning to others who may consider committing similar acts in the future, and that it will encourage everyone to follow the rules and regulations designed to keep our skies safe and secure.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kodiak Man’s Murder Convictions Upheld by Court of Appeals

    Source: US FBI

    ANCHORAGE – The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld James Wells’ murder convictions which were handed down by a trial jury in October 2019 for the April 2012 murders of two U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) employees, Electrician’s Mate First Class James Hopkins and retired Chief Boatswain’s Mate Richard Belisle at a United States Coast Guard base on Kodiak Island, Alaska.

    In February 2013, Wells was arrested for the murders of Hopkins and Belisle, who were both Wells’ co-workers at the USCG antenna maintenance facility, located at the USCG Communication Station (COMMSTA) on Kodiak Island. Wells was convicted in 2014 and the case was reversed for retrial by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in December 2017. After a three-week retrial that ended in October 2019, a federal jury quickly convicted Wells of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of murder of an officer or employee of the United States and two counts of possession and use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. Wells appealed. In a ruling issued last week, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Wells’ murder convictions, thus Wells sentence of life imprisonment remains in place. The court of appeals issued two separate rulings: 1) affirming the convictions and dismissing Wells’ arguments for a new trial and 2) the court remanded the sentencing court’s decision on valuing how restitution to the spouses of the men Wells murdered would be paid, along with upholding that Wells interview by investigators was done lawfully.

    “The court’s ruling, solidly affirming Wells two murder convictions at trial, puts an end to this saga for the wives of Messrs. Belisle and Hopkins, the colleagues of the murdered men, the community of Kodiak and the United States Coast Guard,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker. “Justice has been served. James Wells took the stand and attempted to explain away what he did that day, an explanation that was quickly rejected by the trial jury and by the court of appeals. Wells will spend the rest of his life in prison for the murder of these two men.”

    “We are all relieved to bring final closure on this heinous and heartless crime. Our hearts continue to go out to the families and loved ones of the victims, and to the community of Kodiak for having the strength to endure this lengthy process,” said Paul Shultz, CGIS Special Agent in Charge, CGIS Northwest Region.

    “I’m proud of the trial team’s tireless efforts in the pursuit of justice on behalf of the Hopkins and Belisle families. Now with the Appellate Court’s decision, comes a sense of some closure for all,” said Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. 

    Evidence at trial established that on April 12, 2012, between 7:09 a.m. and 7:14 a.m., Wells had shot and killed Hopkins and Belisle with a .44 revolver while working at their duty stations in the Rigger Shop at COMMSTA. First responders noted no evidence of a break-in or robbery and both men appeared to be victims of a targeted killing. Wells was due to arrive at the Rigger Shop the same time as Hopkins and Belisle, but instead left two phone messages for Hopkins and Belisle, noted to be after the victims’ time of death, stating Wells was running late due to a flat tire. Wells arrived to the Rigger Shop over an hour after his normal start time, immediately claiming to have had a flat tire.

    USCG security videos captured Wells passing the Main Gate at Base Kodiak at 6:48 a.m. in his white Dodge truck on his way toward the Kodiak Airport, and returning toward his residence at 7:22 a.m. However, a small blue SUV, owned by Wells, was captured on USCG security videos passing the Rigger Shop front entrance. The evidence showed Wells drove his white Dodge truck to the airport, where he swapped vehicles and drove Nancy Wells’ blue Honda CR-V to COMMSTA to commit the murders. There was a 34-minute period of time for which James Wells could not account and that unexplained discrepancy captured the attention of the interviewing agents. Additionally, a tire with a nail in it was seized and through extensive testing, the examiner concluded that the nail had been manually inserted into the tire, undermining the foundation of Wells’ alibi that he had picked up a nail while driving to work on the morning of the murders.

    At Wells’ sentencing hearing after the second trial in 2019, U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason made specific findings for the record that Wells threatened or unlawfully interfered with witnesses and that during the trial, Wells testified on several occasions in a “materially false manner.” The ruling of the Ninth Circuit equally found that Wells’ alibi at trial was not credible.

    “I want to thank all of our partner agencies that were involved in the prosecution of this case through the decade of sentencing, retrial, and appeals,” said Rear Adm. Nathan Moore, 17th Coast Guard District, Commander. “Your continued dedication to this case ensured justice was met, and that James’ and Richard’s loved ones and our Coast Guard family can move one step closer to closure.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case, with support from the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), and the Alaska State Troopers (AST). 

    In 2019 the Deputy Criminal Chief Steven Skrocki prosecuted the case along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Sherman, and U.S. Coast Guard Commander Kelly Stevens, who was appointed as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney. 

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Assault on Border Patrol Agents Results in Lengthy Sentence

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Jorge Zazueta-Miranda, 51, of Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Rosemary Márquez to 90 months in prison. The sentence is to run consecutive to a previous Illegal Re-Entry of a Removed Alien conviction and sentence from New Mexico. Zazueta-Miranda pleaded guilty to Assault on a Federal Officer with a Dangerous Weapon on June 23, 2023.

    On April 1, 2020, U.S. Border Patrol agents near Douglas observed two yellow, cloned “construction” trucks with construction company logos on the sides. Agents stopped one truck, which contained 19 undocumented non-citizens. The second truck, driven by Zazueta-Miranda, failed to stop and sped up. Zazueta-Miranda drove at high speeds through the city of Douglas to the airport area, then continued along the border road into the rugged desert area. A Border Patrol agent attempted to intercept the truck, but Zazueta-Miranda deliberately turned towards the agent’s vehicle and collided with it striking the rear quarter panel. Zazueta-Miranda backed up and then drove towards a break in the U.S. border wall, striking a second agent’s vehicle. Zazueta-Miranda and several undocumented non-citizens jumped out of the truck and fled through the break in the border wall, successfully fleeing into Mexico. Agents recovered a latent print from the driver’s side door belonging to Zazueta-Miranda. A witness, who had been abandoned in the second cloned construction truck, identified Zazueta-Miranda, by a photo, as the driver, and an arrest warrant was issued. Almost two years later, on February 9, 2022, Zazueta-Miranda was arrested in New Mexico after being caught near the New Mexico – Mexico border.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sierra Vista field office, with assistance from Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol, conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Serra M. Tsethlikai and Evan N. Wesley, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-22-00681-TUC-RM
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2023-206_Zazueta-Miranda

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Washington Man Charged with Threatening Flight Attendants on an Airplane

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Washington, DC, man was arrested for threatening flight attendants during an incident in which he had to be restrained by flight crew and passengers while aboard a flight to Newark Liberty International Airport, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

    Kedus Yacob Damtew, 38, of Washington, DC, was charged by complaint in Newark federal court with one count of interference with flight crew members and attendants by assault or intimidation. He appeared before Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh in Washington, DC federal court, and was released.

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

    On June 12, 2024, shortly before landing on a flight from Houston, Texas, Damtew removed his shirt; pushed his bare chest into a flight attendant, pinning the flight attendant against the aircraft exit door; shouted epithets and threats of physical violence; and punched an aircraft oven. Damtew then followed the same flight attendant to the rear of the aircraft, where he continued to shout threats and epithets and threw a cup of water. Another flight attendant requested assistance over the airplane’s public address system, prompting several passengers to assist in securing Damtew in flex cuffs in the last row of the plane until the flight landed at Newark.

    The charge of interfering with flight crew members and attendants carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

    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 charge. He also thanked the Port Authority Police Department, under the direction of Edward T. Cetnar, for its assistance.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli Jacobs of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.

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

    24-446

    Defense counsel: Elizabeth Mullin, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Washington, DC

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Newark Warns Public Against Pointing Lasers at Manned Aircraft or Shooting Down Suspected UAS

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, NJ—FBI Newark and New Jersey State Police want to warn the public about an increase in pilots of manned aircraft being hit in the eyes with lasers because people on the ground think they see an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). There is also a concern with people possibly firing weapons at what they believe to be a UAS but could be a manned aircraft. FBI Newark, NJSP, and dozens of other agencies and law enforcement partners have been out every night for several weeks to legally track down operators acting illegally or with nefarious intent, and using every available tool and piece of equipment to find the answers the public is seeking. However, there could be dangerous and possibly deadly consequences if manned aircraft are targeted mistakenly as UAS.

    Misidentification often occurs when UAS are mistaken for more familiar objects such as manned aircraft, low-orbit satellites, or celestial bodies like planets or stars. To improve accuracy and prevent false sightings, a variety of tools and techniques can be used to assist with the visual identification of suspected UAS. Accurate identification is critical for maintaining safety and ensuring appropriate responses to UAS activity.

    There are many different websites and mobile applications the public can access through various governmental agencies and private companies that show flight paths for manned aircraft, satellites in Earth’s orbit, and stars and planets visible on a given evening that can help determine if people are seeing UAS or something else.

    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 United Kingdom: Mum paid daughter almost £200,000 in company money from failing Scottish machinery parts firm

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Mum paid daughter almost £200,000 in company money from failing Scottish machinery parts firm

    The company owed hundreds of thousands of pounds to creditors at the time

    • Mother and daughter Hazel Lamont and Nicola Murray decided to wind-up their Scotparts UK Ltd. company in 2023 as it was insolvent 

    • However, Lamont paid her daughter almost £200,000 in company money in the days following their decision to cease trading 

    • More than £300,000 had been paid into Scotparts’ bank account in the days before their decision to shut the company down

    A Scottish mother paid nearly £200,000 to her daughter using funds due to a supplier just days after they decided their company was insolvent and would cease trading. 

    Hazel Lamont, 74, and her daughter Nicola Murray, 54, were directors of Scotparts UK Ltd., which was described on Companies House as being involved in the sale of machinery, industrial equipment, ships and aircraft. 

    The company, which had been trading since March 2006, was in financial trouble by October 2023 and both Lamont and Murray jointly decided Scotparts should stop trading due to debts it was unable to pay. 

    However, just two days earlier, the company received more than £300,000 from a customer. 

    Within one week of this payment, Lamont gave Murray £194,400 knowing that the company was insolvent and owed money to creditors. 

    Further amounts totalling £148,144 were paid by the pair to two connected companies during the same period. 

    Lamont, of Elliston Road, Howwood, Renfrewshire, and Murray, of Manse Road, Motherwell, have been banned as a directors for the next nine years. 

    Scotparts owed more than £900,000 when it went into liquidation in January 2024. 

    Mike Smith, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: 

    Hazel Lamont and Nicola Murray knew, or at the very least, ought to have known that their company had significant liabilities to creditors. 

    Despite knowing the perilous financial state of their company, Lamont paid £194,400 to her daughter. This was not her money – it was company money which should have been paid to customers and suppliers. 

    The pair also transferred money to two connected companies, again depriving creditors of these funds. 

    Lamont and Murray have now been banned as company directors until May 2034 following our investigations into their misconduct.

    Scotparts received £301,543 from a customer during the period of 18 and 19 October 2023. 

    The company also owed another creditor – a manufacturer of goods – £362,585 in outstanding invoices. 

    Lamont and Murray decided that Scotparts would cease trading on 20 October. 

    However, between that date and 25 October, Scotparts paid £194,400 to Murray. 

    In the week following the pair’s decision to place the company into liquidation, £96,899 was also transferred to I&H Distribution and Scotparts UK Ltd where Murray was a director. 

    An additional £51,245 was transferred to Scotparts Holdings Ltd, which listed Lamont as one of its directors. 

    No refunds or payments were made to either the buyer of goods or the manufacturer. 

    Six creditors submitted claims with a total of £916,899 when Scotparts went into liquidation. 

    The Secretary of State for Business and Trade accepted disqualification undertakings from Lamont and Murray, and their bans started on Tuesday 20 May and Friday 23 May respectively. 

    The undertakings prevent them from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.

    Further information

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: As more people are driven from their homes in DRC food insecurity worsens, creating heightened humanitarian needs regionally

    Source: World Food Programme

    WFP/Michael Castofas. In Bulengo camp, on the outskirts of Goma, displaced families face a dire and uncertain future as M23 authorities instruct them to dismantle their makeshift shelters.

    KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned today that the sheer scale of people being displaced from their homes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to escalating conflict, is pushing food insecurity to crisis proportions and deepening an already strained humanitarian response both internally and across the region.

    WFP is scaling up its efforts to ensure lifesaving aid reaches displaced communities, but assistance is not keeping pace with the growing needs. 

    Below is an update on food security and WFP operations: 

    Food security inside DRC 

    • Violent clashes between the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), M23, and other armed groups have uprooted more than 660,000 people since January in Goma alone, leaving these individuals without reliable access to food.
    • In the conflict-affected eastern provinces of DRC, (Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tanganyika) the number of people facing acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 and above) has risen from 6.6 million to 7.9 million. Some 2.3 million of these people are in IPC phase 4.
    • Food production in North Kivu’s Grand Nord, an important agricultural hub in eastern DRC, is deeply affected by escalating insecurity and mass displacement.
    • According to the latest assessment, more than 90 percent of households in North and South Kivu are facing acute levels of food insecurity, with many families forced to reduce meal sizes, eat less nutritious food and resort to begging.
    • Local food prices have increased as insecurity disrupts trade routes and market access, leaving families struggling.
    • The DRC is now home to 28 million acutely food insecure people (IPC 3 and above).
    • Cross-border displacement is compounding the food crisis. In the first four months of 2025 nearly 140,000 Congolese fled to neighbouring countries, with Burundi and Uganda receiving the largest influxes – 70,000 and 60,000 respectively.
    • People fleeing into neighboring countries have abandoned their farms and many lack access to critical services including food, shelter and healthcare. 

    Food insecurity among Congolese displaced in neighbouring countries

    • Women, children and the elderly are among the hardest hit. They rely on food aid and face increased risks in overcrowded and under-resourced displacement sites in host countries.

    WFP response 

    • WFP has reached 1.1 million people in the eastern provinces of DRC with life-saving food and cash assistance between January and March 2025.
      • daily school meals and take-home rations provided to 115,000 schoolchildren to support learning and nutrition.
      • treatment and nutrition supplements delivered to 340,000 children and pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls.
      • 14,000 people reached with livelihood support programs to rebuild their lives.
    • WFP is also providing critical logistics and supply chain support, ensuring life-saving food and relief items reach even the hardest-to-reach communities.
    • Cross border refugee response:
    • Burundi:  WFP currently supports more than 80,000 refugees, including 25,000 new arrivals who have fled violence in neighboring DRC since January. In March, WFP was forced to reduce food assistance to half rations for all refugees to adjust to the limited humanitarian funding available.
    • Rwanda – WFP supports more than 130,000 refugees, asylum seekers and returnees including 16,700 recent arrivals from DRC, with food assistance through cash, in-kind aid, and livelihood support. But due to funding shortfalls, April saw cash assistance slashed by 50 percent. With a surge in voluntary returns from DRC, WFP is also providing food during transit, and cash for reintegration. Over 2,500 returnees were recorded (?) were recorded by mid-May alone.
    • Uganda  – WFP supports over 630,000 refugees – down from 1.6 million supported in April due to funding challenges. This includes 64,000 refugees who have recently arrived from the DRC.  Acute malnutrition rates have reached emergency thresholds (above 15 percent) in reception centers receiving new arrivals from DRC. WFP supports with hot meals, food assistance, nutrition and livelihood programs.
    • Tanzania:  About 186,000 refugees from Burundi and the DRC rely on WFP for lifesaving food assistance under a strict encampment policy that limits access to livelihoods. Rations were reduced from 82 percent to 65 percent in May and will drop further to 50 percent in June. The risk of a larger refugee influxes remains high, placing further strain on an already stretched response.

    Challenges

    • WFP is working with humanitarian partners to ensure people receive life-saving assistance, but the needs are soaring, and the resources are not keeping pace.
    • Insecurity and ongoing armed clashes are limiting humanitarian access, making it difficult to reach the most vulnerable communities in eastern DRC.
    • The shortage of food commodities is significantly impacting WFP’s emergency response, particularly in South Kivu where general food distributions were not possible in April.
    • Goma airport, a key humanitarian hub, remains closed.

    Funding

    • WFP urgently requires US$433 million to sustain emergency operations in the DRC through October 2025. Without immediate support, millions risk being cut off from lifesaving assistance, further deepening the humanitarian crisis both at country and regional level.
    • Burundi:  WFP requires $16.6 million to deliver complete food assistance to refugees through the end of the year, assuming there is no additional influx. Without additional funding, food assistance for WFP’s existing caseload of refugees will be halted by October.
    • Rwanda:  WFP urgently requires US$12 million to maintain full rations for refugees through 2025. Without immediate funding, cash transfers to refugees and asylum seekers will be halted entirely by August, putting lives at risk.
    • Tanzania:  WFP requires an additional US$ 18 million through April 2026 to provide 75 percent rations for all refugees.
    • Uganda – WFP requires US$26 million to maintain life-saving food assistance at reduced rations through 2025. 

    #                             #                       #

    Note to Editors 

    Package of photos available here.

    Find more information on WFP Emergency response in the DRC

    Read As hunger soars in DRC, WFP regional chief urges joint action to reverse course

    For interviews, please contact WFP.Media@wfp.org

     

    About WFP 

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media @wfpdrc

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Newark Seeks Information on Drone Sightings

    Source: US FBI

    The FBI Newark, NJ State Police, and NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness are asking for the public to report any information related to the recent sightings of possible drones flying in several areas along the Raritan River. Witnesses have spotted the cluster of what look to be drones and a possible fixed wing aircraft. We have reports from the public and law enforcement dating back several weeks.  
     
    Anyone with relevant information is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit it online at tips.fbi.gov.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lackawanna Man Pleads Guilty to His Role in Kidnapping Conspiracy Attempting to Force Sister to Marry in Yemen

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Waleed Abughanem, 32, of Lackawanna, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to misprision of felony, which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Maeve E. Huggins, who are handling the case, stated that Abughanem is the son of Khaled Abughanem and the brother of Adham Abughanem. Waleed Abughanem has several other siblings, including an adult sister (Victim). On September 1, 2021, the Victim traveled from Lackawanna to Guadalajara, Mexico, to temporarily stay with her fiancé, whom she had known for several years. The Victim did so out of fear that family members would require her to enter into a non-consensual arranged marriage. Khaled and Adham Abughanem, and the Victim’s  mother traveled to Guadalajara, and told the Victim that she would be allowed to marry her fiancé if she returned to the United States, which the Victim agreed to do. Waleed Abughanem knew that Khaled and Adham Abughanem did not intend to allow the Victim to marry her fiancé after she returned to the United States.

    After the Victim returned to the United States, Khaled, Adham, and Waleed Abughanem restricted her freedom of movement and forced her to stay in the Abughanem family’s Lackawanna residence for several weeks in September and October 2021. In October 2021, Khaled and Adham tricked the Victim into thinking that she would be permitted to marry her fiancé if she traveled with Khaled and Adham Abughanem, and other family members to Egypt, and later to Yemen. Waleed Abughanem drove the Victim and other family members to an airport in Cleveland, Ohio, for the purpose of traveling to Egypt. Khaled and Adham Abughanem intended to find a man for the Victim to enter into a non-consensual arranged marriage, which Waleed Abughanem was aware of.

    The Victim was held involuntarily in Cairo, Egypt and then in Sana’a, Yemen, from October 2021 until April 6, 2023. During this time, she did not have free access to her United States passport, and, as an unmarried woman, the Victim was not permitted to freely travel or leave Yemen without the approval of family members. Waleed Abughanem knew the Victim was being held involuntarily, and during some of this period, he was present in Yemen. When he was not present in Yemen, Waleed Abughanem instructed his wife to monitor and supervise the Victim. In December 2022, Waleed Abughanem traveled from Yemen to the United States. When questioned by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as to the whereabouts of his siblings, Waleed Abughanem told the CBP Officer that the Victim was in the United States. By making a false statement, Waleed Abughanem concealed that the Victim had been kidnapped and was being involuntarily held in Yemen.

    Charges remain pending against Khaled and Adham Abughanem. They are scheduled to go to trial in October, 2024.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Diplomatic Security Director Carlos Matus and Deputy Assistant Secretary Paul Houston. Additional assistance was provided by the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard, Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and CPB in Boston, Massachusetts.

    Sentencing is scheduled for January 24, 2025, before Judge Sinatra.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Woman Ordered to Pay Over $38,000 in Restitution for Interference with Flight Crew on Hawaii-Bound Flight

    Source: US FBI

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Cayla Farris, 29, of Hawaii, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to a time-served sentence of 3.6 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. During her term of supervised release, Farris will not be permitted to travel by commercial aircraft without prior approval. Farris was ordered to pay $38,952.00 in restitution to American Airlines for delay-related costs due to her actions. Farris pleaded guilty on September 12, 2023, to Interference with a Flight Crew Member.

    On February 13, 2022, Farris boarded an American Airlines flight from Phoenix to Honolulu, Hawaii. During the flight, Farris used profanity and threatened the flight crew and passengers onboard. As a result of her behavior, the flight crew was unable to continue their duties. The captain ultimately decided to turn the plane back to Phoenix. For passengers onboard, this disturbance caused several flights to be re-routed to Hawaii.  

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Phoenix Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-22-01393-PHX-SMB
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2023-176_Farris

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kris Roglieri Indicted on Five Counts of Wire Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kris Roglieri, age 44, of Queensbury, New York, has been indicted on wire fraud charges.

    United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    Roglieri operated Prime Capital Ventures, LLC (“Prime Capital”) and Prime Commercial Lending, LLC (“Prime Commercial”), among other companies, that were based in Albany.

    The indictment and an earlier-filed criminal complaint allege that Prime Capital held itself out as a commercial lending business. As part of contractual arrangements with its borrower clients situated across the country, Prime Capital obtained upfront interest payments from prospective borrowers while it sought to secure loans for those borrowers; these upfront interest payments were characterized by Prime Capital as the “Interest Credit Account Payment,” or “ICA” payment for short. ICA payments did not represent fees to Prime Capital. Instead, each borrower’s upfront ICA payment would be debited over time as the loan was funded and accrued more interest. An ICA payment would also be refundable if Prime Capital failed to secure a loan for the borrower client.

    Roglieri is alleged to have defrauded a Minnesota company in December 2023, by committing to fund, through Prime Capital, an approximately $100 million commercial project, even though, at the time, Prime Capital had failed to fund numerous loans promised to earlier clients; failed to return tens of millions of dollars in ICA payments to earlier clients once those loans did not materialize; and had been sued multiple times by clients alleging fraud and seeking the return of ICA payments.

    On December 22, 2023, Roglieri, on behalf of Prime Commercial, signed a Deposit Agreement by which he agreed to keep the Minnesota company’s ICA payment in a “separate and distinct” bank account, and to hold it as a “trust fund.”  That same day, the Minnesota company wire transferred a $5 million ICA payment to a Prime Capital account controlled by Roglieri. Roglieri then transferred and spent these funds, including by transferring $950,000 in order to meet a financial obligation to another Prime Capital client; paying $84,000 for his purchase of a Rolex day-date 36 mm yellow gold diamond bezel watch; paying $101,000 to a private jet services company, for round-trip, private air travel between Albany International Airport and Anguilla, for a family vacation that Roglieri took from about December 29, 2023 to January 5, 2024; and paying $400,000 to a law firm that represented Prime Capital in court proceedings.   

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

    If convicted, Roglieri faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine per count, as well as up to 3 years of supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

    United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel ordered Roglieri detained after Roglieri’s May 31, 2024 arrest on the criminal complaint.

    The FBI is conducting this ongoing investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Rosenthal and Michael Barnett are prosecuting this case.

    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