Category: Business

MIL-OSI Security: Sussex County Woman and Texas Man Admit to Exploiting a Child and Producing Child Pornography

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEWARK, N.J. – A Sussex County, New Jersey woman and a Texas man admitted to exploiting a child and producing child pornography, as well as to other child pornography offenses, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

Dominique Saczawa, 34, of Sparta, New Jersey, and Russell Lynn Davis, Jr., 47, of Heller, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Edward S. Kiel in Camden federal court. Saczawa pleaded guilty to production of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, advertisement of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Davis pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce child pornography, production of child pornography, and receipt of child pornography.

According to documents filed in these cases and statements made in Court:

Saczawa admitted to sexually exploiting a then-four-year-old by engaging in sexual contact and then producing images and videos of that sexual contact. Saczawa also admitted to sharing these videos and/or images with others, including Davis. Davis admitted to conspiring with Saczawa to sexually exploit the victim, including instructing Saczawa in a video message to perform oral sex on the victim.

Saczawa also admitted to running a group chat within an online messaging application in which participants discussed and shared content and/or images of child pornography. As an administrator of this group, Saczawa solicited participants to share such content. The images Saczawa shared included images of toddlers potentially as young as one year old being sexually assaulted.

Davis had previously been convicted in Texas of indecent contact with a child.

“Protecting small children, the most vulnerable of our community, is among the most important work that we can do. Every child deserves to be in a home free of sexual exploitation, and we will prosecute those that threaten this right. When predators target children, we are committed to unmasking and holding them accountable.”

– U.S. Attorney Alina Habba

“There are truly no words to describe how grotesque the behavior in this case is. A woman admitting to using a prepubescent child to create child sexual assault material is beyond the bounds of any acceptable human behavior – and it always will be. Our FBI Newark Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, alongside our partner agencies, do the work of superheroes each and every day, saving children from monsters and preventing evil from harming more victims,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly.

U.S. Attorney Habba credited FBI Newark’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, with the investigation.

The charge of production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison, or in the case of a defendant who has previously been convicted of a sex offense, a mandatory minimum penalty of 25 years and a maximum potential penalty of 50 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of receipt of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, or in the case of a defendant who has previously been convicted of a sex offense, a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of advertisement of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.

Saczawa and Davis are both scheduled for sentencing on September 22, 2025.

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

The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorney Rachelle M. Navarro of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit in Newark.

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Defense counsel for Saczawa: Stephen Natoli, Esq.

Defense counsel for Davis: Anthony Iacullo, Esq.

MIL Security OSI –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The Phoenician Scheme: a fun watch even though it’s the same journey in a different vehicle

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Daniel O’Brien, Lecturer, Department of Literature Film and Theatre Studies, University of Essex

As someone attuned to the distinct styles of auteur filmmakers, I came to Wes Anderson’s latest offering The Phoenician Scheme intrigued, feeling a mix of distance and familiarity.

My appreciation for other auteur directors like Stanley Kubrick, Spike Lee and Alfred Hitchcock may have sometimes inadvertently pushed Anderson’s work to the periphery of my viewing habits, but The Phoenician Scheme (his 13th directorial film) provides an opportunity to reassess that omission.

The cinematic trademarks were all there: deadpan performances, meticulous symmetry, whip-pan camera work (when the camera whips round so fast, everything blurs), ice-cream colour palettes and trains, frequently present in some form throughout Anderson’s
filmography.

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And a Bill Murray cameo? Of course – along with other minor roles from Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, Richard Ayoade, Riz Ahmed and Benedict Cumberbatch (as well as many others), all appearing briefly across the film’s brisk 90-minute runtime – a fairly typical length for an Anderson feature.

Although I found The Phoenician Scheme a fairly enjoyable film and one that ardent fans will surely embrace, my issue was perhaps precisely within the formulaic nature of this work. This sense of familiarity makes the viewing simultaneously comfortable, but also a little predictable.

Aside from a genuinely unexpected explosion in the film’s opening moments, there was little that caught me off guard, making it difficult to gauge just how memorable The Phoenician Scheme will be in the long run. It entertains but rarely surprises and despite the litany of cameos, each one is fairly unmemorable. In fact, while writing this, I’ve only just remembered that Willem Dafoe is in a scene or two as well.

It’s not that anyone is necessarily giving a bad performance but rather each iteration of wry whimsy results in a kind of stylistic uniformity that renders them indistinct from one another. By contrast, the film’s three leading roles benefit from sustained screen time, allowing for a little more nuance.

Benicio del Toro leads the cast as Zsa-Zsa Korda, a rich and morally ambiguous industrialist, set within the fictional Middle Eastern nation of Phoenicia during the 1950s. Korda is on the point of political and personal ruin. His life is constantly in danger with ongoing visual and verbal gags from the beginning about his nonchalance towards assassination.

Korda faces execution threats from shadowy agencies and members of his own board to the extent that his suspiciousness has become a comfortable characteristic. Newcomer Mia Threapleton (daughter of Kate Winslet) stars as Liesl Korda, his estranged daughter who has spent years in quiet devotion as a nun in a remote convent.

Her sudden appointment as her father’s heir thrusts her back into a world she had long abandoned, continuing Anderson’s other fascination with fractured, complex familial dynamics, as the rest of her siblings look on. Michael Cera portrays Bjorn Lund, a docile yet quietly astute tutor with a fascination for insects, who is brought in to help Liesl adjust to her new responsibilities.

Without revealing too much, Lund turns out to be more than he initially seems, giving Cera the chance to slip back into that awkward, mock-cool persona –reminiscent of his Twin Peaks: The Return role, in which he channels a Marlon Brando–style rebel straight out of The Wild One.

In typical Anderson style, visual gags (here in the form of props) propel the film along, from Lund’s bugs to Liesl’s jewel-encrusted rosary and Korda’s weapons, which include grenades that he politely offers to other diplomats as a formal greeting.

The visually rich and symmetrical arrangement of characters, against a static or sideways moving camera reminded me of how much Anderson is inspired by Peter Greenaway’s work, particularly The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989).

Anderson draws on this auteur aesthetically and thematically but also through absurdity. While Greenaway’s films take inspiration from canvas painting, the closing credit sequence of The Phoenician Scheme also features well known artworks, serving as inspiration for the content.

The visuals, which are rich throughout, are also interestingly compacted to a 1.50 aspect ratio, making the frame of the screen quite box like. This is perhaps also relevant to the structure of the film in which most of the events and visitations of external characters are pre-organised into a range of numbered shoeboxes, which is afforded a lengthy sequence, with plenty of overview shots of the boxes neatly arranged.

Each section of the film that follows pertains to a certain box. Viewers are reminded as to which box they are in through a range of title cards which divides the film into a series of vignettes, not unlike Anderson’s chapter structure in The Royal Tenenbaums.

This earlier film is perhaps his better-known one about the estrangement and reconnection of dysfunctional family members. This trait can also be found in The Darjeeling Limited aboard a train, or in a submarine in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. The Phoenician Scheme echoes these familiar tropes (domestic dysfunction wrapped in whimsical packaging) aboard a number of private plane journeys (with a token train scene in the middle).

While it may feel like a familiar journey aboard a new vessel, that familiarity will probably be either the reason you enjoy the ride – or the very thing that makes it feel like an exhausting commute, one where you’re tempted to pull the emergency cord.

While there is much to enjoy, I doubt The Phoenician Scheme will be remembered as one of Anderson’s most essential works. At times, it teeters on the edge of parodying its own auteur style. Despite this I found it compelling enough to spark a renewed interest in his earlier films.

And any work that can reignite curiosity, even while treading familiar ground, is worth your time, even if it’s only for a chance to play cameo bingo.

Daniel O’Brien does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. The Phoenician Scheme: a fun watch even though it’s the same journey in a different vehicle – https://theconversation.com/the-phoenician-scheme-a-fun-watch-even-though-its-the-same-journey-in-a-different-vehicle-257658

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Have sanctions against Russia backfired? What apartheid-era South Africa tells us about who may be profiting

Source: The Conversation – UK – By John Luiz, Professor of International Management and Strategy, University of Sussex

There are no longer any golden arches logos in Russia, but is the firm hoping for a return? forden/Shutterstock

Even as the war in Ukraine grinds on, some multinational companies are quietly positioning themselves for a thaw in relations with Russia.

Many of those who rushed to divest from the country, selling off assets after the full-scale invasion in 2022, may now be reassessing their options. It’s also becoming clear that some of these companies never completely left to begin with.

What is apparent is that divestment was, in many cases, provisional rather than permanent – with firms embedding “buy-back” clauses in their sales contracts, or structuring their exits in ways that would make future re-entry simple.

This should not come as a surprise. Our research into foreign divestment from apartheid-era South Africa shows this is a well-trodden business path.

In South Africa, sanctions inadvertently strengthened local white business elites aligned with the ruling regime. Multinationals sold their assets under pressure – often at discounts, often to the local companies of politically connected elites – and later bought them back at a premium.

Today, the same dynamic could be playing out in Russia.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, more than 1,600 multinational enterprises announced they were pulling out of the country. However, reports last year suggested that 2,175 foreign companies, including some who had announced they were pulling out, remained in Russia – and were becoming increasingly open about their operations.

One CEO stated that investors did not “morally care” about doing business in Russia, and that if they pulled out, rivals would simply take their place.

Even for those companies that did leave, many of these exits were more symbolic than substantial. Research has shown that even companies that claimed to have fully divested left behind options to return.

Carmaker Nissan, for example, appears to have sold its Russian subsidiary to state-owned NAMI in 2022 with a six-year buy-back clause. In a statement at the time, the company said the terms allowed it “the option to buy back the entity and its operations within the next six years”.

And fast-food giant McDonald’s can reportedly reacquire its Russian business within 15 years. A statement from McDonald’s in 2022 said that, for the first time in its history, it was “de-Arching” a major market – but suggested it hoped to return eventually.

Such arrangements, often quietly written into exit contracts, allow multinationals to comply with sanctions in the short term – while keeping the door open for a future comeback.

In many cases, the operations have continued seamlessly under new ownership. While the brand names may have changed in Russia, the staff and product designs remain almost identical. And sometimes, the foreign supply chains and intellectual property are still in play too.

Who profits?

The South African precedent is instructive. During the 1980s, foreign companies divested under pressure from shareholders, activists and governments over apartheid. But very few truly left. Most sold their operations to local elites – powerful business groups aligned with the ruling regime. They then continued to supply products, license trademarks and support operations through quiet back channels.

The intention of sanctions is to weaken the sanctioned state. However, our study shows that the economic value created by foreign multinationals in South Africa did not disappear.

The aim of sanctions against Russia is to weaken the economic position of the Kremlin.
E.O./Shutterstock

In Russia, foreign companies have sold assets at big discounts to Russian oligarchs and state-linked entities since 2022. In some cases, the buyers were longstanding local partners or franchisees. In others, they were entities unknown to consumers but which were thought to have close ties to the Kremlin.

The consequences are predictable. Rather than weakening the regime’s economic base, sanctions may have consolidated it. As in South Africa, the departure of foreign firms appears to have strengthened domestic elites and allowed them to accumulate new assets and market power.

Some companies that left Russia are reported to be reconsidering their decisions. Negotiations are taking place behind the scenes about how to ree-stablish operations should conditions shift. Their re-entry may be smoothed by structures – buy-back clauses, licensing deals or local partnerships – that firms put in place on their way out.

This strategy mirrors what we found in South Africa. In the 1990s, once apartheid ended, foreign multinationals returned in large numbers. But they didn’t start from scratch. They repurchased their former assets, often at a much higher price, from the local elites.

In short, in the case of South Africa at least, the period of supposed withdrawal was often one of careful preparation for re-entry. Meanwhile, our study also found that South African conglomerates used their windfalls to fund international expansion and entrench their power in the new economy.

Unintended results

Sanctions remain a key tool of international diplomacy. But our research shows their effectiveness depends heavily on how firms implement them – and who ends up with the assets that are divested. If those assets are consistently transferred to politically connected insiders, the long-term outcome may be to reinforce the very regimes the sanctions were intended to pressure.

Sanctions policy should not just consider whether firms have divested, but how and to whom. Without that, even the most well-intentioned measures may end up producing unintended results.

This means that governments should go beyond imposing sanctions and develop mechanisms to ensure transparency, monitoring and accountability in how corporate exits are structured.

South African sanctions are generally seen as having played a useful role in ending apartheid. But as unemployment and inequality continue to plague the country along old institutional lines, the South African experience offers a clear historical warning. If sanctions are meant to promote accountability and change, it’s vital to pay close attention to what happens after the headlines fade.

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

– ref. Have sanctions against Russia backfired? What apartheid-era South Africa tells us about who may be profiting – https://theconversation.com/have-sanctions-against-russia-backfired-what-apartheid-era-south-africa-tells-us-about-who-may-be-profiting-257422

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: From soil to slugs to songbirds – how plastic is moving through ecosystems

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Emily Thrift, PhD Candidate and Doctoral Tutor in Ecology, University of Sussex

Philippe Clement / shutterstock

For many people, “plastic pollution” calls to mind pictures of turtles and other marine life drowning in single-use plastic bottles and discarded fishing nets. My own research looks at how the same story is playing out on land.

Plastics are increasingly found in small mammals, insects and the soil. But how it moves through these ecosystems – and the damage it might be doing – is still poorly understood.

My own research into this started during my masters degree. I wanted to find out if plastic pollution was affecting UK mammals – and the results were startling.

Colleagues and I first looked at the faeces of a range of small UK mammals. We then used a special machine that detects infrared light to identify different types of plastic.

We found plastics in the faeces of European hedgehogs, wood mice, field vole, and brown rats. Of the 189 hedgehog samples, 19% contained plastics. In one sample alone I was shocked to find a total of 12 pink and clear fibres of polyester. This is the UK’s most popular wild mammal, and no one knew they were ingesting plastic.

Where the microplastics came from

As part of my ongoing PhD, the next step was figuring out how this plastic was getting into the hedgehogs in the first place. Hedgehogs feed on invertebrates like beetles, snails, slugs, earthworms, caterpillars and woodlice. We wanted to see if those creatures could themselves be contaminated by plastic.

We collected over 2,000 invertebrates and soil samples from 51 sites in Sussex, England. The sites covered farmland, grassland and suburban areas.

To trace how plastic might move through the food web, we sampled creatures at various different points in the food web (known as “trophic levels”). This meant plant-eaters, like peacock butterfly caterpillars, and earthworms and other animals that feed on dead plants. We sampled omnivores who will eat all sorts, like the red-footed soldier beetle, and carnivores like ladybirds and ground beetles, who eat other animals and are found higher up the food web.

After we had grouped the invertebrates by both species and location, we had 530 samples to analyse. We recently published our results in the journal Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.

Overall, plastic showed up in 12% of the invertebrate samples. Earthworms had the highest rate at 29%, followed by snails & slugs at 24%. Interestingly, the types of plastic found in carnivores didn’t match those in herbivores and dead plant-eaters. That suggests the carnivores are not just getting it from eating contaminated prey – they might also be picking up plastic as they move through the soil or even from airborne particles that land on their next meal.

Earthworms are particularly plastic pollution-prone.
VaskePro / shutterstock

We also found the first evidence of plastic in species of caterpillar like the peacock, powder blue and red admiral butterflies, and in beetles such as ladybirds.

The most common plastic we found was polyester, probably from clothing and furniture. Other common plastics were those used in single-use packaging, agricultural materials (such as fleece, mulch film, greenhouse films and silage wrap), and even paint.

So, does it matter if a few slugs or worms are ingesting plastic? Absolutely.

Invertebrates play important roles within their ecosystems. Earthworms, for example, add air to the soil and help cycle nutrients. Therefore, when they consume plastic, it affects the animals that prey on them, the soil they live in, and even the food we grow.

In fact, plants grown in plastic-contaminated soil have been shown to take microplastics into their cells. This can stunt their growth and limit the water they can retain, and ultimately reduce our ability to grow the food we need.

Insect-eating birds like swifts,thrushes and blackbirds are also ingesting similar plastic, likely from their prey. This can stunt their growth, damage organs, and make them less fertile.

It is too easy to place the responsibility solely on individuals to avoid single-use packaging, recycle more, and avoid synthetic materials. These things make a difference, of course, but big polluters must be held accountable. That means fast fashion companies, drinks giants, supermarket chains and the agriculture sector, which all produce a huge amount of plastic waste and have failed to take responsibility for the damage this causes.

If we want to protect ecosystems from plastic – on land as well as at sea – we need more than personal action. We need serious accountability, better waste management, and real investment in truly sustainable alternatives.

Emily Thrift does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. From soil to slugs to songbirds – how plastic is moving through ecosystems – https://theconversation.com/from-soil-to-slugs-to-songbirds-how-plastic-is-moving-through-ecosystems-257685

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why Islamic State is expanding its operations in north-eastern Nigeria

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Folahanmi Aina, Lecturer in Political Economy of Violence, Conflict and Development, SOAS, University of London

Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap), one of the most powerful global affiliates of the Islamic State jihadist organisation, is in the middle of its largest offensive against the Nigerian military in years.

The group has overrun security positions in Borno state, a region of north-east Nigeria, a dozen times in the past few months. Borno state has been the epicentre of a conflict between the Nigerian army and jihadist insurgents for 15 years. The UN Development Programme said in 2021 that the violence had killed more than 35,000 people there directly.

The latest offensive began in March with a string of attacks. This included an improvised explosive device planted underneath a commercial vehicle in Biu, a town in southern Borno state, which killed four people and injured four others.

Iswap then launched several more attacks the following month, including an operation on a Nigerian army barracks in Yamtage town. It claimed to have killed three soldiers. The group sustained its campaign into May, with the launch of one of its most sophisticated attacks in recent memory.

On May 12, suspected Iswap militants stormed the town of Marte, capturing several soldiers and forcing others to retreat. A coordinated dual strike on nearby Rann and Dikwa towns followed hours later. The insurgents now have a strong presence in Marte, which holds immense strategic value due to its access to Lake Chad smuggling corridors.

Iswap, which was originally formed in 2015 as an offshoot of Boko Haram and has around 5,000 fighters, appears to be adapting to the Nigerian army’s military strategy. Since 2019, the Nigerian army has consolidated its forces in a heavily fortified “super camp” in key towns and cities in the north-east, from which they can respond to reported insurgent activity.

However, Iswap militants have launched several attacks on some of these camps by using tactics such as nighttime raids. They have also targeted bridges and roads between the camps, as well as launching attacks on nearby positions as a diversion, to prevent reinforcements from reaching targeted bases.

Iswap has been carrying out a sustained offensive against the Nigerian army since March.
Institute for the Study of War

There are several factors that could explain Iswap’s resurgence. The first is that there have been strategic shifts on the ground, including a lull in fighting between Iswap and rival faction Boko Haram over territorial control.

Niger also withdrew its troops from the region’s counter-terrorism joint task force in March. The security vacuum created by this withdrawal may have further emboldened Iswap to carry out its offensive.

Nigeria and Niger share a long border, so the reduction in military patrols could have led to an increase in the number of weapons and militants supplied to Iswap from its regional network.

The second factor is that the authorities have relied too heavily on responding militarily to the threat posed by Boko Haram and Iswap. The joint task force has launched several major offensives against the two groups in recent years, helping to contain the insurgency. This has led to the return of refugees to some parts of the Lake Chad basin.

But the reliance on military offensives has only prolonged the conflict, allowing the terrorist groups to evolve. Iswap, for instance, is now using sophisticated weaponry including armed drones to stage attacks.

A recent assault on a military base in Wajikoro in north-eastern Borno state began with the use of four drones armed with grenades. The group had previously used drones almost entirely to conduct surveillance and gather intelligence.

Dismantling and ultimately defeating terrorist groups such as Iswap in the region will require addressing the root causes and drivers of insecurity. These include poverty, inequality, unemployment, poor governance and weak institutions. Poverty rates in north-eastern Nigeria are estimated at over 70%, almost double the rate in the rest of the country.

The third factor that could explain Iswap’s resurgence is that it has been using technology effectively to expand its appeal, particularly among young people, and drive recruitment.

It has intensified its presence on social media, using TikTok to post videos justifying killings, lecture young audiences about extremist ideologies and spreading jihadist propaganda. It is also deploying AI tools to edit videos and written communications.

At the same time, it is making use of new satellite-based internet services such as Starlink to record footage of prayers and sermons. Starlink launched in 2019 with the aim of providing high-speed broadband internet to people all over the world, especially in remote areas.

Another factor is that Iswap has expanded its sources of funding. The group collects tax revenue from local populations in areas where it has a strong presence, with farmers in some parts of Borno state reportedly paying about ₦10,000 (£5) per hectare.

But Iswap is also allegedly tapping into Nigeria’s fast-growing cryptocurrency markets and earns considerable revenue from black market operations. The groups’s ability to rely on multiple revenue sources has ensured its supremacy over other terrorist groups in the region, while enabling it to plan and execute more sophisticated attacks.

The growing strength of Iswap will undoubtedly have dire consequences for peace and security in Nigeria. It could help coordinate Islamic State’s activity in west Africa, giving it a stronger foothold in the region.

Emphasis should be placed on addressing the root causes of the insurgency in Nigeria, as well as implementing tighter measures to constrain Iswap’s sources of funding.

Folahanmi Aina does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Why Islamic State is expanding its operations in north-eastern Nigeria – https://theconversation.com/why-islamic-state-is-expanding-its-operations-in-north-eastern-nigeria-256935

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: What is AI slop? Why you are seeing more fake photos and videos in your social media feeds

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jon Roozenbeek, Lecturer in Psychology, University of Cambridge

Pikselstock/Shutterstock

In May 2025, a post asking “[Am I the asshole] for telling my husband’s affair partner’s fiancé about their relationship?” quickly received 6,200 upvotes and more than 900 comments on Reddit. This popularity earned the post a spot on Reddit’s front page of trending posts. The problem? It was (very likely) written by artificial intelligence (AI).

The post contained some telltale signs of AI, such as using stock phrases (“[my husband’s] family is furious”) and excessive quotation marks, and sketching an unrealistic scenario designed to generate outrage rather than reflect a genuine dilemma.

While this post has since been removed by the forum’s moderators, Reddit users have repeatedly expressed their frustration with the proliferation of this kind of content.

High-engagement, AI-generated posts on Reddit are an example of what is known as “AI slop” – cheap, low-quality AI-generated content, created and shared by anyone from low-level influencers to coordinated political influence operations.

Estimates suggest that over half of longer English-language posts on LinkedIn are written by AI. In response to that report, Adam Walkiewicz, a director of product at LinkedIn, told Wired it has “robust defenses in place to proactively identify low-quality and exact or near-exact duplicate content. When we detect such content, we take action to ensure it is not broadly promoted.”

But AI-generated low-quality news sites are popping up all over the place, and AI images are also flooding social media platforms such as Facebook. You may have come across images like “shrimp Jesus” in your own feeds.

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AI-generated content is cheap. A report by the Nato StratCom Center of Excellence from 2023 found that for a mere €10 (about £8), you can buy tens of thousands of fake views and likes, and hundreds of AI-generated comments, on almost all major social media platforms.

While much of it is seemingly innocent entertainment, one study from 2024 found that about a quarter of all internet traffic is made up of “bad bots”. These bots, which seek to spread disinformation, scalp event tickets or steal personal data, are also becoming much better at masking as humans.

In short, the world is dealing with the “enshittification” of the web: online services have become gradually worse over time as tech companies prioritise profits over user experience. AI-generated content is just one aspect of this.

From Reddit posts that enrage readers to tearjerking cat videos, this content is extremely attention-grabbing and thus lucrative for both slop-creators and platforms.

This is known as engagement bait – a tactic to get people to like, comment and share, regardless of the quality of the post. And you don’t need to seek out the content to be exposed to it.

AI-generated images like this one are designed to get as much engagement (likes, comments and shares) as possible.
Microsoft Copilot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

One study explored how engagement bait, such as images of cute babies wrapped in cabbage, is recommended to social media users even when they do not follow any AI-slop pages or accounts. These pages, which often link to low-quality sources and promote real or made-up products, may be designed to boost their follower base in order to sell the account later for profit.

Meta (Facebook’s parent company) said in April that it is cracking down on “spammy” content that tries to “game the Facebook algorithm to increase views”, but did not specify AI-generated content. Meta has used its own AI-generated profiles on Facebook, but has since removed some of these accounts.

What the risks are

This may all have serious consequences for democracy and political communication. AI can cheaply and efficiently create misinformation about elections that is indiscernible from human-generated content. Ahead of the 2024 US presidential elections, researchers identified a large influence campaign designed to advocate for Republican issues and attack political adversaries.

And before you think it’s only Republicans doing it, think again: these bots are as biased as humans of all perspectives. A report by Rutgers University found that Americans on all sides of the political spectrum rely on bots to promote their preferred candidates.

Researchers aren’t innocent either: scientists at the University of Zurich were recently caught using AI-powered bots to post on Reddit as part of a research project on whether inauthentic comments can change people’s minds. But they failed to disclose that these comments were fake to Reddit moderators.

Reddit is now considering taking legal action against the university. The company’s chief legal officer said: “What this University of Zurich team did is deeply wrong on both a moral and legal level.”

Political operatives, including from authoritarian countries such as Russia, China and Iran, invest considerable sums in AI-driven operations to influence elections around the democratic world.

How effective these operations are is up for debate. One study found that Russia’s attempts to interfere in the 2016 US elections through social media were a dud, while another found it predicted polling figures for Trump. Regardless, these campaigns are becoming much more sophisticated and well-organised.

And even seemingly apolitical AI-generated content can have consequences. The sheer volume of it makes accessing real news and human-generated content difficult.

What’s to be done?

Malign AI content is proving to be extremely hard to spot by humans and computers alike. Computer scientists recently identified a bot network of about 1,100 fake X accounts posting machine-generated content (mostly about cryptocurrency) and interacting with each other through likes and retweets. Problematically, the Botometer (a tool they developed to detect bots) failed to identify these accounts as fake.

The use of AI is relatively easy to spot if you know what to look for, particularly when content is formulaic or unapologetically fake. But it’s much harder when it comes to short-form content (for example, Instagram comments) or high-quality fake images. And the technology used to create AI slop is quickly improving.

One of these days, these bots are gonna walk all over you.
Summit Art Creations/Shutterstock

As close observers of AI trends and the spread of misinformation, we would love to end on a positive note and offer practical remedies to spot AI slop or reduce its potency. But in reality, many people are simply jumping ship.

Dissatisfied with the amount of AI slop, social media users are escaping traditional platforms and joining invite-only online communities. This may lead to further fracturing of our public sphere and exacerbate polarisation, as the communities we seek out are often comprised of like-minded individuals.

As this sorting intensifies, social media risks devolving into mindless entertainment, produced and consumed mostly by bots who interact with other bots while us humans spectate. Of course, platforms don’t want to lose users, but they might push as much AI slop as the public can tolerate.

Some potential technical solutions include labelling AI-generated content through improved bot detection and disclosure regulation, although it’s unclear how well warnings like these work in practice.

Some research also shows promise in helping people to better identify deepfakes, but research is in its early stages.

Overall, we are just starting to realise the scale of the problem. Soberingly, if humans drown in AI slop, so does AI: AI models trained on the “enshittified” internet are likely to produce garbage.

Jon Roozenbeek has received funding from the UK Cabinet Office, the US State Department, the ESRC, Google, the American Psychological Association, the US Centers for Disease Control, EU Horizon 2020, the Templeton World Charity Foundation, and the Alfred Landecker Foundation.

Sander van der Linden has received funding from the UK Cabinet Office, Google, the American Psychological Association, the US Centers for Disease Control, EU Horizon 2020, the Templeton World Charity Foundation, and the Alfred Landecker Foundation.

Yara Kyrychenko receives funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and is supported by the Alan Turing Institute’s Enrichment Scheme.

– ref. What is AI slop? Why you are seeing more fake photos and videos in your social media feeds – https://theconversation.com/what-is-ai-slop-why-you-are-seeing-more-fake-photos-and-videos-in-your-social-media-feeds-255538

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: Societe Generale: the Board of Directors launches a co-option procedure of a woman Director
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS LAUNCHES A CO-OPTION PROCEDURE OF A WOMAN DIRECTOR

Press release

Paris, 28 May 2025

The Board of Directors, on 28 May 2025, acknowledged the resignation of Mrs. Béatrice Cossa-Dumurgier from her duties as Director of Societe Generale, incompatible with her new professional responsibilities.

This resignation was notified to Societe Generale with immediate effect.

Consequently, in accordance with Article L. 225-24 paragraph 4 of the French Commercial Code, upon the proposal of the Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee, a co-option procedure of a woman director has been launched.

Mr. Lorenzo Bini Smaghi, Chairman of the Board of Directors, thanks Mrs. Béatrice Cossa-Dumurgier for her participation in the work of the Societe Generale Board of Directors.

Press contacts:
Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00_ jean-baptiste.froville@socgen.com
Fanny Rouby_+33 1 57 29 11 12_ fanny.rouby@socgen.com

Societe Generale

Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with around 119,000 employees serving more than 26 million clients in 62 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective – to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders.

The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients:
- French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance, with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank.
- Global Banking and Investor Solutions, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG.
- Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities.
Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).

In case of doubt regarding the authenticity of this press release, please go to the end of the Group News page on societegenerale.com website where official Press Releases sent by Societe Generale can be certified using blockchain technology. A link will allow you to check the document’s legitimacy directly on the web page.

For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website societegenerale.com.

Attachment
- Societe-Generale_Co-option-procedure
The MIL Network –
May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: NEC X Opens Applications for Elev X! Ignite, Batch 14, Offering Startups $250k and a Path to Global Scale
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PALO ALTO, Calif., May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NEC X, the Silicon Valley venture studio backed by NEC’s advanced technologies and global businesses, is now accepting applications for Batch 14 of its flagship startup program, Elev X! Ignite. Designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into seed-ready startups, Elev X! Ignite offers access to expert mentorship, tech R&D support, startup-building resources and up to $250K in equity funding.

The program’s accelerating growth, including a 35% increase in applications from Batch 12 to Batch 13 and over 20% from Batch 11 to Batch 12, underscores the increasing demand for NEC X’s unique value proposition: direct collaboration with NEC’s world-class innovation network, access to unparalleled resources and a clear pathway to global markets.

Startups have until June 30, 2025, to apply for the upcoming cohort, with the first phase of the program beginning in August 2025, following a multi-phase selection process.

“The rapid growth of Elev X! proves that visionary founders need more than just capital,” said Shintaro Matsumoto, President and CEO of NEC X. “With Batch 14, we’re not just continuing a trajectory; we’re amplifying our commitment to provide unparalleled access to both NEC’s R&D and business prowess and growing global ecosystem, empowering innovators to build truly transformative and scalable enterprises.”

Why Join Elev X! Ignite

Unlike traditional venture studios and accelerators, Elev X! Ignite is a hands-on twelve-month venture studio program tailored for entrepreneurs in the problem discovery and validation phase. Startups work closely with NEC X’s multidisciplinary team including engineers, researchers, business coaches and advisors to accelerate product development, validate market fit and prepare for seed-stage investment.

NEC is a global AI leader in visual recognition, generative tech and real-world applications such as security, agriculture, logistics and public services. Ideal candidates are building B2B software and SaaS businesses that enhance business processes, decision-making or operational efficiency.

NEC X is especially interested in startups leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Generative AI, Computer Vision and Predictive Analytics. While NEC X has deep experience in sectors like climate research, AgTech, digital health and public safety, it remains sector-agnostic—as long as participants’ innovations align with NEC X’s mission to create meaningful social impact through technology, particularly in areas connected to NEC’s proprietary capabilities.

Startup Success Stories

More than 150 startups have launched or grown through NEC X’s Elev X! venture programs. These alumni illustrate the program’s impact:
- SeafoodAI, featured in Business Insider, uses AI biometrics to promote seafood sustainability via its CrabScan360 technology.
  “NEC X’s expertise in image recognition and AI was instrumental in accelerating our core technology,” noted Rob Terry, CEO of SeafoodAI. “Their backing has been invaluable to our growth and success.“
- Qualitative Intelligence (QI), utilizes NEC’s Semantic Model Technology to transform advertising with predictive analytics for real-time message testing.
  “Elev X! has been the most transformative experience in our startup journey,” said JD Rico, CEO of QI. “The level of resources, insights and hands-on support simply cannot be found elsewhere.“
- LandWise Analytica uses AI and sustainability maps to drive smarter land use in agriculture and has seen considerable interest from real estate groups, farmers, crop insurance companies, agricultural mortgage providers and land investors.
  “With the help of NEC X, we’ve been able to accelerate the launch of our pilot program and streamline the process of identifying and acquiring new users,” said Patrick McMillan, Co-founder of LandWise Analytica. “Their capabilities and results have been beyond our expectations.“
Selection Process
Approximately 30 startups will be invited to participate in the initial “Business Model Design” phase—a no-cost, equity-free pre-program of workshops and mentorship. A select group of ten teams will then advance to the full Elev X! Ignite program.

Program Highlights:
- Up to $250K in equity funding
- Access to NEC’s global R&D ecosystem and business units
- Strategic partnerships and customer development
- Proven track record: over 150 startups participated since 2018
For application information, materials and deadlines, click here.

All essential details needed to successfully apply for the program will be covered in upcoming webinars scheduled for June 11, June 18 and June 25.

For more information about Elev X!, please visit: https://elev-x.com.

About NEC X
NEC X is an innovation powerhouse and curator of disruptive startups backed by the global technology leadership of NEC. Leveraging 125 years of IT and network technologies expertise, NEC X’s startup-focused approach transforms visionary ideas into commercial successes that revolutionize how we work and live. Since its inception in 2018, NEC X has helped launch and grow more than 150 startups.

Their Silicon Valley programs – Elev X! Ignite and Elev X! Boost – equip early-stage startup founders with the tools to fast-track their tech development and adoption. Elev X! fuels startup success from inception to launch, connecting innovators with NEC’s 45,000 patents; global network of partners, mentors and advisors; reach into 55+ international markets; and $8 billion R&D ecosystem.

For more information, visit https://nec-x.com and https://www.elev-x.com.

About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.

For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.

NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Other product or service marks mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners. ©2025 NEC Corporation.

Media Contact:

Robert Brownlie
Bob Gold & Associates
310-320-2010
necx@bobgoldpr.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1bcdd827-4e5f-46fb-a325-5dbd3dba186b

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b898e8f1-a430-4252-a3d3-8304ac2b3e01

The MIL Network –
May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: Digital Ascension Group Launches Validator Node on Constellation Network to Support Enterprise-Ready Decentralized Infrastructure

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Dallas, Texas, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Digital Ascension Group has officially announced the deployment of its validator node on Constellation Network ($DAG), a highly scalable Layer 0 protocol built to enable secure, efficient, and interoperable data exchange across platforms.

Digital Ascension Group Launches Validator Node on Constellation Network

By operating a validator, the firm is stepping into a key role within the network’s ecosystem, helping secure the protocol and support the integrity of its core infrastructure. This move reflects Digital Ascension Group’s continued focus on contributing to practical blockchain solutions that are ready for large-scale, real-world use.

“We see Constellation’s Metagraph architecture as a foundational piece of the next digital infrastructure. Running a validator aligns with our long-term strategy of supporting real-world adoption of decentralized technology,” said Max Avery, Chief Business Development Officer at Digital Ascension Group.

“We’re here to help bring credibility, transparency, and community-driven governance to networks that actually scale.”

Metagraphs, specialized, application-focused blockchains within Constellation, are at the center of this strategy. Digital Ascension Group plans to play an active part in the growth of these Metagraphs, which are engineered to serve specific enterprise and public sector needs.

Alongside its validator work, the firm is now exploring the creation of a Metagraph aimed at family offices. The concept is to build a secure and compliant decentralized framework that handles sensitive tasks across global jurisdictions.

Digital Ascension Group sees Constellation’s Layer 0 framework as uniquely positioned to support these needs, with its modular structure allowing each Metagraph to operate independently while still contributing to a larger, interoperable system. Use cases already range from IoT data validation and supply chain integrity to decentralized identity and secure government infrastructure.

Through initiatives like validator deployment and Metagraph development, Digital Ascension Group continues to develop a growing role as a connector between traditional finance and decentralized technologies, laying the groundwork for secure, high-functioning digital asset systems built to solve real market challenges.

About Digital Ascension Group

Digital Ascension Group is a forward-thinking multi-family office specializing in digital assets (crypto / blockchain). Our mission is to empower High-Net-Worth (HNW) and Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) individuals, as well as Family Offices, to confidently navigate the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape. We provide a comprehensive suite of services designed to address the unique needs and opportunities in this dynamic sector. From investment strategy and risk management to regulatory compliance and custody solutions, Digital Ascension Group delivers tailored strategies that prioritize sustainable wealth protection and growth. With a deep understanding of blockchain technology, cryptocurrency markets, and tokenized assets, we bridge the gap between traditional wealth management and the cutting-edge world of digital finance. Our expert team ensures that our clients remain at the forefront of innovation while maintaining the security and stability their wealth demands.

Press inquiries

Digital Ascension Group
https://www.digitalfamilyoffice.io
Max Avery
max@digitalfamilyoffice.io
307-243-3711
9100 John W Carpenter Fwy
Dallas, Texas 75247

The MIL Network –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: Syneris Launches to Break Barriers in AI Infrastructure with Decentralized Compute Power

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BIRKIRKARA, Malta, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Syneris.tech officially announces the launch of its full-stack Decentralized AI Infrastructure, aiming to transform the global AI development landscape by unlocking affordable AI development at scale. As demand for artificial intelligence continues to surge across sectors, Syneris steps in with a bold mission: to decentralize access to high-performance computing, enabling more builders, startups, researchers, and enterprises to create and deploy AI without the traditional limitations of cost, centralization, and technical gatekeeping.

“We believe the future of AI shouldn’t belong to a handful of tech giants,” says the Syneris team. “It should be open, collaborative, and powered by the people.”

A Global Problem Meets a Scalable Solution

In today’s AI race, the high cost of computing remains a major bottleneck. Traditional GPU resources are increasingly monopolized by a handful of tech giants, making access to AI computing platforms prohibitively expensive for smaller teams and independent developers. Training advanced models like GPT-4 or AlphaGo can cost between $10 – 20 million, requiring thousands of high-performance GPUs.

Ironically, more than 50% of global GPU capacity is sitting idle — locked away in personal devices, gaming rigs, and institutional hardware that’s rarely optimized for AI workloads.

At the same time:

– 85% of AI startups cite compute costs as a top barrier to model training and deployment.

– Cloud GPU prices have tripled over the past two years due to supply shortages and centralized control.

– Over 70% of global AI infrastructure is owned by fewer than five major tech corporations.

This level of centralization stifles innovation, restricts access, and deepens inequality in the AI ecosystem. It turns progress into a privilege of scale, not a function of talent or creativity.

Syneris offers a better way. Our hybrid GPU computing network aggregates underused GPUs and CPUs from across the globe and transforms them into a Decentralized AI Infrastructure. This approach dramatically reduces cost while unlocking access to computing resources for the 99%.

Contributors are rewarded with transparent, token-based incentives — creating a fair and self-sustaining ecosystem where computational power is not hoarded, but shared.

Built for Builders: AI Tools for All

At the heart of Syneris is a complete suite of tools for the AI development lifecycle. From code-free model creation to enterprise-grade deployment, the AI computing platform supports users of all technical backgrounds. Developers can build and test models with intelligent assistance, including real-time coding support and automated debugging tools. Non-developers can experiment with powerful no-code and low-code interfaces, crafting custom models using pre-built templates and visual workflows.

Through its flagship product line, Syneris Generation AI, users can generate human-like content across text, images, video, and voice with minimal resource consumption. These tools open doors for applications in marketing, media, automation, education, and beyond — all part of a commitment to affordable AI development.

AI World: A Decentralized Marketplace for AI Intelligence

Syneris is not just an infrastructure provider — it is also a Decentralized AI Marketplace. The “AI World” platform allows model creators to publish, monetize, and continuously improve their AI models. Businesses can browse categorized libraries of AI solutions tailored to industry verticals, performance needs, and budget constraints. Transparent performance metrics, reviews, and demo options ensure reliability and reduce decision-making risk.

This Decentralized AI Marketplace fosters open collaboration, allowing builders and users to connect, share feedback, and co-create higher-value solutions. All transactions are executed with Syneris tokens, ensuring seamless commerce within a secure digital economy.

Strategic Scaling Through Smart Integration

To ensure scalability from day one, Syneris has strategically integrated with leading GPU computing networks such as Aethir and io.net. This enables the AI computing platform to meet immediate computational demand while it concurrently develops its proprietary infrastructure.

Over time, Syneris aims to reduce dependency on third-party systems and move toward full operational independence — without compromising on performance, scalability, or global reach.

Looking ahead, the platform’s long-term vision is to become a fully self-sustaining, community-owned Decentralized AI Infrastructure — empowering millions to access AI freely, without the need for permission or the burden of premium costs imposed by centralized gatekeepers.

Laying the Foundation for an Open AI Future

As artificial intelligence redefines the way societies function, there is a growing responsibility to ensure that the benefits of AI are broadly distributed — not concentrated in the hands of the few. Syneris recognizes this need and responds with a technically sophisticated yet community-first approach. It is not just enabling access to AI tools; it is reshaping the ownership model of AI infrastructure itself.

Developers, GPU contributors, AI builders, and enterprises are invited to become part of the Syneris ecosystem — where intelligence is built together, not rented from the top.

Explore Syneris

Website: https://syneris.tech
X/Twitter: https://x.com/syneris_ai
Telegram: https://t.me/synerisai
Discord: https://discord.gg/A5QDgunqXD
Contact: contact@syneris.tech
Name: Peter Miles

About Syneris

Syneris is a Decentralized AI Infrastructure and AI computing platform built to democratize access to machine intelligence. By connecting unused GPU and CPU resources into a global GPU computing network, Syneris provides scalable, affordable AI development and a dynamic Decentralized AI Marketplace, all underpinned by a contributor-driven token economy.

Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Syneris. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

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Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4eaf1109-1977-43ef-bb72-af0b2da8afbe

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/565c6179-3c93-4095-9b08-228ca0a32137

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e1c3cfb0-6aa0-4dc6-bd7b-45db5a78c675

The MIL Network –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: From Red Tape to Green Waste: Saskatchewan Introduces Flexible Rules for Municipal Composting Facilities
Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on May 28, 2025

Municipalities and private companies now have more flexibility when establishing compost facilities under a new Compost Facility Chapter of the Saskatchewan Environmental Code. This chapter will help increase composting efficiency in the province by reducing the administrative burden for smaller facilities.

“We want to make it easier for municipalities to compost their waste,” Environment Minister Travis Keisig said. “This change strikes a balance between environmental protection and practicality, benefitting both communities and the environment.”

Currently, compost facilities are regulated through landfill permits. With the new chapter, owners will not need to apply for permits. Facilities have two options:
- Standard method: Provides specific instructions for siting, constructing and closing the facility. This method does not require approval.
- Alternative solution: Offers more flexibility in the siting and design of compost facilities while ensuring environmental protection. It requires an approved environmental protection plan.
Higher-risk facilities handling more than 15,000 tonnes of organic material annually – such as Regina and Saskatoon – will be required to follow the alternative solution. This approach ensures the ministry is engaged in the project while still allowing flexibility and innovation.

Smaller facilities like community gardens or residential backyard composting are not regulated under the chapter.

Municipalities and private companies must follow the chapter’s requirements and notify the ministry of activities like construction and closures. The Ministry of Environment will continue to inspect compost facilities and review environmental monitoring reports to ensure compliance.

Existing facilities are exempt from certain siting, design and construction requirements unless they undergo expansion.

The new compost facility chapter fulfills a commitment in the province’s Solid Waste Management Strategy, which aims to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.

For more information about composting facilities and the new chapter, please visit Composting Facilities | Solid Waste Management Facilities | Government of Saskatchewan.

For more information about composting at home, in your community or industrially, visit Compost | Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council (saskwastereduction.ca).

-30-

For more information, contact:

MIL OSI Canada News –
May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Murray, DeLauro Call Out Trump Admin’s Lack of Transparency on Spending, Demand Detailed Agency Spend Plans Be Submitted as Required By Law

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
Full-year continuing resolution (CR) requires each agency to submit a spend plan showing how they are executing FY25 appropriations—many agencies have failed to submit acceptable plans, or to submit one altogether
Washington, D.C. — Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair, and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, sent a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought calling out the Trump administration’s unacceptable failure to submit detailed spend plans for each agency to the Appropriations Committees, as the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act of 2025 requires by law.
Agencies’ spend plans should provide more granular details about how they are spending funding appropriated for the fiscal year. The spend plans are critical to congressional oversight and the annual appropriations process, and have long been required by law. But as Murray and DeLauro write, the Trump administration has failed to submit adequate spend plans to Congress—and it has even failed to submit any spend plan for some agencies.
“Under your direction, the Office of Management and Budget continues to intentionally mislead and obfuscate about how this Administration is spending taxpayer dollars and has demonstrated an inability to effectively and efficiently manage public resources. Your lack of transparency shows disdain for the right of the public to understand how taxpayer dollars are being spent and for the rule of law,” write Murray and DeLauro. Noting how Director Vought has already taken down the OMB website making federal spending allocations public, the top Democrats write: “You have further degraded Congress’s capacity to carry out its legislative responsibilities by overseeing the development of inconsistent and inadequate spending plans for fiscal year 2025 submitted by departments and agencies.”
Noting that Section 1113 of the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act of 2025 requires spend plans for agencies to be submitted within 45 days of enactment of the law, Murray and DeLauro state: “[T]hese spending plans were due to the Appropriations Committees on Tuesday, April 29. Four weeks have now come and gone, and while the Committees began receiving some spending plans from departments and agencies consistent with the 45-day requirement, many agencies’ plans still have yet to be submitted or blatantly omit basic funding details at your agency’s direction.”
“The widespread failure of departments and agencies to abide by the requirements of section 1113 is unacceptable, and the lack of transparency begs serious questions about what exactly this administration is seeking to hide from the Committees – and the American people,” they continue. “These spending plans are essential to understand how the executive branch is spending taxpayer dollars appropriated by Congress in fiscal year 2025, and they directly inform the legislative responsibilities of the Committees to consider fiscal year 2026 appropriations legislation, a process that is already underway.”
Murray and DeLauro underscore that some agencies still have yet to submit their fiscal year 2025 spend plan, as required by law, and many others have submitted completely inadequate plans. “For example,” they write, “the spend plan submitted for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which includes the label ‘Hill Version’ in the PDF name, includes only high-level funding amounts and does not provide funding levels for hundreds of specific programs and activities. Instead, it lists 530 asterisks in place of details about how this administration is choosing to fund—or not fund—hundreds of programs that the American people count on every day. We need to see the ‘real version’ of HHS’ spend plan, and we need to see actual funding amounts—not asterisks—for these vital programs.”
They conclude by demanding spend plans with sufficient information be submitted for each agency by the end of the month.
The full letter is available HERE and below:
May 27, 2025
The Honorable Russell T. Vought
Director
The Office of Management and Budget 725 17th Street, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20503
Director Vought:
Under your direction, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) continues to intentionally mislead and obfuscate about how this Administration is spending taxpayer dollars and has demonstrated an inability to effectively and efficiently manage public resources.
Your lack of transparency shows disdain for the right of the public to understand how taxpayer dollars are being spent and for the rule of law. It is well-documented that you are – by your own admission in your March 29 letter – intentionally violating legal requirements in order to hide OMB’s apportionment decisions from the public and from Congress. This not only deprives the public of information they are entitled to in law but also undermines Congress’s ability to carry out its legislative and oversight functions. You have further degraded Congress’s capacity to carry out its legislative responsibilities by overseeing the development of inconsistent and inadequate spending plans for fiscal year 2025 submitted by departments and agencies under section 1113(a) of the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025. That reporting requirement states:
Sec. 1113. (a) Not later than 45 days after the date of the enactment of this division, each department and agency in subsection (c) shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate a spending, expenditure, or operating plan for fiscal year 2025—
(1) at the program, project, or activity level (or, for foreign assistance programs funded in the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, at the country, regional, and central program level, and for any international organization); or
(2) as applicable, at any greater level of detail required for funds covered by such a plan in an appropriations Act referred to in section 1101, in the joint explanatory statement accompanying such Act, or in committee report language incorporated by reference in such joint explanatory statement.
In accordance with section 1113, these spending plans were due to the Appropriations Committees on Tuesday, April 29. Four weeks have now come and gone, and while the Committees began receiving some spending plans from departments and agencies consistent with the 45-day requirement, many agencies’ plans still have yet to be submitted or blatantly omit basic funding details at your agency’s direction. These spending plans were coordinated through, shaped, and approved by OMB.
For example, the spend plan submitted for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which includes the label “Hill Version” in the pdf name, includes only high-level funding amounts and does not provide funding levels for hundreds of specific programs and activities. Instead, it lists 530 asterisks in place of details about how this administration is choosing to fund – or not fund – hundreds of programs that the American people count on every day. We need to see the “real version” of HHS’ spend plan, and we need to see actual funding amounts – not asterisks – for these vital programs.
Similarly, the Department of Education’s spend plan submitted on April 29th completely omitted dozens of specific programs and activities and claimed that almost $13 billion was “unallocated” despite the fact that much of that funding is directed in statute for specific purposes, just as it was in fiscal year 2024. The Department sent a revised spend plan on May 23rd that still includes $8 billion in “unallocated” funding and continues to lack detail on dozens of programs now with only four months left in the fiscal year.
The widespread failure of departments and agencies to abide by the requirements of section 1113 is unacceptable, and the lack of transparency begs serious questions about what exactly this administration is seeking to hide from the Committees – and the American people. These spending plans are essential to understand how the executive branch is spending taxpayer dollars appropriated by Congress in fiscal year 2025, and they directly inform the legislative responsibilities of the Committees to consider fiscal year 2026 appropriations legislation, a process that is already underway.
As the House and Senate Appropriations Committees intend to mark up the fiscal year 2026 bills next month, we demand that by the end of this month you comply with section 1113 and ensure that all spending plans contain sufficient information to demonstrate how each department and agency intends to prudently obligate all amounts provided by Congress for fiscal year 2025 within their period of availability and resubmit them to the Committees.
Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Israel must immediately let aid into Gaza and enable the UN to operate: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Speech

Israel must immediately let aid into Gaza and enable the UN to operate: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

I thank Special Coordinator Sigrid Kaag and Dr Sidwah for their briefings today, which painted a catastrophic picture.

Let me pay tribute to you and to your humanitarian and health worker colleagues working tirelessly to alleviate this suffering.

I will make three points.

First, the UK has always supported Israel’s right to defend itself. It suffered a heinous attack by Hamas on 7 October, and hostages have been through an unimaginable ordeal. We reiterate our call for their immediate and unconditional release and accountability for those responsible.

But as my Prime Minister has said, we strongly oppose the Israeli Government’s escalating military action in Gaza which is wholly disproportionate.

An immediate ceasefire, not more bloodshed, is the way to secure the release of the hostages and stop the endless cycle of violence.

Second, as we have heard again today, the level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. Civilians face starvation, displacement and trauma.

The UN warned of the risks from the Israeli Government’s plan for aid delivery. In Rafah yesterday, we saw this warning become a reality. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation lost control of its distribution centre, with multiple casualties reported and great distress for those desperately seeking aid.

In contrast, the UN has a clear plan to deliver lifesaving aid at scale. It contains robust mitigations against aid diversion. Brave humanitarians stand ready to do their jobs. 9,000 trucks wait at the border.

Our message to Prime Minister Netanyahu is clear: let aid in and enable the UN to operate, now.

We reiterate our support for the UN, OCHA and all its aid agencies.

We also reject the Israeli Government’s unacceptable intention to take control of the Gaza Strip. Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law.

Third, President, in the West Bank, violent settlers continue to assault and abuse Palestinians, forcing entire communities to flee. In Jerusalem, provocative visits to Holy Sites and inflammatory language by Israeli ministers are adding to the tensions.

On 20 May, the UK announced further sanctions on individuals and entities promoting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

We will continue to act against those committing these abuses.

President, the UK will not give up on a two-state solution, and we will continue to work closely with France, Saudi Arabia and all our partners towards a successful conference in June, which moves us towards this goal.

And finally, let me finish by condemning the horrific murders of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim in Washington DC last week, and offering condolences to their families and to their colleagues.

Updates to this page

Published 28 May 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Laos’ large hydropower capacity to reach 16GW in 2035, forecasts GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

Laos’ large hydropower capacity to reach 16GW in 2035, forecasts GlobalData

Posted in Power

Laos’ Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) has set a goal to reach hydropower capacity of 12GW by 2025 and 20GW by 2030, with the objective of facilitating regional exports. The nation is poised to export renewable electricity to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and to a lesser extent, to Myanmar and Malaysia. Against this backdrop, large hydropower capacity in the country is expected to reach 16GW in 2035, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% during 2024-35, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s latest report, “Laos Power Market Outlook to 2035, Update 2025 – Market Trends, Regulations, and Competitive Landscape,” reveals that annual large hydropower generation in Laos is expected to increase at a CAGR of 4.6% between 2024-35 to reach 63.5TWh. Although at the current pace, the country is expected to fall short of its 2030 target, proper policy enforcement and time-bound targets will enable it to bridge this gap.

In 2011, the country released Renewable Energy Development Strategy, setting a target to achieve 30% of energy consumption to be sourced from renewables by 2025. The government has primarily focused on hydropower along with biomass energy.

Attaurrahman Ojindaram Saibasan, Senior Power Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Laos has established itself as a net exporter of electricity, earning the moniker “Battery of Southeast Asia.” The nation produces an excess of electricity beyond its domestic needs, facilitating the export of this surplus to neighboring countries, with Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Cambodia being the primary beneficiaries. The country engages in the exportation of electricity through long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with these adjacent nations. Laos is planning to export 9GW of electricity to Thailand by 2025 and 5GW to Vietnam by 2030.”

Thailand stands as the foremost recipient of Laotian electricity, utilizing both 500kV and 230kV transmission lines for this purpose. Vietnam ranks next, receiving electricity via 220kV and 500kV transmission lines.

Saibasan concludes: “Laos relies significantly on export revenue, which renders its economy susceptible to fluctuations in external markets. To manage the increasing cross-border electricity flows, there is a pressing need for infrastructure enhancements. Moreover, as prices are frequently determined by purchasers such as Thailand and Vietnam, Laos finds its bargaining power constrained. The country should look to invest in energy storage systems and upgrading its grid to overcome these challenges.”

MIL OSI Economics –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 820, Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act

Source: US Congressional Budget Office

H.R. 820 would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to issue or update guidance to minimize the risk of contaminating breastmilk, baby formula, and related accessories during the passenger screening process at airports. The bill also would require the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security to audit that guidance.

According to information from the agency, TSA regularly updates its guidance for screening breastmilk and related items under current law. On that basis, CBO estimates that implementing that provision would not significantly affect the federal budget. Based on the cost of similar activities, CBO estimates that conducting the audit would cost less than $500,000 over the 2025-2030 period; any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

On February 13, 2025, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for S. 260, the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act, as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on February 5, 2025. The two pieces of legislation are similar, and CBO’s estimates of their budgetary effects are the same.

The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Aaron Krupkin. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

Phillip L. Swagel

Director, Congressional Budget Office

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Second Owner of Local Real Estate Investment Company Pleads Guilty to Role in Fraud Conspiracy

Source: US FBI

PORTLAND, Ore.—The owner of a local real estate investment company pleaded guilty today for his role in an $18 million fraud scheme, joining his business partner and co-owner of the company who pleaded guilty in March 2025.

Robert D. Christensen, 55, of Sherwood, Oregon, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

Previously, on March 11, 2025, Christensen’s partner and co-owner of the investment company, Anthony M. Matic, 55, of Damascus, Oregon, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

According to court documents, from approximately January 2019 through June 2023, Christensen and Matic devised and carried out a scheme wherein they convinced individual investors to fund the purchase and renovation of undervalued residential real estate properties. After renovating the properties, Christensen and Matic claimed they would rent the properties to generate income and then refinance them to extract their increased value from the renovations. The pair further misled investors into believing they would be repaid their full principal investment along with interest as high as eight to fifteen percent and a large lump sum payout, all within periods as short as 30 to 90 days.

Christensen and Matic’s scheme failed to generate the promised returns almost immediately and they began using new investments to repay earlier investors to keep their business afloat. When they were unable to raise enough money from new investors, Christensen and Matic devised a separate scheme to defraud commercial lenders. By December 2020, the pair began submitting loan applications with false financial information to different commercial lenders and, based on their misrepresentations, received millions of dollars in loans.

In total, Christensen and Matic’s two schemes defrauded individual investors out of more than $11 million and commercial lenders out of more than $7 million.

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Money laundering in punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Both charges may also result in fines of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gains or losses resulting from the offense.

Christensen and Matic will both be sentenced on October 14, 2025.

This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Trisotto.

MIL Security OSI –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Four Businessmen and Two Companies Charged in Nationwide Telemarketing Fraud Scheme

Source: US FBI

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced the unsealing today of a superseding indictment (“the indictment”) charging four businessmen and two companies with conspiracy and wire fraud offenses in connection with their execution of a nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme. The corporate defendants, Bene Market LLC and Seguro Medico LLC, doing business as Quick Health, Q Health, Benefits Now, Express Benefits, and YourBenefits4U (collectively, the “Bene Market Group”), operated a boiler room call center near Reading, Pennsylvania, which peddled discount health and dental plans to consumers through a series of false, misleading, and deceptive sales practices.

The businesses were controlled and managed by the principal architect of the alleged fraud scheme, defendant Alan Redmond, 42, of Wyomissing, Pa., who was supported by senior executives Arthur Walsh, 65, of West Lawn, Pa., and Jesus Barrera, 32, of Dillsburg, Pa., and head sales agent and manager Albert Groff, 44, of Wernersville, Pa.

The 44-page indictment returned by the federal grand jury alleges that, from at least January 2018 through December 2022, the defendants collected tens of millions of dollars in commissions by regularly and systematically deceiving and misleading consumers seeking health insurance through bait-and-switch sales tactics, which included tricking consumers into buying limited benefit plans that provided little or no coverage by falsely representing that the plans provided comprehensive health insurance coverage, also known as “major medical insurance,” or provided coverage equivalent to major medical insurance, when they did not.

As alleged in the indictment, the Bene Market Group paid lead generators for the transfer of live calls with consumers looking to purchase healthcare insurance. Once transferred over, the Bene Market Group employees falsely told consumers that the company was “the national enrollment center for health insurance” and worked as a third-party broker to search and compare health insurance products across the entire marketplace to find the best coverage at the lowest rate. The Bene Market Group also falsely claimed to “work with over 30 of the top A-rated insurance companies” and to sell comprehensive health insurance policies from well-known, blue-chip insurers. In reality, the Bene Market Group did not search the marketplace, did not work with the touted A-rated carriers, and did not even sell major medical insurance. Instead, the Bene Market Group peddled a limited set of discount plans that had lower and more restricted benefits than major medical insurance. In some instances, the limited benefit plans sold by the defendants were not even insurance.

The indictment charges further that, as a result of the defendants’ bait-and-switch scheme, tens of thousands of purchasing consumers were left without insurance coverage for the majority of their medical, dental, and prescription costs. For some consumers with serious health care needs, the lack of coverage from the limited benefit plans sold by the defendants caused financial hardship and left them in significant medical debt in the tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars.

According to the indictment, in order to keep the fraud scheme going, Redmond and the manager defendants used unlicensed sales employees to sell the limited benefit plans; bundled products together to mimic major medical insurance; trained the sales employees with misleading scripts and sales pitches to use on the phones; used a variety of trade names and aliases when selling plans; engaged in “churning” and “policy-flipping” by reselling and upselling existing consumers; omitted and downplayed material restrictions about the limited plans sold; overbilled and double-billed consumers; told consumers to ignore or disregard the verification disclaimers or disclosures; altered recorded sales calls after the fact to deceive regulators; withheld information about the limited benefit plans from sales employees; ignored complaints from consumers, carriers, and regulators; and refused or delayed refunds to consumers.

The indictment charges further that Redmond obscured his control of defendant Seguro Medico by using nominees, including his spouse, and used funds fraudulently obtained from victim purchasers to buy personal properties, commercial properties, jewelry, airline tickets, event tickets, private school tuition, and limousine services. The other manager defendants also received significant payments or distributions, as a result of the fraud scheme.

The indictment further alleges that, between 2019 and 2022, Redmond caused Bene Market and Seguro Medico to withhold over $1.2 million in trust fund taxes from the wages and paychecks of employees, but Redmond did not pay over these withheld amounts to the IRS on behalf of the employees, as required.

If convicted of the conspiracy, wire fraud, and tax offenses, defendant Alan Redmond faces a maximum possible sentence of 635 years’ imprisonment, a five-year period of supervised release, and a $6,750,000 fine, along with restitution and forfeiture of various properties and money. Defendants Arthur Walsh, Jesus Barrera, and Albert Groff each face 600 years’ imprisonment, a five-year period of supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine, along with restitution and forfeiture.

The case was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Samuel S. Dalke and Mary E. Crawley.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

MIL Security OSI –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Foreign trade minister Reinette Klever: prosperity and resilience at the forefront of Dutch trade policy

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 28-05-2025 | 17:24

Foreign trade is the cornerstone of the Dutch economy. The Netherlands earns roughly a third of its total income abroad. Foreign trade also provides some 2.6 million full-time jobs – about a third of all jobs in the Netherlands. But an open economy also makes the Netherlands vulnerable to turmoil in global markets.

The government has therefore decided to implement an assertive trade policy. Priority will be given to what is good for the country’s economy (prosperity) and what is important for its security (resilience).

Speaking today, Ms Klever said, ‘This government will pursue a robust trade policy, focused on prosperity and a strong, resilient economy. We will continue to support our entrepreneurs abroad and invest in promising markets and high-potential sectors. The Netherlands is a trade champion and together we’ll make sure it stays that way, even in a turbulent world.’

Promising markets and high-potential sectors

The Netherlands will continue to invest in trusted partners and established markets where its businesses have long been successful. At the same time, the country is seeking new strategic partners, and the government is focusing on the promising markets of the future. These are countries that are expected to see strong economic growth in the coming decades, for example due to rapid population growth or major investment in education and research and development.

The government is also explicitly targeting high-potential sectors and essential key technologies, such as semiconductors (microchips), quantum technology and photonics. These technologies are important not only for the Dutch economy, but also for our national security and technological leadership.

Agreements within the EU

Within the European Union, the government aims to advocate more explicitly for Dutch trade interests, for example during talks on trade agreements. The government will work to ensure a level playing field internationally, so that Dutch entrepreneurs have a fair chance to compete.

In addition, it is committed to a well-functioning single European market, free from unnecessary rules. The Netherlands will also press for a constructive dialogue between the EU and the United States on import tariffs. At the same time, the government is ready to defend Dutch economic interests with countermeasures if dialogue does not lead to a positive outcome.

Protecting sensitive technologies

The government is also working to protect Dutch technologies, together with the EU and international partners. For example, the export of sensitive goods and technologies is being monitored to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. The government is also actively implementing policy on knowledge security and overseeing the implementation of and compliance with sanctions.

Support for Dutch businesses

Supporting Dutch entrepreneurs remains a key part of the minister’s trade policy, for example through economic missions and assistance with international contract award procedures. The Netherlands has several grant and financing opportunities available for companies that want to do business internationally. Invest International and Atradius Dutch State Business also give entrepreneurs extra support to get high-risk projects abroad off the ground.

Linking aid, trade and investment

Finally, the government wants to link aid, trade and investment more firmly, as laid down in the policy letter on international development. The government is committed to working with Dutch companies in stable low- and middle-income countries. The focus is on areas where the Netherlands excels: food security, water management and health.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Fallcatcher Principal Pleads Guilty to Securities Fraud, Wire Fraud, in Scheme That Defrauded Investors Out of Approximately $5 Million

Source: US FBI

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Henry Ford, also known as Cleothus Lefty Jackson, 51, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Court Judge Joel H. Slomsky to one count of securities fraud and seven counts of wire fraud.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Ford founded and operated a business named Fallcatcher, the stated goal of which was to develop and market an electronic system designed to track use of medication by addiction recovery patients to prevent relapse.

In May 2018, Ford was seeking additional investors in Fallcatcher, which had been running out of funding. At this time, Ford used an acquaintance in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania who had access to a network of investors to raise funds from these investors. Ford provided his acquaintance false and misleading information about the Fallcatcher investment proposal, so that the acquaintance would agree to send the information to his investor network.

Additionally, Ford made presentations in person to potential investors, who were part of this acquaintance’s network, at locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. During these presentations, Ford made false and misleading statements regarding the proposed investment opportunity and showed investors a fraudulent letter of interest, which falsely stated that a major insurance company had agreed to conduct a pilot program using Fallcatcher’s system. Ford caused his acquaintance to distribute further false and misleading statements after these presentations.

As a result of these deceptive fundraising efforts, Ford caused approximately 50 investors to invest approximately $5 million in total in Fallcatcher.

In 2018, the Securities & Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) began to investigate Fallcatcher. During the SEC investigation, in the fall of 2018 and the first half of 2019, Ford took various actions to conceal his fraud upon the investors in Fallcatcher. For example, Ford, through his counsel, produced to the SEC an email purporting to show that the fraudulent letter of interest described above was legitimate. In fact, the email produced to the SEC, like the letter of interest, was also shown to be false and fabricated.

The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on August 14, 2025.

The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick J. Murray and Francis A. Weber. The SEC’s New York Regional Office investigated and litigated the civil securities fraud charges which formed the basis of a portion of the criminal prosecution.

MIL Security OSI –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Hartford, Connecticut Gang Member Sentenced To 10½ Years’ Imprisonment for Drug and Firearm Crimes

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on May 23, 2025, Linoshka Barbosa, 25, formerly of Hartford, Connecticut, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of 126 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Barbosa previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, crack cocaine and powder cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. She has been detained since her October 15, 2024, guilty plea.

According to court records, between March 2020 and October 2023, Linoshka Barbosa, also known as “Lily,” and “Lilz,” was one of the leaders of a drug distribution conspiracy in the Brattleboro, Vermont area, involving cocaine, cocaine base, fentanyl, and numerous firearms. Barbosa, a member of a violent gang in Hartford, Connecticut, called “GMS,” was trafficking large quantities of drugs to Brattleboro, often using a driver from a ride-hailing company to transport the controlled substances. Barbosa enlisted several other gang members from Connecticut to assist her in Vermont and the group dealt drugs from various locations in Brattleboro including, 33 Oak Street #4, 14 Birge Street, 135 Elliot Street, and 84 Linden Street. Barbosa also hired numerous people in Vermont to help her sell the drugs. During the conspiracy, Barbosa and her associates traded drugs for guns, and some of those guns were used in shootings in Hartford, Connecticut, including a double homicide in August 2023. Also, on March 30, 2023, a man was shot during a drug dispute at 14 Birge Street in Brattleboro. Investigation later revealed that Elias Lopez, a member of the conspiracy along with Barbosa, was involved in the shooting. Lopez has since pleaded guilty in state court for his role in the shooting, and will be sentenced in federal court on June 2, 2025 for his role in the drug conspiracy.

Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Vermont State Police, the Brattleboro Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.

“Linoshka Barbosa utilized firearms to protect her drug operations and fueled violence in our neighborhoods. Her narcotics trafficking and illegal firearm activities posed a serious threat to public safety” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division. “This case highlights the dangers of illegal firearm and narcotics trafficking. We will continue to stand united with our law enforcement partners to investigate these matters and hold offenders accountable.”

“This prosecution has removed a dangerous offender from our streets and sent a strong message that Vermont does not tolerate those who prey upon our communities and place them at risk,” said Col. Matthew T. Birmingham, director of the Vermont State Police. “Thanks to a united effort from federal, state and local law enforcement to stop the trafficking of narcotics and firearms, Vermont is a safer place.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy L. Fuller. Barbosa was represented by David Sleigh, Esq.

MIL Security OSI –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Former Tennessee State Representative and His Chief of Staff Convicted of Bribery and Kickback Charges

Source: US FBI

NASHVILLE –After a three-week trial,former Tennessee Speaker of the House Glen Casada, 64, and his former Chief of Staff Cade Cothren, 38, of Nashville, were found guilty today by a federal jury of conspiracy to commit theft from programs receiving federal funds; bribery and kickbacks concerning programs receiving federal funds; honest services wire fraud; conspiracy to commit money laundering; using a fictitious name to carry out a fraud; theft concerning programs receiving federal funds; eight counts of money laundering; and two counts of bribery and kickbacks, announced Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. Cothren was also found guilty on six counts of honest services wire fraud, and Casada was found guilty on four counts of honest services wire fraud and acquitted on two counts.

“Tennesseans have a right to expect honest services from their elected leaders and their staffs,” said McGuire. “Our office will continue to pursue justice on behalf of our community in cases involving public corruption and fraud committed by elected officials or their staffs. We believe that Tennesseans deserve no less.”

“Elected officials and their staff members have a duty to act honestly and ethically when serving the public,” said Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “Using public office for personal gain is a crime and the FBI is committed to holding those who abuse power accountable and protecting public resources.”

According to evidence presented at trial, beginning in late 2019, Casada, while representing Tennessee House District 63, Cothren, and former Tennessee State Representative Robin Smith, 61, of Hixson, Tennessee, engaged in a fraudulent scheme to enrich themselves by exploiting Casada and Smith’s official positions as legislators to obtain funds from the State of Tennessee. Specifically, the conspirators deceived their former colleagues and officials at the State of Tennessee in an effort to obtain State funds for Phoenix Solutions, Cothren’s political consulting business. In exchange for recruiting legislators and securing the approval of Phoenix Solutions’ invoices by the State, Cothren paid kickbacks to Casada and Smith.

Smith pleaded guilty to one count of honest services wire fraud in 2022 and testified at trial.

The evidence showed that Cothren pretended to be “Matthew Phoenix,” supposedly an experienced political consultant who had previously worked for a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm. In fact, Cothren operated Phoenix Solutions, and Casada, Cothren, and Smith knew that “Matthew Phoenix” was a fictitious person. Casada, Cothren, and Smith concealed their involvement in Phoenix Solutions by submitting invoices to the State of Tennessee in the names of political consulting companies owned by Casada and Smith, for the purpose of secretly funneling money from the State to Phoenix Solutions through the bank accounts of these companies. In 2020, these companies and Phoenix Solutions received approximately $51,947 from the State in payments associated with the mailer program. Phoenix Solutions also obtained more than $170,000 in payments from political organizations, campaigns, and candidates.

Casada and Cothren will be sentenced later this year, and each face up to 20 years in prison. Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on June 9, 2025, and faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Casada, Cothren, and Smith may also be ordered to forfeit any property which represents or is traceable to receipts obtained as a result of the offenses.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Nashville Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor J. Phillips and Trial Attorneys John P. Taddei and Blake J. Ellison of the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.

# # # # #

MIL Security OSI –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Angelina County Man Guilty of Federal Violations Related to Various Schemes

Source: US FBI

BEAUMONT, Texas – A Lufkin man has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

Matthew Jess Thrash, 49, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud on May 12, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn.

According to information presented in court, in December 2020, law enforcement received a report of suspected fraud. An investigation revealed Thrash obtained approximately $9,170,124 from over 100 victims through fraudulent means, including sports related investment schemes; a Las Vegas cannabis store scheme; and loans from victims. Thrash also fraudulently obtained money by applying for COVID relief loans to which he was not entitled, including a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. The PPP was a Small Business Administration program that provided forgivable loans to qualifying entities. Thrash did not invest or use the fraudulently obtained funds for the intended purposes. Instead, he used the money to gamble, pay personal expenses, and to repay other victims in an attempt to avoid detection.

Thrash faces up to 30 years in federal prison, a potential fine, and restitution at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case is being investigated by FBI’s Lufkin Field Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Lufkin Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston.

###

MIL Security OSI –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Russian dairy holding EkoNiva opened its first brand store in China

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

Beijing, May 28 /Xinhua/ — Russia’s largest dairy holding EkoNiva has opened its first branded store in China, the company’s press service announced.

The outlet opened on Wednesday in the city of Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province in northwest China, where the company’s official representative office, the EkoNiva /Xi’an/ Dairy Co. trading house, is located.

The EkoNiva store is the first imported milk store in Xi’an. Visitors can purchase EkoNiva’s ultra-pasteurized milk and coffee drinks made from the company’s dairy products at the store. In addition, live broadcasts and video materials are planned to promote dairy products on social media and online platforms.

EkoNiva supplies to China ultra-pasteurized milk of various fat content of the classic line and the Professional Line, as well as ultra-pasteurized cream with a fat content of 10%. In the future, it is planned to expand the range of supplies, primarily due to semi-hard and premium hard cheeses, the company said.

“Our main goal is to promote the growth of popularity of milk and dairy products in general, to increase the level of trust in Russian products and, of course, to develop our EkoNiva brand in China,” noted Stefan Duerr, President of the EkoNiva holding.

Currently, EkoNiva’s dairy products are sold through retail chains in Northeast China, the provinces of Shaanxi, Henan, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong and other regions. They are also sold through online e-commerce platforms in most regions of China, the company reported. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Number of listed companies in China reaches 5,420

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) — There were 5,420 companies listed on China’s stock market as of the end of April 2025, according to data released by the China Association of Listed Companies.

At the end of April, 2,284 companies were listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, 2,871 on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, and 265 on the Beijing Stock Exchange.

The number of companies with state and non-state control is 27 percent and 73 percent, respectively.

Three provinces – Guangdong (in southern China), Zhejiang and Jiangsu (both in eastern China) – account for 42.58 percent of the total number of companies listed on China’s stock market.

There are 119 companies with a market capitalization of over 100 billion yuan (US$13.89 billion), and 1,398 companies with a market capitalization between 10 billion and 100 billion yuan.

In April, 10 new companies launched IPOs on the domestic market, raising a total of RMB 8.27 billion; 4 companies were delisted. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China, UAE to Expand Cooperation on Cross-Border Payments

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) — China’s cross-border interbank payment system CIPS and the United Arab Emirates’ central bank have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in cross-border payments, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), which acts as the regulator and administrator of CIPS, said Wednesday.

According to a statement by the PBC published on its official website, the signing of the agreement is expected to improve the payment infrastructure and increase the efficiency of cross-border settlements.

Under the agreement, CIPS and the UAE Central Bank will jointly develop a cross-border payment systems interconnectivity programme to provide foreign exchange clearing services to financial institutions in the Middle East and North Africa.

As noted in the statement, the parties will deepen the exchange of experience in risk management and regulatory compliance, as well as enhance the security and stability of cross-border payment systems. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The results of the XVI All-Russian Interuniversity Personnel Forum named after A.Ya. Kibanov have been summed up

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

The XVI All-Russian Interuniversity Personnel Forum named after A.Ya. Kibanov “Innovative Personnel Management” was held at the State University of Management.

More than 230 students, young scientists, authoritative teachers and experts in the field of personnel management took part in the forum’s in-person events. In total, over 450 people from different regions of Russia became participants in the event this year.

The concept of the A.Ya. Kibanov Personnel Forum this year was based on the idea that HR specialists, like legendary Russian heroes, stand guard over the interests of the company and, armed with knowledge and skills, are ready to bring glory and prosperity to their organization, and create and strengthen its HR brand.

Read about the opening and first day of the forum in this article.

Participants discussed how to build effective and trusting communications within a company, which become the foundation for a cohesive and motivated team. Particular attention was paid to creating a unique and attractive employer brand for candidates, which would reflect the values of the organization and arouse genuine interest in talented specialists.

Modern approaches to attracting and retaining highly qualified personnel were discussed, as well as strategies for increasing human capital through training, development and involvement. Experts shared practices for developing a corporate culture that helps to unlock the potential of each employee and create an atmosphere of mutual respect and support.

The HR Forum became a platform for exchanging experiences and inspiration, where future HR specialists received new tools and ideas for creating a strong HR brand and building communications that can lead the company to sustainable growth and prosperity.

Over the course of three days, the participants of the Student Olympiad immersed themselves in the world of HR: conducted analytical research, developed strategies, exchanged experiences, generated innovative ideas, fought in battle mode and presented their solutions to the expert jury. The victory went to the most goal-oriented and creative. In addition to the main assessment of the works by the expert jury, the Student Olympiad also included a Competition for the Audience Award, which was held in person: experts, speakers, teachers and jury members voted for the most liked homework from the teams participating in the Olympiad – the poster “HR-Bingo-Brand”.

Also this year, the forum included an advanced training course on “Effective Methods of Training HR Specialists”, where 35 students studied and discussed current issues on the development of the use of effective methods in the process of training students in the field of “HR Management”.

The XVI All-Russian Interuniversity Personnel Forum named after A.Y. Kibanov “Innovative Personnel Management” was held with the support of the Council for Professional Qualifications in Personnel Management, as well as with active interaction with such partners as: ANCOR, SuperJob, Roskachestvo, Aktion Students, Trivio, Perviy Bit, Independent Veterinary Laboratory “Chance Bio”, Educational Center Higher Veterinary School, City Clinical Hospital No. 67 named after L.A. Vorokhobov, Chernogolovka Group of Companies, SPILS.ART Creative Cluster, Aromapsychologist. Partner companies highlighted their nominations and provided participants and winners with valuable gifts and prizes.

On the final day of the forum, the results were summed up, the winners were officially announced, and awards and gifts were presented.

Results of the XVI All-Russian Interuniversity Personnel Forum named after A.Ya.Kibanov “Innovative Personnel Management”

Correspondence competitions “Innovative personnel management – 2025”

Competition “Best article on personnel management”

1st place – Chulanova O.L., Savchenko A.Yu. (Surgut State University)

Article “Tools for Overcoming the Shortage of Highly Qualified Personnel Based on the Bionic Approach and Sharing of Competencies”

2nd place – Abdulova T.G., Gagarinskaya G.P., Khorovinnikova E.G. (Volga Region State Transport University)

Article “Transformation of labor and human capital management in the context of digitalization: challenges, principles and trends”

3rd place – Shumanskaya A.B., Obumova A.I. (Saint Petersburg State Technological Institute (Technical University))

Article “Dependence of professional burnout on the social orientation of the profession and the level of empathy of the individual”

Competition “Best article of a young scientist on human resource management”

1st place – Zlobina N.K., Shanina E.V. (Penza State University)

Article “Integration of Well-being approach into the organization’s personnel management”

Scientific supervisor: Ekaterina Vladimirovna Shanina

2nd place – Oglezneva E.E. (Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation)

Article “Reverse Mentoring: Concept, Problems and Development Prospects”

Scientific supervisor: Aleksashina Tatyana Viktorovna

3rd place – Shkerina E.E., Goncharenko K.A. (Saint Petersburg State Technological Institute (Technical University))

Article “Emotional intelligence of a manager as a factor in increasing the involvement of subordinates”

Supervisor: Anna Anatolyevna Dorogovtseva

Competition “Best educational and methodological development on personnel management”

1st place – Lysenko E.V. INTERNATIONAL HR MANAGEMENT. Study guide for students studying in the direction 38.03.03 – Personnel Management (manuscript)

2nd place – Learn to learn: features of working with information in the educational and scientific activities of university students: a teaching aid / E.A. Berezovskaya, O.V. Klimova, N.L. Krasnogor [et al.]; under the general editorship of I.Yu. Plotnikova; Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Ural Federal University. – Yekaterinburg: Publishing house of the Ural. University, 2024. – 260 p.

3rd place – Fundamentals of project activities: textbook / Yu.A. Alekseeva, M.V. Gashkov, M.I. Imamverdieva; edited by O.L. Chulanova. – Moscow: INFRA-M, 2025 – 307 p.

Competition “Best scientific work on personnel management”

1st place – Milyaeva L.G. Modern technologies of personnel management: selected 2: monograph /L.G. Milyaeva. – Moscow: RUSAINS, 2024. – 212 p.

Competition of innovative projects on personnel management and labor economics for students and postgraduates

Winner in the nomination “Homo qui videt”

Evseeva A.A., Le Thi My Linh, Petrishchev A.K. (Ulyanovsk State Technical University)

Scientific supervisor: Natalia Mikhailovna Tsytsarova

Project “Ageism in the Labor Market: A Modern View”

Winner in the nomination “Homo aliena”

Vdovichenko V.A., Fedchuk A.V., Potapova D.S. (Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation)

Scientific supervisor: Natalia Valerievna Sakharova

Project: “Animal ID. Paw HR”

Winner in the nomination “Homo excitari”

Gataullina A.I. (Surgut State University)

Scientific supervisor: Chulanova Oksana Leonidovna

Project: “Development of tools for motivating project teams”

Winner in the nomination “Homo neiro”

Dudnik E.V., Monul D.A., Fomenko M.V. (State University of Management)

Scientific supervisor: Mitrofanova Alexandra Evgenievna

Project: “Atlas of HR Professions”

3rd place

Smirnov D.R. (Surgut State University)

Scientific supervisor: Chulanova Oksana Leonidovna

Project: “Using a dashboard in working with the staff of the Admissions Office of Surgut State University”

2nd place

Kabanova Yu.I., Druzhinina S.A., Kutumova D.R. (National Research Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N.I. Lobachevsky)

Supervisor: Mariko Valeria Valerievna

Project: “Chatbot for translation and explanation of Anglicisms “Info Motya””

1st place

Nikitina K.D., Druzhinina P.Yu., Nguyen Ngoc Ha Phyung, Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, Fastovskaya M.S., Makarkin M.M. (State University of Management)

Scientific supervisor: Ph.D., Associate Professor Lobacheva Anastasia Sergeevna

Project: “HR in the Heart”

Grand Prix

Krapiventseva A.A. (State University of Management)

Scientific supervisor: Ph.D., Associate Professor Ekaterina Viktorovna Kashtanova

Project: “Development of a board business game for student adaptation”

Student Olympiad “Human Resources Management: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow”

Best homework

Team: “Mafia HR”.

Team members: Arustamyan Nane Armenovna, Bakhteeva Alina Fyaimovna, Drobysheva Victoria Vitalievna, Tkacheva Irina Olegovna, Churikova Kristina Maksimovna (State University of Management)

Scientific supervisor: Illarionova Ekaterina Sergeevna

The best case

Command: “NEXT PROFI”. Team composition: Aminov Danila Fanilievich, Vedeneeva Polina Dmitrievna, Kabanova Yulia Ivanovna, Zubova Ekaterina (National Research Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N. I. Lobachevsky)

Scientific supervisor: Ulmaeva Liliya Nailevna

The best quest

Team: “Adepts of Human Resources”. Team members: Snezhana Evgenievna Batayeva, Georgy Mikhailovich Solomatin, Vladislav Denisovich Abrashnev (Moscow Automobile and Road State Technical University (MADI)

Scientific supervisor: Olga Anatolyevna Peshkova

3rd place

Team: “Vedunya Kadrov” (Personnel Witches). Team members: Sokolovskaya Sofia Sergeevna, Sushkevich Yulia Dmitrievna, Chernikova Polina Vadimovna (Volga Region Institute of Management named after P. A. Stolypin – branch of RANEPA)

Scientific supervisor: Moiseenko Natalia Vladimirovna

2nd place

Command: “Vector”. Team composition: Druzhinina Svetlana Andreevna, Negodnova Anastasia Sergeevna, Khakov Rinat Denisovich, Chabanyuk Elina Aleksandrovna, Kutumova Daria Romanovna (National Research Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N. I. Lobachevsky)

Supervisor: Mariko Valeria Valerievna

1st place

Team: “Polyanitsi”. Team members: Kvach Ekaterina Sergeevna, Kozhevnikova Darina Alekseevna, Sergeeva Polina Aleksandrovna (St. Petersburg State University)

Scientific supervisor: Kulchitskaya Elena Valerievna

Grand Prix

Team: “Snake Icharych.” Team composition: AGlushkova Anastasia Sergeevna, Ishkova Olga Andreevna, Shchetinin Mark Alekseevich (State University of Management)

Scientific supervisor: Ekaterina Viktorovna Kashtanova

Detailed information about the Forum, its annual program, format and results is presented on the official website, and you can see more photos in the VKontakte community.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ARU Peterborough champions disabled entrepreneurs

Source: Anglia Ruskin University

Picture: Richard Fraser Photography

ARU Peterborough has played a key role in a landmark report that outlines strategies to better support disabled entrepreneurs across the UK, potentially driving significant economic growth.

The Lilac Review, an independent, Government-backed review to address the inequality disabled entrepreneurs face, has concluded that significant financial, operational, and accessibility barriers are holding back the nation’s disabled-led businesses.

Disabled entrepreneurs represent 25% of the UK’s 5.45 million small businesses, but just 8.6% of business turnover. The Lilac Review estimates that removing these obstacles could unlock an additional £230 billion in UK business revenue.

The research for The Lilac Review report was supported by Professor Tom Williamson and Dr Cheryl Greyson from ARU Peterborough in collaboration with Small Business Britain, with support from Lloyds.

The ARU Peterborough academics analysed survey data from 750 disabled entrepreneurs and found that despite their resilience, disabled founders face additional and complex barriers to growth and funding. Over half (57%) of respondents identified financial support as their critical need for the coming year.

Alongside a range of targeted support and tailored solutions, a key recommendation from The Lilac Review is to enhance the reach and impact of the new Disability Finance Code launched last December.

The Lilac Review also highlights the importance of greater access to peer-led business networks and mentorship, with 51% of respondents indicating that bridging this gap would benefit them.

The need to embed inclusivity at the heart of all future business support to build equity and opportunity was emphasised, with data showing 35% of disabled entrepreneurs find current programmes inaccessible.

The Lilac Review also advocates for greater investment and innovation in inclusive AI training and skills development and AI-powered assistive technology, as well as placing accessibility and inclusion at the heart of AI policy and product development. This recognises the transformative potential of AI to level the business playing field.

Professor Williamson of ARU Peterborough took part in the review’s Steering Board, alongside a number of prominent disabled founders and representatives from the wider business community including: Small Business Britain, Lloyds, eBay, BT, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), The Entrepreneurs Network, and the Business Disability Forum.

“We’re proud that ARU Peterborough has played a key role in this important new report. The recommendations could help empower millions of disabled entrepreneurs across the country, combat inequality and drive business growth, which could significantly benefit the UK economy.

“The next phase of The Lilac Review will see us working closely with Small Business Britain over the next 12 months to develop the concept for The LILAC Centre for Disabled Entrepreneurship. This would be the UK’s first business incubator and research centre dedicated to advancing the success of disabled entrepreneurs, and our aim is for this to be hosted at ARU Peterborough.”

Professor Williamson, Assistant Principal of ARU Peterborough and head of the Faculty of Business, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

“I’m proud to have co-chaired The Lilac Review and welcome its valuable insights and recommendations to help empower disabled entrepreneurship, tackle inequality, and unlock growth opportunities.

“Through our Plan for Change, this government is committed to delivering further and faster economic growth. A key part of this is ensuring that those with the ambition to start and scale up a business have the right support to do so, no matter their background or circumstances.”

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Small Businesses and co-chair of The Lilac Review

“Disabled entrepreneurs are innovative, impactful, and growing. Yet we remain underrepresented, underfunded, and underestimated.

“The Lilac Review is a bold and necessary step toward recognising the unique challenges that disabled entrepreneurs face – and more importantly, toward removing them. The findings of this report are clear: change is needed – not later, but now. That means inclusive finance, accessible business support, and communities that empower rather than exclude.

“It has been an honour to co-chair this review, and I hope the voices within it spark action, partnership, and a fundamental rethinking of what opportunity should look like – for everyone.”

Victoria Jenkins, co-chair of The Lilac Review and founder of Unhidden

“Our university is driving forward real change in the workforce not only in Peterborough, but across the whole of the UK. The Lilac Review represents a real opportunity to level the playing field for disabled entrepreneurs and to remove some of the unique challenges they face.

“The whole city is really proud of those who have been involved in this pioneering project and are now re-shaping the future of business in the UK.”

Councillor Nick Thulbourn, cabinet member for growth and regeneration at Peterborough City Council

For more information on The Lilac Review visit https://lilacreview.com/final-report

ARU Peterborough is a partnership between Anglia Ruskin University, Peterborough City Council and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Investor Alert: Buygoldca, Cap Trade and PT Option Are Not Registered
Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on May 28, 2025

The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan (FCAA) warns investors of the online entities known as Buygoldca, Cap-Trade and PT Option.

“The FCAA urges Saskatchewan residents to check the registration status of investment entities at aretheyregistered.ca before investing with anyone,” FCAA Securities Division Executive Director Dean Murrison said. “Checking the registration status before considering investing with anyone is the quickest and easiest way to keep your investments safe.”

Buygoldca, Cap-Trade and PT Option claim to offer Saskatchewan residents trading opportunities, including cryptocurrencies. Buygoldca additionally claims to sell commodities in the form of precious metals traded as futures or option contracts. Cap-Trade claims to sell stocks, forex, commodities and indices. PT Option also claims to sell stocks, forex, indices, commodities and precious metals.

This alert applies to the online entities using “buygoldca com”, “cap-trade com”, and “pt-option com” (these URLs have been manually altered so as not to be interactive).

Buygoldca, Cap-Trade and PT Option are not registered with the FCAA to trade or sell securities or derivatives in Saskatchewan. The FCAA cautions investors and consumers not to send money to companies that are not registered in Saskatchewan, as they may not be legitimate businesses.

If you have invested with Buygoldca, Cap-Trad, or PT Option or anyone claiming to be acting on their behalf, contact the FCAA’s Securities Division at 306-787-5936.

In Saskatchewan, individuals or companies need to be registered with the FCAA to trade or sell securities or derivatives. The registration provisions of The Securities Act, 1988, and accompanying regulations are intended to ensure that only honest and knowledgeable people are registered to sell securities and derivatives and that their businesses are financially stable.

Tips to protect yourself:
- Always verify that the person or company is registered in Saskatchewan to sell or advise about securities or derivatives. To check registration, visit The Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Registration Search at aretheyregistered.ca.
- Know exactly what you are investing in. Make sure you understand how the investment, product, or service works.
- Get a second opinion and seek professional advice about the investment.
- Do not allow unknown or unverified individuals to remotely access your computer.
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For more information, contact:

MIL OSI Canada News –
May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Offers 90% Discount on Game Credits to Drive Everyday Crypto Payments

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, the leading non-custodial crypto wallet, has introduced a limited-time campaign offering 90% off mobile game credits through its in-app “Shop with Crypto” marketplace. Running from May 28 to June 4, the promotion allows first-time users to purchase credits for Free Fire, PUBG Mobile, and Mobile Legends for $0.10 when paying with crypto.

The initiative is part of Bitget Wallet’s ongoing efforts to reduce friction in crypto transactions and expand real-world use cases. By offering discounts on familiar digital products, the campaign aims to incentivize first-time purchases and foster repeat usage within the gaming category — one of the most active digital spending verticals globally. According to DappRadar, blockchain gaming accounted for 30% of all decentralized application activity, playing a pivotal role in onboarding new crypto users due to its low entry barriers and familiar digital purchase patterns.

Launched earlier this month, “Shop with Crypto” enables users to pay directly with digital assets across over 300 merchants spanning gaming, travel, mobile recharges, e-commerce gift cards and more. Popular brands include Amazon, Google Play, Steam, Netflix, Uber, Shopee, T-mall, JD.com, and more. The service eliminates the need for fiat conversion, with transactions processed instantly and redemption codes delivered directly via email, reflecting a user experience similar to traditional online shopping.

Bitget Wallet currently offers one of the most comprehensive crypto payment experiences on the market, combining in-app shopping, QR code scanning including national and blockchain-based codes, and crypto card payments. “We’re building towards a more practical crypto economy,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “This campaign demonstrates the ease of real-world spending through crypto, and gaming is just the first of many verticals we’ll activate.”

Find out more on Bitget Wallet’s official channel.

About Bitget Wallet
Bitget Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet designed to make crypto simple and secure for everyone. With over 80 million users, it brings together a full suite of crypto services, including swaps, market insights, staking, rewards, DApp exploration, and payment solutions. Supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges. Backed by a $300+ million user protection fund, it ensures the highest level of security for users’ assets.

For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook

For media inquiries, contact media.web3@bitget.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a9f26e0b-1065-47f2-b32b-089284541cc5

The MIL Network –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: Best Tribal Loans Guaranteed Approval Online Direct Lender Easiest To Get For Bad Credit With No Credit Check by Apache Lending
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Las Vegas, Nevada, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Looking for tribal loans with guaranteed approval for people with bad credit? Then you should definitely try Apache Lending. Since the launch of the service, Apache Lending has helped thousands of Americans get online tribal loans for poor credit. With an easy application process, borrowers can get a quick tribal loan from multiple tribal lenders offering guaranteed approval.

Best Direct Lender Tribal Loans

What makes Apache Lending best direct lender tribal loans on the market today? Unlike loans from traditional lenders or banks, guaranteed tribal payday loans from Apache Lending are available to you without having to wait in long queues waiting for the approval of personal loans.

Official website: Apache Lending (https://www.apachelending.com)

Application page: Click Here To APPLY For Easy Tribal Loan >>

Direct tribal loans in the US are actually small instant tribal loans which are offered for a very short period of time. The time period may vary as per the need and creditability of the borrower. Generally these native american loans are offered for a few weeks only. But sometimes, the time may go beyond a month.

Regulatory Advantages

Operating under tribal sovereignty, direct lender tribal loans are subject to different regulations than traditional loans. This can result in:
- Less Stringent Regulations: Tribal lenders may have more lenient requirements, making it easier for bad credit borrowers to qualify.
- Potentially Lower Fees: Some tribal lenders from Apache Lending may offer lower fees compared to traditional financial institutions or banks, although this can vary by lender.
These native American loans are also offered over the internet. The benefit of going online is that it is very fast and the money is credited within a day or two. So, these tribal lender loans prove to be very important for the borrower in meeting all the needs in time.

Best Tribal Loans For Bad Credit

Bad credit holders or the persons with poor credit history are those people who had taken any loan but due to some financial or personal problems, they could not repay the debt they borrowed. Such people when facing any credit crises in their life find it very difficult to raise any type of loan. No traditional direct lender is willing to offer them a loan due to their past records. To help such people in their hour of need, Apache Lending has introduced bad credit tribal loans with instant decision.

The amount that is offered by easy tribal loans for bad credit is very much convincing and they are provided for a flexible period. But anyone can extend the period if they need to.

Borrowers can meet the tribal lender company personally or can apply for it through the online mode. This mode is very much preferable in all senses because there are no hassles of paperwork and only a simple form is to be filled.

Why choose Apache Lending for best tribal loans for bad credit?

Quick Approval and Funding

One of the most significant advantages of tribal loans for bad credit is the speed at which they can be processed. Many tribal lenders from Apache Lending utilize online platforms that streamline the application process, allowing for:
- Fast Approval: Borrowers often receive approval for direct lender tribal loans within a few hours, making it an attractive option for those in urgent need of money.
- Rapid Funding: Once approved, funds can be disbursed quickly, sometimes on the same day or the next business day. This immediacy can be crucial for individuals facing unexpected expenses.
Best Tribal Loans Guaranteed Approval

Guaranteed approval tribal loans means 99.9% borrowers are approved for a loan no matter what. Due to the fact that the process of asset check is not followed by the tribal lenders, you would get this risk-free finance.

In order to apply for a guaranteed tribal installment loan, you can make use of the no obligation and free of cost online application form that would be given on the Apache Lending website. Once the process of verification is over, you would get an approval. In the least possible span, the money would come into your bank checking account.

The best part of bad credit tribal loans guaranteed approval is that you will get a chance to mend your past credit woes by making timely repayment of the borrowed money. For that the best tribal loan lenders will make every possible effort to help you find these loans at an easy repayment option and lower interest rates so that you do not face any hassle when repaying.

Why choose Apache Lending for best tribal loans guaranteed approval?

Flexible Loan Amounts and Terms

Direct tribal lenders from Apache Lending often provide a range of loan amounts and flexible repayment terms, which can cater to various financial needs. This flexibility includes:
- Customizable Loan Amounts: Borrowers can typically choose how much they wish to borrow, depending on their specific needs.
- Varied Repayment Options: Many tribal lenders offer different repayment schedules, allowing borrowers to select a plan that aligns with their financial situation.
Best Tribal Loans No Credit Check

Tribal loans with no credit check as the name suggests are small instant cash loans which are approved without any credit verification. These are very quick to borrow tribal payday loans. A borrower need not worry about his or her past credit records or low credit scores before borrowing money. Tribal lenders are least interested in such scores. This makes such a type of borrowing the only option for people with horrible credit where traditional lenders do not provide financial help.

No credit check tribal loans are best for emergency purposes, like paying hospital bills, doctor fee, medical expenses, examination fee, car repair bill, mortgage payment, etc. Also these loans help you a lot especially when it comes to avoiding penalties.

Due to the large number of benefits associated with tribal loans without credit check, many people opt for it. No doubt, poor credit can stay for a long time, even when you are making good fiscal decisions. This means these loans are a good way to build credit in case you are in a bad situation and also to get the money.

Why choose Apache Lending for best tribal loans no credit check?

Accessibility for All Credit Types

One of the most significant advantages of easiest tribal loans to get is their accessibility. Traditional lenders often rely heavily on credit scores to determine eligibility, which can exclude many potential borrowers. In contrast, tribal lenders with no credit check typically do not conduct credit checks, allowing individuals with poor or nonexistent credit histories to secure financing. This inclusivity opens doors for those who may have been turned away by conventional banks.

Simplified Application Process

The application process for tribal installment loans with no credit check is generally more straightforward than that of traditional loans. Borrowers often face fewer requirements and less documentation, making it easier to apply and receive funds quickly. Many direct tribal lenders with guaranteed approval prioritize a simple online application, which can be completed in a matter of minutes. This streamlined approach is particularly appealing for individuals in urgent need of financial assistance.

Flexible Repayment Terms

Bad credit tribal loans often come with flexible repayment terms, which can be tailored to fit the borrower’s financial situation. Unlike payday loans that require full repayment by the next payday, many tribal loans from Apache Lending offer structured repayment schedules that allow borrowers to pay back the loan over a longer period. This flexibility can help borrowers manage their finances more effectively and reduce the risk of falling into a cycle of debt.

Quick Access to Funds

In many cases, tribal payday loans no credit check provide quick access to funds, often within 24 hours of approval. This rapid turnaround is crucial for individuals facing unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs. The ability to obtain cash quickly can alleviate financial stress and provide a sense of security during challenging times.

Click Here To APPLY For Easy Tribal Loan Online >>

Best Tribal Loans No Teletrack

No teletrack tribal loans is actually a loan which is designed for the people with poor credit profile. Such persons find it really very hard to borrow money in the hour of need. And here comes Apache Lending with such direct tribal lender loans without teletrack checks.

In case your credit is good, however you are in the urgent need of cash and you don’t want to waste time on the paper work then a tribal loan with no teletrack is the answer to all your problems. These loans are soon gaining popularity because they do not pose any risk to the tribal lending firm. It only takes them a few minutes to verify your employment details and bank account details that you provided. This would help them make out your potential to repay the loan which makes such tribal loan types very easy to get online from Apache Lending.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are tribal installment loans direct lenders only?

These loans are basically very short term loans which are offered without any hassle. The amount of such loans is not fixed and in most of the cases, it remains around 1500 dollars.

What are tribal payday loans no credit check?

These loans are available in two forms. Either you can get in secured form or unsecured form. To get money with a secured form you have to provide some security that may take the form of your home, car or any other valuable thing. In unsecured form all the risk is carried by the tribal lender so the interest rate associated with unsecured loans is high as compared to secured ones.

What are tribal installment loans for bad credit?

These loans are a very quick and easy way to borrow money. Best tribal lenders do not go for conventional loan sanction processes. Anyone can easily apply for such loans. Even persons with a bad credit profile may get the loan approved easily. It hardly matters to the lenders whether the borrower has a good credit score or not.

What are tribal loans online guaranteed approval no teletrack?

Teletrack is a kind of a system which is made to check a borrower’s credit history. This is a US based system and with help of using this system the tribal lenders can come to know about your past credit score if you ever had a bad credit history or known as a good scorer. For availing these loans you just need to fill up an application form by giving some information about yourself like your name, your email address, your current residence address, your phone number, your desired amount and some information about your current bank status.

What are tribal loans for bad credit same day deposit?

These loans are specially structured to help you meet with your immediate financial emergencies. Hence, the tribal lender provides you with a wide range of cash limits to choose from. Anyone can apply online and get guaranteed approval and same day deposit with the help of Apache Lending.

What are tribal payday loans with instant approval?

These loans are feasible and reliable financial aid that let you manage your cash crisis without any hassle and trouble. If you are strapped for cash and need quick fiscal support, this can be a wonderful financial source.

Instant tribal loans have nothing to do with your credit history. Your past details are not checked by the tribal lenders. This finance saves a lot of time as they are granted to you immediately. A wide range of tribal lenders from Apache Lending are offered to you if you apply through the online method. This method of applying comes with no paperwork and less wastage of time.

Attachment
- Apache Lending
The MIL Network –
May 29, 2025